CATALYST

Igniting a Learner-Centered Paradigm

October 2023

Dear Esteemed Colleague,

Recently I’ve been in many conversations with education leaders who are asking a very similar question: How do we know if what we are doing is working? 

This question feels especially pertinent now, given that there's been a staggering 31% increase of schools nationwide that have fallen into corrective action under the current accountability system.

I reflected on our current environment in a recent blog post, Scorecards: How might we measure what matters most in schools?, where I share some background, accountability models from other fields, and examples of solutions in practice with from some of our Learner-Centered Collaborative partners. Check it out and let me know what you think. 

I've included additional resources below around setting a vision and measuring success. As always, please reach out and let us know if you are interested in a conversation with one of our team members to learn more.

Yours in learner-centered collaboration, 

RESOURCES

📕 READ

FOCUS ON THE HORIZON: THE DASHBOARD IS NOT THE DESTINATION

A data dashboard is only meaningful when the gauges inform progress toward a clear outcome. This applies to my Prius as much as it does to education. Get practical tips for aligning these key indicators in schools.

JUST RELEASED! TRAILBLAZERS SUMMIT 2023 REPORT

Be among the first to read Beyond the Horizon: Blazing a Trail Toward Learner-Centered School Quality Systems, a groundbreaking collaborative report featuring recommendations for moving from our current systems of assessment and accountability toward equitable, leaner-centered school quality systems.

🔎 EXPLORE

PEEK INTO HAMPTON TOWNSHIP'S STRATEGIC PLANNING

Learn about their journey mission, vision, pillars for success, learner profile, and how they are sharing it with their community (and you!) here.

GRADUATE PROFILES: REDEFINING STUDENT SUCCESS

Many districts and Learner-Centered Collaborative partners are turning to Learner Profiles (aka Graduate Profiles) to more holistically and equitably define student success. Explore this comprehensive set of resources and examples from teams, including ours, that support this important process. 

💡 LEARN

LEARNER-CENTERED LEADERSHIP FORUM WITH SANTA ANA UNIFIED

ICYMI you can watch the recording of Reimagining the Learner Experience With Santa Ana USD with Superintendent Jerry Almendarez and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Perez.

They shared insights and practical strategies that can be implemented in your learning community to create dynamic, learner-centered environments that prioritize the aspirations of each learner.

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Visits

LEARNER-CENTERED CONNECTIONS FALL COHORT CONVENING

October 9-10, San Diego, CA

We are thrilled for our first school and industry visits with this year's Learner-Centered Connections cohort! To get a taste of what we're seeing and learning on our visits follow @LCCollaborative and #LCConnections. 

Webinar

SUPERCHARGE LEARNING: UNLOCKING THE LEARNER-CENTERED POWER OF AI | Nov. 2, 1 pm PT / 4pm ET

There’s nothing artificial about the power of AI in learner-centered education and this webinar will be a unique opportunity to hear from a panel of leaders well into their AI in education journeys. Secure your spot!
All registrants will receive the event recording

Conferences

2023 ASCD LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

October 12-15, Grapevine, TX

Join Marlon Styles as he presents, "Supercharge Your Leadership Capacity - AI Sprint Course," designed to support leaders harness the power of AI technology in ways that positively impact learner outcomes. Learn more 

AURORA INSTITUTE SYMPOSIUM

October 15-17, Palm Springs, CA

I'm excited to present, in collaboration with my colleagues at KnowledgeWorks, "Leveraging Student Surveys to Catalyze Learner-Centered Improvement." Learn more

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE SUMMITS

November 8-10, Tuscon, AZ  |  April 17-19, Colorado Springs, CO

We are thrilled to present at two upcoming District Administration Leadership Institute Superintendents Summits to guide leaders in education to sharpen leadership skills, share ideas, expand professional networks, and discover new education solutions.

LEARNER-CENTERED CATALYZER

Each month in Catalyst we’ll celebrate a learner-centered catalyzer—an individual or team putting learners at the center getting us closer to our vision for education ecosystems that empower all learners to know who they are, thrive in community, and can actively engage in the world as their best selves. Have someone to nominate? Tell us about them here.

October’s Learner-Centered Catalyzer

Denise Espania, the visionary Founder and Director of Mālama Honua Charter School in Hawaii, exemplifies what it means to be a learner-centered leader. Her commitment to fostering a culturally-relevant and co-designed educational experience for students is truly commendable. Denise recognizes the importance of tailoring learning to meet the unique needs and

backgrounds of her students, ensuring that their cultural identities are celebrated and integrated into their education. Her involvement in our Scorecard partnership with the Hawaii Public Charter School Commission further demonstrates her dedication to creating learner-centered environments that empower both students and communities. 

Thank you, Denise, for serving as an inspiring example of how educational leaders can champion a holistic and inclusive approach to learning that honors diversity and fosters meaningful engagement.

You can follow along Mālama Honua's journey @MalamaHonuaPCS and @malamahonuapcs

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