Esteemed Colleague,

If we view school as a one-dimensional institution with a narrow purpose—primarily focused on delivering content and measuring student proficiency aligned to narrow metrics—then the idea of partnering with families may seem like an unnecessary distraction.

But if we believe learning happens within a larger ecosystem, where relationships and real-world context shape the learning experience, then family partnerships become essential. This month, I want to share why family partnerships are a key strategy for supporting whole-learner outcomes. Let me know what you think!

With anticipation for our shared journey,

Forming a Guiding Coalition is a crucial first step in centering learners by design. A unifying vision requires input from students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders, ensuring diverse perspectives shape decisions and feedback. In our experience, even elementary students provide valuable insights, proving that meaningful contributions can come from any age group.

When we share Frameworks for the Future from our partner districts like Escondido USD and Lamont Elementary School District, these documents represent the voices of the entire learning community. This alignment ensures systems and practices support the whole-learner outcomes valued most by students and families.

Perhaps most powerful is the value participants experience within these Guiding Coalitions. Here are just a few quotes from our feedback surveys:

• "Hearing from parents and what they want to see really challenged me to think about how we can do better to engage and invigorate them."
• "As a parent, hearing other perspectives from an educator's view on topics is very helpful in giving myself additional perspective on things."
• "What has challenged my thinking is really hearing the experiences, perspectives, and opinions of administrators at other sites."

By bringing together voices from all corners of our learning community, we move beyond our own experiences and build a stronger, more inclusive future. If you're ready to create a learner-centered vision with your community, let's connect to explore how Guiding Coalitions can help your school or district.

WEBINAR RECORDING: Leadership Matters: Effective Techniques to be a Learner-Centered Leader (Watch the recording)

Deeper Learning 2025 (register here)

April 2-4, 2025 | San Diego, CA

ASU+GSV Summit (register here)

April 6-9, 2025 | San Diego, CA

JOIN US AT OUR NEXT EVENT

"Salinas Union High School District's Guiding Coalition convened to begin crafting their Portrait of a Learner! 75 people from across the system (parents, students, community partners, certificated and classified staff) convened to begin ideating the outcomes that are most important for students to cultivate." ~Kate Weisberg

"The Alamogordo Public Schools Guiding Coalition came together for the second time to refresh their vision and mission statements, review a v3 draft of their Profile of a Learner, explore the student experience in a learner-centered paradigm, and make a plan to communicate this work to their community." ~Brittany Griffin

"The leadership design thinking cohort at Colorado Springs School District 11 explored visionary leadership tools through a role play activity and developed prototyping plans using rapid ideation and driver diagrams." ~Jesse Ross

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE WORK WITH PARTNERS

Dr. Leighangela Brady, Superintendent of National School District, exemplifies learner-centered leadership through her unwavering commitment to building strong, authentic partnerships—especially with families. Under her leadership, National School District has prioritized deep listening and meaningful engagement, ensuring that families are true partners in shaping the educational experience. Learn more about Leighangela's impact and leadership here.