What if we started designing learning in a way that matched what we actually want for learners: to know who they're becoming, how they're contributing, and what they're capable of? And then asked what structures would need to exist to make that possible.
That's the complex challenge our team of educators, technologists, researchers, and young people wrestled with at the LiftOff Design Sprint. At the end of the sprint, here's the model we came up with.
Together in Collaboration,
SUMMER LEARNING WITHOUT DISRUPTING SUMMER PLANS
When the school year ends, something rare opens up for educators: time. Not unlimited time, of course, but a different kind of time, one that is less reactive and more reflective. The question lies in how we choose to use it. With educators out of the building, we often feel restricted by what we can offer (and when) until the new academic year rolls around. Learner-Centered Collaborative has a simple solution.
Through our online courses, educators can focus on areas of growth that are unique to their skills and interests. Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all PD opportunity, you can ensure each team member is engaged in learning that energizes them.
Our core courses focus on the four elements that make up a rich learner-centered learning experience. When these four elements are present, we give young people the best opportunity to develop the whole-learner outcomes that will ensure they know who they are, thrive in community, and can actively engage in the world as their best selves.
This summer, we invite you to approach PD with the same intentionality you bring to student learning. That means starting with your Portrait of a Learner outcomes, asking your team which competency areas they would most like to grow in at this time, and offering aligned learning opportunities like our online courses.
Recording: A National Student Exhibition Experience
Two weeks ago, we hosted a National Student Exhibition Experience featuring learners from across the Learner-Centered Collaborative national partner network.
This was an incredible way to end our webinar season, and this participant testimonial perfectly represents the energy of the experience: "I would love to have had one more breakout session for a total of three. Two just went by too quickly!!! Loved it!"
Lucky for us, all presentations were recorded and are available for viewing here!
"Visited John J. Cairns Continuation HS (Lindsay Unified School District) as part of the CCEE Secondary Redesign work and left deeply energized by what’s possible when schools are intentionally designed around learner dignity, belonging, and future possibility. One especially powerful moment was participating in the school’s “ringing of the bell” ceremony where graduating students publicly reflected on their journey while being celebrated by family, staff, and peers." ~César Morales
"Successful final day of Coalinga-Huron Unified School District's 100+ person Guiding Coalition. The group was very productive; giving feedback on the strategic plan and completing a design sprint on priority areas for next year." ~Catina Hancock
"Six school teams across five districts came together to move from ideas to action, culminating in sharing their microschool concepts with one another. What stood out was how deeply each design reflected the strengths of its community—grounded in the voices, experiences, and aspirations of learners." ~Devin Vodicka
Celebrating learner-centered leaders doing transformational work
This month, we are honored to recognize Abby Domingo, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Del Mar Union School District, as our Catalyzer of the Month! Abby brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to complex change work, balancing a strategic vision for what is possible with a deep understanding of the practical realities educators navigate every day. Through her steady, reflective leadership, Abby is helping Del Mar move toward a more transparent, growth-oriented, and learner-centered assessment system.
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