Reflecting on my journey as Superintendent of Vista Unified School District, I learned the power of auditing and engaging in a collaborative process to update district policies.
As critical as it is to establish a learner-centered Framework for the Future—vision, mission, values, goals, learning model, and accountability structure—all of it sits on shaky ground if the enabling policies are not there to support it. This month, I wanted to share more about the power of these enabling policies and how you can bring them to life in your school or district.
"One of the key lessons is that we can’t focus on instruction without focusing on the overall well-being of our children. We have to make sure that our kids, and staff frankly, get the resources they need to be physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy."
"This work is intended to support: educators to feel and be more aligned and less overwhelmed by the multiple initiatives they are asked to implement; education leaders to prioritize and unite people around aligned initiatives; and state leaders to communicate more clearly and consistently about the whole-child connections across initiatives."
"A survey conducted by the nonprofit research organization NORC at the University of Chicago [reported], fewer than 1 in 5 Americans would encourage a young person to become a K-12 teacher."
SELF-PACED COURSE
FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNER-CENTERED LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR LEADERS
This course is designed for leaders to support educators in implementing learner-centered learning experiences. View course
UPCOMING EVENTS
👥 CONFERENCES
JOIN ME AT THE ASU + GSV AIR SHOW!
I've been working with an incredible group of learner-centered leaders on planning ASU + GSV's AIR Show—"the world’s largest gathering at the intersection of AI and Education." This 285-session event is happening in San Diego on April 13-15. Please reach out if you plan on attending!
💻 WEBINAR
SUPERCHARGING PASSION: EVOLVING EDUCATOR CAPACITY
Tue. Apr. 30, 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET
Join us to explore modern strategies and the latest trends revolutionizing teacher retention and reshaping the education landscape. Register here.
Their leadership has been instrumental in navigating the comprehensive redesign of the high school experience across four campuses, focusing on relevant, equitable, and joyful learning. By prioritizing student voice and community engagement, Carmen and Pierette have ensured that the redesign process is deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of ACPS's diverse student body.
Through their dedication, Carmen and Pierette are not just reimagining the future of high school education in Alexandria; they are setting a new standard for educational excellence and equity. Thank you both for your dedication to creating a more inclusive and innovative educational landscape. To learn more about the work happening in ACPS, follow @ACPSk12 on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Each month in Catalyst we 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.
