Dear Educator,

It's been an exciting start to the year for Learner-Centered Collaborative as we've launched two microschool network projects: one as part of the CCEE's California Secondary School Redesign Pilot Program (see the overview of our work here) and the other with funding from Silicon Schools Fund (work I will highlight in depth in Thursday's Bright Spot).

Both initiatives sit within a broader opportunity around School Redesign, which we published a robust playbook on last fall. School Redesign is not about surface-level innovation. It’s about reimagining the purpose and design of school to align with the science of learning, human development, and the realities of today’s world.

In this month's Download, I invite you to explore each story, tool, and resource with one question in mind: What opportunities exist in my classroom, school, and/or district to make these ideas come to life in my community?

Enjoy!

QUICK HITS

📖 5(ish)-minute reads for those in-between moments

FEATURED ARTICLE: Public Microschools as an On-Ramp to Systemic School Redesign (4-minute read)

"When designed intentionally within district systems, public microschools become a practical strategy for learner-centered redesign—one that builds capacity, surfaces learning, and supports equitable access to new models." ~Devin Vodicka

What Learners Really Experience: Reflections from the LiftOff Design Sprint (6-minute read)

"How often do adults interpret student behavior as disinterest, irresponsibility, or lack of motivation, without ever seeing the load they are already carrying?" ~Kate Weisberg

Making Big Moves at West Pk-8: The Power of Distributed Leadership in the School Redesign Process (5-minute read)

"When a whole community is invested, a new narrative emerges: one of hope, ownership, and shared pride in what’s possible." ~Jesse Ross

TOOLS & RESOURCES

Bringing learner-centered practices to life

FEATURED RESOURCE: School Redesign Playbook (access here)

School Redesign is not about surface-level innovation. It’s about reimagining the purpose and design of school to align with the science of learning, human development, and the realities of today’s world. This playbook draws on Learner-Centered Collaborative’s work with schools and districts nationwide, highlighting communities that have redesigned school and learning in ways that reflect their unique contexts and aspirations.

COMPANION TOOL: Forming a Strong School (Re)Design Team (access here)

Every successful school redesign starts with the right team. This tool helps leaders intentionally build a group that represents the full school community, from leaders, educators, and learners, to families, and staff, who will guide the redesign process together.

TRENDING COURSE: The Learner-Centered Launchpad (access here)

Explore why learner-centered education is needed now and how to begin the shift by rethinking your role as an educator and how you design the learning environment and community in your classroom.