This month, we've been exploring authentic learning, building community partnerships, honoring identity in our assessment practices, and the power of storytelling in building engaged learning communities.

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Esteemed Colleague,

This month, our team has been writing and talking about authentic learning, community partnerships, how identity fits in our assessment practices, and the power of storytelling in building engaged learning communities. As always, that's just the tip of the iceberg for this month's content, so be sure to dive into all the new resources below!

Enjoy!
The Learner-Centered Collaborative Team

QUICK HITS

đź“– 5(ish)-minute reads for those in-between moments

FEATURED ARTICLE: Building Community Partnerships: A Strategy for Sustaining Learner-Centered Education (5-minute read)

"When we forge partnerships with our local community, we expand learning and assessment beyond the classroom. These connections tap into an organic network of resources that provide real-world contexts where students can develop and demonstrate lasting competencies." ~Danielle DelRosario

One Educator’s Journey to Authentic Learning: Building Trust, Empowering Learners (6-minute read)

"Without student input, the district wouldn’t have access to this critical perspective, and it highlights why student voices are so essential. We bring lived experience and insights that data alone cannot capture." ~Joanna Libby

Beyond the Classroom: Cultivating Local Partnerships to Generate Real-World Learning Opportunities (3-minute read)

"By fostering diverse partnerships, schools and districts can significantly enrich the learning landscape, offering students relevant and engaging educational experiences." ~Devin Vodicka

How a Small School System Created Big Impacts in Learner-Centered Education (3-minute read)

"Our story demonstrates that with vision and the right partnerships, small systems can be innovative, adapt quickly to evolving needs, and create big changes in education." ~Stacy Penson and Catina Hancock

How Hawaiian Charter Schools Are Honoring Identity (3-minute read)

"This work represents more than just a new approach to assessment – it’s a model for how schools can honor their unique identities while maintaining high standards for learning."

Building Relational Trust: Our Journey with Lamont Elementary School District (4-minute read)

"From developing a community-driven vision to revolutionizing professional development and empowering teacher-leaders, Lamont is putting educators at the forefront of change. Together with LCC, the district has created more engaging, equitable, and effective learning environments for every student."

DEEP DIVES

Long reads, listens, and views for those topics you can't get enough of

FEATURED PODCAST: Live Recording of Clark Street Community School Student Panel at Aurora Institute Symposium
 (
36-minute listen)

"A really big deal to me is connecting my learning inside of school to real world applications outside of school. [At Clark Street], I am more confident in being able to see the connections between my learning and how to apply it to the real world." ~Ruby

PODCAST: Designing for Belonging and Impact with Dr. Jill Siler (54-minute listen)

"The teacher retention crisis is not going to be solved by a jeans pass or Taco Tuesdays. It is going to be solved when we bring people together who foster culture that people want to be a part of, and the people who are actually doing the work day in and day out have a voice in that structure." ~Dr. Jill Siler

WEBINAR RECORDING: The Power of Storytelling in Building Engaged Learning Communities (52-minute watch)

"You have to make sure that your families and your staff believe that you’re a leader in educational excellence." ~Juliette Funes

TOOLS & RESOURCES

Bringing learner-centered practices to life

FEATURED RESOURCE: Community Asset Map (access here)

The Community Asset Map helps educators identify and leverage local resources, skills, and networks to enhance their teaching practice. By mapping out community assets – from businesses to cultural organizations – educators can create more meaningful learning experiences that connect classroom content with the real world.

POPULAR TOOL: Authentic Learning Matrix (access here)

This tool is designed to support teams to develop plans for advancing learners through
an Authentic Learning continuum, from connection (transactional engagements with the
community) to empowerment (authenticity is embedded in learning).

TRENDING COURSE: Design Real-World Learning Experiences (access here)

"Explore strategies such as project-based learning, design thinking, place-based learning, inquiry-based learning, passion projects and more to co-design real-world learning experiences with learners."

UPCOMING EVENTS

Connecting with learner-centered educators in-person and online

FEATURED EVENT: AI in Education: Bridging Policy and Practice for Authentic Learning (register here)

December 17, 12pm PT | Virtual Event

Reimagining Education Through Innovative School Design (register here)

January 28, 12pm PT | Virtual Event

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Learner-Centered Collaborative, 1611 S Melrose Dr., STE A #334, Vista, CA 92081

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