Yesterday, we released our 2024 Impact Report, which includes our top blogs, tools, and podcast episodes of the year on page 21. With winter break on the horizon, be sure to bookmark those resources to catch up on all that exploring you've been hoping to do ☺️.
Shifting to this month's latest content, our team has been writing and talking about equitable and inclusive learning, distributed leadership, and effective communication. If you're interested in exploring the enabling conditions of learner-centered transformation and aspects of school redesign, check out the resources below!
Enjoy! The Learner-Centered Collaborative Team
QUICK HITS
📖 5(ish)-minute reads for those in-between moments
FEATURED ARTICLE: Distributed Leadership in Schools: Students as Ambassadors (4-minute read)
"The Superintendent Student Roundtable brings together sixth-grade leaders who meet regularly with the Superintendent to discuss and plan initiatives aimed at improving their schools and communities." ~Dr. Leighangela Brady
In a Learner-Centered Community, We Are All Communicators (3-minute read)
"One of the most powerful tools for effective communication is storytelling. In a learner-centered community, storytelling becomes a way to celebrate the bright spots—those moments of achievement, innovation, and connection that remind us why we do what we do. These stories inspire the community to deepen their commitment to the shared vision and create a sense of pride and purpose." ~Marlon Styles
Operationalizing the Vision in Escondido Union School District (4-minute read)
"The work we are doing is about responding to the needs of our students. Times have changed and the needs of our students have changed and so we have to change, too. We are working towards transforming our system to provide meaningful authentic learning experiences that are truly for, about, and in the service of our students." ~Laura Philyaw
The Listening Leader: Striking the Balance Between Receptive and Expressive Communication (3-minute read)
"The journey of transforming education demands that we not only envision a future of educational excellence but also actively engage with those who live that future every day: our students, teachers, and families." ~Devin Vodicka
DEEP DIVES
Long reads, listens, and views for those topics you can't get enough of
FEATURED PODCAST: Building Collective Efficacy and Insights on Transforming Education Systems with Dr. César Morales (57-minute listen)
"When someone believes in you and you believe in them, there are very few things that cannot be accomplished." ~Dr. César Morales
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: Learner-Centered Scorecard Guide (access here)
Our Scorecard Guide introduces a powerful tool for measuring and communicating educational progress beyond traditional metrics, aligned with whole-learner outcomes in a learner-centered paradigm. This guide provides a comprehensive framework for designing, implementing, and leveraging Scorecards to drive continuous improvement, engage stakeholders, and tell your school or district's unique story of success.
POPULAR TOOL: Identify Your Learner-Centered Priorities (access here)
Which elements of learner-centered experiences will you prioritize: Personalized, Authentic, Competency-based, and/or Inclusive & Equitable learning? With your learning community, this tool will empower you to decide what to do first, next, and later along your learner-centered journey.
TRENDING COURSE: Nurture a Meaningful and Engaging Learning Community (access here)
"Explore strategies to get to know your learners, embed social-emotional learning (SEL) into your learning experiences, and build community with learners leading to deeper and more meaningful learning experiences."
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
Learner-Centered Collaborative, 1611 S Melrose Dr., STE A #334, Vista, CA 92081
