Education must help students find their unique contribution to a more thriving and just 21st-century world—and develop the knowledge, skills, and mindsets they will need to do so.
To that end, we propose a new theory of change:
This purpose cannot be met with the one-size-fits-all, industrial-era designs common today. Rather, learning must be personalized to each student’s unique assets, interests, identities, and needs—and designed with students’ voices at the table.
Student-centered learning does not thrive in rigid, hierarchical schools. Rather, decisions must be made closer to students—by educator teams collaboratively designing and running schools, and sharing power with students and families.
Student-centered learning and shared power schools do not emerge from mandates and top-down reforms. Rather, policy must clear barriers, provide encouragement, and ensure autonomy and space for school communities.
In this space, bold innovators redesign learning and teaching. They prove that positive change is possible, then the system changes organically over time, as others refine, replicate, adopt, and adapt their innovations.
We work to make these "must" statements a reality using three strategic levers:
We contribute ideas, stories, research, and analysis to inspire and equip change-making educators and policymakers, through publications, events, and media outreach.
We advance state and district policies that shift power to school communities, enable and encourage innovators, and create the conditions to scale equitable, student-centered learning.
We connect and support a core group of schools and educators practicing student-centered learning and shared power through convenings, resources, and direct support.
