Question 3

What kinds of learning is this catalyzing?

Catalyzing learning means sparking new opportunities, driving systemic change, and creating conditions for transformation. Our partner organizations are not just documenting and sharing—they are igniting new possibilities for learners, educators, and communities.

What Does It Mean to Catalyze Learning?

Systemic Transformation

Creating structural changes that enable learner-centered practices to take root across an entire system—not just in isolated classrooms.

Community Connection

Building bridges between schools and communities that create new opportunities for authentic, meaningful learning experiences.

Culture Shift

Transforming mindsets and practices so that learner-centered approaches become the norm, not the exception.

How Our Organizations Are Catalyzing Learning

Laguna Beach Unified School District

Dashboards for Belonging

MTSS team structure leverages the dashboard to design units of study that connect with student passions and support wellbeing, engagement, and belonging

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Bonsall Unified School District

Student Belonging

Symposium advisory periods foster connections with trusted adults; Native American community partnerships celebrate cultural traditions

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e3 Civic High School

Actualizing a Vision Across the System

Coherent vision implementation through advisory, PoLs, and SLCs transforms outcomes for students

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High Tech High

Demystifying ELPAC for Emerging Multilingual Learners

Assets-based approach shifts language-learner designation from technical label to opportunity for deeper student understanding

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San Marcos Unified School District

Language Learning Across Generations

Intergenerational ESL classes extend language learning beyond students to community members, celebrating multilingual journeys

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Sweetwater Union High School District

Whole Child and Whole District Learning

Three-part Community of Practice series integrates SEL, MTSS, and Community Schools into coherent district-wide system

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National School District

Aligning Leadership and the Learner Profile

Collaborative principal cohorts generate aligned ideas; culturally-relevant activities bring learner profile to life

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Guajome Park Academy

Backwards Design Across the System

UbD framework embedded in evaluation process and classroom walkthroughs ensures whole-school alignment

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Center for Love & Justice (HTH GSE)

Systems Change Through the Theory of Mobilization

Intentional, iterative cycles of action and reflection ensure systems change through sustained commitment to equity-driven work

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Blue Dot

Community-Based Learning

Cross-departmental collaboration grows organically; community partnerships transform district culture and daily practices

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Key Strategies for Catalyzing Learning

1

Advisory Systems

Creating dedicated time for relationship-building, goal-setting, and personal development with trusted adults.

2

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Breaking down silos so that teachers, administrators, and support staff can learn and grow together.

3

Community Partnerships

Building authentic connections between schools and communities that create new learning opportunities.

4

Vision Alignment

Ensuring that all parts of the system—from classroom to central office—are pulling in the same direction.

5

Integrated Systems

Moving from parallel initiatives to coherent, connected approaches that support the whole child.

6

Iterative Cycles

Embedding reflection and continuous improvement into the DNA of the organization.