Navigating Policies and Conditions: Supporting Youth with Learning Differences in Learner-Centered Environments examines how policies and conditions influence the ability of learner-centered environments to serve young people with learning differences. Drawing on findings from a multi-site research study, this brief explores how leaders and educators across diverse settings are navigating regulatory frameworks, leveraging flexibility, and creating innovative staffing and governance models that center learners. Despite operating within conventional systems, these environments are demonstrating what’s possible when policies are interpreted through a learner-centered lens that prioritizes inclusion, equity, and authentic learner growth.
This brief is part of Education Reimagined’s Learning Differences Research Series, conducted with funding provided in part by Oak Foundation. While this brief has a policy focus, more details on the research context and methodology can be found in our Research Study Overview. For the complete series (available in 2026), visit our Learning Differences page.
