We are thrilled to announce the release of Learner-Centered in Focus, a new report authored by our Director of Field Research, Dr. Khara Schonfeld-Karan. This report provides an in-depth exploration of the learner-centered experiences of young people from nine sites across the United States, offering critical insights into how learner-centered education truly comes to life.
Learner-Centered in Focus marks a pivotal milestone in our research endeavors and is designed to support the field with research showcasing learner-driven evidence and practical strategies that amplify young people’s voices. Through three core dimensions of insight—youth experiences, leader and learner strategies, and national comparisons—this report reflects the transformative potential of learner-centered education.
Responses from the Leaps Student Voice Survey, developed by our partner Transcend, reveal that young people from learner-centered sites reported 73% agreement on having experiences that align with all five key elements of learner-centered education—a rate 21% higher than the survey’s national benchmarks. While limited in scale, the findings in the report highlight exciting bright spots in the learner-centered field. The stories shared by young learners are testaments to their agency, leadership, and resilience.
The report achieves a major goal of our research team and brings our 2024–2029 research agenda to life. Key areas of focus include deepening our understanding of learner-centered education and catalyzing innovation and practice across the field. This framework reflects our commitment to building intentional partnerships, collecting insights, and supporting practitioners to ensure that all learners can thrive.
Our mission is woven from the journeys of collaborative, thoughtful individuals who embody a sense of wonder. We believe young people are living proof that learner-centered education truly transforms lives. Their experiences of agency, leadership, and resilience are more than anecdotes—they are powerful testaments to the lasting impact of community support and belonging. We hope these findings bolster your work to advance learner-centered education, and we invite you to read and share the report with your networks.
