Big thinking has fueled this big idea.

The design of community-based, learner-centered ecosystems is done in deep partnership with visionary champions, practitioners, scientists — and is grounded in centuries of practice.

As aligned systems and structures are built, we continue to collect, refine, and offer resources. Begin reimagining, inventing, and building anew in your own community. Below are ways to bring this new shape of learning into view, and inspirations to take action.

Too Essential to Fail: Why Our Big Bet on Public Education Needs a Bold National Response

Too Essential to Fail: Why Our Big Bet on Public Education Needs a Bold National Response

This paper, authored by Karen Pittman and Merita Irby of Knowledge to Power Catalysts, brings together a preponderance of evidence from disparate sources that combined gives us the confidence we need to create “a new modern public system of education that is grounded in learners and their communities, not singular school buildings.” The paper unpacks data around the growing demand for change—from parents, young people, educators, the business community and other leaders—and shares existing, foundational Positive Youth Development research that undergirds the power and possibility of a community-based, learner-centered path forward.
READ THE PAPER

Fertile Ground for Ecosystems

Commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, Ecosystems for the Future of Learning investigates programs that have demonstrated remarkable success in enhancing learner outcomes by providing learner-centered experiences and fostering deep relationships with community partners. The research, conducted by History Co:Lab and Education Reimagined, illuminates where pieces of a new system are already at play, with fertile ground for a learner-centered ecosystem approach to take hold.

READ THE REPORT

Designing for Thriving Learner-Centered Ecosystems

Education Reimagined brought together 40 diverse learner-centered practitioners, experts, systems thinkers, and young people to explore and imagine a future of thriving learner-centered ecosystems. From their expertise, experience, and creativity, this guide emerged with frameworks and insights to support on-the-ground systems re-invention.

EXPLORE DESIGNED TO THRIVE

Reflect and Dig Deeper with Others

Download this Conversation Guide to find prompts, structured conversations, and reading to carry your thinking forward. Whether you engage on your own or gather a group of friends or peers, the conversations will be enlivening and thought-provoking.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Stories to Prompt Reimagining

To fully imagine an ecosystem approach to learning, playing around in this new future is helpful. Download this storybook with 12 short stories, each ending with questions to ponder. Use it for your own reflection, or gather a group for a series of conversations.

DOWNLOAD THE STORYBOOK

Interested in supporting or championing an ecosystem initiative in your community?

INVENT WITH US