Encinitas Union School District's commitment to developing whole learners through learner-centered practices.

• •Clear district vision grounded in learner outcomes
• •Commitment to small learning communities
• •Focus on authentic, real-world learning experiences

The six core design principles that structure Encinitas Farm Lab and other EUSD schools.

• •Clear Identity: Focus grounded in district vision unique to community
• •Small Learning Communities: Learners belong to small groups with caring adults
• •Real-World Learning: Authentic work across disciplines and with partners
• •Performance Assessment: Evidence of whole-learner growth through competency-based assessments
• •Teacher Collaboration: Regular, structured time for educators to learn and co-design
• •Distributed Leadership: Shared ownership and agency at all levels

A unique living laboratory where students engage in authentic agricultural, environmental, and community-based learning.

• •Real-world learning through agricultural and environmental stewardship
• •Small learning communities centered in farm-based education
• •Community partnerships with local organizations and industry
• •Integration of STEM, sustainability, and social responsibility
• •Performance-based demonstrations of student learning

Encinitas' commitment to assessing and developing the whole learner beyond traditional academic metrics.

• •Competency-based assessments aligned to learner portrait
• •Performance demonstrations and portfolios
• •Social-emotional and character development measures
• •Student voice and self-assessment integration
• •Community impact as evidence of learning

Frameworks for seeing and appreciating learner-centered practice during Farm Lab tours.

• •Respect the complexity of teaching and learning
• •Look for evidence of learner thinking and engagement
• •Lead with appreciations and curiosity
• •Avoid jumping to conclusions about practice
• •Notice structures that enable meaningful connection and learning

North County's collective focus: creating, sharing, and refining assessment models for regional alignment.

• •Interest in new measures of success reflecting deeper learning and well-being
• •Several districts have launched whole-learner assessment pilots
• •Collaboration to inspire greater alignment and impact
• •Models refined through networking and feedback
• •Regional R&D hub for learner-centered innovation

Frameworks for understanding and supporting the emotional and technical dimensions of learner-centered transformation.

• •Change is an emotional process (Bridges Model)
• •Addressing resistance with curiosity and empathy
• •Managing both technical and emotional dimensions
• •Leadership practices that support collective evolution
• •Creating environments where people learn, create, and innovate

Understanding Encinitas Farm Lab as part of the larger LCC Ecosystem and regional innovation network.

• •Part of LCC's Regional R&D and Innovation Hub
• •Connected to SoCAL LiNK research-practice network
• •Microschool network collaboration
• •California Secondary Redesign Pilot participation
• •Future of High School Transcript Design initiatives