At the Learning Counsel Learning Futures & Tech Media Meeting in San Diego, CA education leaders gathered to discuss innovation, student engagement, and the challenges shaping today’s schools. LeiLani Cauthen, CEO of Learning Counsel, moderated a dynamic panel featuring Stephanie Casperson, Executive Director of Technology, San Marcos USD, and Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez, CEO of SBC – High Tech High.
Redesigning Secondary Education in San Marcos USD
Stephanie Casperson opened the discussion by highlighting the district’s focus on strengthening student connections in large secondary schools.
“In San Marcos, we’ve been exploring what secondary schools should look like,” she said. “Through surveys around our portrait of a graduate, we’ve seen that students don’t always feel connected to school. And if students don’t feel connected to the adults and peers around them, attendance and engagement suffer.”
Casperson explained that the district’s solution is creating smaller communities within larger schools, giving students a sense of belonging and connection. With high schools housing over 3,000 students, fostering these micro-communities has become a top priority. “We want students to feel like they are part of something meaningful, so they want to come to school,” she said.
Project-Based Learning at High Tech High
Dr. Diana Cornejo-Sanchez then shared the approach of High Tech High, a network of 16 public charter schools focused on project-based learning.
“Our students are constantly engaging in the community, applying what they learn in real-world contexts,” she explained. “They take on roles aligned with potential career paths—video editors producing documentaries, scientists working in biotech labs, and more. This extends learning beyond the classroom and helps students see their place in the world.”
By integrating community-focused projects into daily learning, High Tech High ensures students not only acquire academic knowledge but also develop the skills, confidence, and perspective needed to thrive beyond school walls.
Shared Goals and Innovation
Both panelists emphasized a central theme: making education relevant, engaging, and connected to students’ lives. Whether through creating smaller communities within large schools or extending classroom learning into real-world experiences, the goal remains the same—preparing students for success while fostering human connection and engagement.
Casperson and Dr. Cornejo-Sanchez left attendees with a clear message: by reimagining school structures and learning experiences, districts can better meet students where they are, building stronger engagement and meaningful outcomes for every learner.
Watch the full panel discussion below.
