Resources

(Re)Designing for Adolescent Thriving

Using developmental science to reimagine secondary schools and systems in California

This report sets out what developmental science now says about adolescence, what it implies for the design of classrooms and systems, and what it takes for that design to endure.

The aim: We hope for young people who know who they are, what they value, and how they want to show up in their relationships, their communities, and their futures.

Download the Full Report Read the Executive Summary

Visit the report hub

See It in Action: Classroom Examples

Math Making Sense of Real-World Data in Math English Language Arts Understanding Ourselves and Others through Literature Science Exploring Science Through Multiple Perspectives

Design Sprint Resources

In July 2026, USC CANDLE convened 33 teams from schools and educational organizations across 17 states and Switzerland to explore how developmental science could inform learning for adolescents. Working with researchers and peers, educators examined how research on Transcendent Thinking could shape their classroom practice. The resources below offer tools for assessing teaching foundations, recognizing Transcendent Thinking in students’ work, and designing instruction to support it.

USC CANDLE Summer 2026 Design Sprint photo 1

USC CANDLE Summer 2026 Design Sprint photo 2

Resources from the Design Sprint

Teaching Foundations for Transcendent Thinking: Educator Self-Assessment Use the rubric to self-assess the foundational teaching elements of your chosen unit, lesson, or project. Then use the reflection prompts to identify strengths and next steps.

Student “Look Fors”: Evidence and Coaching Prompts for Transcendent Thinking This tool is meant to support educators in recognizing and deepening Transcendent Thinking as it emerges in student work and conversation. Use it during planning, observation, or reflection.

Key Instructional Moves: Strategies to Promote Transcendent Thinking Explore three practical instructional moves for promoting Transcendent Thinking, with strategies and classroom examples to help you adapt them to your own teaching.

Professional Learning Services

Workshops and Resources

USC CANDLE engages with schools and school systems to translate science into practice, working closely with educators and leaders to strengthen the conditions in which adolescents thrive.

We offer standalone and ongoing science-informed professional learning programming focused on educator wellness, as well as support to help educators and leaders create opportunities for Transcendent Thinking in their work.

Educator Professional Learning

Design Introduction
Design Workshop
Design Residency

Multi-year Option

Any pathway can begin as a pilot with one team and expand across teams and schools in later years, with CANDLE support along the way.

Leadership Consulting

For school and district leaders

Explore Professional Learning Services →