A Deep Dive into the Shift From Fixed Mindset to Growth Mindset: Embracing AI for Transformative Change
Our Journey from Skepticism to Innovation: The Santa Ana Story
The best leadership lessons often emerge from unexpected journeys. As superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District, I’ve seen firsthand how a single spark of curiosity can ignite transformative change. Our story began with a cautious conversation about AI in executive cabinet meetings, and it has grown into a movement redefining educational leadership in our district.
This is a journey of moving from skepticism to embracing innovation, demonstrating how strategic foresight, collaboration, and a growth mindset can lead to district wide transformation.
How It All Began
When our cabinet first discussed artificial intelligence, skepticism filled the room. We were intrigued by platforms like ChatGPT but hesitant to integrate AI into our workflows. This skepticism reflected a fixed mindset—a natural resistance to change and the unfamiliar. Like many leaders, we approached these discussions with cautious curiosity, careful not to leap before we fully understood the implications.
Two of our cabinet members, however, leaned into experimentation. Our Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Lorraine Perez, and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Bianca Barquin, began exploring AI’s potential in their daily operations. Their willingness to learn through hands-on application, to fail, iterate, and grow, exemplified a shift toward a growth mindset. This set the tone for what would become a districtwide transformation, supported by our partnership with Designing Schools, which played a critical role in guiding our innovation journey.
Strategic Foresight: A Turning Point
The pivotal moment came when these cabinet members attended a strategic foresight course provided by the Institute for the Future. Their insights transformed how we viewed the future of education. This training wasn’t just an academic exercise—it was a wake-up call, revealing the power of thinking beyond immediate challenges to envision long-term opportunities. It inspired a collective shift from a fixed mindset—focused on limitations—to a growth mindset that emphasized potential and possibilities.
Inspired by their transformation, I enrolled in the course. I came away with an understanding of how to identify signals of change, engage stakeholders in future-focused conversations, and co-create a vision for what’s possible.
A Ripple Effect
Leadership transformation is contagious. As other cabinet members—initially observers—saw the tangible benefits of foresight and AI integration, they joined the movement. Their involvement reinforced a culture of collective growth, where we moved from focusing on what might go wrong to exploring what we could achieve together. Together, we began asking: How could this transformation ripple beyond our cabinet into every classroom, every office, and every interaction in our district?
The answer came in the form of the Innovation Catalyst Collective (ICC).
From Vision to Action: The ICC
The ICC was born out of a desire to create a future-ready educational framework. This diverse group of educators and administrators embodies a shared mission: to foster innovation, equity, and collaboration across the district. We established specialized teams, including our Curiosity Crews, tasked with exploring specific areas such as policy, ethical AI use, and operational efficiency.
One standout initiative was the creation of the AI Compass—a living guide ensuring the ethical and responsible use of AI in our schools. These efforts allowed us to explore ways to enhance operational workflows and redefined what it means to innovate with equity and purpose at the forefront.
Defining Our Future
Through this journey, we developed our Framework for the Future, a vision for what we want our students to achieve. At its core are six traits essential for thriving in a rapidly changing world:
Architect of Learning: Adaptable thinkers who shape their learning experiences.
Collaborative Leader: Team-oriented problem solvers.
Global Innovator: Creators prepared for interconnected challenges.
Empathetic Communicator: Relationship-builders who lead with care.
Community Builder: Champions of inclusivity and mutual success.
World-Ready Scholar: Future leaders ready for an AI-driven global landscape.
This framework reflects our commitment to preparing students for a future where adaptability and innovation are paramount.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on this journey, I’m reminded of a simple truth: leadership transformation starts at the top. The courage to explore the unfamiliar and embrace uncertainty is key to shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, and it has empowered our entire district to reimagine what’s possible. While we haven’t solved every challenge, we’ve created a culture that values learning, collaboration, and forward-thinking.
To my fellow leaders: the journey to innovation begins with a willingness to lead differently. Start with curiosity, embrace experimentation, and remember that meaningful change is a collective effort. Together, we can shape the future of education.
A Call to Action
The coming years will define AI’s role in education. At Santa Ana Unified, we’re committed to navigating this uncharted territory with integrity, strategic foresight, and a growth mindset. Our next steps include expanding our AI initiatives to all school sites, providing targeted professional development for staff, and creating student-led projects that explore the potential of AI in solving real-world problems. I invite you to join us—let’s lead boldly, innovate responsibly, and inspire a future where every student has the tools to thrive.