The Cajon Valley Union School District has become a national leader in reimagining education, earning recognition for its forward-thinking programs and commitment to student success. At the helm of this transformation is Dr. David Miyashiro, the district’s superintendent and co-chair of the K-12 Computer Science initiative for the California State Board of Education. Under his leadership, Cajon Valley has been praised by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education for its innovative approaches. But beyond these accolades, David’s story is one of deep commitment to ensuring that every student finds purpose and a meaningful path to success.
From Test Scores to True Readiness
Miyashiro’s journey in education began with a focus on improving standardized test scores, a mindset shaped by the No Child Left Behind era. However, despite academic success on paper, he noticed a disturbing trend: students who performed well on tests were still struggling in life. “We watched our young people do well on standardized tests, but still not have life outcomes that we were hoping for,” he recalls. This realization led him to rethink the purpose of education.
Through conversations with families and the broader community, Miyashiro and his team developed a new district vision: happy kids, engaged in healthy relationships, on a path to gainful employment. This vision became the foundation for Cajon Valley’s revolutionary “World of Work” curriculum, which starts in kindergarten. Recognizing that career aspirations and self-perception begin forming as early as six years old, Miyashiro ensured that career exploration became an integral part of every student’s journey.
The Power of Early Career Exploration
Cajon Valley’s approach is intentional and immersive. “If we are not intentional about giving kids career experiences starting in kindergarten… middle school is too late and then high school will be wasted,” Miyashiro explains. By exposing students to real-world careers through project-based learning, field trips, and mentorship, his district has created a system where students graduate with not only college credits but also a clear roadmap for their future careers.
One of the most powerful examples of this transformation came from the district’s early participation in Junior Achievement’s BizTown, where fifth graders spend a day running a simulated city. “Kids would tell us, ‘This was the best day of my life. It’s better than Disneyland,’” Miyashiro shares. Realizing the profound impact of these experiences, his team expanded the concept to provide 54 career experiences before students finish middle school, ensuring they have tangible experiences to shape their aspirations.
Rethinking the Role of Higher Education and Workforce Alignment
Miyashiro is also challenging the conventional belief that a four-year college degree is the only path to success. He points to the nation’s $1.8 trillion in student loan debt as a symptom of a system that often fails to align education with employability. “These are the kids that were successful… and are now holding the bag on student loans that they can’t pay off,” he says.
By studying workforce needs and aligning K-12 education with real job opportunities, Miyashiro has created partnerships that expose students to high-demand fields early on. His district is part of a growing movement, alongside states like Indiana and Colorado, to integrate paid apprenticeships and work-based learning into the high school experience. “We’re hoping that California can become the third or fourth state to adopt something that truly helps kids get into happiness, relationships, and gainful employment as an outcome,” he emphasizes.
More Human, Less Tech: A Balanced Approach to Innovation
While Miyashiro is a champion of digital transformation, his philosophy is rooted in balance. He introduced a one-to-one device program over a decade ago, but with a clear mantra: “More human, less tech.” The goal is not to replace teachers but to enhance their ability to connect with students. “Assessments, assignments, grading—these things can be done by algorithms. But relationships? Motivation? That’s where teachers shine,” he explains.
This philosophy extends to AI and emerging technologies. While some districts ban personal devices outright, Miyashiro focuses on digital literacy and ethical use. “Teaching kids at an early age how to discern truth with their teachers as partners—not hiding technology from them—is important,” he says. This ensures students are prepared for a workforce where human skills, such as leadership and collaboration, are just as valuable as technical abilities.
The Mental Health Connection: Purpose as a Solution
Beyond academic and career readiness, Miyashiro’s approach is also addressing a pressing national crisis: youth mental health. He strongly believes that a sense of purpose is a powerful antidote. “When students are validated for their strengths, interests, and values, they feel a sense of belonging and confidence in their future,” he says. By celebrating all career paths—whether a student wants to be a hairstylist, a firefighter, or a software engineer—his district is helping students develop a sense of identity and self-worth.
Catch the full conversation with David on the Education Leadership Edge podcast on Spotify and YouTube!