Teacher Inquiry Labs in South Carolina Demonstrate Personalized Learning in Action

This article discusses a hands on approach to teacher professional development. In South Carolina learning labs are part of the state-led support for personalized learning. They are educator-driven and volunteer-run. A host district highlights one personalized learning practice that they are using across the K-12 continuum and district leaders, educators and instructional coaches from across… Read More ›

Visioning Toolkit: Laying the Groundwork for a Community-Wide Vision for Personalized Learning

This toolkit was designed to help districts include the larger learning community in the development of a vision for personalized learning. It can help district’s take the first, important step of crafting and sustaining a community-wide vision for personalized, competency-based learning. In particular it includes: Guidance on crafting a system-wide vision for personalized learning, incorporating diverse stakeholder… Read More ›

The Promises, Challenges, and Futures of Media Literacy

The Promises, Challenges, and Futures of Media Literacy addresses the “fake news” problem by evaluating the successes and failures of recent media literacy efforts. Contemporary media literacy programs–commonly organized around the five main themes of youth participation, teacher training and curricular resources, parental support, policy initiatives, and evidence base construction–have demonstrated positive outcomes, particularly in… Read More ›

Separating the Facts from the Myths in the Competency-Based High School Transcript

This article discusses many misconceptions about competency-based transcripts. As more schools and districts move towards mastery-based assessment systems, transcripts must capture student learning in a fuller way. However, many families, students, and members of the community have concerns that these new transcripts will be hard to read or hurt students’ chances of getting into college.… Read More ›

Let Teens Lead in Makerspaces

This article shares ideas and techniques to let students take ownership of a school’s makerspace in order to develop engagement and personalized learning in a library setting. Letting teens take charge of how they use the materials and the space will change the role of the educator, or librarian to become a guide to help students take… Read More ›

Case Study: Lindsay High School Transforms Learning for English Language Learners with Personalized, Competency-Based Education in California

This article features Lindsay High School, which implemented a competency-based education model that focuses on advancing student mastery and student agency. In addition, this resource contains the links to a series of blogs that highlight different promising practices for teaching and learning for ELLs. Each case study addresses core principles for next-generation learning for ELL… Read More ›

Innovative Staffing to Personalize Learning: How New Teaching Roles and Blended Learning Help Students Succeed

This report explores the need for changes in staffing patterns and school organization in order to support personalized learning. The report highlights findings from a study, conducted by Public Impact and the Clayton Christensen Institute, of schools that use innovative staffing models and blended learning to achieve success. The authors look at the importance of adding… Read More ›

Communicating Personalized Learning to Families and Stakeholders: Terminology, Tools and Tips for Success

This white paper is a guide to creating informative conversations and preventing miscommunication about personalized learning. It is based on research around how communications impact stakeholders’ impression of personalized learning – both negatively and positively. Educators and school leaders will appreciate the specific tips such as ideas on how to best approach communication with various… Read More ›

Here’s What Happens When Every Student Gets a Personalized Learning Plan

This article was originally posted in EdSurge on April 19, 2018 High school sophomore Olivia Surdam thought she wanted to have a career in healthcare as a doctor or nurse, but after recognizing that her sensitive stomach would cause barriers for a career path in patient care, Surdam started considering other options with her advisory teacher.… Read More ›

6 Steps to Ensuring ILPs Better Support Inclusive Personalized Learning

In this article, authors Ace Parsi and Curtis Richards highlight the importance of individualized learning plans (ILPs) to increase engagement in school, especially for students with disabilities. Research shows that when implemented well, ILPs can lead to stronger academic goal-setting, self-efficacy, and motivation. The authors recommend the following key actions to ensure students with disabilities fully… Read More ›

From Vision to Reality: Personalized, Competency-Based Learning for All Kids

This report was written to help school districts take steps toward personalized, competency-based learning, and equip leaders with the following support to do this critical work. The report includes: Rationale for making the case for personalized, competency-based learning, including what it means and resources to support conversations in a learning community Guidance on crafting a… Read More ›