Personalize: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners

Fate has a funny way of bringing together people with similar views and passions. In March of 2022, I worked with a school system in Provo, Utah. During a roundtable discussion, I was asked to discuss key aspects of personalized learning that are critical to successful implementation.  There were a lot of people in the room who listened to what I had to say and seemed to be hanging on every word.   Little did I know that a secondary principal from a different school system was in attendance who had been blazing her own trail with personalized learning and would later share the journey of her school.  Unbeknownst to me was how intrigued she was by what I shared. 

After facilitating a presentation later that day, the principal introduced herself to me, and we started a lengthy conversation on aspects of personalization.  Shortly after, I was contracted to work with that school in a coaching role.  Over the next two years, I witnessed firsthand competency-based practices that I had never seen implemented so effectively at scale. However, the firecracker of a principal saw an opportunity for her and the school to still grow their personalized practices.  That leader was Nicki Slaugh, my co-author of our book Personalize.   Once I saw personalization through her lens and that of her staff, I immediately knew we needed to collaborate. The rest is now history. 

My chance encounter with Nicki eventually led to the idea of writing this book after my first year of coaching.  Our goal is as simple as it is profound in that personalization is based on ALL students getting what they need when and where they need it to learn.  Packed with practical examples, research-based strategies, and stories, any educator can find the most effective way to personalize learning.  Here is the synopsis:

Not Just One Way

Are you an educator stuck in the traditional teaching or leadership mold, yearning for a spark to reignite your passion? Do you want to use your time better and work smarter, not harder? Personalize is your guide to transforming classrooms into dynamic hubs of exploration and discovery. This book invites you to break free from the "one-size-fits-all" approach and embrace the potential of personalized learning, where all students get what they need, when and where they need it to learn. 

Imagine a classroom where all students’ unique strengths, interests, and opportunities for growth are recognized and nurtured. Where the rigid structures of traditional education give way to flexible, student-centered learning environments. "Personalize" provides the tools and strategies to create such a space, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a genuine love for learning.

Dive into how personalized learning can revolutionize education through real-world examples, research, practical advice, and inspiring stories. You'll learn how to leverage high-agency strategies (voice, choice, path, pace, place), technology including artificial intelligence (AI), data, and innovative teaching methods to meet each student's individual needs, ensuring that no learner is left behind. The book also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and a positive school culture to support these changes.

Personalize is not just a book; it's a movement towards a more inclusive, engaging, and effective culture. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, coach, or librarian, this book will inspire you to make bold moves that challenge the status quo and bring out the best in your students. 

Join the revolution. Embrace the journey of personalization and witness the transformative impact on your students and your educational career. Your path to rekindling the joy of being an educator starts here.

While we hope that the description above piques your attention, there are some features of the book that we would like to call out: 

• This book is structured so that you can either read from cover to cover or choose a particular chapter that is of specific interest or represents a needed opportunity for growth. We did this because there is no right or best way to personalize. 
• Each chapter is supported by research, practical strategies, and anecdotal stories for essential context. 
• At the end of each chapter is a summary section titled “Bold Moves.” These are courageous decisions that break away from traditional methods and push boundaries. They involve calculated risks and innovative solutions to address challenges and empower student growth through personalization. The questions in these sections are meant to inspire bold actions. 
• A digital appendix fleshes out how to effectively personalize and what it could look like across various grade levels and content areas. Get ready for lots of practical examples.
• There is a call to action throughout the book, empowering educators to share their successes with personalized learning using the hashtag #personalize across social media networks (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn). Please tag us; we will constantly add more examples to the appendices. 

Working on this project with Nicki, a true practitioner who has embraced bold moves throughout her journey to personalize learning was such a joy.  We hope this book will inspire, challenge, and motivate you to continue to be the best iteration of yourself of those students you serve.

You can get your copy of Personalize: Meeting the Needs of ALL Learners on Amazon. There is an impressive discount on bulk orders. If interested, email info@connecteddpublishing.com for more information.

11 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Support Effective Teaching and Leadership

It goes without saying that AI is a hot topic of conversation in education circles and beyond. In the beginning, I was a skeptic myself, but now I use it to support my professional work, especially when I coach leaders. While there are legitimate concerns and anything generated by AI needs to be fully vetted, the most profound benefit is how it can save educators precious time.  Teachers can use it to help design lessons, build assessments, unpack standards, personalize, scaffold questions, develop hooks, provide relevant connections, and so many more possibilities.  Leaders can use certain AI tools to streamline communication, personalize feedback, provide targeted support to staff, find peer-reviewed research in a snap, and aid in other leadership tasks. 

Here are some of the most popular tools being used at this moment:

• Magic School - Get help with lesson planning, differentiation, writing assessments, and so much more. Click on the “magic tools” tab at the top of the page to see all of the options available to teachers.   
• School AI - Know what students need, when they need it and deliver it with AI support. The company behind this tool is extremely committed to data privacy. 
• QuestionWell - Generate an endless supply of questions so you can work smarter, not harder.
• Gradescope -Seamlessly administer and grade all of your assessments, whether online or in class. Save time grading and get a clear picture of how your students are doing.
• Parlay - Facilitate meaningful, measurable, and inclusive class discussions.
• Diffit - This is a great tool for differentiation. It allows teachers to get “just right” instructional materials, saving tons of time and helping all students access grade-level content. 
• Chat GBT – A chatbot that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue. It can respond to any prompt, such as unpacking a standard into scaffolded questions or differentiating aligned tasks. I recently used it when working with a fourth-grade teacher to create a song on long division as part of a review activity. Users who have the paid version can create elaborate images. 
• Gemini – A chatbot from Google that is very similar to Chat GBT. The free version allows for the creation of pictures that do not contain people. 
• Brisk Teaching – A Google Chrome extension that helps busy teachers save time in the tools they already use, like Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, YouTube, and online articles. In seconds, teachers can create unlimited instructional materials, give feedback, evaluate student writing, and level or translate texts - all without needing to switch between apps. 
• Ideogram – A free image creation tool. Create picture prompts for worksheets and writing tasks. During coaching sessions, I have helped elementary teachers create images for sight words.
• Copilot (free, but need a Microsoft login) – Very similar to Chat GBT and Gemini. 

Another tool that I have begun to explore is Leap. It can convert my blog posts to podcasts that sound very professional. When I listened to the first recording, I was amazed.  Stay tuned as I launch my podcast later this year. 

AI can be an invaluable timesaver for all educators. However, it is important to note that it cannot facilitate lessons and feedback conversations.  It is a tool to support effective practices, not drive or replace the work of educators. The real power behind AI is the people who use it strategically to work smarter, not harder. 

11 Ideas for Primary Math Stations

A few weeks back, I shared ideas on ELA stations for primary students after this was brought up during a coaching cycle with one of my schools.  Upon reflection, I decided to do the same with math. 

Creating math stations for primary students can be a fun and effective way to introduce them to basic math concepts through hands-on activities. These stations can help develop their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements in an interactive and engaging manner. 

Here are some ideas for math stations suitable for students in PreK – 1st grade:

Counting: Practice counting and number recognition by having students use items like beads, blocks, or buttons for children to count. Include number cards so they match the quantity to the correct number.

Shape Sorting: Provide a variety of geometric shapes in different colors and sizes to identify and sort. Have children sort them by shape, size, or color into designated bins or onto labeled mats.

Pattern Making: Recognize and create patterns where students use colored beads, blocks, or stickers to create simple patterns. Encourage children to continue the patterns or create their own.

Measurement: Explore concepts of size and measurement by offering various items to measure with non-standard units, such as paper clips, blocks, or hands. Include activities like comparing the height of plants or the length of objects.

Simple Addition and Subtraction: Introduce essential addition and subtraction using visual aids like number lines, counting bears, or finger puppets to help children understand adding and taking away.

Number Writing: Practice writing numbers by providing dotted numbers for tracing, blank paper for free writing, and activities that involve writing numbers related to counting objects.

Math Storybooks: Combine literacy with math by selecting storybooks incorporating math concepts (e.g., counting, shapes). After reading, children can engage in related math activities or crafts.

Geometry Block Building: Understand spatial relationships and geometry by offering blocks of different shapes and sizes for accessible building. Challenge students with specific building tasks that require using certain shapes.

Graphing: Introduce data collection and representation by using simple graphing activities, such as graphing favorite fruits or the color of socks children are wearing. Provide stickers or stamps for children to fill in their answers on a chart.

Time Telling: Familiarize students with time using teaching clocks to show different times. Include puzzles that match times to daily activities (e.g., lunchtime, nap time).

Technology: This is a great way to integrate tech purposefully and acquire data using adaptive tools when appropriate. Use tablets or computers with ed-tech tools focused on math concepts, such as counting, simple addition/subtraction, measurement, shape sorting/identification, and patterns. 

Each station can be adjusted to match the children's developmental level. It should be supervised to ensure that students grasp the concepts and to provide help as needed. Rotating the stations every few weeks can keep the activities fresh and engaging for the students. As with all station tasks, ensure that a sound pedagogical design is in place and that there is a targeted instruction or support rotation. 

10 Ideas for Primary ELA Stations

In my coaching work, suggestions typically arise for ideas on implementing various personalized strategies effectively at the primary level (PreK – 1). While choice, in my opinion, might not be the most developmentally appropriate option, I do see station rotation (or centers) as a viable option. Establishing engaging and educational station activities for primary-age students in the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is essential for fostering literacy skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Stations allow young learners to explore and practice these skills at their developmental level through purposeful play and hands-on activities. At the same time, the teacher can pull small groups for targeted instruction or support.

Recently, I was asked by some Kindergarten teachers at Howell Elementary School in Tennessee during one-on-one coaching sessions about ELA-specific stations that would be great for young learners.   The conversation provided the spark for this blog post. 

Here are several practical ideas that can be effective and enjoyable for primary students:

Sight Words Station: Little learners engage in tasks to recognize and practice high-frequency words. Implement interactive games like sight word bingo, memory match, and word fishing (using a small fishing rod with magnets to "catch" words written on paper fish).

Phonics and Word Families Station: Students learn to build phonemic awareness and understand word families. They can use sorting games where students group words by their beginning sounds or word family endings. Consider incorporating simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) word-building activities with letter tiles or magnets.

Technology Station: Here is a great way to integrate digital literacy and acquire data using adaptive tools when appropriate. Use tablets or computers with ed-tech tools focused on ELA skills, such as letter recognition, phonics games, or digital storytelling tools.

Alphabet Station: Students learn to recognize and practice letters and sounds. Activities can include magnetic letters, alphabet puzzles, and letter-matching games. They can work on identifying letters, matching uppercase to lowercase, and producing letter sounds.

Listening Station: Students learn to develop listening comprehension and focus. Try setting up a listening center with headphones and a variety of age-appropriate audiobooks. Include follow-up activities related to the stories, such as drawing a scene from the story or answering simple questions.

Writing and Drawing Station: Students actively practice writing skills and express creativity. Provide various writing materials like paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, and crayons. Include prompts or story starters, and encourage students to draw pictures related to their stories.

Reading Nook: This station encourages a love for reading while improving fluency. Teachers can create a cozy corner with a range of picture books, early reader books, and thematic books related to current classroom topics. Rotate books regularly to keep the selection fresh and engaging.

Drama and Role Play Station: Students work to enhance speaking skills and imagination. Set up a mini-stage area with costumes, props, and puppets. Students can retell familiar stories, perform improvised scenes, or use puppets to create narratives.

Poetry and Rhyme Station: Your learners work to enjoy the rhythm and rhyme of language. Offer poetry books, nursery rhymes, and songbooks. Include activities like rhyming matching games, building simple rhymes, or creating class poems.

Sensory Writing Station: Students practice letter formation and fine motor skills. Provide trays with sand, shaving cream, or salt for students to write letters and words with their fingers or small writing tools.

For each station, it's essential to provide clear instructions and rotate activities regularly to keep students engaged and challenge their learning. Additionally, adapting each station to meet primary students' diverse needs and learning preferences will ensure that all children can participate and benefit from these ELA station activities. Here are some tips to help you develop station rotation effectively:

• Develop a template and share it on-screen with context
• Integrate a timer
• Use available data to group/regroup and target instruction
• Integrate an adaptive learning tool
• Keep rotations between 3-4
• Use an exit ticket (2-3 scaffolded questions/problems) at the end of the block for accountability

Effective and engaging ELA station activities for primary students are crucial for developing literacy skills. Although choice may only sometimes be developmentally appropriate for learners in PreK to Grade 1, station rotation offers a structured yet flexible method of instruction. These stations encourage skills ranging from letter recognition to creative expression and fine motor skills, all tailored to young learners’ developmental levels. Providing clear instructions and regularly updating activities are vital to maintaining engagement and addressing the diverse needs of the students.

Unlocking the Spectrum of Learning: The Multi-Faceted Magic of Personalization

We live in exciting times as unprecedented access to knowledge, research, and effective strategies at our fingertips can assist educators in creating meaningful experiences for students that align with both needs and strengths. One thing is for certain: learning is not linear. While a one-size-fits-all approach either worked for us or we just managed to get by, our connected world has shined a light on shifts that can be made to maximize students' time in class. Herein lies the power of personalization. 

Now, let me clarify a few things. Personalization is all learners getting what they need, when and where they need it, to succeed. It’s not all students doing the same thing at the same time, the same way. It is also important to point out the following:

1. You don’t need technology to personalize learning.
2. Putting all kids on a device simultaneously and having them watch a video or work on an adaptive learning tool is not personalization.
3. There is not one best or right way to personalize.

There are pathways that genuinely personalize learning for all students and there are uniform approaches that only focus on one aspect of high-agency practices. The latter is a common position of many vendors in the space. Herein lies why I outlined the three main points above. For personalization to fully flourish in ways that meet the needs of all, there should be a multi-faceted approach that strategically embeds voice, choice, path, pace, and place throughout lesson design and facilitation. This means looking at key practices such as Tier 1 instruction, pedagogy, assessment, feedback, differentiation, RTI, real co-teaching, and professional learning to see where there is an opportunity to grow.  

The above paragraph sets Quest Junior High School apart from many other, if not all, schools across the country and the world. It starts at the top with leadership. Principal Nicki Slaugh has engaged with her staff to create a shared vision and works tirelessly to provide support through feedback and professional learning. The consistent use of high-agency strategies and data has resulted in a myriad of ways to help address the needs of learners. In her words, there are no “cookie-cutter” ways to personalize. Keep this point in mind if and when you are looking to grow personalized practices in your district, school, or classroom. 

While competency-based approaches buoyed by standards-aligned rubrics in the form of proficiency scales are the gold standard for path and pace, you will also see so much more. This includes using tech and whiteboard spaces for voice during Tier 1 instruction, choice activities, playlists, flipped lessons, stations determined by data, one-on-one conferencing, and maximizing flexible spaces. However, one aspect that sticks out is a consistent focus to impart high levels of cognition and relevance in all questions, tasks, and assessments. This is a testament to the staff at Quest, who see the value in personalization and not just another thing added to their plates.  

Case in point. During a recent coaching visit, I had the opportunity to visit numerous classrooms with an emphasis on feedback for new teachers and growth in co-teaching practices, which has been a primary focus in year two of the work I have been facilitating. Before I highlight one teacher in particular, I must say that we saw exceptional personalized practices occurring throughout the school. This is yet another testament to the culture of learning that has been established. I was particularly impressed by first-year teacher Brylee Nelson’s English class. From my lens, you see clarity in the form of a standards-aligned learning target, a real-world application involving choice, high-level thinking in the form of a scaffolded rubric, and a closure task using technology that amplifies students' voices. While the students worked, Brylee was seen conducting individual conferences as a Tier 3 support.

Another standout for me was to see firsthand how much progress has been made with effective co-teaching strategies. Nicki and her teachers have worked so hard to grow in their area, and their accomplishments can serve as a model for other districts and schools. When you look at the image below, can you identify the four adults? It wasn't very easy for me at first. Data was used to establish the groups that were staffed by two teachers (math, SPED) and two teaching assistants. You would be hard-pressed to figure out their roles as they were all immersed in targeted support. MTSS, RTI, differentiation, and co-teaching are all established pathways to personalized learning when good data is available and leveraged effectively.   

Supporting Quest and Nicki these past two years has been an absolute honor. You can see a snapshot of all they have accomplished HERE. When I created Aspire Change EDU, the main goal I set forth for the company was to ensure that all of our practice areas and solutions were tailored and customized to meet the needs of those I would serve. What this translates into is that there is no one way to personalize. While Quest had the best competency-based learning at scale I have ever seen in practice, which they established independently, Nicki saw opportunities to grow in other areas. The rest is now history.

To effectively personalize, we need to embrace a multi-faceted approach. Be wary of any solution, program, or professional development that doesn’t address all aspects of student agency while making connections to established practices that are known to be effective. 

If you would like to learn more about how Aspire Change EDU can support your district, organization, or school or provide you with 1:1 coaching, feel free to reach out – AspireChangeEDU@gmail.com

The Role of Place in Personalization

The physical and virtual environments where learning takes place play a pivotal role in shaping the effectiveness and depth of personalized learning strategies. Consider for a moment the impact of the physical classroom. It is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the learning journey. The arrangement of desks, the presence of collaborative spaces, and the infusion of technology all contribute to the atmosphere that shapes a student's educational experience. As you delve into personalized learning, the importance of tailoring these spaces to accommodate diverse learning needs becomes increasingly evident.

Research consistently underscores the profound impact of physical and virtual learning environments on educational outcomes. According to a study by Tanner and Lackney (2006), the design of physical spaces significantly influences student engagement and academic performance. Flexible seating arrangements, varied learning zones, and interactive elements have been found to correlate positively with increased student motivation and collaboration (Tanner & Lackney, 2006). Furthermore, research by Hattie (2012) emphasizes the importance of creating a positive classroom climate, asserting that the physical layout plays a crucial role in fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning. The influence of virtual learning environments cannot be ignored either. A Means et al. (2013) meta-analysis highlighted the importance of well-designed online platforms, emphasizing their impact on student achievement and satisfaction. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, understanding and optimizing physical and virtual learning spaces is paramount for educational success (Means et al., 2013; Hattie, 2012; Tanner & Lackney, 2006).

Physical Learning Spaces

The traditional classroom setup, with rows of desks facing forward, may not be the most conducive environment for personalized learning. Flexible seating arrangements, breakout spaces, and interactive learning corners empower students to take control of their learning. Recognizing that each student is unique, physical spaces can be designed to cater to various learning preferences, whether it be quiet individual study, collaborative group work, or hands-on experimentation.

Virtual Learning Environments

In our digital age, the concept of place extends beyond physical boundaries. Virtual learning environments, online platforms, and educational apps contribute to the personalized learning ecosystem. The design of these digital spaces, from user interface to interactive features, can significantly influence the engagement and success of personalized learning initiatives. Thoughtful consideration must be given to user experience and accessibility, ensuring the virtual place complements and enhances the learning process.

Outdoor Areas

The importance of outdoor spaces for learning cannot be overstated, as they offer a transformative and holistic dimension to education. Beyond the traditional confines of classrooms, the outdoors provides a dynamic setting that stimulates curiosity, creativity, and a sense of exploration. Nature becomes a powerful teacher, offering biology, ecology, and environmental science lessons in a living laboratory. Beyond academic subjects, outdoor spaces promote physical activity, contributing to students' overall well-being. The fresh air and natural light create an invigorating atmosphere, fostering focus and reducing stress. Moreover, outdoor environments encourage collaboration, teamwork, and social skills as students engage in activities that often require cooperation and communication. By integrating outdoor spaces into the learning experience, educators enrich the academic curriculum and cultivate a love for the environment and a deeper connection to the world around us.

Below are some specific strategies for crafting effective learning spaces:

• Individualized Learning Zones: Break down traditional classroom barriers by creating individualized learning zones. Each student can have a designated space that aligns with their preferred learning style, whether a quiet corner for reflection or an interactive area for hands-on exploration.
• Technology Integration: Leverage technology to bridge the physical and virtual learning spaces. Interactive whiteboards, digital collaboration tools, and online resources can seamlessly integrate into the classroom, providing a dynamic and personalized learning experience.
• Flexible Furniture: The days of static desks and chairs are behind us. Embrace flexible furniture that can be easily rearranged to accommodate different learning activities. This adaptability promotes a sense of ownership over the learning environment.
• Makerspaces: When I hired Laura Fleming in 2012, I asked her to transform the library into a place where kids not only wanted to read but could also serve as a catalyst for personalization. She did all that and more by creating a makerspace that became revered by our students and educators across the globe. It was a place for learners to collaborate, hack, invent, share, create, make, and do, which is the epitome of personalization. They were given all the tools needed to get started, but where it went was up to them. Learn more about makerspaces HERE.
• Student-Centric Design: Involve students in the design process. Solicit their input on the classroom layout, the choice of furniture, and technology integration. A student-centric approach ensures that the learning space truly resonates with its inhabitants.

As you embark on the personalized learning journey, consider the impact of place. The physical, outdoor, and virtual environments in which learning unfolds are not passive backdrops but active participants in the educational process. By strategically crafting these spaces to align with the diverse needs of learners, we can amplify the effectiveness of personalized learning initiatives. The power of place extends beyond the confines of walls and screens; it is a dynamic force shaping the essence of how we learn and grow.

Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. Routledge.

Means, B., Toyama, Y., Murphy, R., & Baki, M. (2013). The effectiveness of online and blended learning: A meta-analysis of the empirical literature. Teachers College Record, 115(3), 1-47.

Tanner, C. K., & Lackney, J. A. (2006). Approaches to learning space design. Planning for Higher Education, 34(3), 35-50.

Charting a Student's Journey: A Guide to Crafting Effective Learning Paths

The journey of learning is a unique and intricate process, with each learner embarking on their own distinctive path towards success. The idea that every individual follows a different route to achieve their goals is deeply rooted in the diverse nature of human cognition, aspirations, and experiences. In this post, I will strive to care out the fundamental reasons why every learner carves out a distinct educational journey, acknowledging the multifaceted elements that contribute to this diversity.

One of the key factors that drive the individuality of learning paths is the inherent uniqueness of each person's cognitive and emotional makeup. Cognitive science has demonstrated that no two minds are alike, and individuals possess distinct learning styles, strengths, and weaknesses. Some learners may excel in visual or kinesthetic learning, while others lean towards auditory or logical approaches. These intrinsic differences in how we process information and tackle challenges lead to the development of personalized learning pathways, as individuals naturally gravitate towards methods that resonate with their cognitive preferences. 

Furthermore, the varying motivations, interests, and aspirations of learners play a pivotal role in shaping their educational journeys. While one student might be passionately driven by a desire to explore the realms of science and engineering, another may find their calling in the world of art and literature. These unique interests and objectives guide individuals toward specific areas of study and influence the choices they make in their learning endeavors. The distinct paths learners follow reflect their personal quests to align their educational experiences with their passions and long-term aspirations.

One of the key reasons why the learning path is critical in personalized learning is its ability to address diverse learning needs and preferences. Research by Vygotsky (1978) highlights the importance of adapting instruction to a student's individual needs, emphasizing the role of scaffolding and guidance. A well-designed learning path can provide various resources and activities that cater to visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and other learning preferences, ensuring that each student can engage with the material in a way that suits them best.

The learning path empowers students to take control of their learning journey. In a study conducted by Means et al. (2009), researchers found that personalized learning, with a focus on allowing students to set their own pace, led to improved academic outcomes. A personalized learning path enables students to progress through the curriculum at a pace that suits their capabilities and preferences, fostering a sense of autonomy and motivation.

What makes them even more valuable is the fact that they allow educators to adapt content to individual needs. Research by Kulik and Kulik (1991) highlights that adapting instruction to individual differences can result in substantial learning gains. By customizing the learning path to each student's strengths and weaknesses, educators can provide targeted resources and activities to enhance understanding and retention.

Varying paths often incorporate continuous assessment and feedback mechanisms, which play a pivotal role in the learning process. Research by Hattie and Timperley (2007) suggests that feedback is one of the most potent influences on learning. Personalized learning paths can provide real-time feedback on students' progress, helping them identify areas for improvement and guiding them toward mastery.

Every student learns at their own pace, and personalized learning paths are designed to accommodate this variation. Research by Bloom (1984) demonstrated the benefits of mastery learning, a concept closely related to personalized learning, in which students must achieve a predetermined level of proficiency before progressing. Learning paths can ensure that students have mastered a topic before moving on, preventing gaps in understanding.

Here are some practical implementation strategies that allow students to follow a path aligned with their learning needs and interests:

• Adaptive technologies
• Choice activities (must-do/may-do tasks, choice boards, etc.)
• Playlists
• Self-paced learning (flipped lessons, virtual courses)
• School-within-a-school models (academies, smaller learning communities)

Path recognizes the learner as an active participant in their educational journey. It leverages their autonomy, choice, and self-direction to create a personalized and highly engaging learning experience. This approach not only fosters academic success but also equips individuals with essential competencies and a mindset for continued self-directed learning throughout their lives.

Anywhere Learning

Education has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, and one of the most significant developments is the concept of "anywhere learning." This innovative approach to personalized education leverages technology to give students the flexibility and freedom to learn at their own pace, in their own space. Anywhere learning is proving to be a game-changer, benefiting students in a multitude of ways, primarily because it is entirely learner-centric.

First and foremost, the ability to learn anytime, anywhere, and with anyone benefits students by offering unparalleled flexibility. Traditional classroom-based education often constrains students with fixed schedules and locations. However, with anywhere learning, students have the freedom to choose when and where they engage with their coursework. This flexibility allows them to adapt their learning to their individual needs and lifestyles. Whether a student is a night owl, a morning person, or needs to accommodate a part-time job, anywhere learning enables them to create a personalized learning schedule.

Moreover, it is particularly beneficial for students with diverse learning preferences. Not all students thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Some may require more time to process information, while others may excel in self-directed learning. Anywhere learning provides a wide range of resources and materials, including videos, interactive simulations, and written content, enabling students to choose the format that best suits their learning style. This personalized approach fosters a deeper understanding of the concepts and promotes critical thinking. I shared the following quote in Disruptive Thinking:

Personalized learning represents an array of strategies that ensure all learners get what they need when and where they need it to succeed. 

Additionally, learning anytime and anywhere develops self-discipline and time management competencies, which are crucial for students' future success. Learning in a flexible environment requires students to take ownership of their education and manage their time effectively. They must set goals, prioritize tasks, and establish routines to succeed. These competencies serve them well in their academic pursuits and prepare them for the demands of the modern workforce, where time management is a valuable asset. With a personalized focus, educators can create lessons, tasks, or even courses that empower students to make the most of where and when they learn.

Another significant advantage of anywhere learning is its accessibility. It breaks down geographical barriers and provides education to students who may need access to quality schools or universities. This democratization of education is a powerful force in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity. Whether a student lives in a remote area, has physical disabilities, or wants to explore a curriculum not offered locally, personalization opens the doors to a world of knowledge and virtual experiences.

Furthermore, anywhere learning fosters a global perspective. Students can engage with peers and educators from diverse backgrounds, enriching their understanding of different cultures and viewpoints. Online discussion forums and collaborative projects facilitate interactions that transcend geographical boundaries. This exposure to diverse perspectives is an invaluable aspect of a well-rounded education, preparing students for a globalized world.

Another critical aspect is the facilitation of continuous learning. In the digital age, knowledge is constantly evolving, and traditional education models may need help to keep pace with these changes. Anywhere learning allows students to access up-to-date information, courses, and resources at their fingertips. This adaptability to the evolving needs of the job market ensures that students remain competitive and adaptable in their careers.

Effective implementation requires careful planning, the right tools, and a supportive environment. Here are some suggestions on integrating anywhere learning options as a pathway to personalization:

1. Ensure Clarity: Establish clear learning targets by unpacking the standards that will be addressed. What are the learning goals you want to achieve? A well-defined purpose will guide your implementation strategy and help ensure students stay on task.
2. Select Appropriate Technology: Choose the right technology tools and platforms that align with your educational goals. Ensure they are user-friendly, secure, and offer the features needed for various learning activities, such as video conferencing, discussion boards, and content delivery.
3. Curriculum Development: Adapt and create educational content suitable for online, hybrid, or remote learning. This might involve reformatting existing materials or creating new resources that engage students in an online environment. Work to maintain quality standards for content and teaching methods. Regularly review and update course materials to keep them relevant and effective.
4. Assessment Strategies: Design effective assessment methods that work in an online context. Assessments should align with learning objectives and be easily administered and graded through digital means.
5. Access to Devices and Internet: Verify that students have access to the necessary devices (computers, tablets, etc.) and a reliable internet connection. Consider providing assistance or resources for students who lack access to these essentials. Ensure that student data is protected and that the online environment is secure. Implement robust data privacy and security measures to comply with regulations and safeguard sensitive information.
6. Interactive Learning Opportunities: Create opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and discussion. Engage students through asynchronous videos, discussion boards, group projects, and other interactive methods to encourage active learning and peer-to-peer interaction.
7. Feedback Mechanisms: Set up mechanisms for collecting feedback from students and educators. Regular surveys and feedback sessions can help identify issues and areas for improvement.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuously monitor for effectiveness. Analyze data on student performance and engagement to make informed adjustments and improvements.
9. Communication: Establish clear communication channels to keep students, parents, and educators informed about changes, updates, and essential information related to this means of personalization. Communicate with parents and caregivers to involve them in the learning process, especially for younger students. Provide them with information on supporting their children in an online learning environment.
10. Flexibility and Adaptability: Be ready to adapt and evolve this pedagogical strategy as technology advances and educational needs change. Embrace innovation and explore new opportunities as they arise.

As with any personalized pathway, anywhere learning is a transformative approach to education that benefits students in numerous ways. Its flexibility, adaptability to diverse learning styles, promotion of self-discipline and time management, accessibility, global perspective, and emphasis on continuous learning make it an ideal choice for modern students. Anywhere learning empowers students to take control of their education, enabling them to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world. As technology advances, the potential for personalization to positively impact the educational landscape and students' lives is boundless.

Tips for Creating Must-Do/May-Do Tasks

As readers of my blog know, I am incredibly passionate about pedagogically-sound personalized learning. Who wouldn’t be excited about implementing strategies that support ALL learners getting what they need when and where they need it to succeed? What is even more intriguing is that there is no one best way to personalize, something I wrote extensively about in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms and this recent blog post. While technology is a powerful tool that can be leveraged, it is not a prerequisite. Don’t get sucked into the narrative that students have to be on a device for it to be personalized.

As a presenter and coach, I show the value of various strategies educators can implement. I always point out that what might work for one person or classroom might not necessarily be the best fit for others. The key is to know your students in terms of interests, strengths, and areas for growth. Once a solid foundation has been established through sound Tier 1 instruction, the next course of action is to determine what high-agency practice will be employed. Choice is often one of the most preferred means to personalize. Don’t think you need to create an elaborate board.  A must-do/may-do menu is a great option that I see used more and more during my job-embedded coaching cycle.

Before implementing this personalized strategy, determine how the tasks will align with the standard(s) that are the focal point of the mini-lesson it will follow. Always remember the inherent value of tried-and-true instructional strategies where personalization can be integrated through student voice. The next step is to develop substantive tasks that all students must complete and choices they may engage in afterward.

Below are some general tips for creating a pedagogically sound list of activities that students must complete and then options to choose from, as well as effective implementation ideas.

• Develop a template and embed it in your learning management system (LMS) for easy access if digital tools are incorporated.
• Ensure alignment to the mini-lesson (content and concept specific) or areas of need (intervention).
• Shy away from all tech options.
• Include a challenging and relevant task(s).
• Try to avoid overloading with too many activities.
• Integrate an adaptive tool if available.
• Display a timer to aid in self-regulation and pacing.
• If possible, differentiate by having at least two variations.
• Use data to pull individuals for 1:1 support (Tier 3) when the entire class is working.
• Make time to monitor in between 1:1 support.
• End the lesson with a scaffolded closure task (i.e., exit ticket) for learner accountability and teacher feedback.

In the real world, individuals often have choices in how they approach tasks and projects. Must-do/may-do activities mirror this reality and prepare students for decision-making and time-management skills they will need later in life. Their value extends even further. In a diverse classroom, students have different strengths and weaknesses. Must-do/may-do activities provide flexibility for students to choose tasks that align with their abilities. This flexibility can reduce frustration for struggling students and prevent boredom for advanced ones.

As an option to personalize, must-do/may-do tasks are essential in the classroom because they create a more inclusive, engaging, and personalized learning environment. They support students at various competency levels, encourage autonomy, and prepare students for the complexities of the real world, all of which contribute to a more effective and enriching educational experience. Most of all, they can free up teacher time to support those learners who need it the most. 

Making Learning Personal: 5 Steps for Success

Learning is a deeply personal journey and tailoring it to individual needs and preferences is essential for fostering meaningful and effective education. Personalized learning increases engagement and helps learners develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. It all begins with understanding the learner's interests, something I dive deeply into in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. What are they passionate about? What do they want to learn more about? Once you know the learner's interests, you can tailor the learning experience to them.

Below are five things to consider, which can help make learning personal and empower students to take ownership of their education.

Establish Clarity

To make learning personal, educators should establish clear learning targets that are both challenging and achievable for students. These should align with the standard(s) being addressed and the student’s current knowledge and skills, ensuring they feel the appropriate cognitive flexibility without becoming overwhelmed. Clarity provides a sense of purpose, direction, and motivation, allowing students to measure their progress and take pride in their accomplishments. When facilitating Tier 1 instruction, look to impart relevance during the opening minutes through a well-designed anticipatory set. At the conclusion, have the students reflect on how they will use what they learned outside the classroom as part of a closure task.

Determine Individual Needs

Data is the best tool educators can use to determine what a learner needs to succeed. There are so many sources to pull from, such as common formative assessments, routine benchmarks, and adaptive tools. You can even leverage data from exit tickets. By identifying both areas for growth and strengths, educators can begin to map out specific personalized pedagogical pathways that focus on customized supports. They can also adapt their teaching methods and materials to cater to the diverse needs of their students.

Emphasize choice and autonomy

Empowering students with choice and autonomy is a fundamental aspect of personalized learning. When students have the freedom to choose topics, tasks, projects, or how to demonstrate understanding, they become more invested in their learning. Educators can provide a range of options within the curriculum, allowing students to pursue their passions and explore their strengths while meeting educational objectives through choice activities, playlists, specific digital tools, dry-erase surfaces, and must-do/may-do options. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for their learning.

Provide Continuous Feedback and Support

Learning that is personal ensures continuous feedback and support to students. Constructive feedback helps learners understand their strengths and areas for improvement, allowing them to adjust their strategies and take initiative in their learning journey. It should be timely, specific, and practical, where educators maintain open lines of communication, offering guidance and resources tailored to each student's needs. Also, fostering a growth mindset, where students understand that learning involves setbacks and challenges, can help them persevere and succeed.

Adapt and Evolve

Making learning personal is an ongoing process that requires adaptability, evolution, and growth. As students grow and change, so should their educational experiences. Educators should be willing to adapt their teaching methods and materials based on feedback and assessment results while connecting relevant trends and issues. Technology can also play a significant role in creating a personal touch, offering adaptive learning platforms and tools that cater to individual progress and needs.

The best classroom management strategy is sound pedagogy. Making learning personal can help establish attentive behavior while creating an environment where students want to work. Here are some practical tips that can be leveraged during every lesson:

• Integrate a hook at the beginning of class.
• Use technology to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.
• Connect learning to the learner's real-world experiences.
• Encourage learners to reflect on their learning and set goals for themselves.
• Celebrate the learner's successes.

Personalized learning is a powerful approach to education that recognizes the uniqueness of each student. Educators can create an environment where students are actively engaged and take ownership of their learning by assessing learning preferences, establishing clarity, offering choice and autonomy, providing continuous feedback and support, and adapting to changing needs. Ultimately, personalized learning enhances academic achievement and fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.

How Pace Benefits All Learners

When you think about how you learn best, what comes to mind? Your response most likely flies in the face of how you were taught, and the same could be said of students today. If all kids are doing the same thing, the same way, at the same time, the experience is more impersonal than personal. It might work for some, but definitely not all. Learning is a process, not an event. It is more about the experience as opposed to a single lesson, curriculum, or assessment. So, what does or can, this look and feel like? In Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms, I defined personalization as ALL learners getting what they need, when and where they need it, to succeed. Time is a critical element in this process. 

Pacing is an essential element of personalized learning because it allows all students to thrive. By enabling students to learn at their own pace, personalization ensures that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Pacing is critical when it comes to personalized pedagogy because it affects a number of factors that are essential for learning, including:

• Students learn at different paces. Not all students learn at the same rate. Some students may need more time to process information, while others may be able to learn more quickly. 
• Pacing can impact engagement. When students are able to learn at their own pace, they are more likely to be invested in the learning process. This is because they are not forced to keep up with a group that is moving too quickly for them or to wait for a group that is moving too slowly.
• Pacing can affect understanding. When students are able to learn at their own pace, they are more likely to comprehend the material. This is because they have the time to process the information and to ask questions if they do not understand something.
• Pacing can increase motivation. When students see they are making progress, they are more likely to be empowered to continue learning. This is because they feel like they are in control of their own learning and capable of succeeding, which is a crucial tenant of ownership.

In addition to these reasons, pacing is also vital for personalized learning because it allows students to focus on their strengths and interests. When students can learn at their own pace, they can spend more time on concepts they are interested in while concentrating more on areas of perceived difficulty. This can help them to develop essential competencies in those areas. Overall, pace is critical to personalized learning because it allows all students to succeed. 

There are a number of ways to implement pacing in personalized learning. One way is to use a variety of learning activities that allow students to learn at different levels and at different paces. For example, some students learn best by reading, while others learn best by listening to lectures or doing hands-on activities. By providing a variety of learning activities, teachers can ensure that all students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace.

Another way to implement pacing in personalized learning is to use technology. Several software programs allow teachers to create personalized learning plans for their students. These programs can track students' progress and adjust the pace of learning accordingly.

Here are some tips for pacing in personalized learning:

• Start by assessing students' individual needs. This will help you to determine how much time each student needs to learn the material. Consider common formative assessments, routine benchmarks, or the regular use of adaptive learning tools to get and then act on quality data. With useable data at their fingertips, educators can group, regroup, differentiate, target instruction, and implement Response to Intervention (RTI) with fidelity based on need. 
• Implement a variety of learning activities. This will allow students to learn at different levels and at different paces. Sound pedagogical strategies such as station rotation, choice activities, playlists, and flipped lessons can be leveraged. 
• Be flexible. Be willing to adjust the pace of the learning as needed. Consider using timers during tier 1 instructional activities as well as more robust pedagogical tasks.
• Provide regular feedback. This will help students to track their progress and to stay motivated.

Pace is a critical element of personalization because it allows students to exhibit more ownership of their learning. This is important because not all students learn at the same rate. Some students may need more time to process information, while others may be able to learn more quickly. By allowing students to learn at their own pace, personalized learning ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed.

Keep these tips in mind so you can ensure that the pace of personalized learning is appropriate for your students and that they are able to learn effectively.

#EDvice: Moving from Impersonal to Personalized

There is a great deal of confusion out there as to what personalization is when it comes to learning in and out of the classroom. When terms that are new materialize, there is a natural inclination to develop a meaning that works for a particular narrative or goal.  A lack of clarity or pedagogical understanding translates to people and organizations making up whatever fits best.  From my lens, this is exactly what has occurred with personalized learning.  Below is my strong opinion on the issue, which I shared in Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms:

Putting all kids on a device and having them use an adaptive tool at the same time is NOT personalization. Understanding WHO our students are and helping them ALL succeed with or without tech is at the heart of personalized approaches that ensure equity in the classroom.

The last few words above are the most critical.  Personalized learning encompasses an array of strategies that provide all learners with what they need, when and where they need it to succeed. This flies in the face of all students doing the same thing, the same way, at the same time during the majority of a lesson, especially the instructional component, or a task. I dive a bit deeper into the concept in this piece of #EDvice. 

There is not one right or best way to personalize. However, a significant culture shift is required at all levels, including district, school, and classroom. I shared the following in a past post:

An impersonal approach is all students doing the same thing the same way at the same time. While this can have merit in moderation, excessive use of one-size-fits-all approaches is inequitable. They also tend to focus on the “what .”On the other hand, personalization is where all learners get what they need when and where they need it through equitable experiences. There is also clarity in terms of why they are learning what they are and how it will be used outside of school. 

 

 

Personalization can occur through many high-agency approaches such as rotational models, choice activities, playlists, flipped lessons, and virtual courses. It can also be achieved through an array of strategies that have been around, in some form or another, for years, including differentiation, response to intervention (RTI), and the purposeful use of technology in alignment with Tier 1 instruction. 

If we are serious about equity in learning, then the best path forward is to make concerted efforts to develop a shared vision that emphasizes who we serve and work from there. 

When Growth is the Only Path Forward

No pain, no gain has been a common saying for years. Truth be told, getting better is hard work, no matter the context. When faced with adversity, we take one of two paths. The first is seeing the inherent opportunity in a challenge through a growth mindset. Sometimes that means looking beyond traditional metrics of success to find other areas where the needle can be moved. Just because you are already good at something should not hinder progress in other areas. The second option is to develop a sense of reluctance to push forward. Many factors, such as fear and comfort, can lead us in this direction. These can both stymy change efforts or develop an illusion that everything is just “peachy.”

Truth be told, when it comes to education, there is no perfection, no matter where quantitative and qualitative metrics reside. Even if you have the best test scores, graduation rates, innovative practices, and attendance numbers, growth should still be pursued. Authentic leadership is being honest and vulnerable about where you are to help others get to where they need and want to be to succeed. Whether you lead a district, organization, school, or classroom, you should always strive to get better. There is always work to be done and effective educators embrace this wholeheartedly.  

Consider the following questions when it comes to professional growth:

• Who do we serve?
• Why are our practices effective or not?
• How can we improve?
• What will tell us whether or not we are successful?
• Where do we go from here?

A standout example of this is Quest Academy Junior High School in Utah. During the spring of 2022, I met Nicki Slaugh, who serves as principal, and many of her staff at a school system where we were all there to facilitate professional learning on Personalized Competency-Based Learning (PCBL). In typical fashion, I moved from ideas and concepts to concrete examples of evidence from my other coaching projects to illustrate practicality and efficacy. In Nicki’s words, she saw many direct connections to what she and her staff were doing at Quest, but more importantly, she saw an opportunity to grow. It was at this point that we planned longitudinal work over the course of the year, which included a book study using Disruptive Thinking in Our Classrooms. 

After several workshops, I began coaching cycles in the fall of 2022. What I immediately saw blew my mind as it was some of the best examples of personalization at scale that I have ever seen. In every classroom, I saw evidence of a vibrant culture of learning and competency-based strategies where students followed a unique path and worked at their own pace. Teachers were seen pulling students based on data for targeted support in small groups or individually in math and ELA. Rubrics were everywhere and accessible in Google Classroom. I also saw the consistent use of exit tickets and pathways to provide feedback. My brief summary does not do justice to what these teachers and their leader have accomplished. It is simply amazing. 

After reading the paragraph above, you are probably wondering why I am even supporting Quest. Well, this ties directly to the title of my post. Even though they are clicking on all cylinders in many areas, Nicki and her staff live by the mantra that growth is a never-ending journey. Collectively, we came to the consensus that there were opportunities to grow in the use of high-agency strategies, most notably voice and choice, as well as the development of customized supports schoolwide. Thus, we created a personalized coaching plan to target these focus areas. 

To date, there has been so much progress made. I have included a few pictures below, but to get a better sense of all that is happening at Quest, take a look at THIS PRESENTATION Nicki and I have facilitated for the Utah State Board of Education in person and virtually. You will see what they already had in place, but also growth in the areas of station rotation, flipped lessons, playlists, amplification of voice through technology and dry-erase surfaces, rigor, and relevance. Please note that this is only a small sampling of evidence. 

The culture of learning that Nicki has established at Quest empowers teachers to take risks and actively reflect on their practice. After each coaching session, she takes my feedback and then works with her staff to pull out the most essential parts. Growth is happening because Nicki and her teachers own the process. They change not because they necessarily have to but because they want to in an effort to serve their students better. I have been so impressed that I took my team to Quest to see firsthand what true personalization looks like as we put the finishing touches on our support model for districts and schools across the world. Nicki shared the following:

"To be the 1%, you need to do what 99% are either hesitant or unwilling to do. Our entire school culture is based on always reaching for better. We had already implemented several aspects of PCBL, but upon meeting with Eric, it was clear that we still had room for growth. While listening to Eric present, I felt he was my kindred spirit. It was so exciting for us to meet someone who shared our passion and vision. We had already experienced how valuable feedback was in helping our students grow, so we were excited for the opportunity to receive feedback from an expert in the PCBL field to help take us to the next level. The strategies Eric has given my teachers have been invaluable. He has connected with both my students and staff and has genuinely become part of our team."

My point is as simple as it is proud. Growth can and should be the only path forward, no matter where you are in your practice or as a system. Professional learning should be anything but “cookie cutter” and personalized based on your needs and goals. It should be something you want to engage in, not viewed as another thing to do or a waste of time. If you want to have a conversation about what this could look like in your district, organization, or school, send me an email.