
PLA Resources and Supports
“Customized” is the key! Districts can choose to immerse their school communities in the full three-phase IU13 Personalized Learning Academy – including all aspects in the phase descriptions below – or select the individual resources and supports that best meet their needs.
Learn more about the comprehensive services and supports available as well as individual resources you might choose as you explore, learn more, and chart your path toward personalized learning.
Explore your next steps:
-
Prepare for Personalized Learning
-
IU13 Personalized Learning Academy
- Phase 1 – Initiate (and related resources)
- Phase 2 – Implement (and related resources)
- Phase 3 – Institutionalize (and related resources)
Blended Learning
At IU13, we believe that implementing blended learning is the stepping-stone school districts need to begin paving the way to personalized learning. Is this your first step? If so, our team offers vast experience and expertise in guiding school teams through planning for and implementation of the Station Rotation Model. Learn more here:
Introduction to the Station Rotation Learning Model (18 hours) –
- Learn about the station rotation model and framework used to transform classroom environments.
- Experience each modality of learning through participating in a variety of activities.
- Explore classroom management strategies that can be implemented in this blended learning environment.
- Collaboratively create station expectations, classroom designs, and station rotation agendas.
PLA Phase 1:
Initiate Personalized Learning
This phase focuses on district-level leadership, knowledge, and “buy-in,” knowing that ultimate success is based on understanding and exploring key questions:
- What is personalized learning?
- What is our vision? (Why implement personalized learning in our district? What is personalized learning for our district?)
- What is our overall plan to achieve our vision for personalized learning?
In Phase 1, teams of 4-6 district leaders participate in face-to-face sessions with nationally-renowned presenters and engage in action planning. Then, district participants attend targeted professional development either face-to-face or virtually.
*Would you like to explore more before starting the Personalized Learning Academy?
Items below marked with an asterisk* may be selected individually to support your personalized learning journey.
- Leadership Series* – Nationally recognized speakers present on a variety of research-based models of personalized learning to inform and guide leadership teams as they chart their personalized learning path. Past presenters have included noted experts including Bea McGarvey, Brad Geise, and Jim Rickabaugh! Learn more here!
- Personalized Learning Academy Action Planning Rating Tool/Action Planning Tool* – This rating tool includes a crosswalk between multiple Personalized Learning frameworks including the Aurora Institute’s elements of personalized learning. School administrative teams use this tool to assess each element within their district, and they use this data to set goals and build action plans.
- Curriculum and Assessment: The Sound Foundation for Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – Curriculum and assessment are the foundation of any teaching and learning experience. In this session, these two fundamental concepts will be presented through a modern lens with an emphasis on their role in planning and measuring personalized learning.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging Resources for Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – Personalized learning requires purposeful integration of technology to maximize learning. In this session, blended learning models (flipped, flex, individual rotation, and station rotation), instructional technology tools, and digital resources will be examined for their use in personalized learning.
- Cognitive Rigor: Ensuring Depth and Complexity with Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – There is inherent risk involved in the implementation of new innovations, and reducing rigor is always a concern. In this segment, explore the characteristics of a rigorous classroom, how to increase cognitive demand, and create personalized opportunities for deeper learning.
- Project-Based Learning: A Learner-Centered Approach to Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – Join PBL Works-certified coaches for the gold standard of Project-Based Learning. In this session, take a deep dive into the eight essential elements of project design, and how each relates to designing, assessing, and managing projects in a personalized learning environment.
- 21st Century Learning: A Framework for Successful Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – Successful personalized learning includes content acquisition and skill development. In this session, dig into the 4Cs of 21st Century Learning (collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking) to explore ways to provide personalized learning opportunities to all learners.
PLA Phase 2:
Implement Personalized Learning
During this phase, district leaders and key personnel strengthen their capacity to support the implementation of personalized learning through an online “train-the-trainer” course in the fall (see modules below), year-long participation in networking groups with cohort members, and collaborative development of learning progressions in the spring.
*Would you like to explore more before starting the Personalized Learning Academy?
Items below marked with an asterisk* may be selected individually to support your personalized learning journey.
Module 1: Support for Educators Implementing Personalized Learning* (3 hours) – This module includes the following topics:
- Topic 1A: Principles and Practices of Effective Coaching
- Topic 1B: Encouraging Teacher Efficacy
Module 2: Planning for Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – This module includes the following topics:
- Topic 2A: The Learner-Centered Classroom
- Topic 2B: Learner Profiles and Personalized Learning Plans
- Topic 2C: Curriculum in a Personalized Learning Environment
- Topic 2D: Competency-Based Learning, Learning Progressions, and Assessment
- Topic 2E: Cognitive Rigor, Depth, and Complexity
Module 3: Facilitating Personalized Learning* (5 hours) – This module includes the following topics:
- Topic 3A: Student Goal Setting
- Topic 3B: Differentiation and Flexible Grouping
- Topic 3C: 21st Century Learning
- Topic 3D: Technology Integration and Blended Learning
Module 4: Measuring Personalized Learning* (6 hours) – This module includes the following topics:
- Topic 4A: Formative Assessment
- Topic 4B: Using Student Data
- Topic 4C: Classroom Grading Practices
- Topic 4D: Performance Assessment and Rubrics
- Topic 4E: Digital Portfolios
PLA Learning Progressions – Days 1-4 (ELA, Math, SCI, SS)* (24 hours) – This online, combination synchronous and asynchronous professional learning opportunity will include the following facilitation assets:
- IU13 Personalized Learning Path
- Slide decks with detailed talking points for days 1-4
- Online coursework for asynchronous portions
- Google spreadsheet learning progressions template
PLA Phase 3:
Institutionalize Personalized Learning
This phase focuses on building capacity of all participating staff through professional learning around the guiding principles and components of personalized learning as implementation of your district’s vision and action plan continues to spread and grow. Personalized Learning Academy Phase 3 teams participate in monthly webinars to highlight successful approaches to overcoming challenges and sustaining personalized learning, action planning for course correction and future planning, collaboration/celebration with their cohort, and incorporation of the following tools and online courses on guiding principles and competencies.
*Would you like to explore more before starting the Personalized Learning Academy?
Items below marked with an asterisk* may be selected individually to support your personalized learning journey.
Teacher Competency Self-Awareness Tool (TCSAT)* – The TCSAT is an online self-assessment tool built in Google Forms and designed for teachers to complete at various stages in their personalized learning journeys. The purpose of this tool for teachers is for them to notice and analyze their own professional growth over time.
PLA Phase 3 Guiding Principles* (2 hours) – This module includes online professional learning focused on the following guiding principles:
- Guiding Principle 1: Personalized learning means all learners set and meet high expectations, and they all have access to learning opportunities that are learner-centered.
- Guiding Principle 2: Learner-centered classrooms require flexible classroom structures, practices, and paradigms.
- Guiding Principle 3: Personalized learning empowers learners through ownership, agency, and excitement for learning.
Competency 1: Design and enact competency-based classroom systems that ensure high expectations for all learners* (4 hours) – This competency includes the following indicators:
- Understand the role of anytime/anywhere learning and flexible pacing.
- Understand the purpose of learning progressions and how they are used.
- Create clear learning outcomes
- Develop proficiency scales
- Design high-quality tasks
- Facilitate student goal-setting
- Co-design learning pathways
Competency 2: Create and cultivate learner-centered classrooms* (5 hours) – This competency includes the following indicators:
- Develop learner profiles
- Empower learners through voice, choice, and advocacy
- Foster a culture of collaboration
- Plan authentic learning opportunities
- Develop classroom management strategies
- Understand technology integration and blended learning models
- Integrate 21st Century Learning
- Understand the essential design elements of PBL
Competency 3: Use multiple measures of data to assess learning and inform next steps for learning outcomes and pathways* (4 hours) – This competency includes the following indicators:
- Understand the purpose of classroom grading
- Understand how to use varied assessment types
- Use formative assessment data to inform teaching and learning
- Provide opportunities for varied evidence of learning
- Facilitate learner self-reflection and assessment
- Incorporate frequent, timely, and meaningful feedback
- Co-create learner portfolios
Let IU13 guide your personalized learning journey, and we’ll equip and support your team on its successful path to meeting your school’s goals.