From 2022 through 2024, teams of educators across Ohio embarked upon a transformative journey through a professional learning cohort designed to empower them with student-centered teaching and learning strategies. The dynamic learning cohort was supported by regional Educational Service Centers (ESCs) and KnowledgeWorks – equipping educators with a robust framework of resources and guidance.
Participants engaged in regular coaching sessions, attended in-person and virtual convenings, completed personalized learning implementation surveys and benefited from continuous quality improvement support. Collaboration with the Lead for Learners national network and other personalized learning practitioners across the state further enriched the program, offering a well-rounded approach to systems transformation.
A cornerstone of the initiative was the collection of case studies documenting the experiences of schools on their implementation journeys. These studies, grounded in focus groups, surveys and direct classroom observations, provide a nuanced and comprehensive view of personalized learning in action.
“Case studies are invaluable in our continuous improvement efforts,” said Dereck Norville-Bowie, Director of Impact and Improvement at KnowledgeWorks. “They provide rich, real-world examples that transcend individual data points, offering a more holistic understanding of how these innovations unfold in educational settings.”
Ohio case studies in personalized learning
Each narrative illuminates unique approaches to personalized learning, highlighting successes, challenges and strategies for overcoming barriers. These stories serve as practical guides and sources of inspiration for educators and administrators aiming to adopt or enhance personalized learning in their own contexts.
Each case study features:
- School Spotlights: Profiles of schools implementing personalized learning
- Classroom Highlights: Vivid examples of teaching strategies and student engagement
- Progress Reflections: Insights into milestones achieved and lessons learned
- Implementation Timelines: Roadmaps that track the journey from inception to current practices
Highlighted schools and districts include:
- Riverside Local Schools
- Preble Shawnee Elementary School
- Mayfield Elementary School
- Noble Local School District
- Warrensville Heights ROAR Academy
“By examining these detailed narratives, we gain deeper insights into what works, what challenges arise and how we can refine our strategies to better meet the needs of all students,” Norville-Bowie added.
Case studies serve as catalysts for growth by bridging theory and practice and offering a lens into the transformative potential of personalized, competency-based learning. Through these shared stories, educators and leaders can learn from one another and continue to drive forward a collective vision of equitable, student-centered education.
