The 2025 Pennsylvania Personalized Learning Summit marked a pivotal moment in the state’s journey toward educational innovation. Held in June, the summit brought together educators, policymakers and thought leaders to explore the transformative potential of personalized learning across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Innovation Guide: a roadmap and a catalyst for change
Central to the event was the unveiling of the Pennsylvania Innovation Guide, a collaborative effort between KnowledgeWorks and Remake Learning, designed to bridge policy and practice in meaningful, actionable ways.
The Pennsylvania Innovation Guide serves as both a roadmap and a catalyst for change. Developed through focus groups and interviews with school and district leaders, the guide introduces key personalized learning concepts and showcases real-world examples from Pennsylvania school districts. Its structure is thoughtfully organized into six core areas:
- Pennsylvania policy landscape
- Profile of a Learner creation
- Resources and partnerships
- School structure
- Career-connected learning
- Professional learning
Each of these areas was explored in depth during a 2025 Pennsylvania Personalized Learning Summit workshop session. Participants were encouraged to select a focus area, reflect on its relevance and collaborate in small groups to identify actionable ideas.
Finding shared ground for a shared vision
Event attendees explored how implementing personalized, competency-based learning varies across classrooms, schools and districts, while also identifying key commonalities. Across all levels, a shared language and the challenges of limited time and building buy-in emerged as consistent themes. However, the approach to implementation differs. In classrooms, success depends on aligning instruction with learning goals and actively involving students. At the school level, it requires schoolwide conversations that connect learning to students’ future aspirations. At the district level, participants emphasized the importance of sustained professional development to equip educators with the tools and mindset needed to lead this work.
One area of emphasis was the Profile of a Learner creation. This concept encourages schools and districts to define the skills, knowledge and dispositions students need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Strategies discussed included leveraging the creation to build a common language and create buy-in of learners, educators and community members. Attendees highlighted the importance of creating a profile that can be used to align skill goals with learning. Participants noted that while challenges such as staff training and community engagement exist, the potential for meaningful impact is significant.
Another area of interest was around school structure. Attendees discussed how schools and districts can utilize less traditional methods to help learners build relationships with educators and fellow learners. Building a school community that feels like a family can help ensure students are engaged in their learning. The Duquesne City School District example from the innovation guide resonated deeply with attendees.
The summit also highlighted the importance of professional learning for educators. Ongoing, job-embedded professional development was identified as essential for sustaining personalized learning initiatives. Participants shared ideas for creating collaborative learning communities, leveraging technology to support teacher growth and leaning into relationships.
Southwest Pennsylvania is already seeing the impact of strong professional development. In the Beaver Area School District, educators are given opportunities to participate in workshops and visit the classrooms of educators already implementing personalized learning practices. “When you see it with your own eyes, you take away more,” said Emily Sanders, assistant superintendent in the district.
The power of a personalized learning working group
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of optimism and innovation. Good things are ahead for learners, their families, and educators in Pennsylvania. There are shared challenges, such as time constraints, funding and change management, but also creative solutions and supports needed to overcome them.
“The power of the personalized learning working group is in bringing people together with diverse experience and perspectives to think deeply about systems and policies,” said Lori Phillips, a KnowledgeWorks senior director of teaching and learning who has been active in KnowledgeWorks partnerships in southwest Pennsylvania.
As the summit concluded, attendees reflected on what they could take back to their schools and districts. The resounding message was clear: personalized learning is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a dynamic, evolving approach that places students at the center of their educational journey.
