New KnowledgeWorks Resource Supports Leaders Who Want to Personalize Learning

Published:
Topics: 101, Vision and Culture

From Vision to Reality: Personalized, Competency-Based Learning for All Kids is designed to help school districts take steps toward personalized, competency-based learning, and equip leaders with the following support to do this critical work. As technology and automation reshape the economy, schools continue to feel the pressure to prepare all students for their future in a rapidly changing world. To be ready for the future, students must not only master academics but be able to develop and effectively apply social-emotional skills. To meet these demands, educators and leaders across the country are considering how personalized, competency-based learning might provide the environment needed to set every student up for success well beyond their tenure in our schools.

KnowledgeWorks’ newest publication, From Vision to Reality: Personalized, Competency-Based Learning for All Kids© serves as a resource for education leaders who have a desire to personalize learning in their district or school. The publication provides in-depth insights on how leaders can identify and communicate why they are making the shift to personalized, competency-based learning, how to create and implement the  vision for personalized opportunities in schools, and how to understand and navigate state education policy.

“Leaders need to think beyond their current school walls and get ready to educate the next generation of learners for the future,” said Virgel Hammonds, chief learning officer for KnowledgeWorks. “Personalized learning provides educators and students with a flexible environment that helps students achieve academic and social skills development, ensuring that all kids are ready for the ever-changing demands of college and career.”

Hammonds, a former superintendent and principal in personalized learning environments, authored the paper with Jesse Moyer, senior director of school development for KnowledgeWorks and personalized learning policy and practice researcher.  

From Vision to Reality: Personalized, Competency-Based Learning for All Kids highlights the opportunity for leaders and educators to transform the education system by putting students at the center. The resource is specifically designed to help school districts take steps toward implementing personalized, competency-based learning, and equip leaders with the following support to do this critical work:

  • Information to help make the case for personalized, competency-based, learning, including what it means for students and teachers and resources to support community conversations
  • Guidance on crafting a future-focused vision and tools to get started
  • Essential areas to consider when implementing personalized, competency-based learning, including impact for students, educators and supporting systems
  • Resources on how flexible state and federal education policies can support personalized learning

“Our current system isn’t designed to deliver the results we need in today’s rapidly changing society,” said Moyer. “This paper provides leaders with practical information to consider when trying to move from a traditional education model to personalized competency-based learning.”

About KnowledgeWorks

KnowledgeWorks is a national nonprofit organization advancing a future of learning that ensures each student graduates ready for what’s next. For more than 20 years, we’ve been partnering with states, communities and leaders across the country to imagine, build and sustain vibrant learning communities. Through evidence-based practices and a commitment to equitable outcomes, we’re creating the future of learning, together.  www.knowledgeworks.org