Massachusetts Personalized Learning Network
With the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools, districts and states have the opportunity to rethink how to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit that will be necessary for their success in a rapidly changing society. As Massachusetts’ student population grows more diverse, the one-size-fits-all school educational model of the past can no longer properly prepare our students for in college, career, and life in the 21st Century. We believe personalized learning is the key to achieving success and educational equity for all students in the Commonwealth.
In 2016, CCE launched the Massachusetts Personalized Learning Network (MA PLN) and was selected as a regional partner of Massachusetts by Next Generation Learning Challenges to work with district leaders, principals, and teachers to design and implement personalized learning plan that provides learning experiences tailored to students’ individual needs, skills, and interests and that fosters engaged and active learners while all are working toward the same educational goals. The founding members of the network include Walsh Middle School of Framingham Public School District and Garfield Middle School of Revere Public School District.
Transforming Massachusetts’ schools for the 21st Century.
Traditional schools present teaching and learning as part of a fixed system, and expect students to adjust to fit this established system. In personalized learning schools, teaching and learning will be flexible and adaptable, adjusting the system to the individual students and what they need to be successful.
Placing students at the center of their learning.
At its core, personalized learning is a student-centered approach, elevating student ownership, choice, and voice in their education. MA PLN’s principles foster educational experiences that are individualized, project-based, flexible, and attuned to the unique academic and social-emotional needs of students.
Supporting the professional growth of educators.
Working with a cohort of engaged educators, MA PLN builds effective leadership – promoting learning and achievement through intense professional development and coaching experiences. Network members explore strategies and best practices for implementing personalized learning in their schools and classrooms, empowering them with the tools needed to transform their practice
Developing future graduates who are well prepared for a rapidly changing global society.
In the era ESSA, there is a demand for more student-centered instruction and authentic assessments. Our future graduates will be expected to not merely retain facts and formulas, but to think critically, problem-solve collaboratively, and innovate creatively. We need curriculum that is personalized, engaging, and properly prepares for the challenges of today’s world.
Building awareness and support of conditions that enable all students to excel.
Documenting, analyzing, and sharing data on personalized learning with the field will provide valuable information about the conditions and approaches necessary to move away from the factory schools of the past, and towards a new vision for personalized teaching and learning.
Center for Collaborative Education (CCE) is proud to partner with LearnLaunch, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Agilix and National Center for Time on Learning. CCE is a regional partner with Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) as part of a national initiative to scale up personalized learning schools. PLN is supported by EDUCAUSE through the Next Generation Learning Challenges, the Barr Foundation, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation, and IBM.