Personalized Learning is a vision that will transform our delivery methods of instruction to match the learning needs of the modern student.
The goal is to better meet the individual needs of our students using technology and innovative instructional practices. MCSD is excited to begin our instructional and technology changes at the middle and high school locations during the 2019-2020 school year.
This is not a new thing for MCSD. We have seen the benefits for teachers and students of Personalized Learning during the 2018-2019 school year with three of our elementary schools: Dorothy Height, Martin Luther King Jr., and Brewer. Through funding from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) those schools began implementing Personalized Learning at grade levels 2 and 3. All three will expand to grades 4 and 5 during the 2019-2020 school year. GOSA has also expanded support for Personalized Learning to J.D. Davis Elementary and Rothschild Leadership Academy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Please feel free browse some of the common questions and concerns presented to school districts about Personalized Learning. This list is not meant to capture all questions.
What is Personalized Learning?
Tailoring learning for each student’s strengths,needs and interests–including enabling student voice and choice in what, how, when, and where they learn–to provide flexibility and supports to ensure mastery of the highest standards possible.
Source: The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL)
What is the difference between Differentiated Instruction and Personalized Learning?
Differentiated Instruction and Personalized Learning both address individual learning needs for students. Differentiated Instruction is an approach included in the Personalized Learning curriculum. The goal is for each student to understand how to develop into independent thinkers and doers with agency and ownership of their learning process.
Research article: https://www.iste.org/explore/Education-leadership/Personalized-vs.-differentiated-vs.-individualized-learning?articleid=124
Why is the District focused on Personalized Learning?
Our mission is to equip and inspire all students to achieve unlimited potential. This makes that mission achievable by providing pathways increase individualized instruction, student engagement, and mastery. We are preparing our students to be competitive in the modern 21st-century workforce by ensuring each student has equitable opportunities to become full-option career-and-college-ready graduates.
How does this differ from the one-to-one device roll out plan?
The device roll out plan is the technology component of the Personalized Learning Initiative that will support our shift in classroom instructional delivery over time. The device roll out plan will provide Google Chromebooks, on a one-to-one level, to all District students. All middle and high school students will receive their devices in the 2019-2020 school year. We plan to continue with all elementary students in the 2020-2021 school year.
See more about the device strategy here.
Which schools are participating this year?
All middle and high school students will receive additional instructional coaching support for personalized learning and devices in the 2019-2020 school year. We plan to continue with all elementary students in the 2020-2021 school year.
When will the students receive their devices?
Devices will roll out to middle and high schools August 27-October 4, 2019.
See more about the device strategy here.
How does technology support learning?
Technology tools and digital curriculum will compliment current instruction and help our teachers transform their content with digital integration. This will allow students to work at the pace appropriate for their understanding. Technology helps with collaboration engagement, and supporting the learning needs of each student.
See more about the device strategy here.
Will our teachers lose their jobs to technology devices?
No–it will enhance their ability to monitor student progress and create new ways to foster environments that encourage student engagement, creativity, and mastery.
How do you know Personalized Learning works for our students?
We introduced this concept to three elementary schools last year, all of which noted improvements in milestones, student engagement, and teachers’ strategies.
Research and Article Links:
http://digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/lps-growing_diversity_FINAL-1.pdf
https://www.npr.org/2018/11/16/657895964/the-future-of-learning-well-it-s-personal
What about the dangers of increased "screen time" for children?
Not all instruction will be delivered through digital content. It will be one of many resources in teachers’ toolbox.
Our Mission & Vision
Our mission is to inspire and equip all students to achieve unlimited potential.
The MCSD is a beacon of educational excellence where all are known, valued, and inspired.
Muscogee County School District
2960 Macon Road | Columbus, GA 31906
706-748-2000