Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 1 Comparison and Benefits

Critical Traits of a Personalized-Mastery Learning system

Traditional Envisioning Process What is the vision for our district? Systems Culture How does one feel upon entering? Collaboration How well do individuals work together for a common goal? Grading There is none or one created by the lead person of the classroom (teacher), school (principal) or district (superintendent). Sterile to neutral atmosphere in the schools and central office Standards Referenced There is some communication among the leader, coworkers and other stakeholders to create the vision. There are pockets of excellence in some classes and schools Mass Personalized Learning World Class Systems There is a transparent envisioning process where all stakeholders have a voice in the direction and future of the system. Benefit The vision is sustainable even with new leadership.

There is a positive buzz about the learning, engagement and focus of the classroom, school and district.

There is a unified, positive atmosphere with focus on the needs of children and teachers.

Teachers, principals, central office personnel work in isolation with little sharing among coworkers.

There are some teachers who collaborate closely and work to support one another.

All staff work closely together in a supportive manner for the benefit and achievement of all students and staff.

A-F scoring based on arbitrary criteria. Scores are averaged. Example: Final quarter grades may be based on various combinations of participation, attendance and test scores. Attendance counts for 10% of grade Homework 25% Behavior 15%

A-F scoring correlated to standards but grades are still based on averaging and teacher discretion to include: Attendance Homework Behavior Final Test scores

Grading is based on mastering individual standards. Behavior is tracked separately as its own content area. Minimum GPA is 3.0 for graduation.

Creates transparent and consistent expectations across classrooms and sites so that students, parents, teachers and administrators know what is expected at each stage of learning, and the rigor to achieve mastery is not a moving target.

Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 2 Comparison and Benefits Final Test scores 50%

Assessments and Rubrics

Teachers score students based on tests, attendance and behavior. There is little consistency from class to class and subject to subject in grading and scoring. Assessments are primarily paper and pencil tests. Rigor rarely goes beyond skills-based (recall). There is often very little correlation to state standards Mostly textbookdriven.

Assessments or tasks correlate directly to the standards, often using rubrics; however, rubrics are not used to their full potential. Fidelity of rubrics is compromised. Example: Rubrics may be used in assessing student performance, but once scores are averaged and combined with other standards and factors (such as attendance and behavior), the power of the rubric is diminished.

Assessments, tasks and rubrics are tied directly to each individual standard. Each standard receives its own separate score. The rubric is the basis for all scoring. Assessments go beyond paper and pencil tests, such as projects, presentations and individual learning plans. Rigor is directly addressed in each rubric via Marzanos or Blooms taxonomy.

The transparency of assessments is such that a student knows exactly what is required to pass each individual standard. Assessments and rubrics inherently allow for meaningful engagement and deeper rigor through the taxonomy.

Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 3 Comparison and Benefits

Grouping Students

Whole classroom instruction with some grouping by ability.

Groups needs are being met through grade level standards (working on the same standard at the same time, regardless of student need).

Situational Grouping: Grouping is based on maximizing students learning in the most efficient way. Students move in and out of groups based on their needs and interests.

In our best classrooms, students are able to make three years academic gain in a single year. Grouping based on student needs and interests allows for acceleration and deeper engagement. Opportunities are created for rich learning networks outside of classroom.

Instruction

One-size-fits-all textbook sets the pace. Students move on even if they are not ready for next steps. Whole group instruction is predominant. Application of skills is minimal. Instruction is driven by prescribed programs and textbooks.

Instruction is driven by standards-referenced courses. There is some instruction/learning requiring higher order thinking (Marzanos, Blooms taxonomy) to increase rigor.

Instruction is balanced. Students must understand the information and apply in real life situations whenever possible. Instruction is differentiated, thus meeting individual students at the point of their need and interest. Textbooks are still valued but the standards drive the instruction.

Needs of all students are met not only to meet one years growth in one year of time but increases the rate of learning for all students. Instruction is not just about learning the skills but applying the skills in a meaningful way thereby increasing student engagement.

Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 4 Comparison and Benefits Progression Students move to the next grade level regardless of students acquisition of necessary skills. Students are allowed to progress with minimal content knowledge required; however, there is a stronger correlation with the standards. D average is acceptable. Students must achieve proficiency (or 80% and higher) to move to the next instructional level. Students are set up for success. Students are guaranteed prerequisite knowledge to be successful in their learning progression. Due to the transparency of the system, students are able to navigate their own progression.

Teacher Role

Teachers instruct to the middle of the class in whole group instruction. One-size-fits-all approach (common to 95% of classes in America).

Teachers control student learning with some input from students.

Teachers role changes to that of facilitator because students have the ability to identify their instructional level, develop their instructional strategies and create a more meaningful learning environment.

Teachers really begin to understand the art and science of their profession by allowing students to accelerate their learning and be more engaged in their education.

Student Role

Students are passive learners and are rarely engaged. Students cannot navigate their own learning.

Because of the reference to standards, students begin to understand the scope and sequence of their learning.

Because of the transparency of the standards, learning expectations are clear. Students take more ownership in their role as learners; therefore, they are more engaged and easily navigate their own learning.

Greatly increased student engagement and ownership. Students are prepared for the global economy.

Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 5 Comparison and Benefits Principal Role Sporadic leadership with minimal direction, support or follow through. Principal typically supports positive working environment; provides direction, discipline. Principal has tools and processes to create a vision, develop a positive culture, promote collaboration, lead and support effective classroom environment that leads to deeper student engagement and acceleration of learning. High functioning system where all teachers and students can achieve.

Central Office Role

Supports what has been in place with minimal innovation and improvement.

Adequate systems in place that support a standards referenced philosophy with adequate assessment, reporting and recording, strong professional development

School Board Role

Provides the usual policies on budgets, grants, hiring, etc.

Clear systems and processes that lead district visioning, creating culture of cooperation. Recommends appropriate board policies. Transparent curriculum, aligned assessments, reporting/recording, agreed-upon instructional delivery, effective professional development, aligned teacher and administrative evaluation tools. Consistent use of tools and processes. Provides incremental Provides updated policies and support in adjustments in creating a the areas of graduation requirements, stronger curriculum and all of grading policy, legibility, evaluations and the support needed to deploy can defend this new system. this.

Highly functioning system that excels in work place conditions and high student and staff achievement.

Creates a strong cohesive group that will help create a world-class system and be a model for others.

Educate: ThreeShapes LLC 6 Comparison and Benefits Parent and Community Role Pocket of parents are actively involved in the schools with little opportunity for input into the system. Parent are active in the childrens education which is limited to meeting and conferences which impact their childrens education All parents take an active role in providing their voice to what children need for their future. This includes participating in the visioning process, providing support for the children, understand the progressing of standards, knowing how to access help and are able to digital navigate their students learning Huge benefit to the entire community by reducing drop out rate, engaging all students and a place where added value comes back to the entire community