Individualized Learning Playbook by IDEA Public Schools

A Quick Guide for IDEA Staff to Support Individual Student Growth and Achievement

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P r o xi m al D e v e l o p m

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Just Right!

Too Easy

Too Hard

Diversified Learning Opportunities

MAXIMIZES STUDENT LEARNING

Student Ownership of Learning

Differentiated Instruction

FOR EVERY LEARNER IN EVERY SETTING 1

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Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL

An Actionable Scope and Sequence for School Teams

art Two of the Individualized Learning Playbook instructs readers on maximizing individualized learning at all IDEA schools. This practical, useful tool is meant to be kept as a reference throughout the whole year. In this section, readers will find: Best practices for promoting student growth year-round A month-by-month individualized learning scope and sequence for both Academy and College Prep schools. Each month includes: Priorities tied to high-impact GET strands to promote student growth Actions for school team members - teachers, school leaders, and facilitators - to promote student growth

Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL

The short answer is that schools have slightly different individualized learning spaces and staff based on how old they are. Check out page 15 for a quick look at IL programs across grade levels.

The long answer goes more like this: Academies have two Blended Learning Spaces. One is the AR Zone, run by the AR Zone facilitator, and the other is the iLearning Hotspot, run by the iLearning Hotspot facilitator. These programs are for individualized work in reading and math. Most College Preps have a single Blended Learning Space. They may also have Catalyst, a period of the day where students are separated into performance-based groups and assigned to an appropriate program (see Part 1 of this book for more details on Catalyst). Hybrid Middle Schools have a Blended Learning Space for 6th and 7th graders. This space houses both AR Zone and iLearning Hotspot adaptive software programs, and is run by a Blended Learning Space Teacher. At these schools, Catalyst usually begins as a separate period starting in 8th grade. Non-hybrid Middle Schools usually begin Catalyst in 6th grade. They schedule a separate Catalyst period for each grade, 6th - 12th. Traditional middle schools Ð those without a blended learning space Ð are IDEA Donna, IDEA Frontier, IDEA Mission, IDEA San Benito, IDEA San Juan, and IDEA Quest. RTT-D College Preps have an Individualized Learning Specialist (ILS) on staff. This person drives Catalyst and other individualized learning initiatives.

How do I use the monthly scope and sequence?

Use the diagram on the next page to help you get started. Then, be sure to look at what each month recommends! Note that for each month, there are two calendars: one for Academy and one for College Prep.

Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL The header indicates if the calendar is for Academy or College Prep

Find these monthly priorities here. These monthly guides indicate areas to focus on for that month for individualized learning success.

Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL - ACADEMY 1.5 Years Growth

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

AUGUST: START STRONG

Build a solid foundation for maximizing individualized learning all year HIGH IMPACT GET RUBRIC STRANDS FOR AUGUST

AUGUST PRIORITIES To have a successful month of individualized learning, school teams shouldÉ

SMART Goals: Are Class goals posted?

Build partnerships: Teachers, facilitators, and school leaders commit to working as a team.

Physical Environment: Are materials readily accessible by students?

Establish systems and procedures: School teams build solid routines to maximize individualized learning.

Physical Environment: Is the room clean & organized?

Systems & Procedures: Are students learning entry, exit, and support procedures?

Cultivate STAR data fluency: The adults in the building use STAR data to learn where students are starting the year.

ACTION ITEMS FOR AUGUST

SCHOOL LEADERS

TEACHERS AND FACILITATORS

Build Partnerships

Establish Systems & Procedures

Cultivate STAR Data Fluency

Facilitators lead PD session for teachers explaining the why, what, and how of the AR Zone and iLearning Hotspot Teachers and facilitators schedule a regular time to join each othersÕ team meetings

Facilitators ensure that blended learning spaces are strong-start ready Facilitators and teachers work together to create a strong transition routine Teachers ensure students know that AR Zone/iLearning Hotspot are extensions of the core classroom, not electives

Teachers and facilitators meet to download and review STAR data

Schedule and attend facilitatorled PD on individualized learning Share examples of strong facilitator-teacher partnerships with staff

Use BOY Blended Learning Space observation forms (found in appendix) during first two weeks of school

Develop a support system for facilitators, including goal-setting, check-ins, data tracking, and accountability

Look here for concrete ways to work toward the monthly guidelines. There are specific actions for teachers, individualized learning staff, and school leaders.

Each month has a theme, which you can find written here.

Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL

What should I do with this section?

Keep it on your desk or somewhere handy, open to the current month and reference it regularly. Readers will notice that Section Two is formatted like a calendar. This makes it easy for school team members to track their progress each month.

How often should I look at this?

At least monthly. As mentioned earlier, readers who scan this section first and then reference it regularly will see the best results.

Part 2: Yearly Scope and Sequence of IL

his section of the Playbook contains observation forms for AR Zones, iLearning Hotspots, middle school Blended Learning Spaces, and Catalyst. The Catalyst observation can be used year-round, but the other three forms are specific to the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. These forms are useful for school leaders, but can also be helpful for teachers and other instructional staff. They give any visitor a look at the framework that underpins individualized learning success throughout the year. We encourage the entire school team to visit the individualized learning program most relevant to them, and use these forms to guide their observation.