Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Personalized Learning
Q&A: Blending Private Schools
Following are a few questions from a webinar we did with online learning provider SevenStar.
Personalized Learning
How Do I Blend My Network? And Other Great Questions From an Ohio Safari
The good news is that I was in good company at the Ohio Alliance of Public Charter Schools annual conference. Here are a couple of the topics we discussed.
Ed Policy
Visions of Personalized Learning in Denver
While some schools are buying truckloads of tablets, thoughtful districts are holding conversations about the potential of personalized learning. The right first step, as recommended in the Blended Learning Implementation Guide, is starting with clear goals and a sound strategy.
EdTech
Pearson Implements Efficacy Frame & Shares it With Sector
The Incomplete Guide to Delivering Learning Outcomes, authored by Sir Michael Barber, Pearson's Chief Education Advisor, and Saad Rizvi, SVP of Efficacy, "the report shares Pearson's 'Efficacy Framework', a review process designed to evaluate and improve impact on learning outcomes, and sets out the company's strategy, initiatives and insights in applying it."
Personalized Learning
“Keep Your 3, I Want My A”: What’s Up With Standards-Based Grading?
Traditional grading systems are inconsistent, subjective, more about effort than outcomes, and not closely linked to the big goal of college and career readiness. Standards-based grading is an effort to provide more accurate feedback on what students know and can do; it allows students to progress based on demonstrated mastery.
Ed Policy
What Role Should States Play in the Shift to Personalized Learning?
Designing a high performance school model with an aligned and integrated IT stack is a tall order. State agencies, improvement districts, and funders should encourage schools to work together in networks [link] that share school models and platforms.
Personalized Learning
35 High Schools Worth Visiting
Following are 35 schools that personalize and blend learning; they challenge students with real work and ask them to show what they know. Time to hit the road!
Ed Policy
Shifting Superintendents Stuck in Compliance World
Kirtman's book, Leadership and Teams: The Missing Piece of the Educational Reform Puzzle , published this year by Pearson, reflects two years of research into workplace personalities. It outlines 7 leadership competencies that Michael Fullan and Robert Marzano both endorse.
Personalized Learning
10 Design Choices of Competency-Based Schools
The shift from time to learning changes everything. Most obviously it changes how students move through an education system and earn credentials. But it also changes how learning opportunities are structured and supported by educators.
EdTech
Why We Need 4.0 Schools In Every City
In addition to incubating companies like this and hosting startups like after school math provider Mschool (that came through the incubator), 4.o hosts a two day workshop every month for edupreneurs in either New Orleans or New York City. (The next Essentials is December 13-14 in NYC.)