Posts by Tom Vander Ark
10 Reasons You Should Visit The American International School of Utah
In a recent visit to the American International School of Utah, Tom identified some remarkable features of this next gen school. This post highlight 10 reasons why the school is worth adding to your list of places to visit!
The Micro-School Opportunity
New learning tools and strategies have created the opportunity to quickly open "micro-schools" as a school-within-a-school or as low cost private schools. Varying in size, cost, philosophies, and operating models, they share a focus in personalization.
Inclusive and Iterative Plan Drives Rhode Island Forward
The story from The Ocean State of the most innovative planning process we’ve seen from a state or district, particularly in regards to inclusion and iteration. And, our historic opportunity to dramatically improve student learning.
A Year for Digital Learning Improvements
For the fourth time, Digital Learning Now released a report card scoring states against 10 elements of high quality digital learning. The majority of of states made progress on the 2014 report card.
Parent-Managed Learner Profiles Will Power Personalization
Online profile management is becoming important in every aspect of life, it’s a new digital literacy competency that every young person must learn to exercise. That starts with empowering students and parents to take charge of education data with a portable learning profile.
The Path Forward: Broader Aims, Better Measures, Supported Educators
Over the last 90 days we’ve considered many of the big issues facing US K-12 in these 30 posts.
The Role Of Advisory In Personalizing The Secondary Experience
High school can be a confusing time with increasing options for students due to the rapid expansion of digital learning. Advisory has to be the spine of the next generation high school. Sustained adult relationships can help students navigate this new digital landscape.
Helping Students Cope With The Trauma Associated With Poverty
Living in poverty often produces trauma with biological and psychological consequences for children. Student-centered learning and sustained relationships can counter many of the negative effects of poverty.
Path To Personalization: Better Models & Better Tests
New developments will mean a gradual reduction in the size of and reliance in heavyweight summative assessment to smaller, less frequent tests that check the validity of local assessments.
Agreement Crafting: 10 Lessons on The Politics of Schooling
Tom reviews 10 lessons in school and district leadership focused on the role of facilitating agreements.