This case study explores the implementation of personalized learning at an elementary school in Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District 35. The study, conducted by Research for Action and funded by KnowledgeWorks, sheds light on the shift towards personalized, competency-based learning practices within the district. Through qualitative sources and data analysis, the study examines various key aspects such as shared vision and culture, student agency, curriculum, instruction, assessment systems, flexible learning environments, learner support, professional development, and leadership development within the district context.
The study outlines how SCV35 reflected many practices associated with personalized, competency-based learning, with a focus on shared vision, student agency, curriculum design, learner support, and development. Key findings revealed positive impacts on students, highlighting increased student agency, ownership of learning, and reflective practices among students and educators. Additionally, the district’s efforts to align policies, frameworks, and local partnerships with the principles of personalized learning demonstrate a systematic approach towards sustainable implementation.
Furthermore, the report discusses challenges encountered during the implementation, such as adjusting to student-centered instruction, overcoming space limitations, and the need to clarify the practical aspects of personalized, competency-based learning. Despite challenges, success stories were acknowledged, including improved student engagement, individualized support, and teacher collaboration. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development, teacher collaboration, and student-centered approaches to sustain and enhance the personalized learning model.
Recommendations from the study point towards the necessity of continued professional development, strategic collaboration among educators, and addressing the evolving evaluation processes to align with personalized, competency-based instructional models. The report underscores the importance of clarity in implementation practices, acknowledging the varying pace of adoption across the district. By focusing on building teacher capacity, fostering student agency, and maintaining a shared vision, SCV35 aims to further advance personalized, competency-based learning to benefit all stakeholders within the educational community.
