Superintendent's 3rd Quarter Update
January 2019
Welcome to 2019 in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District! I always look forward to January as it is a time to reflect on what has been accomplished, as well as to set goals for the upcoming year. We are continuing our efforts to provide a Rigorous, Relevant and, Responsive learning environment for all of students. Improving this experience for our students takes a great deal of effort as our staff works toward intentionally implementing personalized learning concepts into their instruction on a daily basis. I am excited how our staff is shifting toward a highly collaborative work place that emphasizes peer support to improve instruction.
We are also embarking into an uncertain time for public education in Alaska. Our state and local leaders continue to search for more efficiencies. It is very likely a thorough examination of public education will occur during this budget cycle. I believe KPBSD does produce excellent results, as evidenced through improved test scores and the accomplishments of our recent graduates. We will work closely with state and local leaders to ensure they understand how our district uses its funding and the results we are able to accomplish due to the funds we receive.
As with any new year, there is a great deal of excitement. This year, we also will be facing several challenges as we once again assure our constituency that KPBSD schools work and are committed to getting better.
Sean Dusek, Superintendent
Learn more about PL, or read on:
Personalized Learning in KPBSD
Personalized learning shifts from a one-size-fits-all factory model of education to better prepare students for the jobs and needs of their future. The design of instruction and the classroom allow educators to respond to the individual needs of students instead of expecting students to fit the current mold or adapt to unsuccessful learning structures. PL does not replace teachers with computers. Many of our teachers implement elements of PL in their classrooms right now, and we will now build on this foundation to create an even better learning environment. Key elements your child will experience include:
- Teachers integrate digital content, which allows for a differentiated path and pace based on individual student needs
- Teachers use targeted instruction based on specific student needs and learning goals
- Teachers use current and relevant data to help inform instructional decisions and groupings
- Students engage in ongoing self-reflection that promotes ownership of their learning
When will PL formally start in KPBSD schools?
Every KPBSD school is doing some degree of work with personalized learning. However, the formal work of individual schools and teachers working directly toward personalized learning will be rolled out in three "waves" over the next year.
- Wave 1 schools began their work in spring 2017, and will continue in the fall of 2017.
- Wave 2 schools will begin their formal work with Education Elements in the fall of 2017.
- Wave 3 schools will begin their formal work with Education Elements in the spring of 2018.
Links
Personalized Learning
webpage
KPBSD Personalized Learning Blog
Personalized Learning
FAQs
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