Learning Personalized - by Allison Zmuda & Greg Curtis & Diane Ullman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Learning Personalized: The Evolution of the Contemporary Classroom provides teachers, administrators, and educational leaders with a clear and practical guide to personalized learning. Written by respected teachers and leading educational consultants Allison Zmuda, Greg Curtis, and Diane Ullman, this comprehensive resource explores what personalized learning looks like, how it changes the roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder, and why it inspires innovation. The authors explain that, in order to create highly effective personalized learning experiences, a new instructional design is required that is based loosely on the traditional model of apprenticeship: learning by doing.

Learning Personalized challenges educators to rethink the fundamental principles of schooling that honors students' natural willingness to play, problem solve, fail, re-imagine, and share. This groundbreaking resource:

• Explores the elements of personalized learning and offers a framework to achieve it
• Provides a roadmap for enrolling relevant stakeholders to create a personalized learning vision and reimagine new roles and responsibilities
• Addresses needs and provides guidance specific to the job descriptions of various types of educators, administrators, and other staff

This invaluable educational resource explores a simple framework for personalized learning: co-creation, feedback, sharing, and learning that is as powerful for a teacher to re-examine classroom practice as it is for a curriculum director to reexamine the structure of courses.

From the Back Cover

Praise for LEARNING PERSONALIZED

"Everyone talks about personalization as a goal but few people have visualized what it can realistically mean. This book helps us move beyond platitudes toward schooling that really honors learners' right to a personalized education."
--Grant Wiggins, , president, Authentic Education

"This important book helps educators go beyond 'personalized learning' as a buzzword to make it a reality in every classroom. An essential tool for every teacher."
--Tony Wagner, author of The Global Achievement Gap and Creating Innovators

"What a timely book! Educators are struggling with how to make a jump from the more traditional curriculum to one that fosters innovation, collaboration, and rigorous thinking."
--Bena Kallick, educational consultant; cofounder and director, Institute for Habits of Mind

"In the 21st Century, every student needs to be self-directed and self-managed. That's why the time for 'personalized learning' has finally come."
--Ken Kay, chief executive officer, EdLeader21; founding president, Partnership for 21st Century Skills; co'author, with Valerie Greenhill, of The Leader's Guide to 21st Century Education: 7 Steps for Schools and Districts

"For educators who want to invest in personalized learning to more deeply engage and challenge students, this book offers a balanced overview of the terrain, as well as clear and helpful definitions, structures, and strategies."
--Ron Berger, chief academic officer, Expeditionary Learning

Imagine inquisitive students, invigorated teachers, and schools that not only meet standards but create growth outcomes that put students within reach of their goals. This is the vision of personalized learning--an approach to education founded in collaborative conversations where students are no longer bystanders in their own development. Learning Personalized is a clear guide that explains the what, when, where, and how of personalized education, so you can bring this powerful learning framework to your school.

About the Author

ALLISON ZMUDA is an international consultant who works with schools and districts to create dynamic learning environments and author of seven books. She is founder and curator of the online community LearningPersonalized.com

GREG CURTIS has worked with international schools around the world as a technology director, a curriculum and professional learning director, and a strategic planner. He currently consults on strategy, systems-based change and approaches to deep learning in private and public schools and districts.

DIANE ULLMAN is Senior Director with the District Management Council, a firm that partners with educational leaders to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency. She formerly served as Superintendent in Simsbury, Connecticut schools and was the 2012 Connecticut Superintendent of the Year.