Although a majority of Pasadena ISD students graduate from high school, most students lack the skills to navigate the complications of life after high school and are not prepared for college. Only 54% of graduating seniors enter college the fall immediately following graduation, and just shy of one-third of students obtain a post secondary degree within six years of completing high school. Data also indicates that while pre-K through 4th graders have achieved success on state assessments, scores decline among students in grades 5 through graduation. This data helps us draw the conclusion that students possess the academic competency to complete high school, but they lack the cognitive skills and habits of success (student agency, perseverance, and self-management skills) required to be successful after graduating.
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We have been working with an amazing team over the course of two years building a personalized learning program in Pasadena ISD. Personalized learning is a form of digital learning that combines: rigorous projects, self-paced learning, and 1:1 student mentoring. In Connect, students take full ownership of their learning. They have the opportunity to select the content that best meets their learning style and the pace they move through content. In the Connect program students must have an 80% mastery of content before moving to new content. In a personalized environment, teachers stand back and truly become a mentor based on real time, actionable assessment data. Teachers provide small group “workshops” as needed to assist struggling students while others move at their own pace. Whole group instruction is not the norm in a PLE (personalized learning environment).
It is our conviction that this form of digital learning has the capacity to literally save our failed public educations system by not only setting students up with the digital literacy they will need to compete in a technical based society, but also building strong character in young people and equipping them with the tools necessary to be resilient, persistent, and growth driven individuals who have equal opportunities for success after high school.
It is our conviction that this form of digital learning has the capacity to literally save our failed public educations system by not only setting students up with the digital literacy they will need to compete in a technical based society, but also building strong character in young people and equipping them with the tools necessary to be resilient, persistent, and growth driven individuals who have equal opportunities for success after high school.
Connect would not be possible if it weren't for our partnerships with Summit Public Schools, their mentorship, and their learning platform. Our district has worked closely with them over the past three years curating a mindset and a means to completely revolutionize public education. Our program is the perfect concoction of technology, transparency, rigor, professional development, high expectations, and accountability. Thank you, Summit for your inspiration and support along this journey.
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