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Let Flexibility Lead To Alignment

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  In my previous school district, I was the only teacher teaching a physics course with set, district-wide learning outcomes. These same outcomes were also taught in physics classrooms at the other high school in our district. But at our school, I was one of the 2 physics teachers. The other teacher taught the AP-level physics courses. So, in many ways, I had opportunities to incorporate strategies I believed were best for learners and that I found worked best for them without being seen as out of alignment with anyone in our building. My amazing friend and one of my teaching philosophy goddesses, Katie Novak, stated the following misconception about alignment: All teachers must deliver instruction in the exact same way. True alignment, she says, is about shared goals, rigor, and outcomes. Thank you, Katie! Katie has taught me to truly believe that learner variability is the rule, not the exception. I encourage you to take 10 minutes to listen to Katie Novak explain it in the ...
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Waves of Innovation in Elmbrook Part 1

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As a part of a graduate project, I am looking at innovations in education within my school district, Elmbrook Schools. I am specifically focusing on those looking to provide learners with more ownership over their own learning (a.k.a. personalizing learning). I've completed 4 interviews so far.  I had no intention of sharing them via this blog.  But, I think the stories and insights of these educators really are important for all.  They were vulnerable in a way that shows their passion for what they are undertaking.  They want the best for all learners not simply students, but educators who may hear their words.  So, please take the time to listen to their stories.  

In this video, Jeff Ortman a teacher in his 22nd year, discusses implementing strategies to give students ownership of their learning in his high school English classroom.  He discusses why he wanted to change his learning environment, his first steps to bring change, how choice and feedback are key to his classroom, and offers advice educators looking to increase learner agency. 




Rachelle Russell is a 2nd Grade teacher at Brookfield Elementary School.  She has been teaching in a personalized learning environment for the last 3 years.  In this interview, she discussed the rationale behind her classroom innovations including creating variety of different spaces for students to interact with content.




Angela Patterson and Kate Sommerville team teach in a personalized learning environment at Swanson Elementary School in Brookfield, WI. This interview discusses their journey from idea to implementation.  Including their use of a workshop approach to personalize instruction for all students. 



Lisa Camponeschi teaches science at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Brookfield, WI.  In this video, she highlights how she has worked to push deeper learning and through reflection making learners more aware of their progression to mastery.  


I have a few more educators I'm speaking to before the end of January.  Looking forward to hearing their stories.

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  1. YeardleyJune 5, 2019 at 2:53 AM

    Its great blog of Education for schools.i have gone through many blogs but this is different form others.keep sharing your post.

    Adaptive Personalized Learning

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