Putting Students First

Marsha Jones is a 40 plus year veteran of education with a breadth of experiences in the classroom and at the district level. Personalizing education for each student has been her life’s ambition whether working in the elementary classroom, with special needs children, high school students or currently with graduate students. Laureen Avery leads the work of UCLA’s Center X efforts in the Northeastern US, and has more than 30 years of experience in K-12 public education as a researcher and practitioner. Avery developed and leads whole school improvement programs focused on improving outcomes for English learners and at-risk students.Joe DiMartino is founder and president of the Center for Secondary School Redesign, (CSSR) a nationally recognized provider of technical assistance to districts and schools that are personalizing learning for adolescents. For the past two decades, CSSR has been a strong advocate for including student voice and choice in their education. Mr. DiMartino has been named the national expert on high school redesign by ASCD and received the Distinguished Service to Education Award by NASSP.

Springdale’s journey to personalization will inspire communities and educators. With a shared commitment to “putting students first”, Springdale has been able to turn challenges into opportunity. They never lose sight that personalization begins with understanding that both students and adults are learners.

• FOREWORDACKNOWLEDGEMENTSINTRODUCTIONPART I. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXTMichael Robinson’s story (in his own words)Chapter 1: Putting Students First - Words MatterChapter 2: Guided By Theory, Research, and PractitionersChapter 3: Professional AgencyChapter 4: Sustaining GrowthChapter 5: Ensuring Equity and ExcellencePART II. THE GAME PLANChapter 6: The Game Plan for Professional AgencyChapter 7: The Game Plan for Student AgencyPART III: IMPLICATIONSChapter 8: Focus On Core BeliefsBIBLIOGRAPHYAPPENDICESSpringdale School District PlaybookPersonal Learning Plan Sample: KindergartenPersonal Learning Plan Sample: Grade 1Personal Learning Plan Sample: Grade 2Student Advisory Program Implementation SurveyAdvisory Program Implementation Checklist