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Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st Century

As a teacher, classical musician, and writer, I've always been fascinated by the art of teaching. How we educate our young people shapes not just their futures but also the very fabric of our society. That's why I'm excited to write about Personalized Learning (PL) - an approach causing quite a stir in educational circles.

Now, before you roll your eyes thinking this is just another educational fad, hear me out. Personalized Learning isn't entirely new. In fact, I think it shares a lot of DNA with Maria Montessori's "follow the child" philosophy. But what's different now is how we can implement it, thanks to the tech revolution you and I are living in.

What is Personalized Learning?

So, what exactly is Personalized Learning? In a nutshell, it's about tailoring education to each student's unique needs, skills, and interests. It's moving away from the one-size-fits-all approach that's been the norm for far too long. And let's face it, we need this change. Our current system, constricted by its rigid pacing and mandated standardized testing, is leaving too many kids behind or bored out of their minds.

The key components of Personalized Learning are pretty straightforward:

• Individualized learning plans
• Flexible pacing
• Student choice
• Data-driven instruction
• Technology integration

It's about letting kids learn at their own pace, in ways that engage them, while using data to guide instruction. Sounds great, right?And the benefits? They're substantial. We're talking about improved student engagement (no more

Introduction: The Reality of Learning Differences

Learning differences and disabilities are more common than many people realize. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 14% of all public school students in the United States receive special education services. This means that in a typical classroom of 30 students, at least four will likely have some form of learning difference.

When parents discover their child has a learning difference or disability, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. Initial reactions often include shock, denial, and even self-pity. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, but it's crucial not to dwell on these emotions. Your child needs you now more than ever, and taking prompt action is key to ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

I know this firsthand as my eldest adopted son was thirteen years old when he came to live with us. He read at a Grade 2 level. We didn't panic. We acknowledged his issue and took him to a professional who recommended a special needs school. After 4 semesters of primarily one-on-one instruction, my son could read at his grade level. It's a scary, worrying experience, but with all the excellent resources available, a positive outcome is entirely possible.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems that can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing, or math. They can impede higher-level skills like organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, and attention.

Common types of learning disabilities include:

I am writing this article about rubrics for parents. Your child's first couple of years in school will probably be an exciting time of exploration and discovery. Then, along come the middle and high school years when assessment begins to rear its ugly head. Then that day comes when your child comes home all upset because she got a C on a paragraph her class had to write on the prompt "Stuff that makes me laugh." Suddenly, the assessment is staring you and your child in the face. Both of you wonder why her teacher gave her a C.

Now, let's understand something fundamental to assessment. Your teachers are not trying to humiliate or demean you. They are merely trying to determine your child's skill sets. We adults have endured performance reviews during the course of our careers. Those are other forms of assessment. Teachers, by and large, don't grade subjectively. They look at a set of criteria which they apply uniformly to every student's work. Those criteria are styled rubrics. So, let's dig in and find out how they work. As we look at the various components that can make up rubrics, I have included an authoritative source from one of the many education schools in the nation. Use these to learn more about a specific rubric component that interests you.

Fundamental Principles of Rubrics

Assessment Tool

Essentially, a rubric is a tool for evaluating and assessing work or performance. Like we use Google Maps or Waze

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common disorder that afflicts both children and adults. I have taught children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. I also have managed adult employees who had ADHD as well. So, here are the questions I would ask if I thought my child might have Attention Deficit Disorder.

Disclaimer: I have researched answers to these questions that link to or refer back to authoritative sources. However, I am not a healthcare professional. So, always consult a healthcare professional with your specific concerns and questions.

How do you define Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of , , and that interfere with daily functioning and development.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's , there are three main subtypes of ADHD:

Inattentive presentation

In this presentation, symptoms of inattention are looked for, such as difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, and frequently making careless mistakes in their schoolwork or other activities.

Hyperactive-impulsive presentation

In this presentation, children will display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting for their turn, and interrupting others.

Combined presentation

In this subtype, children display symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

This video offers an overview of ADHD in children.

What are the signs