School teaches by ability, not grade level →
“Every single student is getting an individualized education,” said Hodgkins Principal Sarah Gould, who helped usher in the reform at her school two years ago. “We are giving our kids exactly what they need when they need it.”
Children work at their own level in each subject and must demonstrate proficiency in various learning targets, achieving a score of 75% or higher before they’re allowed to move on to the next level.
During a recent visit to Jennifer Gregg’s literacy class, students ranging in age from 8 to 10 were gathered in small groups or working on their own to hit their learning targets. Each table had a basket with books separated into four different reading levels.
Gregg says when she first heard about standards-based learning, she wondered, “How do you juggle that many levels in one classroom?”
Now, she sees the benefits, since students aren’t frustrated by work that’s too hard, nor bored with assignments that are too easy.
“The kids know exactly what they’re working on … and what they need to do, so it’s very empowering for them,” she said.
Gregg’s students come to her when they’re ready to take the proficiency test to move to the next level.
Very interesting stuff. This is along the lines of what Ken Robinson’s been talking about.
