State Launches Personalized Learning Plans

State Launches Personalized Learning Plans

School districts in New Jersey have until May 15 to apply to be part of the Personalized Student Learning Plan pilot program expected to be launched during the 2009-2010 school year. Personalized student learning plans are a component of the state’s high school redesign project to prepare students for the workforce and college. The plans help students recognize and achieve their goals by utilizing adult mentors, including parents, teachers and counselors. Twenty states and the District of Columbia require individual learning plans for all students. Another five states encourage their use and provide state support but do not have mandates in place for every student. Fifteen New Jersey middle and high schools will be chosen to take part in the two-year trial to implement personalized leaning plans in Grades 6 and 9. Each participating district must develop a school team to design and implement the initiative. Measured Outcomes Personalized Student Learning Plans will be studied during the pilot to determine the best methods to help students address their personal, academic and career goals. In addition to goal setting, activities that students may engage in while creating and carrying out the plans include surveying student learning styles and interests; selecting courses for graduation; targeting individual student learning opportunities such as internships and service or independent learning; surveying career interests and carrying out career planning activities. The pilot program will allow NJDOE to identify sample formats for personalized plans, as well as appropriate curricula, resource materials and assessment practices. Case studies of participating schools and examples of lessons learned from the pilot program will be published to help guide statewide implementation. “Generations ago, students too often had limited choices for career paths,” said state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy. “With the vast opportunities that exist today, students need additional support to be able to choose a career path that interests and challenges them. Personalized learning plans help students visualize the possibilities.” Funds Available School districts selected for the pilot program will be notified by June 5 and an orientation is scheduled for June 25. Participating districts will be eligible to receive up to $7,500 for each year of the program to assist with related costs. More information about the pilot program and the application can be found on the New Jersey Department of Education's Personalized Learning Web section.

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