This book is part memoir and part history, sharing the story of what is possible when like-minded educators work together to address radical change. The narrative, written by one who lived it, shares the journey of the district, the experts who helped guide them and the practical applications that are in place to support the concept of personalization of learning.

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 lifes 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 UCLAs 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.

FOREWORD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART I. BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Michael Robinsons story (in his own words)

Chapter 1: Putting Students First - Words Matter

Chapter 2: Guided By Theory, Research, and Practitioners

Chapter 3: Professional Agency

Chapter 4: Sustaining Growth

Chapter 5: Ensuring Equity and Excellence

PART II. THE GAME PLAN

Chapter 6: The Game Plan for Professional Agency

Chapter 7: The Game Plan for Student Agency

PART III: IMPLICATIONS

Chapter 8: Focus On Core Beliefs

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

Springdale School District Playbook

Personal Learning Plan Sample: Kindergarten

Personal Learning Plan Sample: Grade 1

Personal Learning Plan Sample: Grade 2

Student Advisory Program Implementation Survey

Advisory Program Implementation Checklist