Education
Use Case: A high school in San
Diego is currently implementing the
personalized learning approach in
classrooms after receiving a $10 million
grant aimed at making high schools more
personal. The effort launched two years
ago with a small group of students. After
seeing firsthand the academic success
of these students, the school decided
to take the approach school-wide by
introducing one grade level every year,
starting with the freshmen of 2017.
PRESCHOOL
TRENDS IN EARLY
CHILDHOOD
LEARNING
Early childhood learning
has been studied by
educators, lawmakers and
researchers for years to identify
the importance of learning at a
young age. Research has confirmed
that when educators provide a valuable
education to early learners, the benefits
last a lifetime. According to Educa,
preschool stakeholders across the
U.S. are addressing the need for
a standard in consistency and
quality in early education.
States are takin g a look at
child care centers, daycares
and preschools to develop an
accreditation program that ensures
quality in a number of areas including
learning environment, increased
parent engagement, teacher
experience and quality center
management.
Along with quality
standardization, there
are other trends to keep
an eye on for early learners:
• Student Assessment
– The achievement gap
is often used to assess the
output of students in different
socioeconomic groups, measuring
grade point averages, test scores
and dropout rates. Since preschoolers
aren’t likely dropping out of school, early
learning centers focus on the importance of
providing ongoing education and supporting
students from a young age. This includes
reading to children, engaging them in
everyday conversations, establishing routines
and using positive reinforcement.
• Classroom Technology – Although use of
technology in early learning is still heavily
debated, it is proving to be a valuable
resource to students who may not as
easily have access to learning materials.
According to the Pew Research Center, 73
percent of households have a computer
with internet accessibility, providing a
platform for early learners to participate
in effective online education from their
homes.
• ECSEL Skills – Teachers are encouraged
to incorporate Emotional Cognitive
Social Early Learning (ECSEL) into
lesson plans for preschoolers. At a young
age, emotions are the tool of choice
for children to express themselves.
Encouraging early learners to be confident
and understanding at a young age provides
an important platform for growth into
adolescence. ■
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