Don Taylor
PLP Pathways
On January 9th, PLP Pathways hosted our fifth webinar of the year discussing flexible pathways, community relationships, and micro-credentialing.
PLP Pathways
On January 9th, PLP Pathways hosted our fifth webinar of the year discussing flexible pathways, community relationships, and micro-credentialing.
We were joined by the Tarrant Institute’s Susan Hennessey for a rich discussion that provided many insights into the possibilities of flexible pathways and what educators need to be doing to prepare students for a future that includes community and work-based learning, early college, online learning, and dual enrollment.
This discussion was particularly important as in my classroom, at Main Street Middle School in Montpelier, we were joined the following day by students from Montpelier High School who are currently engaged in work-based learning programs. To learn more about that program, check out the website.
My question, as always, is how can I most effectively prepare students to take advantage of these opportunities and what skills do students need in order to 1) develop an understanding of the opportunities available and 2) to be able to engage in these opportunities to expand future work and learning opportunities.
As our discussion progressed, it became apparent that there are some key factors that educators should consider when thinking about flexible pathways and the role they may play in the middle level classroom.
Task Neutral Learning Targets and Proficiency Scales
When developing priority standards, learning targets, and proficiency scales, educators should consider whether the standards, targets, and scales are task neutral, or whether they are designed to evaluate content specific proficiencies. As students expand their learning opportunities outside the classroom, standards, targets, and scales that can capture proficiencies achieved through non-traditional methods may encourage and motivate students who might not be engaged in classroom activities. Additionally, these will permit students to collect evidence of their growth and learning from a much wider spectrum of experiences.
A Robust PLP Program
Personal learning plans are an essential element of a productive flexible pathways program. PLPs provide a structure for students to collect, curate, and reflect on evidence that demonstrates proficiency. When students are working in alternative programs, in the community, or online, a central platform for showcasing evidence that brings educators, the community service provider, and families together can help communicate student advancement effectively and regularly. Finally, the PLP can also provide a record/archive of student achievement over time.
Community Partnerships
Building flexible pathways opportunities within the classroom can be overwhelming for teachers. To solve that challenge, we recommend nurturing community partnerships with organizations that can bring learning to your classroom. There are numerous organizations around the state that have standards-based curriculum ready to be employed in the classroom.
Great examples that I’ve connected with in the classroom include the Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP), Try for the Environment, and the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District. Each of these organizations, with whom we’ve worked for multiple years, have provided expert learning experiences and highly developed curriculum, while also supporting project-based learning outside of the classroom.
Experience in Micro-Credentialing
With the availability of Google Forms and add-ons such as Certify’em, teachers can develop in-class, micro-credentialing experiences that provide students with the experience of online learning combined with traditional classroom support. Not only does this give students a great opportunity to explore a wide range of their interests, it also gives them an understanding of the skills required to be successful.
Self-direction, organization, and problem-solving are just a few of skills that students can practice as they hone their online learning skills. Moreover, students capture certificates and credentials which can be posted to the evidence page of their PLP as proof of their learning.
Equity
As our webinar came to a close, participants returned to a topic that has permeated much of our discussions this year: equity. As educators, we need to ensure that all of these opportunities -- work and community-based learning, personal learning plans, work with community partners, micro-credentialing, and skill building specific to online learning are available to ALL students. If we do not provide these experience to every student, we are quite possibly ignoring the chance to engage and work with the students in our system who most need these learning opportunities.
Flexible pathways can be a great pathway to help all students explore and practice skills, to provide evidence of learning, and to bring a plethora of vibrant learning experiences into the classroom.
