Personalized Learning and the Every Student Succeeds Act: What We Know and Where We Go

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Evidence on Cross-Sector Partnerships, Improvement, and Adaptation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze how personalized learning (PL) was positioned in current state policies after the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA). Using a qualitative research design of thematic analysis, the researchers analyzed state ESSA plans for presence of and relation to PL. From this analysis, four themes emerged, including (1) PL to drive student learning, (2) PL to drive professional development, (3) systems to support PL, and (4) partnership to support PL. Findings suggested that there is little consensus of what PL is and how to best implement the innovation. This article offered guidance to policymakers and state departments of education on how to operationalize and implement PL.

Authors

• Richard Allen Carter, University of Wyoming

• Ling Zhang, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Sohyun Yang, Fort Hays State University