Hannah Emmanuele
Some exciting developments are occurring in the Kettle Morraine public schools. Based on long established scientific research into human development and how children learn, Wisconsin’s new KM Explore School was founded on the principle of helping students become architects of their own learning. Each student has a personalized learning plan tailored to their individual learning needs, students have a voice in directing their own learning process and learning experiences in a multitude of interesting and compelling ways. When learning occurs anytime, anywhere, KM Explore is a school literally without borders. The school was created on the following key design principles:
- Optimal Learning Spaces (open, airy, comfortable, like home)
- Generative, Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- Multi-Age Learning Community
- Habits of Mind (persisting, collaborating, flexible thinking, innovating, posing problems and finding solutions)
- Collaborative Teaching and Learning
Beginning in 2012, the charter school design team consisting of the future teacher team began its work in 2012, spending considerable time figuring out how to integrate student-driven learning into the fabric and culture. Rather than directly teaching students, KM teachers coach each child around their own personal learning interests under the guidance of these principles:
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Deep learning is lifelong, personal, and most effective in a community of learners.
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Each child has a personal learning plan which is fulfilled through a wide range of learning opportunities: Customized Coaching, Studio, Workshops, Mini-lessons, Whole-class instruction, Peer tutoring, Teacher modeling, Student modeling, Anywhere/Anytime learning, Community as classroom, Immersion and project learning.
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Multi-age environments enable powerful learning opportunities for all students and all learning styles.
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Learning is customized through a personalized approach between each educator and each student.
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Student engagement and student centered learning are at the heart of lifelong learning development.
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Students reflect on their own learning to become creative, collaborative, critical thinkers.
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Innovative team teaching is a cornerstone of the generative curriculum which reflects the lives and aspirations of students and families.
KM Explore is a K-5 elementary charter in Kettle Moraine School District of Wales, Wisconsin. Superintendent has opened three (soon to be four) ‘schools within a school’ at the Kettle Morraine school district.
Additional information on KM Explore can be found on the school website and the Personalize Learning Blog of Barbara Bray and Kathleen McClaskey.
