One of the charter schools near us is currently accepting applications to its lottery. I know because a parent told me Kalexedy is one of their "backup options" if they don't get in.
I understand that Kalexedy costs money. So if another option is available that is as good or better, of course you should do that. I would. But I challenge "better." Better is not just being able to say that we have the latest and greatest innovation in education. (If microschools aren't one of those great innovations, of which we are one, I'd be shocked.) Better is that we are not looking at how students perform today and how we can get them to do better tomorrow. Better is looking at each individual and planning based on their potential and goals. It is not settling for good enough to pass but rather great work everyone can be proud of that feels fulfilling.
Kalexedy is not 600+ kids in size, but the differences pretty much end there. Our program is as good or better because we can use the one thing that we think helps a student learn best: flexibility.
The Power of Personalized Learning Plans (PLP) at Kalexedy Learning Center
At Kalexedy Learning Center, we believe that every student deserves an education tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and interests. This is where Personalized Learning Plans (PLP) come in. A PLP ensures that each student receives a customized educational experience designed to help them achieve their academic goals, foster their curiosity, and prepare them for future success, whether it’s for high school graduation, college, or beyond.
Customized Curriculums: No two students learn the same way. At Kalexedy, students may use different curriculums based on their preferred learning style—whether it’s traditional textbooks, virtual platforms, or hands-on projects.
Subject Flexibility: PLPs allow students to work at varying grade levels across different subjects. For example, a student might be at a 5th-grade reading level but excel in 7th-grade math.
Collaboration is Key: Teachers, parents, and students work together to develop PLPs. As students grow older, their input becomes increasingly important, especially as they prepare for college or careers.
Blending Learning Modalities: Students can mix and match how they learn. Math might be completed online through a self-paced program, while history could involve engaging discussions and group projects.
What is a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP)?
A PLP is a roadmap for a student’s educational journey. It’s a flexible and dynamic plan that aligns with the student’s learning style, academic needs, and personal goals. The beauty of a PLP lies in its adaptability—students at Kalexedy may follow different curriculums, pursue varying subjects at different grade levels, and use a combination of in-person instruction and virtual learning, all while working towards the same goal: mastery of key subjects and preparation for their future.
Creating a PLP: A Collaborative Process
At Kalexedy, we understand the importance of collaboration in crafting these personalized plans. Teachers, students, and families work together to create, revisit, and assess the PLP. The process begins with an initial meeting between the teacher and the student’s family, where key academic areas are discussed, along with the student’s strengths, challenges, interests, and learning preferences.
For older students, input from the student becomes even more important as they approach graduation. As they develop a better understanding of their interests and career aspirations, they play a key role in shaping their PLP. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the PLP is continuously updated to reflect the student’s progress, evolving goals, and changing needs.
Example of a PLP: Upper Elementary (Grades 4-5)
For an upper elementary student, a personalized learning plan is the culmination of elementary learning. Meet Olivia: A 9-year-old who loves reading and nature but finds math a bit challenging.
Reading/English Language Arts: The student is working on 4th-grade level literature but has a passion for creative writing. Their reading comprehension is on track, but they want to explore writing and poetry. They could use a combination of in-class literature study and an online writing course.
Math: This student excels in math and is working above grade level, following a 5th-grade math curriculum for most concepts but using virtual learning tools for advanced problem-solving skills in geometry.
Science: The student is studying the 4th-grade curriculum in earth sciences but has a particular interest in space exploration. They might engage with a virtual learning module on astronomy and space missions.
History: The student is exploring U.S. history at a 4th-grade level but will use a multimedia approach, such as educational videos and interactive timelines.
Electives: Art and Music are included as electives. The student participates in weekly art lessons at Kalexedy and completes a music appreciation module online.
How does this look in action? While some subjects may be following grade-level expectations (like History or Reading), other subjects like Math are advanced, and Science is personalized based on the student’s interest. Kalexedy teachers coordinate with the family and virtual learning platforms to ensure that the student is appropriately challenged and engaged.
Example of a PLP: High School Student (Grades 9-12)
For a high school student, a PLP might involve a more rigorous set of coursework, possibly including dual enrollment options and preparing for college readiness. Meet James: A 16-year-old aspiring engineer who excels in science and technology but prefers to read graphic novels over classic literature.
Reading/English Language Arts: The student is enrolled in an honors English class with a focus on critical analysis of classical literature and contemporary writing. They are also engaged in a virtual learning experience that allows for deeper dives into literary theory and creative writing.
Math: This student is working on Algebra II but is also exploring calculus through online courses to prepare for college-level math. Their teacher ensures that this advanced learning is in line with their future academic goals.
Science: This student is taking Chemistry at school but also participating in a virtual learning lab that focuses on environmental science. They are passionate about sustainability and want to explore how science can be applied to real-world problems.
History: The student is studying modern world history at the 11th-grade level, supplemented by a project-based learning experience that incorporates social studies and political science through virtual learning platforms.
Electives: The student is enrolled in a psychology class through a local community college and also pursuing an online course in coding to prepare for a future in technology.
In this high school example, the PLP clearly reflects the student’s academic interests and readiness for future studies. By using both in-person and virtual learning, Kalexedy is able to tailor the curriculum to meet the student’s needs, and the PLP provides a structure that ensures they remain on track for graduation and college preparation.
Why PLPs are Key to Success at Kalexedy
At Kalexedy, the flexibility of a personalized learning plan is crucial for several reasons:
Differentiated Learning: Not every student is at the same grade level for every subject. A student might excel in math but need more time in reading, or vice versa. The PLP allows for that flexibility, ensuring that students are challenged without being overwhelmed.
Choice and Ownership: The PLP fosters a sense of ownership and motivation. Students have a say in what they study and how they learn, which leads to more engagement and passion for their education.
A Tailored Approach to High School: As students approach graduation, their PLP becomes an essential tool for shaping their future. They select courses that align with their career goals, whether through dual enrollment, certification programs, or college-prep courses.
Detailed Transcripts: With careful documentation of the personalized learning process, Kalexedy produces transcripts that not only reflect course titles but also provide in-depth descriptions of the courses the student has taken, offering future schools or employers a detailed account of their academic journey.
The Kalexedy Difference
At Kalexedy, our PLPs reflect our commitment to flexibility and collaboration:
Student-Centered Planning: From elementary school to high school, student voice matters. Younger students share interests that guide elective choices, while older students actively shape their academic paths.
Parental Involvement: Parents are partners in the planning process, ensuring the PLP aligns with their child’s goals and family values.
Diverse Curriculum Options: Whether it’s online platforms, traditional textbooks, or hybrid models, we select resources that match each student’s learning style and preferences.
Continuous Support: Teachers and staff regularly review and adjust PLPs to ensure they remain effective and relevant as students grow.
The Process of Creating and Revisiting a PLP
The process of developing a PLP at Kalexedy begins with an initial meeting with teachers, parents, and students. From there, a plan is created that highlights both the academic subjects and electives the student will focus on, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
The plan is revisited regularly, with input from all stakeholders. This ongoing dialogue ensures that the PLP remains dynamic and responsive to any changes in the student’s academic or personal goals. As students approach high school graduation, they take an increasingly active role in this process, helping to shape their educational trajectory with guidance from their teachers and family.
Why Personalized Learning Plans Work
At Kalexedy Learning Center, Personalized Learning Plans are not just about customizing a student’s coursework—they’re about tailoring the entire educational experience to suit the unique needs and aspirations of each student. Whether an elementary-aged child or a high schooler preparing for college, the PLP process ensures that every student receives the attention and support they need to thrive academically and personally.
By allowing flexibility, engaging students in the planning process, and embracing diverse learning methods, Kalexedy helps every learner achieve their full potential.
Are you ready to explore how a Personalized Learning Plan can benefit your child at Kalexedy? Contact us today to learn more!
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