To support the growth of personalized learning, the Ohio Department of Education is partnering with KnowledgeWorks and educational service centers (ESCs) to create the Ohio Personalized Learning Network (OPLN). Madison-Champaign ESC was awarded one of ten OPLN grants to identify and recruit districts that are currently engaged in personalized learning and/or are new to personalized learning, as well as to hire a personalized learning specialist to support regional efforts. Science Curriculum Specialist, Tracy Merica, will be serving in this role. She will work directly with interested school and district teams within the central region to provide technical assistance and professional development at no charge.

Through the OPLN, with the support of KnowledgeWorks, these ten specialists will create a system of professional development designed to provide multiple entry points to meet the needs of schools and districts. They will be supporting the state’s schools and districts by providing support via professional learning pathways, a multi-level system of professional development, and customized support through a structure of Explore, Launch, and Transform.

Schools and districts that wish to EXPLORE personalized learning will have access to on-demand online learning modules to develop foundational knowledge of personalized learning. Districts ready to LAUNCH personalized learning will participate in a 2-year cohort and develop the knowledge and skills needed to shift traditional teaching and learning practices. These districts will receive professional development and coaching through OPLN. Districts that are ready to TRANSFORM will join a 5-year cohort to develop a comprehensive plan for district-wide implementation of personalized, competency-based learning.

Learn more about the pathways at https://oh.knowledgeworks.org/