Personalized Learning: Revolutionizing Education for the 21st Century

Introduction: The Reality of Learning Differences

Learning differences and disabilities are more common than many people realize. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 14% of all public school students in the United States receive special education services. This means that in a typical classroom of 30 students, at least four will likely have some form of learning difference.

When parents discover their child has a learning difference or disability, it can be an emotional rollercoaster. Initial reactions often include shock, denial, and even self-pity. It's natural to feel overwhelmed, but it's crucial not to dwell on these emotions. Your child needs you now more than ever, and taking prompt action is key to ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

I know this firsthand as my eldest adopted son was thirteen years old when he came to live with us. He read at a Grade 2 level. We didn't panic. We acknowledged his issue and took him to a professional who recommended a special needs school. After 4 semesters of primarily one-on-one instruction, my son could read at his grade level. It's a scary, worrying experience, but with all the excellent resources available, a positive outcome is entirely possible.

Understanding Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems that can interfere with learning basic skills such as reading, writing, or math. They can impede higher-level skills like organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, and attention.

Common types of learning disabilities include:

I am writing this article about rubrics for parents. Your child's first couple of years in school will probably be an exciting time of exploration and discovery. Then, along come the middle and high school years when assessment begins to rear its ugly head. Then that day comes when your child comes home all upset because she got a C on a paragraph her class had to write on the prompt "Stuff that makes me laugh." Suddenly, the assessment is staring you and your child in the face. Both of you wonder why her teacher gave her a C.

Now, let's understand something fundamental to assessment. Your teachers are not trying to humiliate or demean you. They are merely trying to determine your child's skill sets. We adults have endured performance reviews during the course of our careers. Those are other forms of assessment. Teachers, by and large, don't grade subjectively. They look at a set of criteria which they apply uniformly to every student's work. Those criteria are styled rubrics. So, let's dig in and find out how they work. As we look at the various components that can make up rubrics, I have included an authoritative source from one of the many education schools in the nation. Use these to learn more about a specific rubric component that interests you.

Fundamental Principles of Rubrics

Assessment Tool

Essentially, a rubric is a tool for evaluating and assessing work or performance. Like we use Google Maps or Waze

Attention Deficit Disorder is a common disorder that afflicts both children and adults. I have taught children who have been diagnosed with ADHD. I also have managed adult employees who had ADHD as well. So, here are the questions I would ask if I thought my child might have Attention Deficit Disorder.

Disclaimer: I have researched answers to these questions that link to or refer back to authoritative sources. However, I am not a healthcare professional. So, always consult a healthcare professional with your specific concerns and questions.

How do you define Attention Deficit Disorder?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development.

According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), there are three main subtypes of ADHD:

Inattentive presentation

In this presentation, symptoms of inattention are looked for, such as difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, and frequently making careless mistakes in their schoolwork or other activities.

Hyperactive-impulsive presentation

In this presentation, children will display symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, such as fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting for their turn, and interrupting others.

Combined presentation

In this subtype, children display symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

This video offers an overview of ADHD in children.

What are the signs

We hold teachers and the profession of teaching in high regard. Teachers are often considered the bedrock of any progressive society. Teachers wield the power to mold young minds and shape the future. Serving as guiding lights for students, teachers play a critical role in fostering intellectual growth and nurturing curiosity. Despite being a demanding career choice, the allure of teaching lies in its potential to influence, inspire, and ignite a love for learning.

Why People Become Teachers

Why would anybody want to join an underpaid, micromanaged, and often disrespected profession? It's an interesting question in 2024. On the other hand, when you look at the reasons from an altruistic perspective, motivation, role models, lifelong learning, and influence all come into play. So, let's look at each of these reasons.

Intrinsic Motivation: A key motivating factor that compels many individuals to enter the teaching profession is the intrinsic satisfaction of educating young minds. According to a study by Klassen et al. (2012), teachers often express immense gratification in witnessing their students' academic and personal growth. This emotional reward, they argue, is a major motivating factor. I can attest to this motivating factor. It certainly wasn't the financial compensation that made me want to teach.

Role Models: Men and women who have taught us often leave lasting impressions. Such role models can inspire individuals to become teachers. Positive experiences with former teachers are some of the reasons people become teachers.