Since 2015, Kaneland has worked to incorporate personalized practices across all Kaneland schools. Personalized learning was identified as one of three major strands of the district’s previous strategic plan, Kaneland 2020, and it continues to be at the core of each of the five commitment areas identified in the current strategic plan, Kaneland Connects.
In the fall of 2020, a steering committee was established to plan for the continued infusion of personalized practices within all Kaneland schools, as well as to create the IgKnight Academy, a stand-alone personalized learning program, housed at the Meredith Road campus, and designed to customize learning for each student based on their unique strengths, opportunities for growth, interests and areas of passion. The Academy will run in tandem with existing Kaneland schools, to provide a non-traditional, student-driven learning environment. Enrollment in IgKnight Academy will be initiated through an open application process. The first class of 150 students, in grades 4-8, will be welcomed in the fall of 2023. Enrollment will expand to include 9th grade in 2024, 10th in 2025, 11th in 2026, and 12th in 2027.
The Student Experience at IgKnight Academy
-Opportunities to co-create learning experiences, co-construct feedback, and co-develop demonstrations of proficiency with learning partners and teacher advisors/facilitators
-Learning progression based on student demonstrations of proficiency on reported standards, rather than an accumulation of seat time
-Students progressing through curricular standards at their own pace, through co-created learning pathways and continuum
-Flexibility in how to demonstrate proficiency in learning
-Inquiry-based and experiential learning experiences
-Removal of traditional constraints of grade designations and bell schedules
- Opportunities for student self-reflection and advocacy for personal learning needs
-Learner voice and choice infused in all aspects of learning
-Learners engaged in goal-setting and progress monitoring
-Focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and application of learning
-High levels of student and teacher clarity provided
IgKnight Academy Learner Characteristics:
Innovative
Self-Reflective
Growth-Oriented
Resilient
Collaborative
Confident in Advocating
Flexible
Seeks Ownership of Learning
Open-Minded and Curious
Embraces Technology
Questions regarding the IgKnight Academy can be directed to Laura Garland, Personalized Learning Coordinator, at 10166@kaneland.org
Commitment Connection: Proficiency Based Progress
Since 2015, Kaneland has worked to incorporate personalized practices across all Kaneland schools. Personalized learning was identified as one of three major strands of the district’s previous strategic plan, Kaneland 2020, and it continues to be at the core of each of the five commitment areas identified in the current strategic plan, Kaneland Connects.
In the fall of 2020, a steering committee was established to plan for the continued infusion of personalized practices within all Kaneland schools, as well as to create the IgKnight Academy, a stand-alone personalized learning program, housed at the Meredith Road campus, and designed to customize learning for each student based on their unique strengths, opportunities for growth, interests and areas of passion. The Academy will run in tandem with existing Kaneland schools, to provide a non-traditional, student-driven learning environment. Enrollment in IgKnight Academy will be initiated through an open application process. The first class of 150 students, in grades 4-8, will be welcomed in the fall of 2023. Enrollment will expand to include 9th grade in 2024, 10th in 2025, 11th in 2026, and 12th in 2027.
The Student Experience at IgKnight Academy
-Opportunities to co-create learning experiences, co-construct feedback, and co-develop demonstrations of proficiency with learning partners and teacher advisors/facilitators
-Learning progression based on student demonstrations of proficiency on reported standards, rather than an accumulation of seat time
-Students progressing through curricular standards at their own pace, through co-created learning pathways and continuum
-Flexibility in how to demonstrate proficiency in learning
-Inquiry-based and experiential learning experiences
-Removal of traditional constraints of grade designations and bell schedules
- Opportunities for student self-reflection and advocacy for personal learning needs
-Learner voice and choice infused in all aspects of learning
-Learners engaged in goal-setting and progress monitoring
-Focus on collaboration, critical thinking, and application of learning
-High levels of student and teacher clarity provided
IgKnight Academy Learner Characteristics:
Innovative
Self-Reflective
Growth-Oriented
Resilient
Collaborative
Confident in Advocating
Flexible
Seeks Ownership of Learning
Open-Minded and Curious
Embraces Technology