A person who knows state government but is relatively new to the digital learning revolution asked what to read to get up to speed. Here is a quick list:
Blogs:
We follow 50 Great Blogs & Blasts.
Policy:
The
10 Elements of High Quality Digital Learning
was released at the 2010 Excellence in Action National Summit in Washington, DC. It remains the best outline of a forward-leaning state policy framework.
The Smart Series, also from Digital Learning Now, is a series of 10 policy papers that detail recommendations for state and district
leaders. The collected series is available in a free eBook, Navigating the Digital Shift.
The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) has a well crafted
Statement of Principles for Model Legislation in States
. They also sponsor CompetencyWorks, the best source for policy and practice questions associated with
competency-based education (where students progress based on demonstrated mastery).
School models:
For most students, personalized learning will take place in schools that blend the best of online and face-to-face learning. The Christensen Institute defines emerging school models and has profiled exemplary blended learning schools.
Good schools challenge students and ask them to show what they know. For a profile of 20 exemplary schools representing ten school networks as well as some
leading school districts, see Deeper Learning for Every Student Every Day.
Another great source on innovative schools is the
Next Generation Learning Challenge
grantee profiles.
Also see our list of 38 Elementary & Middle Schools Worth Visiting and 35 High Schools Worth Visiting. For a catalog of reforms and cool schools
by city, see the Smart Cities series.
Trending topics.
For a how-to guide for schools and districts see: Blended Learning Implementation Guide 2.0 and Smart Series Guide to EdTech Procurement.
Why schools should join networks: Networks, Platforms, & Procurement.
On Promising school model/platform combos:
Building Buzz in Detroit
(on Michigan’s Education Achievement Authority)
Summit Denali
(the latest school from a Bay Area secondary school network)
Ten trending policy issues:
Beyond the Core: What About Other Important Outcomes?
Short Cycle Efficacy Trials Key to Personalized Learning
A Proposal for Better Growth Measures
Consortium Points the Way on Proficiency-Based
What is Performance Assessment?
Next-Gen Advisory: 10 Keys to College & Career Readiness
(watch for paper in March on guidance systems)
Preparing Teachers for Deeper Learning
(watch for a February paper)
“Keep Your 3, I Want My A": What’s Up With Standards-Based Grading?
Try This: 10 Things Every State Should Do Now
Preparing School Leaders
Digital Learning Now! is a Getting Smart Advocacy Partner. Tom is a director of iNACOL.