Our Spero’s are one of a kind. We understand that each student has a unique learning style that requires an individualized academic environment. Students with a particular learning style may require modified lesson plans, teaching methods or means of communication. They may need specific resources or goals that measure their personal success. All of these are pieces to the learning styles puzzle. We also understand that each student should take part in their learning environment. That’s why we implement Personalized Learning Plans (PLP).
What is a PLP?
At the core, a Personalized Learning Plan is a measurable long-term academic growth target — one that is set by the teacher at the beginning of the year. The principle areas we observe are literacy, mathematics, social and emotional growth. By discovering a baseline for each student we are able to assess areas that can be improved. These areas directly reflect a students areas of greatest need in order to foster the very best route to success.
At Spero we have a dedicated team devoted to propelling our students forward in the classroom, and in life. A student’s therapist, teachers, paraprofessionals and specialists all work in unison to craft a highly personalized plan. This union also includes the parent and the student in creating the PLP. The result is a strategy chock-full of activities, assessments and goals that are specific to each of our Speros.
The PLP Process
We use Personalized Learning Plans because they are a great way to evaluate a student’s success in the classroom. But they are also a fantastic way of understanding the most important academic question: What are my child’s areas of greatest need? With baseline data, measurable goals and individualized activities we are able to uncover where a child needs the most help, and their best possible route to flourishing in school.
So how does it work?
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During fall conference teachers and support staff meet with you to discuss what you might see as a potential goal for your child — along with any areas of concern.
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Your child will take district and state assessments to understand where they currently are — and where they may need the most help! These assessments include:
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District
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NWEA Math, Math Readiness Assessment
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The Bridge, ERSI, Whole to Part, NWEA Reading
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Skill Inventory Checklist
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State
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MCA Reading and Math only (3rd - 6th grade)
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MCA Reading, Math and Science (5th grade only)
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MTAS Reading and Math only (3rd - 6th grade)
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MTAS Reading, Math and Science (5th grade only)
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During conferences, the teacher will discuss the district test results with parents. Both the parents and the teacher will agree on the goals and the teacher will write up goals, lessons and activities that specifically target your child's areas of greatest need and provide them to you. This could also include differentiating between large and small groups in the classroom.
These goals are written in “I can” statements. Although there are a lot of support and teacher staff involved in the PLP process — the students is at the center of it all. We want to empower our Speros and include them as much as possible in the learning process.
For example: “Given the number 1, 2 or 3 with visual touchpoints on the number, I can match the correct number of objects to each numeral.”
The more personal we can make our plans the better! -
Every month our teachers collect data to track student progress. It’s important to keep track of data throughout the year to identify any areas of progress or concern. At the end of the year we assess if our students reached their goals!
There are many ways of illustrating a child's success in the classroom. A Personalized Learning Plan is yet another tool in helping build a progressive learning environment and a great method for communicating your child’s progress.
Because this plan is centered around both academic and behavioral/social growth it works twice as hard to ensure your child develops the necessary skills to live their best life!
Assessing and measuring your child's progress is just one step. Creating and fostering a personalized learning environment that works to support their unique needs is a giant leap. We’re here to make that leap easier, happier and more successful!