Hampton Middle School PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Dear Incoming Hornets:
Welcome to your school! As a Hornet, you will have the opportunity to choose how you learn and show your mastery of the required standards in each subject area. You may even work ahead! We will accomplish this through blended learning - the delivery of academic content through multiple modes: teacher instruction or direct instruction, technology, and projects/ task with in stations. These different modalities allow the learner (you) to customize your learning experience to achieve academic success.
Please read through the attached information with your parents, as it will explain how learning will take place, and how you will be graded at HMS.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Shirley Hanner
Project Manager for Personalized Learning
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1.What is Personalized Learning?
Personalized Learning is…a method to prepare our learners for college and careers by
providing learning options that meet the needs and interests of our learners thus giving
the learner ownership of his/her learning through voice and choice. At HMS,
Personalized Learning elements include blended learning- direct instruction provided by
a facilitator with a technology component, and project-based learning-real world
application of learning.
2.Why is HMS using Personalized Learning?
Personalized learning is a commitment to our students to continually try to improve
their education so they are ready for college, their chosen careers, or both. These
changes help our learners be the best they can be by taking ownership of their learning
and have the ability to use 21st century skills-communication, collaboration, critical
thinking, and creativity to demonstrate their mastery of their learning.
3.Will I only work on Edgenuity?
No. Edgenuity is only one resource used in the classroom.
4.How will I be graded?
Your facilitator will use standards-based grading-a measurement of proficiency or
mastery of well-defined course objectives. Most classes require a minimum score of 80%
to demonstrate mastery Your facilitators will inform you of their requirements. Your
facilitators may also use rubrics to help you know what is required to meet or exceed the
standards especially with performance tasks or projects. The majority of your grade will
come from assessments.
5.What is a performance task?
A performance task is a goal-directed assessment. It is graded on specific criteria usually
stated on a rubric.
6.How will I know what my grade is and what I need to do?
You will be notified of your progress by your facilitators. You can also view your grade
on Infinite Campus. Remember, if you have a blank or empty space, you have either not
gotten to that assignment/assessment or your grade has not been entered. Facilitators
are required to enter grades every two weeks. You will receive a copy of your standard
or mastery requirements from your facilitator to guide your learning.
7.What happens if I do not meet or exceed on my assessments?
You may retake most assessments after a remediation session or activity with your
facilitator.
8.What happens if I finish my grade’s standards?
You move on to the next grade level in that content area.
9.Do I have to have technology?
Luckily, this year we will have technology in the classroom for your use. You may not
bring smart phones this year to use. However, it may be necessary for you to have
technology and Internet at home. If this is not possible for your family, you may come in
as early as 7:30 to complete work using school technology. Work not completed in class
is expected to be completed for homework. Please speak to your facilitator to make
arrangements for early technology use.
10.If I move ahead a grade, will I take the Milestone Assessment for that grade?
No. You will take the assessment for your assigned grade.
11.What if I have questions or need help?
Raise your hand, write a note, or leave it on the parking lot. After school, you can email
your facilitator.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We need you! Our learners need experts to guide them with certain projects and/or tasks. We could also use your presence so our learners can present in front of real audiences. If you would be willing to become an active Hornet parent/guardian, please fill out the form below and return to your learner’s homeroom facilitator.
Parent/Guardian Name:______
Parent/Guardian Signature: ______
What is your job or skill? ______(Sometimes we need people with specific expertise to guide our learners.)
When are you available? ______
Learner’s name: ______. Grade: ______
Contact information: (Please write the best way to contact you).
Cell: ______. May we text you? Yes No
Email Address: ______
If you know of someone else or a company who would help our learners, please place their contact information below. Please include name of contact person.