Student Learning Cycle: Learners Leading Change

Learners Leading Change: Student Learning Cycle

For nearly eight years, districts across the state have partnered through the Personalized Learning Network to expand and strengthen personalized learning systems and opportunities for educators and leaders. This winter, we are excited to extend this work directly to learners.

We invite districts to nominate up to four students in grades 5–12 to participate in a Student Learning Cycle focused on understanding, experiencing, and advocating for personalized learning.

About the Learner Learning Cycle

This virtual learning cycle will bring together students from across the state to:

• Deepen their understanding of personalized learning in practice

• Build shared language to describe personalized learning experiences

• Identify ways they currently experience personalization in and out of school

• Develop advocacy skills to communicate what they would like to experience more of 

Learners will collaborate across districts and grade levels, centering their own voices and experiences.

Cycle Structure & Dates

The cycle includes three interactive virtual sessions, each focused on one of the outcomes above:

• Session 1: October 14 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. CT

   Understanding Personalized Learning & Building Common Language

• Session 2: October 21 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. CT

   Mapping Current Personalized Learning Opportunities

• Session 3: October 28 | 10:00–11:30 a.m. CT

   Learner Voice, Advocacy, and Storytelling

Learner Deliverable

By the end of the cycle, learners will co-create a tangible advocacy product that captures their learning and voice. This may include:

• A short video

• A one-pager or visual brief

• Other creative formats identified by the learners

This artifact will be designed to help educators, leaders, and policymakers better understand what personalized learning looks like—and should look like—from the learner perspective.

Who Should Apply

Districts are encouraged to nominate learners who:

• Are curious about how learning is designed

• Want to share their experiences and ideas

• Are interested in leadership, voice, or advocacy

• Represent diverse experiences, backgrounds, and learning contexts

How to Apply

District leaders or designated adults can nominate a learner using the link below.

• Nomination Form: Forms due September 30th

  • Once a nomination form has been received, the learner will be sent a short application. 

  • Student Applications due October 5th

  • Learners will be notified on October 9th

Questions?

Please contact: Lori Phillips - phillipsl@knowledgeworks.org , NDPLN Director

We look forward to learning with and from learners as they step into their roles as leaders and advocates for personalized learning.