Area schools selected for learning-plan study

This is worth considering here in Texas as well. -Angela

Wed, Jun. 10, 2009
Area schools selected for learning-plan study

By Rita Giordano

Inquirer Staff Writer

Three area schools have been chosen to take part in a state Department of Education pilot program on personalized student learning plans.

North Burlington County Regional High School, Camden County Technical Schools, and Delsea Regional High School are among 16 New Jersey schools selected to participate, state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy announced yesterday.

The six middle schools and 10 high schools were among 90 schools in 66 districts that applied.

"The interest we received from schools wanting to take part in this pilot shows that this initiative has the potential to have a tremendous effect on the quality of each and every child's education and future," Davy said.

Starting in the 2009-10 school year, learning plans will be developed for all sixth and ninth graders in the chosen schools. The individualized plans will address personal, academic, and career development, and will be used for those students the following year as well.

Findings from the study will help education officials decide whether personal plans should be put in place for all students beginning in the sixth grade as part of the state's high school curriculum redesign.

Earlier in the secondary school redesign process, individualized learning plans were proposed for all students in sixth grade through high school beginning in the new academic year. That was scaled back to give the state the opportunity for the study.

Participating districts will be eligible for up to $7,500 in each year of the pilot to help cover costs. Twenty states and the District of Columbia require individual learning plans for all students, according to the state Education Department.

Contact staff writer Rita Giordano at 856-779-3841 or rgiordano@phillynews.com.

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