Analysis of Personalized Learning: Need for More Professional Development and 24/7 Technology Access for Urban Students

The first-ever statewide analysis of the progress Massachusetts public school districts are making in transforming their teaching practices from the 20th century “stand and deliver,” whole class model to a more tailored, 21st century personalized learning model. 

In the first analysis of this type conducted across an entire state, the Landscape Analysis onPersonalized Learning in Massachusetts examined learning and teaching experiences across the Commonwealth, surveyed schools’ technical readiness, and identified emerging practices in leading districts. 

“Personalized learning” is an umbrella term for efforts to accelerate student learning by tailoring the instructional environment — the what, when, how and where students learn — to address the individual needs, skills and interests of each student. The aim is to ensure that every Massachusetts student is fully prepared for college and career success in a competitive global employment marketplace. 

Survey participants identified the desire to differentiate instruction, to engage students and to address increasingly diverse student needs as drivers to personalize. The analysis found that while traditional classroom practices still dominate most schools, some districts, such as Natick, Revere, Millis and Andover are making great strides. 

The study also found that more time for embedded professional development for teachers remains a critical need. Over 70% of survey respondents reported that giving teachers more opportunities to work with colleagues and visit other schools to see personalized learning in action would be the most helpful for making this transformation. 

Finally, the study identified gaps in technology readiness between schools that serve economically disadvantaged students and their more affluent peers, particularly in students’ access to devices to engage in 24/7 learning. Urban districts, with the highest proportion of such students, face the biggest challenge in that regard, with only 12% of schools having sufficient devices to offer 24/7 learning experiences for all their students.