The Kentucky Valley Education Cooperative’s Appalachian Renaissance Initiative (ARI) has placed a plethora of resources at the fingertips of teachers across this region. Their goal is to help teachers prepare our students to become innovative, life-long learners who will graduate from high school with the tools and skills required to compete globally in an ever-changing world. Jenkins Innovative Coordinator Christle Carter and Instructional Supervisor Serena Anderson work closely with KVEC to bring those resources and supports to the Jenkins Independent School System.
One of the most valuable resources provided through ARI is the Summit Personal Learning Platform from California. This learning platform is designed with the student in mind. The lessons are aligned to standards, are linked to resources that are current and easily adaptable, and are designed to empower the students to set goals, monitor their own progress, and master their learning. The teacher who implements Summit in his/her classroom becomes a facilitator—a mentor. The teacher trades a one-size-fits-all delivery of instruction to small group instruction tailored for a specific child (or small group).
Jenkins Independent has three teachers who have begun to implement Summit Learning: Brian Bentley, middle school science; TJ Boggs, high school science; and Jordan Staton, high school social studies. Since Summit’s inception in late September, Brian Bentley has transformed his 8th grade science class to meet the requirements of Summit. A team of educators from KVEC and the University of Kentucky observed and interviewed Mr. Bentley and his students.
When asked what obstacles make implementation of Summit more difficult, Mr. Bentley explained that technology is a hindrance since the iPads and Learnpads don’t support various programs such as Adobe and Flash. Students cannot access all that Summit has to offer. He commented that the purchase of Chrome Books would provide more usability for the learning platform. Due to the efforts of Abbie Combs (KVEC) and Rose Shields (UK for Rural Health), United Way recently presented Mr. Bentley with a $3,000.00 check to purchase Chrome Books for his eighth grade science class. With this purchase, Mr. Bentley can further implement the use of the Summit Personal Learning Platform. The eighth grade students will be more involved in their education, thus taking ownership of their accomplishments through goal setting, monitoring and the mastering of concepts.
Content submitted by Christle Carter, Innovation Coordinator
Jenkins Independent School System
