226 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 personalized learning system is enabling students to own their learning journey,” she elucidates. This ownership is cultivated through what the district calls the “Core Four Components of Personalized Learning,” which are integrated into the curriculum as early as kindergarten. “We offer self-reflection and goal-setting opportunities as a whole class, in small groups, or one-onone with their teacher. This is complemented by targeted instruction, which could be individual, small group, or even digital resources designed to meet the student’s immediate needs,” she adds. The Formative Years As educational leaders increasingly recognize the importance of early childhood education, the College Community School District in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has taken proactive steps to ensure that even the youngest members of their community have access to quality learning experiences. Laura Medberry, Executive Director of Learning Supports, sheds light on the district’s strategic focus on early childhood education. “We’re fortunate in Iowa to have state funding for voluntary preschool. We’ve expanded our preschool programming to include an offsite location at an income-adjusted apartment complex, addressing the transportation barrier that previously limited access for some families,” she states. This initiative is in its second year and has already garnered the district an award for being a “District of Distinction in Early Childhood.” The data speaks volumes about the impact of these early years. “Approximately 70% of our students enter kindergarten with some form of preschool experience. We’ve observed positive academic gains in both math and literacy for those who attended our Prairie preschool program, along with improvements in their social, emotional, and behavioral wellness,” she elaborates. Dual Credits and Apprenticeships In a move that exemplifies the power of community collaboration, the College Community School District has forged a meaningful
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