What vision do school and district leaders have for the future of education in their communities?

The LEAP Learner Framework, developed by Chicago-based nonprofit, LEAP Innovations, puts students at the center of its personalized learning approach. A Framework suggests to seekers the potential route a new learning style can take and shows many of the points along such a path, which makes it a helpful vision tool.

LEAP’s four-part Framework uses these coordinates to map ideas:

• Learner Focused: Learners develop a deep understanding of their needs, interests and strengths around academics, wellness issues, social-emotional development, culture, their living situation and their cognitive skills.

• Learner Demonstrated: Learners should begin their journey at a level appropriate to their prior knowledge and their needs, then progress at a pace that fits them, demonstrating competency along the way.

• Learner Led: Learners should co-design their experiences. They must be able to articulate their interests, strengths and needs; monitor and reflect on their own progress; set goals and establish plans; and advocate for support when they need it.

• Learner Connected: Learning can and does take place anytime, anywhere and in ways that are connected to families, educators and broader communities. Learners can collaborate with peers and others to cultivate meaningful learning experiences and advance their opportunities through these connections.

Here's the full description of the LEAP Learner Framework—along with hands-on strategies for each of the four components and an option to download the framework in its entirety.

LEAP Learning Framework - Overview from LEAP Innovations on Vimeo.