Sometimes the clearest vision comes from viewing examples. Summit Public Schools (SPS), which began as a network of charter schools in northern California, is one such example. Founded in 2003 in Redwood City, Summit has since expanded to include 11 schools in California and Washington state.

In addition to building its own schools, Summit has led the creation of the Summit Learning Program--an effort to help other schools follow its lead that includes professional development, customizable curricula for English, math, science and social studies, a software platform and ongoing mentorship. As of 2017, more than 330 schools around the U.S. are part of the Summit Learning community.

The software, which is called the Summit Learning Platform, is a free, online learning management tool that comes with a comprehensive, base curriculum (aligned with Common Core) for grades 6-12. (Teachers can also add playlists and projects.) The school had support from Facebook and now the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to develop the software. Each December, Summit invites schools to apply to become part of its program. There is a required, in-person summer training program for school leaders and teachers of schools accepted into the program.

From the perspective of Summit co-founder and CEO, Diane Tavenner, "Personalized learning to me means that every single student has a pathway that makes sense to them, that’s connected to their long-term goals and aspirations.”

Summit emphasizes three "pillars" of personalized learning: 1: 1 mentoring; real-world projects; and individualized pathways.

Source: Summit Schools

The Summit Learning Platform software keeps track as students progress independently through playlists and master content. Students take assessments when they are ready (rather than simultaneously as a class) and can take tests multiple times until they demonstrate mastery.

Summit recognizes that teachers remain one of the most important factors for student success. Teachers coach students and provide small-group and 1-on-1 support and interventions for students. To support their own engagement and leadership, Summit teachers have 40 days of dedicated professional development each year.