Profile of an Unbundled Learning Ecosystem: New Hampshire
Jan 31, 2025
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Steve Kosakoski, CEO of the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School in New Hampshire, shares insights from his 16 years in education. He discusses how New Hampshire leads in competency-based learning, offering personalized pathways for students. The conversation dives into innovative programs like Learn Everywhere, enabling credits through real-world experiences. Kosakoski emphasizes the importance of flexibility in education, the role of policy and technology, and the transformative impact of alternative learning approaches on student engagement and mastery.
New Hampshire's unbundled learning ecosystem enables personalized educational pathways that enhance student engagement through real-world experiences and flexible learning models.
Innovative programs like Extended Learning Opportunities and Learn Everywhere are crucial for fostering a student-centered approach that breaks down conventional barriers to education.
Deep dives
Understanding Unbundled Learning
Unbundled learning refers to educational experiences that occur outside traditional classroom settings, allowing students to explore diverse learning opportunities. In this model, educational experiences are categorized into a matrix with various states ranging from bundled in-system learning to unbundled out-of-system education. The podcast emphasizes that the goal of unbundled learning is for every learner to meet expected outcomes through relevant and challenging experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and personal capacity. New Hampshire has emerged as a leader in implementing policies and practices that encourage personalized, unbundled learning options, making it a reference point for educational innovation.
Real-World Learning Experiences
Real-world experiences play a crucial role in student engagement and learning, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical situations. The podcast explores personal stories shared by guests, highlighting impactful moments from their youth, such as building a hang glider or a hydroplane, which taught them hands-on skills and resilience. Additionally, the conversation reveals the importance of mentorship and guidance in facilitating real-world learning, as students can collaborate with professionals in their fields of interest. By connecting education to real-life contexts, students become more motivated and invested in their learning journey.
Innovative Programs and Policies in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has developed innovative educational programs such as Extended Learning Opportunities (ELOs) and Learn Everywhere initiatives that aim to enhance learning outside of conventional settings. ELOs provide practical, hands-on experiences designed around student interests, while Learn Everywhere allows students to earn credits for learning experiences gained in external environments. The integration of these programs aims to break down barriers to learning and to establish a more flexible and inclusive educational framework. This approach encourages students to engage in diverse activities that contribute to their growth, enabling them to take charge of their education.
Creating Student-Centered Pathways
The discussion stresses the importance of creating educational pathways that align with individual student needs and interests. The guests emphasize that learning is continuous and transcends the traditional school calendar, prompting educators to embrace flexibility in academic requirements. Students should have options to plan their futures and receive support as they navigate their post-high school paths, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. The conversation showcases the vital role of personalized learning frameworks in empowering students to succeed and thrive in their respective fields.
The podcast episode "New Hampshire Unbundled" explores how New Hampshire has become a leader in unbundled and competency-based learning, offering students personalized educational pathways that extend beyond traditional school environments. By embracing initiatives like the Virtual Learning Academy Charter School (VLACS) and Learn Everywhere, the state provides learners with opportunities to earn credits through real-world experiences, ranging from internships to independent projects, thus fostering a learning ecosystem that is adaptable to individual student needs and aspirations. The discussion highlights the importance of flexible learning models that prioritize student engagement and mastery over seat time, and it emphasizes the critical role of policy and technology in expanding access to diverse educational opportunities. Through these innovative approaches, New Hampshire is paving the way for a future-ready education system that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.