An introduction to the Empower the Learner Program based on the science of learning and development and Universal Design for Learning.

An Introduction to Empower the Learner

Discover who your learners are and how they learn with the Empower the Learner (ETL) Profile. Read the Introduction to Empower the Learner book first.

Empower The Learner

It's about the self-talk and stories they tell themselves everyday!

Skills to support every day learning

It's about supporting challenges, enhancing strengths and growing as an individual

It’s about agency in their learning, being mindful, having a growth mindset and self-advocating for the way they learn!

In the ETL Framework, we first help kids understand and value their identity by having them share their stories of Who I am, How I Learn, and What I Aspire to Be

&nbsp;● Who I am &nbsp;● How I Learn &nbsp;● What I Aspire to Be

We are offering a 10% discount for either the <a href="https://empowerthelearner.com/empower-the-learner-educator-edition/">ETL Programs for Educators</a> - Self-Paced or Hybrid with Live Coaching to any educator who has used the ETL Profile templates with their learners.

To receive this special discount for either an individual or team, please get in touch: email <a href="https://empowerthelearner.com/contact/">kathleen@empowerthelearner.com</a> phone (978) 913-8333 or click here to <a href="https://vxoeqcielbhkwrdklr.10to8.com">schedule a call</a>.

The 3-Step ETL Process aligned to the ETL Framework

This illustrates the practical 3-Step ETL Process that is aligned to the ETL Framework, where the learner first discovers their Identity by creating their ETL Profile. Then they decide on whether to support a challenge or enhance a strength with their Personal Learning Backpack of tools and skills. Finally, they set goals and actions in a Personal Learning Plan so they have a clear direction on acquiring the skills. In the end they have developed outcomes that include a positive self-image, agency in their learning, mindfulness practice, a growth mindset and the ability to self-advocate.&nbsp;

Build &amp; Use a Common Language Around Learning

Find out more on our <a href="https://empowerthelearner.com/faqs/">FAQ</a> page.

Now we have a clear snapshot of the learner that can empower them to self advocate for&nbsp;who they are, how they learn and what they aspire to be.

From the Science of Learning &amp; Development

Present Moment Awareness Focus and Concentration Self-Regulation

Value Self-Efficacy Sense of Control

Self Understanding Sense of Belonging Navigating Identity

Life Experiences Developmental State Learning Differences

Focused Attention Effective Practice Metacognitive Thinking High Quality Feedback Meaningful Encoding

The UDL Lens of Access, Engage and Express is the common language used to communicate the what, why and how of our learning. It is based on cognitive neuroscience, Universal Design for Learning.

Multiple means of Action &amp; Expression

Find out more about <a href="https://empowerthelearner.com/learner-profiles-stop-using-learning-styles-start-using-the-learning-sciences/">Learner profiles</a>.

Knowing one’s identity opens the door to a discussion about the skills that will support their learning challenges,&nbsp;as well as the ways that will enhance their learning strengths. Both sides of this equation need to be acknowledged equally and non-judgmentally. This type of acknowledgement and acceptance helps kids to grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and academically.&nbsp;It helps to develop a growth mindset, as challenges become manageable rather than stopping points or obstacles. &nbsp;Hopes and dreams are nurtured, supported and encouraged.

● To support my challenges ● To enhance my strengths ● To grow socially, emotionally, cognitively and academically ● To realize my hopes &amp; dreams

Each child is unique and needs to be seen, heard, understood, valued and empowered to ... ● develop a positive self-image ● achieve agency in their learning ● self-advocate for who they are and how they learn ● realize their hopes and dreams

● Positive Self-Image ● Agency ● Mindfulness ● Growth Mindset ● Self-Advocacy

&nbsp;We want our kids to have these outcomes:&nbsp; ● &nbsp;a positive self image,&nbsp; ● agency in their learning,&nbsp; ● &nbsp;a practice of mindfulness,&nbsp; ● &nbsp;a growth mindset, and&nbsp; ● &nbsp;the ability to self-advocate

The question is, how can we empower the 1-in-5 learners who often struggle in school to realize these outcomes?

● We believe that EVERY child should be afforded an equal opportunity to thrive. ● We believe that EVERY child deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and empowered. ● We believe in instilling a strong foundation of confidence in EVERY child’s abilities. ● It is our impassioned mission to offer parents and educators unique and innovative methods that support kids and their learning!

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I am really good at Math. For fun, I like to play video and board games. When I am not in school, I like to go snowboarding. If I could tell others something unique about me, it would be that I like acting. I am most proud of my skills at playing chess. What concerns me, that I can make a difference with, is protecting animals in animal shelters. My cultural background is Italian Irish. Words that best describe me are: curious, imaginative, independent, artistic, optimistic.

● I can visualize what I hear. ● I connect to ideas I already know.

● I do not always understand what I read. ● I have trouble focusing.

● I like to lead others. ● I work well with others.

● I don't like doing difficult tasks. ● I have a difficult time in organizing for a project.

● I draw what I am thinking. ● I like telling stories orally. ● I am a good presenter / speaker.

● I need to use a text-to-speech tool for reading. ● I prefer video for understanding.

● I need tasks to be broken down into smaller tasks. ● I prefer to work with a partner.

● I have trouble putting thoughts on paper. ● I find note taking difficult

● I need to use a note taking tool. ● I prefer graphic organizers to help to organize ideas. ● I prefer to present orally.

Interests / Talents / Passions / Hopes &amp; Dreams

I am interested in soccer, baseball and history. I am talented in storytelling, public speaking, drawing, connecting the dots and mental math. I am passionate about fishing and I aspire to have my own business one day that helps animals.

Transcend, Inc. Designing for Learning Primer, 2019. Watkins, C. (2010). Learning, Performance and Improvement. INSI Research Matters, 34, International Network for School Improvement Website:<a href="http://www.ioe.ac.uk/about/documents/Watkins_10_Lng_Perf_Imp_ev.pdf"> http://www.ioe.ac.uk/about/documents/Watkins_10_Lng_Perf_Imp_ev.pdf</a> Watkins, C. (2011). Learning: a sense-maker’s guide. Professional Development Series,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atl.org.uk/publications-and-resources/classroom-practice-publications/learning-sense-makers-guide.asp">&nbsp;https://www.atl.org.uk/publications-and-resources/classroom-practice-publications/learning-sense-makers-guide.asp</a>

Empower the Learner, “Empower the Learner” Profile, UDL Lens of Access, Engage and Express, Personal Learning Backpack and Personal Learning Plan are trademarks of Kathleen McClaskey. The Mindful Learner is a trademark of Julie Hartman. All rights reserved.

I want to learn how to use a TTS app to support me in reading books, online resources and classroom materials in addition to taking notes.

1. Set a schedule to work with a tutor or parent to learn the TTS app.

● Demonstration of independent reading and notetaking of assigned reading Date Achieved:

2. Read textbook, assigned novel or online content using the TTS app.

Reflection on achieving my ACCESS goal:&nbsp; After learning how to use the TTS app, it made it so much easier for me to understand what I was reading.

The ETL Program for Educators includes …

● 5 Modules that take you through the 3-Step ETL&nbsp;Process ● 15 -20 instructional videos on tools and apps to build a Personal Learning Backpack&nbsp; ● Templates and guides to develop a Personal Learning Plan with your learners ● 5 Actions Guides, one for each module ● The Mindful Learner audio activities to build a practice of mindfulness ● ETL templates to guide you through the 3-Step ETL Process ● Updates to Future ETL instructional videos&nbsp; ● Lifetime membership in the ETL Private FB Community of Practice ● ETL Tools/App Guides for Access, Engage and Express

Develop Outcomes using My Personal Learning Plan

My Personal Learning Plan (PLP) is unique for each learner.&nbsp;It creates a pathway to AGENCY as each learner develops goals and action steps for skill development alongside extended learning opportunities that are aligned to college and career, personal or citizenship goals.

The 3-Step Empower the Learner Process is designed to develop agency and self-advocacy skills. When learners experience agency, they can realize their hopes and dreams and make informed choices for college, career, and life. With agency, a child has the ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn in a world where jobs have yet to be imagined. Remember that learner agency also provides a reason to commit, take risks, and persist in the face of challenges and setbacks.

We learn best when we direct our focus toward the content and experiences most relevant to learning.

We learn best when we practice challenging-but-doable skills at frequent, focused intervals and across diverse contexts.

We learn best when we are able to plan, observe, evaluate, and adjust our own learning processes.

We learn best when we receive timely and targeted feedback to guide our improvement.

Adapted from Designing for Learning Primer, Transcend, Inc. (2019).

We learn best when new learning is experienced in memorable ways and is related to prior knowledge.

To develop a positive self-image, to have agency in my learning ad to self-advocate in the way I learn

My culture, what is special about me, what I am most proud of, words that describe me, how I want to make a difference, things I love to do

My strengths, challenges, preferences and needs, to Access and process information, to Engage with content and concepts, and to Express what I know and understand

My talents and interests, my passions &amp; aspirations, my hopes and dreams

● Who I am ● How I learn ● What I aspire to be

● Positive Self-Image ● Agency ● Mindfulness ● Growth mindset ● Self-Advocacy

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Every child on the planet is a learner!

ETL Programs for Educators launches in 2023

We learn best when we have a deep understanding of who we are and how we learn so that we can use this knowledge to support our learning.

We learn best when we feel connected to, as well as accepted by, the people and environment around us.

We learn best when positive beliefs associated with our identity are maximized and when negative beliefs are minimized or buffered against.

Linda Darling-Hammond, Lisa Flook, Channa Cook-Harvey, Brigid Barron &amp; David Osher (2020) Implications for educational practice of the science of learning and development, Applied Developmental Science, 24:2, 97-140, DOI:10.1080/10888691.2018.1537791 Lopez, N., Patrick, S. and Sturgis, C., Designing for Equity: Leveraging Competency-Based Education to Ensure All Students Succeed, 2018. Osher, D., Cantor, P., Berg, J., Steyer, L., &amp; Rose, T. (2018). Drivers of human development: How relationships and context shape learning and development. Applied Developmental Science, 1-31. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2017.1398650">https://doi.org/10.1080/10888691.2017.1398650</a> Pape, B. (n.d.). Learner variability is the rule not the exception. Retrieved from https:// digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Learner-Variability-Is-The-Rule.pdf Pashler, H., McDaniel, M., Rohrer, D., &amp; Bjork, R. (2008). Learning Styles: Concepts and Evidence. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(3), 105-119. Rose, T. (2013, June 19). The Myth of Average: Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBmyttcfU4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eBmyttcfU4</a> Science of Adolescent Learning: How Identity and Empowerment Influence Student Learning, p.13. Alliance for Excellence Education. <a href="https://all4ed.org/science-of-adolescent-learning-how-identity-and-empowerment-influence-student-learning/">https://all4ed.org/science-of-adolescent-learning-how-identity-and-empowerment-influence-student-learning/</a>

Valuing who you are begins with this first step!

We want kids to have a positive self-talk every day; it is the stories we tell ourselves that develop a positive self-image.

We learn best when we find the content, outcomes, processes, and relationships associated with learning important, relevant and meaningful.

We learn best when we believe in our ability to develop skills and achieve mastery of what we are learning.

We learn best when we perceive that we have a meaningful and sense of agency over our learning.

We would like to introduce you to the Empower the Learner Framework,&nbsp;based on the science of learning and development that begins with Identity.&nbsp;

Expertise in learning, mindfulness and technology

I want you to know that I understand the challenges your kids have as I had children who are now adults that had many learning challenges with identification of dyslexia, ADHD, learning disabilities, speech and language delays, stuttering, executive function challenges, just to name a few. I want to help your kids to develop the skills and practices to support their learning for a lifetime so they can realize their hopes and dreams! As a parent and educator, I want children to believe in themselves and to be anything they want to be.&nbsp;

I am here to empower you and your kids on that journey!

Each of us has variability in our learning and this is how it impacts us.

We learn best when our unique strengths and challenges are identified, acknowledged and understood, with systems for supportive response and action plans.

We learn best when our experiences align with where we are developmentally.

We learn best when our unique learning needs are identified, and resources and skill development are aligned with those needs.

Our programs are based on the latest research on the Science of Learning and Development. There are virtually no other programs like this anywhere. We have taken the collective research on the Science of Learning and Development and have designed the Empower the Learner&nbsp;Framework and aligned it with the practical 3-Step Empower the Learner Process that can be used by educators and parents to help empower their kids to lead and support their own learning.&nbsp; Before we dive into the details, here is the background on the sciences that make these programs effective and powerful.

We want to know what kids aspire to be. Keep in mind that this changes with age and maturity but we want kids to share and value their current talents and interests, passions and aspirations and yes, their hopes and dreams.

Thriving with skills, tools and practices for lifelong learning!

CEO &amp; Chief Learning Officer

● Co-author of Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning ● Designed the 3-Step Empower the Learner Process ● In 2012, termed UDL Lens of Access, Engage and Express as a way for a learner to understand the what, why and how of their learning ● Passionate in empowering ALL learners with tools, skills and practices so they become self-directed learners, learners with agency, who are future ready for college, career and life ● Mom of two sons who inspire my work every day

is how we get information and transform it into useable knowledge through: - digital media - print - touch - audio - visual media

is how we connect with content, concepts and ideas by: - problem-solving - designing - questioning - collaboration - reflection - video or graphics - interactives

is how we express or take action about what we know and understand by: - writing - presenting - storytelling - multimedia - building/making - modelling - making sense of learning

We learn best when we are able to maintain a single-pointed focus, a skill that is enhanced and improved with consistent mindfulness practice.

We learn best when we are in a calm, open minded, growth mindset state.

Adapted from Mindful Schools, Research on Mindfulness

The “Empower the Learner” Program is based on the research of the Science of Learning and Development that includes identity, learner variability, mindfulness, cognition, motivation, Universal Design for Learning, equity and social justice. The list here includes the research and the resources that were used.&nbsp; Bray, B., &amp; McClaskey, K. (2017). <a href="https://us.corwin.com/en-us/nam/how-to-personalize-learning/book250714">How to Personalize Learning: A Practical Guide for Getting Started and Going Deeper</a>. Thousand Oaks: Corwin. Deans for Impact (2015). The science of learning. Austin, TX: Deans for Impact. Retrieved from <a href="https://deansforimpact.org/resources/the-science-of-learning/">https://deansforimpact.org/resources/the-science-of-learning/</a> Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York, NY, US: Random House. Fritzgerald, A. (2021). Antiracism and Universal Design for Learning: Building Expressways to Success. Wakefield, MA: CAST Professional Publishing. Jennings, P. A. (2012). Building an Evidence Base for Mindfulness in Educational Settings. <a href="https://www.mindful.org/building-an-evidence-base-for-mindfulness-in-educational-settings/">https://www.mindful.org/building-an-evidence-base-for-mindfulness-in-educational-settings/</a>

Once our unique strengths and challenges are identified, acknowledged and understood, then we can begin to have a conversation about My Personal Learning Backpack™&nbsp; that may include specific tools and apps along with the skills in using them to support a challenge or enhance a strength in how we Access information, Engage with content and Express what we know and understand. In order for learners to be more self-directed, they need a Personal Learning Backpack™ they can use to support their learning.

Strength or Challenge Preference or Need

Tools, Apps or Resources

Text-to-speech app: Texthelp Read and Write, Bookshare, Flipgrid, Book Creator&nbsp;or Voice Dream Reader.

Learn how to use a TTS app so I can independently read, highlight notes, understand the content and adjust speed of reading.

Name

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