From healthcare to insurance, everyone gets greater benefit from a service when it’s personalised to their individual needs. But what about education? Should schools be providing individual learning plans (ILP) for all students, not just those with additional requirements? We explore four reasons why they should.
1. Better support a diverse student population
Factors like language proficiency, cultural background, disability and those who are gifted and talented are essential areas of focus for ILPs. But every student also has learning styles, behaviours and interests and would benefit from having learning plans that meet their specific requirements. This kind of personal goal setting, attainment strategy and monitoring are one of the most powerful ways to create an inclusive learning environment where all students can access, participate and progress in their learning.
2. Go beyond fulfilling mandatory NCCD and CASE requirements
On top of individual state requirements for ILPs for specific student groups, the upcoming V9.0 curriculum highlights the need for robust ILP monitoring and reporting. Effective processes and training are a necessity to embrace the spirit of the initiative. In which case, why not extend to all students so all students can thrive?
3. Engage student, staff and parents
It’s important that everyone involved in a student’s learning journey all have a shared understanding of the current challenges, goals, adjustments and progress. By bringing parent and school staff together, agreeing on and, most importantly, engaged with ILPs, it helps bring a consistent, constructive environment for all students to reach their potential both inside and outside of school.
4. Promote self-advocacy and reflection in students
ILPs can help students to learn how to advocate for themselves, help them to communicate their needs to their teachers and to take ownership of their own learning. They can also encourage students to reflect on their learning and to set goals. This can help them to stay motivated and to track their progress.
Tes want to put your school in the best position to support your students. We've introduced Learning Pathways, to help make individual learning plans for all students the new norm.
Tes Learning Pathways is now available for all Australian and New Zealand schools, with 25% off for a limited time. Discover how it can help your school today.
25% off offer is for a limited time only. Terms and conditions apply.