Presentation
Learning is Personal
Start
Dana Morris
MAED with Emphasis in Educational Leadership Concordia University, Saint Paul CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Professor Matt Kasowicz February 14, 2026
Top 10 index
Mindfulness
Concept Mastery
Grading Practices
Reflection
Student Autonomy
Beautiful Mistakes
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Academic Equity
Closing Opportunity Gaps
Inquiry
10
Competency-Based Learning
Concept Mastery
+info
Students demonstrate skills through research, analysis, writing, presentations, and communication.
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
Grading practices
+info
Standards-Based Grading
(Canva Magic Media, 2026)
student autonomy
Personalized Learning
Teachers provide frequent feedback designed to keep students on their learning trajectory.
Personalized Learning offers flexibility and student agency as they choose learning experiences suited to their needs.
Students have an active role in designing their educational journey based on their goals and interests.
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Inclusion
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
+ info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Closing Opportunity Gaps
+info
Access For All
Collaboration
Learning Stations
Recorded Readings
Differentiation
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
Mindfulness
- Notice your breath
- Body awareness
- Acknowledge your five senses
- Notice your thoughts and feelings
- Be happy with who you are
Mindfulness can be taught to young learners through a variety of sensory activities. Blowing on a pinwheel while exhaling will help students develop awareness of their breath. Glitter jars can help students understand how to calm their thoughts and bodies. Nature walks provide opportunities to use their senses.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Mindfulness Exercises
Five Basics of Mindfulness
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
(Canva Magic Media, 2026)
Reflection
Metacognition
+info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Beautiful Mistakes
Problem Solving
+info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Academic Equity
Problem Solving
+info
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
10
Inquiry
Project Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) supports high levels of inquiry. Throughout a PBL unit, students engage in rigorous, cross-curricular tasks that require collaboration, research, critical thinking, and reflection. Students take ownership of their learning, with teachers providing guidance along the way (Buck Institute for Education, n.d.).
(Microsoft Copilt, 2026)
Discussion Prompt #1
How do you support inquiry in your classroom? Share your successes and areas for growth.
Discussion Prompt #2
What does equitable participation look like in your classroom? How do you ensure rigor and high expectations for all students?
Discussion Prompt #3
How do you explicitly teach mindfulness and regulation skills? What evidence do you have that mindfulness practices impact student behavior and engagement?
Discussion Prompt #4
How often do your students engage in multi-step or open-ended tasks? How do you scaffold problem-solving tasks without removing cognitive demand?
Closing Statement
The Top 10 takeways highlight best practices in education that ensure all students have equitable access to rigorous learning experiences that support academic and social-emotional development. These practices align with the Educational Leadership program essential question: In light of what is known about pedagogy in the contemporary educational setting, how shall educators lead equitably and inclusively in order to positively impact student development and learning?
References
Beachboard, C. & Kersey, E. (2022, April 5). Getting started with standards-based grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading
Buck Institute for Education. (n.d.). Doing a project vs. project based learning. PBL Works. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning
Canva Magic Media. (2026). Student with a standards-based progress report. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Canva Magic Media. (2026). A traditional report card. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Canva Magic Media. (2026). A student pracitcing mindfulness. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Cleaver, S. (2024, July 15). 35+ differentiated instruction stratgegies and examples for k-12 classrooms. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/differentiated-instruction-strategies-to-try-out-this-year/
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). A high school classroom engaged in competency-based learning. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). An equitable classroom. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). A school with equitable access to curriculum and opportunities. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Gonzalez, J. (2025, April 13). A close look at competency-based learning. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-based-learning/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A classroom where mistakes are opportunites. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A student reflecting on learning. [AI Generated Image https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A classroom with culturally responsive teaching practices. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A student choosing their learning path. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
McCarthy, J. (2023, April 20). Using differentiation to challenge all students. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/differentiation-challenge-all-students/
Microsoft Copilot Image Generator. (2026). Image of students completing a project-based learning activity. [AI Generated Image]. https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the art of teaching mindfulness in the classroom. Teachers Helping Teachers Blog. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/#
PBIS Rewards. (n.d.). 5 traits of a culturally responsive classroom. PBIS Rewards Blog. https://www.pbisrewards.com/blog/culturally-responsive-classroom/
Power School. (2025, January 17). A complete guide to personalized learning in k-12 education. Resource Library. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/
Son, L. K., Furlonge, N. B., Agarwal, P. K. (2020). Metacognition: How to improve students ' reflections on learning. Teachers College, Columbia University. https://pdf.retrievalpractice.org/MetacognitionGuide.pdf
Thinking Maps. (2024, February, 15). How to close the critical thinking gap. Thinking Maps Resources. https://www.thinkingmaps.com/resources/blog/how-to-close-the-critical-thinking-gap/
Waterford. (n.d.). 51 mindfulness exercises for kids in the classroom. Waterford Resource Blog. https://www.waterford.org/blog/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/
Wysocki, S. (2023, May 8). Students can solve many of their own problems. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/independent-problem-solving-in-the-classroom/
Culturally Responsive Teaching
A culturally responsive teacher ensures that all students feel safe, respected, and positively represented in the learning environment. Students' cultural backgrounds and identities are celebrated. A culturally responsive classroom fosters community building to encourage connection (PBIS Rewards, n.d.).
Standards-based grading involves clear learning targets and success criteria that explicitly define expectations. Students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts over time. Teachers use current data to respond to students' needs and help individuals progress through levels of the success criteria (Beachboard & Kersey, 2022).
Student performance on standardized tests requires content knowledge and critical thinking skills. All students deserve access to rigorous content. Closing the achievement gap begins with explicitly teaching critical thinking skills (Thinking Maps, 2024).
Creating a classroom culture that embraces the power of making mistakes encourages children to take risks. Teacher feedback makes a significant difference in how students perceive their mistakes. Wysocki (2023) suggests highlighting these beautiful mistakes to help children overcome the fear of being wrong.
Competency-based learning allows students to demonstrate mastery of concepts through formative assessments over time. The focus of mastery is on high-level skills, not just academic content. Mastery learning transcripts for high school students do not include grades; instead, they reflect the skills the student has mastered (Gonzalez, 2025).
Metacognitive practices allow students to monitor their learning and reflect on what they do and do not know. Teachers can improve students' metacognition by incorporating retrieval practices, spacing learning opportunities, and activating prior knowledge. It is important for teachers to cultivate an environment where asking questions is encouraged (Son, et al., 2020).
Differentiation allows teachers to make learning accessible to all students. Teachers can make adjustments to content, process, product, and learning environment to allow for student voice and choice (Cleaver, 2024). When used effectively, it closes opportunity gaps and ensures all students have access to critical thinking opportunities (McCarthy, 2023).
Learning is Personal
Dana Morris
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Transcript
Presentation
Learning is Personal
Start
Dana Morris
MAED with Emphasis in Educational Leadership Concordia University, Saint Paul CI525: Innovations in Learning and Teaching Professor Matt Kasowicz February 14, 2026
Top 10 index
Mindfulness
Concept Mastery
Grading Practices
Reflection
Student Autonomy
Beautiful Mistakes
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Academic Equity
Closing Opportunity Gaps
Inquiry
10
Competency-Based Learning
Concept Mastery
+info
Students demonstrate skills through research, analysis, writing, presentations, and communication.
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
Grading practices
+info
Standards-Based Grading
(Canva Magic Media, 2026)
student autonomy
Personalized Learning
Teachers provide frequent feedback designed to keep students on their learning trajectory.
Personalized Learning offers flexibility and student agency as they choose learning experiences suited to their needs.
Students have an active role in designing their educational journey based on their goals and interests.
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Culturally Responsive Teaching
Inclusion
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
+ info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Closing Opportunity Gaps
+info
Access For All
Collaboration
Learning Stations
Recorded Readings
Differentiation
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be taught to young learners through a variety of sensory activities. Blowing on a pinwheel while exhaling will help students develop awareness of their breath. Glitter jars can help students understand how to calm their thoughts and bodies. Nature walks provide opportunities to use their senses.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Mindfulness Exercises
Five Basics of Mindfulness
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Mindfulness
Mindfulness
(Canva Magic Media, 2026)
Reflection
Metacognition
+info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Beautiful Mistakes
Problem Solving
+info
(Gemini Nano Banana, 2026)
Academic Equity
Problem Solving
+info
(Craiyon Image Generator, 2026)
10
Inquiry
Project Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) supports high levels of inquiry. Throughout a PBL unit, students engage in rigorous, cross-curricular tasks that require collaboration, research, critical thinking, and reflection. Students take ownership of their learning, with teachers providing guidance along the way (Buck Institute for Education, n.d.).
(Microsoft Copilt, 2026)
Discussion Prompt #1
How do you support inquiry in your classroom? Share your successes and areas for growth.
Discussion Prompt #2
What does equitable participation look like in your classroom? How do you ensure rigor and high expectations for all students?
Discussion Prompt #3
How do you explicitly teach mindfulness and regulation skills? What evidence do you have that mindfulness practices impact student behavior and engagement?
Discussion Prompt #4
How often do your students engage in multi-step or open-ended tasks? How do you scaffold problem-solving tasks without removing cognitive demand?
Closing Statement
The Top 10 takeways highlight best practices in education that ensure all students have equitable access to rigorous learning experiences that support academic and social-emotional development. These practices align with the Educational Leadership program essential question: In light of what is known about pedagogy in the contemporary educational setting, how shall educators lead equitably and inclusively in order to positively impact student development and learning?
References
Beachboard, C. & Kersey, E. (2022, April 5). Getting started with standards-based grading. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/getting-started-standards-based-grading
Buck Institute for Education. (n.d.). Doing a project vs. project based learning. PBL Works. https://www.pblworks.org/doing-project-vs-project-based-learning
Canva Magic Media. (2026). Student with a standards-based progress report. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Canva Magic Media. (2026). A traditional report card. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Canva Magic Media. (2026). A student pracitcing mindfulness. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.canva.com/
Cleaver, S. (2024, July 15). 35+ differentiated instruction stratgegies and examples for k-12 classrooms. We Are Teachers. https://www.weareteachers.com/differentiated-instruction-strategies-to-try-out-this-year/
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). A high school classroom engaged in competency-based learning. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). An equitable classroom. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Craiyon Image Generator. (2026). A school with equitable access to curriculum and opportunities. [AI Generated Image]. https://www.craiyon.com
Gonzalez, J. (2025, April 13). A close look at competency-based learning. Cult of Pedagogy. https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/competency-based-learning/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A classroom where mistakes are opportunites. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A student reflecting on learning. [AI Generated Image https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A classroom with culturally responsive teaching practices. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
Google Nano Banana Image Generator. (2026). A student choosing their learning path. [AI Generated Image]. https://gemini.google.com/
McCarthy, J. (2023, April 20). Using differentiation to challenge all students. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/differentiation-challenge-all-students/
Microsoft Copilot Image Generator. (2026). Image of students completing a project-based learning activity. [AI Generated Image]. https://copilot.microsoft.com/
Midwest Teachers Institute. (2025, January 21). Mastering the art of teaching mindfulness in the classroom. Teachers Helping Teachers Blog. https://www.midwestteachersinstitute.org/teaching-mindfulness/#
PBIS Rewards. (n.d.). 5 traits of a culturally responsive classroom. PBIS Rewards Blog. https://www.pbisrewards.com/blog/culturally-responsive-classroom/
Power School. (2025, January 17). A complete guide to personalized learning in k-12 education. Resource Library. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/complete-guide-personalized-learning-k12-education/
Son, L. K., Furlonge, N. B., Agarwal, P. K. (2020). Metacognition: How to improve students ' reflections on learning. Teachers College, Columbia University. https://pdf.retrievalpractice.org/MetacognitionGuide.pdf
Thinking Maps. (2024, February, 15). How to close the critical thinking gap. Thinking Maps Resources. https://www.thinkingmaps.com/resources/blog/how-to-close-the-critical-thinking-gap/
Waterford. (n.d.). 51 mindfulness exercises for kids in the classroom. Waterford Resource Blog. https://www.waterford.org/blog/mindfulnes-activities-for-kids/
Wysocki, S. (2023, May 8). Students can solve many of their own problems. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/independent-problem-solving-in-the-classroom/
Culturally Responsive Teaching
A culturally responsive teacher ensures that all students feel safe, respected, and positively represented in the learning environment. Students' cultural backgrounds and identities are celebrated. A culturally responsive classroom fosters community building to encourage connection (PBIS Rewards, n.d.).
Standards-based grading involves clear learning targets and success criteria that explicitly define expectations. Students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts over time. Teachers use current data to respond to students' needs and help individuals progress through levels of the success criteria (Beachboard & Kersey, 2022).
Student performance on standardized tests requires content knowledge and critical thinking skills. All students deserve access to rigorous content. Closing the achievement gap begins with explicitly teaching critical thinking skills (Thinking Maps, 2024).
Creating a classroom culture that embraces the power of making mistakes encourages children to take risks. Teacher feedback makes a significant difference in how students perceive their mistakes. Wysocki (2023) suggests highlighting these beautiful mistakes to help children overcome the fear of being wrong.
Competency-based learning allows students to demonstrate mastery of concepts through formative assessments over time. The focus of mastery is on high-level skills, not just academic content. Mastery learning transcripts for high school students do not include grades; instead, they reflect the skills the student has mastered (Gonzalez, 2025).
Metacognitive practices allow students to monitor their learning and reflect on what they do and do not know. Teachers can improve students' metacognition by incorporating retrieval practices, spacing learning opportunities, and activating prior knowledge. It is important for teachers to cultivate an environment where asking questions is encouraged (Son, et al., 2020).
Differentiation allows teachers to make learning accessible to all students. Teachers can make adjustments to content, process, product, and learning environment to allow for student voice and choice (Cleaver, 2024). When used effectively, it closes opportunity gaps and ensures all students have access to critical thinking opportunities (McCarthy, 2023).