CLK Engage at CLK Elementary School

Why CLK Engage at CLK Elementary School was nominated

CLK Engage has merged critical stakeholder input with the traits of a student-centered, competency-based learning environment to tailor a personalized learning program specific to our needs coming out of pandemic learning. Many of our parents where tired of the amount of online learning and dependency upon technology during the pandemic. So, the challenge our team faced was how to create a personalized learning program without a dependence on technology. They met this challenge with the establishment of a multi-age program that personalizes learning with a focus on ELA and Math through flexible, in-person scheduling. , CLK Elementary School began CLK Engage beginning the 2021-22 school year. This microschool is an opt-in option for parents with students in grades 1-3. They plan to add grades 4 and 5 next school year. There are currently three teachers and 60 students in the microschool. After a 10-15 minute morning meeting where all gather, students go to their homeroom. Students move during the day based on assessment data in reading and math. For example, a "first-grade" student performing above grade level in reading will attend the "second-grade" teacher's reading class while a "third-grader" needing more time to develop foundational math skills will attend a "second-grade" math class. Students move along the scope and sequence continuum in these subjects without being held back or forced to move forward because of their traditional grade level. All students receive whole group and small group instruction from their teachers. Instruction in core subjects other than reading and math is received from their homeroom teacher and students still participate in elective courses like physical education and art. While technology is used in the classroom as a resource and for supplementary activities, students spend most of their time physically with their teachers. Place-based learning opportunities are embedded into the CLK Engage program through local field trips and “Fun Friday” activities. While the demographics for most of the students are similar, every student is on a different learning journey. CLK Engage is addressing the individual learning paths for all students, helping them to reach their highest potential., This school is already in the Canopy project for this program, but they added another grade level this year. CLK Engage is a microschool within Calumet’s elementary school. They began by combining grades 1-3 in 2021. Grade 4 was added in 2022. All CLK Engage students meet first thing in the morning, creating community. The schedule is structured so all four classes have math at the same time (and reading at the same time) so students can move from one level to another based on their needs. Teachers assess students on a regular basis and reassign them based on their progress.