Parent Questions:
Q: What exactly is “Personalized Learning”? What does that look like?
A. Good Question! The term “Personalized Learning” is thrown out a lot when talking with people about education. You will get many different responses depending on who you talk to. While many teachers “differentiate” in their classrooms and provide choice to students regarding what they work on, a truly personalized learning program is much different. According to CESA #1 Institute for Personalized Learning, the definition of personalized learning is:
In QUEST, we want students to take an active role in their education. This means that they know about themselves as learners and know where they are in regards to their learning at all times. We work very closely with each student to develop a Learner Profile, Student Portfolio, and Customized Learner Pathway to provide them with the best education possible. It is amazing when students can advocate for themselves and make educational decisions based on there individual needs.
Q: My child will be in 8th grade and I’m concerned about the transition to high school after participating in QUEST.
A: The skills of time management, using resources wisely, knowing themselves as learners, having a picture of what they want their future to look like and prioritizing of projects will be vital to all students, no matter the high school program that they enter. In speaking with our former students, all of them have indicated that the skills they learned helped them transition to high school, no matter the academic track they followed. Furthermore, all students in Waukesha are now required to take at least one online class during high school and many blended courses are also being offered. QUEST will prepare students to be independent thinkers.
Q: What if my child is still working on developing the independent thinking skills? Can he/she still be a part of the program?
A: Yes. These are the skills that we will be teaching students; therefore, it is not necessary for the students to currently have these skills. There is a learning curve to the transition into the QUEST program. The first few months or even the first year can be difficult as students learn to take ownership of their learning and take a more active role in their education. It can and will be difficult at times, but the end result is worth it!
Q: Is this intended for students on the AP track or more for a student not going in that direction?
A: Both. QUEST is intended to be challenging for all students. Our QUEST leaders have experience teaching both AP and non-AP curriculum and will be dedicated to meeting all students’ needs. We have students from all over the learning spectrum and we work with students to provide them with the resources they need.
Q: If my child joins as a 6th grader, will this be a 3-year commitment?
A: When you enroll in QUEST, we are asking you to make a 3-year commitment to the program. We have the 3-year cycle of curriculum that makes it important for students to remain in the program throughout their time in middle school. Leaving the program may lead to gaps in the child’s education. The teachers will work tirelessly to ensure your student receives the education they need. That being said, if it is apparent that the QUEST program is not the best fit for your child and there are serious personal, social, or academic needs that are not being met, the teachers, guidance counselors, and principal will work with the family to put in place a “Student Support Plan” which is the first step in exiting the QUEST program. If, after following the “Student Support Plan” for a duration of 4-6 weeks it is clear that leaving the program is in the best interest of the student, all steps will be taken to make sure the student is placed in the academic atmosphere that is best for them.
Q: How do I know if my child is the right candidate? Are there requirements?
A: There are no specific requirements, besides the core questions on the application form. Good candidates will have a willingness to try new things and enjoy a flexible environment that challenges themselves as independent learners. It is important that both the student and the parent/guardian are willing to work WITH the QUEST teachers and take ownership of the learning process. Students who are willing to actively participate in school have found the most success within a personalized learning program.
A. Good Question! The term “Personalized Learning” is thrown out a lot when talking with people about education. You will get many different responses depending on who you talk to. While many teachers “differentiate” in their classrooms and provide choice to students regarding what they work on, a truly personalized learning program is much different. According to CESA #1 Institute for Personalized Learning, the definition of personalized learning is:
- The Institute defines personalized learning as an approach to learning and instruction that is designed around individual learner readiness, strengths, needs and interests. Learners are active participants in setting goals, planning learning paths, tracking progress and determining how learning will be demonstrated. At any given time, learning objectives, content, methods and pacing are likely to vary from learner to learner as they pursue proficiency relative to established standards. A fully personalized environment moves beyond both differentiation and individualization.
In QUEST, we want students to take an active role in their education. This means that they know about themselves as learners and know where they are in regards to their learning at all times. We work very closely with each student to develop a Learner Profile, Student Portfolio, and Customized Learner Pathway to provide them with the best education possible. It is amazing when students can advocate for themselves and make educational decisions based on there individual needs.
Q: My child will be in 8th grade and I’m concerned about the transition to high school after participating in QUEST.
A: The skills of time management, using resources wisely, knowing themselves as learners, having a picture of what they want their future to look like and prioritizing of projects will be vital to all students, no matter the high school program that they enter. In speaking with our former students, all of them have indicated that the skills they learned helped them transition to high school, no matter the academic track they followed. Furthermore, all students in Waukesha are now required to take at least one online class during high school and many blended courses are also being offered. QUEST will prepare students to be independent thinkers.
Q: What if my child is still working on developing the independent thinking skills? Can he/she still be a part of the program?
A: Yes. These are the skills that we will be teaching students; therefore, it is not necessary for the students to currently have these skills. There is a learning curve to the transition into the QUEST program. The first few months or even the first year can be difficult as students learn to take ownership of their learning and take a more active role in their education. It can and will be difficult at times, but the end result is worth it!
Q: Is this intended for students on the AP track or more for a student not going in that direction?
A: Both. QUEST is intended to be challenging for all students. Our QUEST leaders have experience teaching both AP and non-AP curriculum and will be dedicated to meeting all students’ needs. We have students from all over the learning spectrum and we work with students to provide them with the resources they need.
Q: If my child joins as a 6th grader, will this be a 3-year commitment?
A: When you enroll in QUEST, we are asking you to make a 3-year commitment to the program. We have the 3-year cycle of curriculum that makes it important for students to remain in the program throughout their time in middle school. Leaving the program may lead to gaps in the child’s education. The teachers will work tirelessly to ensure your student receives the education they need. That being said, if it is apparent that the QUEST program is not the best fit for your child and there are serious personal, social, or academic needs that are not being met, the teachers, guidance counselors, and principal will work with the family to put in place a “Student Support Plan” which is the first step in exiting the QUEST program. If, after following the “Student Support Plan” for a duration of 4-6 weeks it is clear that leaving the program is in the best interest of the student, all steps will be taken to make sure the student is placed in the academic atmosphere that is best for them.
Q: How do I know if my child is the right candidate? Are there requirements?
A: There are no specific requirements, besides the core questions on the application form. Good candidates will have a willingness to try new things and enjoy a flexible environment that challenges themselves as independent learners. It is important that both the student and the parent/guardian are willing to work WITH the QUEST teachers and take ownership of the learning process. Students who are willing to actively participate in school have found the most success within a personalized learning program.
Student Questions
,Q: What is QUEST?
A: QUEST is a multi-aged, interdisciplinary, self-paced, personalized approach to learning. It is basically a House or Team during which you will be able to learn at your own pace, have choice in what and how you learn, and be given a wide variety of opportunities to personalize your learning.
Q: What if I don’t get in?
A: If there are too many applicants, a lottery system will be used. We will assign each applicant a number and then draw numbers to fill our open spots.
Q: What if I don’t like the QUEST program?
A: You will like it! But if you don't, we will work with you to put a plan in place to help you succeed. Please remember that this isn’t something that you will TRY and if you don’t like it, just get out. We have a lot of amazing opportunities and experiences for you to take advantage of. It is a lot of work, and it will be difficult at times, but it is definitely worth it. Your Mentor teacher will work with you to put a plan in place to help you find success if you are struggling.
Q: What will my day look like?
A: Your day will be a mix of required “sessions” or classes that you will attend, independent work, group discussions, and large projects. You will also have time sprinkled in to meet with your mentor teacher one-on-one and be a part of our many other opportunities like Student Government, Jobs, Butler News, and more. We will have time during which you will learn about yourself as a student and track your own progress through your student portfolio. There will be some times when the teachers tell you what to work on and some times when you get to choose. It’s important that you are the driver of your education!
Q: Will I get to see my friends who are not in QUEST?
A: Just like the rest of Butler, QUEST is one team of students. There will be times throughout the day when you will have contact with students who are not in QUEST. Some of your electives outside of QUEST will have students from other teams and even other grades. Your lunches will also have students from other teams and grades. The QUEST team also tries to partner with other teachers to give students the opportunity to work with other students from around the building.
Q: What if I don’t know anyone else in the program?
A: You will probably know others in the program, but, if not, you will make many new friends in QUEST. We spend a lot of time doing different team-building activities and go on many field trips that help bring us together as a team. We start our year with a few weeks of orientation to the QUEST program that ends with a trip to Camp Whitcomb Mason where we make a lot of memories and form many friendships!
Q: Will there be a lot of homework? Will the classes be harder?
A: QUEST holds students to the same expectations as all of Butler. There will be choice in assignments and students will be responsible for project timing. There is a lot of work to be done, but you also have a lot of time to complete that work in QUEST. If you use your time wisely, you should not have much homework. The only time students have a lot of “homework” is when they get too distracted during the day or are off task when they are supposed to be learning! It is the QUEST teachers job to challenge each and every student, so there may be times when the learning is difficult. A lot of learning can happen when you are pushed to excel!
Q: What about lunch?
A: Students will still eat in the cafeteria with other students. Each year the lunch schedule is determined as part of the whole school schedule, so students will be assigned a lunch period. This year 7th & 8th grade QUEST students have first lunch and 6th graders have third lunch.
Q: Can I still be in electives?
A: Yes - Actually you get additional elective opportunities! All students take electives outside of their core classes in QUEST, and QUEST offers their own style of electives through our Expeditions. These tend to be student driven projects that incorporate a wide range of skills, interests, and talents. These are a lot of fun and give us a lot of opportunities to grow our learning!
Q: How should I fill out my course selection sheet?
A: QUEST will be an option on the course selection sheet. Counselors will provide additional information at presentations. We will help you out at that time!
Q: When will I know if I am in the QUEST program?
A: We will let you know as soon as possible. The application window is open from December 1st through January 23rd. After then, we will assign each student with a completed application a lottery number. We will hold a lottery to fill the open spots and let you know when that is complete. It will probably happen sometime around mid to the end of February.
Q: My parents have questions. How can they contact you?
A: We are excited to answer any questions. Feel free to contact us as at [email protected] or call the main office at 262-970-2905.
Q: Will I have to use my iPad all the time? Is this an all technology class?
A: There will be times that you will be using your iPad. We do use a lot of technology in QUEST. There will also be times that you may be doing other hands-on activities that do not require your iPad. We try to provide a lot of different learning opportunities. We do use the iPads and specifically BlackBoard (BB9) and Google Classroom on a daily basis. Much of the work that students complete is found and stored on BB9 and is pushed out through Google Classroom. Students will receive much communication through their email and will keep a lot of their work in Google Drive. By using technology, this allows students to work ahead or catch up and have the materials constantly available. We also have Chromebooks, Desktop Computers and an iMac in the QUEST room that we use for various projects.
A: QUEST is a multi-aged, interdisciplinary, self-paced, personalized approach to learning. It is basically a House or Team during which you will be able to learn at your own pace, have choice in what and how you learn, and be given a wide variety of opportunities to personalize your learning.
Q: What if I don’t get in?
A: If there are too many applicants, a lottery system will be used. We will assign each applicant a number and then draw numbers to fill our open spots.
Q: What if I don’t like the QUEST program?
A: You will like it! But if you don't, we will work with you to put a plan in place to help you succeed. Please remember that this isn’t something that you will TRY and if you don’t like it, just get out. We have a lot of amazing opportunities and experiences for you to take advantage of. It is a lot of work, and it will be difficult at times, but it is definitely worth it. Your Mentor teacher will work with you to put a plan in place to help you find success if you are struggling.
Q: What will my day look like?
A: Your day will be a mix of required “sessions” or classes that you will attend, independent work, group discussions, and large projects. You will also have time sprinkled in to meet with your mentor teacher one-on-one and be a part of our many other opportunities like Student Government, Jobs, Butler News, and more. We will have time during which you will learn about yourself as a student and track your own progress through your student portfolio. There will be some times when the teachers tell you what to work on and some times when you get to choose. It’s important that you are the driver of your education!
Q: Will I get to see my friends who are not in QUEST?
A: Just like the rest of Butler, QUEST is one team of students. There will be times throughout the day when you will have contact with students who are not in QUEST. Some of your electives outside of QUEST will have students from other teams and even other grades. Your lunches will also have students from other teams and grades. The QUEST team also tries to partner with other teachers to give students the opportunity to work with other students from around the building.
Q: What if I don’t know anyone else in the program?
A: You will probably know others in the program, but, if not, you will make many new friends in QUEST. We spend a lot of time doing different team-building activities and go on many field trips that help bring us together as a team. We start our year with a few weeks of orientation to the QUEST program that ends with a trip to Camp Whitcomb Mason where we make a lot of memories and form many friendships!
Q: Will there be a lot of homework? Will the classes be harder?
A: QUEST holds students to the same expectations as all of Butler. There will be choice in assignments and students will be responsible for project timing. There is a lot of work to be done, but you also have a lot of time to complete that work in QUEST. If you use your time wisely, you should not have much homework. The only time students have a lot of “homework” is when they get too distracted during the day or are off task when they are supposed to be learning! It is the QUEST teachers job to challenge each and every student, so there may be times when the learning is difficult. A lot of learning can happen when you are pushed to excel!
Q: What about lunch?
A: Students will still eat in the cafeteria with other students. Each year the lunch schedule is determined as part of the whole school schedule, so students will be assigned a lunch period. This year 7th & 8th grade QUEST students have first lunch and 6th graders have third lunch.
Q: Can I still be in electives?
A: Yes - Actually you get additional elective opportunities! All students take electives outside of their core classes in QUEST, and QUEST offers their own style of electives through our Expeditions. These tend to be student driven projects that incorporate a wide range of skills, interests, and talents. These are a lot of fun and give us a lot of opportunities to grow our learning!
Q: How should I fill out my course selection sheet?
A: QUEST will be an option on the course selection sheet. Counselors will provide additional information at presentations. We will help you out at that time!
Q: When will I know if I am in the QUEST program?
A: We will let you know as soon as possible. The application window is open from December 1st through January 23rd. After then, we will assign each student with a completed application a lottery number. We will hold a lottery to fill the open spots and let you know when that is complete. It will probably happen sometime around mid to the end of February.
Q: My parents have questions. How can they contact you?
A: We are excited to answer any questions. Feel free to contact us as at [email protected] or call the main office at 262-970-2905.
Q: Will I have to use my iPad all the time? Is this an all technology class?
A: There will be times that you will be using your iPad. We do use a lot of technology in QUEST. There will also be times that you may be doing other hands-on activities that do not require your iPad. We try to provide a lot of different learning opportunities. We do use the iPads and specifically BlackBoard (BB9) and Google Classroom on a daily basis. Much of the work that students complete is found and stored on BB9 and is pushed out through Google Classroom. Students will receive much communication through their email and will keep a lot of their work in Google Drive. By using technology, this allows students to work ahead or catch up and have the materials constantly available. We also have Chromebooks, Desktop Computers and an iMac in the QUEST room that we use for various projects.