Given the robust nature of learning sciences research, this website is best viewed on tablets and computers. A small screen experience is coming in the future.
On June 22, 2021, we will launch updated strategies for the Math PK-2 model, as well as additional updates to the Navigator that highlight equity, SEL, and culturally responsive teaching. To learn more, visit our Site Updates (available in the "About" menu at the top of any page).
Hover to see how factors connect to Socioeconomic Status. Then click connected factors to explore strategies related to multiple factors.
Socioeconomic Status (SES) refers to a combination of factors, including education and income of a family, as compared to other families. A family's Socioeconomic Status can influence students' Learning Environment, the Safety of the neighborhood they live in, and even basic aspects of everyday life like Sleep quality. Learners from socioeconomically privileged homes can have significant advantages in their early learning environment, as well as increased physical and socioemotional wellness. Together, these factors can contribute to higher academic achievement and well-being down the line. Importantly, however, providing appropriate supports and resources can help create an equal foundation, improving learning and well-being for all students..
Many students in the United States live in families with incomes that are classified as below the federal poverty threshold, or in low-income families that have difficulty covering basic expenses such as housing and food. A lack of financial resources can lead to:
Adolescents are most likely to thrive when they receive adequate nutrition and medical care, when they feel safe and stable in their home, neighborhood, and community, when the possibility of Adverse Experiences is minimized, and when they have access to a rich Learning Environment and sufficient parental engagement. Although all families typically strive to provide a positive environment for their children, a lack of financial resources can make this more difficult.
Experiencing economic hardship and lack of resources at home and in the community can impact school attendance, and have long-term effects on academic achievement. However, these effects can be mitigated through private programming or state/federal benefits. In addition, appropriate Social Supports serve as to buffer the effects of these economic stressors. Schools have a unique opportunity to help level the field: for example, by providing students free lunch (ensuring they are fueled for learning), free Vision screenings (identifying students who may need vision aids), and engaging in outreach to learn how to better support community members.
It is important to note that Socioeconomic Status is not static: families can gain and lose financial resources which may result in changes to their housing, physical, and emotional well being. For instance students may show improved development after moving into better resourced neighborhoods. Conversely they may show difficulties after moving to under-resourced neighborhoods. To offer all students the resources and support they need, it is important for educators to stay alert and recognize if and when a family's circumstances change.
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This is our homepage. You can access many of the features of the Navigator here, and learn more about how learner variability intersects with topics in education and learning. To start, select a content area – we call them Learner Models – to visit a factor map.
Factor maps show research-based concepts, "factors," that likely impact learning. They are organized into four categories: Learner Background, Social and Emotional Learning, Cognition, and Content Area. The map is interactive. Move your cursor over a factor to see connected factors. Select any factor to visit its summary page. We'll look at factor summary pages next.
This is a factor summary page. It provides a brief definition and review of the factor, a factor connections diagram, additional resources, and strategies that support this factor. On the strategy card, the multi-colored boxes show all the factors that it supports. Select a strategy to visit its summary page.
Strategy summary pages have an overview, information about using the strategy in different learning environments, resources of interest, the factors this strategy supports, and related strategies you can explore. To view all the strategies in a content area, use the strategies tab at the top of the page. We'll look at all the Strategies for this learner model next.
The strategy page shows ALL of the strategies for that learner model. You can select factors of interest for you or your learners, and it will narrow the strategies to only those that match all of the factors selected. This makes it easy to find key strategies to better design for learner variability. Again, select the strategy name to visit its summary page.
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Learner variability is the recognition that each learner is a unique constellation of strengths and challenges that are interconnected across the whole child. Understanding these connections and how they vary according to context is essential for meeting the needs of each learner.
It disrupts the notion of a one-size-fits all education. Understanding learner variability helps educators embrace both students’ struggles and strengths as we connect practice to uplifting the whole learner.
Throughout the site, we talk about "factors" and "strategies." Factors are concepts research suggests have an impact on how people learn. Strategies are the approaches to teaching and learning that can be used to support people in how they learn best.
Use the Learner Centered Design Tool to build a workspace. Go to Learner Centered Design Tool.
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On this page, using your heatmap, you will be asked to select factors to further explore, and then select new strategies you might incorporate into upcoming instruction. Once done, click “Show Summary" to view your Design Summary Report.
On this page, using your heatmap, you will be asked to select factors to further explore, and then select new strategies you might incorporate into upcoming instruction. Once done, click “Show Report” to view your Design Summary Report.
By selecting "Show Report" you will be taken to the Assessment Summary Page. Once created, you will not be able to edit your report. If you select cancel below, you can continue to edit your factor and strategy selections.
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Learner variability is the recognition that each learner is a unique constellation of strengths and challenges that are interconnected across the whole child. Understanding these connections and how they vary according to context is essential for meeting the needs of each learner. It embraces both students’ struggles and strengths. It considers the whole child.
Throughout the site, we talk about "factors" and "strategies." Factors are concepts research suggests have an impact on how people learn. Strategies are the approaches to teaching and learning that can be used to support people in how they learn best.
The Learner Variability Navigator is a free, online tool that translates the science of learner variability into factor maps and strategies that highlight connections across the whole learner. This puts the science of learning at teachers' fingertips, empowering them to understand their own practice and support each learner.
