Why Do The Storyboards Work? Developed with colleague, co-author, and dear friend Heidi Hayes Jacobs, curriculum storyboards are an effective tool for introducing and reinforcing learning, providing a visual representation of the material that can be used to quickly summarize the overall course and individual units.The focused and engaging educational experience of curriculum storyboards are outlined in our latest book, “Streamlining the Curriculum," which will be released later this year. This insightful guide explores innovative approaches to crafting a compelling curriculum that connects students to their learning journey and transforms the way they engage with the material.CURRICULUM AS A NARRATIVECurriculum Storyboards craft a powerful curriculum narrative: Getting to the heart of the curriculum and connecting students to their learning journey ignites student curiosity and empowers them to become storytellers of their own experiencesCurriculum storyboards design for engagement, not coverage: In today's world it is more important than ever for educators to communicate with students and their families about curricular goals and learning experiences.Learn more at curriculumstoryboards.com.

The Institute for Habits of Mind were borne out of Art Costa’s work on Intelligent Behaviors (Costa, 1981), Art was clear about the need to think critically and creatively as central to their growth as problem solvers and finders. Art put together Developing Minds (ASCD, 1991) where he brought together philosophers, cognitive psychologists, researchers who were all focused on the development of thinking. As he studied what all of the contributors were saying, there was a real pattern in thinking and initially naming the 16 habits began to clarify the skills, behaviors, and dispositions central to growing efficacious thinkers. When Bena Kallick partnered with Art and brought her work with group dynamics and alternative assessments in the mid 1980s, the interplay of their ideas became the basis for honing the intelligent behaviors into 16 Habits of Mind which turned into our first book Assessment in the Learning Organization (ASCD, 1995). Their collaborative work became so generative through teaching and learning in the field as well as through many collaborative conversations as we proceeded to write many more books and articles.When Allison Zmuda brought her extensive and thoughtful work on personalized learning to write with Bena on the synergy of her work with Habits of Mind, it led to numerous contributions for the Institute as well as the book Students at the Center (ASCD, 2017). Our Habits of Mind work has become strengthened by her thinking and became so synonymous with the mission of the Institute that she was invited to join the work as a Co-Director. We have seen practices of Habits of Mind in schools and communities over the past 30 years and it is remarkable to see evidence of how it has impacted learning and culture. Join us at habitsofmindinstitute.org.

I am a full-time education consultant specializing in curriculum, assessment, and instruction.I work with clients to imagine learning experiences that are worthy of the pursuit for both students and educators, designing work that is relevant, meaningful, challenging, and appropriate. As a consultant, I offer three primary services:STRATEGY CALLSStrategy calls are a one-time, hour-long conversation. You will walk away from the call with insight, validation, and next steps you can take within your school, district, or organization.Reasons instructional leaders choose strategy calls over ongoing consultation services:• The leadership team has a problem that needs immediate attention.• The leadership team is looking for a preliminary conversation before proceeding with ongoing consultation.• The leadership team is considering a change within the school, district, or organization and is looking for feedback.CONSULTING SERVICESOne-time or ongoing consulting services will team us up to address ideas surrounding:• Curriculum, Assessment, and Instructional Design• Student Engagement• Evaluation, Grading, and ReportingKEYNOTESI provide keynotes on a variety of subjects including:• Assessments That Fuel Improved Achievement, • The Promise of Personalized Learning• Getting Personalized Learning to Scale• Growing A Culture of Questioning• Learning ExperienceThese subjects are explored in greater detail on my website, allisonzmuda.com.I would love to connect with you and learn more about you, your short-term goals, and your long-term vision!

Personalized learning is an important piece of my consulting practice. I created and developed the curated website, learningpersonalized.com, because I was inspired by such great work I was encountering during my work travel.Learning Personalized brings together leading minds in personalized learning, including 1-on-1 interviews with some of the best in our industry:∙ Teacher accounts of integrating personalized learning into the classroom∙ Expert opinions around making learning experiences relevant, meaningful, challenging, and appropriate∙ Professional insights∙ One-on-one written and video interviewsFollow Learning Personalized on LinkedIn or read content on our website at learningpersonalized.com!

I joined forces with Bena Kallick in 2014 when I saw how Habits of Mind grows a learning culture that values the humanizing aspect of personalized learning.At the same time, Bena noticed how a focus on personalized learning generates more urgency for self-directed learning that grows healthy, collaborative education communities. The collaboration resulted not only in deep friendship but also rich learning with educators from around the world.Today, our mission is to use what we’re learning to help educators navigate the often messy, challenging, and -- at times -- discouraging transition from an outdated learning process to one that’s relevant to the teacher and student.Through our Consulting Services and Processes & Practices Toolkits, we map out a transformative model of personalization that puts students at the center.✔️ Highlights habits that empower students to pursue aspirations, investigate problems, design solutions, chase curiosities, and create performances✔️ Provides tools and recommendations for adjusting classroom practices to facilitate learning that is self-directed, dynamic, and meaningfulOur publications and communities are committed to providing cost-effective thought partnership and building learning networks.

As a member of ASCD's Understanding by Design® cadre, I focus on helping every educator create a competent classroom - a learning environment where all participants experience designs that are challenging, feasible, and worthy of the attempt. I work with educators to align state, provincial, or national standards with relevant and meaningful challenges that will both measure and motivate student learning. I specialize in working with a handful of clients on long-term school improvement projects to achieve their school community’s mission.Areas of expertise: Development of Understanding by Design at both the unit level and the school/district level | Rubric Development | Personalized Learning | 21st Century Skills | Vision Statements | Strategic Planning

I taught a range of courses, including: Grade 9 - Western Civilization, Latin American Studies,Grade 10 - SociologyGrade 11 - American Studies, U.S. History, andGrade 12 - American Government, Senior projectIn addition I earned National Board Certification in Social Studies.