Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Toni Rose Deanon is joined by Cassandra Burdette, a history teacher, to talk about her experience creating a learning environment to help with absenteeism.

They emphasize the benefits of the Modern Classrooms model for both teachers and students, including increased student engagement, reduced stress for teachers, and improved student outcomes. Cassandra also shares how the model has helped her to better accommodate students with diverse learning styles and needs.

Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:

• Benefits for Students and Teachers: By shifting the focus from teacher-led instruction to student-paced learning, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning environment. Cassandra states, "It's been huge, being able to leave for the day and know that I made it through my day, and I'm able to come home and I'm able to leave my contract stuff at school."

• Reduced Absenteeism: By providing students with flexibility and autonomy, the Modern Classroom model can help to keep students engaged and motivated, even when they are absent.

• Improves student outcomes: By providing students with the opportunity to learn at their own pace and receive individualized support, the Modern Classroom model can help students to achieve better grades and develop important life skills. "They're able to get their credit and pass their class, even if it's not the greatest grade in the world, because they were struggling with something going on." Cassandra shares the importance of flexibility and understanding students' individual needs.

Discussion questions for PLC and PD: 

• How can educators effectively implement the Modern Classroom model in their own classrooms, particularly for subjects that may seem less conducive to self-paced learning, such as math or science?

• What strategies can educators use to address potential challenges, such as students who may struggle with self-discipline or time management, when implementing the Modern Classroom model?

• How can educators effectively communicate the benefits of the Modern Classroom model to administrators and parents, who may be skeptical of the approach?

Our Host

Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.

Our Guests

Cassandra Burdette

Cassandra Burdette is married to her high school sweetheart and has two little girls who are in first and third grade. This is her 11th year of teaching. She currently teaches government, in addition to US History and middle school World History. This will be her third year fully implementing a Modern Classroom.

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