How Personalized Learning Empowers Students

Mary Jo Fairhead never set out to disrupt traditional education. Yet, in her work with rural schools, she has found herself at the forefront of a movement that challenges conventional wisdom about learning, success, and standardized assessment. Through collaboration, resourcefulness, and an unwavering belief in student potential, Fairhead is helping redefine what it means to succeed in school through Onward Learning.

In many rural communities, schools operate as more than just educational institutions; they are the heart of the community. Fairhead has witnessed firsthand the power of these tight-knit environments, where teachers, parents, and students come together in ways rarely seen in urban settings. “I feel so honored to be able to work in so many rural school districts,” she shares. “The absolute collaboration that happens is unlike anything else.” This sense of connection creates a space where innovation flourishes and where students are encouraged to learn in ways that make the most sense for them.

One of the most profound shifts Fairhead has embraced is moving beyond standardized test scores as the primary measure of student success. “I have students in eighth grade doing high school math, and I have students in eighth grade doing sixth-grade math. And that’s totally fine,” she explains. The focus is on ensuring students build strong foundational skills rather than forcing them into a rigid curriculum that doesn’t account for individual learning needs.

Rather than relying on test scores, the effectiveness of this approach is best conveyed through the students and families themselves. Fairhead recalls a letter from a parent whose children had been in her program for just a few weeks. “It was a powerful testament to what we’re doing—not just academically, but socially and emotionally.” In a world that often values metrics over meaningful growth, these stories stand as proof that student-centered learning works.

This shift in mindset extends beyond the classroom. Fairhead believes that we must rethink the benchmarks we use to evaluate education. “Who created these tools? Who were they meant for? And why do we assume they are what’s best for everyone?” she asks. The traditional approach to assessment often fails to capture the full spectrum of student strengths, reinforcing outdated definitions of success. By stepping away from a one-size-fits-all approach, educators can unlock the unique genius within each student.

A key element of this philosophy is embracing real-world learning. At Fairhead’s school, students cook, bake, and engage in hands-on projects that teach practical skills while reinforcing academic concepts. One day, a student may be reading a recipe aloud to practice literacy skills; another day, they may be calculating ingredient proportions to strengthen their math abilities. These experiences create a deeper, more meaningful connection to learning—one that lasts far beyond the classroom.

As the conversation around educational reform continues, Fairhead offers a simple but powerful piece of advice to teachers entering the profession: “Be courageous.” In a field often shaped by tradition and rigid expectations, taking a bold step toward student-centered learning can feel daunting. But, as she reminds us, “Your courage is lowering the cost of courage for everyone else.”

By fostering a more flexible, student-driven approach to learning, rural schools are proving that success is not about test scores or arbitrary benchmarks—it’s about growth, confidence, and the ability to thrive in the real world. And in that sense, they are leading the way for education everywhere.