Learning-Focused Connections Newsletter

Many Learning-Focused schools have been struggling with how they can maintain the momentum that was developed with their initial training and implementation of the exemplary strategies learned in the Learning-Focused Strategies. They have been asking questions like these:

1. What can we do for our teachers to help them continue to deliver high levels of instruction?

Answer: Everyone understands that we do not typically get it all on the first try, and we will not be totally proficient until we have had the opportunity to see and hear something again. The new professional development solution "What Moves You" is designed to be that chance for teachers to hear and see specific exemplary practices again and again if necessary to improve their implementation until it becomes something they do consistently in their work with students. These self-paced or school administrator/coach facilitated books and presentations provide the flexibility teachers need to consistently improve student achievement.

2. How can teachers move from just knowing how to deliver learning opportunities to doing them with a high level of quality all the time?

Answer: Each "What Moves You" solution is specifically designed to help teachers move from knowing how to do something to high quality implementation. The books and presentations provide an extension to what teachers have already learned in their previous professional development. Because each "What Moves You" draws on prior knowledge and extends teachers' knowledge and skills they naturally help teachers move from just doing it to applying it with high degrees of quality.

3. How can we increase collaboration between teachers for planning and revising?

Answer: Even though we know collaboration between teachers has a direct and positive impact on overall student performance we still see large scale isolationism in schools. The "What Moves You" solution provides a great opportunity for teams, grade levels, departments and whole faculties to come together to work collaboratively to share their experiences and continue to enhance their instruction by further developing their skills.

4.What is a way we can provide quality refreshers to our teachers and deepen their understanding after the training?

Answer: We already know it is necessary to continue to practice our new learning if we expect to be able to perform at high levels of implementation. In fact, research has found that we actually need to practice new skills at least twenty-four times before it becomes automatic. With this in mind, it makes sense that we also need the opportunity to review and revise our application of these skills to make sure it is always improving. The "What Moves You" Series allows participants to review any or all parts of the solution at any time to constantly improve.

5. What is a solution we can use to help principals assume the role of instructional leader instead of manager?

Answer: Principals, other administrators, and coaches have continued to seek the role of instructional leader in their schools. The "What Moves You" solution allows this to happen at a whole new level. School and instructional leaders are expected to assume the role of facilitator lead teacher as they facilitate these brief but tightly focused sessions specific to enhancing teacher instructional and planning skills.

6. How can we meet the requirements for specific numbers of professional development hours when we only need a few more and do not have the time or resources for large scale and long term training?

Answer: Many schools are required to assure all teaching staff attend a specific number of training hours each year. The difficulty arises when the scheduled training being provided comes up only a few hours short of the requirement and there is no more time in the schedule to conduct large scale or long term training. Each "What Moves you " solution is one hour in length and they may be combined to not only provide teachers with quality follow-up, but also satisfy this professional development need that many schools are facing in order to comply with requirements.

The development of the "What Moves You" solution provides schools and districts with an easy to access, cost effective, collaborative and user friendly alternative to other professional development alternatives. "What Moves You" is not designed to replace the more intense and longer term professional development opportunities, but to enhance it.

Each "What Moves You" episode includes a one hour professional development workshop based on a high quality book, a self-paced or school facilitated presentation, a facilitator's guide and multiple options for delivery to your staff.

Each book details:

How to get the most from the workshop
Why this topic is important
Connections to Extending Thinking
Connections to learning
Different uses and examples
Steps in the process
Effective implementation

Each "What Moves You" solutions helps teachers get the most from the topic. Current topics available:

Essential Questions
Scaffolding for Grade Level Learning
Collaborative Pairs
Differentiated Assignments
Graphic Organizers
Reading Assignment Strategies
Activating Strategies
Writing Assignment Strategies
Vocabulary Strategies
Planning Units for Learning
Summarizing Strategies
Planning for Instructing New Knowledge (Acquisition Lessons)
Strategies for Assessment
Planning for Higher Level Learning (Extending Thinking)

The "What Moves You" professional development solution goes beyond the typical and offers school leaders a remarkable opportunity to provide teachers with a method for deepening understanding of the exemplary strategies that have such a great impact on student achievement.

Visit the "What Moves You" solution website.