Monthly teacher workshops specific to authentic application of high leverage instructional practices that reflect the high-quality instruction defined in the 5D instructional framework and 5D+ rubric. Hot topics will be selected based on observation evidence of instructional practice and survey of teachers. Topics to select include:
Formative Assessment Practices that Inform Instruction
Strategies to help participants better understand the role of performance tasks and success criteria for learning targets, and formative assessment practices that advance student learning. Participants explore: multiple types of performance tasks and success criteria for four types of learning target; how students can use the success criteria to self assess, set learning goals, and progress monitor; and practical strategies teachers can use to formatively assess and collect evidence of student learning throughout instruction, in order to make in-the moment adjustments and plan future lessons.
Gradual Release of Responsibility for Purposeful Instruction
Gradual Release of Responsibility is a powerful model of instruction when the complexity of teaching is understood. The model allows the learners to gain content knowledge, explore and apply the learned content, and move towards independence. Participants explore how gradual release fits within a lesson, a day, a unit and a year through purposeful and intentional teaching in the areas of a workshop, interactive lecture and close reading.
Instructional Design for Purposeful Instruction
Learning requires educators intentionally design learning based on the needs of their students in relationship to state standards and the district curriculum. This workshop walks participants through a structured process for identifying what students need to learn within a lesson, how each student will demonstrate s/he learned the target(s), what criteria must be met to be considered successful in a single lesson and the tasks and materials students will engage within the selected instructional model (interactive lecture, workshop, and/or close reading) for the purpose of the lesson.
Instructional Models, Routines for Learning and Talk Structures
Explore various instructional models and routines that empower students to engage in complex thinking through direct instruction, guided instruction, and collaborative and independent practice. Discover lesson planning architectures, strategies and techniques that can be instantly applied to classroom practices regardless of content or grade level. Increase students’ achievement through motivation, engagement, fun and inspiration.
Rigorous Thinking Through Questioning and Student Talk
Asking questions is a skill and getting students to ask their own questions takes time and intentional teaching. Throughout this interactive learning experience, participants learn various strategies and skills that transform both instruction and student dialogue. Increase the rigor in lessons by supporting learners, moving from talking as a task to purposeful and collaborative dialogue.
Student Engagement and Ownership of Learning
Empower students to engage in complex thinking, think for themselves, take responsibility for their learning and their behavior, and work with partners and teams. Discover how strengthened engagement leads to increased achievement and ownership of learning. Learn strategies that support a student-centered classroom that decrease management challenges and increase abilities to instruct in strategic ways.