Title and Description

Key components of a school-wide approach to adolescent literacy were presented including the role that SIM can play in an overall plan. Ideas were shared regarding how to identify a school's strengths and weaknesses in the area of literacy, creating collaborative environments, and building professional development plans.  Overall, the session provided an opportunity for deep thought about ways to ensure that literacy instruction is an integral part of a school’s continuous improvement plan. 

Making solid arguments and supporting them with evidence is at the heart of many of our current national and state standards. How can Content Enhancement Routines from the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) build student skill around reasoning to support argumentation?  Frequent practice with appropriate scaffolding across multiple content areas is needed for all students to master these higher order thinking tasks.  In this session, learn about the SIM Scientific Argumentation Routine, how it can provide the scaffolding needed for student skill development, and how it can be adapted for use outside of science classes. 

Presenter: Jocelyn WashburnSession Type: CONCURRENTSession Day: WEDNESDAYSession Location: REGENCY ASession Time: 11 - 12Topics: Instructional StrategiesUsing Technology to Improve InstructionAdolescent LiteracyInstructional Coaching/Professional LearningThis session will explore the use of blended learning for professional development. During the 2017-2018 school year, four teachers participated in a blended, self-paced professional learning experience to learn two Content Enhancement Routines, instructional strategies to plan and lead learning. Teachers learned how to draft Course and Unit Organizers by watching videos, by reading articles and their guidebooks, and by receiving feedback through distance coaching from SIM Professional Developers. The process included the use of video coaching, earning SIM micro-credentials, and virtual conferencing technology for collaborative sessions. Session participants will be prompted to consider their own opportunities to implement blended learning and requested to provide feedback to the presenters on how to improve their future professional learning process with teachers. Learning Outcomes/Next Steps Learning Outcomes and Next Steps: Provide an appropriate number of clear and focused learning objectives with specific actions participants will be able to take as a result of attending this session (maximum 50 words). • To explore the elements of blended learning for teachers • To generate new ideas for the use of blended learning with SIM Content Enhancement Professional Development • To provide feedback to presenters on their blended learning process