Engage actively in activities in all sessions.

As a SIM professional developer in Learning Strategies and an independent consultant, I planned the academy with Diane, Julie, and Patty.

1.    How do we sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy? We sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy by implementing the Content Enhancement Routines and the Learning Strategies Curriculum with fidelity. Students become confident and empowered learners who want to become better students. When the level of confidence/empowerment is increased, inappropriate disruptive behaviors decrease. The students become successful in areas that have previously been areas of concern, they are able to generalize what they have learned to content areas. Simply put, they are in a better position to access the general curriculum. 2.    How do we transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction? We transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction by using the feedback and data tools (“Walk Through”, SIM Collections Coaching, Self-Reporting, and Program Management Tools for Learning Strategies). The data can then be used to identify areas of strengths and areas of weaknesses for each student. This information can help determine which model of co-teaching might best meet the needs of individual students in a classroom. This information can be used as baseline data, used in charts and graphs, and as documentation of progress for Individualized Education Plans. 3.    What are the keys for fidelity of implementation with SIM? The keys to fidelity of implementation with SIM is consistency and accuracy of presentation of information to students. If this is NOT done, then we cannot, with a clear conscience, link what the student has learned to what has been taught.   MY QUESTION: 4. How do we motivate other educators to “buy in” to another “new system” and make it meaningful for them as well as students? I sincerely believe that the difference will be in how we present it to our co-workers. We should motivate. We should inspire that teacher who is “burnt out”, the teacher is on the downward end close to retirement, the teacher who has grown weary of the poor academic progress of students and doesn’t know what else to do. The data is there to prove that it works and we are there to pull the pieces together. Teachers have grown tired of new systems that don’t work. What I have found to be true is that many of those programs are not used with fidelity and that many teachers want quick fixes. The integration of the SIM Content Enhancement Routines and the Learning Strategies curriculum will take time to implement in any school setting.

1.    How do we sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy?   Sustaining the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning can be achieved by providing time for professional learning communities to meet to review the implementation, troubleshoot issues, be involved in coaching follow-up and discuss student outcomes.                         
2.      How do we transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction? In order to transform data that is actionable, teachers can set success criteria for student learning.  In doing so, students can set goals based on where they are in the process, where they need to be in the end and how they are going to get there.  Reviewing student progress towards their goals helps provide students with a path to success.  
3.       What are the keys for fidelity of implementation with SIM? Keys to fidelity are through self-monitoring by using checklists provided and reviewing the teacher's manual, being coached by SIM personal, having discussions in  PLCs that are revolved around the implementation and the effect you are having on student outcomes.

Here is my question:
Can you tell me some scenarios where Division Literacy Specialists have worked with select students to implement routines and/or strategies?  I would like to do this, but am unsure if it would be 'do-able' in my position.  Thanks.

Unit Organizer Key Points

1.  The PM Tool provides specific feedback regarding student progress, challenges and overall growth for the student and the teacher.
2.  Fidelity = consistent dosage and thoughtful implementation 

New Self-Test Question: How do you balance explicit instruction with teaching students to think outside the box in today's classroom so students are prepared for college?

1. How do we sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy?
Have a Professional Learning Plan, coaching and sharing of student work samples of what is being implemented in the classroom

2.How do we transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction? If students are not making the score you need to look at your teaching.  Working with progress monitoring tools. Teachers video taping themselves to better their instructional practices, routines, and strategies.

3. What are the keys for fidelity of implementation with SIM? Following the plan and making revisions as needed.  Implementing the routines and strategies as instructed.  Self reflection videos.

Additional self-test Question:
How will Orange County grow the use of SIM throughout this school year to help all students achieve?

Day 3 By June 30, write 2-3 key points that respond to the Unit Organizer self-test questions and add one new self-test question that still needs an answer. (Badge List questions)

1. We sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy through the SMARTER Instructional Cycle. Using SMARTER helps teachers plan with a purpose, teach, and assess the effectiveness of their instructional delivery by analyzing student achievement data. The 3 steps of Coaching will assist in identifying areas of concern, setting goals, determining strategies to improve the area, and assessing the new data. These tools will be used to reflect and assess instruction keeps the process student and learning centered.
2. We transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction by constantly assessing the data by evaluating mastery and revisiting outcomes in the SMARTER process. During this process coaches provide input, we self-reflect, have students reflect, and use the feedback from all involved to make adjustments to improve instruction. This develops a community of learners that aid in student learning. This empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
3. The keys to implement SIM with fidelity are using the SMARTER Instructional Cycle, collaboration between the coach and teacher, help the whole child (achievement, behavior, and attitude), use the evaluative tools (videos, checklists, feedback, etc.), provide a common language and routines, and use the process as a growth model to get staff and students to perform higher.

Additional Question:

1. How does responsive instruction and intervention, using SIM, positively impact student achievement?

1)     We sustain the focus of professional learning on teaching practices and student learning to increase literacy through the SMARTER Instructional Cycle. Using SMARTER helps teachers plan with a purpose, teach, and assess the effectiveness of their instructional delivery by analyzing student achievement data. The 3 steps of Coaching will assist in identifying areas of concern, setting goals, determining strategies to improve the area, and assessing the new data. These tools will be used to reflect and assess instruction keeps the process student and learning centered.
2)     We transform data to become meaningful to improve instruction by constantly assessing the data by evaluating mastery and revisiting outcomes in the SMARTER process. During this process coaches provide input, we self-reflect, have students reflect, and use the feedback from all involved to make adjustments to improve instruction. This develops a community of learners that aid in student learning. This empowers students to take ownership of their learning.
3)     The keys to implement SIM with fidelity are using the SMARTER Instructional Cycle, collaboration between the coach and teacher, help the whole child (achievement, behavior, and attitude), use the evaluative tools (videos, checklists, feedback, etc.), provide a common language and routines, and use the process as a growth model to get staff and students to perform higher.
4)     How does responsive instruction and intervention, using SIM, positively impact student achievement?