West Virginia Achieves Professional Development Series Volume VIII Support Systems for Quality Curriculum and Instruction

West Virginia Department of Education Mission The West Virginia Department of Education, in conjunction with the Regional Education Service Agencies and the Office of Performance Audits, will create systemic conditions, processes and structures within the West Virginia public school system that result in (1) all students achieving mastery and beyond and (2) closing the achievement gap among sub-groups of the student population.

Robert Hutchins The Conflict in Education in a Democratic Society “Perhaps the greatest idea that America has given the world is education for all. The world is entitled to know whether this idea means that everybody can be educated or simply that everyone must go to school.”

What We Know…  An emerging body of research identifies characteristics of high performing school systems.  These school systems have made significant progress in bringing all students to mastery and in closing the achievement gap.  These systems share characteristics described in The West Virginia Framework for High Performing Schools.

SCHOOL EFFECTIVENESS CULTURE OF COMMON BELIEFS & VALUES Dedicated to “Learning for ALL…Whatever It Takes” HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOL SYSTEM SYSTEMIC CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS CURRICULLUM MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES STUDENT/PARENT SUPPORT

Objectives Participants will develop A working knowledge of the components of authentic, innovative, continuous support systems for curriculum and instruction. The initial action steps for staff to plan and implement support systems within their county/school.

Framework and Relationship All innovations must have on-going support systems Support system structures will vary according to size, resources and overall focus High performing districts create authentic and visible support systems

Activity What do you think are the key components of a Support System for Curriculum and Instruction?

Allocation of Time for Planning and Collaboration Funding time for staff/committees to meet Allowing for common teacher planning times Aligning school calendar with important instructional events Provide summer opportunities for cooperative ventures

Allocation of Appropriate Resources Impact analysis or needs assessment Appropriate materials to deliver standards-based instruction Technology supports

Provision for Site-Based Technical Assistance Academic coaches for students Site-based support roles for county administrators School-based curriculum and instructional leadership Peer coaches/mentors for supporting innovations

Modification of Professional Development Site-based professional development School-based study groups as “professional learning communities” Technology delivered professional development Peer observation and feedback through creative scheduling Coaching support through redefining leadership roles

Training Components and Attainment of Outcomes (In terms of Percent of Participants) OUTCOMES ComponentsKnowledge (thorough) Skill (strong) Transfer (executive implementation) Study of Theory10%5%0% Demonstrations30%20%0% Practice60% 5% Peer Coaching95% Bruce Joyce & Beverly Showers (2002) Student Achievement Through Staff Development, 3 rd edition

Reflection Activity What is our current experience with support systems for curriculum and instruction?

Where are we now? What was the professional development strategy in this innovation? What was the technology proficiency of the administrators/teachers in our county/school? How was time allocated to support professional development? What resources were available to teachers? What site-based assistance was available to teachers?

“You must become the change you wish to see in the world.” M. Ghandi

What action steps can we take? Understand the need for action Determine the best solution Plan and execute the support system to complement the innovation(s)

Resources

Support Systems are Part of a Larger Plan

Enhance skills and nurture the spirit

Summary Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. Margaret Meade