Learning Supports and Professional Development This PowerPoint was created Spring of 2005 for AEA Learning Supports Teams by Deb Hansen and Jane Todey The goal of the presentation is to help create understanding of how the Iowa Professional Development Model works with Learning Supports.

Learning Supports and Professional Development How to support schools that have multiple goals for school improvement that require professional development?

Single Focus NOT focusing training on one strategy – School over generalize this concept IS narrowing the focus so schools accomplish transfer of training into practice

Can the study of a set of strategies be supported? – Carefully study theory (overtime) – See demonstrations – Plan with other teachers, working out issues of implementation, reviewing key elements of the new practices – Collect implementation data – Study students’ response to changed instruction

What should be the focus or foci? DATA Most schools will have data that leads them to a priority to move all student and/or subpopulation(s) to higher levels of proficiency in a content area Some schools may have data that suggests the need for learning supports

Resource Management Team Determines what actions are needed to address barriers to learning

Is Intensive, ongoing PD needed? Actions/ Supports Who?Is training required? Awareness or Intensive After School Program LS staffYesIntensive After School Program Classroom teachers YesAwareness

Is Intensive, ongoing PD needed? Actions/ Supports Who?Is training required? Awareness or Intensive Reading Across the Curriculum LS staffYesAwareness Reading Across the Curriculum Classroom teachers YesIntensive

Simultaneity How much can one school do simultaneously to train teachers and implement learning supports?

Local district decision on how to balance two initiatives Schedule – Distributed Training 80/20 is estimate for schools to use to prevent overload. – One in-service day LS might be 100% of agenda – Remaining days may be one hour of the agenda Or PD may be 80% LS priority for subset of staff Local district needs to determine what it will take to support both priorities

PD = ACTION RESEARCH Approach these decisions as an inquiry Look at data – academic and non-academic Examine resources and options Set a course Keep track of implementation Support those that have heavy load if both initiatives create double burden

Deb Hansen