professional learning

Own the Learning - Administrators Start As Learners in P12

Learning about personalization started with administrators as learners. In a system where "initiatives" changed annually, principals were accustomed to a learning model that trained them as trainers and implementers, often before deep learning had taken place. As part of the shift, a parallel structure was established for professional learning that re-purposed an existing monthly admin meeting. Called P12, this monthly session gave administrators and instructional coaches a full half day away from their school to build learning and deepen understanding of how this personalized approach was different from what had been a traditional mindset. At the same time participants examined past successes and practices that could be leveraged and built upon, for example the workshop model that had been established in the district previously. The format of P12 sessions provided a personalized sandbox within which learners explored with support from resources and peers as they went deeper with learning.

Own The Learning - Residencies Embed Professional Learning and Support Multiple Entry Points

To provide deep learning and personalized pathways to personalized learning, PD was structured into multi-year residencies aligned in five areas, each with a common focus on learning design and personalization. These multiple entry points allow schools and teachers to enter into their path to personalized according to their interest and readiness, with differentiated support through their journey.

• Learning design for Personalization with Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
• Learning design for Personalization with Workshop
• Learning Design for Personalization with Technology
• Learning Design for Personalization in the Math Workshop
• Learning Design for Personalization with Sheltered Instruction

Residency experiences are designed specifically to support a school’s path into personalized learning. Residencies provide a truly embedded learning experience for staff, by establishing a year-long structure for side-by-side planning, coaching and modeling with an expert in the field of learning design. Residency schools also serve as learning labs for teachers, coaches and administrators from other schools who are on their own path toward personalization, giving first-hand examples of strategies and structures to apply in their own school.

Residency experiences were selected by participating buildings based on staff interest and connection to work already under way in the building. Each residency follows a consistent structure, and includes a learning lab component that engages coaching and deep learning for teachers as they refine instruction and personalize the experience for their students. Teachers are released at least three times per year to participate in labs, with additional work days timed between labs for collaboration and learning design. While each residency is personalized for the building culture and readiness, the work is guided by the EPS Essentials of PL, and is structured around common frameworks.

Example Residency Documents

• EPS PD Residency Guide
• WyEast Professional Learning Overview
• WyEast Teacher Learning Targets
  • Math Team Action Plan
  • Science Team Action Plan
  • Humanities Team Action Plan
• York Elementary PD One-Pager
• Crestline Elementary PD One-Pager