GROUND FLOOR - 2 - Instructional Model

We are thrilled to introduce you to the Vance County Schools Instructional Model—a comprehensive and innovative framework designed to ensure every student thrives in our rapidly evolving global community.

The Instructional Model is comprised of the principles of instruction that the district wants to see reflected in every classroom throughout Vance County Schools. The four major components with its respective big ideas are as follows:

MODERN INSTRUCTION

LEARNER-CENTERED CULTURE

FLEXIBLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Take some time to thoroughly review the full descriptors of the VCS Instructional Model. Click here to access the full document of the VCS Instructional Model.

1. Authentic Learner Experiences

Real-World Applications:

Lessons that foster future-focused skills through practical and engaging experiences.
Opportunities for students to participate in entrepreneurship, innovation, and inquiry-based learning.
Activities that connect classroom learning to real-world contexts.

Community Networks:

Partnerships with local organizations such as churches, chambers of commerce, and community service groups.
Leadership opportunities through clubs and programs like 4H, Rotary, and Beta Club.
Internships and hands-on experiences to build practical skills.

Learner Choice & Voice:

Students select meaningful ways to demonstrate their learning.
Encouragement for students to advocate for their own educational paths and personal growth.
Empowerment through selecting topics, setting goals, and reflecting on their progress.

2. Modern Instruction

Rigorous Instruction:

Relevant tasks, discussions, and questions aligned with the Daggett’s Rigor Relevance Framework.
Cross-curricular lessons and personalized learning pathways.
Immediate, constructive feedback to support student growth.

Progressions of Learning:

Tasks that challenge students to apply knowledge flexibly and think critically.
Differentiated support based on individual learning needs.
Continuous progress monitoring to tailor instruction.

Varied Assessments:

Diverse application tasks to demonstrate mastery.
Data-driven feedback to measure and guide learning.
Outcome data used to customize learning plans.

3. Learner-Centered Culture

Adaptive Learning:

Personalized learning experiences tailored to individual student needs.
Empowerment of students to take ownership of their educational pathways.
Flexible applications of learning.

Safe & Respectful Environment:

Voice and choice in learning to enhance engagement.
Development of a community of trust and intellectual risk-taking.
Conflict resolution through reflective collaboration.

Responsive Teaching Practices:

Timely feedback and adaptive instruction.
Learning experiences that foster communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Equitable practices to cultivate a responsive learning environment.

4. Flexible Learning Environment

Blended Learning:

Integration of face-to-face and technology-enhanced instruction.
Adjustable learning spaces tailored to individual student needs.
Flexible seating and varied learning modes to foster student choice.

Collaborative Learning:

Environments where students share ownership and accountability.
Opportunities for leadership and real-world problem-solving.
Skills development through cooperation and collaboration.

Innovative Practices:

Emphasis on exploration, voice, and choice in small, flexible groups.
Differentiated use of tools, pacing, and learning modalities.
Multiple approaches to access, acquire, and create knowledge.

As we wrap up the second area of the Ground Floor, The Instructional Model, take a moment to reflect on the following prompt.

Reflection prompt:

Think about how the Vance County Schools Instructional Model supports the development of future-focused skills in students.