Rationale and Suggested Format for Professional Development

The Rationale Behind the Inclusive Virtual Classroom:

The creation of the Inclusive Virtual Classroom came from a need throughout our respective networks to create an inclusive, research-based, user-friendly resource to support consultants, administrators, teachers and students during the transition to distance learning.

Our rationale behind this format was to create a “grab and go” resource requiring minimal reading and/or viewing of videos. We have summarized the main points of all the research-based resources that are referenced in the Inclusive Virtual Classroom, saving you this work!

This reasoning was also applied to the Extra Tools for PD section where most tools are included in both an editable and PDF format. Once again, in a ready to use format.

Suggested Format for Professional Development:

The initial presentation is designed to fit into a 1-hour meeting. Follow the outline included in the Slide Presentation for Professional Development. We suggest the presenter read through this page, preview the accompanying material and then present it. You may consider restructuring your staff meeting to carve out time for professional development.

1-Introduce:

To navigate the Inclusive Virtual Classroom efficiently, topics are divided into High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) and other subtopics:

HLPs:

Instruction

Collaboration & Communication

Assessment

Social/Emotional and Behavioural Support

Other:

Diverse Learning Needs

Tech Tools

Extra Tools for PD

References

2-Implement:

Using the Choice Board (included), encourage teachers to improve their practice to impact student learning in one area at a time.

Create a three question survey. We suggest the following sentence stems:

• Record the goal that you set for yourself from the Choice Board.

• I will monitor student progress through…

  • Consider using the Assessment section, specifically the Gathering Evidence Through Triangulation section, in the Inclusive Virtual Classroom to guide your response.

• I would like support in/more information on…

3-Monitor:

Use the survey to follow up with teachers on their personal goal, provide support to teachers, and plan your next PD session based on needs.

4-Evaluate:

At your next meeting, use the Padlet (included) as an ice breaker activity. Ask teachers to contribute how they are making distance learning more inclusive. Did they meet their goal?

Move the discussion to evidence of impact on student learning. What evidence do teachers have that the new practice is improving student learning?

The Padlet is collaborative and will already include ideas from other schools. Discuss pertinent ideas from across the province.

What are the next steps?

5-Sustain:

Pick one of the following or create your own.

• Should more time/support/resources be needed to achieve their initial goal, provide teachers with this support. Contact a consultant to help sustain teacher growth.

• Repeat the process (Introduce, Implement, Monitor, Evaluate and Sustain) with a new goal.

• Based on survey results, break teachers into groups by established needs. Use an article from the References section of the Inclusive Virtual Toolkit and provide time to read and discuss. Have teachers set a goal that will impact student learning. Encourage teachers to collaborate and to evaluate student samples to determine if they have reached their goal.

Slide Presentation for Professional Development

Professional Development Choice Board

Collaborative Padlet for Participants

Share a strategy you have used to make your virtual classroom more inclusive.

Click on the box below to open the Padlet in a new window.