Protocols

Brainstorming Protocol

Discussion and Collaboration

Purpose- can be used to generate ideas to fuel inquiries, brainstorm answers to questions, and drive projects. Based off of Design Thinking practices and IDEO.

Engagement Cards Protocol

Purpose- to collaboratively engage in a reflection of oneself while making meaningful connections with other team members and identify patterns across the group

Fishbone Diagram Protocol

Improvement Science Brainstorming Process

Purpose- a fishbone diagram can be helpful in identifying possible causes for a problem that might not otherwise be considered

Telescope, Microscope, Wide Angle Protocol

Discussion and Feedback Protocol

Purpose- to expand and clarify the vision for any plan or project that a group is beginning to work on by considering multiples angles

School Walk Protocol

Protocol for Schoolwide Learning Walks

Purpose- a means for visitors to a school to engage in meaningful vicarious experiences based on their observations of the school. Can be used to observe across content areas for a general focus or for one specific content area.

School Walk Protocol Notetaking Tool

To be used alongside the School Walk Protocol

Texts in Conversation

Text Discussion Protocol

Purpose- to deepen understanding of a concept or idea through multiple perspectives by putting two or more texts into a “conversation.”

Text Rendering Protocol

Working with Texts

Purpose- to collaboratively construct meaning, clarify, and expand our thinking about a text or article.

Three Levels of Text

Making Meaning from Readings

Purpose- to deepen understanding of a text and explore implications for participants’ work.

Looking at Student Work: What? So What? Now What?

Student Work Protocol

Purpose- to allow for a deeper examination of student work in order to consider next steps for supporting students or modifying classroom practices.

Think Ink

Text Discussion

Purpose- to collaboratively engage in a discussion of a text in order to make meaningful connections to the real world and deepen understanding of the content.

Fortune Cookie Warm-Up

Purpose- an opening reflection that asks participants to relate their work to the message on a fortune cookie.

Save the Last Word for ME

Text Discussion

Purpose- to clarify and deepen thinking thinking about the article.

Looking at Text: What? So What? Now What?

Text Discussion

Purpose- to expand participants’ thinking about challenges, dilemmas, or areas of growth in our work, though discussion.

The Block Party

A Pre-Reading Text-Based Activity

Can be used with a variety of texts, poems, an article or whole books. Works well with large groups of adults, as well as student groups.

Expert Jigsaw Process

Text Discussion Protocol

Purpose- to share learning and perform a quick dissemination of the content of a long or complex text—or several texts.

The Consultancy Protocol

A Process for Dilemmas

Purpose- a structured process for helping an individual or a team think more expansively about a particular, concrete dilemma, get feedback on a plan, or assist with ideas where people might be “stuck.”

Success Analysis

A Process to Learn from Success

Purpose- to analyze a success—a best practice, a lesson, a classroom technique, a formative assessment, etc.—in order to learn from that success.

The Tuning Protocol

Purpose- to get feedback from your colleagues about the degree to which the activities you structure seem likely to get your group to these goals. The plan is “in tune” when the goals and activities are most in alignment.

Chalk Talk

A Silent Process to Reflect, Problem Solve, and More

Purpose- a silent way to do reflection, generate ideas, check on learning, develop projects or solve problems. Because is it done completely in silence, it gives groups a change of pace and encourages thoughtful contemplation.

Coaching Role Audit Protocol

Purpose- for coaches to build self-awareness and gain understanding of what they do well in their practice and align those strengths to high-leverage coaching practices, as well as engage in peer discussion to identify team strengths.

Learning Walk Debrief

Purpose- to collaboratively engage in an analysis of evidence to determine patterns in practice, and brainstorm quick wins to address these themes and patterns.