Through engagement with curated online resources, optional participation in face-to-face workshops, and instructional coaching/observation, participating teachers learn about and document their reflective practice in implementing the following components of highly effective instruction:
This 3-credit graduate course is broken into six half-credit micro-credentials; participants earn one half-credit for demonstrating proficiency in the knowledge and implementation of each of Cain & Laird’s Fundamental Five (2011) instructional practices, plus one half-credit for demonstrating proficiency in integrating all five with consistency.
Participants may choose any number of micro-credentials to pursue, and may work at their own pace through the course term. Suggested submission dates and submission deadlines for evidence to earn micro-credentials will be posted at the opening of the course term. Final initial submission and final revision submission deadlines indicate the last opportunities to submit evidence for review to earn micro-credentials for credits in the course term.
Research on teacher education shows that teachers who are exposed to innovations in instruction as learners are much more effective in implementing those innovations in their own teaching. As we implement innovations in teaching for proficiency-based learning, we must make and take opportunities for proficiency-based professional learning. Micro-credentials offer self-paced learning with opportunities to earn credit for demonstrating discrete proficiencies through multiple options (or pathways). This is proficiency-based professional learning, which teachers need to experience as students in order to more effectively implement PBL for their students.
By tying smaller course credits to specific proficiencies through backing from Castleton University, we create value for teachers that will be recognized by the traditional system for professional advancement and certification. Although some compromises are necessary, such as translating proficiency scores to grades for transcripts, key aspects of proficiency-based learning remain in tact.
WSWSU's continuous improvement plan includes the goal to improve tier 1 (general, whole class) instruction to increase students' academic proficiency. By improving the frequency and quality of implementation of the fundamental five instructional practices, we will have a significant impact on students' growth in academic proficiency.
Initial enrollment period is November 1 to December 1 for the 2019-2020 course term. Participants must initially enroll in at least .5 credits during this period to access micro-credentials. Initial enrollment may be dropped through December 2019, but enrollment thereafter is non-refundable. Enrollment in additional micro-credentials beyond the initial .5 credit is rolling throughout the course term.
COURSE REGISTRATION LINKS:
Access course documents (student welcome, official syllabus, grade report access) here.
WSWSU Teachers may use WSWSU course reimbursement funds to enroll. Initial minimum enrollment is for .5 credits at $62.50* (<1/2 price of usual credits). Participants may enroll for any number of the six half-credit micro-credential sub-courses on offer ($62.50/each), and may add to enrollment through April 1st, 2020.
Each micro-credential in this course requires participants to submit evidence in three areas:
Recommended Types of Evidence include:
Evaluation criteria and scoring rubrics for each area (knowledge, implementation, and reflection) will be provided for each micro-credential.
Scores in each area will be on a 1-4 proficiency scale with "3" indicating proficiency. The mode of the three scores will be the overall proficiency score.
Proficiency scores will be translated to grades as follows: 3=B, 4=A; 1 and 2 = Incomplete. Participants with scores of 1 and 2 on their evidence submissions will be given feedback and opportunities to revise and resubmit. Incomplete scores seven weeks beyond the end of the course term will default to an F.
Evaluation will be completed by the course instructor, Dr. Michael RobbGrieco.
Submission of evidence will follow the schedule outlined below. Initial submissions will be reviewed and returned with any required revisions due within 4 weeks. Participants may revise and resubmit multiple times to achieve a proficient (3) or mastery beyond proficient (4) score.
Please note the following key dates for the course: