Taking Teaching Higher

Overview

• Current Model
• Needs for students
• Meeting District 287 needs
• Roll out for 2015-2016

Current District 287 Model

• Classes are singly taught by content area teachers
• Sites have 1-3 Special Education teachers
• SPED Teachers provide resource support
• Focus is on supporting needs in the IEP
• Implementation is in Area Learning Centers only

What about Special Education?

• Overrepresentation of children of color exists
• Special Education staff are not core content trained
• Lack of knowledge about Common Core and standards
• Setting IV programs have focused on behavior interventions

Needs for Students

• Students with IEPs need more support
• Students have low reading and math scores
• Students possess a variety of learning styles
• Students desire differentiation

Timelines for Implementation

• January 2015: Confirm dates with trainers
• February 2015: Meet with Principals and SPED leadership
• March 2015: Identify teams to be trained
• April 2015: Meet with identified teams to agree to outcomes
• June 2015: Teams train with trainer

Positive Outcomes

• Teachers need explicit professional development
• Co-teaching needs to become embedded in all areas
• Co-teaching can support the work to close the achievement gap

Negative Consequences

• Staff resistance to change
• Student growth may not happen
• Time consuming process

Plan for 2015-2016

• Provides a train the trainer opportunity
• Cost would be limited to $375 per person
• Associates with Bureau of Education Research would provide training
• 24 participants could attend = 12 teams
• Ongoing development during 2015-2016