DJCWA
Embedded Collaborative Learning Time - Update
Over the last two years, DJCWA and other SSRSB schools have adopted the
Embedded Collaborative Learning Time model to enhance professional learning
for teachers. On a total of 14 designated Wednesdays, students have been
dismissed early to allow teachers to collaborate and engage in professional
learning.
To support the early dismissal dates, the instructional time in most schools was
extended each day for the entire school year to make up for the time on these
Wednesdays. This was not necessary at our school since our instructional day
was in excess of the mandatory time.
There is overwhelming evidence that supports the notion that student learning
and student engagement increases when teachers have opportunities to work
together in common groups known as Collaborative Learning Teams. The overall
guiding principle for all teacher teams is to improve student engagement and
achievement within their chosen goal through changes in practice and approach.
At this point in the year, I wanted to give you an update as to what our staff has
been doing so far. Both teachers and teaching assistants have been active in
their professional development on the designated embedded time Wednesdays.
Our teaching staff has been gathering in groups of about 3-4 to work on a
common theme. Although the direction for teacher learning is up to the
individual teachers, our staff has largely decided to concentrate their time on
improving proficiency in student writing. This fits well within our School
Improvement goals for the year which are as follows:
Goal 1
There will be an increase at each grade level (gr. 1-5) in the percentage of
students meeting or exceeding SELL/EXSELL writing expectations.
Goal 2
The number of students reporting moderate or high levels of anxiety will
decrease, according to the data collected from the “Tell Them From Me” surveys.
We have a total of eight Collaborative Learning Teams. The focus of each of
these groups is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
PATHS Program Integration Gr.5
Writing Goals Gr.3
Writing Goals Gr.4
Writing Rubrics and Writing Practices P-1
Improving Writing Conventions Gr. 2
Writing – Early Literacy Intervention
Physical Activity Related to Reducing Anxiety
Guidance Team
Our Teaching Assistants also meet as a collective group. They discuss issues of
the day and receive Professional Development based upon the suggestions of
our school’s Student Services Team.
The remaining schedule for early dismissals for embedded collaborative learning
time beginning in January 2015 is as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
Wednesday,
January 14
February 4
February 25
March 11
March 25
April 15
April 29
May 13
May 27
The practice of being able to share ideas and collectively plan and try new
approaches has been well received by the staff at this school. Teachers are able
to go back to their classrooms and utilize the ideas that grow out of collaborative
discussions. This sometimes involves finding out that certain strategies need
refinement. However, at the root of all of this, is the notion of improving
instruction which will improve student learning. Should you have any questions
or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at your convenience.
Charles Williamson
DJCWA Principal