We've made more of our classroom clips available for preview. This kindergarten class was recorded on the Hawaiian Island of Moloka'i. We want to thank Tania and her class for sharing their learning with us. Mahalo!

Learn more about our classroom clips for personal reflection.

From the STAR Online Blog:

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Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - CIA - and how the elements work together and are supported in this endeavor we call "education" is a prominent topic of discussion here at The BERC Group. Recently, we took to the whiteboard to sketch out a broad view of the education landscape. We're not artists, but we hope the model provides a clear perspective on how curriculum, instruction and assessment relate to student learning. Take a look at the video and let us know what you think.

Visit the Powerful Teaching and Learning section to learn more about effective instruction.

How can an entire school change its instructional practices? How do we create a culture and climate where teachers can comfortably collaborate with each other and are inspired to reflect on their own practices on a consistent basis?

In Part 1 of A Story of Change, we listened to Sedro-Woolley School District staff members talk about their district-wide focus on instruction. In Part 2, we look at one school in particular, Mary Purcell Elementary.

[Related: Sedro-Woolley educators discuss their decision to choose the STAR Framework (Part 1)]

Working with Dr. Duane Baker, teachers were given professional development opportunities to see different forms of instruction, talk about it with their colleagues, apply their observations to their own teaching, and reflect on their practices. With our help, teachers were able to develop a common language around instruction, enabling them to speak openly and clearly to each other about goals and standards. With these practices, teachers will be able to continually improve instructional habits that showcase Powerful Teaching and Learning in the classroom.

Our video team gave teachers and staff at Mary Purcell the opportunity to discuss their work with The BERC Group and also recorded whole classroom lessons so that other schools can practice the same reflective process. We are grateful for their openness and support as we aspire to help all students experience Powerful Teaching and Learning.

Check out the video below to hear teachers and staff members discuss the process of change:

The services provided for Mary Purcell Elementary School included:

• Classroom Observation Data Collection – The data provides a snap shot of the current instructional practices of the school.
• Learning Walks – Teachers observe instruction at other schools and on videos to reflect on their own classroom practices in a safe, collaborative environment.
• Executive Coaching – School administrators and teacher leaders learn how to continue to inspire and sustain instructional growth after the professional development.
• Lesson Planning – Teachers learn how to develop lesson plans with colleagues focused on pedagogy, not content.

A Story of Change: Sedro-Woolley Case Study (Part 1)
Teachers and administrators in the Sedro-Woolley School District realized that improving instruction was key to improving student achievement. Using the standards provided in the STAR Framework, they successfully developed the common language and understanding necessary to improve all schools in the district.