The Alliance TCRP Team is developing resources to support teacher success in this new teacher development system. These training modules are for use by administrators and teacher leaders to deepen teacher understanding of this initiative and the Alliance TCRP Framework for Effective Teaching.
New Teacher Orientation (Time: 30 minutes)
This module introduces teachers who are new to Alliance to The College Ready Promise. Teachers will read selections from the articles about the three priorities: constructivism, cognitive engagement, and college readiness. The Powerpoint includes a treasure hunt to familiarize teachers with the TCRP WordPress site.
Framework for Effective Teaching [PDF]
Article: “College-Readiness” by Conley [PDF]
Article: “Cognitive Engagement” excerpt by Tharp et al. [PDF]
Article: “Constructivism and Learning, Two Perspectives” [PDF]
The Widget Effect (Executive Summary) [PDF]
The College-Ready Promise Overview (Time: 90 minutes)
This module is presented in 2 parts, both of them in the same powerpoint. Facilitators can choose to present Part 1 and Part 2 separately or in one longer setting. Teachers will learn the goals of TCRP, the relationship between teacher performance and student achievement, and the TCRP priorities. This module includes a brief overview of the multiple measures (observations, SGP, student and parent feedback) that make up the framework.
Overview Presentation for Teachers [Powerpoint]
Framework for Effective Teaching[PDF]
Article “College-Readiness” by Conley [PDF]
Article “Cognitive Engagement” excerpt by Tharp et al. [PDF]
Article “Constructivism and Learning, Two Perspectives” [PDF]
Activity “Exit Ticket” [PDF]
Tips on the Rubric [Word]
Alliance Post Observation Teacher Summary [Word]
The Formal Observation Process (Time: 90 minutes)
This interactive module takes the teachers through each step of the observation process. They will review a lesson plan and reflection and observe a video (Mrs. Battey – algebra equations) for evidence of each of the domains and work together to determine rubric scores for Domains 2 and 3.
The Formal Observation Process [Powerpoint]
Activity “Evidence vs. Opinion” [PDF]
Artifact: Ms. Battey’s Lesson Plan [PDF]
Activity “Ms. Battey’s Pre-Conference” Worksheet [PDF]
Artifact: Ms. Battey’s Reflection [PDF]
Evaluation Process Guide [Word]
FET-Evidence Collection Form [Word]
Tips on the Rubric [Word]
Tips for Rubric [Powerpoint]
Planning with College-Readiness in Mind (Time: 60 minutes)
Teachers will learn the four components of college-readiness as defined by Conley and how to develop the components within students. They will go through an example of a performance task that incorporates the components. This module includes several opportunities for interaction among teachers.
Planning for College-Readiness [Powerpoint]
Planning for College-Readiness Worksheet (Handout) [Word]
Key Cognitive Strategy: Inquisitiveness Rubric (Handout) [Word]
Integrating the College-Readiness Components into a Performance Task (Handout) [Word]
Effort Rubric (Handout) [Word]
Article: “College-Readiness” by Conley [PDF]
Writing College-Ready Objectives (Time: 60 minutes)
In this module teachers will review the link between standards and objectives, re-write examples of “doing” objectives as “college-ready” objectives, and explore the meaning of measurement.
Writing College-Ready Objectives [Powerpoint]
Facilitator’s Notes for Powerpoint [PDF]
Blooms Pyramid (Handout) [PDF]
Blooms Taxonomy-Verbs (Handout) [PDF]
Article: “Objectives that Students Understand” [PDF]
Article: “Know Where Your Students are Going” [PDF]
Questioning for High Levels of Cognition (Time: 90 minutes)
Knowing how to ask questions that deepen one’s understanding of material is a skill that is important to students as well as to teachers. This module draws on four sources of questioning: Behaviors of a Scholar; Bloom’s Taxonomy; Depth and Complexity; and Socratic Questions. Separate slides for the components of each of these sources can be printed out from the powerpoint for display in the teachers’ classrooms. Teachers will review text and practice developing high-level questions from the text.
Cognitive Engagement through Questioning [Powerpoint]
Facilitator’s Notes for Powerpoint [PDF]
Article: “Socratic Questions” [PDF]
Article: “Questioning Texts” [PDF]
Article: “The Curious Classroom: Answers About Questions” [PDF]
Article: “Thinking About Questions” [PDF]
Large Colored Icons [Powerpoint]
Checking for Understanding (60-70 minutes)
In this module, teachers will learn the four categories of checking for understanding: oral language, questioning, writing, and quizzes. They will learn how to plan in advance their strategies for checking for understanding in a given lesson. A variety of strategies is provided, as is a planning sheet to be included in one’s lesson plans.
Checking for Understanding [Powerpoint]
Planning Sheet [Word]
Student Feedback on Adusting Instruction [PDF]
Embedding Routines and Transitions into the Lesson Cycle (Time: 60 minutes)
This module was presented to teachers at the 2011 Summer Conference. It provides strategies and information about classroom routines and smooth transitions. Teachers will learn to set the purpose for learning each day and how to use the “gradual release model. They will explore strategies for students’ active participation that work across content areas. This module requires the use of videos. Contact the TCRP Leadership Coach for access. They are also included in the book Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov.
Embedding Routines and Transitions [Powerpoint]
Domain 1 In-Depth (Time: 90 minutes)
In this module, teachers are given sample lesson plan. Working individually and in groups, they evaluate how the lesson plan addresses each standard and indicator in Domain 1. They are asked to determine a score for each indicator using the Framework Rubric. In groups, they provide rationale for their scores and reach agreement on the “true score.” This module requires the facilitator to create “Brain Trust” posters for each indicator in advance of the presentation. Refer to Powerpoint for examples.
Domain 1 In-Depth [Powerpoint]
Domain 1 (Handouts) [Word]
Sample Lesson Plans
Domains 2 & 3 In-Depth (Time: 90 minutes)
Each group is assigned a Framework standard and its indicators. Groups work to identify the following common problem of practice related to the standard and examples of practice at Levels 3 and 4.
Groups should view any of the 3 available PUC videos (previously given to each principal on a single DVD) to find a clip that illustrates that practice in action (at any level). Groups rate the observed practice and provide evidence for the rating.
Another option is to select one or two “focus standards” each month, and have teachers conduct the same analysis of that standard. Otherwise, the share-out by groups may be long and overwhelming.
Framework for Effective Teaching- Domains 2 and 3 In-Depth [Powerpoint]
Evidence Collection form for Domains 2 and 3 [PDF]
Domain 4
Academic Conferencing with Parents (Time 90 Minutes)
This module provides teachers with an introduction to the importance of parent engagement and how to conduct successful parent-teacher conferences.
Domain 4 (In-Depth) PowerPoint: Successful Parent-Teacher Conferencing
Domain 4 (Handout) Five Essential Goals to Accomplish in a Parent Conference
Domain 4 (Handout) Five Essential Goals
Domain 4 (Handout) Parent-Teacher Conference Tips for Parents (English)
Domain 4 (Handout) Parent-Teacher Conference Tips for Parents (Spanish)
Sample Letter to Parents
Questions to Ask Parents
Fostering Meaningful Parent-Teacher Partnerships (Time 90 Minutes)
This module provides teachers with additional strategies to establish two-way communication and create meaningful partnerships with parents.
Domain 4 (In-Depth) PowerPoint: Creating Meaningful Teacher-Parent Partnerships
Domain 4 (Handout) Building Parent-Teacher Relationships
Planning Activity
Creating Parent-Teacher Partnerships Around Academics (Time 90 Minutes)
This module provides teachers with strategies to support student learning at school and at home.
Domain 4: (In Depth) PowerPoint: Beyond the Parent-Teacher Conference: Partnerships that Support Learning
Domain 4 (Handout) How Parent Involvement Affects Student Achievement
Domain 4 (Handout) Chapter 7: Enhancing Student Learning at Home and at School
Exercise 2 Parent Tips
Sample Homework that Links Parents to Student Learning
Alliance TCRP Updates and Information 