What are the ingredients of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning that are referenced in the
CPS District Vision?
Educator professional learning (professional development) is an important driver of positive change and improvement in our school system. CPS uses a variety of methods for supporting educators to deepen their knowledge and expand their toolbox of effective teaching practices. Trainings and classes are offered within schools and at the district level, reinforced by the presence of Instructional Support Educators, who coach and consult with teachers in real time throughout the school year.
For the past five years, our Principals, Upper School Heads, District Curriculum Coordinators and Instructional Support Educators have been working with Education Consultants at Research for Better Teaching to shape shared understandings of effective teacher practice and feedback for student learning. Using the characteristics of effective feedback, school- and department- based teams made action plans for their schools that would help to realize the goals of each School Improvement Plan.
In addition, the Instructional Support Educators have worked with Gene Thompson-Grove of the School Reform Initiative in order to design adult professional learning sessions based on
Jane Vella's 12 Principles of Effective Adult Learning.
This work reflects the aims of
District Plan Initiative 2.2 Expand rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning experiences across the district; and Initiative 2.3 Establish student-centered, collaborative, and transformative professional learning that supports the CPS vision.