Learning Forward

📈 11 Florida schools increased their state report card grades by creatively using their federal, Title IIA professional learning funds. 💵 Hillsborough County Public Schools used Title IIA professional learning funds to develop a cadre of Teacher Talent Developers. These expert educators spend half their time as classroom teachers and half their time providing instructional coaching to other teachers. After the first year, 11 out of 22 participating schools increased their performance on the state’s grading system from a C to a B and 10 others maintained their grade despite the pandemic. Professional learning matters. Title IIA matters. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gSxBwkmw

We wish you a happy back-to-school with this toolkit filled with 🌟free🌟professional learning resources! 🍎 Tool: create a map of support for new teachers 🍎 Short read: 3 ways to approach teacher wellness 🍎 Tool: matrix for where to start with everything feels urgent 🍎 2-page handout for decision makers explaining impacts of #HQPL Access here: https://ow.ly/qW4E50STePG Become a member today to access all tools.

Coaching heavy is deep, thoughtful work. It is not directive, critical, or abrasive. "The work instructional coaches do when they are coaching heavy in schools is about students’ academic and social-emotional and physical well-being. It is about students succeeding in school to contribute to their future potential beyond school. It is also about educators’ well-being and their engagement in reaching their full potential as professionals within an environment that values learning and continuous improvement," Joellen Killion writes. Read Joellen's full piece here: https://ow.ly/KVqq50T2z4O

The new issue of The Learning Professional focuses on a challenge we’ve all encountered in the last few years: pivoting. New research or unexpected situations like the pandemic create the need for educators to change course. Doing it right requires high quality professional learning. In this issue of our journal, a special section looks at how professional learning is essential for incorporating the science of reading and improving student literacy. Other articles examine the pivots needed to navigate AI and rethink summer programs. We've also included a powerful tool to address educators’ concerns about change. We're also spotlighting coaching, with a piece by Joellen Killion on coaching heavy vs. coaching light (it's probably not what you think it is), and a statewide reading initiative in Ohio that centers #HQPL. Become a member to read the complete issue: https://ow.ly/Rj5h50T1ByN

What does your school sign say when teachers analyze student data, collaborate, and optimize the curriculum? Does your message reflect what it takes to improve student outcomes? By calling this time a "PD day," "release day" or "teacher in-service," we miss an opportunity to explain the essential, complex, and ongoing work that goes into making sure all students succeed in school. A simple change in language can reposition how your community views professional learning. We invite all schools to change your #PLsign this school year to educate your communities on the value of educator professional learning. When the teachers learn, all students can learn more. Change your #PLsign! Use the hashtag and tag Learning Forward.

Kathy Perret urges all educators to make time for reflection, "as it can be the cornerstone of improving teacher practice and student learning." With this tool, coaches can REFLECT on their work. Perret encourages you to "Write down your thoughts, take breaks, and return to add more. Include your own categories and questions to make the process your own." For each question, jot down your thoughts and expand them with the AWE (And What Else?) question technique. #coachapproach #educoach Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gNDeuctN

Educators, what tools or processes do you use to investigate your practice, reflect on its impact, and make informed decisions to enhance student learning? Action research might be just what you need. Action research is a structured approach that engages leaders and teachers to do that work within the context of specific dilemmas or problems of practice. "This process involves several key elements: identifying an area of focus, developing guiding questions, and engaging in iterative cycles of inquiry relative to the identified dilemma or problem of practice," writes our columnist, Ayesha Farag, assistant superintendent for elementary education in Newton Public Schools in Massachusetts. The following questions can be helpful for launching action research or other form of inquiry.

The Learning Forward Academy class of 2026 is off and running!

With targeted leadership support, Missouri principals are staying in their jobs longer and having a positive impact on student achievement thanks to the Missouri Leadership Development System (MLDS). Between 80% and 90% of teachers feel that MLDS has helped their principals support them and students effectively. They reported that their principals’ leadership practices: *Strengthen classroom instruction *Contribute to improved student achievement *Provide them with constructive feedback that helps them be better teachers *Build positive relationships with students and staff MLDS principals exceed the state’s average retention rates by over 10 percentage points. Due to the large number of principals now participating in MLDS, this program is having a positive impact on the state’s overall average principal retention rate. Improving principal retention rates is one of the program's primary goals because principal turnover has a negative impact on schools, teachers, and students (Blad, 2023; Cieminski & Asmus, 2023).

Australian researchers looked at teacher and student well-being, with a focus on factors that predict greater well-being. They found that supporting teacher well-being has ramifications for instruction and student well-being. Researcher Rebecca Collie wrote, "Teacher and student functioning are inherently intertwined, so efforts to promote well-being among each party are likely to have carryover effects to the other." #TeacherWellBeing #StudentWellBeing