Facilitated by: Emily Rinkema and Stan Williams
Date: April 2 & 3, 2019
*includes 2-day institute, meals and the book: The Standards-based Classroom.
Target Audience: Grades 5-12 Classroom Teachers, Special Educators, Administrators, Instructional Coaches, and other Educational Leaders
All schools in Vermont are currently grappling with what it means to be proficiency-based. One of the great things about our state’s approach to this progression is the autonomy our schools have to define learning in the context of their communities while staying true to the central tenets of Standards-Based Learning (SBL). Whether just beginning the transition, or a few years in, schools and teachers are quickly realizing that SBL is much more than how we grade, report about, and graduate our students. While these elements are essential, the true power of SBL comes in transforming what learning looks like in our classrooms and schools.
A transformation in learning requires more than understanding and intent; it also requires practical systems, structures, and strategies that support both teachers and students. In this two-day institute participants will explore the practices related to curriculum, instruction, and assessment that are essential to make learning the goal for every student in a standards-based classroom, and they will leave with systems, structures, and strategies to adapt and implement within their unique school and classroom settings.
Each day will consist of a balance of multiple structures:
- Full Group Time: This will be used in order to establish common knowledge, build group understanding, and reflect on learning in order to plan next steps.
- Breakout Time: This will be used throughout each day in order to let people have choice based on interest, readiness, and goals.
- Team Time: If you came with a team from your school, you will have the option to work collaboratively towards your goals.
Participants will set goals early in the institute that will guide their learning and doing throughout the two days. While all will get an overview of the four components of a standards-based system (Articulate Desired Results, Develop Targeted Assessments, Design Effective Instruction, and Monitor & Communicate Learning), each will have the opportunity to explore one or more areas in depth and with facilitation. Options for exploration will include KUDs, Learning Targets, Learning Scales, Collaboration with Special Educators, Summative Assessments, Formative Assessments and Practice, Direct Instruction, Differentiated Instruction, Grading and Reporting, and Communication with Families and Community.
About our Presenters:
Emily Rinkema is a Proficiency-Based Learning Coordinator in the Champlain Valley School District in Vermont, spending half of her time supporting standards-based instruction and learning at the high school, and half supporting the middle schools……..
Stan Williams has taught and worked in the Champlain Valley School District for over twenty years. Currently, he is a Proficiency-Based Learning Coordinator for the district and spends his time supporting standards-based learning and instruction at the high school and the four district middle schools….