AGENCY GOAL #3
To enhance the knowledge and skills of educators and the whole community, so they can effect change and facilitate positive outcomes for learners. “I can unequivocally attest to EASTCONN’s state recognition as a leader in providing professional learning and training for others in research and standards-based curriculum...” 2015-2016 Highlights & Accomplishments Teaching & Learning Initiatives Embedded Professional Learning Support • Embedded, In-District Support & Training: Provided 142 days of on-site, embedded, professional development and support in 24 districts to assist with the development and implementation of customized, local plans for a variety of educational reform initiatives, including performance task development, differentiated instruction, applications of new Social Studies and Science Standards, and more. – Professional Learning (PL) Plans: 26 days assisting with the design, implementation and evaluation of coherent PL plans, leading to improved connections to existing school improvement initiatives.
Professional learning support across a variety of core subject areas equips teachers to deliver specialized learning to students. Here, QMC science students work on an NGSS-aligned lesson.
– Math: 49 days collaborating with district math specialists and teachers to model instruction and facilitate planning aligned to their local mathematics programs, the Connecticut Core Math Standards and corresponding instructional shifts.
– Science: 26 days providing content overview and implementation strategies around the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). • Connecticut Core Standards (CCS) – System of Professional Learning: Delivered more than 255 days of on-site coaching to 22 districts. Funded through the CSDE System of Professional Learning, these services provided classroom teachers and coaches with instructional design and assessment strategies aligned with the standards, resulting in increased alignment of classroom instruction with the state and national standards.
– English Language Arts: 23 days supporting the implementation of Writer’s Workshop and other critical skills-building initiatives. – Social Studies: 18 days introducing teachers and administrators to the new Social Studies Frameworks, using a World Café protocol, allowing connections to be made with other core content areas.
“EASTCONN’s coaches bring expertise and strong content knowledge to their professional trainings with our teachers, supporting refinements to instruction and assessments. EASTCONN demonstrates responsiveness to our district needs; talented staff and leaders have assisted us with technology endeavors and have provided exceptional support for our teachers in setting goals for the evaluation process.” – Michele Mullaly, Director of Teaching and Learning, Coventry Public Schools “We had PD today, funded through a grant with [EASTCONN]. She came very prepared … She was FABULOUS about changing gears and adjusting to what we needed to learn … We all left … so satisfied and feeling like we actually had tools to change our classroom environment, so we can then move forward into project-based learning.” – Beth O’Connor, SRBI Interventionist, Baldwin Middle School, Canterbury Public Schools 29