• info@edpractices.com
  • 219-228-0822
Instruction

Instruction

Support for Instruction

We believe that effective teachers should be able to (a) create and maintain a positive classroom climate that is culturally and linguistically responsive to students, (b) implement a universal design for instruction approach in the classroom utilizing technology, and (c) deliver instruction using evidence-based strategies that meet language, social/emotional and academic needs. Our experts in literacy, math, bilingual/ESL education, and special education can provide support for teachers at different levels of knowledge and skill areas to complement school improvement efforts. See our team members and areas of expertise.

This year a focus of our instructional support is combating learning loss. In our carefully tailored workshops, teachers will learn strategies for optimizing student engagement along with making instructional adjustments for students with special needs. For example, in middle school math, we will show teachers how to use realistic math scenarios that support thinking & reasoning about math concepts (e.e, percentages, measurement & pre-algreba) while integrating cognitive strategies for students with IEPs. In elementary reading, we will demonstrate peer-based strategies for improving recognition & comprehension while integrating academic vocabulary & reinforcement strategies appropriate for all students who are struggling.

Support for Instruction

Given the current public health situation, services will be provided face-to-face and/or online as needed.

Sample Instructional Services

Remediation and Support for Struggling Teachers

  • Improving instructional planning and delivery
  • Using assessment to guide practice
  • Enhancing behavior management

Introduction of Evidence-based Strategies

  • Incorporating academic language and literacy throughout the curriculum
  • Using learning strategies for memory and behavior
  • Implementing inquiry-based math/li>
  • Adjusting instruction for students with IEPs, other languages/cultures, and other individual needs/li>

Creating a Responsive Classroom Climate

  • Becoming a culturally and linguistically responsive teacher
  • Wellness strategies for teachers and students
  • Collaborating and co-teaching with peers
  • Addressing racism and other diversity issues with students

Professional Development Format Options

 

  • Schoolwide Micro-PDs. Each grade band or subject area group spends approximately 2 hours in a targeted PD. Substitute teachers rotate to cover teachers during the day. This format reduces the amount of time that teachers are out of their classrooms. 
  • PDs with Demo-Lessons. Grade band or subject area group spends ½ day/full day in an instruction-focused workshop designed for immediate application. Later in the day, the group moves to a classroom where an EdPractices expert teaches a lesson to students while teachers observe.  A debriefing session follows the demo-lesson. 
  • Small-Group Focus Sessions. Does your curriculum team, coaches, grade level team need a facilitator’s expertise in their brainstorming session? In this unstructured meeting format, your team will discuss their goals, concerns, students’ roadblocks, etc., an EdPractices expert will make recommendations and help your team develop a path forward.

POPULAR TOPICS with DEMO LESSONS

MATH Elementary school topics

  • Early number concepts for grades K-1,
  • Concept of ten & addition & subtraction of 2-digit numbers for grades 1 and 2
  • Basic multiplication facts without tears for grades 3-4
  • Facilitating small group and whole class mathematical discourse (all grades)
  • Multiple units & division in grades 3-5.
  • Early Fractions for Grades K-2
  • Making sense of fractions in grades 3-4
  • Making sense and moving to operations with fractions in grades 5-6
  • Word problems in grades 1-2.
  • Building Number sense
  • Thinking strategies with number strings.

MATH Middle school topics

  • From algebraic reasoning to conventional symbolism for algebra (grades 6-8)
  • Ratios & Percents
  • Operations with Integers
  • Making sense of multiplication and division of fractions
  • Making sense of measurement in the middle grades

 

INCLUSION K-12 topics

  • Theory to practice: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in real life classrooms
  • Selecting co-teaching models for success
  • Designing & teaching a differentiated instruction unit
  • Preparing students to be peer helpers & tutors
  • Tier I intervention strategies for math and reading

ESL/BILINGUAL K-12 topics

  • Translanguaging Strategies (when you don’t speak the language of your students)
  • Translanguaging Strategies (to become an even better bilingual teacher)
  • Incorporating WIDA language & academic standards in your dual language, bilingual, & ESL lessons

LITERACY topics

• The reading and writing process
• Balanced literacy
• Phonological awareness
• Fluency
• Comprehension strategies
• Academic vocabulary
• Literature circles
• Media and literacy

 

 How Do Demo Lessons Work?

Teachers bring a lesson to the PD session, improve on it with support from experts and peers, and then teach the revised lesson to their students with feedback.

 

Support & Services for Teachers

219-228-0822 / Schererville, IN / Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana