SESC Snapshot
August 28, 2024
SESC Training Opportunities
SESC is here to support you in all of your training needs. We offer a variety of training options throughout the year, in both asynchronous and in-person varieties. Whether you are needing professional development hours, or need help in a specific area, SESC has it all. Check out all of our upcoming trainings by clicking here!
The Role of PLCs in Enhancing Collective Efficacy
In his efforts to answer the question, “What works best in education,” researcher John Hattie studied influences (both positive and negative) on learning. He concluded that the average effect size of all the interventions he studied was 0.40. He ranked the success of influences relative to this hinge point, in order to find an answer to the question, “What works best in education?” With an effect size of 1.57, collective teacher efficacy ranks at the very top. What does this mean and how can we, as educators, leverage the power of collective efficacy through Professional Learning Communities?
Regular collaboration in PLCs, focused on continuous improvement, allows educators to share expertise while working collaboratively to improve access to a guaranteed curriculum where every student has access to high-quality, grade-level instruction, thus improving the academic performance of all students. The three big ideas that should drive the PLC process are: a focus on learning; a collaborative culture and collective responsibility; and a results orientation. Effective PLCs consistently monitor curriculum, instructional design, and assessment practices. These collaborative endeavors strengthen tier one instruction as educators trust one another to bring their very best efforts and intentions to the student experience, resulting in improved teacher and student performance, culture, and morale.
The bottom line is that when our collective work intentionally creates rigorous and equitable learning environments and reflects a belief in our shared ability to help students reach their highest potentials, we are more likely to make it happen. That collective belief is then tangible to our students, and they believe in themselves. As educators’ collective efficacy increases, students’ sense of self-efficacy increases, and, simultaneously, student outcomes, building culture, and morale all improve.
Sources:
Davidson, Caryn. “Model Curriculum Framework.” KYstandards, 7 Aug. 2024, kystandards.org/standards-resources/model-curriculum-framework/.
Visible Learning. “Collective Teacher Efficacy (CTE) according to John Hattie.” Visible Learning, 12 Oct. 2018, visible-learning.org/2018/03/collective-teacher-efficacy-hattie/.
Building Bridges: Strengthening Conceptual Understanding Through Professional Learning
Teaching math conceptually is challenging, whether you’re a new or experienced teacher. Many of us were taught through traditional methods—memorizing formulas and following algorithms without understanding why they worked. Today, the Kentucky Standards emphasize depth over rote learning, requiring both students and teachers to engage in deeper conceptual understanding.
The Numeracy Counts Act: Raising the Stakes
In the latest legislative session, the Numeracy Counts Act placed math education in the spotlight. This law mandates that students who test below grade level receive individualized math plans (IMPs) by 2026 to accelerate their learning. These plans will provide tailored support to help students meet grade-level expectations. With many students testing below grade level, the need for teachers to deepen their conceptual understanding of the standards has never been greater.
Why Conceptual Understanding Matters
Teachers with a solid grasp of the math standards can provide critical scaffolding that supports all students. Conceptual understanding allows teachers to:
Differentiate Instruction: Use diverse strategies and tools to address gaps in understanding.
Anticipate Misconceptions: Address student struggles proactively by understanding common pitfalls.
Encourage Mathematical Thinking: Ask questions that promote critical thinking and connections between ideas.
Build Confidence: Help students develop ownership of their learning by understanding why solutions work.
What Teachers Can Do NOW?
Use Concrete and Visual Tools: Manipulatives and semi-concrete representations (i.e. number lines, drawings) make abstract ideas tangible.
Explore Multiple Strategies: Show various problem-solving methods to promote flexible thinking.
Reflect on Your Own Learning: Revisit foundational concepts to understand the why behind procedures.
Collaborate with Peers: Share strategies and insights to collectively improve instructional practices.
Engage in Professional Learning: Join professional development opportunities to deepen your knowledge.
Curriculum-Based Professional Learning Opportunities
To support teachers in this work, curriculum-based professional learning is essential. SESC has addressed this need by establishing the E3 Networks: Empowering & Elevating Excellence through Professional Learning. New network sessions will begin in January and focus on these key standards:
3rd-5th Grade Network: Measurement and Data Standards (Registration Link) (Detailed Information)
6th-8th Grade Network: Expressions and Equations Standards (Registration Link) (Detailed Information)
By investing in our own understanding of the standards, we transform our teaching and empower students to think critically and independently. Together, we can rise to the challenge and ensure that all students achieve lasting success in mathematics and beyond.
For more information on other possible trainings or support, please contact Sarah Shaffer (sarah.shaffer@sesccoop.org) or Sandye Kabalen (sandye.kabalen@sesccoop.org).
Empowering Educators: Cameron Brown's Journey with ElevatED
At SESC, our vision is to Empower and Elevate Educational Excellence by providing educators with the tools, support, and professional development they need to thrive in the classroom. Through programs like ElevatED, we aim to foster a community of growth and collaboration, empowering teachers to develop their skills, enhance their confidence, and ultimately create more impactful learning experiences for their students. By investing in educators, we believe we can inspire transformative change that elevates education for all.
This month we highlight Cameron Brown, an educator who has benefited greatly from the ElevatED program. Cameron’s experience underscores the power of coaching, professional development, and community support in transforming teaching practices.
Cameron describes the coaching aspect of ElevatED as one of the most beneficial elements of the program. He appreciates the opportunity to engage in conversations with his coach. According to Cameron, his coach has been instrumental in helping him navigate the complexities of departmentalized teaching. With multiple transitions throughout the day, organizing materials, and keeping everything running smoothly can be a challenge. With his coach’s guidance, Cameron has been able to streamline his process, making his day-to-day teaching more effective and manageable.
Cameron acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges new teachers face is the gap between what is learned in teacher preparation programs and what is needed in the classroom. ElevatED has equipped him with tools and strategies to build his confidence. With new techniques in his toolbox, he feels more prepared to face the challenges of teaching. As a first-year teacher, he admits that he didn’t always feel confident, but having the support of experienced educators, as well as the skills learned through the program, has made him feel more competent and self-assured.
One of the most impactful training sessions for Cameron was focused on learning targets and aligning them with state standards. This particular session resonated with him as it directly connected to the work his school is currently doing on clarity and standards. Cameron appreciated not only the resources shared—such as the Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE) website—but also the opportunity to collaborate with fellow teachers on best practices for implementing learning targets. The diverse perspectives shared during the training were invaluable, and he found himself more equipped to apply these concepts in his own classroom.
Cameron’s testimonial illustrates the power of personalized coaching, targeted professional development, and community-building in the ElevatED program. Through coaching sessions, skill-building workshops, and the support of other educators, Cameron has gained confidence and practical strategies that have made a significant impact on his teaching practice. As ElevatED continues to support educators like Cameron, it’s clear that the program’s comprehensive approach is transforming the teaching experience—one educator at a time!
The Power of Social-Emotional Learning in Today’s Classrooms
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is more than just a buzzword—it’s a critical component of education that equips students with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. When schools embed SEL into their culture, they help students build essential skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication.
Research shows that SEL contributes to improved academic performance, stronger relationships, and better mental health outcomes. But how can we make it a reality in every classroom?
Here are some valuable ways educators can incorporate SEL into daily routines:
Morning Check-Ins: Start the day with a brief emotional check-in, giving students a chance to express how they feel and set a positive tone for learning.
Collaborative Activities: Foster teamwork and communication through group projects and problem-solving tasks.
Modeling Behavior: Teachers can demonstrate empathy, patience, and resilience, serving as role models for students.
Reflection Time: Create space for students to reflect on their emotions, behaviors, and interactions during the day.
By interweaving SEL into the fabric of your school, you create an environment where students (and teachers) feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed. Remember, when we focus on the whole child, we prepare them not just for the classroom but for life.
Let’s commit to nurturing not only academic excellence but also emotional intelligence in our students!
