A Professional Development Example

Brain Compatible Learning Environments /
Integrated Thematic Instruction (Susan Kovalik).
Ann Arbor Public Schools

Phase

Activity

Traditional

Awareness

Information about Brain research and relevant classroom practices (1 year)

Introductory Overview

1-day live presentation by Kovalik; follow-up readings

Study Groups

FtoF Meetings of Ts from different schools. Monthly 1-2 hrs.

Visitations

1-day visit to a model site (2-3 days total w/ travel)

Skill Development

Selective Focus on Skills to Achieve BCLE Environments (2 years)

Multi-Day Training Session for Building Teams

3-Day FtoF Conference in the summer

Support Group for Problem Solving

Monthly FtoF Meetings of Ts from different schools

Teachers Practice Skills

Teachers work on their own. Facilitator visits classrooms as time permits

Focused Visitations Within District

Participating teachers get sub & visit selected classrooms; reflect on own practice

Implementation

(1-3 years)

(concurrent with "skill development")

Intensive Workshop for Bldg. Leaders (6)

Six-day FtoF Workshop for Principals

Leaders Support Staff

Regular classroom observations; every 3 weeks in-bldg meeting of partic.

Leaders Support One Another

Monthly meeting of six leaders with prof. dev. leader