DEAR COLLEAGUES…

Most of the professional development we are given is a “one shot” deal. We learn about something new and are then are expected to implement it in our classrooms. Yet research shows that less than 20% is applied in the classroom. Truly effective professional development is ongoing and deeply embedded in teachers’ classroom work with children.

Through collaboration and co-teaching, this is where I would come in. For example, you would choose the subject/unit we work on together. It could be an old unit that that could use a new spark, or an entirely new unit that you’d like help exploring. You decide what would benefit you most.

My philosophy is “two heads are better than one.” This process is intended to be positive, productive,

and non-evaluative. Through co-teaching we would be learning from each other in an exchange of ideas, expanding our pedagogic knowledge together. Once or twice a week we would meet to talk about and reflect on the lessons we taught together. We would discuss the lesson and teaching methods, analyze assessments, and use this information to drive further instruction. We usually have so little time for reflection, but research has shown us how important it is in expanding our skills.

Please consider inviting me in for a two-, three-, or four-week coaching cycle and we’ll venture out together. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

~Roni

APPETIZERS

Gather Resources: Let me hunt for those hard to find lesson components!

Classroom & Site Visits: Organize a visit to another site to observe a colleague; cover your class so that you may observe another colleague.

Design & Organization: Brainstorm ways to arrange your classroom to optimize

student learning; organize and level classroom library.

Planning: Through conversation, I can help in developing standards-based lessons.

Observe & Assess Students: Assist you with any behavior and/or academic needs of your students.

Main Courses

Demonstration Lessons: Lessons can be modeled using a strategy you would like to explore further.

Observing Lessons: Lessons can be observed to provide ideas on a strategy or topic that you are developing.

Team Teaching: After planning collaboratively, we can teach a lesson together.

Coaching & Collaboration

TEAMWORK DIVIDES THE TASK AND DOUBLES THE SUCCESS!

A menu of support opportunities for teachers offered by Roni Fillo,

Literacy Coach

Roni FilloLiteracy Coach

Kent School District

Neely-O’Brien Elementary

253.373.3193Roni.fillo@kent.k12

.wa.us

Customers: There will be no hidden

charges for substitutions~they are

always encouraged! The chef does

not claim to be an expert, but 110%

effort is guaranteed. All dishes are

free, but chocolate is always an

accepted form of payment.

Classroom Assistant: If you need another pair of hands for a lesson or small group or another pair of eyes to help track concerns.

Book Study: Participate in a book study on a professional development topic of your choice.

DESSERTS

Reflection: Through conversation and observation, I can help you work through difficult (or successful) lessons to further enhance your teaching practice.

Brainstorming & Listening: Sometimes you just need someone to bounce ideas off of.

Data Analysis: Help to analyze data and decide on next steps for differentiation and increasing student achievement.

Above the

Fold

“Educators need their own books of important stuff. We can’t learn everything. We can’t take every course, read every book, attend every conference. We must have priorities. We must be able to say, this is my year to learn ________________, and we will fill in that blank with one topic, one issue, one area of inquiry . . . Just as the “New York Times” places the most significant news stories above the fold, educators need to ask, “What’s above this fold?” “What’s most significant?” “What really matters for me at this point in time?” Setting limits and devoting big blocks of time to one area of study is the only way we can study issues deeply and lead scholarly lives.”

~ Shelly Harwayne, Going PublicAt the start of the year we get swept up in so many details, everything from organizing classrooms to scheduling parent events and fire drills. One of the most positive uses of all that fall energy and enthusiasm is to develop individual learning plans which can be sustained all year long. It is my hope that we can set aside a protected time to meet and reflect on your professional growth and learning and that I can help to facilitate the journey for you and your students. In the box below, please indicate days and times that would work for us to meet throughout the year. You may return this to my mailbox, email it back to me, or can collect it when I come around to visit your lovely students! Our initial conversation will be scheduled to begin in early October. I will contact you in person, so we can plan for our first meeting.

Name: ___________________________________________Subject Taught: ___________________________________Best Day of the Week to Meet Throughout the Year: _____________________________Best Time to Meet Throughout the Year: ______________________________________Questions or Thoughts: ____________________________________________________

THANK YOU!

COYOTE–GRAMTo: CC Staff From: Susan Fish, Instructional Coach 9/29/08

Coyote Reading Ranch Coaching Support Menu

Choose from a variety of entrees. Mix and match to meet your tastes.No hidden charges for extras or substitutions.

All dishes are free, but chocolate will be accepted as payment!

AppetizersGather Resources: Hunt for those hard to find lesson components

Substitute: Cover your class so that you may observe another colleague*

Scheduling: Help you develop a daily lesson schedule (i.e. blocking time for Writer’s

Workshop)

Planning: Through conversation, help to develop lessons that meet standards

Main EntreesModel Lessons/Demonstration Lessons: Lessons can be modeled in your room

Team Teaching: After planning collaboratively, teach a lesson together

Classroom Assistant: If you need another pair of hands for a lesson or small group, or

another pair of eyes to track concerns

DessertReflection: Through conversation and observation, we can work through difficult or

successful lessons to further enhance your teaching practice and student learning

Collaboration/Networking: Help you connect with other teachers in our building and

beyond

Brainstorming & Listening: Sometimes you just need someone to talk to about your

lesson or your life

WARNING: The “sheriff” is not an expert! I gather the BEST practices from my Coyotes. If

you don’t see what you want, just ask!

*For use with your “Coyote Coupon”

Coaching Support SurveyName: ______________________________________

As this year begins, check the areas in which you think I can be helpful to you: Organizing and setting up the classroom library

Administering the DRA, QPA, other assessments

Analyzing results from the DRA or other assessments

Scheduling instruction

Matching readers with texts

Sharing reading and writing lessons

Setting up Reader’s Workshop

Setting up Writer’s Workshop

Setting up Math Workshop

Launching Units of Study, Making Meaning, Write Source, Phonetic Connection, etc.

Organizing reading instruction to include whole group, small group, and conferring

Reviewing the literacy workshop instructional model

Designing mini lessons about comprehension strategies

Implementing a word study block

Sharing of books to use for read-alouds

Sharing of books to use for writer’s workshop mini lessons

Breaking down and implementing state standards

Collaborating in parent/volunteer literacy education

Using the materials and resources in the Coyote Reading Ranch (Leveled Bookroom)

Planning and creating common assessments

Other areas of interest you want more support with during the school year:

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Name __________________________________

Date __________________________

Grade Level ____

Confidential Instructional Coaching Questionnaire

I am attempting do a better job of coaching this year by giving you a forum for communicating requests and teaming with more staff members. Please respond to the following questions. I will use this information to schedule 4-8 week coaching rotations throughout this year. Please know that filling out this form does not guarantee a spot within my coaching rotation, nor does it automatically commit you to working with me long term.

1) Considering the needs of your students, what would you like to focus on in your instructional practice? Think of things you would like to experiment with or change. List your thoughts next to each subject(s) of your choice.

Math –

Writing –

Reading –

Using assessment to form next instructional steps –

Classroom Management -

2) Place a star next to the one area (listed in question 1) you are most interested in working with a coach?

3) What are your expectations, concerns, and/or questions you have about working with a coach?

This is one source of communication. Please feel free to chat with me individually about any concerns.

Thank you.Simona

Daniel ElementaryInstructional Support Survey

(Please return to Lien Le by September 18th)

Name ___________________________________________

Please check the areas in which you think I can be helpful to you:____ Setting up reading workshop to include whole-group, small-group,and one-on-one instruction____ Organizing and setting up the classroom library____ Co-administering the DRA or IRI____ Analyzing results from the DRA or IRI____ Matching readers with texts____ Modeling reading lessons____ Implementing a word study block____ Sharing of books to use for read-alouds (in different genres)

____ Setting up writing workshop to include whole-group, small-group,and one-on-one instruction____ Modeling writing lessons____Analyzing student’s writing

____Setting up math workshop____ Modeling math lessons (K-4)____Analyzing student’s work

____ Designing mini-lessons (R,W,M)____Co-planning and co-teaching lessons (R,W,M)____Consulting on routines, schedules, classroom management____ Breaking down and implementing State Standards____ Using the literature in the book room ____Observing and providing feedback____ Planning with your grade level teams Other: _________________________________________________Best time to meet: ___________________________________

Thanks for your thoughts. I look forward to working together with you.

Literacy Coach SurveyMeadow Ridge Elementary

Purpose:

The purpose of this survey is to assess your needs for coaching and to have you sign up for a preferred coaching cycle. I will be spending an extended period of four weeks with teachers this year. During those four weeks I will plan with you and be in your room at least two days during the week (your preference) during your entire literacy block.

Procedures:

Please take your time to carefully read each item and respond. Completed surveys will be returned to the Literacy Coach. Results will be analyzed and the information will be used to help create a meaningful coaching schedule.

1. I need help in understanding and using the Burns & Roe I.R.I. so that I can assess students as needed.

Doing O.K. 1 2 3 4 5 Help Now!2. I need help grouping my students for guided reading groups in my classroom.

Doing O.K. 1 2 3 4 5 Help Now!3. I understand what the Literacy Workshop Model is, but I need help to apply this methodology

in my current setting.Doing O.K. 1 2 3 4 5 Help Now!

4. Please teach a mini lesson on: (circle one or more)Phonics/Decoding Fluency Vocabulary Comprehension

5. Please come into my classroom and observe my literacy instruction and provide me feedback. The area I think I’d like your help in right now is: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Please come and do a planning conference with me around the concept of: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. I need help with analyzing my informal reading inventories (class profile from last Spring) and determining areas of focus in my comprehension instruction.

Doing O.K. 1 2 3 4 5 Help Now!

8. I need to see it working in another classroom. Please come in and teach my class a lesson so that I may observe one of my colleagues.

Doing O.K. 1 2 3 4 5 Help Now

ALMOST DONE!Please highlight your lst, 2nd, and 3rd choice of the “coaching sessions” so that I may build my schedule.

Session 1: September 19 – October 13 Session 5: January 31 – March 2Session 2: October 14 – November 10 Session 6: March 6 – March 31Session 3: November 15 – December 20 Session 7: April 3 – May 12Session 4: January 4 – January 27 Session 8: May 15 – June 9

*Set-Up, Testing, Title 1 Intervention Groups, Take Down 9/1-9/16 & 6/12-6/21

PLEASE RETURN COMPLETED SURVEYS TO CAROL EGELSTON’S MAILBOXThank you!

Name: ________________________________________________

Grade Level: ________________________

CEgelston: