I am writing to announce a radical change in the orientation of this blog: from now on we will highlight best practices used throughout BCPS for follow-up support and implementation of new knowledge and skills.
Ms. Beverly Green-McFadden, form Larkdale Elementary, shared what her school does to provide support after training. She explained that classroom walkthroughs, informal peer observations, looking together at data collected after implementing new strategies, and the sharing of best practices at faculty meetings are some of the follow-up support mechanisms Larkdale ES teachers have put in place. She also mentions how important is the support received from NESS mentors and from curriculum support staff.
As a result, Beverly tells us that,"Learning and transfering a new skill is more effective when the setting is less threatening and not forced. Having someone from your team observe you practicing a new skill is less intimidating. Also, sharing out in faculty meetings what works for you is a helpful and good way to tell if others are using strategies taught in a professional development workshop."
So... kudos to the Larkdale ES teachers for collaborating, and to Beverly for sharing our own homegrown best practices with the rest of us.
If you want to be the next to share, please post a comment or email me at
Have a great holiday, and "see" you all in 2008.
