Common Questions for Leaders:
How can I support Modern Classrooms Educators?
Which elements of the Modern Classroom model will I likely see teachers implement right away?
Which elements of the Modern Classroom model will I likely see teachers implement right away?
Many leaders see the presence of the most “visible” elements right away. This includes the use of instructional videos, pacing trackers (student and public-facing), and mastery checks.
Which elements will take a little more time to see in classrooms?
Which elements will take a little more time to see in classrooms?
Collaboration, motivation structures, and routines, along with active learning elements in the class period take a little more time to see in classrooms. Also, educators typically take more time to vary their mastery checks (in terms of form).
What are the best practices in implementation you’ve seen?
What are the best practices in implementation you’ve seen?
After visiting hundreds of Modern Classrooms across the United States, we’ve seen that the most effective Modern Classroom educators:
Define and share clear criteria for mastery
Establish clear policies for revision and reassessment
Use class time intentionally to support students at all levels of understanding
Implement peer-review processes like “Ask 3 Before Me”
Our Implementation & Growth Rubric outlines other ways in which effective Modern Classroom educators can deepen and innovate upon their classroom practice.
We see clear revision and reassessment policies along with clear criteria for mastery that are shared with students in the most effective Modern Classrooms.
We have also seen varied and intentional use of class time by the educator and the students. Peer-review processes like those represented in this third-grade Modern Classroom are also best practices to celebrate!
The Implementation & Growth Rubric has other examples of deepening and innovating best practices in mastery-based, self-paced learning, and blended instruction.
What kind of planning time do the Modern Classrooms teachers I support need?
What kind of planning time do the Modern Classrooms teachers I support need?
Launching a Modern Classroom takes time! While there isn’t a suggested or set time allotment to support this, our most successful implementers and leaders utilize designated planning, PD time, and faculty meetings for Modern Classrooms educators to create videos and unit plans, give peer feedback, co-create system and/or policies, and reflect as innovative implementers. In their first years of implementation, educators create the majority of instructional content. Years 2+ typically focus on revising and refining.
What other supports for Modern Classrooms educators do you suggest?
What other supports for Modern Classrooms educators do you suggest?
Modern Classrooms educators thrive in communities where leadership and educators are aligned on the essential knowledge and skills. Supporting educators with updated scope & sequences and clarified skills & objectives is a great place to start. Additionally, we recommend regular feedback from instructional coaches as educators work to move from implementing the model to innovating their Modern Classrooms practice.
Additional Resources:
How do I effectively use the Implementation & Growth Rubric?
How do I effectively use the Implementation & Growth Rubric?
The goals of the rubric are to encourage reflection on the Modern Classrooms implementation and stimulate discussion about areas for future improvement. This tool is NOT designed to evaluate teacher performance. We encourage educators to use the rubric to self-assess, set goals, and work in PLCs. We encourage observers and coaches to leverage the rubric to create conversations with educators, inviting them to explain or clarify classroom practices whose purpose is not immediately apparent. Observers and coaches should also remember that the rubric bands and comments are a starting point for discussion and collaboration with each educator observed. Also, multiple observations and discussions throughout a school year offer the most effective feedback to educators.
How do I encourage more educators I work with to implement this instructional model?
How do I encourage more educators I work with to implement this instructional model?
Sharing the Secondary and Elementary Edutopia videos or rolling out the Free Course during August PD days are low-lift ways to build momentum. However, the most powerful way to build energy is to allow current implementers to share their stories, open their classrooms to colleagues, and inspire grassroots change and innovation.