Curriculum-Based Professional Learning plays a critical role in ensuring that teachers have the tools, strategies, and expertise needed to deliver high-quality instruction. Educators engage in unit and lesson internalization through structured coaching and PLCs, aligning instruction with High-Quality Instructional Resources (HQIRs) to maximize student learning. Johnson County School District has embraced this approach by integrating i-Ready Classroom Math and Magnetic Reading into Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to enhance instructional fidelity and student outcomes.
Superintendent Thom Cochran is a champion of this initiative, recognizing its transformative impact on literacy and numeracy through the Read to Succeed and Numeracy Counts Acts. His leadership has been instrumental in securing the necessary resources, fostering collaboration among educators, and ensuring that Johnson County (JC) educators are fully supported in implementing these strategies with fidelity. His vision for student success drives ongoing professional learning and innovation across the district.
A vital partner in this initiative is Alisha Hall, who has partnered with the district this year with the support of Full-Service Community Schools Grant (FSCS). Her expertise in Curriculum-Based Professional Learning with Curriculum Associates, a vendor approved by RIVET Education, has provided Johnson County educators with the necessary strategies to utilize i-Ready Classroom Math and Magnetic Reading effectively. She shares best practices for preparing principals, assistant principals, and the Digital Learning Instructional Coaches to facilitate learning. She offers valuable coaching tips to teachers and instructional assistants, ensuring that instruction is intentional, data-driven, and aligned with best practices.
The Digital Learning Instructional Coaches meet biweekly to develop a common agenda and, most recently, have been creating video clips for PLCs to support districtwide unit and lesson internalization calibration.
The Read to Succeed Facilitators/SEL Specialists, teachers, and instructional assistants are crucial in ensuring student success. Their commitment to implementing HQIR with fidelity and supporting literacy development directly impacts student growth and academic achievement.
JC teachers embed Kagan structures into the internalization process, fostering student engagement and collaborative learning. Educators deepen their understanding of instructional pacing, differentiation, and assessment through collaborative PLCs. Teachers analyze student data, engage in reflective practice, and apply research-based strategies to address learning gaps and enhance student engagement. This ongoing support empowers educators to implement HQIRs with fidelity, leading to meaningful academic progress.
As Johnson County School District continues to prioritize high-quality instruction, structured coaching, PLCs, and coaching remain at the forefront of professional learning. By leveraging expert guidance and a strong commitment to instructional excellence, the district is building a foundation for sustained student success.
A huge thank you to Superintendent Thom Cochran, Alisha Hall, principals, assistant principals, the Digital Learning Instructional Coaches, teachers, and the Read to Succeed Facilitators/SEL Specialists for their dedication and the support of all stakeholders. Your leadership and commitment to excellence in education are shaping a brighter future for all Eagles!
