Monday, March 4, 2019
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction continues to support districts in ensuring teachers have access to high- quality, standards-aligned instructional materials and corresponding professional learning. The department hosted a workshop for educators to explore how high-quality instructional materials and professional learning can increase equity while learning how to vet materials, specifically for English language arts and mathematics.
Several guests were on hand to examine the research that supports the connections among standards-aligned materials, professional learning, and student achievement, including Kate Gerson, chief executive officer, UnboundEd; Eric Hirsch, executive director of EdReports; Sheila Briggs, DPI assistant state superintendent; and educators from around the state. Videos of the speakers are available on the DPI Instructional Materials and Professional Learning web pages.
As schools and districts examine student outcome data, revisiting the quality of instructional materials and corresponding professional learning is one thing educators and administrators can consider as part of a continuous improvement strategy.
The DPI outlines more specific information on this strategy on a frequently asked questions page. Information addressed includes where educators can access free tools to vet materials and how this improvement strategy can be implemented if instructional materials are not fully aligned to standards. The department also provides information regarding how professional learning is an imperative part of the materials adoption and implementation process, how high-quality instructional materials and professional learning fit within current systems, and where to find tools for analyzing instructional materials through a culturally responsive practices lens.
For more information, visit the DPI Instructional Materials and Professional Learning web page.