Consistency!

Every couple of years in many school districts, a new program is introduced.  Teachers are in-serviced, often at the end of the school year - what! before summer break.  Or the in-service is in the beginning of the year when there are a million projects, ideas and forms to fill out.  Neither is effective.  And the rooms are hot both in June and early September!

The best program I ever was a part of was a new Math program.  The training happened slowly - two times the first year, a follow up the next.  Best part was a monthly get together with grade level partners in a few schools (not all of them- to keep the groups small) for about an hour after school. We shared what had worked, what hadn't and we had a mentor, who had a direct link to the author of the series!  So when we were really stuck, there was a way to get an explanation or answer.  Also we split up the planning, shared and then adjusted the lessons to our own style.  And the district was smart enough to keep this program. Turn-keyed the new teachers and kept up the tweaking.

As the years passed, each new group of students was stronger and more confident with the language and methods taught.  They were able to more easily build upon the previous year's learning.  Success!
Math grades improved and teachers were more skilled and comfortable in their teaching.

I saw the same concept in another district where they have been using Writer's Workshop for years. The students' writing was exemplary and far more developed than my district.  Why?  Maybe continued training, practice and comfort.  Wish my district had followed their commitment they made with the Math program and do the same with Language Arts!

What do you think?  As teachers, we want to improve and keep up with the times.  But there has to be enough time to really get used to a program, to let it become second nature, to see the nuances and anticipate where students will be successful or need help.  Districts need to choose wisely and allow success a chance.