The members from the consortium observed classes, interviewed faculty and students and reviewed documents related to the initiative. They provided verbal feedback to district faculty members and will next prepare a written report.
The feedback session began with a series of questions directed toward the staff, followed by a conversation among the team members regarding the strengths of the initiative and challenges that need to be addressed in the future.
According to the team, the professional climate in the district supports teachers trying new things, and there is widespread faculty support for the critical thinking goal, they said.
Students at all levels were observed utilizing critical thinking, and they expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities to pursue interests at a deeper level. The team said it believes that greater clarity about student outcomes and collection of data would move the initiative forward.
Future challenges the team cited include how to strengthen the connection and coordination across the different schools; how to simply the rubrics and protocols and how to provide greater support for curriculum leaders.
A written report will soon be completed, and the findings will help guide professional development planning for the coming year.
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