Instructional Minute

Last week, we introduced the full set of cultural shifts that define a Professional Learning Community, grounded in Learning by Doing by DuFour and colleagues. In the coming weeks, we will take a deeper dive into a few of these shifts at a time, unpacking what they look like in practice and how they impact our collective work. As emphasized in the PLC framework, this process is about moving from awareness to action, working collaboratively to clarify essential standards, use evidence of student learning, and ensure high levels of learning for every student.

"The most important alignment we can achieve in education is getting people, the professionals, to authentically align values and behaviors with collective commitment'”-Dr. Regina Owens

Many teachers plan lessons using the familiar I Do → We Do → You Do sequence. This linear structure is helpful because it clearly moves instruction from teacher modeling to student independence.

However, in practice, gradual release is also responsive. As teachers check for understanding, they may move back to modeling or guided practice if students need additional support before continuing toward independent work.

In other words, lessons may be planned linearly, but effective instruction allows teachers to move between phases as needed to ensure student understanding.

Thank you for taking the time to complete the K–8 1st Semester Math Survey. Your input is incredibly valuable and plays an essential role in our ongoing efforts to strengthen curriculum implementation across our schools.

As part of our Curriculum Implementation Guide, it is required that we hear from all stakeholders—including students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Your feedback helps us better understand what is working well and where we can continue to grow and offer support.

We will soon be launching surveys for parents and students, and we will conduct an additional survey (teachers and admin) at the end of the school year. By gathering feedback throughout the year, we are able to identify trends, celebrate bright spots, and address areas that may need strengthening.

Thank you again for your time, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement for our students.

Mrs. Yvonne Thomas

Here are a few results from the teacher survey:
(Reveal and IM): 117 responses (209 total)

How confident are you with using the curricular tool?(1 = Not confident & 3 = Very confident)

We are looking forward to seeing you at the next Math Steering. Please look for an email from Ms. Sarah Kentner. The K-8 Math Steering Committee meets on the last Tuesday of every month!

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 9-12 English Steering Committee Meeting , which takes place virtually the last Thursday of the month. Please look for an email from Steering Chair Suzy Khoury to join virtually.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the next 9-12 Math Steering Committee Meeting, which takes place virtually the second Thursday of the month. Please look for an email from Steering Chair Liz Ballinger or Nicole Minor to join virtually.

The K-8 Science Steering Committee will be held on the last Thursday of every month

at 4:15 pm. Please look for an email from Steering Chair Catherine Cole Adams to join virtually.

The documents attached outline K-8 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website. *Please note that pacing for Illustrative Math powered by Kiddom and Reveal Math will become available as the year progresses.

The document attached outlines 9-12 curricular resources, standards and pacing. This can also be found by clicking here on the LSD website.

A resource to use as you see fit.

The newsletter is created each week by the Instructional Division: