Jocelyn Dunnack, Columbia, CT, JocelynDunnack@cpm.org
Curriculum-based professional learning must be ongoing and sustainable, which means it cannot be led solely by outside experts. Schools and districts must plan for the future by building in-house expertise and leadership pipelines.
(Short & Hirsh, 2020)
The Site-based Leadership Program is a collaborative network of local instructional leaders and CPM’s Professional Learning Team. The program was developed to help maintain professional relationships, guide successful curriculum implementation, support student learning and achievement, and build in-house leadership. After a pilot year, the official program launched in September 2022 with live, virtual events each month. Between events, site-based leaders connect to pose questions and share solutions. CPM’s Professional Learning Team is developing a resource library to help support sites in the program on five important themes:
- Promoting Equity
- Supporting New Hires
- Supporting Effective Teacher Teams
- Classroom Implementation Support
- Networking Opportunities
Each live monthly event features a guest speaker and discussion topic. So far this school year, site-based leaders have been joined by:
- Dr. Judy Kysh, CPM Founder—Change from Within: History of CPM and the ongoing vision for site-based leadership.
- Dr. Leslie Dietiker, former CPM Director of Curriculum—Curriculum as the Foundation: The story behind CPM’s curriculum materials.
- Sharon Rendon, CPM Director of Professional Learning—Professional Learning Starts with Shared Visions Brought to Life: Change management and meshing our vision with our reality.
- John Hayes, CPM Professional Learning Specialist—Assessment that Energizes Students and Teachers: How shifting our focus can help us use our assessment energy more usefully.
Community is important for sustaining change. Site-based leaders have shared:
- “I have used the 90-Day Doc and Implementation Progress Tool to start conversations in my math team meetings and asked my principal to start using the Implementation Progress Tool to give teachers feedback!”
- “It’s nice to hear/see other people going through similar struggles post-covid and trying to get back to normal.”
- “I always leave with renewed energy for the next day. Either to try something new or just know to keep doing STTS and pushing forward.”
- “I don’t recommend trying to make dinner while participating in a breakout room!?”
CPM’s mission is to empower mathematics students and teachers. Not only does CPM provide exemplary curriculum and professional learning, but also seeks to recognize and foster teacher expertise and leadership in mathematics education. Change takes time, effort, and support. The Site-Based Leadership Program is a great place to give and receive all three. For more information about the program and how to get involved, check out cpmstg.wpengine.com/sbl.
References
Short, J., & Hirsh, S. (2020). The elements: Transforming teaching through curriculum-based professional learning. The Carnegie Corporation of New York.