Professional Development
Overview
District capacity building is an important aspect of Tools training. Professional development is a two-year process. At the end of the two years, districts have a strong core of teachers who understand and can apply the theories that shape Tools of the Mind. The professional development process includes the training of district staff to provide on-going coaching support to teachers. This means districts are well-equipped to continue successful implementation and navigate the challenges they face without losing ground and momentum. The Tools professional development process is designed to have flexibility and responsiveness built in. Tools staff collaborate with districts to design the details of each district’s professional development plan.
Year One
In the first year, the curriculum is given in four phases matching the developmental trajectory of child skills. The four workshop training format is coordinated with four on-site visits by Tools trainers to help teachers and coaches implement newly learned approaches and activities.
Year One professional development workshops emphasize classroom management, self-regulation development, and literacy, math, and science content areas. Also available is specialized training in the implementation of RtI for special education staff.
Year Two
In Year Two, teachers participate in a process involving written reflection and videotaping teaching-learning interactions to become endorsed Tools of the Mind teachers. This supports teacher development, helping to ensure future fidelity and building program capacity.
Year Two professional development workshops are designed to help teachers become more intentional in their decision-making in the classroom. They emphasize individualization, assessment of child learning, and fine-tuning accommodation for children with special needs.