Tools Model
The Tools professional development model includes the classroom teacher, the assistant teacher or paraprofessional working in the classroom, and a site coordinator and/or coach from the district (mentor teacher, program director, literacy specialist, early childhood coordinator, etc) as well as school administrators. Training of district staff to provide on-going coaching support to teachers as they implement the program is a key feature of professional development because it builds the district’s capacity to continue building a dynamic and high quality program.
Tools is committed to developing the capacity of district staff to provide on-going coaching support to teachers as they implement the program. Coaches receive direct training from Tools staff through workshops, joint visits to classrooms, a coaching manual, coaching forms that guide classroom visits, support from on-line videos of activities, and individualized feedback from training staff. An administrator’s handbook and fidelity checklist are also available. The site coordinator/coach is responsible for providing day-to-day support and ensuring that the program will maintain a high level of fidelity once the Tools training process is finished. The trainers and site coordinator/coach maintain contact through emails and phone calls between the workshops and visits.
Specialized training facilitating the implementation of RtI for special education staff is also available starting in Year One.
In order to successfully scaffold teachers Tools trainers provide on-site technical assistance as well as traditional workshops. On-site visits are built into the per classroom class price. This allows districts to budget effectively as there are no hidden or additional costs associated with the program.
The cost for professional development is calculated on a per-classroom basis and includes the training of teachers, paraprofessionals, and district coaches and administrators. The cost is dependant on the size of the program and the professional development needs of the district. Training for special education staff is contracted separately on a per-person basis. The cost for the second year of professional development is negotiated with the district.
Our experience demonstrates that most teachers require the two years of training in order to become fully proficient in the program. Student outcomes improve with the first year of implementation and teachers reach acceptable levels of fidelity by the end of the second year. Tools of the Mind training is extensive and comprehensive to ensure successful implementation of the program.