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Research Learning Models

Learning Models

Teachers ²¹ contributes to the knowledge base on K-12 teaching and leading through the development of innovative “Learning Models” that seek to strengthen the single greatest variable in student achievement:  teacher and leader expertise.

Each Learning Model begins with a particular challenge facing the field of education. Teachers ²¹ examines the research base and draws extensively on the expertise of its community of practitioners in order to develop a comprehensive approach to improving teaching and leading which reflects a deep understanding of how successful change happens in K-12 contexts. The resulting model for change is piloted with a partner district or organization. The partner site and Teachers ²¹ collaborate to continuously assess the efficacy of the model and make ongoing adaptations.

The following are learning models created by the Teachers ²¹ research team.

Comprehensive Induction

Our comprehensive model of induction surrounds the beginning teacher with support, accountability, and a force for constant improvement of teaching and learning in his or her classroom. It further includes school board policy and structures to sustain the effectiveness of the program. A rigorous broad-based planning process is married to an ongoing communication plan that ensures widespread ownership. The key beliefs that serve as the basis for this model and drive the center’s work are: (1) the success of the beginning teacher is the responsibility of all staff at the school, (2) well-designed induction is essentially excellent staff development, and (3) effective induction programs inherently work to transform the culture of the school.

Urban District Improvement

The Urban District Improvement Model consists of ten change actions that create a comprehensive, transferable model for achieving district-wide improvements in professional culture, instructional practice, and student learning. This flexible model creates a unique framework that will adapt to the context-specific conditions of a district and will complement and support its change agenda. Teachers²¹ serves as a “reform support organization” providing advisors, critical friends, honest brokers, and trainers to implement the model.

Middle School Redesign

With the competing interests of high stakes testing and the social and emotional needs of the emerging adolescent, middle schools are struggling to maintain the concept of educating the whole child. Our Middle School Learning Laboratory was  co-designed with a school district to embed the beliefs and practices of integrated learning and standards-based programs into the district’s middle schools. Teachers²¹ utilized our coaching model and our professional learning community practices to coordinate the design and development of shared expectations and outcomes resulting in a rigorous, challenging, common core curriculum for all middle school students.

Leadership Coaching

The Leadership Coaching Model promotes and sustains excellence in leadership to support instruction and learning for successful student achievement. This key reform strategy focuses on a systemic approach to meeting the goals of a district and/or school. Coaching works at the individual, school district team and district network levels to serve as a proactive catalyst for professional learning rather than as a reactive and remedial approach. The heart of our Leadership Coaching is collaborative reflective inquiry. A variety of mentoring, supervisory and peer relationships allow the challenges of day to day practices to be successfully addressed.

Professional Learning Communities

According to Eastwood and Lewis “Creating a collaborative culture is the single most important factor for successful school improvement initiatives and the first order of business for those seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their schools.”  Teachers²¹ offers a wide array of services to help districts, schools, grades or departments develop collaborative practices to monitor and encourage increased student success. The development of a professional learning community can take many paths and our services, based on the Teachers²¹ model, include a two-day foundational institute, one day essential concept workshops, full 36-hour graduate courses or coaching for small groups, teams, or individuals.