The focus of the program is on coherent instructional improvement.
The Common Priorities Program is an approach to structuring the work of professional learning communities. It emphasizes a coherent course of action for each team, alignment across grades and content areas, and the integration of professional development into the work of teacher teams. Teachers become adept at using the Common Priorities framework (see graphic below) to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
As a result of engaging in this program teachers will be able to:
• focus and align curriculum around essential standards
• diagnose learning patterns in students
• develop exemplary lessons that are shared across the school
• improve lesson design and assessment design skills
• use planning time effectively and efficiently
• build a culture of collaboration at the school
The process begins with a collaborative review of relevant data and current assessments.Teachers work together to prioritize learning goals and develop common assessments based on these goals. As teachers analyze the results of these assessments, they design lessons that incorporate effective teaching strategies such as content literacy, differentiated instruction, critical thinking skills and project-based learning. Teachers peer review each other’s lessons and observe each other teach. The process supports innovation in lesson design and aligns learning priorities across classrooms.
For additional information on the Common Priorities approach, see David Jacobson’s article in the March issue of Kappan magazine, “Coherent Instructional Improvement and PLCs: Is It Possible to Do Both?” Also visit www.commonpriorities.org.
To find out more
If you would like more information please email us at info@camb-ed-us.com or call us at 781-915-0009.
Cambridge Education (LLC), 400 Blue Hill Drive, North Lobby, Suite 100, Westwood, MA 02090