Strategic Instruction Model SIM Implementation Update Alameda Unified

Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Implementation Update Alameda Unified School District Board of Education January 13, 2009 Kim Kelly, Allison Lee, Amy Mc. Guire, and Sandy Wong

What is SIM? STRATEGIC INSTRUCTION MODEL = a strategic way of teaching and learning!

Where does SIM come from? Center for Research on Learning at University of Kansas (KUCRL) • was founded in 1978 • is internationally recognized for creating solutions that dramatically improve quality of life, learning, and performance… especially for those who experience barriers to success • develops research tested tools

Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) • designed to help ALL students access and be engaged with content. • works for students on ALL levels: “HALO” students High achieving Average achieving Low achieving Other achieving

Strategic Instruction Model Learning Strategies Curriculum (FUSION Reading) Content Enhancement Routines

Strategic Instruction Model - AUSD 2000 -2006: Implemented at Woodstock Elementary contributed in a 158 API point increase, moving the similar school rank from a 3 to a 10. 2006: A small group of secondary teachers identify it as tool for use in general education classes and attend a training. 2007 -2008: District administration supports professional development for 90+ teachers from middle and high schools. They attend a week long SIM training during the summer and receive ongoing coaching throughout the school year. Summer 2008: 30+ additional teachers receive training and coaching. 11 teachers begin training as Potential Professional Developers for SIM.

Implementation at Two Schools

Alameda High School FUSION Reading Content Enhancement Routines

History of FUSION Reading at Alameda High 2006 -2007: one trained teacher, two sections of literacy 2007 -2008: two trained teachers, four sections of literacy, one sophomore “bridge” English class 2008 -2009: 3 sections of literacy, one sophomore “bridge” English class Summer of 2009: plans for one teacher to train as a potential professional developer for FUSION

FUSION at Alameda High School • FUSION is a 9 th grade class • All FUSION classes are blocked with a 9 th grade English 1 class to provide additional literacy support • The learning strategies taught in FUSION are embedded in the required 9 th grade English curriculum

One FUSION Strategy: CLUE is a Prediction Strategy Check for Clues Link to Prior Knowledge Uncover Predictions Examine the Reading

My reading comprehension has improved from using the CLUE strategy.

I can apply the CLUE strategy to a variety of texts, for example news articles, textbooks, novels, etc.

Preliminary Data FUSION Students at AHS in 9 th Grade– CST Data Prior to FUSION - 8 th grade - April 2007 California Standards Test for English Language Arts FBB 7% BB 35% B 49% P/Adv 9% After 1 year of FUSION – 9 th grade, April 2008 California Standards Test for English Language Arts FBB 4% BB 28% B 54% P/Adv 15%

SIM Content Enhancement Routines at Alameda High School 2007 -2008: 17 teachers trained in routines 2008: 3 teachers training to become SIM Professional Developers 2009: CE training slated for February, April and June, with the goal of increasing implementation and number of teachers trained by 20+

Island High School FUSION Reading Content Enhancement

FUSION at Island High School • One FUSION class for 10 th – 12 th graders Additional Learning Strategies support: • English Language Development • Resource teacher • Additional Content Area teachers

SIM Content Enhancement Routines at Island High School 100% of Island staff is trained in SIM Content Enhancement Routines 2007 -2008: Trainings held with University of Kansas SIM coaches 2008 -2009: Training for new hires provided by onsite SIM Potential Professional Developer

Island Student Responses to SIM Content Enhancement Routines “The Concept Diagram helped me get caught up with the class. ” Anne, 12 th grade “It (Unit Organizer) keeps us informed and organized. ” Rista, 12 th grade “This (FRAME) helped me a lot with writing my essay. ” David, 12 th grade

Looking ahead… The addition of site based Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) professional developers is aimed at ensuring ongoing teacher implementation and student success.