The Collaborative Analysis of Student Learning: Professional Learning that Promotes Success for All / Edition 1

by Amy B. Colton, Georgea M. Langer, Loretta Goff

Overview

A proven approach to transformative professional learning that raises achievement for all students!

Trusted educators Colton, Langer, and Goff are pioneers of an extraordinarily effective approach to professional learning: Collaborative Analysis of Student Learning (CASL). This evidence-based book is fully updated to address the Common Core State Standards. Learn how to:

• Design a sustainable CASL program based on two decades of nationwide implementation experience
• Inquire into student work and assessments to promote learning excellence
• Use the CASL Teacher as Collaborative Inquirer framework to promote culturally competent, rigorous teaching
• Develop and implement new instructional strategies that mesh with Common Core standards

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781483358178
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	06/26/2015
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Amy Colton is a senior consultant for Learning Forward and Executive Director of Learning Forward Michigan. Amy’s work is influenced by her experience as a special education teacher and a district professional learning consultant. As a teacher-in-residence for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, she coordinated the development of the Board’s first teaching certificate. She engages district staff in a variety of learning experiences in support of their journey to cultural. In addition, Amy facilitates professional learning in the areas of: Collaborative Inquiry, Teacher Leadership, PLC development and the Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Professional Learning. Amy is the co-creator of the Collaborative Analysis of Student Learning, a collaborative inquiry process that engages teachers in the study of student work to improve their practice. Her work appears in publications including the The Learning Professional, ASCD, and Corwin Press. She also serves as Learning Forward’s lead evaluator and project manager for the Learning School Designation.

Table of Contents

Introduction
SECTION A. CASL: OVERVIEW AND BACKGROUND
1. The Collaborative Analysis of Student Learning: Essential Features and Benefits
Why is the Collaborative Analysis of Student Necessary?
What are the Essential Features of CASL?
A Conceptual Framework: Teacher as Collaborative Inquirer
Structured Inquiry
A Focus on Standards of Excellence
Case-Study for Equitable Responsiveness
Inquiry Over Time
Productive and Intentional Collaboration
Skilled Facilitation And Organizational Support
What are the Benefits of CASL?
Studies of CASL 2004-Present
Benefits to Students
Benefits to Teachers
Commitment to and Confidence in Ability to Promote Student Learning
Cultural Competency
Professional Knowledge
Alignment Among Standards, Assessments, and Instruction
Collaborative Sharing of Expertise
Professional Awareness and Self-Assessment
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification
Benefits to Parents and Organizations
Summary
2. Why CASL Works. The Framework: Teacher as Collaborative Inquirer
A Vision of The Collaborative Inquirer
The Framework: Teacher as a Collaborative Inquirer
Professional Knowledge Base for Teaching
The Collaborative Inquiry Cycle: Constructing Meaning
Share Background
Observe
Analyze and Interpret
Draw On Their Knowledge Base
Dialogue
Reflect
Act
Filtering System
Beliefs
Feelings
Dispositions 0f Collaborative Inquirers
Moral Stance
Collective Responsibility
Cultural Competency
Efficacy
Develop Collaborative Inquirers
Summary
SECTION II. BUILDING A CULTURE FOR COLLABORATIVE INQUIRY
3. Working Agreements and Communication for Collaborative Inquiry
Working Agreements
Communication Skills
Dialogue
Committed Learning
Non-Productive Listening
Judgmental Listening
Autobiographical Listening
Inquisitive Listening
Solution Listening
Pausing
Matching Verbal and Nonverbal Cues
Paraphrasing
Probing
Probing for Clarity
Empowering Probes (Presuppositions)
Probing for Beliefs
Putting Ideas on The Table
Putting It All Together
Summary
4. Leadership and Support
Develop and Uphold a Shared Vision
Apply Both Pressure And Support to Reach The Vision
Promote Teachers’ Curiosity and Collective Responsibility
Analysis of Student Data
Examination Of The Unknown
Review of Relevant Research
Supporting Teachers’ Engagement in CASL
Develop Interest In CASL
Establish Collaborative Teams
Identify The Target Learning Area
Provide Resources
Meeting Expenses
Compensation For Facilitator and Participants
Professional Learning Opportunities and Materials
Provide Incentives and Celebrate Victories
Model A Commitment to Collaborative Inquiry
Summary
5. Facilitation of Collaborative Inquiry
Selection of A Study Group Fracilitator
The Art of Facilitation
The Directive Approach
The Collaborative Approach
The Nondirective Approach
Flexing For Various Purposes
Identify A Teacher’s Assumption
Identify Gaps in Teachers’ Professional Knowledge Base
Facilitating The Flow of Curiosity
Preparation For Facilitation of CASL
Planning With The School Leadership
Teachers’ Expertise and Prior Experience
Contextual Background
Logistics
Composition of Study Groups
Scheduling and Pacing of CASL Sessions
Arranging Space for CASL Sessions
Gathering Necessary Materials
Getting Acquainted with The Teachers
The CASL Session Design and Supportive Tools
Opening Session
Engaging In Professional Learning
Organizing for The Next Session
Group and Individual Documentation
Public Notes of Group Thinking
Individual Notes and Written Reflections
Developing Consistent Use of the Working Agreements and Communication Skills
Growing In Your Facilitation
Start Small
Co-Facilitate
Engage the Leaders
Pursue Additional Learning
Inquire Into the Group’s Learning and Your Role in Facilitating It
Summary
SECTION III. THE FIVE CASL PHASES
The 5 CASL Phases
Adapting The CASL Phases For Local Needs
The CASL Introductory Session
Preparation and Materials
Teacher Learning Outcomes
Agenda
How to Use Chapters 6-9
6. Phase I: Establishing a Focus for CASL Inquiry
Phase I Overview
Phase I Preparation and Materials
Phase I Teacher Learning Outcomes
Guiding A Study Group Through Phase I
Protocol Step 1. Share Background
Protocol Step 2. Observe Patterns In Data
Protocol Step 3. Analyze The Power of the TLA as a Focus for Inquiry
Protocol Step 4. Plan TLA Outcomes and Assessments
Protocol Step 5. Reflect
Assessment Knowledge and Experience
Inconsistent Use of Scoring Criteria (Lack of Reliability)
When A Rubric Is Mandated
No Test Data Available
Teachers New To District Content Outcomes and Curriculum
Summary
Chapter 7. Phase II: Defining Teachers’ Professional Learning Goals
7. Phase II: Defining Teachers’ Professional Learning Goals
Phase II Overview
Phase II Preparation and Materials
Phase II Teacher Learning Outcomes
Professional Knowledge Base
Skills for Collaborative Inquiry
Filters and Dispositions
Guiding A Study Group Through Phase II
Opening The Session
Protocol Step 1. Share Background
Protocol Step 2. Observe Patterns In Initial Assessment Data
Protocol Step 3. Analyze Professional Learning Goals
Protocol Step 4. Plan for Professional Learning
Protocol Step 5. Reflect
Phase II: Adaptations
Curriculum Revision
Lack of Experience with Assessment
Considerable Experience with Assessment
Hesitation to Share Student Work
Limited Time
Multiple Scores For Each Student
Mandated Assessment or Scoring Rubric
Changing the Focus Student
Chapter Summary
8. Phase III: Inquiring Into Teaching For Learning
Phase III Overview
Phase III Preparation and Materials
Group Member Preparation
Materials
Phase III Teacher Learning Outcomes
Professional Knowledge Base
Skills for Collaborative Inquiry
Filters and Dispositions
Guiding A Study Group Through Phase III
Phase II: Adaptations
Chapter Summary
9. Phases IV. Assessing Learning Progress and CASL Phase V. Integrating Learning Into Teachers’ Professional Practice
Phase IV Overview
Phase IV Preparation and Materials
Phase IV Teacher Learning Outcomes
Guiding A Study Group Through Phase IV
Phase IV: Adaptations
Teacher Learning Outcomes
Guiding A Study Group Through Phase V
Chapter Summary
Conclusion
Appendix. Responses To Exercises in Chapters 7-8

Editorial Reviews

"Research has shown for many years that the isolation of teachers is one of the biggest obstacles to improving teacher effectiveness. This book provides practical insights and recommendations on how teachers can work together to increase their impact on student learning. For educators seeking strategies for improving teaching and learning, this important new book will be an invaluable resource."

Pedro A. Noguera

"Teacher collaborative professional learning leads to improved teaching and student learning when it is skillfully orchestrated. In this book, Colton, Langer, and Goff provide an essential resource rich with strategies, tactics, tools, and examples to guide both facilitators and team members to structure collaborative inquiry, analysis, and learning in ways that deepen their learning and practice and increase results for all students. "

Joellen Killion