Level I: Imagine the Change

Level I programs introduce new ways of reframing content and instruction through a lens of diversity and equity. Participants envision and define possibilities for change as they experience approaches they can replicate in their own classes. A typical package includes:

• 1-2 days of on-site professional development introducing core All Together Now content
• All Together Now curriculum samples
• Assessment of faculty interest and needs
• Compilation of evaluation outcomes and meeting with administration or planning team to identify next steps

Example: An educational institution is seeking ways to improve equity and student achievement through instruction on race, class, gender and other aspects of human diversity. In a two-day workshop, Creative Change engages teachers in hands-on activities that explore foundational issues such as biases, stereotypes, and the difference between individual prejudice and institutionalized “isms.” Educators review sample curricula and resources, and evaluate ways the approaches can be integrated into existing instruction to meet achievement goals. After collecting data on faculty impressions and interests, Creative Change meets with the leadership team to develop a plan for moving ahead.

Interested in getting a quote?  Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions  or Higher Education.

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All Together Now Level II: Begin the Change

Level II programs provide a mix of in-depth content knowledge, multimedia resources, and follow up support as educators begin to create “makeovers” for units or courses. Spread over a year or more, a typical package includes:

• Needs assessment and goal-setting with staff/leadership team
• 3-5 day of on-site professional development
• 3-5 days of follow-up support and planning assistance
• Group subscription to the Curriculum and Resource Center
• On-line evaluation; compilation and reporting of outcomes
• Recognition and promotion through our Affiliate Network

Example: After completing the Level I program, the same institution works with Creative Change to map out a year-long initiative focused on integrating diversity, equity, and related topics into core units. The initiative unfolds over a calendar year in three steps: A) on-site professional development, B) on-going support for instructional redesign, and C) evaluation and communication.

Step A) On-site Professional Development

Workshops begin by immersing teachers in content knowledge and research-based pedagogical strategies. To model effective approaches, the sessions engage staff in hands-on activities they can replicate with their students, followed by thoughtful analysis and discussion. Approaches include:

• Interactive activities to surface biases and their impacts.
• Analysis of different paradigms for explaining inequality.
• Analysis of systemic factors that promote or hinder equity.
• Assessment of power, culture and communication styles and their impacts on students.

Through these activities, educators define insertion points for integrating these issues into instruction. Staff then evaluates their existing units or courses and set goals for reshaping them. A biology teacher explores the social construct of race and the historic use of “science” (eugenics, etc.) to justify inequality. A world history teacher decides to create a new unit that will engage students in an in-depth exploration of discrimination and human rights, starting with an exploration of personal biases and then broadening to an analysis of institutional discrimination in history. The staff reviews strategies for facilitating student-led projects that promote equity in the school or community.

Step B) On-going support for instructional redesign: Putting ideas into practice

The PD now shifts to the on-the-ground work of redesigning the units based on the goals set. Creative Change’s approach to instructional design provides educators with a process and framework for planning units that start with students’ experiences, build an integrated knowledge base, and culminate in meaningful civic engagement. In-depth workshop materials and multimedia curriculum resources support teachers as they

• Align instruction and assessment around “Big Ideas” that integrate disciplines and meet content requirements.
• Develop questioning strategies to promote critical thinking.
• Support literacy and writing skills through content instruction.
• Design and use assessments that have a real audience and purpose.

More on our approach to content, pedagogy and instructional design

As faculty continue their work in a learning community approach, Creative Change provides on-going planning support through phone, email, and in-person meetings. Support strategies include unit planning, developing assessments, and evaluation support. For example, Creative Change helps a teacher team connect with local stakeholders and develop specialized assessment tools to ensure the project meets achievement goals.

Step C) Evaluation and documentation

By the end of the year, the educators’ efforts have resulted in a collection of instructional modules that demonstrate best practices in content and pedagogy. The faculty has evaluated the impacts of its work and wants to replicate the approaches in other areas of the curriculum. To support this, Creative Change compiles pictures, reports, presentations and other documentation in order to communicate results to the district- or organizational leadership team and provide models for replication. Based on the success of the work, the collaboration with Creative Change grows to other departments or schools through a Level III program.

Interested in getting a quote?  Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions  or Higher Education.

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All Together Now Level III: Sustain the Change

Level III programs enable schools and districts to deepen instructional change by building internal capacity to institutionalize successful approaches and/or integrate additional Creative Change programs. Clients gain training, resources and strategic planning assistance focused on preparing an internal team to lead, evaluate, and sustain instructional change. These packages, spread over two or more years, typically include

• Multiple days of on-site professional development focused on “training the trainer” (preparing staff to lead internal PD)
• Strategic planning assistance to set and monitor goals.
• Technical support with evaluation, documentation results, and communication materials
• On-going promotion as part of the Creative Change Affiliate Network
• On-going communication and planning with administration/leadership team

Interested in getting a quote?  Complete the Interest Form for K12 Institutions  or Higher Education.