November 2024

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the November Learning Leader Digest! This month, we’re diving into what truly makes a teacher effective.

Discover how skillful teaching can transform classrooms into vibrant spaces where students thrive. Educators collect strategies and skills through experience and professional development, but these tools don't always translate into skillful teaching. Many of us have seen first-year teachers demonstrate greater impact than veterans, showing that effectiveness isn’t only about experience but also how strategies are applied with purpose.

In this edition, we explore the distinction between being skilled (using individual strategies effectively) and being skillful (integrating multiple strategies thoughtfully to meet diverse student needs). For example, while a skilled teacher might consistently use a Frayer Diagram for vocabulary, a skillful teacher adapts and selects the best strategy for each word and learning context. The focus is on moving beyond strategy execution to strategic application, creating seamless learning experiences for students.

We are also excited to hear from Don Marlett, chief executive officer of Learning-Focused. Don has actively participated in DTGSS learning walks and school site visits, focusing on the implementation of high yield strategies. His insights will provide valuable guidance on how to foster skillful teaching practices that maximize student learning outcomes.

This month, we celebrate the outstanding efforts of the Academia Antonia Alonso leadership team for their energy, collaboration, and positive mindset. Their commitment to engaging in Learning Walks has fostered a culture of excellence within their schools, inspiring growth, and continuous improvement.

We want to recognize the incredible contributions of:

Rebecca Collins – DTGSS/DPAS Lead

Wilma Almonte – Elementary School Dean

Jody Dallas – Middle School Dean

Maria Quagliata – Dean of Special Education

Jacque Hunt – Teacher on Special Assignment

We also extend a special shout-out to Mercedes Alonso (Executive Director) for her unwavering support and encouragement, and Pam Herrera (DDOE Contractor) for her invaluable role in facilitating Learning Walks throughout the school year.

Thank you for your dedication to building a stronger learning community. Together, let’s continue to support educators in thriving and empowering students to succeed!

If you would like to nominate educators to be recognized in the Excellence in Action section, please email Angela Socorso.

The Power of Collaborative Structures 

by Don Marlett

Collaborative structures are essential components of skillful teaching. When implemented effectively, they can foster deeper learning, enhance student engagement, and promote a positive classroom climate. By creating collaborative environments, teachers can empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop critical thinking skills, and build valuable interpersonal relationships.

Here are four common types of collaborative structures:

Turn and Talk: Students are prompted to talk but are not given roles about who speaks and when. Example: “Turn and Talk to your neighbor about how to set up the problem.”

Numbered Heads: Students are prompted to talk and are provided specific roles or different tasks. Example: “1’s tell 2’s how they would set up problem number 1, 2’s tell 1’s how they would set up problem two.”

Partner Activities: Students are directed to complete a task together. Example: “Work with a partner to complete problems 1-10.”

Group Work: Students are placed in larger groups (3 or more) and asked to complete a task. This may or may not include individual roles within the group. Example: “Research a famous mathematician and share their contributions to society.”

Which Collaborative Structure Do You See Most Often?

Click here to share your answer: Quick Poll

Reflection Activity:
Which of these collaborative strategies do you see most often in your school? Do you notice a preference for collaborative structures or more traditional Q&A teaching, where individual students respond to teacher prompts?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Consider discussing this with your colleagues or reflecting on how often these practices appear in your school.  

We’ll share overall trends and insights from this poll in the December issue. 

Skilled with Collaborative Structures:

Teachers who primarily use the Q/A method are considered skilled in that strategy but lack the skillful application of collaborative structures.

Teachers who primarily use Turn and Talk are skilled in a specific type of collaborative structure but not skillful at using more effective strategies like Numbered Heads.

Skillful with Collaborative Structures:

A skillful teacher utilizes all the strategies appropriately during instruction. For example, they would pose a question to the students, provide them with the opportunity (using both turn and talk and numbered heads), and then collect answers from individual groups. Later in the lesson, they may include a partner activity such as Pairs Checking.

Collaborative structures play a key role within the DTGSS Framework, shaping both the classroom environment and the interactive methods teachers use to enhance student learning. These structures reflect the shift from skilled teaching—basic competency in strategies—to skillful teaching, where strategies are applied intentionally to meet students' diverse needs.

By focusing on key indicators within the framework, we provide a roadmap for teachers to evolve from simply knowing strategies to integrating them seamlessly, fostering deeper learning and meaningful collaboration.

As leaders, your role is pivotal for guiding teachers from being skilled to becoming profoundly skillful. Here are four critical actions you can initiate to support this transformation within your school.

Upcoming DPAS for Admin. Support Workshops

Support Virtual Workshops - These trainings offer additional coaching and support for administrators.

Preparing for the Mid-year Conference PDMS #86515: 12/10/2024

Preparing for the Summative Evaluation PDMS #86516: 05/20/2025

For more information, contact Brandie Foxx.

Empowering Skillful Teaching for Student Success 📄 Read the full article here

Join monthly DTGSS office hours. Contact Angela Socorso for more information.

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