Site Visits Showcase Evidence-Based Teaching Practices with COVID-Era Adaptations
DEEL staff and members of the FEPP Levy Oversight Committee (LOC) visit preschool through 12th grade classrooms throughout the school year to learn more about how levy supports and interventions are promoting student success. Classroom visits are an opportunity to see in person the programs and strategies having the greatest impact for students, identify areas for improved collaboration and make program adjustments as needed. Throughout March, DEEL checked in with partners at SouthWest Early Learning, Associated Recreation Council at Meadowbrook, Creative Kids at Carkeek Park, and Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.
Educators Use Evidence-Based Strategies in Adapting to New Challenges
During visits to Seattle Preschool Program sites, LOC members saw in action levy-funded coaching and training supports for directors and teachers within the Seattle Preschool Program. The Quality Practice and Professional Development team at DEEL provides anti-bias, culturally, and linguistically responsive training and coaching to DEEL’s early learning providers. At the site visits, DEEL coaches demonstrated how they support classrooms and teachers with reflective onsite instructional coaching aimed at continuous improvements in teaching practice, classroom environments, and educator responsiveness to children and families.
For preschoolers who spent most of their early developmental years in a pandemic, new challenges to classroom learning and even group playtime have presented experienced educators with a need to adapt longstanding practices while incorporating proven, evidence-based strategies.
At K-12 schools, levy funds provide students with more support than what basic state funding provides. School-Based Investments (SBI) empower 30 Seattle Public Schools to provide supplemental support in English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, social-emotional learning, and additional expanded academic experiences that are tailored to meet the specific needs of their school community.
After 14 months of remote instruction and continued learning disruptions, the significant impact on student academic progress was underscored upon return to in-person classes. Spring 2022 state assessment scores showed a majority of students at SBI schools entered the school year needing additional support to meet grade level standards in third and eighth grade math and ELA (57% and 48%, respectively). Additionally, across all grade levels, mental health services and social-emotional learning needs increased to levels never before seen. Despite these challenges, SBI schools and preschool classrooms continue implementing programs and services that support improved academic progress and wellbeing.
Thurgood Marshall Elementary (TME) is using some of their funding toward dedicated math and literacy specialists to provide intensive tutoring and support to students not yet meeting grade level standards. Math teachers at TME are encouraging confidence by creating spaces where students can freely describe processes for how they arrive at answers. Teaching practices also focus on creating a positive school culture in which every student is a mathematician capable of solving complex problems. To make learning fun, math lessons are grounded in real world topics of interest to students, leading to rich and engaging math discussions.
TME has achieved success in their efforts to improve K-third grade literacy using evidenced-based instructional practices and curriculum. As part of this work, educators participate in professional learning communities to hone their teaching practice, and partner with families to co-create student academic goals. Their literacy work is gaining national recognition; TME was nominated for a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School Award in acknowledgement of their school’s outstanding academic achievement, with 71.6% of all students meeting state grade level ELA standards in the 2021-22 school year—approximately nine percentage points higher than the district average.
Strategic Planning & Professional Development for Educators Provided by DEEL
DEEL early learning coaches provide monthly check-ins with Seattle Preschool Program teachers that include classroom observation, reflective feedback, and goal setting. Within the classroom, coaches model high-quality teaching strategies and provide materials and other resources. Supports are differentiated based on teacher experience, self-efficacy, classroom-level assessments, and teacher goals. Professional development training is also offered throughout the year on a range of subjects, including curriculum training, classroom assessments, anti-bias teaching practices, and social and emotional learning.
Four teachers at Creative Kids—three at Carkeek Park and one at their John Marshall location—recently completed the HighScope® Program Quality Assessment (PQA) teacher certification. HighScope® is an internationally recognized certification for early childhood educators that supports quality improvements in the classroom’s physical environment, maintaining curriculum standards, adult-child interactions and family engagement and inclusion. The certification process can take up to a year and DEEL coaches provide teacher support throughout. HighScope® certified teachers are eligible for additional compensation from the City while employed in a Seattle Preschool Program classroom.
DEEL’s K-12 program advisors have classroom teaching experience and support SBI partner schools with long-term strategic planning and thought partnership towards achieving levy goals of improved student outcomes. Program advisors also provide resources to support instructional improvement tailored to each school’s culture and community while helping to troubleshoot issues with school-selected academic interventions, as needed. Strategies also include a curated range of professional development opportunities for educators throughout the year, with topics including culturally responsive math instruction, supports for multilingual learners, and family partnerships.
DEEL’s early learning coaching and K-12 advising supports steady, incremental steps toward improved academic outcomes for students. Thank you to all our preschool and K-12 partners who are day-in and day-out supporting student recovery from the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
