Framework for Improving Teaching
and Learning
What is the Framework for
Improving Teaching and Learning?
 Teaching and learning process
 Courageous conversations
 Research based tool
Framework for Improving Teaching
and Learning
• What is the purpose of the framework?
 Deepen our understanding of the
elements
 Provide a structure for improving
teaching and learning
 Provide a way to frame conversations
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Key Terms in the Framework
• Framework - Elements with look-fors
and qualities
• Elements - Components of teaching
and learning
• Look-fors - Research-based questions
• Quality - Expected research-based
indicators/responses
Elements of the Framework for
Improving Teaching and Learning
EXPECTATIONS:
Effort-based Intelligence
High expectations = High Student
Achievement
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Expectations
• “TEACHER EXPECTATIONS refer to inferences that
teachers make about the future academic
achievement of student.”
• “SCHOOLWIDE EXPECTATIONS refer to the beliefs
held by the staff as a whole about the learning
ability of the student body.”
Cooper and Good, 1983
Effort-Based Intelligence
“Smart isn't something you are, it's
something you get.”
Jeff Howard
“…Achievement is based on effective effort,
that it's the responsibility of teachers to
teach that effective effort, and it's up to
children to do it.“
Darlene Merry
Expectations
“Look-Fors”
•
•
•
•
Practices
Behaviors
Structures
Staff talk
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Practices
How does the view of effort based intelligence
appear in PRACTICES in the learning
• Feedback environment?
• Grouping
• Extra help
• Goal setting
• Standards
• Work smart
Behaviors
How does the view of effort based intelligence
appear in BEHAVIORS in the learning
environment?
• Language of giving help
• Tenacity
• Reciprocal Feedback
Structures
How does the view of effort based intelligence appear in
the STRUCTURES in the learning environment?
• High curriculum expectations
• Assessments that embody high
standards
• Opportunities and access to learning
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Staff Talk
How does the view of effort based intelligence appear
in STAFF TALK within the learning environment?
• Proficiency Standards
• Placement, Assignment, Program
• Challenging and Re-examining Beliefs
Framework for Improving Teaching and
Learning
Professional Learning Communities
Conversations about EXPECTATIONS
must take place.
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Curriculum
The instructional approach is modified while
maintaining curriculum objectives when students
need more time and support.
Curriculum
“There is differentiation while
maintaining
standards.”
Planning
“Staff shows tenacity to get students to
meet standards.”
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Expectations and Instruction
Instruction
“ How do teachers
check for evidence of
student understanding?”
• Appropriate frequency is evident
• Teachers check broadly across
the class
• There are a variety of strategies
for checking
• Teachers use the information to
make dynamic instructional
decisions
• Student thinking is visible, public
and shared
Instruction
“ What evidence do you
have that students selfmonitor their own learning
and set personal goals?”
• Students articulate goals and
evaluate progress
• Students have access to
personal progress
• Students show samples of work
that have mastered criteria
• Students describe areas of
mastery and areas of need
• Students provide nonjudgmental feedback to their
peers
Expectations
“How does the view of
effort based intelligence
appear in practices in the
learning environment?”
• Feedback on student w ork is
frequent, specific, respectful and
instructional
• Flexible grouping practices are being
used
• Students are self-evaluating and
setting goals – grading practices
demonstrate this
• Standards are maintained w hile
differentiation strategies are used
• Staff teaches student how to WORK
SMART
Expectations
“How does the view of effort
based intelligence appear in
PRACTICES in the learning
environment?”
• Feedback on student work is
frequent, specific, respectful and
instructional
• Flexible grouping practices are being
used
• Students are self-evaluating and
setting goals – grading practices
demonstrate this
• Standards are maintained while
differentiation strategies are used
• Staff teaches student how to WORK
SMART
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Evidence of Student
Learning
Student Effort = Rigorous Goals
Summary
The Framework for Improving Teaching and Learning: A Resource Guide for
Professional Learning Communities.
Communities. Montgome ry C ounty Public Schools.
Montgome ry C ounty, MD.
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