Many rural schools, and nearly all Hutterite Colony attendance centers, are structured in multi-grade classrooms. Multi-grade teaching presents unique challenges in regard to knowledge of multiple grade-level standards, unit design and planning, instructional practices, and assessment.

While differentiation within a grade-level classroom is standard practice, current teacher preparation programs and in-service workshops may not address the uniquely challenging context of differentiating across multiple grade levels.

The main challenges for teachers in this particular setting are:

1. Planning for multi-grade lessons and/or multi-grade unit design
2. Working knowledge of multiple grade-levels of State Standards
3. Instructional practices – differentiation across multiple grade level standards
4. Incorporating strategies and instruction to build academic language skills

The SD Dept of Education will be providing an opportunity for professional development and support for teachers in a multi-grade setting beginning in school year 2019-2020.  Completion of this application indicates your desire to participate in this opportunity.
Inviting:
K-12 Teachers in the Multi-Grade Instructional Setting, Multi-Grade Rural Schools, Multi-Grade Hutterite Colony Schools

Goal:
Strengthen Multi-Grade Instructional Planning and Unit Design
 

Participants and Requirements:

Attend two-day Kick-Off Conference on August 13th 10am-4pm, August 14th 8am-1pm.

Fall:

  • Two-Module Book Study
  • Face-to-Face Workshop January 3rd, 10am-4pm in Pierre.

Spring:

  • Plan and Teach one multi-grade lesson plans or short units
-One Zoom Meeting with Mentor during the planning phase.
-Record teaching one lesson from the unit to share and reflect with Mentor.
-Attend a culminating one-day workshop in Pierre on May 29, 2019.

Participants:
  • These activities will be open to any teachers in South Dakota currently teaching in a multi-grade classroom.
  • Priority will be given to multiple teachers from the same district applying together, however singles may apply.
  • Administration must support and approve involvement. A webinar will be provided with information.
  • Teachers may earn 3-graduate level credits for participation and completion of all activities as listed. (CEU Contact hours can be awarded in lieu of graduate credits.)


Activities and Requirements:
Credit-Bearing Activities: If you are selected to participate in the credit-bearing activities, University of Sioux Falls credit registration will be shared during the Kick-Off. Following the Kick-Off, each participant will be teamed with a “mentor” to facilitate the remaining activities.


Part One: Kick-Off
Attend two-day Kick-Off Conference on August 13th 10am-4pm, August 14 8am-1pm.


Part Two: Book Study: September 2019-December 2019

Module One: Introduction to Differentiation

Module Two: Strategies and Planning

Module Three: Differentiation in Content, Process, and Assessment


Part Three: Face to Face

Attend January 3rd, 2020 in Pierre, SD  from 10 am - 4 pm Central Time.


Part Four: Putting into Action

Plan and Teach one multi-grade unit.

One Zoom Meeting with Mentor during the planning phase.
Record teaching one lesson from the unit to share and reflect with Mentor.

Part Five: Culminating Face-to-Face
Attend one-day culminating workshop: reflection and sharing on May 29th in Pierre (in conjunction with the Title I Conference).

To complete your application you must upload an Administrator Sign-off form signed by your Administrator.

Click to access
Administrator Sign-off form.

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* 1. Administrator Sign-Off Form upload (REQUIRED! Please do not complete this application until this documentation is acquired for upload)
Administrator Sign-Off Form

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* 2. Contact Information

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* 3. I currently teach grades

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* 4. I currently teach in the following setting

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* 5. Briefly explain why you would like to be a part of this program and how it would improve student outcomes or achievement.

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* 6. Name of other teacher in my district who will be applying

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