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A little bit about a Marzano Research Laboratory (MRL) Academy. The intent is to assist schools in developing and implementing a common language of instruction based on the MRL model of instruction. We believe each school must make the commitment to ensuring quality instruction in each classroom and that the adoption and implementation of a research based instructional model is critical to this commitment. We hope you consider this opportunity and invite you to consider the following:
 * The MRL Academy**


 * Why do we need a model of instruction? We have good teachers. **
 * How do teachers talk about instruction? Every profession has a language based on their craft and education is no different. How can we share ideas if we can't name them and replicate them? A model of instruction provides teachers the framework to have conversations about instruction within a common language. For example teachers can discuss one of the questions from the model during a PLC meeting: //"What will I do to help students practice and deepen their understanding of new knowledge?"// We believe all teachers can benefit from conversations about instruction - no matter their experience or skill level.


 * How do teachers receive feedback about instruction? Most principals perform walkthrough observations - are these tied to a model of instruction? Feedback is critical to improvement in any field; a model of instruction provides the framework for both the observation and the feedback. With a model of instruction built around a common language, a principal can provide feedback more pertinent than "Nice job". Comments and reflective questions can be aligned to a model, such as: "I noticed you spent some time helping students practice their understanding of knowledge. How do you have students reflect on their learning?" Once an instructional model is in place, the door is open to more relevant feedback about instruction.


 * How do teachers set instructional goals? Research indicates that it takes about 10 years (or 10,000 hours) to master any difficult task. Let's face it, teaching is difficult. Teachers work in a dynamic environment and good teachers have honed their craft by trial and error over the course of their careers. But why leave it to chance - shouldn't schools implement a systematic method of improvement? A model of instruction provides the framework for continuous improvement of instruction - both at the building and individual teacher levels. The model can help administrators answer the question: "What kind of instructional techniques are most prevalent in our building?". It serves as a framework for teacher goal setting; a teacher might be very proficient at introducing new knowledge, but set a goal to improve their ability to help students practice that knowledge. Data analysis about the prevalent practices and teacher goal setting can them be used to determine future professional development. If every teacher improves a little bit each year, the gains in student achievement would be profound.


 * So why participate in the academy? **
 * The ESU 6 MRL Academy provides the first step schools can take to put a model into place. The academy is designed for teams of 5-10, which include at least one administrator. It is critical that teachers and administrators are working from the same model and understanding of the language of instruction.
 * The MRL stuff is cutting edge and very usable. Any model should try to capture the complexity of teaching, yet provide options. The MRL model does that better than any other. While the model is big **- teachers need not do everything** - pick some things to work on for improvement.
 * The trainers are the best around AND you get the support back home with your ESU staff. MRL trained associates, Margaret McInteer, Dr. Phil Warrick, and the Vice President of MRL - Dr. Tammy Heflebower will be leading the training sessions. We think these people are about the best in the business and are excited to have them lead the sessions. Excellent training also must be implemented - that's why the ESU staff attend the training sessions right with the team. We think this gives schools the best opportunity to move forward with the model.
 * The academy can be the focus of a multi-year plan. We think it has the potential to guide instructional change - our suggestion is to get some good teachers trained and started on the model with administrators during the first year. Some schools then use those teachers as leaders to scale up the project to the rest of the staff during the second year.
 * The academy also has an action research component. This is an excellent way for teachers to reflect on the implementation and for schools to gather data about instructional effectiveness.


 * How is the academy set up? **
 * The MRL model is organized around kinds of things teachers do in the classroom or lesson segments:
 * Routines - what kinds of things are done on a regular basis?
 * Content - we know everyone teachers content.
 * Enacted on the Spot - things such as engaging students and handling the myriad of things that can come up during a lesson.

If your school is interested and you want more information please contact me: Toby Boss ESU 6 210 5th Street Milford NE 68405 (402) 761-3341 tboss@esu6.net

We believe the ESU 6 MRL Academy will be a great experience next year and we look forward to this project. The following links might be of further interest: Marzano Research Laboratory - the main MRL site. The ESU 6 Craft Knowledge wiki - a collection of classroom techniques. The Blue River PD Day - an example of how the model can be used to design professional development.