Instructional methodology aligned with biochemical research used to effectively and efficiently teach complex concepts and foundational skills that are either explicitly or implicitly identified in any curriculum.
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
Much has been written about today's standards. In keeping with our mission of simplifying, we believe the essences of today's standards in the content areas are:
Application: The ability to apply knowledge to various and new circumstances
Conceptual Understanding: The ability to know why and when.
Problem Solving: The ability to use the scientific method in various and new circumstances.
Communication Skills: The ability to explain application and concepts to others in both verbal and written forms.
Isn’t that what we have always wanted from our educational system?
Schools and districts thrive when they are clear about what needs to get done, who needs to do it, and how it should get done. Right now educators are being bombarded with professional development.
"The 29 Essentials for the Teaching"
"19 Steps to a Rigorous Lesson"
TESS believes that too many "essentials" mean nothing gets done. We strive to support your school or district to begin easily and efficiently implementing rigorous effective instruction in today's classrooms.
For today's Language Arts standards, educators must not only continue with what has been working, but include explicit instruction and support in the conceptual frameworks for each strand and in the language necessary to participate in rich academic discourse.
Our consultants work with educators to plan for and implement 21st century skills by way of both concept maps and langauge frames. Students at your site benefit by having access to rich conceptual understanding, instruction supported by brain-research and scaffolded speaking and listening opportunities.
True learning in Math requires students to have a deep conceptual understanding, fluency in procedural skills and a flexibility in diverse and rigorous application enviroments. In order for students to explore and apply in today's classroom, educators must provide a strong knowledge base by way of concise and effective Focused Instruction.
TESS consultants will support your teachers in distinguishing the required knowledge content from the opportunity for authentic exploration and extended application. Additionally, we offer support and coaching in embedding cooperative learning structures to support students in developing their collaboration skills.
English Language Development
To provide authentic opportunities for English Language Development, all teachers need to understand how to scaffold instruction to develop student autonomy and how to demonstrate that language is purposeful and patterned.
Our consultants work with teachers, staff and administrators to recognize opportunities for integrating English language development into all phases of teaching and learning. With the use of concept maps and language frames, the rigor of any Focused Instruction lesson is maintained, while still providing access for English language learners.