Elementary School Teachers
MAT21: Mastering the Art of Teaching in the 21st Century
CHILD Professional Learning Sequence
Mastering the Art of Teaching in the 21st Century (MAT21) is a complete staff development program that not only provides the techniques to improve instruction, but also the tools to make it happen. MAT21 teachers learn to use the research-based CHILD® materials developed at Florida State University, and updated annually by the Institute for School Innovation (ISI). MAT21 educators also have access to a vast array of teaching resources free on the ISI website, as well as reduced registration for the annual CHILD Conference and regional events. Click here for MAT21 brochure (PDF)
Teachers will learn the main tenets of the Project CHILD instructional system which are:
- Teaming and collaboration
- Technology integration
- Hands-on active learning
There are three implementation options for teachers. ISI will work with your school to design a configuration to fit all your teachers’ interests and abilities.
Traditional—self contained
Teachers will choose one of the core subjects (reading, writing, mathematics) as a first step to creating a transformational classroom. They will implement the CHILD system for that one subject within their self-contained classroom.
Transitional—grade level teams
Teachers will form grade level teams of two or three members, depending upon which of the core subjects they wish to cover. They will implement the CHILD system for their chosen subject specialty using student rotations between the team’s classrooms.
Transformational—cross grade triangulated clusters
Teachers will implement the full CHILD triangulated model with cross grade cluster teams (K-2 and 3-5) for reading, writing, and mathematics. Download Certification Procedures (PDF) and Sample CHILD Specialist Certificate (PDF).
Interactive workshops and expert coaching will show teachers how to…
Use Standards to Drive Instruction
When teachers teach to standards, the students are well-prepared for their state tests. MAT21 teachers move beyond textbook teaching to let the state standards drive instruction. The CHILD Planning Guides offer a variety of ancillary learning activities aligned with standards to supplement textbook materials. Click here for sample Planning Guide (PDF).
Differentiate Instruction through Small Group Learning Stations
MAT21 teachers learn to differentiate practice activities; not only by skill level, but also by learning style. CHILD tools include kits with learning games and hands-on activities, technology tie-ins, and pre-printed Task Cards that include a challenge level. MAT21 teachers who reach the Transformational phase also have a repertoire of cross-grade materials to challenge students across multiple skill levels.
Increase Time-on-Task
Students who are engaged are students who are learning. MAT21 teachers learn to create vibrant and exciting classrooms with differentiated learning activities that go beyond skill and drill. Project CHILD tools include student Passports, Daily Station Assignment Boards, and classroom Procedures Posters.
Provide Purposeful Practice
Students learn more when engaged in purposeful practice, not busy work. This also frees the teacher to work productively with small learning groups. MAT21 teachers learn to set up and plan engaging activities at six small-group learning stations. CHILD station-planning tools include a Teacher’s Manual, Planning Guides, and Station Activities Guides that provide ready-to-go activities with pre-printed Task Cards. Click here for sample Teacher’s Manual (PDF).
Integrate Technology into Instruction
Computers, podcasts, and text messaging rule the world for today’s child. MAT21 teachers learn how to capture this natural curiosity by using technology as an integral part of daily work. CHILD tools include software correlations, Internet web activities, and connections with other technologies and personal learning tools widely available on the market.
Empower Students to Take Responsibility
In some standard classrooms the teacher is working very hard, but the students are hardly working. MAT21 reverses this, using various techniques to ensure that students take responsibility for their own learning. CHILD tools include the Passports, Station Patrol Packs, and various motivational certificates and stamps.
Use Authentic Assessments to Monitor Station Work
MAT21 teachers learn to assess station work to assure that standards are being met. The CHILD Station Assessment Guide includes rubrics and templates. The CHILD Planning Guides offer a Composite Assessment System to monitor student progress and effort, as well as to measure academic skills and concepts.
Grow Professionally through Teamwork, Collaboration, and Specialization
Teachers who progress to the MAT21 Transitional and Transformational phases also learn to work collaboratively as part of a learning community. Through specialization they can teach to their strengths, plan together as subject experts, as well as plan vertically with their cross-grade cluster team. No more isolation and waiting for help to come. The CHILD materials include templates for collaborative planning, meeting agendas, and forms for peer observations in one another’s classrooms.Click here for Professional Learning Sequence (PDF).