Project Connect Plus FAQ
Why should I sign up for Project Connect Plus?
Project Connect Plus offers:
- Protected time for teachers to collect, analyze, and share qualitative data such as observations, work samples, and audio/visual recordings. Because the program is job-embedded, it is applicable to each teacher and their students. Teachers sometimes feel that KIDS data leads to a dead end; Project Connect Plus helps teachers use the mandated KIDS assessment to inform their instruction. It empowers teachers to use their students’ work as a mirror for self-reflection and professional growth.
- Professional learning tasks: self-paced, flexible activities that deepen background knowledge in early mathematics, language development and literacy, and can be returned to again and again
- Opportunity to learn from other kindergarten teachers across the state and how other districts are using KIDS
How is this programming differentiated based on teachers’ experience with KIDS/years teaching kindergarten?
Project Connect Plus is job-embedded, so it is applicable to all kindergarten teachers and their students. The practice of analyzing evidence of student thinking is meaningful at all stages of teacher development. The professional learning modules provide ways to go deeper for teachers who are looking for more.
Are all kindergarten teachers from a school required to participate in order for any to participate?
Teachers will get more out of the program if they participate with colleagues from their school or district, but it is not required.
Can other teachers who work with kindergarten students participate?
Our focus is on language, literacy, and math. We welcome teacher assistants, instructional coaches, and resource teachers who work with kindergarten students.
Can self-contained special education teachers participate?
Our focus is on typical development during the kindergarten year. Self-contained special education teachers may choose to participate if they feel the content is relevant to their context.
What time do the PLCs meet?
8:00-3:00 on a school day. Schools will provide coverage to allow teachers to participate in the PLCs 5 times during the school year.
Do teachers have to attend on the same day for every PLC?
Teachers are expected to attend on the same day with the same cohort each time in order to build relationships within a community of practice. However, teachers may join another cohort if they miss their regular day due to unforeseen circumstances.
How do teachers get access to the professional learning text?
The book, The Power of Instructional Routines: Connecting Assessment and Joyful Teaching in Kindergarten, will be mailed to each teacher at their school.
When do teachers get access to the professional learning modules?
2-3 weeks before the Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings, teachers will get a list of the readings they need to complete in the The Power of Instructional Routines book and the videos they need to watch before attending the PLC.
Who signs the Agreement of participation?
A principal or other authorized administrator must sign the agreement.
Will teachers be awarded ISBE CEU’s for participating in Project Connect Plus?
Yes, teachers will be awarded up to 37 CEU’s for participating in Project Connect Plus.
What is the role of the ISBE KIDS coach?
We encourage teachers to maintain their coaching relationship with their KIDS coach. We do not offer an on-site component. KIDS coaches will continue to be your liaison to ISBE and KIDStech.
