CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS TO WATCH

4CLE Initiative (communication, collaboration, critical thinking, creativity) drove assessment and alignment of professional development, best first instructional practices, resources, and innovative classroom learning environments. Classrooms were upgraded for 21st century learning experiences.

Thurston provides a multi-tier system of support for all students including: emphasis on best first teaching, collaboration classes, Read 180, mandatory academic support, and CORE Academy an elective course targeting reading, writing and math instruction as well as goal setting, note and test taking strategies, study habits and digital competencies.

Zero period is offered to allow all students opportunities for enrichment and academic support.

Teachers benefit from weekly teacher collaboration time for departments to design and integrate instruction and develop their teaching skills. In addition routine “learning walks” provide opportunities for teachers to observe other staff.

Monthly in-service has developed into 4CLE: Menu of Offerings learning rotations targeting 21st century competencies such as: Google Docs, Kagan Strategies, Haiku Web Design, Hour of Code, etc.

The school has successfully launched a Bring Your Own Device initiative which is supported by extensive classroom upgrades to support technology as well as intense and on-going staff development in the utilization of technology in instruction.

District support of the initiative is evident in the hiring of TOSAs to support technology, literacy standards and in-service planning.

The district offers teachers summer professional growth courses in technology, standards based instruction, and curriculum planning.

Best First Instruction strategies across departments and grade levels is demonstrated by strategies such as “I do, We do, You do,” cooperative learning, hands-on approach, creating life-sized simulations, project-based learning, podcasts, speeches to families, and writing across the curriculum.