BRANFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEACHING AND LEARNING
Teaching & Learning
At the heart of the Branford Public Schools is a teaching and learning system that is grounded in a high-quality guaranteed and viable curriculum. With teaching as the guiding force, educators serve as facilitators as they shape the path to learning and inspire students to achieve personally and academically. Educators commit to their own learning in order to provide the best possible outcomes for students. This year, several instructional and professional learning shifts occurred to highlight and enhance the most critical aspects of the district curriculum. A newly formed Professional Development and Evaluation Committee (PDEC), with educator and leader representatives from throughout the system, has created evaluator and educator evaluation and support plans. The plans foster continuous improvement, a growth mindset, and reflective practice. The team will seek feedback throughout the year and make adjustments as needed. A new assessment tool was introduced for students in grades K-8. This was prompted by the need to better track student progress toward the development of specific concepts and skills. The new assessment tool is aligned with the state approved list of universal screening assessments. Elementary teachers participated in an intensive, year-long professional learning series on foundational math skills. Teachers and coaches used a bank of assessment tools to identify students’ individual early numeracy skills. These assessments help teachers provide targeted instruction to improve student learning.
“Throughout the year, educators convened to plan and reimagine instruction, consistently placing students at the center of their efforts. Together, we redefined deep learning and high-quality instruction... 15
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