Working with school leaders and teachers, Higher Learning Network’s goal is to elevate student achievement through job-embedded professional learning. Strategically planned to achieve the goals and benefits of professional development, our professional development initiatives derive success through experiential learning and encompass the eight tenants of professional development:
- Case Study Method,
- Consultation, Coaching,
- Communities of Practice,
- Lesson Study, Mentoring,
- Reflective Supervision,
- and Technical Assistance.
All of our content specific consultants have at least 10 years in the classroom as content area specific instructors and have also served in building and district level leadership roles. Our consultants employ the gradual release model, focusing on the following:
- Observation
- Planning
- Demonstration Lessons (Modeling)
- Co-Teaching (Guided Practice)
- Professional Feedback
How We Work
With Districts:
At the highest level, our leadership consultants work as strategic thought partners with district leadership to address systemic issues, typically around leadership capacity, cultural proficiency, mathematics, or literacy. Working alongside district leaders and coaches, we help to build their depth and expertise in the specific areas.
With Schools:
The second level of work is at the school leadership level, working with Principals, APs and coaches to improve their practice to have a greater impact on the school environment and instruction. We help improve student learning by creating leadership management organizational systems that connect district-level and school leadership priorities to clearly defined, measurable instructional goals.
With Teachers:
Finally, we provide shoulder-to-shoulder, job-embedded professional development for teachers. We work with teachers to improve their teaching practices through demonstration lessons and coaching so they can have a more positive impact on children.
Our engagements offer customized formats that can include Job-Embedded Coaching, Workshops, Institutes, Virtual-Coaching, Data Collecting and Academic Audits.
Our modules are offered for a variety of audiences including District or School-Level Leader, Individuals and Teams, and Cohorts of Schools.
Literacy
We will match you with an expert, content area consultant that will model best practices, demonstrate effective reading and writing strategies and develop the capacity of your staff to plan and implement lessons for the diverse needs of all learners.
Mathematics
We will match you with an expert, content area consultant that will empower your staff to build their mathematical capacity as we model effective math instruction and help deepen teachers’ understanding of the Next Generation Standards.
Culturally Responsive Teaching
We will develop your staff’s capacity to ensure an equitable education for all students regardless of gender, socio-economic status or ethnic origin so that every child is able to succeed.
Virtual/Distance Learning
Our content specific consultants will work with teachers virtually to support them with improving instructional practice. Our goal is to support teachers in building capacity across schools by developing a more powerful and coherent culture around instructional practices.
Leadership
Our leadership consultants are former school leaders who have extensive experience in supporting new and veteran school leaders. We will match you with an expert leadership consultant that will assist you in meeting your goals.
Special Education / Multi Language Learners
We’ll coach your teachers in content, classroom and behavioral management to minimize barriers that frequently prevent students with special needs from successfully meeting grade-level standards.
Social Emotional Learning
Higher Learning Network emphasizes the importance of students being aware of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. Their expert consultants assist in exploring and implementing programs that support diversity and inclusion, helping students recognize and appreciate similarities and differences. They foster empathy and critical thinking by enabling children to understand others’ emotions and reduce stereotypes. Communication skills are enhanced by identifying healthy and unhealthy patterns and practicing effective engagement. Problem-solving skills are developed through constructive conflict resolution. Peer relationships are strengthened by teaching positive social skills, the importance of friendship, and addressing bullying. Implementation specialists work to successfully integrate SEL curricula, ensuring a thriving community for students and teachers.
Board of Trustee Training
We offer a comprehensive suite of training services for Charter School Boards of Trustees, designed to equip board members with essential governance skills and knowledge. These services include understanding the charter and accountability plan, defining roles and responsibilities, and promoting effective governance and leadership. Training also covers strategic planning, financial oversight, fundraising, legal compliance, and enhancing board performance. Additional focus areas are building an inclusive and diverse board, and crisis management preparedness. The goal is to support trustees in leading their institutions with confidence and integrity.
Team Building
We offer comprehensive team-building services tailored for public and charter schools, focusing on enhancing collaboration, communication, and trust among leadership, faculty, and staff. Their customizable programs address specific needs such as improving communication, leadership skills, and fostering a collaborative culture. Services include interactive workshops, seminars, outdoor activities, virtual team building, customized retreats, leadership development, and team assessments. With expert facilitators and evidence-based strategies, Higher Learning Network Inc. provides ongoing support to ensure lasting improvements in team cohesion and performance, helping educators and staff reach their full potential.
“I have worked with my leadership and literacy consultant from Higher Learning Network during my tenure as principal of PS 125. Through all collective efforts of the consultant and the staff, we have gone from being one of the lowest performing elementary schools in district 5 to being one of the highest performing schools. In addition to the school’s improved academic status, my PPO (Principal’s Performance Observation) visit was rated effective in all categories . PS 125 now has protocols and procedures in place to monitor the instructional program with more fidelity. Also, I am more knowledgeable of the new MPPR rubric being used for the principal’s evaluation as evidenced by the Superintendent’s request for me to share my knowledge with my colleagues during the district training meetings. I would recommend the services of Higher Learning Network for any principal who is seeking experienced consultants in specific content areas including leadership support.”
– Reginald Higgins, Principal
05M125 The Ralph Bunche School
Harlem, NY – District 5