South Bay Union School District has implemented Workshop Lab Site Professional Learning to improve the instruction and learning of reading and writing.  The Workshop Lab Site model is based on the work of Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, one of the most renowned training centers for teachers and administrators.  South Bay has established a firm commitment to every child being on grade level in reading by third grade.  To accomplish the goal, students have to fall in love with reading and become avid and skilled readers, writers, and inquirers. The training is giving South Bay teachers a clear path for using performance assessments and learning progressions to accelerate progress and for providing literacy-rich content-area instruction.

South Bay’s Learning and Innovation Team, led by Assistant Superintendent Cindy Wagner, has conducted Lab Site training at all District sites.  Five schools, Berry, Emory, Mendoza, Nicoloff and Berry, have been named Affiliate Schools, which includes collaborative onsite trainings with staff developers from Teachers College.  Workshops include team planning, observation of teaching, modeling mini-lessons, and group discussion.  

Cindy Wagner describes the Workshop experience as transformational.  “We have received outstanding feedback from participants. There is great value in teachers working together to practice lessons and give each other feedback in an environment that encourages risk-taking and collaboration.  We are thrilled with the outcome of this professional learning and are excited about the positive impact it will have on student learning and achievement.”

To learn more, please visit http://www.sbusd.org/pages/SouthBayUnion

About the South Bay Union School District:

The South Bay Union School District proudly serves over 7,500 students in Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and south San Diego. The District is comprised of twelve campuses, including nine K-6 schools, two K-8 charter schools, and one Preschool. South Bay offers several specialized programs including Dual Language, Instrumental Music, Visual and Performing Arts, and a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Academy.

Media Contact
Company Name: South Bay Union School District
Contact Person: Amy Cooper
Email: acooper@sbusd.org
Phone: (619) 628-1605
Address:601 Elm Avenue
City: Imperial Beach
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: http://www.sbusd.org/pages/SouthBayUnion