Orange, CA – November 8, 2018 – It was a great day of professional learning in Orange Unified this past Tuesday, when teachers had a student-free day to focus on honing their craft to continue to best support student needs.

As an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) district, Orange Unified utilizes research-based strategies to help increase school wide learning and performance, as well as close the achievement gap.

Elementary school teachers received training on how to incorporate AVID WICOR (writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading) strategies into math.  Teachers discussed ways reflective writing, taking notes, Costa’s Levels of Questioning, World Café, and critical reading strategies can be integrated into math instruction to guide all students to a higher level of understanding of the content.  They also learned how giving “energizers” can be incorporated into classroom lessons to help students stay focused by giving their brains a break and their bodies a chance to move.

Secondary schools had site-specific training focusing on what would best support teaching and learning at each site. Areas of focus included AVID Critical Reading and Focused Note-Taking, the use of formative assessments to drive instruction and student learning, and the analysis of data to gauge student needs.

Districtwide professional development events help teachers expand their knowledge and skill set to maximize their effectiveness in the classroom.