Level I: The first year.

Level I Teams begin with an intensive two-day training session attended by Learning Teams from schools throughout Illinois. Following the initial two-day session, Level I Learning Teams meet with a trained SAC coach for two hours every 2-3 weeks throughout the school year.

The SAC coach guides each team through the process of deconstructing the Illinois Learning Standards into teachable targets by breaking them down into four domains: knowledge, reasoning, skills and products.

Using the identified targets, the Learning Team selects one or more appropriate assessments and then develops a standards-aligned unit or lesson plan. The teachers practice the components of the Initiative through applied action research in the classroom. At this stage, student involvement in the discussion of the learning targets and the assessments are keys to achieving success in understanding the standards.

Following a three-step review process, the Learning Teams submit their aligned unit/lesson plans to their SAC Coach. Finally, at the end of Level I, all of the Illinois Learning Teams are invited to share their experiences at the spring SAC Fair, gaining statewide recognition of their accomplishments.

Level I Learning Team Agreements

As a member of a Level I Learning Team, you will be asked to:

• Have 2-5 teachers and one building-level administrator to serve on the team. It is recommended that there be 4 teachers and 1 building administrator, but we recognize that some very small schools may not have enough staff available.
• Attend one of the two-day trainings offered in each ROE / Area.
• Meet at least 18 hours -ideally once every two weeks - 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (Please note 24 hours are required for Aurora Credit – please see syllabus.)
• Work with a coach from the ROE who can provide resources and support to become self-directed Learning Teams.
• Each team member will complete a Unit Plan Organizer and maintain a reflective Journal.
• Update their entire school faculty at least once during the school year on their Learning Team activities. (What they do, what they have learned, benefits for Learning Team, benefits for students.)
• Will use the Rick Stiggins book and videotapes as a resource for their work.
• May attend a one-day SAC Fair (conference) to be held in the Spring of each year. Participation through poster, presentation or round table discussion is optional. (Please note spring celebrations will vary by Region/Area as fairs may not be funded by the Project.)
• Be willing to help others (provide consulting, advice, etc.) in their school and district that wish to create new Learning Teams.
• Participate in program evaluation, if applicable.