When Logistics Get in the Way, Customized Care Finds Another

Professional learning only works if people can access it. That sounds simple, but for many schools and districts, it's one of the biggest barriers. For our partners at Union Parish School District in Louisiana, the challenge wasn't motivation; it was scheduling. 

Getting all of their teachers into the same room at the same time was becoming increasingly difficult, and they didn't want that to be the reason meaningful growth stalled. So we collaborated with them to find another way. 

Now in year three of our partnership, we have worked with Union Parish to develop a set of asynchronous learning modules that allow teachers to engage with accessible education content independently, at their own pace, and on their own time. Each modules provides handouts, resources, and videos, ensuring nothing is lost in the shift to an independent platform. 

The flexible learning spans four modules and seven sessions, covering everything from the foundations of accessbile education and Universal Design for Learning to IEP development, co-teaching, and putting it all into practice with individual learners. It's comprehensive, evidence-based, and designed to meet teachers where they are, both in terms of content and logistics.

And the data backs it up. Among participants:

• 100% strongly agree or agree that the session they participated in will positively impact their ability to meet the needs of students with disabilities.
• 100% strongly agree or agree that the readings, videos, activities, and strategies covered were applicable to their role.

But numbers only tell part of the story. Here's what teachers are saying in their own words:

With the shift to a flexible format, our team has leveraged our time to engage in real-time, customized coaching. Using a research-based inclusive education rubric developed by our team, their coach observes each teacher and then goes deeper into what they need most. 

From asynchronous learning to in-person coaching, it didn't happen by accident. It happened because Union Parish was committed to the work, and because we were committed to building something that fit within their system. 

Ready to create something that works for your community? Click here to schedule a time to chat with our team. Let's see what we can build together!