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Explicit Instruction: The Basics
Introduces core elements of explicit instruction, including modeling, guided practice, and structured skill development, and serves as the prerequisite for all other modules.
SOLID INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
Explicit Instruction
Explicit Instruction training is a priority for any school because it equips educators with research-based strategies proven to improve student learning and achievement. By emphasizing clear modeling, guided practice, and purposeful feedback, teachers create structured lessons that support all learners—especially those who struggle with complex skills or concepts. This approach ensures that instruction is intentional, engaging, and responsive to student needs. When implemented consistently, explicit instruction fosters greater student confidence, independence, and mastery of essential content. Ultimately, it strengthens instructional effectiveness across classrooms and promotes equitable access to high-quality teaching.
The Compass Approach to Special Education
General Educator Training
Teachers working in general education deserve to have the resources, knowledge and skills necessary to support students with diverse learning needs within an inclusive classroom. At Compass, we can help teachers understand the laws and policies of Special Education, specific disabilities students may possess, how to collaborate with teachers in Special Education and assess their progress throughout training.
Behavior Management
One of the hardest parts of a teacher’s job is being able to manage the multiple personalities in student behavior. When you have a diverse classroom with a multitude of different abilities and skills, it can be a complex process to navigate everyone individually. Our team can help alleviate some of that stress with our behavior management trainings.
Paraprofessional Toolkit
Studies show that paraprofessionals are often the adults students will rely on and trust the most. But, with a shortage of high quality paraprofessionals, there brings a need to train others to step into this role. To help with this we’ve designed a Paraprofessional Toolkit that consists of fifteen tools to provide a foundation for success across any grade level and any content area.
Explicit Instruction Trainings
Explicit Instruction trainings can range from two hours to two days. Participants begin with The Basics, a required starting point before exploring additional modules. After completing The Basics, teams can dive deeper into specific elements to maximize content knowledge and application. Our Learning Specialists collaborate with your team to customize training based on your school’s identified needs, focusing on the areas where growth will have the greatest impact.
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Critical Content and Chunking
Focuses on identifying essential learning objectives and breaking complex content into manageable, sequential steps for student understanding.
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Lesson Design (Gradual Release)
Explores structuring lessons using the gradual release model, moving from teacher-led instruction to collaborative and independent student work.
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Classroom Organization for Explicit Instruction
Examines physical and instructional routines that create a structured, focused, and supportive learning environment for explicit teaching.
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Frequent Student Responses and Monitoring
Uses student engagement and monitoring techniques to inform instruction, assess, and prevent learning gaps and undesired behaviors.
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Feedback
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Pacing and Practice
Focuses on how moving at a brisk pace can prevent behaviors and inform instruction; also stresses the importance of utilizing the appropriate type of skill practice for maximum retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Explicit Instruction training is designed for educators of all grade levels and content areas, providing strategies that enhance teaching and learning across every classroom.
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This training supports administrators by deepening their understanding of effective instructional practices, enabling them to provide focused feedback, guide teacher growth, and foster a consistent culture of high-quality teaching across their school.
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The training can be customized in duration, expanding from a focused two-hour session to a comprehensive two-day experience, allowing for deeper exploration and hands-on application to meet your school’s specific needs.
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While the courses can be delivered in any order to meet your school’s needs, we recommend beginning with Explicit Instruction: The Basics, followed by Critical Content, Classroom Organization, Lesson Design (Gradual Release), Eliciting Student Responses, Monitoring Learning, Feedback, and finally Pacing and Practice for a coherent progression of skills. All training sections are recommended for full understanding and implementation into a well-rounded classroom.
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Participants often ask whether they need to purchase the book Explicit Instruction for the training. While we recommend the book because it provides comprehensive research and examples supporting the practices, the training is fully self-contained and can be delivered effectively without it if the district prefers.
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