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ENHANCE STUDENT SUCCESS

Instructional Practices

Empower teachers with research-backed skills to enhance students' potential for success. By providing educators with cutting-edge tools and methodologies grounded in the latest educational research, we ensure that every teacher is equipped to inspire and foster a thriving learning environment. These innovative strategies are designed to cultivate critical thinking, ignite curiosity, and nurture a passion for lifelong learning in students. Join us in transforming education and unlocking the full potential of every student.

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The Compass Approach to Instructional Practices

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Competency-Based Learning (CBL)

Competency-Based Learning (CBL) emphasizes mastering skills and knowledge over seat time. By embracing these principles, educators can personalize instruction, provide support, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the curriculum in every student. We provide guidance and tools to assist educators in effectively implementing these approaches.

Explicit Instruction

This training prepares educators to develop engaging learning experiences for all students using the thirteen guiding principles of explicit instruction. Select from focused, comprehensive, or customized training options to accommodate your schedule and needs.

Project Based Learning (PBL)

Project-Based Learning (PBL) involves students in authentic, hands-on experiences that promote creativity, curiosity, and motivation. Embracing PBL allows teachers to create dynamic learning environments that prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world. With Compass, educators can gain the knowledge and tools to design and facilitate inspiring projects for deep learning and real-world connections.

5-Point Checklist for High-Level Math Instruction

This training is designed to prepare K-12 teachers with the best practices for math instruction to enhance the effectiveness of Tier 1 math instruction. It focuses on optimizing the use of purchased curricula and integrating new resources. Key topics include visible learning, explicit instruction, feedback, formative assessments, and promoting high-level thinking.

Foundational Reading

Our Foundational Reading training covers the what, when, why, and how of the Big 5 components of reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. This training integrates brain science with practical classroom applications, equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to enhance students’ reading skills and foster a love for reading.

Creating Mathematicians Through the 8 Mathematical Practice Standards

The focus of math education has evolved to develop students as mathematicians and problem solvers. This training connects the 8 Mathematical Practice Standards with Forbes’ most employable skills of 2024, which helps educators identify the important traits students develop in math class. This training is a valuable resource for support staff and educators who assist math learners.

Unraveling the Reading Rope

During this intensive and transformative journey into the Science of Reading, you will explore the theoretical framework known as the Reading Rope. You will also reflect on your current practices and leave with a stronger foundation and greater confidence to engage learners in reading based on scientific principles.

Rope Them In: Explicit Writing Instruction for K-12

This training supports explicit writing instruction based on the science of writing. It offers an overview of the five key components of writing and specific techniques for implementing them in the classroom at any level from K to 12.

Instructional Leadership Growth

With Compass, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to lead and support your school community. We offer direct mentorship within your school environment, supporting everyone from new principals to veteran administrators. Topics of focus include progressive discipline, instructional leadership, and the evaluation process.

Instructional Practices

Professional Learning Topics

  • Competency-Based Learning (CBL) emphasizes mastering skills and knowledge over seat time. By embracing these principles, educators can personalize instruction, provide support, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the curriculum in every student. We provide guidance and tools to assist educators in effectively implementing these approaches.

  • Project-Based Learning (PBL) involves students in authentic, hands-on experiences that promote creativity, curiosity, and motivation. Embracing PBL allows teachers to create dynamic learning environments that prepare students for success in an ever-evolving world. With Compass, educators can gain the knowledge and tools to design and facilitate inspiring projects for deep learning and real-world connections.

  • Our Foundational Reading training covers the what, when, why, and how of the Big 5 components of reading: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. This training integrates brain science with practical classroom applications, equipping educators with the knowledge and tools to enhance students’ reading skills and foster a love for reading.

  • During this intensive and transformative journey into the Science of Reading, you will explore the theoretical framework known as the Reading Rope. You will also reflect on your current practices and leave with a stronger foundation and greater confidence to engage learners in reading based on scientific principles.

  • With Compass, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to lead and support your school community. We offer direct mentorship within your school environment, supporting everyone from new principals to veteran administrators. Topics of focus include progressive discipline, instructional leadership, and the evaluation process.

  • This training prepares educators to develop engaging learning experiences for all students using the thirteen guiding principles of explicit instruction. Select from focused, comprehensive, or customized training options to accommodate your schedule and needs.

  • This training is designed to prepare K-12 teachers with the best practices for math instruction to enhance the effectiveness of Tier 1 math instruction. It focuses on optimizing the use of purchased curricula and integrating new resources. Key topics include visible learning, explicit instruction, feedback, formative assessments, and promoting high-level thinking.

  • The focus of math education has evolved to develop students as mathematicians and problem solvers. This training connects the 8 Mathematical Practice Standards with Forbes’ most employable skills of 2024, which helps educators identify the important traits students develop in math class. This training is a valuable resource for support staff and educators who assist math learners.

  • This training supports explicit writing instruction based on the science of writing. It offers an overview of the five key components of writing and specific techniques for implementing them in the classroom at any level from K to 12.

Professional Development Add-Ons

Enhance the impact of your professional development with these optional add-ons, designed to maximize learning outcomes and support continuous improvement in your school.

 

  • Enhance teacher effectiveness, boost student achievement, and strengthen school culture by integrating coaching into any professional development topic offered by Compass.

    Our trained coaches provide personalized support, accountability, and targeted training, using a proven framework to drive continuous improvement in teaching practices and elevate overall school performance.

    Learn more about how coaching can help achieve your school’s goals.

  • Need more time for professional development but struggling with substitute shortages and packed schedules? We have the solution!

    Our expert STEM instructors lead engaging, hands-on activities for your students during the school day, while your teachers participate in focused, uninterrupted professional learning facilitated by our specialists.

    Fully customizable, our Embedded PD adapts to your school’s specific needs, ensuring a seamless experience.

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Get in Touch

Let’s talk about how Professional Development through Compass could help your school.

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More Professional Development Offerings

Proactive Practices
Fosters collaboration between educators to better understand the diverse nature of students and their educational needs.
Learn More
Learning Outcomes & Expectations
Empower educators with strategies for effective curriculum alignment, essential standards identification, and evolving grading practices.
Learn More
Special Education
Enable educators to cultivate an inclusive classroom by offering targeted training on effectively supporting diverse learning needs.
Learn More
AI Training & Support
Solutions for school administrators and staff to learn the best practices for utilizing artificial intelligence in the classroom.
Learn More
UNLOCK COURSE BENEFITS

Compass Membership

Receive discounts on courses and professional development opportunities with a membership from Compass. Use our Membership Look Up to see if your school district already has access.

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  • About
    • About Compass
    • Meet the Team
    • Projects & Partners
    • TIE Conference
    • Careers
  • Memberships
    • Membership Benefits
    • Membership Look Up
    • Request Membership
  • Services Offered
    • Professional Development
    • Data Analysis & Supports
    • Support Services for Educators
    • Culture & Climate Services
  • Training & Events
  • Online Courses
  • Request Information
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Compass is a division of Black Hills Special Services Cooperative