Teaching, Learning & Innovation
Griswold Public Schools has reimagined the curriculum department to become the Department of Teaching, Learning & Innovation. The new department is designed to better serve teachers and students in the age of technology.
Curriculum Philosophy
The department is incorporating technology for more engaged learning, for revisions to the curriculum, for reviewing data for targeted instruction, and for integrating social and emotional learning into the curriculum for all students.
District Goals:
1: Social and Emotional Learning
Griswold Public Schools commits to the advancement of social and emotional competencies in inclusive and equitable learning environments so that all of our students can grow and thrive.
For Griswold Middle School, CREW supports SEL.
For Griswold High School, the Advisory Program supports the social, emotional, and academic development of each student by providing ongoing interaction with an adult advisor through discussion and planned activities in a small-group setting.
2: Blended and Personalized Learning
Griswold Public Schools will focus on promoting the implementation and expansion of Blended and Personalized Learning in all PreK -12 learning environments.
Blending learning is a learner-centered approach to instruction that combines face-to-face and online learning opportunities to meet student needs and support student choice.
3: Research-Based Instruction
Griswold Public Schools will explore and implement research-based Tier 1 instruction to improve outcomes for all Griswold students. Tier 1 is the core curriculum that is typically aligned with state standards.
TLI Resources
TLI Staff Resources Website Link (GPS Google account login required to access)
Instructional
- The TLI Blog (Blogspot)
- CT (CSDE) Learning Hub
- Cult of Pedagogy Website - Blog, Podcast, Videos, Store
- Dr. Catlin Tucker, Blended Learning Expert Website
- Modern Classrooms Project Website
- The National Urban Alliance Strategies & Methods
- Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education Website
Future-Focused
- Big Questions Institute Website
- Foresight in the Present Blog
- Institute of the Future Website
- MatthewBall.vc - Resources from the author of The Metaverse and How it will Revolutionize Everything
- The Mindset we Will Need to Lead Schools In a VUCA-H World - Podcast with Ray McNulty
- UNESCO Futures Literacy
- The Future Normal
AI Resources for Education
- SchoolAI
- AI.gov
- AI 101 for Teachers--sponsored by Khan Academy, ESTE, ETS & Code. org
- 10 Best AI Tools for Education
- 31 Incredible AI Tools for Education
- ChatGPT through an Education Lens
- Ethan Mollick's "One Useful Thing"
- Me, Myself, and AI
- Ed3 World: Metaverse for Education Newsletter
- Letters from the Future of Learning
TLI Team
Glenn LaBossiere, Assistant Superintendent / TLI Director, GLaBossiere@griswoldpublicschools.org
Jessica Gillespie, Director of Instructional Improvement - Innovation, JGillespie@griswoldpublicschools.org
Patricia Feeney, Director of Instructional Improvement - Learner Diversity, PFeeney@griswoldpublicschools.org
Standardized Testing
All GPS students take part in standardized testing consisting of Connecticut, National, and District. These tests include:
- Connecticut Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC) for grades 3-8
- AimswebPlus testing monitors progress in reading and math; this assessment is typically administered 3 times per year for grades K-9, with additional progress monitoring for selected students
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for grades 5, 8, and 11
- English Language Proficiency (EL-LAS Links) for English Language Learners in grades PreK-12
- Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment for grades 4, 6, 8, and high school
- PSAT/SAT for grades 9-12 (SAT required for grade 11)
- ACT admissions test (optional for grades 11 and 12)
- Seal of Biliteracy Test for Spanish Speaking Certification (optional for bilingual speakers in grades 11 and 12)
- AP Testing for Advanced Placement high school students
- Midterm and Final Exams
Additional assessments at teacher discretion.
Assistant Superintendent
Glenn LaBossiere
GLaBossiere@griswoldpublicschools.org
Also serves as the Director of Teaching, Learning & Innovation Department