MODEL PROGRAMS

In 1996, a coalition of the original research specialists at K-12 Patterns™ and Jones Consulting Partnerships fashioned an alliance with Educational Foundations, multiple Southern California School District representatives (such as Los Angeles Unified, Compton Unified and Inglewood Unified School Districts), and their respective school-site councils, in an effort to research, design, and implement new concepts for less “teaching” and more effective learning environments and practices.

The initial focus for this endeavor was founded upon large-scale quantitative studies of the late 1980s and early 1990s that firmly established large, comprehensive schools were largely ineffective. Said studies indicate small school practices are more productive and effective than large, comprehensive practices.

These studies, involving large numbers of students, schools, and districts, confirmed that students learn more and better in small schools (Lee & Smith, 1995). One significant reason for the successes was the establishment of deep, meaningful connections with every student within smaller learning communities (SLC’s).

In designing an affordable program that enables teachers to understand and implement more powerful teaching and learning strategies, Learning Patterns works with teachers within the context of Small School Research. On-going, small group training with one-on-one feedback and observation, replaces large, teacher development days. In-class analysis of new practices provides data for curriculum calibration. Thus, the program allows for a collegial setting in a non-threatening environment.

Learning Patterns partnership role includes (but is not limited to):

• Small group development and coaching for Teachers

• Standing Committee member of Curriculum Development Teams

• Writer for grant proposals

• Standing Member of all Educational Leadership, Planning, and Implementation Committees

• Parent Workshops

• Creation of alternative education systems (Saturday and after-school programs)

• Alignment of Standards, Textbooks, Curriculum and Assessments

Learning Patterns Corporation provides on going (weekly), on-site coaching, and feedback as the core of its service as a model provider.

The foundational principle of such a structure is based upon research that strongly shows that classroom application of information received in professional development measures at 5% (even if the development contains theory and demonstration).

When professional development includes coaching in a partnership capacity, the application increases to 90%! (Joyce and Showers)

Learning Patterns Corporation
AFFILIATIONS:

COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Bursch Elementary School
• Compton High School
• Health Academy
• Small School of Arts and Technology
• Enterprise Middle School

LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Banning High School
• Carnegie Middle School
• Carson High School
• Harte Preparatory Middle School
• Wilmington Middle School

POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Mt. Carmel High School

INGLEWOOD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Morningside High School

CAJON VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Cajon Valley Middle School
• Johnson Elementary

Additional Sites: Learning Patterns and Jones Consulting Partnership

• Elizabeth Learning Center (LAUSD)

• Foshay Learning Center (LAUSD)

• Glendale High School (Glendale Unified School District);

• Cyprus High School (Granite School District, Salt Lake City, Utah);

• Granite High School (Granite School District, Salt Lake City, Utah)