Browsing all Teaching & Learning

Advanced Placement - Professional Development Program Access our professional development and support to learn how you can increase not only the number of AP courses offered in your school or district, but also the number of students enrolled in AP courses, and their passing rate on AP exams.

Assessment Strategies Select and begin using methods that go beyond standardized testing to best support your goals for assessing student learning, monitoring student achievement and informing instruction. Our staff can assist in developing common formative assessments to support progress monitoring in Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI).

Assistive Technology Training Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) solutions are constantly changing and expanding as the world of online applications, portable electronics and wireless access continue to make devices more commonly used and often more affordable. Staying current has become increasingly difficult. EASTCONN's AT specialists have established partnerships with a number of AT manufacturers and distributors to ensure that the most up-to-date information can be shared. Districts can participate in an EASTCONN workshop or arrange for a customized AT training to meet the needs of district staff.

Collaborative Initiatives Across Districts EASTCONN facilitates collaboration among school districts around a variety of topics like common curriculum development, staff development, grant-writing, and the design of programs and services for students. Regional collaborations maximize local dollars and expand program options.

Connecticut Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) The Connecticut Accreditation Facilitation Project (AFP) is an established resource system of regional teams providing critical leadership and support for the achievement of quality standards and excellence in early childhood programs. AFP services include: overviews of NAEYC's Program Standards and Accreditation Performance Criteria; technical assistance with the process of accreditation; and individualized support for programs engaged in the self-study.

Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT) EASTCONN manages this administrator testing program for the Connecticut State Department of Education. Individuals applying for their Connecticut Administration Certification must take and pass the Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT), which is administered at convenient sites around the state.

Curriculum Development & Design We can help you to research, design, and/or develop curriculum in any academic area, using a variety of strategies, including project-based instruction, differentiated instruction and school-to-career organizers. Our staff are trained in using the new Connecticut Curriculum Development Guide, as well as the Common Core State Standards. We can assist you in the development of a quality, comprehensive curriculum aligned to Connecticut standards.

Data Analysis Support & Training EASTCONN staff can provide data analysis support and training to school districts. Whether it's providing on-site coaching to administrators and data coaches in using technology to analyze data, or providing reports, EASTCONN's experienced consultants can assist with all of your data analysis needs.

Data Coach and Data Facilitator Professional Development Effective implementation of district and school data teams requires effective and skilled data-team facilitation. EASTCONN staff are skilled in using a variety of strategies and techniques to support a data-driven dialogue that produces results.

Data Team Facilitation Certified by the Leadership and Learning Center, EASTCONN's data team facilitators can provide on-site assistance in the planning, development, and implementation of district, school, and instructional data teams. Our consultants are trained in all of the Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative (CALI) modules and can support your data team efforts.

Database Development & Assessment Systems We will design or customize an electronic data management system to meet your unique needs within the budget that you have available. Our services include consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that the systems we develop are user-friendly and deliver the reports you require.

District and School Improvement Planning Access our menu of planning services to develop a data-driven improvement plan. We can provide facilitation for your team in the analysis of multiple sources of district and school data and assist in identifying key areas for improvement. Your plan will include measurable goals, effective strategies, and indicators of success. We will assist you in developing a monitoring plan to evaluate your progress.

Early Childhood Program Monitoring & Evaluation Our early childhood specialists can help to create or improve early childhood programs, birth through grade 3. Consultation can include program and curriculum design, as well as facility and learning environment design and evaluation.

Early Childhood Staff Training & Consultation EASTCONN provides training and consultation to early childhood educators, birth through kindergarten. Training and consultation are designed to meet program and staff needs. A lending library with curriculum and assessment resources is also available.

EASTCONN Adventure Program for Adults EASTCONN Adventure custom-designs experientially based programs for team-building, leadership training and professional development. The activities, adapted for participants of all ages and fitness levels, are designed to explore both positive communication and collaboration skills, and identify new strategies for building effective teams. EASTCONN offers both indoor and outdoor Adventure options, all specifically designed to create a safe environment for learning.

Effective Instructional Strategies EASTCONN can provide training, coaching and consultation to help expand the repertoire of effective instructional strategies used by your classroom teachers. Our staff members are certified in the Effective Teaching module provided by the CSDE through the Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative (CALI), which promotes school improvement.

ELL Title III Consortium EASTCONN's English Language Learners (ELL) Title III Consortium provides a forum for area ELL educators to come together around emerging trends and practices in ELL. Practitioners share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide current information on curriculum, assessment, effective instruction and the latest developments from the state and federal levels pertaining to the Title III Grant.

English Language Learner Professional Development Training and technical assistance are available to school districts with low-incidence English language learners, including ELL Consortium members receiving Title III funding. Services include policy development, program design and development, NCLB and CSDE testing requirements, identification, testing support and professional development.

Grant Development Council This facilitated council promotes a collaborative culture and helps increase the potential for attracting increased resources to local and collective school districts. Led by a professional, proven grant-writer, members build grant-writing skills, share information, both online and at group meetings, and work together to identify and more effectively leverage funding sources for new programs and services.

Hazardous Materials Support & Training for Schools Use us to survey your facilities, develop a chemical hygiene plan and train your staff in both asbestos awareness and hazardous materials communications to ensure compliance with state and federal mandates. All new maintenance and custodial staff are required to be trained with a two-hour asbestos awareness training class within 60 days from date of hire.

Interdistrict Program Design & Management Every two years, EASTCONN collaborates with area school districts to respond to CSDE-funded Interdistrict Grant opportunities designed to boost students' academic skills and increase their understanding and experience of diversity. If selected for funding, programs are limited to districts that have signed on to participate in that funding cycle. Contact us for more information about currently funded programs or new grant opportunities.

Language Arts Council EASTCONN’s Language Arts Council provides a forum for area language arts teachers to come together around emerging trends and practices in language arts. Participants and guest speakers share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide mini-workshops on curriculum, assessment and instruction topics of interest. CSDE consultants also attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

Literacy Professional Development EASTCONN provides training and technical assistance to schools that seek to align their literacy curriculum with the newly adopted Common Core State Standards, strengthen their literacy program to best meet the needs of all learners, implement best practices, administer and analyze literacy assessments and use data to inform instruction.

Math Council EASTCONN’s Math Council provides a forum for area math teachers to come together around emerging trends and practices in mathematics. Practitioners share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide current information on curriculum, assessment and effective instruction. Connecticut State Department of Education consultants attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

NAEYC Accreditation Consultation Information, consultation and training are available to preschool and kindergarten programs that want to pursue accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

PreK-8 Principals' Consortium A consortium of preK-8 principals meets on a regular basis to address the unique needs and challenges of preK-8 school leaders. Members will identify specific topics of interest, areas for collaboration and opportunities for resource-sharing.

Professional Development Workshops & Training EASTCONN staff will work with you to customize professional development at the school district level. We are able to offer quality presentations at your site or one of ours. Our trained consultants can design an effective professional development plan that can include ongoing support and follow-up coaching.

Regional Staff Development Council The Regional Staff Development Council at EASTCONN brings district and school leaders together in a collegial forum to dialogue around current educational issues in Connecticut. Topics include curriculum, assessment, professional development, legislation as well as other relevant educational topics. Speakers from CSDE attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

School Nurse & Health-Related Consultative Services EASTCONN is available to help with a broad range of training options for your nursing staff, your administrators and other educational personnel who require OSHA-mandated training. Take advantage of a wide variety of health-related trainings for nurses and other certified and non-certified staff, including quality-of-service evaluations.

Science Council EASTCONN’s Science Council provides a forum for area science teachers to come together around emerging trends and practices in science. Practitioners share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide current information on curriculum, assessment and effective instruction. CSDE consultants attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

Science Professional Development EASTCONN's Science Cadre can provide you with a variety of science trainings and support, including curriculum alignment, instructional strategies, assessment, and analysis of Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) results. Cadre members will customize their services to meet your district's needs.

SRBI and School Climate: Preventing and Addressing Barriers to Learning Districts receive training and technical assistance in assessing and improving school climates that support student achievement through a focus on relevance and relationships, two essential aspects of teaching that engage students in learning.

SRBI Council EASTCONN’s SRBI Council provides a forum for area educators to come together around effective strategies and practices for quality implementation of Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI). Practitioners share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide current information on curriculum, assessment and effective instruction. CSDE consultants attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

SRBI Planning and Implementation Support Our staff can help you develop an effective plan for the implementation of your Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI) framework. We can provide assistance with a needs assessment that will identify key areas for implementation. Our staff can also assist you with universal assessment and progress monitoring, as well as curriculum review and the identification of effective intervention strategies.

SRBI: Social-Emotional-Behavioral Barriers to Learning As part of your School Climate Plan, EASTCONN can help you identify and implement strategies and interventions to address your students' social, emotional and behavioral challenges in ways that allow you to improve student learning and that align with a Scientific Research-Based Interventions/Response to Interventions (SRBI/RtI) approach. Consultation, training and technical assistance are available.

Strategic Data-Driven Planning for Early Childhood Programs & Services EASTCONN can help communities or programs create long-range or short-term plans for the development, implementation, or improvement of comprehensive, quality programs and services for children and their families. Collaboration within and across communities and service providers is emphasized. Assistance with grant-writing is also available.

Supporting Students' Behavioral Success: Team Training Training and technical assistance are available to elementary, middle and high school teams in the prevention and early intervention of social, emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with students' success in school.

Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program When you hired your new teachers, you made an investment in their potential. By providing mentoring and comprehensive induction, you can help novice teachers and students reach their potential. EASTCONN provides regional and in-district training and technical assistance to districts implementing Connecticut's Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) Program. TEAM is a state-wide program that provides support for beginning teachers and mentors. In addition to training and technical assistance for mentors, beginning teachers, administrators, and TEAM Coordinating Committees members, our staff can assist your district in the development of a comprehensive induction system and provide coaching and resources tailored to meet your unique needs.

Teaching American History Curriculum & Support Access our free, nationally recognized and locally developed curriculum for teaching American history. Created by a professional learning community of American-history teachers from northeastern Connecticut, lessons focus on the use of primary sources and local resources, including those found at local museums and historical sites. Customization and on-site curriculum integration support are available.

Teaching American History Project Meeting in classrooms, museums and local historical sites, this dynamic community of learners is focused on making better use of local resources and primary sources in the teaching and learning of American history. Workshops, seminars and a summer institute feature highly regarded historians, university faculty and museum staff.

Teaming & Conflict Resolution EASTCONN can provide training, coaching and support to groups that must function as high-performance work teams. Learning how to manage conflict resolution is a critical part of effective team performance. Provide your teams with the skills they need to achieve their outcomes.

Technology Council EASTCONN’s Technology Council provides a forum for technology educators to come together around emerging trends and practices in technology. Practitioners share best practices and EASTCONN staff provide current information on emerging technology and the latest trends in educational technology. CSDE consultants attend and share information on the latest developments at the Department.

Technology Curriculum Integration Technology integration specialists work with educators to ensure that technology is integrated across the curriculum as a tool for teaching and learning. Our consultants can provide assistance in integrating 21st-century technology skills into your curriculum.

Technology Planning & Evaluation This service provides assistance for districts interested in creating or implementing a systemic and long-term technology plan that meets Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) requirements. Facilitation and support are available for all types of planning, from small projects to community-wide initiatives. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation support are also available.

Technology Professional Development & Coaching Our highly qualified educational technology specialists, who have expertise in curriculum and technology, train and coach teachers, administrators and support staff to integrate technology tools into their educational settings. Four broad areas of training are available that are aligned with the Connecticut Teacher Technology Competencies: educational technology concepts and operations; creating learning experiences; productivity and professional practice; and social, legal, ethical and human issues. Trainings can be held at your school, using your equipment, or at an EASTCONN facility.

Virtual High School Access more than 160 full-semester, online, high school and some middle school courses through a statewide consortium program. Courses are available in all content areas, including a selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

Web-Based Instructional Strategies As the Internet expands exponentially and students must learn how to effectively harness its power, new Web 2.0 tools provide a wealth of resources and opportunities for educators. Highly qualified EASTCONN educational technology specialists provide training and coaching in using the latest Web 2.0 technologies as tools for teaching, learning and communication.