Innovative Learning Practices
Innovative teaching and learning practices are encouraged in all Berkeley County School District classrooms. From project-based methodologies to maker education, students learn required standards while also developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Listed below are several ways that innovation makes its way into BCSD learning spaces.
Academic Coordinators
BCSD's academic coordinators are experienced educators who connect with teachers in the areas of math, science, English/language arts, social studies, fine arts and multilingual learners (ML) to help with event planning, classroom management, strategic planning, lesson planning and educational technology. While they are content specialists, academic coordinators also work with teachers in cross-curriculum collaborations. The academic coordinators work with administrators to organize professional learning centers (PLCs) and facilitate professional development on both individual and schoolwide scales.
Instructional Coaches
Instructional coaches increase the quality and effectiveness of classroom instruction and support the implementation of effective instructional strategies through collaborating, co‐planning, modeling, co‐teaching, providing descriptive feedback, and designing and delivering professional development. Furthermore, they promote implementation of state standards through adopted curricula, facilitate conversations using data to drive instructional decisions, engage teachers in reflective thinking, identify a variety of resources to enhance classroom instruction, and support and communicate the school and district initiatives. All BCSD elementary and middle schools have an instructional coach. BCSD high school also benefit from instructional coaches and/or Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) coaches.
Innovative Learning Coordinators
Innovative Learning Coordinators (ILCs) act as catalysts for change, working to create an environment that encourages and supports innovative teaching methods, instructional technologies, and personalized learning experiences for students and educators. ILCs promote integrating technology and innovation through inquiry, problem solving, collaboration, and creativity. ILCs work side by side with educators to foster innovation in the classroom through real-world experiences that strengthen work and life skills. ILCs collaborate with teachers to plan, design, and implement innovative experiences to enhance learning. ILCs also provide professional learning opportunities and resources to strengthen technology skills and innovative practices.
The ILC team responsibilities include:
Collaborating with teachers and administrators to design and enhance learning experiences that integrate innovative teaching methods, technology, and educational resources.
Organizing and delivering training sessions and workshops for teachers to enhance their understanding and implementation of innovative instructional strategies and technologies.
Assisting teachers in effectively integrating technology tools and resources into their instructional practices to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Conducting research on emerging educational trends, evaluating the effectiveness of innovative learning initiatives, and providing recommendations for improvement based on data analysis.
Identifying and procuring educational resources, tools, and materials that align with innovative learning approaches, ensuring teachers have access to the necessary resources to implement innovative strategies.
Supporting students' individualized learning needs by promoting personalized and adaptive learning approaches and leveraging innovative educational technologies to enhance their educational experiences.