We stayed local to Rhode Island for conversation #21 with two talented Warwick Public Schools leaders, Lisa Schultz and Patti Cousineau. We covered a lot of ground, digging into their multiple partnerships and challenges with freeing up teachers for professional learning time.

"We’re seeing positive results from our focus on student discourse, data-driven instruction, and deep engagement with our high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) across our schools. Our instructional team is exceptionally dedicated. We have two ELA leads and two math leads, with three coaches who provide embedded support to our five buildings that receive title funds.

However, we face significant challenges in delivering consistent and impactful professional learning. A primary obstacle is the current shortage of substitute teachers. This often requires us to prioritize classroom coverage over dedicated professional learning time for our teachers or district leaders stepping in to teach so our teachers can be released to learn and grow their practice. We are actively exploring other options to find more teacher professional learning time in our schedules. Despite challenges, we are committed to ensuring all members of our district community are supported to achieve their individual potential and encouraged to pursue their passions.

A significant portion of our professional learning comes directly from the vendors who provide our curriculum. We hire curriculum vendors as professional learning partners during the first year using a curriculum because it allows our teachers to develop expertise in the resources they are expected to use every day. At this point we are implementing HQIM across all grade levels, in alignment with RI state mandates. We have partnered with vendors for core areas like ELA (Great Minds - Wit and Wisdom; Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Into Literature) and Math (Curriculum Associates - i-Ready, Reveal by McGraw Hill), ensuring our students have access to robust curriculum resources. We're excited about the potential of OpenSciEd for Science and McGraw Hill for Social Studies.

We've also expanded our offerings with supplemental apps and strengthened our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives through collaborations with Thrive Behavioral Health and Bradley Hospital, including a four-part PD series for principals and leaders. Additionally, we have used grant funds to support the introduction of Calming Corners for elementary SEL, as well as three SEL leads and our Second Step curriculum.

Our educators and students also benefit from strong local partnerships with universities and nonprofits. These organizations bring much needed enrichment and small group tutoring to our schools. The University of Rhode Island provides our K-8 Science kits and professional learning for our science teachers. Our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick has leveraged the state’s #Learn365RI initiative to provide and expand tutoring services to students who need additional time both after school and during school vacations."