Center for the Collaborative Classroom: SIPPSProfessional Learning10/25/18

Professional Learning Opportunities: SIPPS

Center for the Collaborative Classroom (CCC) will partner with your school district to support the implementation through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions, regular check-ins, and resources local leaders can use to facilitate on-site learning over time. Professional learning opportunities are outlined in the tables that follow.

This plan begins with the assumption that effective professional learning is embedded in classroom practice and occurs every day as teachers try new and proven approaches, observe students, and reflect on outcomes. The Collaborative Literacy programs are designed to serve as a vehicle for high-quality professional learning. Teachers deepen their understandings about effective practice as they plan for lessons, teach the lessons as intended, and reflect on each day of instruction using the program.

In collaboration with the school district, CCC will draw from the following resources to create a professional learning plan to support the implementation of Collaborative Literacy programs. Please note that this plan can and will be modified to accommodate the district’s goals and objectives.

Complementary Implementation Supports for District-led Professional Learning Session
Online Resources accessed through the CCC Learning Hub
Explore the digital resources available on the CCC Learning Hub.
“Exploring Professional Supports:SIPPS”
Guides teachers to familiarize themselves with the professional supports inSIPPS. Teachers may investigate the resources individually or in learning teams.
  • Beginning
  • Extension
  • Plus
  • Challenge

SIPPS Getting Started Module
Gain an overview of the SIPPS program, an understanding of the SIPPS levels of instruction, and explore the program materials to prepare for instruction. This module is designed to be facilitated by instructional coaches or teacher leaders for their professional learning communities.
  • SIPPS Getting Started (link coming soon)

“SIPPS Placement Assessment” Sessions[D1]
Participants will familiarize themselves withthe program supports to prepare for and use the SIPPS Placement Test and continue to work through the assessment data for student grouping.
Part 1 SIPPS Navigating the Placement Test[D2]
  • Part 2 SIPPS Grouping for Instruction

“Instructional Planning” Sessions
Deepen teachers understanding of instructional planning for a SIPPS lesson and reflect on current teaching practice. Teachers may participate individually or in learning teams.
  • Beginning
  • Extension
  • Plus
  • Challenge

SIPPS Tips
Examine the SIPPS tips across the year. The tips are generated from questions raised by teachers who are teaching SIPPS.
Implementation Supports Facilitated Virtually by a CCC Consultant
(Virtual time may be purchased for $150/hour or $800/6-hour day)
Regularly Scheduled Check-in Meetings
  • Calls may be scheduled more often at beginning of implementation.
  • A Google doc will be created to track questions and meeting topics.

On-going Professional Learning Sessions
Topics are based on needs determined during check-in meetings.
Professional Learning Experiences Facilitated by a CCC Consultant On-Site
(In-person sessions are $2600/day, including expenses)
SIPPS Instruction Professional Learning
Gain a deeper understanding of the SIPPS instruction, lesson structure, routines and support for planning and teaching. Teachers will be guided to use the instructional materials and resources to understand and practice the instructional routines. Recommend teachers teach lessons (approximately 5-10) prior to engaging this session.
  • SIPPS Instruction Professional Learning (link coming soon)

Program Lesson Study (Recommended Fall & Spring)
Engage with colleagues in classroom embedded professional learning that focuses on the following:
  • Understanding the instructional design of the lessons
  • Planning lessons with students in mind
  • Planning for possible intentional instructional moves
  • Anticipating changes/adjustments in teaching practice
  • Observing the planned lesson and collecting data
  • Reflecting on interpreting student data based on the lesson focus
  • Discussing the instructional implications of the data

Possible Professional Learning Support
Side-by-Side Coaching
SIPPS as an Intervention: Supporting RtI/MTSS
Data Analysis and Instructional Decision-making
Supporting Individualized Daily Reading (IDR) and Fluency Practice
Learning Walks with Administrators
Focused classroom observations build district capacity and identify possible next steps for professional learning.
Professional Learning for Coaches
Participate in sessions designed specifically for coaches including topics such as:
  • Coaching Sessions: Series of up to four full-day sessions including topics such as principles of coaching, working with adult learners, and student-centered coaching
  • Observing and Giving Feedback
  • Facilitating Program Lesson Study
  • Supporting and Refining Foundational Skills Instruction

For further assistance contact Gina Fugnitto, Director of Consultant Development, at

Center for the Collaborative Classroom: SIPPSProfessional Learning10/25/18

[D1]This is problematic, because the test is called “Assessment” in the teacher’s manual. I am changing “Test” to “Assessment” in the sessions themselves, too.

[D2]Relink to the new title.