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Prosser approves Thinking Maps professional development paid with Title III funds
Summary
The board approved contracts for Thinking Maps professional development across district elementary schools and a consulting contract through ESD 123 to support multilingual learners; the work is funded through the district's Title III grant.
The Prosser School Board approved contracts to bring Thinking Maps professional development to district elementary teachers and to retain a consultant through ESD 123 to support implementation, with district leaders saying the work is funded by Title III grant funds earmarked for multilingual learner instruction.
District staff described Thinking Maps as a set of visual “maps” and routines that help students identify and organize thinking during reading and writing. Presenters said the approach has supported gains in writing and English language development in buildings where it has been piloted and that training will be delivered on-site to reduce travel costs and expand participation.
Two Thinking Maps contracts cover an introductory day of training for buildings that have not yet had the training and a multi-day writing-focused training for Wood Strand Elementary. The board also approved a contract with a consultant (listed in the packet as Jennifer Colvin through ESD 123) who previously worked with the district on an EL master plan and initial Thinking Maps training.
District staff said five district trainers already provide internal support and that the Title III grant — written by district staff last fall — will cover the contracted work. The presenters emphasized the goal of equipping teachers with ready-to-use units so they can implement Thinking Maps in the fall and reduce planning stress.
Board members approved the contracts by motion and voice vote.
Why it matters: The contracts expand professional development aimed at improving reading-to-writing instruction and English-language outcomes for multilingual learners. Using Title III funds avoids drawing on the district’s general fund for these targeted trainings.
Meeting context: Staff said several buildings and many paraprofessionals have already had initial Thinking Maps training; the approved contracts are intended to scale training to remaining buildings and to focus writing instruction where needed.
Ending: District staff will schedule the trainings and continue to monitor early outcomes; the contracts are funded through Title III and contingent on grant availability.
