Secondary principal outlines teacher-clarity push, co-teaching expansion and new facility dog
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Summary
Dr. Ebert briefed the board on district efforts to implement teacher-clarity practices (Hattie-cited strategies), 13 co-teaching classes at the secondary level, instructional coaching, the rollout of a data-management task and approval of a facility dog (Bree) and handler team.
Dr. Ebert presented a multi-part update on secondary instruction and supports to the Northern Lebanon School District committee on Nov. 3, emphasizing teacher clarity, co-teaching, data use and additional supports aimed at improving student outcomes.
"Teacher clarity effect size is between 0.75 and 0.85," Ebert told the board, citing John Hattie's meta-analysis to frame the district's adoption of a three-question clarity model (what to learn, why, and how learning will be assessed). Ebert said the district is embedding those questions into lesson plans, curriculum work and faculty meetings so teachers consistently communicate learning targets and assessment methods to students.
On co-teaching, Ebert said the district currently has 13 co-teaching classes at the secondary level (five in the middle school, eight in the high school) supported by 11 co-teaching pairs; four pairs have common planning time. The administration provides in-service time and coverage to support planning and said a priority for future scheduling is increasing common planning blocks.
Ebert described a district data-management tool (referred to in his remarks as "LinkedIn") that teachers will use to analyze PSSA and Keystone data and common-final exams; he said preliminary Firefly assessment data were recently collected and will be reported at the next meeting in about two months.
Instructional coaching is active at the secondary and elementary levels, Ebert said, with coaches providing non-evaluative walkthroughs, feedback and demonstration lessons; new teachers receive monthly coaching support while other staff may request assistance.
Ebert also announced the district obtained approval for a facility dog named Bree and said he will be the primary handler. He listed a four-person staff team to support the program and said Bree will be deployed in classrooms and at school events to reduce stress and improve climate.
Board members asked whether the facility dog could attend board meetings and whether co-teaching assignments were voluntary; Ebert said the dog can attend events, co-teaching was assigned by instructional need in tested areas, and coaching is available to veteran teachers by request.