My time at Castle Rock Middle School so far has been both rewarding and impactful. From the beginning, I’ve felt a strong sense of community and support among staff, especially through my work with Cassi, the PLS. Collaborating with her has given me a deeper understanding of how intentional instructional support and professional learning can directly impact both teachers and students. I’ve had the opportunity to observe and participate in small group instruction, support teachers, and see how thoughtful planning translates into meaningful learning experiences.
My project, Unpacking Standards: A Step-by-Step Protocol, focuses on designing a digital professional learning module that helps teachers break down academic standards into clear, actionable learning targets. The goal is to make standards-based planning more accessible and consistent by guiding educators through a structured process that includes prioritizing standards, unpacking them, defining proficiency, and aligning assessments.
Working on this project while being in the school setting has been especially valuable because I’ve been able to connect what I’m creating directly to real teacher needs. Through observing PLTs and working alongside staff, I’ve seen how challenging it can be to translate standards into day-to-day instruction. This experience has helped me design my project in a way that is practical, interactive, and meaningful for teachers.
Overall, my experience at Castle Rock Middle School has strengthened my interest in instructional design and education. I’m continuing to learn how important clarity, collaboration, and thoughtful professional development are in supporting both teachers and student success, and I’m excited to keep building on this work.
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