Natural Allies Institutes
A successful feature of the Systems Change model has been the intensive four-day institute, an element continued with Natural Allies. Designed to be different than traditional content-focused workshops, each institute is planned to meet the needs identified in advance by states and individual participants.
Each institute includes unusual learning opportunities such as:
- Sessions that describe creative approaches to course work and practica by illustrating innovative instructional strategies and demonstrating non-traditional methods, models and materials for preservice instruction;
- "Hands on" learning in sessions that involve participants in the activities described;
- Access to human resources who are selected to match the interests and planning priorities of participants;
- Dedicated blocks of time for participants to meet, discuss, think and plan; and
- An interactive "petting zoo" of instructional resources to read, watch and use, with an accompanying Resource Guide.
Each day participants choose how to spend their time. There are options for concurrent sessions on specific topics or themes, more time with members from their state teams, independent study and consultation with human resources.
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Learning opportunities draw from and illustrate the best practices in preservice personnel preparation. Session topics may include case method of instruction, distance education, co-teaching with family members and teaming. Participants are introduced to materials and instructional approaches suitable for different audiences, which can be tailored for promoting awareness, shaping attitudes and promoting skill development in students from early childhood and early intervention. Handouts from these sessions are useful to all individuals who work in the fields of early childhood / early intervention.
State planning time is an institute priority. During these team sessions, participants formulate together plans for what they will do "back home." Each state's goals are different, reflecting specific preservice priorities from early childhood and early intervention stakeholders and coordinating with existing state and local initiatives.
Participants often find that they need a break to absorb information from concurrent sessions and team planning. Natural Allies encourages time for relaxation.
Presenters and facilitators are approachable and are often asked to join teams or individuals for a meal or an informal conversation to further discuss their area of expertise.
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SCPP
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