During the February Board Meeting, Steven asked EEC to Teacher Retention and Recruitment for the 23-24 SY. Josh and the new Instructional Coach, Leah Ruto, conducted focus groups with teachers to hear why teachers like working at Exploris, why some leave and what professional development is needed for staff to feel supported moving forward.

In summary: 

Staff members at The Exploris School enjoy the teacher-driven model and the freedom that comes with creating your own curriculum. Many feel respected as professionals and included as part of the decision-making process. There is a sense that the 8 core values are guiding principles for the school community and woven into the student experience. 

While many stakeholders found value in the student-centered, social and emotional learning approach of Responsive Classroom, some see it as inconsistent. Especially when it comes to discipline. While the training has been helpful, some see it as limited. There is also a sense that co-teaching works well in theory, but more training is needed on the actual mechanics of leading a classroom collaboratively with another teacher. 

The diversity, equity and inclusion growth of the organization has stagnated. As the demographic composition of staff members changes, the school needs to take a closer look at how it is making these new employees feel welcome and valued. 

• LETRS Training Continue and to Expand to all staff K-3
• ELA: Writing and Grammar Instructional Supports K-8
• Vertically Aligned Mathematics Instructional Supports and Resources
• Responsive Classroom continue to be a strong focus in the elementary school
• Increase in New Staff and New Team Systemic Supports
• Diversity and Equity Training for all staff
• Create "Nakoma" Professional Development groups that meet on Wednesday for a trimester and focus on vertically aligned topics. (New Staff, Responsive Classroom teacher language, MTSS, Student Behavior, Mathematics, Writing/Grammar, Reading, Expedition/PBL)

We plan to share primers of 5-6 Expedition PBL projects from throughout the year to capture the essence of an Exploris education that is greater than EOG scores. How do we want to divide up this work? Due at June 22nd Board Meeting.