A Closer Look at Core Training Components
The descriptions provided below provide further detail about the core training components for The Key Comprehension Routine and The Key Vocabulary Routine.
Initial Training provides basic training, including how to teach the instructional components of each program. Participants bring their own content classroom reading material to practice generating activities during the training so they are prepared to try the program with students. Initial training is two days (10-12 hours), which can be scheduled consecutively or non-consecutively. Initial training can also be delivered via our hybrid option, which combines one day of live training with the online course. Up to 35 per group.
Guided Practice sessions provide teachers time and assistance to generate lesson plans and classroom activities using our program. A trainer provides guidance, answers questions, and clarifies details about the program. Participants bring content classroom instructional material so they can generate lessons/activities. They may work alone or with colleagues from the same team or subject area. Building-based coaches are also encouraged to attend to provide additional support. Attendance at initial training is a prerequisite. Guided practice sessions vary in length from two hours to a full day. Up to 35 per group.
Small-Group Sharing meetings support long-term implementation of the program; this is for participants who have already started using Keys to Literacy programs in their classrooms. Participants bring their implementation folders with examples of lessons and student work, and the trainer facilitates the sessions. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss challenges and successes they have experienced with the program. They also receive specific feedback about their classroom lessons and suggestions for how to improve their use of the program. Attendance at initial training is a prerequisite. Small-group sharing meetings are typically 60-90 minutes for groups of 4-8 (groups can be organized by grade level or subject area), allowing for 4-5 meetings per day.
Coach Training is a two-day, advanced training to develop on-site support for implementation of Keys to Literacy programs by training building-based coach facilitators. Coach training provides an in-depth review of the program, along with time to practice generating lessons/activities in all subject areas. Because building-based coaches will be assisting others, the training also addresses peer coaching techniques. Attendance at initial training is a prerequisite. Depending on the number of coaches to be trained, Keys to Literacy will deliver coach training on-site or at open training sessions.
PLEASE NOTE: If a school plans to implement either program, it is essential that at least two coaches are identified and trained for each group of (up to) 35 teachers. A coach can be any staff member with good communication and facilitation skills, a desire to coach peers, and a strong desire to support the Keys to Literacy program in the school.
Administrator Training is a half-day training and planning session that presents an overview of the Keys to Literacy program as well as recommendations for how building and district administrators can support implementation in their schools.
The Keys to Literacy Coaches and Administrators Annual Forum is a one-day, in-depth forum for building-based coaches and administrators. Participants from districts using Keys to Literacy's programs have an opportunity to meet and share ideas for supporting implementation and attend advanced workshops.
Recommended Core Training Package
For schools interested in implementing The Key Comprehension Routine or The Key Vocabulary Routine program, we recommend the following core training package. This package accommodates groups of up to 35 participants.
- Initial Training for teachers: 2 days or 1-day hybrid training (in combination with online course) Training books required.
- 1 day of Guided Practice (scheduled 2-6 weeks after initial training)
- 3 days of Small-Group Sharing meetings (scheduled every 4-6 weeks after initial training)
- Attendance of at least two building coaches at 2-day Coach Training
- Attendance of administrators at half-day Administrator Training
- Attendance of building coaches and administrators at Annual Coach Forum