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Strategic Instruction Model
by Keith Lenz
Description:
The Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) is an approach to reforming classrooms and schools around the goal of increasing content literacy through more strategic approaches to learning and teaching. Since 1977, the Center for Research at the University of Kansas has developed practical classroom-centered programs to improve the learning and performance of youth. Several key components are central to the implementation of this model across a school or beyond school program. First, a Learning Strategies Curriculum has been developed to guide teachers in teaching students learning strategies to help them "learn how to learn" as they develop skill competencies and meet school demands. Second, a series of Content Enhancement Teaching Routines have been developed to help teachers ensure that the critical content required for all students to meet standards is mastered during group instruction. Third, these learning strategies and teaching routines have been carefully packaged into instructional materials that provide detailed guidance to teachers and tutors to ensure that sufficient collaborative and explicit instruction is used to promote access to the curriculum for all learners. Fourth, a variety of support programs have been developed to help teachers, youths, tutors, and parents team and plan in ways that create an environment that promotes a more strategic approach to meeting goals, solving problems, and preparing for the future.Application:
A network of over 1500 trainers provides training to thousands of teachers each year. In addition to thousands of classroom applications, Strategic Learning Centers in Seattle, WA and Lawrence, KS provide models of community based learning centers that provide direct educational support to youth and to schools based on SIM. Schools are asked to plan at least five years to achieve full implementation and to expect ongoing work and revision to sustain gains.Evaluation:
For the past 20 years, components of SIM have been evaluated in dozens of studies and classroom settings. Numerous state initiatives and university researchers have also independently evaluated SIM. A list of the research studies that have been conducted by the Center for Research on Learning can be found at www.ku-crl.org. While studies show that individual teachers can make dramatic changes in student achievement, the full benefits of SIM are realized when teachers work collaboratively with others in both school and beyond school learning situations.Resources:
Many components of SIM require training from a certified SIM trainer. There are over 50 different instructional programs. Each program is designed for a specific purpose, and detailed training can be obtained to ensure quality implementation. The Center for Research on Learning at the University of Kansas provides extensive and ongoing support to trainers and to schools and communities who choose to implement SIM.For Further Information:
About national and international SIM development and training efforts contact:
www.ku-crl.org
Coordinator of Training
Center for Research on Learning
J. R. Pearson Hall, Room 517
1122 W. Campus Road
Lawrence, KS 66045About community and beyond-school learning center development efforts contact:
www.smarttogether.org
Coordinator of Training
Smarttogether Strategic Learning Centers
4860 Rainier Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98118About the online library of Content Enhancement Devices contact:
www.contentenhancement.orgRelated Links:
Content Enhancement Organizers and Routines
About the author
Dr. Keith Lenz is the executive director for the Strategic Learning Center and is also a senior research scientist at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning. Keith is an expert in the field of developing educational programs that can help all youth. He has directed over 10 million research and development dollars to develop programs and training and has written over 100 books, chapters, and research articles for teachers and program developers. Keith earned his undergraduate degree and Master's degree at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He received his Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Kansas in 1983. Email Professor Lenz at klenz@ku.edu.
Copyright © November 2001 New Horizons for Learning, all rights reserved.
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