Participants in traditional, “sit-and-get” professional development sessions often lose 50% of the knowledge covered within an hour after the session ends and lose 90% after one week.1 DMInstitutes builds skills that last. Coursework and coaching are delivered over multiple months, and have participants work on real district challenges. Participants come as a district team and learn and work alongside other district teams. This cohort model promotes intra-team collaboration as well as cross-collaboration with other district teams to build teamwork and promote knowledge sharing.
1 Sarah Galey, “The Evolving Role of Instructional Coaches in U.S. Policy Contexts” The William & Mary Educational Review, vol.4, no.2, article 11 (May 1, 2016), https://scholarworks.wm.edu/cg/viewcontent/cgi?article=1044&context=wrmer.
Our Approach
DMGroup Institutes are different from other professional development programs. Our approach is a unique combination of lectures, workshops, and coaching delivered over a period of months while participants tackle a real, live challenge from their district. Our cohort model develops teamwork and collaboration, and allows for an energizing exchange of ideas in a supportive environment. This unique experience makes for learning that lasts.- Hands-on learning: In each of our DMInstitutes, participants tackle a problem of practice from their district. They practice applying their new learnings and refine their skills supported by coaching.
- District Teams Form Important Bonds: Districts participate in DMInstitutes as district teams of up to 8 participants. This district cohort has the opportunity to learn together and work together on a real district challenge over a period of months. Valuable bonds are formed and participants bring this spirit of collaboration back to the district.
- Collaboration and Learning from Other Districts: DMInstitutes utilizes a cohort-based model. Districts attend as teams and meet other district teams. Participants have the opportunity to share ideas, collaborate, and form inter-district peer relationships.
