Getting Started with SharpReading ONLiNE - DSI and CSI   This training programme has been designed with busy teachers in mind. We are very conscious of the traditional PD model which has in the past relied on a 1 day dump of information with very little follow-up and therefore a weak trickle down into actual classroom practice.   Can I do this training on my own? We have gone for small bite-sized chunks of learning which are easy to absorb and put into practice (modelling of what is expected is presented in 5 minute video clips) and when the teacher is ready for the next step they move ahead; at-your-own-pace learning. This is perfect for the motivated individual who has hunted out the programme and wants to upskill themselves.   I want to introduce this training in my school. Where a school or syndicate is taking the training on board there will usually be a range of commitment from enthusiastic to the very reluctant ... 'I need to be convinced', We recommend appointing a CSI Coordinator and building accountability into the training. This involves committing the staff to a weekly DSI or CSI meeting. Each stage (or module) involves 5 or 6 weekly tutorials which are emailed to teachers at the same time each week. Each tutorial involves a teaching step which is modelled on video and the teacher is expected to spend time implementing that in their classroom. What sort of time commitment is involved? This is not onerous. For example the first two weeks of CSI Stage 3 (the starting point for CSI) requires only 10 minutes of whole class teaching each day. At the weekly meeting, time is spent discussing successes, problem solving any issues that may have arisen, and looking at the next tutorial (viewing the video clip). This can be done in 30 minutes. Sticking to this pattern is very important for the first stage to ensure that the teaching routines are properly established. After the first 5 weeks we recommend consolidating the new learning in the classroom until fluency has been established (for teachers and students) and that is your first term of training. There are some milestones built into the training which help the coordinator and the teachers determine whether they are ready to move on to the next stage.   How do I get everyone started? You need to set aside some time for a start-up session to roll out the programme for everyone. We suggest 1 to 2 hours to allow plenty of time for discussion. We have some introductory video clips which take you through the background theory and outline the big picture. You can then work through the first tutorial together (written and video) and everyone is ready to start teaching on the next day!! It is a good idea to make a start at the beginning of a new term or where there is a clear block of time (at least 5 weeks) so that momentum is maintained. We are always available via email and skype to support the coordinator and any staff who have queries. We are also looking for opportunities to develop observations via video recordings or live on skype so that we can give feedback and be more actively involved in the training. That of course is entirely up to you.   Can you do the Start-Up for us? In New Zealand - certainly. We love the face-to-face contact with schools and sometimes it helps to have 'the expert' there to kick things off. It will depend of course where you are located. We work out of Christchurch so travel to the main centres in NZ is usually not too expensive if planned well in advance. Our workshop fee is $100 NZ + GST per hour and a start-up workshop can be planned from a minimum of 2 hours to 2 days. Inviting neighbouring schools can reduce your costs. There is an addition per head cost for workshop attendance over 20.  In Australia - contact us and we will arrange something for you. Is this a whole school programme? Can I involve everyone?   DSI (Decoding Strategy Instruction) is perfect for Years 0-2. By the end of Year 2 you will have students who are ready for CSI. Tears 3-8 are generally the time to focus on Stages 3-6 of CSI buit every class will probably have a group of children who still need support with decoding strategies, so all the stages of SharpReading have applicability throughout the school. Is this programme going to deliver? Here are some comments from a school we visited recently. They have been on the programme for 2 terms. DSI Stages 1-2 (Decoding Strategy Instruction) "This has been so helpful. Now I understand where all the bits I have been teaching fit in" (Beginning teacher Year 2) "I have been doing shared book for years and never really clarified in my own head what the purpose was. Now I use my whole class shared book time for teaching strategies and the group guided reading is for guided practice. Little things like that are making such a difference." (Year 2-3 teacher) CSI Stages 3-5 (Comprehension Strategy Instruction) “This morning my class sat an easttle reading assessment. I prompted them to use their ITTMs (in their heads) to ensure they were really processing the text. Most of the students have gone up at least two sub-levels since February!!! In fact, one student improved from level 2A to level 4P!! That is amazing.” (Year 7 teacher)