Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC Tue, 26 May 2026 07:20:29 -0700 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2593881 en-us © 2026 Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC yes bd1f319d-8a25-5518-8fee-ed25435670f6 mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us Matt Gilpin episodic false Follow Canyon Springs Community School as it works towards Model PLC status through conversations about new and ongoing Professional Learning Community (PLC) practices at the school with the teachers inside the classrooms. Get invested in the student growth and learn the systems and practices that are having the greatest impact on student learning at Canyon Springs. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Matt Gilpin mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us https://storage.buzzsprout.com/bewue7zbnxwyvwn8fafos29rxuv3?.jpg Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC Episode 15 - The Canyon Springs CAPS Team, Kami Sunde and Jesseca Tobin, talk Collaborative Site Leadership Episode 15 - The Canyon Springs CAPS Team, Kami Sunde and Jesseca Tobin, talk Collaborative Site Leadership On the 15th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join half of the Canyon Springs Guiding Coalition, or the CAPS Team, Kami Sunde and Jesseca Tobin, as they talk their collaborative leadership style, the difference in their teacher leadership approach today compared to two years ago, and what next steps they are excited to see at Canyon Springs.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Time For Change by Dr. Anthony Muhammed and Dr. Luis Cruz


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 15th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join half of the Canyon Springs Guiding Coalition, or the CAPS Team, Kami Sunde and Jesseca Tobin, as they talk their collaborative leadership style, the difference in their teacher leadership approach today compared to two years ago, and what next steps they are excited to see at Canyon Springs.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Time For Change by Dr. Anthony Muhammed and Dr. Luis Cruz


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19237486 Tue, 26 May 2026 02:00:00 -0700 3189 1 15 full false Episode 14 - The Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Professional Learning Team Talks Collectively Analyzing Assessment Data Episode 14 - The Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Professional Learning Team Talks Collectively Analyzing Assessment Data On the 14th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join the Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Professional Learning Team (Jackie Rivera and Elyssa Arroyo) as they talk through their work in collectively analyzing assessment data to define next instructional steps, improve assessment tasks to better match learning targets, and how making collective assessment steps prior to a unit of instruction is making them be better teachers. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Design in Five by Nicole Dimich

Literacy in a PLC @ Work by Paula Maeker and Jacqueline Heller


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 14th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join the Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Professional Learning Team (Jackie Rivera and Elyssa Arroyo) as they talk through their work in collectively analyzing assessment data to define next instructional steps, improve assessment tasks to better match learning targets, and how making collective assessment steps prior to a unit of instruction is making them be better teachers. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Design in Five by Nicole Dimich

Literacy in a PLC @ Work by Paula Maeker and Jacqueline Heller


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19193663 Mon, 18 May 2026 02:00:00 -0700 3106 full false Episode 13 - Carolyn Davenport talks Protecting Time for Targeting Essential Behaviors Episode 13 - Carolyn Davenport talks Protecting Time for Targeting Essential Behaviors On the 13th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Carolyn Davenport, a Canyon Springs 2nd Grade Teacher, member of the Logistics Leadership Team and undoubtedly our school's lead celebrator. Ms. Davenport explains her work in using the blend of adopted social emotional curricular tools to teach the essential academic and social behaviors, how agreed upon core values are changing the site's culture and student learning through direct and targeted behavior instruction, and how it can't happen without planned for and protected time.     

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Behavior Solutions by Jessica and John Hannigan

You Can Learn by Tim Brown and William Ferriter

]]> On the 13th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Carolyn Davenport, a Canyon Springs 2nd Grade Teacher, member of the Logistics Leadership Team and undoubtedly our school's lead celebrator. Ms. Davenport explains her work in using the blend of adopted social emotional curricular tools to teach the essential academic and social behaviors, how agreed upon core values are changing the site's culture and student learning through direct and targeted behavior instruction, and how it can't happen without planned for and protected time.     

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Behavior Solutions by Jessica and John Hannigan

You Can Learn by Tim Brown and William Ferriter

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19155658 Mon, 11 May 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2103 1 13 full false Episode 12 - Liza Tyra talks Being a Singleton, Multi-School Collaborative Teams and the PLTs for the 1% of Learners Episode 12 - Liza Tyra talks Being a Singleton, Multi-School Collaborative Teams and the PLTs for the 1% of Learners On the 12th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet LIza Tyra, a Canyon Springs Special Education Teacher in an Extensive Supports Needs classroom, and a member of our site Inclusion Team and Logistics Leadership Team. Ms. Tyra explains her work in leading a multi-school collaborative team with ESN teachers across different campuses in our district, then how she collaborates with specific service providers for the guaranteed and viable curriculum for each individual student in her classroom and why being a singleton teacher on a campus led her to look for alternative collaborative structures.     

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Multi-School Collaborative Teams by Jen Minor and Amy Moore

All Means All by Heather Frizielle, Julie A. Schmidt, & Jeanne Spiller

]]> On the 12th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet LIza Tyra, a Canyon Springs Special Education Teacher in an Extensive Supports Needs classroom, and a member of our site Inclusion Team and Logistics Leadership Team. Ms. Tyra explains her work in leading a multi-school collaborative team with ESN teachers across different campuses in our district, then how she collaborates with specific service providers for the guaranteed and viable curriculum for each individual student in her classroom and why being a singleton teacher on a campus led her to look for alternative collaborative structures.     

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Multi-School Collaborative Teams by Jen Minor and Amy Moore

All Means All by Heather Frizielle, Julie A. Schmidt, & Jeanne Spiller

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19118941 Mon, 04 May 2026 02:00:00 -0700 1891 1 12 full false Episode 11 - Paula Maeker (Part 2), Canyon Springs' PLC Coach talks School Turnaround Episode 11 - Paula Maeker (Part 2), Canyon Springs' PLC Coach talks School Turnaround On the 11th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week we finish the conversation with Paula Maeker, author, expect on school turnaround and Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, as she discusses adult accountability when working to improve student learning, who she turns to for PLC coaching and turns the tables on Canyon Springs by asking her own questions. This is Part 2 of a 2-part episode.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Literacy in a PLC by Paula Maeker


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 11th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week we finish the conversation with Paula Maeker, author, expect on school turnaround and Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, as she discusses adult accountability when working to improve student learning, who she turns to for PLC coaching and turns the tables on Canyon Springs by asking her own questions. This is Part 2 of a 2-part episode.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Literacy in a PLC by Paula Maeker


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19073346 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2736 1 11 full false Episode 10 - Paula Maeker (Part 1), Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, talks School Turnaround Episode 10 - Paula Maeker (Part 1), Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, talks School Turnaround On the 10th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week we finally meet Paula Maeker, author, expect on school turnaround and Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, as she discusses the start of her own PLC journey, why PLC Question 1 (What do we want all students to know?) is her "baby," and why teaching students to master the essential standards of their current grade level is actually the best preparation for success in future grade levels. This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Literacy in a PLC by Paula Maeker


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 10th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week we finally meet Paula Maeker, author, expect on school turnaround and Canyon Springs' PLC Coach, as she discusses the start of her own PLC journey, why PLC Question 1 (What do we want all students to know?) is her "baby," and why teaching students to master the essential standards of their current grade level is actually the best preparation for success in future grade levels. This is Part 1 of a 2-part episode.

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Literacy in a PLC by Paula Maeker


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19043732 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2509 1 10 full false Episode 9 - Jenna Oikawa, Principal of Golden Oak Community School, Talks the Power of Clarity in PLC Decision-Making Episode 9 - Jenna Oikawa, Principal of Golden Oak Community School, Talks the Power of Clarity in PLC Decision-Making On the 9th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Jenna Oikawa, principal of Golden Oak Community School, as she discusses the importance of clarity in decision-making, the process that she and the Golden Oak guiding coalition work through when planning next PLC action steps for their site, and how to challenge a very successful teaching staff to reach even greater heights.  

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

The Teacher Team Leader Handbook


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 9th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Jenna Oikawa, principal of Golden Oak Community School, as she discusses the importance of clarity in decision-making, the process that she and the Golden Oak guiding coalition work through when planning next PLC action steps for their site, and how to challenge a very successful teaching staff to reach even greater heights.  

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

The Teacher Team Leader Handbook


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-19005046 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2549 1 9 full false Episode 8 - The Canyon Springs 1st Grade Professional Learning Team Talks Collaboration Episode 8 - The Canyon Springs 1st Grade Professional Learning Team Talks Collaboration On the 8th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join the Canyon Springs 1st Grade Professional Learning Team (Elizabeth Gutierrez, Ashlyn Matheus and Jesseca Tobin) as they discuss the importance of regular, focused collaboration, the challenges and solutions to collaborating across 3 distinct classroom make-ups, and the student learning momentum built by trusting one another to build quicker collective responsibility. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Help Your Team


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us



]]> On the 8th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join the Canyon Springs 1st Grade Professional Learning Team (Elizabeth Gutierrez, Ashlyn Matheus and Jesseca Tobin) as they discuss the importance of regular, focused collaboration, the challenges and solutions to collaborating across 3 distinct classroom make-ups, and the student learning momentum built by trusting one another to build quicker collective responsibility. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Help Your Team


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us



]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18928342 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2326 1 8 full false Episode 7 - Mallory Langley on the Importance of Tier 1 Essential Behavior Instruction Episode 7 - Mallory Langley on the Importance of Tier 1 Essential Behavior Instruction On the 7th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Mallory Langley, a Canyon Springs 6th Grade Teacher, and a lead member of our Logistics Leadership Team. Ms. Langley explains the importance of direct instruction in the deemed Essential Behaviors, both academic and social. She outlines her role in being the loudest voice of this process for Canyon Springs and what sees as our site's next steps in a tiered instructional approach to behavior and how we can link it to our deeper understanding of the academic tiers.    

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Behavior Solutions by Drs. Jessica and John Hannigan

Behavior Academis by Drs. Jessica and John Hannigan

(Sample) Canyon Springs BEARS Behavior Posters

(Sample) Canyon Springs Tier 1 Essential Behaviors School News Network Video

]]> On the 7th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Mallory Langley, a Canyon Springs 6th Grade Teacher, and a lead member of our Logistics Leadership Team. Ms. Langley explains the importance of direct instruction in the deemed Essential Behaviors, both academic and social. She outlines her role in being the loudest voice of this process for Canyon Springs and what sees as our site's next steps in a tiered instructional approach to behavior and how we can link it to our deeper understanding of the academic tiers.    

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Behavior Solutions by Drs. Jessica and John Hannigan

Behavior Academis by Drs. Jessica and John Hannigan

(Sample) Canyon Springs BEARS Behavior Posters

(Sample) Canyon Springs Tier 1 Essential Behaviors School News Network Video

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18890446 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2271 1 7 full false Episode 6 - Kami Sunde on the Guiding Coalition and the Changing Role of School Site Leadership Episode 6 - Kami Sunde on the Guiding Coalition and the Changing Role of School Site Leadership On the 6th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Kami Sunde, a Canyon Springs 6th Grade Teacher, and the 4th member of the Guiding Coalition to join the podcast. Ms. Sunde talks the evolving roles of school site leadership, what it means to serve on the Guiding Coalition as a lead learner, and the different strategies that she has used to build capacity across and within the professional educators at Canyon Springs.  

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Heart by Tim Kanold

(Sample) Canyon Springs PLC Newsletters 


]]> On the 6th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Kami Sunde, a Canyon Springs 6th Grade Teacher, and the 4th member of the Guiding Coalition to join the podcast. Ms. Sunde talks the evolving roles of school site leadership, what it means to serve on the Guiding Coalition as a lead learner, and the different strategies that she has used to build capacity across and within the professional educators at Canyon Springs.  

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Heart by Tim Kanold

(Sample) Canyon Springs PLC Newsletters 


]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18852197 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2414 1 6 full false Episode 5 - Heather Friziellie, author of All Means All, on location at the Yes We Can workshop Episode 5 - Heather Friziellie, author of All Means All, on location at the Yes We Can workshop On the 5th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join Canyon Springs on location at the Yes We Can workshop in Pasadena, California as we meet Heather Friziellie, co-author of Yes We Can and All Means All, Solution Tree presenter at the Yes We Can workshops, along with other events, and the current superintendent of Fox Lake District 114. Listen as Canyon Springs better learns how to plan for learning by ALL students within the PLC process and the collaboration practices between general and special education teachers that have the most impact on student learning. 

References:

Yes We Can

ALL Means ALL

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 5th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, join Canyon Springs on location at the Yes We Can workshop in Pasadena, California as we meet Heather Friziellie, co-author of Yes We Can and All Means All, Solution Tree presenter at the Yes We Can workshops, along with other events, and the current superintendent of Fox Lake District 114. Listen as Canyon Springs better learns how to plan for learning by ALL students within the PLC process and the collaboration practices between general and special education teachers that have the most impact on student learning. 

References:

Yes We Can

ALL Means ALL

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18813330 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:00:00 -0700 2427 1 5 full false Episode 4 - Cindy Pilar from the California Principals Support Network (CAPS) Episode 4 - Cindy Pilar from the California Principals Support Network (CAPS) On the 4th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Cindy Pilar, Founder and Executive Director of the California Principals Support Network (CAPS), as she teaches us all about the importance of job-embedded professional development for teachers, the power of teacher leaders and the guiding coalition and her direct impact on student learning at Canyon Springs. 

More Information Regarding CAPS

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> On the 4th episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Cindy Pilar, Founder and Executive Director of the California Principals Support Network (CAPS), as she teaches us all about the importance of job-embedded professional development for teachers, the power of teacher leaders and the guiding coalition and her direct impact on student learning at Canyon Springs. 

More Information Regarding CAPS

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing


For more information on or about this podcast, contact Matt Gilpin:

mgilpin@sssd.k12.ca.us

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18764145 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0800 2626 1 4 full false Episode 3 - Jesseca Tobin & Gaining Clarity Through Defining Essential Learning Episode 3 - Jesseca Tobin & Gaining Clarity Through Defining Essential Learning On the 3rd episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Jesseca Tobin, a Canyon Springs primary teacher, and member of the Guiding Coalition, as she teaches us the importance of knowing the end in mind, how "clarity precedes competence, and how truly understanding exactly what it is that students must learn (the Essential Standards) actually make teaching easier. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Simplifying the Journey by Bob Sonju

(Sample) Canyon Springs First Grade ELA Annual Budget

(Sample) Canyon Springs First Grade Bossy R Learning Ladder/Map

]]> On the 3rd episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Jesseca Tobin, a Canyon Springs primary teacher, and member of the Guiding Coalition, as she teaches us the importance of knowing the end in mind, how "clarity precedes competence, and how truly understanding exactly what it is that students must learn (the Essential Standards) actually make teaching easier. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Simplifying the Journey by Bob Sonju

(Sample) Canyon Springs First Grade ELA Annual Budget

(Sample) Canyon Springs First Grade Bossy R Learning Ladder/Map

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18751063 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0800 2326 1 3 full false Episode 2 - Lynette Vermeulen & Tier 3 Math Episode 2 - Lynette Vermeulen & Tier 3 Math On the 2nd episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Lynette Vermeulen, the Canyon Springs Math TOSA, and member of the Guiding Coalition, as she teaches us all about how she learned to better target Tier 3 math interventions to be more skills based, how she is fostering student investment and what it really means to be a Mathematician in Training (MIT). 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Taking Action

]]> On the 2nd episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, listen in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. This week, meet Lynette Vermeulen, the Canyon Springs Math TOSA, and member of the Guiding Coalition, as she teaches us all about how she learned to better target Tier 3 math interventions to be more skills based, how she is fostering student investment and what it really means to be a Mathematician in Training (MIT). 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Learning by Doing

Taking Action

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18671783 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0800 1567 1 2 full false Episode 1 - Elyssa Arroyo Talks Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) Episode 1 - Elyssa Arroyo Talks Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) On this initial episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, join in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. Learn the background story on why Canyon Springs turned to the PLC @ Work and RTI @ Work process for school turnaround and get to meet Elyssa Arroyo, 3rd grade teacher and member of the Canyon Springs Guiding Coalition. Learn from Ms. Arroyo as she talks through her Professional Learning Team's work on building common assessments and how it is driving their targeted instruction. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Design in Five by Nicole Dimich

Learning by Doing: 4th Edition

Sample Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Assessment

]]> On this initial episode of Canyon Springs: From Promising Practices to Model PLC, join in on the PLC journey with Canyon Springs as we work to be further recognized as a Solution Tree National Model PLC school. Learn the background story on why Canyon Springs turned to the PLC @ Work and RTI @ Work process for school turnaround and get to meet Elyssa Arroyo, 3rd grade teacher and member of the Canyon Springs Guiding Coalition. Learn from Ms. Arroyo as she talks through her Professional Learning Team's work on building common assessments and how it is driving their targeted instruction. 

References:

PLC 4 Questions Flowchart - W. Richard Smith

Design in Five by Nicole Dimich

Learning by Doing: 4th Edition

Sample Canyon Springs 3rd Grade Assessment

]]> Matt Gilpin Buzzsprout-18638193 Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0800 1549 1 1 full false