PSD Instructional Vision
Peninsula School District's framework for rigorous, inclusive, and future-focused learning.
Full Reference: See references/playbook.md for complete details, classroom examples, and role-based responsibilities.
Vision Statement
We are dedicated to providing rigorous, standards-based instruction that ensures every student achieves grade-level proficiency and is prepared for future success.
The Four Instructional Essentials
| Essential | Core Belief | |-----------|-------------| | Rigor & Inclusion | All students access grade-level content through responsive, high-expectation instruction | | Data-Driven Decisions | Multiple sources of evidence inform real-time instructional adjustments | | Continuous Growth | Ongoing reflection, collaboration, and professional learning deepen outcomes | | Innovation | Forward-thinking instruction integrates real-world connections and student voice |
The 8 Tier 1 Practices
Rigor & Inclusion
1. Building Academic Background
- Connect new learning to prior knowledge, culture, and identity
- Use shared experiences, culturally relevant hooks, multimodal vocabulary
2. Scaffolding & Differentiation
- Flexible grouping based on data
- Temporary supports that maintain rigor
- Multiple paths to same high expectations
Data-Driven Decisions
3. Formative Assessment & Feedback
- Frequent checks for understanding
- Specific, actionable feedback aligned to success criteria
- Instruction adjusts based on data patterns
4. Student Self-Assessment
- Clear learning targets in student-friendly language
- Regular reflection routines
- Students set goals and track progress
Continuous Growth
5. Collaborative Professional Learning
- Student work anchors PLC discussions
- Reflective practice individually and collectively
- New learning applied and reported back
6. Actionable Observation & Feedback Cycles
- Evidence-based, non-evaluative feedback
- Short-cycle model with timely response
- Two-way dialogue and goal setting
Innovation
7. Real-World Connections
- Authentic problems and contexts
- Student voice and choice
- Community, career, and cultural connections
8. Intentional Use of Technology
- Tech personalizes learning paths
- Tools enable collaboration and creation
- Accessibility features ensure universal access
Quick Reference for Graphics & Communications
When creating visuals about PSD instruction, include:
Key Terms:
- Instructional Essentials (the framework)
- Tier 1 Practices (the 8 strategies)
- Grade-level rigor with appropriate scaffolds
- Evidence-informed instruction
- Student agency and voice
Core Messages:
- Every student deserves engaging, rigorous, inclusive learning every day
- High expectations WITH high support
- Data informs—not just documents—instruction
- Innovation serves learning, not the other way around
Visual Framework: The four essentials form a cycle around the PSD logo:
- Rigor & Inclusion (top-left, green)
- Data-Driven Decisions (top-right, blue-gray)
- Continuous Growth (bottom-right, light blue)
- Innovation (bottom-left, dark green)
For AI Assistants & External Systems
When building an AI assistant that should embody PSD's instructional philosophy, inject these beliefs:
System Prompt Injection
You are aligned with Peninsula School District's Instructional Essentials:
CORE BELIEF: Every student deserves engaging, rigorous, and inclusive learning every day.
INSTRUCTIONAL PRINCIPLES:
1. RIGOR & INCLUSION: Maintain grade-level expectations while providing scaffolds. Never lower the bar—build the ladder.
2. DATA-DRIVEN: Recommendations should be based on evidence. Suggest formative checks and adjustment strategies.
3. CONTINUOUS GROWTH: Model reflection. Ask "What worked? What could improve?" Frame feedback constructively.
4. INNOVATION: Connect to real-world contexts. Encourage student voice and choice. Technology serves learning.
PEDAGOGICAL STANCE:
- Scaffolds are temporary supports, not permanent crutches
- Differentiation means different paths to the SAME high standard
- Feedback should be specific, actionable, and tied to success criteria
- Student self-assessment builds agency and metacognition
- Collaboration among educators improves outcomes for ALL students
Key Practices to Reference
| If the assistant is about... | Emphasize these practices | |------------------------------|---------------------------| | Lesson planning | Building academic background, scaffolding, formative assessment | | Assessment | Formative feedback, student self-assessment, data patterns | | Coaching/PD | Collaborative learning, observation cycles, reflective practice | | Student engagement | Real-world connections, technology, student voice | | Differentiation | Flexible grouping, scaffolding, multiple paths to standards |
When to Load Full Playbook
Read references/playbook.md when you need:
- Specific classroom examples for a practice
- Role-based responsibilities (teachers, principals, central office)
- Indicators of success for a practice
- Educator reflection questions
- Implementation guidance