Leading and Learning

The Educational Service Center of the Western Reserve (ESCWR), Lake Geauga Computer Association, and the State Support Team of Region 4 (SST4) provides high-quality, personalized services to inspire and support student growth and staff development to educational communities in our region and across Ohio. The ESCWR supports educators of all experience levels, from new educators to aspiring instructional leaders, as they effectively bring their expertise to the classroom. Consultants coach educators using organizational principles designed to help all students learn, while also allowing for individual variations based on student learning. Understanding that classroom instruction should be tied to Ohio's Learning Standards, Ohio's Academic Content Standards - Extended guides all curriculum work, including shaping approaches to teaching and learning strategies that help students learn the curriculum and develop independent learning skills.

Gifted Services

For member districts, the ESC of the Western Reserve provides leadership, consultation, and support for the design, implementation, evaluation, and coordination of district gifted and talented services and programs through a Gifted Coordinator. Our mission is to promote and support districts in providing a continuum of high-quality services for gifted and talented students throughout their K-12 educational experience.

WE WILL PROVIDE THIS SUPPORT THROUGH THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES:

Review and revision of policy and procedures for gifted identification and service
Program development and service options based on district-gifted population and need
Collaboration with school staff concerning student acceleration and testing procedures
Assistance with EMIS data reporting and Gifted Self-Reports for ODE
Provide curriculum support to teachers through best practices for gifted learners, including strategies to differentiate instruction
Facilitate professional development that addresses the unique needs of the district
Serve as liaison between the state and the school district in regard to policies and legislation
Conduct program evaluation and needs analysis for instructional planning
Assistance with the development of Written Education Plans for gifted students
Communicate to teachers, parents, and administration the needs and rights of gifted students
Consult with teachers, parents, and administration about gifted education

For more information contact Alison Ciferno, Gifted Coordinator at [email protected].

Literacy/ ELA Consulting Services

The ELA/Literacy team of the ESCWR supports high-quality literacy development for students, educators, and leaders in the region. Literacy consultants are available to plan and facilitate professional development, training, curriculum/materials review and selection, intervention planning, and MTSS implementation. ESCWR literacy consultants are able to lead professional book studies, District and teacher-based team meetings, and data collection and review work, such as The Reading Tiered Fidelity Inventory. The ELA/Literacy coaches offer monthly professional learning networks that allow area educators to learn from experts from across the region. The ESCWR ELA/Literacy consultants are highly trained in structured literacy and prepared to support districts as they meet the needs of all readers and fulfill the requirements of Ohio’s dyslexia support laws. Consultation, coaching, instructional modeling, and document and template creation are also available. Support for any and all ELA/literacy needs can be customized and delivered virtually, onsite, or in our facility.

For more information contact Dr. Beth Walsh-Moorman, Literacy Consultant, at [email protected] or Dr. Kelly Moran, Director of Instructional Programs, at [email protected].

Math Consulting Services

The ESC of the Western Reserve offers a wide range of math support for district needs in the region. ESCWR math consultants are able to provide one-on-one and group coaching, planning, and facilitation of professional development to implement standards and research-based instructional practices, intervention planning, and curriculum/materials review and selection. Highly trained math consultants are able to support district leaders with state initiatives, such as the High School Math Pathways, Algebra II Equivalent Courses, and High-Quality Instructional Materials. Math consultants host a monthly virtual Professional Development opportunity, and six in-person Professional Learning Network events in collaboration with other regional ESCs, and can customize support for any math needs.

For more information contact Mr. Frank Carraher, Math Coach, at [email protected].

Personalized Learning Services

The Ohio Personalized Learning Network supports educators in preparing each child for future success through the implementation and expansion of personalized learning practices. The Personalized Learning Specialist at the ESCWR works with other personalized learning specialists and KnowledgeWorks to connect educators, schools, and districts to a continuum of grant-funded professional learning supports focused on helping local communities expand systems and approaches that center the individual needs of every learner. These supports include but are not limited to, participation in cohorts, online learning modules, in-person on-site professional development, meeting facilitation, coaching, collaborative planning, and consulting.

For more information contact Mr. Jake Miller, Personalized Learning Specialist, at [email protected].

Resident Educator Summative Assessment

How can I be a better educator tomorrow than I was today?

The Ohio Resident Educator Program is a two-year initiative developed to assist beginning teachers with mentoring and professional development as they begin their educational careers. Its goal is to improve teacher retention and enhance teacher quality which will result in improved student achievement. The ESCWR offers a series of professional development sessions for the Resident Educator designed to support beginning teachers with opportunities to practice, refine and gain a deeper understanding of the art and science of teaching in a professional learning community.

For more information contact Mrs. Mary Balmford, Project Administrator, at [email protected].