Starfall

 STARFALL

An environment "Where Children Have Fun Learning to Read" - Dr. Stephen Schutz (Creator)

Teacher Autonomy

 Teacher Autonomy

        Teacher Autonomy refers to the ability of teachers to formulate their own curriculum, instruction and assessment tools. In Barbados this is seen in minute ways, teachers formulate their own assessment tools and instruction in schools. However, government policy dictates that they teach a set curriculum and at the end of primary and secondary school, students take standardized tests. Having full autonomy allows teachers to deliver meaningful instruction to each student in their classes with their different learning styles and needs. 

Data Collection

 Data Collection

        The assessments mentioned before are used to compile data specific to the school. This data is then analysed to ascertain what works and what does not. This leads to constant evaluation of the community by the stakeholders to ensure the necessary changes are made to benefit the students. 

Collaboration

 Collaboration

     Through a culture of collaboration and collaborative teaching, teacher share ideas and resources to ensure “their children” receive the best. Students are not viewed as students from a teacher’s class, but they are all the students of every teacher (Darnell, 2017). 

Reflection

Reflection

        Reflection causes teachers to act deliberately and not haphazardly. Instruction should be well planned and tailored to the students learning styles in the class (Dewey, 1933). A key feature of a PLC is that teachers start with the assessment tool, then formulate instruction based on how and what students are to learn to succeed, then the curriculum is designed.