Bridging Project

The foundation of The Bridging Project is research. Nationally, we have drawn on many studies that provide evidence of best practice in school improvement. Locally, we rely heavily on the research done at UVM by Marge Lipson, Jim Mosenthal, Jane Mekkelsen, and Barb Russ (2001). Their data indicates that regardless of demographics and instructional materials, successful schools have the following factors:

• Knowledgeable and expert teachers in literacy
• A community of educators that are engaged in professional discussions with each other.
• A committed and stable administration that supports a shared vision and goal for literacy.
• Students have extensive opportunities to read.

Participating schools join us in the research as well. The Bridging Project collects data from schools to understand the processes and systems they have which support improvement. This information is shared amongst the participating schools.  In the last few years, the Bridging Project identified the following as critical factors that support best practice:

• A strong assessment system
• An articulated framework of support for struggling readers

Schools that participate in the Bridging Project receive a number of services from the project’s Literacy Consultants. These include:

• Guided self assessment to identify literacy-related strengths and needs present at the school
• Assistance in analysis and use of self-assessment data, reviewing related research and determining next steps
• Intensive support during weekly visits. This will include but is not limited to:
  • Frequent and regular professional development sessions on research-based practices
  • In-classroom coaching
  • Assessment planning for instructional purposes
  • Consultation regarding action planning and literacy decision-making
  • Support in addressing the Vermont Grade Level Expectations and the Common Core Standards
• Collaboration with VRI to:
  • Develop capacity for sustained improvement over time
  • Needs-based action planning in the area of literacy

Participating Schools in 2011-2012 School Year are:
Barre Town, Bridport Elementary School, Mary Hogan Elementary School, Waits River School, Shoreham Elementary School, Eden Elementary School, Randolph Elementary School, Braintree Elementary School, Brookfield Elementary School, Lyndon Town School