• Professional Learning

    Through a blend of theory and practical application, LSI empowers educators to implement state standards effectively in their classrooms.

Professional Learning: Integrating Across Content Areas

The Learning Systems Institute (LSI) offers a diverse array of professional learning experiences that are grounded in cutting-edge research and designed to foster innovative teaching practices. Through a blend of theory and practical application, LSI empowers educators to implement state standards effectively in their classrooms. By integrating contemporary pedagogical methodologies with hands-on workshops, LSI ensures that teachers are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to enhance student learning and achievement. This holistic approach not only supports the continuous professional growth of educators but also enriches the educational experiences of students across various disciplines.  Some learning experiences include InSPIRE,  FCR-STEMLearn, STEM Integration, financial literacy, civics integration, career and technical education, and coding.

A unique aspect of some LSI professional learning workshops is the opportunity for teachers to become published lesson plan authors. Throughout workshops, teachers work collaboratively to develop, refine, and write high-quality lesson plans. These lesson plans are then vetted by FSU faculty to ensure they meet the state standards and pedagogical best practices before being published on CPALMS.org.

Civics Integration Professional Learning

LSI offered a professional learning experience that enhanced civics education and was designed to integrate civics across multiple content areas. It was a unique experience that increased teacher content knowledge as they visited the Florida Supreme Court, the historic State Capitol building, the Florida House of Representatives, and the State Senate. The teachers also took a tour from Cascades Park to Wakulla Springs to learn about water management and civic duty.

Through these programs, educators learned to effectively integrate civics into coding, STEM, fine arts, social studies and English Language Arts (ELA) instruction, ensuring lessons were meaningful, standards-aligned, and engaging for students. Teachers left equipped with innovative strategies and had the chance to write lessons that were published on CPALMS.org after going through a rigorous review process.

LSI offered professional learning opportunities that encouraged K-12 teachers to integrate computer science and civics. These workshops were focused on using block-coding platforms like Scratch. Teachers learned how to merge computational thinking with civic themes, helping students understand their role in society through the lens of problem-solving, creating simulations and programming.

During integrated civics workshops, LSI showed educators how to link civics and STEM by highlighting how these two topics are intertwined. For K-12 fine and performing arts teachers, the professional learning emphasized the integration of civic education with arts creating integrated lessons. Social studies teachers used civics topics to connect all areas of social studies to see how civics impacts our lives every day.  In English Language Arts, civics integration provided an opportunity for students to analyze texts critically and discuss civic themes. LSI provided ELA teachers with support to develop integrated text units from the state's recommended civics reading list, enhancing understanding of democracy, rights, and responsibilities, and offering new resources for Florida teachers. 
 

TESTIMONIALS

"Overall, the experience was wonderful. The training is exceptional. The integration and the technology use are phenomenal. The help provided is wonderful." – Adam Bagby, St. Augustine. 

 

"As soon as we got here everyone was so welcoming and so comfortable. They were like 'Don't worry if you don't know it, we'll help you'.It's been a wealth of knowledge." – Rebecca Tanner, Miami-Dade

 

Career and Technical (CTE ) Professional Learning

One unique professional development workshop focused on the integration of Career and Technical (CTE) subject areas with other content areas including increasing literacy strategies for CTE teachers. This experience provided educators with research-based pedagogical strategies designed to enhance CTE instruction thus preparing students for the workforce through grappling with authentic case study scenarios.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities, including brainstorming sessions, case study research, and lesson plan development. Emphasis was placed on effective vocabulary instruction, active reading strategies, and the creation of engaging case studies that mirror real-life situations. Teachers were guided through the process of writing, peer reviewing, and refining their case studies and lesson plans, ensuring they were aligned with CTE and general education course benchmarks and standards.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of integrating literacy into CTE courses. Teachers explored various text types and skill types such as close reading, summarizing, and inferencing, which are essential for student success across disciplines. By incorporating these strategies, educators can foster independent reading and critical thinking skills, thereby better preparing students for future workforce challenges and opportunities.

Through collaborative sessions and expert-led discussions, teachers left equipped with the tools and knowledge to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences that connect classroom concepts with real-world applications. Notably, these resources are featured on cpalms.org for all K-12 public school teachers in Florida, ensuring accessibility and widespread impact.

Its direct success can be seen in CTE classrooms including Francisco Saravia’s in Broward County. Upon implementing this new pedagogical strategy and lesson plan is was reported, “It went great!...I told them that this could be a ‘world premiere’ and that this was the first time I ever did this lesson and I asked for feedback. One of the students told me: I give you an A.”  

Success was also found across higher education institutions, “The CPALMS staff at Florida State University was so helpful and knowledgeable; they walked me through the process to get it published and available for instructor use.” -Ska’kia Riggins Polk State College Program Director, Computer Systems and Business Analysis

"It has been great. I love the collaboration with all of our peers and the instructors that are helping us." – Franco Saravia, Broward County.