The Critical Role of the BLT

Aimee Mendelsohn Ed.S., M.Ed

School Improvement and Academic Specialist Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West amendelsohn@esclakeeriewest.org

● Clarify the roles, purpose, and responsibilities of the BLT.
● Discuss a fall 2022 Action Plan

Talk with your tablemates: What is the first and primary responsibility of the BLT?

The Purpose of the BLT

•	Nine states

•	43 school districts

•	180 schools

•		Data from a total of 8,391 teachers and 471 school administrators

The Purpose of the BLT

To Improve the Instructional Practices
and Performance of:

ADULTS

The Purpose of the BLT

Research consistently shows that supporting adult learning is directly and positively linked to enhancing children’s achievement.

Drago-Severson, 2009

The Big Question for the BLT…

What is the first and primary responsibility of the BLT?

To help support and strengthen the schools:

TBTs

What are the Responsibilities of the BLT?

Feedback to the TBTs

Support to the TBTs

Let’s Practice!

Data Visualization

Where are your TBTs Now?

What do your TBTs NEED?

Talk with your tablemates: What are TBTssupposed to be doing ?

Where are your TBTs?

1.	Unpacking standards to identify and agree on important learning outcomes.

2.	Developing and using shared Formative Assessments.

3.	Agreeing on a shared Instructional Practice.

TBT/BLT Communication

●BLT members were unclear on instructional practices in their TBTs.

•	BLTs need to know what practices TBTs are working on and are finding effective.

•	BLTs need to share effective practices across the school.

•	What teaching practices should they focus on?

TBT/BLT Communication

● Use of common forms and language
○ TBT/BLT 5-Step Process Meeting Agenda and Minutes Template ○ TBT/BLT Communication Log
○ TBT to BLT Protocol& Feedback
● Make a TBT/BLT Meeting calendar before school starts
● Make sharing and talking about data apart of the school culture ● As a BLT Monitor the data, but also act upon the data.

Model the Behavior You Want to See!!

Where are your BLTs Now?

What do your BLTs NEED?

Is Your BLT Making Progress?

Your BLT should be able to answer the BIG Inquiry Questions.

●Is your school making progress? ○ How do you know?
○ Do you know why?

Is Your BLT Making Progress?

If you are not making progress…

●How and When do you know? ● Do you know Why?

● Develop common forms, a language, and calendars for all BLT Members to use with their TBTs.
● Participate in common training with your BLT if needed.
● Collaboratively develop goals with your BLT. Monitor and revise as needed.