Critical Skills Institutes

Critical Skills Institutes | Level I | Level II | Level III

Institute participants exploring strategies to help develop a collaborative classroom environment. A Critical Skills Institute is truly an immersion into a Critical Skills Classroom. Under the guidance and leadership of Master Teachers, participating educators experience all dimensions of the model firsthand.

In the Institutes, educators explore problem-based, experiential, collaborative, and standards-driven learning. Over five days, they examine how these methodologies can be successfully integrated, focusing on the role of the teacher in designing curriculum, guiding students, and assessing performance. Participants develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to build and maintain a dynamic and responsive classroom.

Critical Skills Institutes are offered in three ways: on-site during the summer, on-site during the school year, and on an individual basis during open enrollment workshops held in July at our Keene, New Hampshire Campus. On-site Level I and 2 Institutes are typically arranged by a single school or district and are supported through the year through external coaching by our master teachers and the internal support of professional learning communities, Critical Friends Groups, or on-site study groups. We also offer Level I and 2 Institutes during the school year, utilizing the existing in-service days scheduled by the district or school and supported by additional coaching between sessions. Finally, individual educators are welcome to enroll in our Keene Level I and 2 Institutes as either a first foray into the model or as a way of "catching up" with colleagues in already implementing schools. Visit our events page for more information or to register.

What Past Participants Had to Say:

“Overall, this was fantastic! I learned so much.”
“Wonderful, enthusiastic engaging instructors.”
“This institute taught me how to incorporate the skills of the Critical Skills classroom into my own classroom. ”
“I appreciated the way you were able to build community immediately- first day- was astounding and inspirational. I've learned a tremendous amount about how to use this model in my classroom. I'm forever indebted to you.”
“A terrific marriage of content and experience!”
“Loved it! I feel as though my kids will love it and really bring out the mystery wonder and discovery in science!”
“I liked how they modeled the model through our activities. I learned so much in such a short time!”
“I feel ready to do this.”

Last Updated: 7/27/09