Phase 1 

Phase 1: Fundamentals lays the foundation for a strong, collaborative co-teaching team. Partners exchange beliefs associated with teaching and learning, create a vision for success, set team goals, and determine the logistics of shared classroom responsibilities. Teachers also learn a variety of co-teaching models (instructional formats). Finally, partnerships explore and implement the Team-Based Cycle of Instruction, a systematic process for lesson planning designed for maximum student engagement and a fundamental component of a Boundless Learning classroom. Tools, protocols, techniques and ideas introduced during Phase 1 include: 

• The 6 Co-Teaching Models (Instructional Formats)
• The Boundless Learning High-Performance Teaming Principles
• The UNITED Protocol
• The Logistics Plan
• The six stages of the Team Based Cycle of Instruction (TBCI)

Co-Teaching Competencies

The Boundless Learning Program is designed to build competency in a range of knowledge and practices. The following competencies are presented during Phase 1 through a combination of the Kick-Off workshop, OLEs, online resources, and meetings with the administrator/facilitator or state coach. These competencies are assessed during the Phase 1 Performance Rating (see below).

I. Employ High Performance Teaming Principles routinely within the co-teaching partnership.

II. Use the UNITED Protocol to establish a high performing co-teaching team.

III. Understand the purpose and key elements of each stage of the Team-Based Cycle of Instruction (TBCI).

IV. Identify clear roles and responsibilities for co-teachers within each stage of the TBCI.

V. Implement the TBCI on a routine basis.

VI. Apply primary co-teaching models (instructional formats) effectively within the TBCI.

VII. Access information and resources from the Electronic Learning Community (ELC). Participate in online discussion and complete online requirements of the program.

For a complete list of the Boundless Learning Co-Teaching Competencies click here.

Online Learning Events (OLEs) and PD Boosters

OLE F1: Building Foundations for 21st Century Co-Teaching

This OLE establishes the foundation for a successful high performing co-teaching team. Teachers examine and assimilate the six High Performance Teaming Principles and complete the UNITED Protocol, a process for identifying a shared vision and mission, team goals, and values. As part of the UNITED process, teachers complete the Logistics Plan, a comprehensive outline of roles and responsibilities in the classroom.

OLE F2: Team-Based Cycle of Instruction (Part 1): Key Elements and Shared Roles

This OLE introduces the six-stage Team-Based Cycle of Instruction (TBCI), a systematic approach to lesson-planning focused on active engagement of teachers and students throughout the learning process. Teachers gain an in-depth understanding of first two stages, SET-Up and Presentation, and collaborate to identify roles and responsibilities within these stages, using the TBCI Role Protocol.

OLE F3: Implementing the Team-Based Cycle of Instruction (Part 2) to Promote Student Engagement

In this OLE teachers continue to deepen their understanding of the TBCI, focusing on the final four stages: Learning Together, Just for Me, Assessment, and WRAP-Up. Teams examine various strategies for teaching and supporting student partnerships, groups, and individuals, and learn how the co-teaching models align with various stages of the TBCI. Finally, partners work together to finalize their TBCI Role Protocol, and determine roles and responsibilities for all six stages of the cycle of instruction. 

Each OLE is followed by a corresponding PD Booster which prepares teachers to transfer new knowledge and skills into classroom practice. PD Boosters offer specific, helpful tips for program implementation as well as additional resources to extend learning in the area of the OLE.

Performance Rating

After completion of the Phase 1 OLEs (F1, F2 and F3) an administrator/facilitator conducts the Phase 1 Performance Rating for each co-teaching team. The Performance Rating addresses the Boundless Learning Co-Teaching competencies and assesses the team through a three-step rating process. After completing all three steps of the Performance Rating, the administrator/facilitator tallies the three subtotals to determine a final rating for each team. The three-step process is described below:

Step 1:  Online Performance
Co-teachers are provided a rating based on their completion of the required activities in OLEs F1, F2, and F3. Completion of activities is determined based on a report provided by JHU/CTE at the end of each OLE. Online activities for each OLE include:

• Completion of the OLE team products:
  • UNITED/Logistics Plan
  • TBCI Role Protocol Part 1
  • TBCI Role Protocol Part 2
• Participation in online discussions.
• Completion of OLE assessments.
• Completion of all activities within the OLE begin and end dates.

Step 2:  Fidelity of Implementation of the TBCI
Co-teachers are provided a rating based on their implementation of the Team-Based Cycle of Instruction during a lesson observation. Implementation is assessed using the the TBCI Look Fors.

Step 3:  Discussion of Application of Boundless Learning Principles, Protocols and Tools

Co-teachers are provided a rating based on their application of principles, protocols, and tools during a discussion that is scheduled after the Fidelity of Implementation lesson observation. During this meeting co-teachers reflect on TBCI implementation and discuss demonstration of the BLCT competencies.

• TBCI Reflection: Teachers answer questions about what went well and what they would like to change about the lesson, and discuss any areas where they would like support. Administrators provide constructive feedback verbally and in writing. This section is not rated.​
• Demonstration of Competencies: The co-teaching team reflects on the content of the OLEs and shares how they are integrating the new tools (Logistics Plan, TBCI Role Protocol, etc.) into their daily, weekly, or monthly practice. Each competency in this section is rated using the H-O-T scale and totaled to determine the performance rating for your team’s application of the principles.

The three-step Performance Rating for Phase 1 is recorded on the form below.

TBCI Form for Walk-Throughs and Self-Assessment

During informal Walk-Throughs, your administrator/facililator will use the form below to provide feedback. You are also encouraged to use this form to self-assess your implementation of the Team-Based Cycle of Instruction as a co-teaching team on a regular basis. You can use this form to target areas of improvement and identify areas of strength.