Collaborators
The USI Network has engaged numerous collaborators – consultants, organizations, and colleagues – who have enabled us to provide targeted supports to schools, as well as have provided us with the critical feedback needed to improve our work. We are grateful for the support that we have received from our esteemed collaborators.
Center for Elementary Math and Science Education (cemse.uchicago.edu)
The Center for Elementary Mathematics and Science Education, based in the Physical Sciences Division at the University of Chicago, supports high-quality math and science instruction through tool development, direct services to districts and schools, and research and evaluation. Many USI Network schools use */Everyday Mathematics/*™, a research-based PK-6 mathematics curriculum that was developed at CEMSE. Our CEMSE colleagues provide “just-in-time” consultation, professional development, and coaching supports to support /Everyday Mathematicsimplementation, as well as math and science teaching and learning more generally, in USI Network schools. Teachers and administrators in USINetwork schools are also invited to participate in other CEMSE programs, such as study groups and professional development workshops.
Chicago Literacy Group (www.chicagoliteracygroup.com)
Founded by Carissa Finn and Maria Griffith, the Chicago Literacy Group is one of the certified trainers providing supports to Network elementary schools using the STEP™ literacy assessment. Carissa and Maria specialize in supporting teachers in implementing balanced literacy instruction through ongoing professional development and coaching.
Kimberly Folkening (email Kimberly—hyperlink karf03@msn.com)
Kimberly Folkening is one of the USI Network’s certified STEP™ literacy assessment trainers. In addition to providing STEP™ training to USI Network schools, Kimberly supports teachers and principals in the implementation of balanced literacy through classroom coaching and leadership consultation. Kimberly is a former teacher at one of our Network schools and has been instrumental in the adaption and delivery of STEP™ and literacy training for many of Chicago’s City Years elementary school tutors.
Sue Horan (email Sue hyperlink: susiehoran@aol.com)
Sue Horan has been a critical friend to the USI Network since its founding. She is a Critical Friends Group (CFG) and Facilitative Leadership Trainer and a National School Reform Faculty and School Reform Initiative consultant. In addition to training administrators, teachers, and staff in Professional Learning Communities philosophy and methods, Sue provides school change, leadership, and content area coaching to schools and districts across the country. Over the years, Sue has provided CFG training to USI Network schools, supported the design and delivery of “incubation” supports to Network schools as they planned to open, helped design and facilitate USI Network school visits, and provided leadership coaching to the Network’s core team.
KMS Educational Consulting (Email Karen)
Karen Skalitzky is sole proprietor of KMS Educational Consulting and a certified STEP™ literacy assessment trainer. She is one of the first coaches to support the use of the STEP™ assessment in concert with balanced literacy approaches, collaborating with the lead researcher and designer of STEP™ in UEI’s initial literacy reform efforts. Karen designed and authored the “STEP™ Professional Development Series” that certified STEP™ trainers use in Network schools and schools across the country. She provides leadership coaching to Network elementary schools using the STEP™ literacy assessment.
Network for College Success (ncs.uchicago.edu/ncs_home)
The Network for College Success, based at the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, is comprised of high schools in Chicago Public Schools organized around improving teaching and learning so that all of their students are prepared to attend and graduate from college. NCS is a sister network to the USI Network and co-sponsors professional development targeted at needs shared across networks, as well as serves as a critical friend to the USI Network core team.
R.E.A.D. America
Founded by Ebony Andrews, R.E.A.D. America is one of the certified trainers providing supports to Network elementary schools using the STEP™ literacy assessment. Ebony has years of experience supporting the implementation of balanced literacy approaches in district schools and designed and authored the “Balanced Literacy Basics Professional Development Series” that we offer to Network elementary schools.
Targeted Leadership Consulting (www.targetedleadership.net)
Founded by Amalia Cuideiro and Jeff Nelsen, Targeted Leadership Consulting (TLC) has been a treasured collaborator. In addition to providing on-site consultation to USI Network schools, TLC has provided consultation to the USI Network team regarding our design of supports for strengthening shared instructional leadership in Network schools. Our model for school-based coaching has been informed by their work, which is described in the book, The Power of Focus.
Antoinette Taylor
As the USI Network’s Exceptional Needs Consultant, Antoinette Taylor works closely with Network schools to plan and implement inclusive and effective approaches to meeting the needs of exceptional learners. Antoinette is a retired exceptional needs educator with years of experience teaching and co-teaching in self-contained and inclusive classrooms, as well as leading area- and district-level efforts to ensure that Chicago Public Schools meet the needs of all learners. Antoinette has specific expertise in the autism spectrum and is engaged in local, state, and national efforts to improve supports and services for urban children and families affected by autism. She currently serves on Mayor Daley’s Advisory Council on Women and the Autism Speaks-Chicago Board of Directors.