This eight-week online, self-paced course is designed to be meaningful work that can assist in richer teaching and stronger family support. As a final project, participants will create an implantation plan for each area. These plans will provide a strong foundation to start the 2020-2021 School Year.

Research states the classroom teacher is the single most significant contributor to student achievement. This course provides an opportunity for educators to study and devise a plan to implement the seven high-impact mindsets necessary to reach not just students from poverty, but from all socioeconomic groups. This course is also an opportunity for administrators to create a professional development plan that they can present, model and implement in conjunction with staff.

Becoming equipped with these mindsets holds the potential for educators to make a profound difference in the lives of all students, not just those from poverty.  Participants will also explore and select family engagement resources using the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SDSFEC) Website. Increasing family involvement is an important link to student success.

The class opens July 1 and ends August 26.

Participants will need to purchase the revised edition of Eric Jansen's Poor Students, Rich Teaching. Upon successful completion of the course, participants can submit their receipt to be reimbursed for the price of the text by contacting Celina Leman at cleman@bhssc.org

Participants can earn either 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) or 1 graduate credit, while learning about, applying and reflecting upon the mindsets. If participants elect to receive a graduate credit through the University of Sioux Falls, they must register for the class through USF, and are responsible for paying the $45 fee.