Two local educators have completed a training session on effective teaching methods to help struggling adolescent students. Angela Nettleton of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District and Nichole Martin of St. Ignace Area Schools recently attended a training sponsored by the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning.

The training focused on the Strategic Instruction Model, which is geared to teaching adolescents who are struggling to become good readers, writers, and learners. The components of the strategy are broken down into manageable steps, making it easier for students to learn.

Both Ms. Nettleton and Ms. Martin were selected for this training through a stringent application process; they had to meet certain criteria set forth by the center. Becoming a certified SIM trainer requires about two years, and includes an apprenticeship with a seasoned SIM trainer.

While in Holland, Michigan, for the training, they also completed a two-day Instructional Coaching (IC) Institute. Many school districts use instructional coaches to lead professional development and school improvement efforts.