Ohio's State Support Team Testimonials

"Support Team 8 (SST8) serves Summit, Portage, and Medina counties. Given the size of this area, our educators need the convenience of virtual learning experiences. OCALI provides such experiences through their book study opportunities. SST8 region collaborated with OCALI, SST14, and SST16 to provide an engaging statewide book study focusing on Executive Functioning. Participants were able to attend the virtual sessions, but flexibility was built in to allow access through a recording as well. The virtual sessions expanded on what the book had to offer and provided a platform for discussion and personal connections in addition to responding to guided questions connected to the book on an online learning platform between sessions. The experience was designed to meet the needs of both families and educators which led to greater understanding of both groups' perspectives. This format was so successful, we have tried to replicate the organization and engagement methods with book studies in our own region. We are grateful for OCALI as both a resources and collaborator to serve our region.'

Tracy Mail, Book Study Facilitator, Kent, OH

"State Support Team 16 is a rural region, spread across many counties, covering a great distance. The feasibility of traveling to a central location for professional learning is quite often impossible for area educators. Therefore, we reached out to other SSTs, inquiring about their use of online professional learning communities. One of the regions shared a book study they developed using OCALI's book study resources. We replicated their ideas and had an overwhelming response across our region from teachers, special education directors, principals, and paraprofessionals. The flexibility in the course design allows participants to make personal connections with others closer to their home school/district. Some decided to meet for book study discussions, while others chose online discussion groups. With so much variability in adult learners (time, obligations, interests, technology skills) and barriers such as travel, and time away from work, flexibility in the design of this professional learning was a "non-negotiable.' Our region is excited at the opportunity to partner with other SSTs, using OCALI's book study resources, to develop more courses using free online learning management systems."

Lisa Arthur, Book Study Facilitator, Racine, OH

"So many GREAT things in the book and I want to do them ALL! But I am going to be strategic about it, first with myself, then with staff. THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the book study and the prompts - I hope to be able to go back to them and capitalize on the questions you posed to grow our staff.'

Dawn Wallace, Book Study Participant, Winchester, OH