Time for Planning

Debbie Cargill
Sep 13, 2010

Why is exemplary unit and lesson planning vital for student and teacher success?

When schools begin to implement the Learning-Focused Strategies Model, one question inevitably comes up: How do teachers find time for planning lessons and units? More importantly, how do they find the time for planning lessons and units collaboratively? There are no simple answers to those questions. We know the adage - work smarter, not harder. But when it comes right down to it - time is always an issue.

The importance of adequate planning for teachers is well documented and we know that the benefits of planning collaboratively are great. Teacher planning is a key element of effective teaching. Effective planning improves instruction by allowing t eachers to share best practices, examine student work and plan instruction together. Time for planning makes better teachers.

On the other hand, insufficient planning affects teachers' efforts to reach higher standards and prepare for quality instruction. Thoughtful collaborative planning requires more than 5-10 minutes here and there. In reality, teachers usually have too little time to accomplish multiple tasks.

Organizational structures that allow for collaborative planning should be a priority for administrators. Providing that time within a school's schedule can benefit teachers and students immensely. Administrators need to be and have been creative with schedules in order to set aside the time. Some schools/districts have provided early release or late start days to allow for planning and professional development. Buying release time with professional development funds also provides opportunities for teachers to collaboratively plan.

When schedules are arranged to allow for collaborative plan! ning tim e, are teachers using the time effectively and efficiently? In "Seven Tips to Make Teacher Collaboration Time Productive," Laura Owen suggests that collaborative teams set some ground rules at the beginning of the year:

1. Establish roles for team members

2. Set an agenda for each meeting

3. Expect that participants will be prepared

4. Have a member take notes during the meeting

5. Bring closure to the meeting and assign responsibilities

6. Start and stop on time

7. Provide food

Finding the time for collaborative planning and using that time effectively are issues for careful thought and planning by teachers and administrators.