Most professional development comes to teachers out of the box,
out of the context of their learning communities or out of touch
with the specific needs of their students. The CRESS Center takes
a different approach, one that recognizes that context and
setting are critical components for change.
We house four of the region’s California Subject Matter Projects.
These projects are among the most respected models for teacher
professional development in the state. The SMPs focus is on
building robust professional learning communities where teachers
identify their needs and lead their own learning. In each of
these projects, teachers investigate their teaching, deepen their
knowledge of subject matter content, and share their insights
with peers.
The CRESS Center also hosts partnerships and grant- supported
professional development programs put in place to work
collaboratively with teachers and schools to build communities of
practice, support systemic, whole school change and improve
student achievement. At the core of this work is a commitment to
ensuring that teachers are reaching their students through
effective instruction and that students learn that learning can
be engaging, challenging and fulfilling.
• Algebra Success Academy,
Twin Rivers Unified
• Closing the Achievement Gap Write Now, Twin Rivers
Unified
• Colusa Math Access Program, Colusa County Office of Ed
• PacTIN Teacher-Based Reform,
CA Coast
•Small Learning Communities, Sacramento City Unified
