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The Institute for Education Renewal (IER) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving academic achievement of students in urban classrooms, grades K-8.  In partnership with John Carroll University since 1991, IER literacy coaches work directly with classroom teachers, principals, and parents in offering an innovative, on-site school renewal program focusing on effective teaching and learning, encouraging collaborative leadership and promoting a positive school culture.  IER’s mission is to improve the quality of school life for children in greater Cleveland and to foster the development of child-centered learning communities.

IER’s program is based on a comprehensive literacy approach that balances reading, writing language and word study.  IER’s literacy coaches work one-on-one with teachers modeling literacy strategies in the classroom, in small groups facilitating grade level and leadership team meetings, and in supporting parent literacy groups within each school.  Among IER’s supporting activities are classroom libraries, school-based study groups, and district-wide networks.

IER implements a wide variety of professional development activities, including on-site graduate courses offered through John Carroll University.  IER also coordinates school-wide retreats to facilitate learning and professional dialogue among teachers, administrators, and parents.

IER is governed by a Board of Trustees with expertise in non-profit leadership, education, business, human resources, law, marketing and public relations.  The executive director works closely with the Board and staff, guiding IER’s work.  John Carroll serves as IER’s fiscal/administrative agent.

ED 483/583.  SPECIAL TOPICS 1-3 cr.  Open to teachers in IER schools.

CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP I:  LITERACY IN A DEVELOPMENTALLY AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE ENVIRONMENT 2 cr.  This course focuses on a standards-based, comprehensive literacy framework and its compatibility with the use of multilevel, culturally responsive teaching strategies.  Teachers work together to develop and implement unites of study, individual lesson plans, and effective assessments to achieve grade-level standards.

CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP II:  BUILDING COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE TEACHING 2 cr.  This course assists teachers in developing strong culturally responsive classrooms that integrate academic rigor and social competence in an overall K-8 program.  The course explores and is guided by principles of child development, racial identity development theory, culturally-responsive teaching, and research based classroom instructional strategies that are essential to closing the achievement gap.

TEACHING AND LEARING WITH YOUNG ADOLESCENTS IN K-8 SCHOOLS 1 cr.  This course provides foundational understanding that will help teachers develop strong middle grades that are well integrated into the overall K-8 program.  The course explores adolescent development, teaming, effective standards-based teaching, and literacy in the content areas.