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Managing Risk and Escalation Presentation Outline

Gerald T. Dolphus

Houston Christian University

LTDE_6300_C01: LEARN, TECH./DESIGN CAPSTONE

Professor Justin Burris

July 23, 2023

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Overarching objectives and project milestones

The overarching objectives of this project are: to train educators to facilitate lessons that

maintain grade-level rigor while focusing on accessibility for students who struggle, implement

the Amplify supplemental materials to assist with remediation work in fluency and reading

comprehension, train educators on how to use Amplify ELA to teach students to tackle any

complex text, and to employ six levels of differentiation for students who need additional

support or added challenge.

In correspondence to the overarching objectives, the correlating milestones would be to

use Clever (HISD’s management solution for learning resources) to create the initial curriculum

for the first unit of Amplify, and collaboratively create the Managing Risk and Escalation

Presentation Outline. Additionally, Clifton Middle School’s faculty will research how Amplify

will support readers below grade-level and determine appropriate grade-level passages to assist

with remediation. Furthermore, we will design a path of instruction that sets aside time for

flexible units, skill modules, and other activities and projects.

Also, we will research how the close-reading exercises offered in Amplify can build

background knowledge and help students analyze the details of a passage, and we will present

the Managing Risk and Escalation Presentation. Too, we will review how Amplify ELA

cultivates literacy through rich, multimodal experiences of high-quality texts, and we will create

an outline and begin presenting to stakeholders. We will then finalize and proofread the

Differentiation Section in the Teacher Lesson Brief that summarizes the supports available in any

differentiated activities. Then, we would complete, record, and submit the presentation to the

stakeholders. This includes those who are directly involved (such as parents, teachers, and

students).
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Students: Strengths and weaknesses

The intended purpose of this project is to prepare educators to rollout the Amplify

Reading platform, which projects some clearly defined strengths. Namely, the expected strength

of the project is that it gives every student practice and extension opportunities within an

adaptive and immersive game world that motivates them to discover the joy of reading.

Moreover, it spans comprehension, phonics, vocabulary, and other key skills. Over and above

that, it offers powerful assessment tools, and step-by-step instructional guides that challenges all

students to work critically and successfully with complex texts.

Conversely, there is a potential for overreliance on digital resources. Amplify

Curriculum’s focus on digital resources may inadvertently lead to a reduced emphasis on

traditional instructional methods, such as textbooks or physical materials, which could hinder

students’ development of certain skills. Too, there are accessibility challenges. Students with

disabilities or those requiring accommodations may face challenges with accessibility in the

digital format, requiring additional support or adaptations to ensure equal participation and

learning opportunities. Additionally, there is a lack of local context. Amplify Curriculum may

not fully address specific local or regional contexts, cultural nuances, or historical events,

potentially leading to a less comprehensive understanding of local or regional issues.

Educators: Strengths and weaknesses

Amplify has strengths relative to educators as well. The curriculum provides high-quality

programs that make it easier to engage all students deeply with challenging content, and it helps

educators respond to the needs of every student. Also, it offers professional development by way

of in-person training and coaching, as well as online courses. However, it does offer limited

customization. While Amplify Curriculum offers a comprehensive approach, it may lack

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flexibility for educators who prefer to customize their teaching materials based on their students’

specific needs and interests. Another weakness, as it pertains to educators, is the initial learning

curve. Educators may require training and time to become familiar with the Amplify platform

and curriculum, especially if they are not accustomed to using technology extensively in the

classroom.

Schools: Strengths and Weaknesses

All in all, schools can benefit from the Amplify curriculum, in that they guide teachers

and leaders with targeted learning sessions tailored to the school’s specific needs. Also, it offers

captivating core and supplemental programs in ELA to engage all students in rigorous learning.

On top of that, Amplify provides formative assessments and intervention products that turns data

into practical instructional support to help students at every skill level build a strong foundation

in reading.

Nonetheless, there is a glaring weakness to the program. And that is, it posits a strong

dependence on technology. That is to say, the curriculum heavily relies on digital tools and

technology, which could pose challenges in schools or districts with limited access to technology

or unreliable internet connectivity.

Opportunities:

There are opportunities connected to the implementation of the program. For instance, it

offers online platform that allows students to access course materials from anywhere with an

internet connection. Another opportunity is the Teacher Training (TT). These sessions prepare

classroom teachers, specialists, and coaches to the Amplify curriculum products. Too, it bolsters

a Training of Trainers (TOT). These sessions prepare state, district, and school staff to train their

colleagues. They include training materials and notes. Perhaps the greatest opportunity involves
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the Ongoing Professional Development (PD). These sessions are designed to follow initial

training and support district and school staff in classroom management, working with the

Common Core State Standards, using the digital curriculum products, and the best practices for

technology in the classroom. As well, the program presents the opportunity for onsite visits.

These sessions are conducted onsite to provide implementation support, modeling, and feedback

directly to classroom teachers through classroom observations and/or grade-level meetings

regarding the fidelity to the curriculum.

Threats:

Conversely, there are some threats associated with the implementation of the Amplify

Curriculum. First, there is the standardization of learning. While aligning with educational

standards is beneficial, it may result in a standardized approach to learning that limits creativity

and flexibility in teaching methods, potentially hindering some students’ learning styles or

preferences. Secondly, the limited social interaction can be perceived as a threat as well because

the heavy emphasis on digital tools and individualized learning experiences may reduce

opportunities for collaborative and social interactions among students, potentially affecting their

social and interpersonal skills development. Thirdly, the cost considerations may threaten the

implementation of Amplify. Indeed, implementing the Amplify Curriculum may involve

additional costs, such as purchasing digital devices, ensuring reliable internet access, and

ongoing technical support, which could be a financial burden for some schools or districts.
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SWOT Analysis
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