New Instructional Coaches program in Decorah Schools is doing well

(Front row, Left to right): Randy Iverson, Shannon Quandahl and Andrew Ellingson. (Back row, left to right): Megan Dunlap, Sarah Magner, Kylie Butler and Shanna Putnam-Dibble (decorahnews.com file photo)

Earlier this year the Decorah Community School District was awarded a $430,000 a year multi-year state grant to pay for the hiring of instructional coaches and learner advocates in the district. 

On Monday night, a number of people hired for those positions this school year spoke to the Decorah School Board.

MIddle School Learner Advocate Randy Iverson said there are now several programs at the middle school aimed at helping students do the work assigned to them.  "We want to make sure students value the completion of homework," he told the school board.

Elementary Schools Learner Advocate.Shanna Putnam-Dibble says programs at the elementary school level are aimed at helping kids who aren't mastering the skills they need to master.

Sarah Magner and Andrew Ellingson are coaching Decorah Middle School teachers.  Said Ellingson, "I've already changed things in my classroom based on what I've seen in other classrooms."  Magner agreed, saying, "Different teachers have strengths in different areas."  She says teachers appreciate they can share with other teachers.

Megan Dunlap is the Instructional Coach for early elementary, Sarah Magner and Andrew Ellingson coach Decorah Middle School teachers.  Kylie Butler coaches Decorah High School teachers.  Shannon Quandahl is an Instructional Coach for technology.  Randy Iverson is the MIddle School Learner Advocate, while Shanna Putnam-Dibble is the Elementary Schools Learner Advocate.