To assist schools in the application process we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Hidden Sparks Professional Development Programs. If you have unanswered question or would like more information, please Contact Us
Q. Is there a cost to the ICP program?
A. There is no Hidden Sparks cost for participation.
Q. Will the training for the Internal Coaches be on school time?
A. The training for internal school coaches will be divided between Sundays and weekdays. Training will consist of TBD six nonconsecutive full days of training. An introductory session on Looking At Student Work will be open to all prospective Internal Coaches and others and will take place from 10:30- 12:00 on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11th, at the BJE Professional Development Day in Hewlett High School, Long Island. For more information please contact Margaret@hiddensparks.org.
Q. What is the time commitment for internal coaches?
A. The training for internal coaches will consist of six nonconsecutive training days. Following the initial training program, internal coaches will be scheduled to spend 2-3 hours visiting a school that is currently offering the Hidden Sparks program, inorder to see first-hand how the coaching sessions are led. Later in the year there will be a follow-up training session.
Post-training, internal coaches will provide in-school coaching. This will depend on the size of the grade, but averages approximately four hours per week and includes facilitating class meetings, coaching participating teachers in working with the diverse learners in their classrooms.
Throughout the year and following the training, Internal Coaches will be expected to attend a monthly two-hour meeting for all ICP participants. Internal Coaches are provided with a stipend from Hidden Sparks for each meeting.
Q. When will the monthly meetings for Internal Coaches be held?
A. Monthly meetings for Internal Coaches rotate times throughout the year. A portion are held between 9:30-11:30 am, and a portion take place between 2:00-4:00 or 3:00-5:00 pm. Meeting locations rotate between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, based on the group.
Q. Can a School send more than one Internal Coach?
A. Yes, we encourage schools to send more than one Internal Coach. It is our hope that participating Hidden Sparks schools ultimately develop in-house expertise for each division of their school, so that they have a trained expert for early childhood, elementary school, middle school and high school. Schools interested in sending multiple faculty members for training as Internal coaches should submit an application for each faculty member, as they will be considered separately.
Q. Should the school submit separate applications for separate campuses?
A. Yes.
Q. When will the SCALE program for principals take place?
A. The training for principals will consist of a total of twelve hours, and will be held over the course of four late afternoons. SCALE begins in November, 2009. For more information contact Margaret@hiddensparks.org.
