Project PLACE

Partnerships for Learning, Achievement, and Classroom Engagement (Project PLACE) 

Project PLACE (Partnerships for Learning, Achievement, and Classroom Engagement) is a professional learning experience for K-8 teachers to improve achievement and engagement for English learners.  Project PLACE uses the Culturally Responsive Instruction Observation Protocol (CRIOP) as a professional development framework for classroom teaching and family collaboration.  This PD framework structures project activities around the following elements:  

Classroom Relationships, Family Collaboration, Assessment, Instruction, Discourse, and Critical Consciousness.  Project PLACE is an intensive year-long PD that includes school-based coaching, face-to-face meetings, and a summer institute.  Graduate coursework is offered to prepare a cadre of teacher leaders to support implementation of effective practices for ELs and serve as advocates in schools.  

Through Project PLACE, we aim to enhance the relationships between schools/teachers and the families and communities of young English learners. Professional development opportunities support teachers’ abilities to better connect with families and community members, to learn about the various funds of knowledge in families and communities, and to use those funds of knowledge and family/community resources to promote student learning and achievement.  Part of this work is also supported through partnerships with various community-based organizations that share common goals in supporting learning in families, such as public libraries or immigrant-serving organizations. Project PLACE partners with organizations such as the US Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition, Global Lex, the Carengie Center for Literacy and Learning, the Lexington Public Library, Kentucky Refugee Ministries, Clark County Public Schools, Fayette County Public Schools, and Scott County Public Schools.