Your BARR contract is expected to arrive in the inbox of the district superintendent who signed the agreement with the Maine Department of Education by the end of the day on July 10. Before you can proceed to the next steps, it must be signed and returned per the instructions in that email.
The Welcome Session will be a chance for us to get to know you and for you to ask any questions you may have.
The BARR Implementation Training is an interactive two-day training with teachers, counselors and administrators in attendance. Within 48 hours after your signed contract is returned, the main contact at each school will receive an email with a link to a survey where you can choose training dates.
You will receive your BARR Implementation Guides and curriculum shortly after your contract is signed. Please bring these materials to your implementation training session.
Q: When should we schedule the BARR system training?
A: Within 48 hours after your signed contract is returned, we will send you the BARR Training Registration form. We recommend that your training take place before the school year starts. Once you receive the link, you’ll select your top three choices from the available options. If none of the options work for your team, please contact Acadia Bender at acadia.bender@barrcenter.org to review other options. BARR trainers will join you at your school for your scheduled training.
Q: Who should attend the BARR system training?
A: Please invite everyone from your school community who will have a role in BARR system implementation. This includes teachers who will be facilitating I-Times or U-Times in their classrooms, administrators, counselors, social workers, and any other support staff who may participate in your Community Connect team.
Q: What preparation is necessary prior to attending BARR system training?
A: Once training dates have been scheduled, school leaders should be prepared to attend a brief call with their trainers to discuss training logistics and goals for the year. Other than that, participants do not need to do any major preparation prior to attending the training, but it may be helpful for them to check out the BARR website and hear about your school’s plans for implementation ahead of the training so they have an idea of what to expect. We cover a lot of information during the two-day training and many schools choose to cater lunch for their teams so everyone has the opportunity to remain engaged and focused.
Q: What is the role of the BARR coordinator?
A: The BARR Coordinator is an integral part of your BARR support services team, as they see the big picture with both staff and students. The BARR Coordinator serves as the primary point of contact for staff, and ensures that the components of the BARR system are being implemented to achieve your school’s goals. See suggested job descriptions: Elementary BARR Coordinator or Secondary BARR Coordinator
Q: Who is my BARR coach and what is their role?
A: BARR assigns a coach to each school implementing the BARR system. Your coach will be assigned to your school before the school year starts, and they walk side-by-side with your school team to make implementation effective and sustainable. In addition to weekly calls, you can email and text your coach anytime. Your coach will provide you with resources, connect you to others in the BARR network, assist you in staff development, and visit your school to support your team.
Q: What is a coaching visit?
A: BARR coaching visits provide educator-to-educator support with current and former BARR teachers and administrators who know the system intimately. BARR coaches visit schools to provide coaching and fidelity reviews which result in a high-fidelity system that fits your school. Your BARR coach will observe multiple times during the year to provide guidance on implementation and support you in meeting your school’s goals.
Q: When and where are the BARR Coordinator professional learning communities?
A: All schools implementing the BARR system are part of a national network of BARR schools. BARR Coordinators have access to their BARR peers throughout the nation via monthly virtual Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Held during the school day, BARR Coordinators are invited to either elementary or secondary PLCs, depending on their school’s level. PLCs feature experienced BARR Coordinators sharing best practices on topics such as:
- Using qualitative and quantitative data
- Best practices for Block Meetings
- Family engagement
- Utilizing U-Times/I-Times for relationships and data
- Root cause analysis
- Teachers supporting teachers
- Student interventions with strategies
Q: When and where are the BARR Administrator professional learning communities?
A: Similar to BARR Coordinators (see question above), BARR Administrators have access to their administrative colleagues throughout the nation through quarterly virtual PLCs. Held during the school day, BARR Administrators are invited to either elementary or secondary PLCs, depending on their school’s level. PLCs feature experienced BARR administrators sharing best practices on topics such as:
- Building relationships
- Communicating BARR to your school, district and families
- Leveraging data to drive decisions
ACADIA BENDER – acadia.bender@barrcenter.org
RACHEL OLINGER STEEVES – rachelolingersteeves@barrcenter.org
BETH HEIMER – beth.heimer@barrcenter.org
BRAD BRUBAKER – brad.brubaker@barrcenter.org
JEN REMICK – jennifer.remick@barrcenter.org
