NEW PROGRAM: School crosses into CRISS

Strategies valuable for students, teachers

Instituting a program that promotes independence and learning was common sense for Sawyer Middle School Principal Dawn Shupe. She just had to convince her teachers.

They came in skeptical. Many of them were doing their jobs the same way they always did, and they were comfortable. Once they were introduced to Creating Independence through Student-owned Strategies, they were hooked.

CRISS changed the way history teacher Lynn Zepeda taught after 24 years.

"It was the most worthwhile thing I've ever seen for kiddos," Zepeda said. "Before, I was a bottle feeding teacher. Now, I hand them the bottle, and they drink it."

The program is a set of 20 strategies for learning. Students make maps, composite proofs, use two-column notes and other visual activities that help them outline and organize thoughts. Sticky notes are used to highlight text and make notes. Students also are encouraged to work in groups, which strengthens their listening, public speaking and cooperative skills.

"We're not just teaching the English, math and reading," Shupe said. "We're teaching them how to find information, analyze and use it throughout their lives."

The program was developed in Montana in 1979 and was nationally validated in 1985 and 1993. The program's staff and trainers have taught teachers throughout most of the United States, American Samoa, Canada, Norway, Finland, Costa Rica and Trinidad. Recently, Sawyer was recognized as a national demonstration site, where teachers can come see what the program is all about. Three site visits and interviews with students and teachers won the school the designation.

"What struck us about the program is that it really enriched and enhanced the ability of our teachers to communicate with the kids," Shupe said. "Learning becomes really real. Something the kids can understand."

Strategies give the teachers and students a structure to follow, but what they do within that structure is where the magic is, said Tammy Squires, Sawyer learning strategist. Math teacher Jim Jageo incorporates writing skills into his classes.

"They know how to do things, because they can explain it in their own words," Jageo said. "They become their own teacher."

"That's the gorgeous beauty of it," Squires said. "Each kid can select his own way and learn the best way for him."

"It teaches them all those study skills that the high schools and college teachers assume they have," Shupe added.

The hope is to ingrain the strategies in the students, so even if their high school doesn't offer the program, the skills are still useful.

"Students build on their background knowledge and add to it," Squires said. "Some of the kids don't have that background knowledge, or the life experience, so we have to give it to them."

After implementing the program last year, Shupe found it not only affected her students' abilities but their temperament. Since that time, there has been a 28 percent decrease in disciplinary referrals to the office.

"The teachers are excited. The kids are excited. It permeates through the school, and the school is renewed," Shupe said. "And we didn't expect that."

Those interested in the program can call Sawyer Middle School at 799-5980.


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