FAYE COOK has been working with AUSSIE in both Middle and High Schools in New York City. Most of her work has been in the following areas:
- curriculum mapping at grade levels, in subject areas and sometimes with a whole school focus, often using Understanding by Design, leading eventually to an integrated and sequenced school-based curriculum;
- literacy across subject areas, particularly Social Studies, History and Living Environment. The emphasis has been on interpreting non-fiction texts and developing research skills;
- test preparation for Middle School ELA and both English and History Regents Exams with a focus toward writing requirements. Incorporating test principles in curriculum planning and teaching;
- close, supportive cooperation with literacy coaches, grade level coordinators, and leading assistant principals; supporting new leaders to accept their roles in a workable and professional manner;
- professional development with teachers to improve general practice through workshops and meetings. Recent focus has been on developing units of work and monitoring their progress, implementing differentiation techniques, and understanding data driven assessment;
- assisting teachers in the classroom by providing helpful and focused feedback, suggesting plausible steps forward, helping to find timely resources, and to plan with student learning in mind;