ADAC’s Tier 1 (Core Instruction) Learning Pathway is a 6-week or year-long prescribed sequence of learning engagements that structures how faculty engage in professional learning over time, combining modules, facilitated sessions, coaching conversations, and applied practice, all supported by an ADAC coach to ensure sustained, job-embedded learning grounded in MTSS.
The Case for Tier 1 (Core Instruction) Learning Pathway
By strengthening Tier 1 core instruction, the universal instruction and supports every student receives, schools use their most powerful lever for improving outcomes at scale, helping more students meet academic, behavioral, and social-emotional benchmarks without heavy reliance on Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
When Tier 1 is intentionally designed to anticipate learner variability, aligned with clear instructional priorities, and centered on common practices, language, and expectations across classrooms, teachers can spend more time on strong, proactive teaching and less on reactive problem-solving. This investment in Tier 1 professional learning also makes MTSS and PLC structures more coherent, collaborative, and effective, leading to greater consistency for students and more sustainable support for faculty.
Sample Tier 1 Learning Pathway
Strong Core Teaching for Every Student
Instructional Program Evaluation (On-Site)
Full-day visit to observe classrooms, review artifacts, and meet with leaders to identify strengths and priority growth areas in Tier 1 instruction.
Leadership Workshops: Vision and Instructional Focus (Virtual)
The leadership team reviews evaluation findings, clarifies instructional priorities, and drafts or refines a Tier 1 instructional focus and associated quality indicators.
Faculty Tier 1 Instruction Workshop (In-Person, 3-Hour or Full Day)
The whole staff learns the shared Tier 1 focus and playbook strategies, co-develops or refines quality indicators, and commits to concrete classroom next steps.
Grade-Band Tier 1 Workshops (Virtual)
K–2, 3–5, and 6–8 teams apply the Tier 1 playbook to real lessons, share examples and evidence, and refine routines and supports for their specific students.
Ongoing Leadership Coaching and Systems Integration (Virtual)
Leaders embed Tier 1 expectations into walkthroughs, feedback cycles, PLC agendas, and MTSS structures, using coaching sessions to monitor progress and adjust.
We Listen.
We Care.
We Customize.
If you don’t see the service you had in mind, please reach out. We are happy to develop and customize professional learning workshops to meet your needs.
Services and Delivery Methods
1
Tier 1 Learning Pathway (6-Weeks)
In-Person and Virtual
A structured 6-week progression for school leaders and faculty to strengthen core instruction and instructional leadership. The pathway includes an instructional program evaluation; virtual leadership workshops to clarify instructional priorities; in-person faculty sessions to co-develop Tier 1 strategies; grade-band virtual workshops to apply those strategies in real lessons; and ongoing leadership coaching to embed practices in school systems and support continuous improvement.
2
Tier 1 Learning Pathway (Yearlong)
In-Person and Virtual
A structured year-long progression for school leaders and faculty to strengthen core instruction and instructional leadership. The pathway includes an instructional program evaluation; virtual leadership workshops to clarify instructional priorities; in-person faculty sessions to co-develop Tier 1 strategies; grade-band virtual workshops to apply those strategies in real lessons; and ongoing leadership coaching to embed practices in school systems and support continuous improvement.
Interested in learning how our Tier 1 (Core Instruction) Learning Pathways can support your school or diocese? Submit the form below and Dr. Julie Cantillon, Senior Vice President for Professional Learning, will be in touch shortly.
