Knowledge Network Learning Support Organization

Who We Are

The Knowledge Network Learning Support Organization (KNLSO) is an all-inclusive educational organization that helps schools implement a unique, dynamic model for student success, founded on a content-rich curriculum that is solid, specific, shared, and sequenced. Using Core Knowledge, a pedagogical system with a proven track record in the areas of science, visual arts, social studies, and music, the Knowledge Network team will assist schools in ensuring students develop strong foundations of knowledge in the early grades and multidisciplinary enrichment in the upper grades. Each school’s team creates a collaborative teaching and learning community, sharing expertise and providing schools with strategies to assist students with expanding their knowledge and experience base, which comes from a rich curriculum, and providing good instruction, which comes from professional development.

The Knowledge Network LSO has consistently received excellent feedback on the Principal Satisfaction Survey. Previous surveys conducted by the Chancellor indicated tremendous support for the timeliness of KNLSO responses, and near universal sentiment that schools would choose the KNLSO again if given the chance. This year, 99% indicate that they are satisfied with their cohort leader and 96% indicate that they are satisfied with their content area specialist. Please refer to the Principal Satisfaction Survey for additional information on the ratings for the Knowledge Network.

Overview

Schools that select the Knowledge Network LSO receive individualized support, as well as opportunities for Principals Institutes and Core Knowledge Foundation Leadership Training for Principals. Professional development from the UFT Teacher Center and on-site support from field liaisons supplement the support of LSO cohort leaders and content-area specialists. The Knowledge Network LSO fosters a community atmosphere, in which Principals can collaborate with their colleagues and share best practices.

By partnering with schools, the Knowledge Network LSO provides expert consultation in all areas of school and student data analysis, Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) development, analysis of high school cohort data, test sophistication, youth development services, parent outreach, staffing, staff development, school operations and organization, school budgeting, preparation for the Quality Review, and Progress Report analysis.

How We Support Schools

Each school that joins the Knowledge Network LSO receives a wide range of pre-K–12 instructional supports. Schools have the benefit of targeted support from content-area specialists. To maximize efficiency, schools are grouped into cohorts, each headed by a cohort leader. The Knowledge Network LSO engages in collaborative dialogue with all principals as the primary method for identifying leaders for specific cohorts and establishing cohort configurations. Other factors that are taken into account include school location, level of experience, school configuration, and need. Cohort leaders provide the most direct support for their schools, tailoring LSO-wide initiatives to meet individual school needs. Principals have the opportunity to network regularly with their colleagues at both cohort-wide and LSO-wide principal institutes. Cohort leaders, content specialists, and the CEO and deputy CEO maintain regular contact via e-mail while in the field, to ensure that relevant information is expeditiously communicated, and that Principals have a direct line of communication.

The Knowledge Network LSO consults with school leaders to help them develop a customized implementation strategy for the Core Knowledge program—either across the whole school, across specific grades, within a content area, or in specific classrooms.

Each month, we provide Principals with a comprehensive calendar detailing all the professional development which will be offered. Our Content Area Specialists offer more than 20 unique PD opportunities monthly. PD is provided free of charge to all schools who select the Knowledge Network LSO, as part of our service offerings.

We offer a lean organization, where extraneous expenses and costs are eliminated so that monies are focused on the needs of our schools.

Special-needs services

Support to school staff in early childhood, gifted and talented, career and technical education, special education, and English language learner (ELL) programs. Content experts will provide ongoing technical assistance and support to individual schools. Services include on-site classroom support with differentiated instruction and curriculum adaptation, grade-level conferences, and intervisitation coordination with other Knowledge Network schools.

Youth development support

On-site support for schools facilitating the development and enhancement of co-curricular activities (e.g., Knowledge Bowl) and support for students. Guidance counselors receive professional development as needed and requested.

Accountability/data support

Individual school support in the use of Knowledge Network curriculum, school planning, project-based learning, academic intervention services (AIS), summer school, test sophistication, and Quality Review and School Progress Reports using UFT Teacher Center and Knowledge Network staff. Services include on-site coaching and modeling for Principals and pedagogic staff as well as workshops for school staff in collaboration with the UFT Teacher Center. KNLSO staff members assist Principals with ARIS familiarization and their work with inquiry teams. Schools are supported in formulation and monitoring a budget that meets the needs of their school. This year, one KNLSO school was selected to demonstrate the use of ARIS and Inquiry Teams to the Superintendent of Denver, Colorado schools and his staff.

Best Fit

The Knowledge Network LSO is designed to accommodate all school levels, organizations, and designations (all schools from K–12 and school classifications from “in good standing” to SURR/SINI/CA). CTE schools and Small Learning Communities also find a capable partner in the Knowledge Network LSO. The Knowledge Network is the right choice for schools committed to moving to the next level of success through the implementation of the Core Knowledge system. We provide the best fit for schools seeking tremendous support with a focus on accountability, achievement, teacher professional development, and collaboration with the entire school staff.

Feedback from Principals

The Knowledge Network proactively and strategically uses teams of network leaders and staff developers to help schools establish systems, analyze data, and most importantly, develop research-based programs to support school wide initiatives and strengthen staff capacity. My experience, as the principal of IS 49, is a clear example of the consistent support from the Knowledge Network. Whether the undertaking is a challenging one or that of a mundane nature, Dr. Cashin and Ms. D’Onofrio, my Network leader, understand that my growth as a leader, as well as my school’s growth and opportunity, is a result of the commitment and industry of the Knowledge Network. I recommend, wholeheartedly, the Knowledge Network as a school support organization. Linda Hill, Principal IS 49 R

The Knowledge Network has had a tremendous impact on putting our school on track. The past two years have given us great opportunities for professional development not only for administrators but for our teachers as well. The response from the network is superior for all our needs and totally supportive. I am extremely happy with our choice and look forward to continuing the relationship. Emma Della Rocca, Principal IS 51 R

I would like to thank you for the continued support of the Knowledge Network for P.S. 167. With the assistance of the KN staff, our school has moved from a "D" on the NYC Progress Reports for the 2006-7 school year to a "B" for the 2007-8 school year. The influx of Core Knowledge into our curriculum has helped in our fifth grade achievement of high scores on the November 2008 New York State Social Studies Examination. P.S. 167 has made all AYP and Safe Harbor targets for this year. Our teachers are working smarter with the use of the Core Knowledge curriculum and hands-on professional development. Your assistance has been invaluable in all areas. Thank you again for your support. Joan E. Palmer, Principal, PS 167K

The Knowledge Network has been instrumental in supporting the very important work we do in schools to ensure the success of each and every one of our students. They provide extensive professional development for all school constituencies such as curriculum mapping, developing an interdisciplinary curriculum and computer workshops. Additionally there are student events such as the winter and spring concerts, scholastic competitions and computer training that are sponsored by the network. Dr. Cashin and her staff are keenly insightful and very responsive to the educational needs of our students. Grace Zwillenberg Principal John Adams High School

Knowledge Network with Dr. Kathleen Cashin as its' CEO, continues to support our school in the successful implementation of the NYC Core Curriculum and Core Knowledge by offering monthly professional development opportunities for content area teachers and our Core Knowledge Facilitator. Workshop participants then turnkey this information to teachers throughout our building. By sharing ideas and resources, teachers then create a body of creative lessons and teaching approaches that ensure valid learning experience for students at all levels. Rosalyn Allman-Manning, Principal, JHS 210 Q

The Knowledge Network offers PS 66Q a plethora of support and guidance. Each month there is a Professional Development menu offering workshops across the curriculum that is relevant to our needs .Our Network Leader, Dr. Lavin, consistently provides us with the tools to maintain our high standards. Under her tutelage we have received a “Well Developed with Outstanding Features” on our Quality Review and an A on our Progress Report.

Knowledge Network adheres to the philosophy of the Core Knowledge Foundation. Core Knowledge has provided our teachers with a strong academic focus and specific plans for coherent, sequential learning. The Core Knowledge curriculum also includes masterpieces of Art, Music and Literature. Parents receive a clear outline of what their children are expected to learn in school.

PS 66 was bestowed the honor of becoming a “New York State Title 1-School of Distinction”. The award and the certificate were presented at a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas -February 2009. Through the diligent effort of the entire

PS 66 community and support of the Knowledge Network our students continue to demonstrate outstanding academic excellence. Phyliss Leinwand, Principal PS 66Q

Price

Schools will pay $31,814, to join the Knowledge Network LSO.

For More Information

There are currently several Core Knowledge model schools that host visitations at the convenience of interested school leaders and teachers. Please contact Knowledge Network to learn more about attending a site observation visit.

Phone (718) 642-5701 or visit http://www.knowledgenetworklso.org/ .

View a printable pdf version of the profile and printable profile data.

About Us About Our Schools School Support Organizations Community and High School Superintendents Integrated Service Center Funding Our Schools Data About Schools DOE Leadership News About NYC Schools Academics Choices & Enrollment Schools in the Community Offices & Programs Rules & Policies Student Support, Safety, and Activities Student Performance & Accountability	Knowledge Network Learning Support Organization E-mail to a friend Who We Are The Knowledge Network Learning Support Organization (KNLSO) is an all-inclusive educational organization that helps schools implement a unique, dynamic model for student success, founded on a content-rich curriculum that is solid, specific, shared, and sequenced. Using Core Knowledge, a pedagogical system with a proven track record in the areas of science, visual arts, social studies, and music, the Knowledge Network team will assist schools in ensuring students develop strong foundations of knowledge in the early grades and multidisciplinary enrichment in the upper grades. Each school’s team creates a collaborative teaching and learning community, sharing expertise and providing schools with strategies to assist students with expanding their knowledge and experience base, which comes from a rich curriculum, and providing good instruction, which comes from professional development. The Knowledge Network LSO has consistently received excellent feedback on the Principal Satisfaction Survey. Previous surveys conducted by the Chancellor indicated tremendous support for the timeliness of KNLSO responses, and near universal sentiment that schools would choose the KNLSO again if given the chance. This year, 99% indicate that they are satisfied with their cohort leader and 96% indicate that they are satisfied with their content area specialist. Please refer to the Principal Satisfaction Survey for additional information on the ratings for the Knowledge Network. Overview Schools that select the Knowledge Network LSO receive individualized support, as well as opportunities for Principals Institutes and Core Knowledge Foundation Leadership Training for Principals. Professional development from the UFT Teacher Center and on-site support from field liaisons supplement the support of LSO cohort leaders and content-area specialists. The Knowledge Network LSO fosters a community atmosphere, in which Principals can collaborate with their colleagues and share best practices. By partnering with schools, the Knowledge Network LSO provides expert consultation in all areas of school and student data analysis, Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) development, analysis of high school cohort data, test sophistication, youth development services, parent outreach, staffing, staff development, school operations and organization, school budgeting, preparation for the Quality Review, and Progress Report analysis. How We Support Schools Each school that joins the Knowledge Network LSO receives a wide range of pre-K–12 instructional supports. Schools have the benefit of targeted support from content-area specialists. To maximize efficiency, schools are grouped into cohorts, each headed by a cohort leader. The Knowledge Network LSO engages in collaborative dialogue with all principals as the primary method for identifying leaders for specific cohorts and establishing cohort configurations. Other factors that are taken into account include school location, level of experience, school configuration, and need. Cohort leaders provide the most direct support for their schools, tailoring LSO-wide initiatives to meet individual school needs. Principals have the opportunity to network regularly with their colleagues at both cohort-wide and LSO-wide principal institutes. Cohort leaders, content specialists, and the CEO and deputy CEO maintain regular contact via e-mail while in the field, to ensure that relevant information is expeditiously communicated, and that Principals have a direct line of communication. The Knowledge Network LSO consults with school leaders to help them develop a customized implementation strategy for the Core Knowledge program—either across the whole school, across specific grades, within a content area, or in specific classrooms. Each month, we provide Principals with a comprehensive calendar detailing all the professional development which will be offered. Our Content Area Specialists offer more than 20 unique PD opportunities monthly. PD is provided free of charge to all schools who select the Knowledge Network LSO, as part of our service offerings. We offer a lean organization, where extraneous expenses and costs are eliminated so that monies are focused on the needs of our schools. Special-needs services Support to school staff in early childhood, gifted and talented, career and technical education, special education, and English language learner (ELL) programs. Content experts will provide ongoing technical assistance and support to individual schools. Services include on-site classroom support with differentiated instruction and curriculum adaptation, grade-level conferences, and intervisitation coordination with other Knowledge Network schools. Youth development support On-site support for schools facilitating the development and enhancement of co-curricular activities (e.g., Knowledge Bowl) and support for students. Guidance counselors receive professional development as needed and requested. Accountability/data support Individual school support in the use of Knowledge Network curriculum, school planning, project-based learning, academic intervention services (AIS), summer school, test sophistication, and Quality Review and School Progress Reports using UFT Teacher Center and Knowledge Network staff. Services include on-site coaching and modeling for Principals and pedagogic staff as well as workshops for school staff in collaboration with the UFT Teacher Center. KNLSO staff members assist Principals with ARIS familiarization and their work with inquiry teams. Schools are supported in formulation and monitoring a budget that meets the needs of their school. This year, one KNLSO school was selected to demonstrate the use of ARIS and Inquiry Teams to the Superintendent of Denver, Colorado schools and his staff. Best Fit The Knowledge Network LSO is designed to accommodate all school levels, organizations, and designations (all schools from K–12 and school classifications from “in good standing” to SURR/SINI/CA). CTE schools and Small Learning Communities also find a capable partner in the Knowledge Network LSO. The Knowledge Network is the right choice for schools committed to moving to the next level of success through the implementation of the Core Knowledge system. We provide the best fit for schools seeking tremendous support with a focus on accountability, achievement, teacher professional development, and collaboration with the entire school staff. Feedback from Principals The Knowledge Network proactively and strategically uses teams of network leaders and staff developers to help schools establish systems, analyze data, and most importantly, develop research-based programs to support school wide initiatives and strengthen staff capacity. My experience, as the principal of IS 49, is a clear example of the consistent support from the Knowledge Network. Whether the undertaking is a challenging one or that of a mundane nature, Dr. Cashin and Ms. D’Onofrio, my Network leader, understand that my growth as a leader, as well as my school’s growth and opportunity, is a result of the commitment and industry of the Knowledge Network. I recommend, wholeheartedly, the Knowledge Network as a school support organization. Linda Hill, Principal IS 49 R The Knowledge Network has had a tremendous impact on putting our school on track. The past two years have given us great opportunities for professional development not only for administrators but for our teachers as well. The response from the network is superior for all our needs and totally supportive. I am extremely happy with our choice and look forward to continuing the relationship. Emma Della Rocca, Principal IS 51 R I would like to thank you for the continued support of the Knowledge Network for P.S. 167. With the assistance of the KN staff, our school has moved from a "D" on the NYC Progress Reports for the 2006-7 school year to a "B" for the 2007-8 school year. The influx of Core Knowledge into our curriculum has helped in our fifth grade achievement of high scores on the November 2008 New York State Social Studies Examination. P.S. 167 has made all AYP and Safe Harbor targets for this year. Our teachers are working smarter with the use of the Core Knowledge curriculum and hands-on professional development. Your assistance has been invaluable in all areas. Thank you again for your support. Joan E. Palmer, Principal, PS 167K The Knowledge Network has been instrumental in supporting the very important work we do in schools to ensure the success of each and every one of our students. They provide extensive professional development for all school constituencies such as curriculum mapping, developing an interdisciplinary curriculum and computer workshops. Additionally there are student events such as the winter and spring concerts, scholastic competitions and computer training that are sponsored by the network. Dr. Cashin and her staff are keenly insightful and very responsive to the educational needs of our students. Grace Zwillenberg Principal John Adams High School Knowledge Network with Dr. Kathleen Cashin as its' CEO, continues to support our school in the successful implementation of the NYC Core Curriculum and Core Knowledge by offering monthly professional development opportunities for content area teachers and our Core Knowledge Facilitator. Workshop participants then turnkey this information to teachers throughout our building. By sharing ideas and resources, teachers then create a body of creative lessons and teaching approaches that ensure valid learning experience for students at all levels. Rosalyn Allman-Manning, Principal, JHS 210 Q The Knowledge Network offers PS 66Q a plethora of support and guidance. Each month there is a Professional Development menu offering workshops across the curriculum that is relevant to our needs .Our Network Leader, Dr. Lavin, consistently provides us with the tools to maintain our high standards. Under her tutelage we have received a “Well Developed with Outstanding Features” on our Quality Review and an A on our Progress Report. Knowledge Network adheres to the philosophy of the Core Knowledge Foundation. Core Knowledge has provided our teachers with a strong academic focus and specific plans for coherent, sequential learning. The Core Knowledge curriculum also includes masterpieces of Art, Music and Literature. Parents receive a clear outline of what their children are expected to learn in school. PS 66 was bestowed the honor of becoming a “New York State Title 1-School of Distinction”. The award and the certificate were presented at a ceremony in San Antonio, Texas -February 2009. Through the diligent effort of the entire PS 66 community and support of the Knowledge Network our students continue to demonstrate outstanding academic excellence. Phyliss Leinwand, Principal PS 66Q Price Schools will pay $31,814, to join the Knowledge Network LSO. For More Information There are currently several Core Knowledge model schools that host visitations at the convenience of interested school leaders and teachers. Please contact Knowledge Network to learn more about attending a site observation visit. Phone (718) 642-5701 or visit http://www.knowledgenetworklso.org/ . View a printable pdf version of the profile and printable profile data.