What We Do

What is CRISS Cornerstones? CRISS Cornerstones provides a strong follow-up component to a CRISS Level I Training. Created in two versions, elementary and secondary, this support is self-directed by pairs or teams of teachers. The Cornerstones booklet works in conjunction with the Video Journal of Education's video set "Reading in the Content Areas with Research-based CRISS Strategies" (parts 1 and 2) and the Project CRISS training manual. A CD-ROM containing the video comes with each Cornerstones booklet. [NOTE: The video comes in elementary and secondary editions that correspond with the two versions of the Cornerstones booklet.] The CRISS training manual is provided to all participants during the Level I training.

How does Cornerstones work? The program is comprised of fifteen mini-lessons; each one relates to a chapter or part of a chapter in the CRISS training manual. Working in pairs or small groups, teachers meet during a common planning period, before or after school, or whenever it is convenient for approximately one hour a week (to complete the follow-up in a semester). Teams may meet less frequently, in which case the follow-up will cover a longer period of time.

Prior to each mini-lesson, teachers read a section of the training manual using one of the CRISS strategies. When they meet with their partners or teams, they discuss the information they read, watch a five to twelve minute segment of the video, and respond to prompts provided in the Cornerstones booklet.

What is the goal of Cornerstones? The goal of the program is to have teachers (1) read and discuss the whole CRISS training manual, (2) try a variety of learning strategies and the CRISS principles within their daily lessons, and (3) develop a two to three week CRISS Strategic Learning Plan they will implement after completing Cornerstones.

This follow-up encourages teachers to think critically about their teaching, and it provides opportunities for them to reflect on their application of the CRISS principles and strategies.

What does the program cost? The cost of the CRISS Cornerstones booklet with the CD-Rom video "Reading in the Content Areas" is $35.00. Click here for an order form.

Selections from CRISS Cornerstones
Click here to see:
Table of Contents
CRISS Cornerstones Overview (pages 1 and 2)
Mini-Lesson 6: Creating Conversations of Learning