How will ABC make theory practical?
We believe it is important to know why good ideas work in the classroom. Our sessions are based on well-researched and sound theory. However we work with teachers all over Australia and they have shared many of their ideas with us. With their permission we are able to share their practical application of theory with you. This means that ABC always provides practical examples of knowledge and theory applied to the classroom.

Will there be time for teachers to think and talk?
All sessions are punctuated with time for practical activities, questions and discussion. This is because time is needed to relate information to your situation, reflect and attempt to apply knowledge and to share with colleagues.

Will there be things teachers can take away and use immediately?
Yes, the handout from the sessions with notes made during the session provides a permanent resource. Practical ideas and examples provided in the session can be used immediately and time for reflection, discussion and application in the sessions will facilitate use of the knowledge and theory presented.

How can we afford ABC?
Clearly the most expensive part of employing us is releasing teachers from the classroom. However this is also the most effective option as after school sessions are not popular and staff are tired and less receptive.

• Consider networking with another school or schools, pooling resources or accessing district, regional or group nominated funds
• Consider working with a professional association to share funding of our visit (we work for them and your school) which alleviates some cost
• Search for grant options not only through federal, state, independent and catholic education systems but business options. Some bookstores and publishing companies have grants. Some states have grants from gambling levies to fund various programs. Consider seeking sponsorship from the local service clubs and businesses. Think outside the square!

Here are some options to reduce the cost of teacher release:

• Use a ‘rolling day’ and release teachers for one of three 90 minute sessions (morning session, middle session or afternoon session). In this way only one third of the replacement teachers are required. For example, in a staff of 24, 8 replacement teachers are needed instead of 24.
• Combine classes and release teachers as per the rolling day
• Use specialist teachers to take classes (by rearranging daily timetable) and release teachers as per the rolling day
• Use administrators to take classes and release teachers as per the rolling day
• Note: These options give teachers 90 minutes with us. Sometimes it is good to start with a whole day release and then have a rolling day as a follow-up when teachers have tried things and have specific questions.

• We have found that the most effective use of our services arises from a sequence of planned sessions over a number of weeks or months. This enables teachers to process and apply knowledge and ideas between sessions. Feedback can then be provided and received, questions explored and support given. However we understand that cost is a factor in decision-making and therefore have provided some other ideas and options. Remember however that cost effectiveness can be measured in both dollars and/or outcomes. Choosing to use a one day session over a sequence may mean that your investment is less effective because the results are negligible or sporadic rather than school-wide, long term and measurable.
• If you choose to use one day (which many of our clients do), a full day session for all teachers is the ideal option rather than the rolling day described under the FAQ How can we afford ABC? A full day can be used in a number of ways:
  • to fulfil a specific purpose/need identified by staff
  • as an initial introduction to a sequence of topics/issues
  • to generate discussion or exploration of an issue to be followed up by the school rather than in further sessions with ABC
  • as a ‘getting to know you’ session in which some input is provided, the school needs clarified and details for a future program can be negotiated.