CDE Field Trips - 1/28/25: Monaco Elementary Bright Spot Visit

With support from CDE's Transformation Network, Monaco Elementary in the Adams 14 district is reshaping its approach to classroom engagement through structured rounds of one-on-one support. When using this strategy teachers intentionally and consistently observe, engage with, and support students during instructional time. 

The Transformation Network – a partnership between the state, districts and schools that have priority improvement or turnaround ratings in the state’s accountability system – recently gathered educators at Monaco Elementary to observe the practice and learn more about how it’s improving student engagement and academic outcomes. 

Monaco’s Principal Ryan Green explained the concept: "We check in with every kid, and we plan for feedback. It's 30 seconds or less, so we can get around to every student in a lap, aiming for two to three laps in 10 to 15 minutes." 

This method allows teachers to provide immediate, targeted feedback, fostering real-time learning improvements. The proactive approach has led to fewer behavioral issues and notable student growth, with more than half of the students showing a year’s worth of progress by mid-year.

Classroom management often relies on reactive practices, but proactive engagement is more effective, said Green. When teachers consistently check in with students and keep them mentally engaged, it minimizes opportunities for distraction and reduces the need for behavior management, he said.

The pacing and positive energy in classrooms have led to an excitement for learning in students, Green said. “The teachers who are diving into it, they're not focused on teaching. They're focused on learning. And the students are usually happier.”

The partnership between the teachers and the Transformation Network helped break down complex tasks into manageable steps, allowing the school to track progress and build momentum.

“We're only a half a year through, but there's already a tangible momentum that’s fun. I'm grateful to be able to see my team flourish and be happy and to progress and grow.” Green said. 

Green shared an example from the Pixar movie Monsters, Inc. to explain the shift in energy he’s noticed since teachers have embraced giving real-time feedback during lessons—initially, the monsters use screams as their source of energy. But by the end of the movie, they discover that laughter is far more powerful.

“I would put my teachers up against any teacher in any high-performing district,” Green said. “What they need is the support and the focus. So I'm appreciative of the Transformation Network.”