The Strategic Instruction Model™ is a comprehensive, evidence-based adolescent literacy program that empowers teachers and enables students to better succeed in school and beyond.
Why SIM?
- SIM provides students with tools to solve problems independently.
- SIM emphasizes teaching routines that allow teachers to organize and present curriculum content in straightforward, easy-to-learn ways.
Our research confirms that quality teaching materials greatly enhance teachers’ ability to provide quality instruction in their classrooms. Our long-standing commitment to and investment in developing these instructional supports—teacher manuals, student learning sheets, scoring rubrics, and technology supports—underscore the importance we place on this aspect of our work. For more than 40 years, we have worked directly with classroom teachers to develop materials that improve the learning experience for students and the teaching experience for teachers. As a result, we have the research, success stories, and the proven track record to help school succeed in meeting the needs of their students.
Comments from Educators
~ SIM has opened up a whole new world for me as a teacher and as a professional. Xtreme Reading was my introduction to SIM, and after I saw the impact of the program on students in my room, I knew I wanted to share Xtreme and SIM with others...I have learned so much in the last two years. I would venture to say that I've learned more through the SIM PD than any other PD I've ever attended.
~ I enjoy the simplicity of implementing. Unlike other professional development that is not immediately applicable, I can come back from training and immediately begin using the strategy with my kids.
~ We are using the Framing Routine and have noticed a great improvement in our student notes because of it.
~ I find that the strategies are extremely successful and that students do begin to take personal responsibility for the quality of their schoolwork as a result of implementing the strategies.
~ I find the SIM materials to be especially beneficial for my students with specific learning disabilities and other low achieving students.
~ I love how versatile the each strategy is and how you can connect one strategy to the next. These strategies really have the power to transform classrooms...from the teachers to the students...I am excited to see where this journey takes me, teachers, and students!
SIM News
September, 2020 - We are pleased to share a new resource: A Crosswalk: High-Leverage Practices in Special Education and Strategic Instruction Model (SIM™) Instructional Tools and Interventions.
September, 2020 - Jocelyn Washburn, Director of Professional Development for the SIM Network, presented a webinar, SIM in Inclusive Classrooms, to more than 70 teachers in India and Singapore. The Webinar was hosted by Lalitha Ramanujan, SIM Profesional Developer and Founder of the Alpha to Omega Learning Centre. Watch the Webinar.
August, 2020 - SIM Professional Developers Michael Fagella-Luby and Endia Lindo (et. al) published the following article: A University–Lab School Writing Partnership Project: Benefits of Curriculum‐Based Measures and Intervention for Students With Learning Differences in peer-reviewed journal, The Reading Teacher (Aug. 31). This article provides a data-informed instructional model for writing, using SIM writing strategies as the primary intervention selected. Their work is timely and relevant to the theme of access.
August, 2020 - With many of the SIM Learning Strategies (and student materials) now available as PDF files, tools like TextHelpReader https://pdf.texthelp.com/ make it easy for students to complete their Learning Sheets online. Learn more about enhancing your work with technology at: https://sim.ku.edu/sim-tech-enhanced-ls
June, 2020 - Sustaining a SIM Initiative in Montana to Improve Student Outcomes
Big things are happening in Montana! Funded by the Educational Promise Foundation, SIM Professional Developers in Montana will build capacity to support SIM professional learning and implementation to improve student outcomes.
May, 2020 - Check out this video about how to use a Unit Organizer in a Digital Classroom from RAISEup Texas.
February, 2020 - 2020 SIM Leadership Award Honoree, Dr. Patty Kohler (AR)
January 2020 - Institute for Strategic Mathematics Interventions (ISMI)
KUCRL has added another research team and institute! One of our goals as a research center is to become nationally recognized as a center that supports mathematics instruction for students with limited proficiency in mathematics. Read more about the Institute for Strategic Mathematics Interventions at: http://kucrl.ku.edu/ismi
December 2019 - Strategic Partnership Formed with SIM and iDEC
The Inclusive Digital Era Collaborative (iDEC) in collaboration with the Professional Development Research Institute (which includes SIM) was awarded $120,000 to conduct research and professional development activities as a result of a competitive bidding process through Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Read more
August, 2019 - KUCRL will team with KU School of Education researchers on a grant to develop and test a new model designed to help students determine and achieve their educational and life goals using Possible-Selves and Self-Determination
July, 2019 - Dr. Elizabeth Gibbs (NC) is this year's SIM Leadership Award Honoree
SIM Events
- 2020 Online PD
Oct. 14&15, 2020 - hosted by ESC13 TX
Composition Writing Bootcamp
No dates, self-directed online - hosted by ESC13 TX
Curriculum Planning Tools: Course Organizer - Oct. 1-28, 2020
2020 Northeast SIM Update Conference: Virtual from Virginia - Date TBA (rescheduling)
Upper Midwest SIM Update Conference
St. Cloud, MN
Purchase SIM Materials
Click here for links to printable order forms
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