CLLI: Frequently Asked Questions
Certification Process for Prospective SIM Professional Developers
How is the process similar or different for the two strands: Content Enhancement Routines and Learning Strategies?
Participants in the institute will be from both strands. The content for many of the sessions are applicable for all participants, but the two strands are differentiated by some sessions specific to LS or CER. The application to enter this certification process and the apprenticeship experiences are unique to the strand.
Is this process similar to Train-the-Trainer models?
We often receive requests for an individual to attend a Train-the-Trainer institute. The institute we offer as part of the process to become certified by the CRL as a SIM Professional Developer does not follow a Train-the-Trainer model because there are specific prerequisites knowledge, skills, and experiences participants develop prior to attending. These prerequisites can take one to several years to develop.
Who may serve as a SIM Mentor? How do I find one?
Each applicant attending the institute will be mentored by a certified SIM Content Enhancement or Learning Strategies Professional Developer who has maintained active status. The SIM Professional Developer has the following responsibilities:
a) To nominate the candidate for the role of SIM Professional Developer in either Content Enhancement or Learning Strategies, write a letter of support indicating the candidate has been observed and is implementing with proficiency and fidelity, has the interpersonal skills required to become a Professional Developer, has communication skills that would be effective in teaching adults, and that a SIM Professional Developer (you or another person) is willing to be a mentor and assist the individual in meeting post-institute requirements.
b) Co-plan and instruct sessions with the candidate after this Institute.
c) Evaluate the candidate’s planning, teaching, and coaching skills related to implementation at least twice during the apprenticeship.
d) Review the candidate’s evidence and provide feedback prior to submission for certification.
Questions about possible SIM mentors should be send to simpd@ku.edu.
I don’t recognize the name of this institute. Is this a new institute opportunity?
This institute was formerly titled PPDI or Potential Professional Developers Institute. Consistent with the former institute, instruction in the use of specific CER and LS is not offered during institute, rather the focus is on building skills to foster professional learning. Formerly, the Content Literacy Continuum (CLC) has been used as an organizing framework. While knowledge of the CLC remains helpful to applicants, a focus on literacy leadership and connections to other relevant frameworks found in school’s today is increasingly necessary. These concepts are distinguishing and motivating features encouraging SIM Specialists to pursue certification as a SIM Professional Developer; thus, the name change of the institute represents this focus.
How do I obtain help while completing the online application?
Please don’t hesitate to email simpd@ku.edu to request assistance.
Can SIM Professional Developers who are already certified attend this institute?
If you are certified in one strand and desire to become dually certified, then you may wish to attend. This institute is not intended for certified SIM Professional Developers to attend as a stand-alone event.