Minot State partners with CREA, Drop the Knowledge to develop classroom tool

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University, in collaboration with the Central Regional Education Association (CREA) and Anderson, Conn, and Tenam-Zemach Consulting, LLC (also known as Drop the Knowledge), is proud to announce the development and statewide approval of the CP2R Classroom Observation Tool.

This innovative tool, designed by Minot State’s Nathan Anderson and Dan Conn, along with Michelle Tenam-Zemach and Erica Alstad, has been approved by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction for use in public PK-12 schools across North Dakota.

The CP2R Classroom Observation Tool offers a comprehensive approach to evaluating teachers, rooted in person-environment (P-E) fit literature. The tool focuses on the alignment between individuals and their environment, building upon the CPR Success and Failure Analysis framework.

"Using CP2R language and tools in schools can help cultivate robust learning environments and perspectives that continuously support the holistic well-being of teachers and students. With suitable conditions and healthy mindsets, we believe all educators and learners are capable of positively impacting themselves and others by consciously doing what they can do well and want to do," said Anderson, MSU director of institutional assessment and founding partner of Anderson, Conn & Tenam-Zemach Consulting LLC.

"The thought, research, content, and tools that have been put into CP2R are exactly what is needed in education right now,” said Luke Schaefer, CREA CEO. “As teacher retention and recruitment efforts are sought, a solution that allows educators to renew their passions and become better teachers couldn’t come at a better time. Every school should consider empowering their teaching staff with CP2R."

The framework comprises four domains: capacity, passion, presence, and relevance. Additionally, last spring, in collaboration with Minot State University, Minot Public Schools, and Drop the Knowledge, three schools in Minot Public School District piloted the CP2R Classroom Observation Tool.

Due to its success, a second pilot study will be conducted in Fall 2024. In collaboration with the CREA and MSU, Drop the Knowledge will launch the tool across schools in North Dakota. The pilot will include access to the classroom observation tool, five sessions of professional development, and optional coaching with trained consultants from Drop the Knowledge.

During the second pilot study, participating administrators and teachers will also have the opportunity to earn graduate credits through MSU, further enhancing their professional development.

"The CP2R classroom evaluation system is a game changer for schools,” said Tenam-Zemach, founding Partner of Anderson, Conn & Tenam-Zemach Consulting LLC. “It provides the words and ideas needed to build open, honest, and impactful communication within and across schools and districts to transform teaching and learning."

About the Organizations:
Minot State University: A public university in Minot, North Dakota, dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement. www.minotstateu.edu

Central Region Education Association: An organization that provides support and professional development to educators in central North Dakota, aiming to improve educational outcomes. www.creand.org

Anderson, Conn & Tenam-Zemach Consulting LLC (Drop the Knowledge): A consultancy firm specializing in educational tools and frameworks designed to enhance teaching and learning through research-based methods. www.droptheknowledge.com

For more information, please contact:

• Dan Conn: daniel.conn@minotstateu.edu | (701) 858-3267
• Nathan Anderson: nathan.c.anderson@minotstateu.edu | (701) 858-3064