In Collaborative Response, we are always looking for ways to move from general discussions to clear, actionable practices that benefit every classroom. A powerful tool gaining momentum across schools to support this work is the instructional playbook.
So, what exactly is an instructional playbook? At its core, an instructional playbook names common instructional practices used across a school, detailing what the practice is, its purpose, how to implement it effectively, and any connected resources. It takes strategies that might only exist in isolated pockets or single classrooms and brings them into the light so the entire staff shares a common understanding and implementation strategy.
Connecting Playbooks to Collaborative Response
The relationship between instructional playbooks, Collaborative Team Meetings (CTMs), and the continuum of supports is a dynamic two-way street. In the early stages of Collaborative Response, teams often map out a menu of supports using sticky notes. Over time, schools refine those ideas into core practices—their "big rocks" for Tier 1 instruction.
When a two-word description on a continuum of supports menu leaves staff wondering, "What does that actually look like?", the instructional playbook steps in. It serves as a companion resource that provides high levels of teacher clarity. In turn, when teams gather in CTMs and identify strategies that work, those practices are captured, documented, and folded right back into the playbook.
The Critical Power of Co-Creation
It can be tempting for a leadership team to appoint a small committee to sit in a room, compile a beautiful playbook, and present it to the staff. However, if only three people write the playbook, those are likely the only three people who will ever reference it.
True clarity and ownership come from continuous co-creation. When playbooks capture the existing, collective expertise of the entire staff—and tie those practices directly to visible learning or school professional development—the resource becomes a living document. It naturally evolves, honors the knowledge within the building, and catches up new or veteran staff members quickly without relying on external packages.
Here are two samples of playbooks created by schools in Alberta. For both schools, these playbooks serve as a collection of instructional practices used across the schools ensuring common understanding co-created and reinforced by consistent review and revision.
A Process That Takes Time
Developing a comprehensive instructional playbook does not happen overnight. Many schools find that this level of articulation naturally emerges around year four or five of their Collaborative Response journey. It takes time to establish the core structures, systems, and processes first before leveraging them to add this layer of complexity.
Think of it like a sports playbook. It ensures every player understands the plays in the exact same way, even if you do not use every play in every game. By articulating and honoring the effective practices already happening in your building, you create an environment rich in clarity, connection, and collective impact.
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