September 2011

Learning Activities for You!

Mentoring Moments
As we enter the last half of 2011, we no longer have the luxury of avoiding 21st century skills instruction. A sense of urgency must resound through our classrooms as we begin to explore the importance of redesigning our curriculums and instructional methods so that we are accommodating the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. I believe that in order for the U.S. to retain a competitive edge in the global economic and political realm, we have to produce students who are prepared to enter society with 21st century abilities. If we continue to ignore the changing social scenario consuming us, then we are going to fall noticeably behind. Reluctance toward incorporating social networking and technology into our classrooms is a disservice to our students; they not only need to learn about various technologies, but how to use them responsibly. Students will learn about these cutting edge applications and devices with or without the education system; however, if we can teach students to use them in support of their educational and career goals, then we are naturally meshing what students are already accustomed to with authentic learning experiences. Twenty-first century skills are not exclusive to proficiently using technology; often, its assumed that 21st century skills and digital technologies are synonymous. Instead, these skills are the foundation for students to effectively use technology. We should provide opportunities for learners to engage, explore, invent, and investigate, and, in turn, expose students to technologies that support these skills. More often than not we teach students about what is but we forget about teaching what could be. We have the unique responsibility of preparing students for jobs that dont yet exist, where they will be solving problems that dont yet exist! How do we tackle such an overwhelming task? In the classroom, students should have the opportunity to collaborate with their peersto not always focus on the final answer or outcome, but rather the processes of problem solving. Collaboration is much more than group work. Its listening, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of teammates, and leading by example. Its the foundation of almost every great idea and invention to date. Dont we want our students to have skills that will enable them to be thinkers and productive contributors? Communication should be a concern for educators. We dont instruct our students to communicate, at least not to the level that we should. Often times we assume its a skill that they inherently possess. I firmly believe that lack of communication is at the root of many problems in our schools today: bullying, violence, drop-outs, etc. These issues could be vastly improved through something as simple as teaching students how to convey their thoughts and feelings in an appropriate manner. Arranging for learning that promotes collaboration and communication takes time; it requires a certain structure within a classroom that does not revolve around teacher-centered instruction. Therefore, its often by-passed and instead, lessons are delivered that provide a more direct path to standardized test success. To combat this issue, students should be given ample opportunity to work with, learn from, and support their classmates. Students should regularly converse, effectively debate, actively listen, and articulately speak. The need for authentically integrating 21st century skills into the classroom is at our doorstep. As educators, we are advocates for students. Ultimately, we must be advocates for whatever it takes to engage, inspire, and motivate them!

Jaclyn Chaney 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year Finalist

ow rN iste hop Reg orks W ay P

2011-2012 Training Calendar

Participation is limited to first year teachers only. Classroom Management Part II continues to address strategies that were introduced at New Teacher Academy to enhance or improve classroom management. As with the first session, the training is based on Rick Smiths book Conscious Classroom Management. Participation is required for first year teachers as part of the New Teacher Induction program. The training will be offered three timesMonday, September 12th; Thursday, October 6th; and Monday, October 24th. Participants choose one of these three sessions. All sessions will be held at the same time and same location. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Weidner at weidnmic@wcps.k12.md.us or Gwen Pangborn at pangbgwe@wcps.k12.md.us. Accountable Talk: Maximizing Protocols and Other Engagement Processes Across the Curriculum. Learn how to use protocols in ways that strengthen the quality of student thinking and interaction. (Grades 1-5) This is only available for CES members. Contact Danae Doubledee (doubldan@wcps.k12.md.us). How can you build a collegial culture in your school/team, what are ways to maximize the strengths that members bring to teams and meetings, and what are some practical applications for the CFIP rubric? Come explore ideas with other administrators and teacher leaders. Leave with a plan to help strengthen collaboration at your school. Contact Danae Doubledee (doubldan@wcps.k12.md.us). Registration is now open for the first sessions of Working with Families. Participants will be able to create electronic products to use this year from both sessions. See attached flyer for additional 2011-2012 sessions. Contact Gwen Pangborn (pangegwe@wcps.k12.md.us) or Kathy Kaper-Dick (kaperkat@wcps.k12.md.us) with questions.

New Teacher Induction: Classroom Management Part II Monday, September 12, 4:15-6:15 p.m. Appalachian and Summit Rooms

Coalition of Essential Schools Classroom Series Thursday, September 15, 4:15-5:45 p.m. Ruth Ann Monroe Primary School

Maximizing Teams/CFIPs: Moving from Parallel Play to Collegial Culture Monday, September 19, 8:00-3:00 p.m. Summit Room

Working with Families: Create Your Own Electronic Newsletter Tuesday, September 20, 4:15-6:15 p.m. E. Russell Hicks Middle School Working with Families: Create Your Own Classroom Web Page Wednesday, September 21, 4:15-6:15 p.m. E. Russell Hicks Middle School Collegial Coaching Thursday, September 22, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Appalachian Room

Learn to improve professional practices with the help of your peers! Collegial Coaching is a relationship between two or more colleagues who are committed to learning new strategies, getting unstuck, and/or reflecting on education practices. Learn how to enhance your professional communication skills that can positively affect your relationship with colleagues and students. Register Now! Contact Michael Weidner (weidnmic@wcps.k12.md.us)

Sign up for these courses/classes at www.wcps.k12.md.us; Faculty/Staff Link; Most Requested Link - CPL Professional Development Registration Login

ow rN iste hop Reg orks W ay P

2011-2012 Training Calendar

The intent of this training is to encourage participants to become reflective practitioners by engaging in multiple experiences relative to CFGs. Attention is given to processes that promote the establishment of professional learning communities, protocols as ways of looking at student work, and the implementation of test-based discussions. Contact Danae Doubledee (doubldan@wcps.k12.md.us). Participation is limited to first year teachers only. Classroom Management Part II continues to address strategies that were introduced at New Teacher Academy to enhance or improve classroom management. As with the first session, the training is based on Rick Smiths book Conscious Classroom Management. Participation is required for first year teachers as part of the New Teacher Induction program. The training will be offered three timesMonday, September 12th; Thursday, October 6th; and Monday, October 24th. Participants choose one of these three sessions. All sessions will be held at the same time and same location. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Weidner at weidnmic@wcps.k12.md.us or Gwen Pangborn at pangbgwe@wcps.k12.md.us. Participants in this two-part training session will develop a greater understanding of students struggling with limited social, emotional, and/or financial resources. Opportunities will be given for participants to build knowledge regarding their student population, interact with other educators, problem solve, and develop strategies for student success. This session is for new participants, and attending both sessions is required. Workshop pay will be provided. Contact Kristin Keelan (keelakri@wcps.k12.md.us). Participants will be able to learn new ideas for working with families that have been in Title I schools. A panel of Title I school family liaisons will share their ideas and answer questions during this session. Contact Gwen Pangborn (pangegwe@wcps.k12.md.us) or Kathy KaperDick (kaperkat@wcps.k12.md.us) with questions.

Critical Friends Group I: Introduction to CFG Processes Tuesday, October 4, 14 and 20, 8:00-3:00 p.m. Summit

New Teacher Induction: Classroom Management Part II Thursday, October 6, 4:15-6:15 p.m. Appalachian and Summit Rooms

The Under-Resourced Learner Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, November 9 4:15-6:15 p.m. Western Heights Middle School

Working with Families: Successful Ideas and Activities Monday, October 17 4:15-6:15 p.m. Summit Room

Working with Parents Tip for Teachers

Remember parents are as nervous as you are the first month of school, and might be overprotective of their child especially if that child has special needs. Be sensitive and patient, reassuring the parent that their child is in good hands and all will be fine. Parents need to adjust to new situations as much as their child.

Sign up for these courses/classes at www.wcps.k12.md.us; Faculty/Staff Link; Most Requested Link - CPL Professional Development Registration Login

New Teacher Trainings

First Year Teachers
Classroom Management, Part II
Attend one:

Second Year Teachers

Open for all second year teachers.
If earning one MSDE credit, you must attend all three:

Monday, September 12, 2011 Thursday, October 6, 2011 Monday, October 24, 2011

Effective Strategies for Instructional Delivery, Part I

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Working with Under-Resourced Learners

Attend one:

Thursday, November 3, 2011 Monday, November 14, 2011 Thursday, December 1, 2011

Effective Strategies for Instructional Delivery, Part II

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Human Resources: Certification and Benefits

Attend one:

Thursday, January 5, 2012 Thursday, February 2, 2012 Monday, February 6, 2012

Effective Strategies for Instructional Delivery, Part III

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

All trainings will be held from 4:15-6:15 p.m. in the Summit and Appalachian Rooms at the Central Office. Workshop pay provided. Questions? Email Michael Weidner (weidnmic@wcps.k12.md.us) or Gwen Pangborn (pangbgwe@wcps.k12.md.us)
pens ation o Registr y, August 18. rsda on Thu e register at Pleas .us/cp3 .k12.md .wcboe www

Maximizing Teams/CFIPs: Moving from Parallel Play to Collegial Culture

NEW
How can you build a collegial culture in your school/team? What are ways to maximize the strengths that members bring to teams and meetings? What are some practical applications for the CFIP rubric?

Opportunity provided by CPL: Title II Funds

Come explore ideas with other administrators and teacher leaders. Leave with a plan to help strengthen collaboration at your school. Monday, September 19, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Summit Room, Central Office

Online Course Registration Process Access the website at www.wcboe.k12.md.us/cp3. You will then receive an email that you registered. A later email will approve your request. Note: If you have any difficulty registering please contact Cindi Minnichbach at minnicin@wcps.k12.md.us.

Please email Danae Doubledee, Professional Learning Mentor (doubldan@wcboe.k12.md.us) in CPL if you have any questions or call 301-766-2934.

Center for Professional Learning

Working With Families

Create Your Own Electronic Newsletter
Look ing f or out t o 21 a unique st ce ntur way to r y pa Jum rent each p sta s? r com mun t your 2 icati 011ons 2012 and join us!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 4:15-6:15 E. Russell Hicks Middle School Instructor: Karen Teach

Create Your Own Classroom Web Page

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 4:15-6:15 E. Russell Hicks Middle School Instructor: Nicole Ciccarelli
Register at www.wcboe.k12.md.us/cp3 For more information, contact Gwen Pangborn (301-766-8696) Kathy Kaper-Dick (301-766-8773)

What: Level IIntroduction Where: Summit Room, Central Office

When: October 4, 14, & 20 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Hour lunch on your own

Critical Friends Group I: Introduction to Critical Friends Groups Processes

October 4, 14, & 20

Limited to 20 participants

Who should take Critical Friends Group Part I? Supervisors, principals, assistant principals, teacher leaders, teachers, or anyone interested in: The intent of this training is to encourage participants to become reflective practitioners by engaging in multiple experiences relative to Critical Friends Groups. Attention is given to processes that promote the establishment of professional learning communities, protocols as ways of looking at student work, and the implementation of testbased discussions. Training with Pam Ayres: Maryland Center National School Reform Faculty

Collaborative Teaming Opportunity provided by CPL. Participants must attend and complete all 3 days of the training.

ONLINE COURSE REGISTRATION PROCESS

Access the website at www.wcboe.k12.md.us/cp3. You will then receive an email that you registered. A later email will approve your request. Note: If you have any difficulty registering please contact Cindi Minnichbach at minnicin@wcps.k12.md.us.

Please email Danae Doubledee, Professional Learning Mentor (doubldan@wcps.k2.md.us) in CPL if you have any questions or call 301-766-2934.

WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Center for Professional Learning

NEW

THE UNDERRESOURCED LEARNER

Participants in this two-part training session will develop a greater understanding of students struggling with limited social, emotional, and/or financial resources. Opportunities will be given for participants to build knowledge regarding their student population, interact with other educators, problem solve, and develop strategies for student success. This session is for new participants and attending both sessions is required. Dates: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 and Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Time: 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. Location: Western Heights Middle School Media Center Register: www.wcboe.k12.md.us/cp3/
PRESENTERS:
Nick Dolan Amy Hillard Nate Hirsch Kate Long Brie SImpson Questions? Contact Kristin Keelan (keelakri@wcps.k12.md.us)

If you are unable to attend both of these dates, this session will be held again in January/February.

Center for Professional Learning

Working With Families

Look ing f or invo lvem new fam i ent i deas ly ? Join us!

Successful Ideas and Activities for Working with Families

A panel of Title I school family liaisons will share ideas that have been successful in their Title I schools for engaging families and strengthening family/school relationships.

Monday, October 17, 2011 4:15-6:15 Central Office, Summit Room Facilitators: Title I School Family Liaison

Register at www.wcboe.k12.md.us/cp3 For more information, contact Gwen Pangborn (301-766-8696) Kathy Kaper-Dick (301-766-8773)