Never in our nation’s history has ability to produce and comprehend written information been more necessary. Unfortunately, literacy instruction is as difficult as it is essential. The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a national leader in professional development for teachers, has several courses coming up in November and December to help with the topic of literacy instruction.
Teachers will expand their knowledge in order to improve their students’ reading and writing skills in a variety of courses designed to help with literacy instruction.
Here are a few of the upcoming programs:
13797 • SUPPORTING EARLY GRADES LITERACY OF GIFTED CHILDREN - OCRACOKE
When: November 10-14
What: The title of a 1993 study by the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented implied that, in the absence of enrichment programs, AIG students do not receive instruction in any new material until January. Even if only half true, this is a recipe which can trigger students to disengage, misbehave, and eventually dropout. At best, it represents a tremendous squandering of time and talent. This program will bring together teachers of gifted children with experts in the field of gifted education. Challenge students and enable their continual intellectual growth by expanding your knowledge and skills.
13799 • DIGITAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT EARLY GRADES LITERACY - CULLOWHEE
When: November 18-21
What: New technologies and related initiatives have been arriving in the classroom with alarming frequency: Chrome books, iPads, Interactive white boards, web 2.0 and 3.0 tools, student response systems, and countless apps. In an effort to remain current, many teachers may find themselves in a classic tail-wags-dog scenario; their curriculum is driven by the technology, when it is the technology that should support the curriculum. During this program, teachers will receive instruction in how to use digital tools to support and enhance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening instruction.
13804 • DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION FOR EARLY GRADES LITERACY AND BEYOND - OCRACOKE
When: December 1-5
What: As we aim to bring delayed readers up to grade level, we cannot allow other students to languish. Nor do we want to organize our instruction in such a way that our struggling students feel stigmatized. How do teachers balance the emotional and instructional needs of all their students? That is the question we will attack in this program. Teachers will spend several days immersed in a variety of differentiation activities and then craft specific plans and activities for differentiating in their own classrooms. Although activities will be geared toward K–3 standards, the skills are completely transferable and teachers at all levels are encouraged to attend.
13806 • USING DIGITAL TOOLS TO ENGAGE LITERACY AND IMPROVE SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS - CULLOWHEE
When: December 9-12
What: One of the most striking realities relating to the nuts-and-bolts operation of schools is that communication processes can always be improved. Managing tasks, coordinating volunteers, getting parent feedback, disseminating information—these and other challenges face teachers, teams, administrators, and parent groups on a regular basis. Learn about free technological resources that can be leveraged to improve communication, engage teachers, engage students, engage parents, and raise money, friends, and interest for needs that fall outside of regular funding sources. Administrators and school teams are invited to apply for this program.
Contact NCCAT Teacher Services by phone at 800-922-0482 or email [email protected].