Visual literacy relates to the language of art—how it is organized, and how it is used to communicate as a language of its own. It relates to all aspects of becoming “art literate,” including an understanding of how the Elements of Art and Principles of Design are used for personal expression and for communication through art. In art, visual literacy encompasses the application of creative thinking skills while solving artistic problems. In this program, art teachers will learn how to encompass the use of digital resources to enhance instruction of visual literacy and safety in the art classroom. Art teachers will explore a variety of digital tools in order to create Hyper Docs, ePortfolios, and video/audio products.

Modeling Instruction provides professional development in secondary science through a research-based, reform-oriented pedagogy. Modeling helps correct the many weaknesses of the lecture-demonstration method found in many classrooms, including the fragmentation of knowledge, student passivity, and the persistence of naive beliefs about the physical world. Scientists learn by doing; they construct and deploy models of the real world and test their ability to predict new phenomena. The student-centered Modeling classroom focuses on turning students into scientists to replicate this process. This program will introduce teachers to the instructional methods and units in Modeling Biology.

The widespread adoption of Learning Management Systems and 1:1 laptop initiatives means teachers have opportunities to blend the best of traditional instruction and online learning. Professional learning in online lesson design and blended teaching strategies helps teachers plan and build engaging online lessons designed to enhance traditional instruction. Teachers in this program will develop lessons created to stand on their own, either for initial learning or for quick recovery. Participants will learn the evolving best practices for online learning and put that learning into practice by creating effective lessons to engage student learners.

This program will dive into ways to integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) into the NC PreK and Kindergarten classroom. Learn what STEAM looks like developmentally and discuss the importance of introducing it to young students. Explore hands-on STEAM lessons that can easily be integrated into standards, content domains and goals.

This program is for teachers who teach math in grades K-5.

We know that success with math concepts begins with strong number sense, so how do we build number fluency in the elementary grades? This program will explore the number sense progressions for the elementary grades including counting, addition and subtraction, and fractions to foster strong number sense. In addition, we will develop strategies that build students’ number fluency and reasoning skills when solving math problems. Strategies included in the program are facilitating number talks, and the three reads strategy, along with other classroom tips for developing students’ math fluency.

Note: Virtual course.

In years past, the school librarian was expected to build well-rounded library collections and to be an effective circulator and manager of resources. Today’s library media specialist takes an active role in instructional programs, serving not only as program administrator and information specialist, but also as teacher, instructional partner, and resource specialist. Focus will be on strategies library media specialists can use to develop a collaborative teaching role that supports literacy across the curriculum. We will also explore technology tools and digital resources that can be used to improve students’ skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

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