Education and Training Cluster Blog

When: February 26, 2010
              8:30 am

Hosted by: Dee Peters and Loretta McDonald

Location: Advanced Technology Complex
                     1504 Long Road
                     Denton, Texas 76207

Phone: 940-369-4871

* Lunch will be provided.

Please come and join us as we collaborate at Denton ISD’s Advanced Technology Complex.

8:30 am – 9:00 am  – Registration (free; you can register on site)

9:00 – 9:30 am General Session

9:30 – Breakout Sessions

• Student Portfolios – Dee Peters (DISD)
• Grant Writing, Starting a RST Program – Shelly Redding (Coppell ISD)
• Electronic Portfolios – Carolyn Thompson (DISD Technology)
• Promethean Board – Promethium Trainer  – Facilitated by Loretta McDonald (DISD)
• Great Websites – Megan Johnson Burns (Dallas ISD)

Great article about classroom management.

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2010/01/13/tln_schwartz_management.html

2007, NEFC, 180 pages
ISBN 978-1-892989-18-5
ITEM 132SB

Language may be a teacher’s most powerful tool, for words do more than deliver content. They also play a huge part in whether children develop self-control, build a sense of belonging, and gain academic and social skills and knowledge.

This warm and thought-provoking book shows how you can use words, tone, and pacing to build a classroom where students feel safe, respected, appreciated, and excited about learning. Denton, an educator with over twenty years of experience teaching children and adults, offers practical tips (including language to avoid and language to adopt), real-life anecdotes, and concrete examples. Topics include:

• using language to help children envision success
• open-ended questions that stretch children’s thinking
• listening and using silence skillfully
• the 3 Rs of teacher language: reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting
• saying what you mean and meaning what you say
• giving brief, concrete instructions
• offering meaningful, specific encouragement

The sensible approach this book advocates is backed by research and proven through decades of successful practice in elementary classrooms nationwide. It offers ideas beginners can try immediately and a wealth of guidance and support for those farther along in the process of changing their language.

See www.responsiveclassroom.org for ordering details.

See the attached link for an interesting article regarding teacher preparation programs.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122224872