PD Opportunity

Scholastic is offering free webinars for PD.  They have one on December 15 at 4:00 on Professional Learning Communities.  Here's the site to register if anyone is interested:  scholastic.com/yourpurpose.  There is also one in January on Test Prep.

Empowering Teachers and Students

I am not nearly as comprehensive as Kelly on "transformative learning", but I have seen the Leader in Me Program work first hand with my own children and think it would be a great place to start with some of our elementary schools.  Colonial Elementary is doing this in Botetourt County and wow has there been a difference, if nothing else, than in the way children are talking the talk and walking the walk.  Here's a link if you are interested!


http://www.theleaderinme.org/what-is-the-leader-in-me/

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and restful break!!

Social Justice in the Elementary Classroom Resources

OK, a few elementary resources related to teaching for social justice....

Social Justice Literature for the Elementary Classroom

I think this site is very exciting

This seems interesting...

Text

I know people are overwhelmed, but I see space in the curriculum and standards for transformative learning to take place, I always have, but NTC training  and Courageous Conversations are the only places where I have ever heard anyone talk specifically and directly about the need for this type of consciousness and instruction, except for my own private conversations and previous academic work, so I just want to know what you all think...is it happening?  is it happening enough? is it happening at all levels? should it be happening at all?  what is the value of teaching for social justice?

CURRICULUM: Something is Wrong: Exploring the Roots of Youth Violence

I am getting very excited about our action research projects and discovering so many ways we can take our work to the next level to faccilitate much needed change!

This resource holds a wealth of possibilities related to so many of the concerns we discussed at our last mentor meeting. I know Beverly will respond, but I hope others will also and brainstorm ways in which we can implement some of these ideas into the work we do. Perhaps offer a workshop at our next District PD????


CURRICULUM: Something is Wrong: Exploring the Roots of Youth Violence

Arne Duncan & The Real Fight for Social Justice

Arne Duncan & The Real Fight for Social Justice

Taking it to the Next Level: Improving Teacher Induction Programs

Here is a link to the article I mentioned this morning that Lorna  posted several weeks ago.  It is so very much in line with what we have been discussing lately.

Responses welcome~

Mentor Meeting Reflection: 11-11-11

We've only just begun.....

I want to thank everyone for the insightful and thoughtful conversation this morning.  

I can't believe I am saying this, but I do believe somewhere along the way we have actually transformed into an authentic professional learning community, and I am cautiously excited about exploring and defining our next steps as a mentor/instructional coach/pd cohort.

Several weeks ago I posted about the possibility of doing a book study. (I think Beverly was the only one to respond :)  This morning I was talking to Sharon about a book Dr. Bishop highly recommends to anyone interested in being an effective leader and she expressed interest in the book study idea, so I thought I would toss the idea back out there along with a link to the text. Sandra said she would be able to purchase the books for us, so check it out and let me know what you think.

Anyway, have a wonderful weekend!  See you next week!

k~