3rd Annual

Winthrop University-School Partnership Network

Partnership Conference for Educational Renewal

 

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Morning Workshops (10:00 - 11:45)

 

Help! My Students Don’t Speak English!

DiGiorgio Center, Room 114

What do you do when you have students who are not proficient in English? This session will provide helpful information to busy mainstream teachers who are seeking practical advice on how they can more effectively include, instruct, nurture, and promote English language acquisition through academic content with ESOL students.   Demonstration of instructional strategies that can benefit all students in a multicultural classroom will be shared including an immersion simulation and a cultural awareness reflection.

Crystal Fields, Lancaster County Schools

 

Professional Learning Communities: One School’s Journey to Success!

DiGiorgio Center, Room 223

Attendees should be prepared to leave this session with a plan for success for the 2012-2013 school year. Presenters will share how one school worked diligently and over the course of four years became a Professional Learning Community and improved student achievement in exponential amounts. Participants will hear from classroom teachers who experienced the PLC process first hand and learned to work together to improve teaching and learning for all students! This will be an interactive session where attendees will learn how they can use the same PLC framework to improve student achievement in their school. Get ready to have your passion reignited and leave with practical tools for your toolbox to really make a difference in student achievement 2012-2013!

Latoya Dixon, Mt. Gallant Elementary

Erin Baker, Mt. Gallant Elementary

Chastity Griffin, Mt. Gallant Elementary

Ashley Ghent, Mt. Gallant Elementary

Jacob Johnson, Mt. Gallant Elementary

Mary Good, Mt. Gallant Elementary

 

Use Informational Text to Spice Up your Math and Science Instruction

West Center, Room 212

This interactive session will focus on practical ideas to integrate informational text into mathematics and science instruction. Participants will be engaged in hands-on mathematics and science activities that incorporate informational text. Instructional strategies will be shared that effectively address the Common Core Standards in Mathematics and Literacy for grades K-6. Participants will: discuss strategies that integrate literacy (children's literature and informational text) into the content areas; engage in activities that connect math, literacy, and science; gain a practical understanding of strategies that differentiate lessons to meet the needs of diverse learners (English language learners, students with special needs, economically disadvantaged, gifted and talented, etc.); share ideas for assessing student learning; and receive a CD with ready to use sample lessons and activities that are correlated to the South Carolina Academic and Common Core Standards.

Linda Pickett, Winthrop University/Hunter Street Elem.

Debi Mink, Winthrop University

 

Artist/Writers Workshop: An Art Based Approach to Literacy that WORKS!

Owens Hall, Room 210

Participants in this workshop will be given an overview of the rationale, development and implementation of a school-wide art-based literacy program called Artist/Writers Workshop. Information will be presented through the use of video clips, PowerPoint presentations, and student work samples. Ms. Diane Brown will share implementation experiences as the school art teacher while Mr. Kevin Hood will discuss the program from a principal's perspective.

Diane Brown, Hunter Street Elementary

Kevin Hood, Hunter Street Elementary

 

Co-Teaching 101: The Art of Collaboration

Owens Hall, Room G02

Co teaching is the new “buzz” word.  What exactly is co-teaching?  What are its advantages over traditional teaching with teacher candidates?  What are the different ways to incorporate co-teaching as the mentor and teacher candidate work together in the classroom? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered during this interactive session.  Participants will become acquainted with various approaches and strategies used in co-teaching and see what this way of teaching looks like during the  planning, instruction, and assessment stages of collaboration.  Participants will also experience how “teacher personality” plays a vital role in making a valuable co-teaching experience. Those attending will walk away with an assortment of strategies to implement on day one of the new school year.

Carolyn Grant, Winthrop University

Kelly Costner, Winthrop University/South Middle

 

 

Concurrent Sessions I (10:00 - 10:45)

 

Beyond the Research Report: Using Blabberize, Movie Maker, and Kidspiration to Create Final Products

DiGiorgio Center, Room 222

This presentation will introduce simple methods for presenting student research projects using technology. We will highlight ways to generate student interest in the research process; establish the importance of learning information skills; and build student confidence to complete research tasks and present research findings. Moving beyond traditional research reports where students simply copy and rewrite information from reference sources, our students create simple multi-media projects using MovieMaker, Blabberize, and Kidspiration. Workshop participants will be introduced to the above resources and how our students have used them to create dynamic research presentations.

Tammy Fisher, Buffalo Elementary

Donna Long, Buffalo Elementary

 

I3 Initiative: iPods in the Classroom

West Center, Room 214

Session participants will learn how one elementary school implemented a one-to-one Apple iPod Touch Program in their school. Participants will walk away with some exciting and innovative ideas of how one school is using technology to increase student achievement.

Chandra Bell, McCrorey-Liston Elementary

Roberta Heyward, McCrorey-Liston Elementary

Pam Rholetter, McCrorey-Liston Elementary

 

Inquiry Skills

West Center, Room 217

The presentation will introduce and show the importance of inquiry skills in the science curriculum. Teachers will be taught strategies and be given activities that they can use in any science class. The presentation will be all hands-on activity and aligned to South Carolina curriculum standards.

Marquita Woodard, Kelly Miller Elementary

Deborah Cousar, Kelly Miller Elementary

Delores Anderson, South Carolina State University

 

A Good School Climate is Essential for Good Student Performance: An Overview of the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program

Owens Halls, Room 109

The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is the best known, research-based, anti-bullying program available in the United States today. Research has shown that after 18 months of implementation, schools that have used the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program with fidelity have seen a decrease in bullying incidences and referrals to the office of as much as 70%.  This session will provide an overview of the OBPP.  Development and implementation of the Olweus Program is available to all NetSCOPE and NetLEAD Schools. 

Mark Mitchell, Winthrop University

 

Words their Way: Word Study in Action

Owens Hall, Room 110

Many students struggle as writers because they lack the confidence and ability to write their thoughts down on paper without worrying about spelling.  Words Their Way (Bear, Invernizzi, Templeton, & Johnston, 2004) provides a practical way to study words with students.   This curriculum allows teachers to provide effective phonics, vocabulary, and spelling instruction through the use of differentiated learning groups. The framework is based on developmental spelling and word knowledge research.  However, along with an effective word study curriculum, we strongly feel students benefit most from opportunities for engaging, meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.  Thus, we have created a hands-on approach that we call, “Lights, Camera, Word Study in Action!”  Through the use of a variety of manipulatives, we help make word study “come alive” for our students! 

Ashlee Threatt, Sugar Creek Elementary

Angie Reiking, Sugar Creek Elementary

 

Toward a “Seeking to Understand” Mindset: Preservice Teachers Reflect on Culture and Families

Owens Hall, Room 209

“If I taught a child from this culture, I would quit my job." This quote from a preservice teacher, as she contributed to an in-class discussion concerning culture, families, and children, shines a light on our need, as educators, to reflect upon and challenge the hidden, and often unknown biases and assumptions that impact our work with children. Upon gaining this insight into the fears and perceptions of our candidates, and knowing the impact of respectful and reciprocal relationships between families and schools, we designed curriculum intended to challenge preservice teachers to reflect upon beliefs, perceptions, and biases they hold that might impede or negatively affect their students and their students' families. Participant outcomes for this roundtable include reflection on data collected through this study and discussion concerning support that is needed as preservice teachers examine mindsets within the contexts of classroom settings and field experiences.

Diana Murdock, Winthrop University/Riverview Elem.

Erin Hamel, Winthrop University

 

Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in the Literature and Composition Classroom

Owens Hall, Room G05

This session will introduce participants to the foundational concepts of critical thinking, including the Elements of Reasoning, the Standards of Critical Thinking, the  common Impediments to Critical Thinking, and the SEE-I strategy, with an emphasis on how these analytical skills can be used in literature and composition classrooms to decode and to uncover meaning in texts.  The session will emphasize employing specific analytical strategies to understand and evaluate written texts; it will also provide opportunities for participants to apply critical thinking analysis to written texts such as King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”  

Amanda Hiner, Winthrop University

 

 

Concurrent Sessions II (11:00 - 11:45)

 

Digital Storytelling for the Non-Digital Teacher

DiGiorgio Center, Room 220

Are you looking for ways to engage and empower struggling readers and writers?  Come on in!  Let’s talk about some really simple yet effective ways to teach essential story elements through easy and fun methods of digital storytelling.  In this session, participants will explore one of the many options to create digital storytelling experiences through a hands-on approach with iPads.

Derek McQuiston, Rock Hill School District

 

Implementing a School-Wide Co-Teaching Model to Improve Outcomes for Students with Learning Disabilities

DiGiorgio Center, Room 222

This presentation will begin with an overview of co-teaching models used to support students with disabilities served in inclusive classrooms. Teachers from Indian Land Middle School will share how they worked together with administrative support to implement a school-wide co-teaching initiative across all grade levels to support students with learning disabilities. Classroom examples of co-taught lessons will be provided with explanations of the collaboration that took place between general education and special education teachers to plan and deliver instruction. Outcome data for typically developing students and students with learning disabilities will be shared.

Debra Leach, Winthrop University

Tiffany Evans, Indian Land Middle

Jamie Johnston, Indian Land Middle

Grace Komorous, Indian Land Middle

 

Cultural Night: Respecting, Accepting, and Celebrating Differences

West Center, Room 214

This presentation includes how to involve the entire school and its extended community in an event that celebrates differences in all students and families. We will discuss how we involved our No Place for Hate initiative to drive student learning about differences beyond just skin color. We will address diversity in culture, academics, and traditions.

Michelle Gritz, Sugar Creek Elementary

Jenny Burleson, Sugar Creek Elementary

 

Positive Classroom Management Demystified
West Center, Room 217

Just what is positive classroom management and how can we make it work? In this session general and special education teachers will share their experiences with positive classroom management.  The presentation will include action research data, student artifacts, and discussion of specific positive classroom management methods utilized by mentor teachers and a Winthrop University Intern. Participants will have the opportunity to hear discussion of specific positive classroom management strategies utilized in second, fourth, fifth, and special education classrooms.

Sue Spencer, Winthrop University/Chester Park School of Inquiry

Dena Dunlap, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Krystal Mizwa, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Angela Coleman, Chester Park School of Inquiry/Winthrop University

Jennifer Gaston, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Brittany Wilcox, Chester Park School of Inquiry

 

Leadership for the 21^st Century – “12 Steps to Success – One Requirement & 11 Suggestions”

Owens Hall, Room 109

Leadership in today’s schools is an elusive talent. This session will focus on a formula that will help school leaders improve their ability to lead the people in their schools.  The information covered is a product of nearly 80 years of experience in school leadership.  The presentation is a first look at a publication by Dr. Mark Mitchell and Dr. Mary Martin.

Mark Mitchell, Winthrop University

 

The Impact of School-Wide Literacy Engagements on a Community of Learners

Owens Hall, Room 110

Administrator, facilitator/NetSCOPE Liaison, and teachers from Alma Elementary will discuss how they create a positive literacy climate throughout their learning home. Conversations will focus on school-wide climate, curriculum, motivation, and student success. Presenters will also share work with Winthrop faculty, interns, book clubs, literacy days, RtI, and more. Join us as we laugh, love, learn, and lead.

Kim Camp, Alma Elementary

Roxanne Wilkins, Alma Elementary

Amie Sullivan, Alma Elementary

Mary Kaye Hannon, Alma Elementary

 

Exploring the Tiers of the Winthrop University- School Partnership Network

Owens Hall, Room 209

The Winthrop University-School Partnership Network facilitates interactive sharing, learning, and working across districts and school settings as well as with the university.  Constructed into four “tiers,” the Network strives to meet the varying needs of schools and classrooms.  Join us for an overview and discussion of the Network tiers, including the new fourth tier “Content Area Assembly,” which is designed to facilitate collaboration with high school departments and K-12 certification areas.

Lisa Johnson, Winthrop University

Audrey Allan, York County School District One

 

Data is Not a Four Letter Word

Owens Hall, Room G05

The word “data” is commonly associated with the undesirable task of spending hours poring over endless spreadsheets of meaningless information to arrive at a somewhat scientific conjecture. Participants in this session will see how York Middle School took data from PASS and MAP administrations and turned it into meaningful information that teachers and students could reflect on, guide instructional decision making, and shape the instructional schedule. Participants will be given step by step instructions on how to compile data and will receive copies of all reflective tools.

Beverly Meares, York Middle

Matt Deloach, York Middle

Donna Jackson, York Middle

Afternoon Workshops (1:00 - 2:45)

 

Fractions: Building Blocks, Not Stumbling Blocks

DiGiorgio Center, Room 114

In this interactive workshop, participants will use fractions to help students of all abilities in 2^nd through 5^th grade become problem solvers and critical thinkers in a “whole” new way. Through hands-on and real-world application, educators will extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering, build fractions from unit fractions, and connect previous understandings of operations on whole numbers. This professional development will help educators to become facilitators of learning and put the fun back in fractions.

Lisa Hudson-Lucas, Winthrop University/CERRA

 

Arts Integration: Making Connections between Dance and Other Disciplines

DiGiorgio Center, Room 222

As an interdisciplinary art form, dance can provide teachers with opportunities that can enhance and enrich content in the K-12 classroom. Exploring other subject areas through movement can serve as a catalyst for deep learning if one possesses knowledge of the fundamental elements of dance, how they align with ideas outside of the discipline, and how multisensory integration can enhance learning. This session will begin with an introduction to the concept of arts integration and dance as a discipline. After discussing the role and function of arts-integration within K-12 settings, participants will be led through brief movement experiences. After developing a kinesthetic comprehension of the elements of dance, participants will be asked to apply movement concepts to science, social studies, and English Language Arts learning activities.
Stephanie Milling, Winthrop University

Krysten Funderburk, Winthrop University

 

How to Design and Implement Project-Based Learning Curriculum in Your Classroom or School

West Center, Room 212

This year Chester Park Elementary School of Inquiry began utilizing project-based learning methodologies school-wide. In this session classroom teachers, administrators, and Winthrop University faculty will discuss how they designed and implemented project-based learning in PK-5 classrooms. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of teachers from various grade levels who have successfully used project-based learning math and science units to increase student outcomes on benchmark aligned assessments.

Sue Spencer, Winthrop University/Chester Park School of Inquiry

Dena Dunlap, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Charletha Jackson, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Lucille Worthy-Allen, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Amanda Oliver, Chester Park School of Inquiry

Krystal Mizwa, Chester Park School of Inquiry

 

Concurrent Sessions III (1:00 - 1:45)

 

QR Codes in Action

DiGiorgio Center, Room 220

Codes have come a LONG way from the UPC binary codes we scan at a grocery store.  QR codes are a “smarter” coding system and they are GREAT to use in our classrooms.  Don’t panic - they are EASY to create and use!  Advertisers use QR codes to target consumers because it is a quick and easy way to access information so customers are more likely to make a purchase.  Let’s talk about some ways to use QR codes to give our students those quick and easy ways to access educational content so they are more likely to buy-in as well!

Derek McQuiston, Rock Hill School District

 

You Read What?! Where?! - Unleashing Adolescent Literature in ALL Middle and High School Subjects!

DiGiorgio Center, Room 223

In recent years, adolescent literature has exploded, offering an amazing variety of subjects from dystopian fiction to nonfiction narratives. During this presentation, an overview of current (and classic) adolescent literature titles and trends, as well as recommendations for incorporating into ALL middle level and/or secondary content areas (yes - math and science, too!), will be highlighted. Participants will interact with a variety of adolescent literature texts, take part in multiple activities, and leave with handouts and ideas for integrating adolescent literature into the classroom. And who knows…maybe you’ll leave with some new titles to add to your summer reading list!

Robert Gayle Prickett, Winthrop University

 

Teaming Up For Student Success- How Co-Teaching Helps Everyone

West Center, Room 214

This presentation will give an overall picture of how co-teaching has positively impacted students, interns, and teachers at our school. We will begin with an overall picture of what co-teaching is and the different co-teaching strategies. We will then speak from our experiences, first having two interns share their involvement in the co-teaching model, followed by four classroom teachers (general and special education) discussing how they incorporated co-teaching into their classrooms. Discussion will highlight the benefits for teachers, students, and teacher candidates. Lastly, the assistant principal will discuss the impact of co-teaching in these classrooms as well as on the school as a whole.

Beth Csiszer, Hunter Street Elementary

Rebekah Hullender, Hunter Street Elementary

Laponya Burris, Hunter Street Elementary

Tricia Gupton, Hunter Street Elementary/Winthrop Univ.

Amber Marion, Winthrop University

Elizabeth Goodin, Winthrop University

 

Increasing and Building a Stronger Social Skill Foundation for Children on the Autism Spectrum: Helping ASD Students Function within the Regular Educational Setting

West Center, Room 217

The purpose of this session is to provide educators with the tools needed to assist elementary age spectrum children who are exhibiting communication and social skill deficiencies. Children on the spectrum often struggle with communication and/or social skills. Providing constructive, less stressful learning opportunities in order to enhance their communication and/or social skills will increase their success at home, with their peers, and at school. It is the HOW of teaching that make an impact upon communication and social skills. The presenter will provide proven strategies currently used along with data of her students' success. The strategies include, but are not limited to, the use of Social Stories, games, puppets, literature, videos, technology, and therapeutic play.

Susan Williams, Sunset Park CAS

 

Two Awesome Lessons from Brainstorm to Students

Owens Hall, Room 109

Is it possible to teach a lesson that has such impact on students that they are: both laughing and crying during class, writing letters to the teacher because the lesson motivated them to do so, doing homework because it is fun, and seeing their parents write thank you notes to the administration for the teacher inspiring their child to think critically? This question will be answered during this session. The two awesome lessons will be modeled by the intern who created them. The mentor teacher and university supervisor will share their roles in the creation and implementation of these two "awesome" lessons. Session outcomes include: engaging in a variety of practical ready-to-use activities that integrate social studies, math, children's literature and technology; sharing instructional strategies that are engaging, practical and classroom-tested to provoke critical thinking and problem solving in students; and gaining a practical understanding of how the mentor teacher and university supervisor work together to enhance the internship experience for the intern and the students in the classroom. Participants will receive a CD with the two awesome lessons that are ready to use and are correlated to the South Carolina Academic and Common Core Standards.

Deborah Mink, Winthrop University

Nikki Pappas, Hunter Street Elementary

Jennifer Brown, Hunter Street Elementary

 

Engaging Students with Chemistry “Magic”

Owens Hall, Room 110

Student interest in the physical sciences often derives from a memorable experience with a dramatic chemical reaction.  This session will explore some of these reactions and explain the chemistry behind the “magic.”

Nicholas Grossoehme, Winthrop University

Amy Moore, Winthrop University

 

Whole Brain Teaching: The Basics

Owens Hall, Room 209

Whole Brain teaching is another way of teaching and managing any classroom K-12 and even into college. The students interact with their learning using all parts of their brain. They will use hand gestures to learn concepts and then engage in constant peer teaching. Whole Brain Teaching can also be used to manage a classroom through gestures that match the rules of your classroom and corresponding consequences. This presentation will consist of explaining and demonstrating the different levels of Whole Brain Teaching with the basic rules, gestures, and much more. We will give time at the end of the presentation for questions and comments. For more information, visit http://www.wholebrainteaching.com/.

Amanda Griffin, Sugar Creek Elementary

Jad Griffin, Pleasant Knoll Elementary

 

The Elephant in the Room: Struggling Readers

Owens Hall, Room 210

Content area teachers cannot ignore the “elephant in the classroom,” or the students functioning at or below a basic reading level.  Many middle and high school students, after experiencing years of reading challenges, develop negative attitudes toward self and school; attitudes that may be difficult to change.  These students need developmental support throughout the middle and high school years in order to “catch up” in literacy.  All content teachers can effectively support adolescent learners by teaching general strategies through discipline-specific print and non-print materials that change on a daily basis.

Cheryl Mader, Winthrop University

 

Working with Children of Poverty: Conversations from the Field

Owens Hall, Room G02

This session will include easy-to-integrate classroom tips for working with children of poverty as well as first-hand testimonials from teachers and other school personnel who work with children of poverty and strategies proven successful for them.

Abbigail Armstrong, Winthrop University

Felicia Spann, Fairfield Central High School

Chastity Brazell, Fairfield Elementary

 

Does Alternative Mean Different?

Owens Hall, Room G05

The session will provide data and demographics about participants in the state’s alternative routes to certification as well as information on the various program requirements. This information will help administrators and mentors make more informed decisions about how to best guide these new teachers in their districts and schools.

Falicia Harvey, SC Department of Education

 

Concurrent Sessions IV (2:00 - 2:45)

 

Edmodo 101

DiGiorgio Center, Room 220

We are all hooked on Facebook.  Guess what?  So are our students!  Let’s transform the time they spend wandering through social media and convert that time into LEARNING!  Come check out a powerful and FREE education tool called Edmodo.  This session is tailored for first-time Edmodo users.

Derek McQuiston, Rock Hill School District

 

Teachscape – A Tool for the Reflective Teacher

DiGiorgio Center, Room 223
Teachscape is a new technology tool that allows the classroom teacher to be more reflective. The system captures a 360^o video image of the classroom that allows the teacher to see what is happening during instruction. By capturing a video of the entire classroom, the teacher can reflect on a myriad of items including classroom management techniques, student engagement, and instructional methods. This session will demonstrate the capabilities of the Teachscape system for the classroom teacher.

Paul Horne, Winthrop University

 

One School One Book: Learn How Sugar Creek Elementary Became the First School in South Carolina to Implement this Family Literacy Event

West Center, Room 214

One School One Book is a school-wide reading initiative in which the entire school community reads the same chapter book, at home, during the course of one month. Each student, faculty, and staff at Sugar Creek Elementary received a copy of The World According to Humphrey by Betty Birney. Daily trivia and classroom activities kept the students and staff engaged. This session will provide details and examples of how Sugar Creek Elementary planned and implemented the One School One Book program this past year.

Amber Smith, Sugar Creek Elementary

 

Teacher Education: Going from “Them” to “We”: Tips on How to Share the Responsibility of Educating Year-Long Interns

West Center, Room 217

This past year our school was fortunate to have several year-long interns and, as a member of NetSCOPE, we decided to share the responsibility of preparing the interns for future teaching positions. As we worked toward this goal, we decided to treat the interns as faculty in many respects and at specific times support them as if they were first year teachers. We raised expectations and responsibilities at the school level, and coordinated these expectations with their Winthrop responsibilities. Collaborating with our Winthrop Faculty in Residence was key to guiding us through this process. Come learn some tips and receive handouts on how to start a similar program or improve on your current program. Also, hear our plans for next year!
Tricia Gupton, Hunter Street Elementary/Winthrop University

Nicki Pappas, Hunter Street Elementary

 

Using iPod Touches to Increase Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Math and Science Lessons

Owens Hall, Room 109

The purpose of this presentation is to describe how two rural elementary Professional Development Schools collaborated to design and implement math and science lessons that incorporated the principles of Universal Design for Learning through the use of iPod touches. Classroom teachers, teacher candidates, and university faculty worked together to increase student achievement in math and science by designing and implementing these lessons. Research questions for this action research study included: 1) Will increasing UDL elements in math and science lessons using the iPod touches increase student achievement?, 2) What are the perceptions of the teachers after using the iPod touches in specific units compared to other units?, and 3) What are the perceptions of the students after using the iPod touches in specific units compared to other units? Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data including 1) pre-post tests and reflective journals to assess student knowledge, 2) lesson plan reflections by teachers and teacher candidates, 3) reflective journals used to assess student perceptions of the lessons, and 4) observations used to assess implementation. Presenters will describe how the iPod Touch can be used to display information in a variety of ways (multiple means of representation), opportunities for students to show what they know (multiple means of expression), and many opportunities for student engagement (multiple means of engagement). Results of the study will be shared.

Elisa Hedgpath, Great Falls Elementary

Jennifer Stepp, Buffalo Elementary

Lisa Harris, Winthrop University/Buffalo Elementary

 

Centers in the Middle

Owens Hall, Room 110

Centers can differentiate.  Centers can be used in all subject areas.  Centers can introduce new material.  Centers can be used to remediate.  Centers can still work in middle school.  Come get ideas for your classroom on how to implement a centers-based approach to support diverse classrooms.

Wendi Dunlap, South Middle

 

Creating a Culture of Literacy: Encouraging and Celebrating Reading

Owens Hall, Room 209

The presenters, a middle school principal and an instructional coach, will share the first steps on their school's literacy journey. Participants will receive copies of the school's literacy plan, rubrics, and sample professional growth activities.

Chris Senbertrand-McLean, Sullivan Middle

Michael Waiksnis, Sullivan Middle

 

The Echo Smartpen: Moving Pen and Paper to the Digital World

Owens Hall, Room 210

The Echo Smartpen by Livescribe is beginning to make its way into classrooms around the country, from elementary schools through institutions of higher education. According to Livescribe's website, "The Livescribe smartpens integrate seamlessly into the classroom, allowing educators to: more efficiently deliver instruction; streamline classroom management processes; easily monitor, record and evaluate student performance; and improve communication with parents" (Livescribe in the Classroom, n.d.). Teachers across all disciplines are finding innovative ways to use this new technology in the classroom as the applications for the Echo Smartpen are endless. Participants will view applications for the Echo Smartpen from the kindergarten level to the undergraduate level; a discussion of the possibilities for integrating this innovative technology into various disciplines will follow.

Cheryl Mader, Winthrop University

 

Signals of Change: Innovation for 21^st Century Education

Owens Hall, Room G02

What is a 21^st Century education?  (Hint:  It’s much more than technological skills!) How can learners and learning agents affect change in today’s schools that will ensure innovation and flexibility for the future?  Participants will investigate the “drivers of change” concept from Knowledgeworks’ “2020 Forecast:  Creating the Future of Learning” and explore the future of curriculum and professional training.

Gayle Sawyer, Winthrop University

 

Transforming New Teachers into Lifelong Educators

Owens Hall, Room G05

New teachers coming into our schools today are unique and innovative. This session will provide information on the needs of our new teachers, strategies for supporting these beginners, and an overview of induction for the start of the academic school year. As they arrive with 21st century skills, we must respond accordingly. Our goal is to retain these novices by helping them quickly become part of the school's culture.

Mary Martin, Winthrop University