Improv in the Classroom: Using Improvisation to Teach Skills and Boost Learning
"Games" are sometimes looked down upon by teachers who overlook the intrinsic value of play in the educational process. Katherine McKnight, Ph.D. shares several creative ways to get students moving and thinking in the classroom. She introduces a brief history of and justification for play in the classroom before calling on several groups of volunteers to help her energetically demonstrate improvisation activities and discuss their application across content areas.
This course was recorded at the Teaching and Learning Conference at the Fort Smith Convention Center on October 6, 2016.
Spotlights on Success: Recognizing True School Achievement
In this course, Dr. Gary Ritter, Director of The Office for Education Policy (OEP) and Misty Newcomb, Director of Outreach of the OEP at the University of Arkansas, highlight five high-performing Arkansas elementary schools. An overview of the growth at these schools is provided and panelists from the five schools observed discuss characteristics of their school's leadership and facility. The culture of each of these schools is discussed and evidence about the role of leadership in closing the achievement gap is given. This presentation was originally a part of the University of Central Arkansas Summer Leadership Institute, which took place in June of 2011.
Five Levers for Learning: Prioritizing Efforts for Powerful Results
In this course, Dr. Tony Frontier focuses on five levers that can unlock the potential for lasting improvement in teaching and learning. He presents a comprehensive framework for analyzing and supporting school improvement initiatives for positive impact.
For an in-depth study of this work you will need access to the book: Five Levers to Improve Learning: How to Prioritize for Powerful Results in Your School.
This course, presented by Dr. Tony Frontier of Cardinal Stritch University, was recorded at the AASCD annual conference at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas on June 9, 2014.
Education for the 21st Century: Leadership and Academic Innovation
Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County, describes challenges in modern education and discusses how we might better meet the needs of all students. Through this engaging “storytelling-style" presentation, Dr. Hrabowski questions our educational priorities, emphasizing the need for a balance between STEM education and that of the humanities. He also calls upon teachers to require their students to practice critical thinking in order to maximize their educational experience and future opportunities.
This presentation was taped at the 2015 AASCD summer conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support: Making What Matters Happen!
A teacher's goal is to prepare all students to succeed in school and in life. Having effective Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) is vital to this goal. The terms RTI and MTSS are sometimes used interchangeably, but RTI refers specifically to the three-tiered system of intervention many teachers are familiar with, while MTSS is an umbrella under which many forms of leveled support fall. Dr. Judy Elliott, former Chief Academic Officer for the Los Angeles Unified School District, clarifies the common understanding and language of effective MTSS and RTI. She uses her experience to describe when MTSS are most useful, as well as the cultural shifts that often need to occur in order to use MTSS well.
This presentation was taped at the 2015 AASCD summer conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Grab Your Students By Their Brains with Humor and Passion
In this course, LouAnne Johnson discusses reaching seemingly unreachable students. Ms. Johnson is the author of the New York Times bestseller Dangerous Minds, which was turned into a movie by the same name. The book and movie recount the difficult time she had at the beginning of her teaching career. Ms. Johnson now uses those experiences to teach others how to "grab" their own students "by their brains" using humor and passion, just as she did.
This presentation was taped at the 2015 AASCD summer conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Closing the Attitude Gap
Mr. Baruti Kafele, Principal presents advice to help educators transform student attitudes. He emphasizes the importance of teacher self-reflection, overwhelmingly positive environments, and the students' will to strive. He also explains how students who live goal-oriented lives are more likely to achieve success. By focusing on closing the “attitude gap,” teachers enable students to soar with purpose in their own lives.
This presentation was taped at the 2015 AASCD summer conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Shifts in Science Education: Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction
Many significant shifts have occurred with the adoption of the new Arkansas K-4 and 5-8 Science Standards. This course demonstrates the application of these changes using a model learning investigation. In addition to exploring the major instructional shifts, the presenters provide background information on the development of the standards, recommendations for curriculum planning and development, and resources helpful for implementing the three dimensions of science education.
This course was recorded at the AETN studios in Conway on April 30, 2015.
Breaking the Status Quo for Dyslexic Students: The Creation of the GRASP Academy in Duval County Public Schools
Educators around the world are working to find the most effective ways to help dyslexic students learn. Superintendent Nikolai Vitti, Ed.D., describes his Florida school district's unique and award-winning strategy for meeting the needs of dyslexic, dysgraphic, or dyscalculic students: the establishment of the GRASP Academy. Speaking as an administrator, Dr. Vitti describes the challenges, successes, and future considerations for the academy, detailing its impact on lives and policy district-wide.
This course was recorded at the Arkansas Dyslexia Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas on March 7, 2016.
Making Teaming Work in the Middle Grades
Dr. Tomlin discusses interdisciplinary teams that work in middle-level schools. He presents the traits of an effective team. He also describes the "life" of a team, beginning with its formation, describing in detail what interdisciplinary teams can do to maximize their service to the school and the community.
This course was recorded at the Arkansas Association for Middle Level Education Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas on April 4, 2016.