Close Reading of Complex Texts

The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts requires students "to read increasingly complex texts with growing independence." When teachers understand what makes a text complex, they can better support their students in reading them. In this course, Dr. Doug Fisher examines the quantitative and qualitative factors of text complexity, as well as the ways in which readers can be matched with texts and tasks. He also examines how close reading of complex texts scaffolds students' understanding. 

This presentation was recorded during the SETESOL conference in Rogers, Arkansas on October 8-11, 2014.

Techniques for Explaining Vocabulary to English Language Learners

In order to improve their second language proficiency, English language learners (ELLs) need a solid knowledge of vocabulary. Dr. Keith Folse identifies the struggles ELLs face with learning English vocabulary and the challenges teachers face with incorporating vocabulary into instruction. Throughout the course, he demonstrates several strategies and activities for learning vocabulary words.

This presentation was recorded during the SETESOL conference in Rogers, Arkansas on October 8-11, 2014.

Sit With Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools

Bullying is a major problem in our society, and it affects the physical, emotional, and academic health of our children and youth. Moreover, the experience of peer mistreatment can leave invisible scars for all involved—the victims, the bystanders, and the bullies themselves. ArkansasIDEAS’ Sit With Us: Anti-Bullying Strategies for Arkansas Schools calls you to join our distinguished panel, including national expert Dr. Charisse Nixon and veteran Arkansas educators, as they explore Arkansas’s Act 1029, an Act to Amend the State Anti-Bullying Policy, and problem-solve simulated scenarios based on in-the-trenches experiences. 

This course meets the requirements of Act 1029 of 2019.

We Are All in This Together: Building Student Relationships

Delve into real-life examples of safe and nurturing classrooms and schools with 2019 and 2020 Arkansas Teachers of the Year Stacey McAdoo and Joel Lookadoo as they share techniques for helping all kids raise their voices and contribute to their school communities. As you watch, consider how these techniques foster positive classroom culture and build student relationships, and how they incorporate the G.U.I.D.E. for Life principles of developing empathy and improving student interactions.

Code of Ethics Part One: Professional Relationships

In this first of twelve courses on Code of Ethics, host Alyson Courtney sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of professional relationships. Given the advancement in technology and communication, it is more pertinent now than ever for teachers to maintain professional boundaries inside and outside the classroom. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that delve into the potential pitfalls of crossing boundaries with students and will receive guidance from experts to make good decisions in ethical dilemmas.  

Code of Ethics Part Two: Mental Health Awareness

In part two of Code of Ethics, host Alyson Courtney sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of mental health awareness. The stress teachers endure can be burdensome, and educators are not immune to hardships in life. This course aims to address the need for teachers to practice self-care and mental preparation when it comes to educating students. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate what happens when the mental health of educators is neglected and what can be done to promote and practice mental health awareness. 

Code of Ethics Part Three: Social Media

In part three of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of social media. Social media is part of our world, and it can be a very powerful tool when used correctly. This course aims to address the policies that are put into place to protect both students and teachers. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate the impact that social media can have on students, teachers, and school districts and hear discussions on the best practices to uphold when using social media in professional settings.

Code of Ethics Part Four: Professional Responsibilities

In part four of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas educators to discuss the topic of professional responsibilities. Because educators are trusted with the safety and quality education of students, certain procedures and licensures are required. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that illustrate how professional responsibilities, or the lack thereof, can impact students, teachers, and school districts. In addition, participants will hear discussions on the best practices to uphold as a professional educator.

Code of Ethics Part Five: Reporting Obligations

In part five of Code of Ethics, host Chris Kane sits down with Arkansas Educators to discuss the responsibilities of mandatory reporters. Because of the many interactions in a teacher/student dynamic, teachers are one of the first lines of defense in reporting if they see or even hear of something that is a potential danger to a student. Participants in this course will view animated scenarios that communicate the importance being diligent in reporting obligations.

Human Trafficking: Arkansas Act 765 of 2017 - Arkansas Cases

Teachers and other school faculty members are uniquely positioned to recognize when a student may have been exploited and trafficked for something of monetary value, and Arkansas is not immune to this form of modern-day slavery. This course features descriptions of Arkansas trafficking cases as told by Homeland Security Special Agent Jeffrey Pryor and Louise Allison and Casonia Vinson, the director and outreach coordinator for the victim advocacy organization, PATH. An explanation of the reporting guidelines for mandated reporters in Arkansas is also provided.

This course fulfills the requirements of Act 765 of 2017, which calls for human trafficking awareness education to be made available to school personnel each year.