Polk County Schools Inservice and Professional Development Calendar

Time

Comments

*Tamra Lanning has proposed a county-wide Social Studies fair for Grades 3-5 for the 2008-2009 school year. The idea is to
align the fair with National History Day standards and better prepare students to compete when they reach sixth grade. Tamra will share information she has gathered, and Jill Swafford will offer prizes for student winners. Call Tamra at Benton Elementary if you need more information.

**If you enter student data on the SEAS program, you are required to attend this training.

#We need teachers at each school who would like to work on data analysis as test scores return from the State Department and who would continue this work throughout the school year. Also, these Data Teams would pinpoint weak areas and recommend strategies for improvement through research-based methods. They would play a part in the development of the SIP and its implementation. The members of these teams will be trained in the various types of test scores that the Testing Coordinator receives, including writing, TCAP NRT and CRT, TVAAS, ThinkLink, DIBELS, and others. They will be expected to return to their individual schools and help other teachers interpret their scores as assessment continues throughout the year. These Data Teams will meet for training on June 16 for grades 2-8 and on June 17 for grades 9-12. The summer work will be paid with a stipend and will continue through the year with extended contract funds. Inservice credit will not be given.

## This is a one-day workshop that introduces the research-based strategy of "graphic organizers with a purpose". We examine eight Thinking Maps and develop plans and strategies for incorporating them into lesson plans. Participants will receive a notebook of research, ideas, and strategies that accompanies the instruction. The workshop is offered in the Basin area on July 31 and in the Benton area on June 6. It will be the same workshop and you can attend either date. You must let Jill Swafford know if you plan to attend since she has to order the notebooks. This workshop will be for 1 day inservice credit.

###This 3 day workshop presents in eight modules some of the basic concepts of effective classroom organization and management that research has confirmed and that common sense and classroom practice have reinforced. The initial modules will present research, ideas, practical suggestions, etc. on setting up the classroom and establishing rules and procedures. Further modules will develop knowledge on structuring classroom instruction, discipline ideas, etc. This program is especially helpful for new teachers, but it can also give experienced teachers some new ideas. It is associated with Vanderbilt University. Each participant will receive a notebook with the eight modules containing research, case studies, activities, discussion topics, etc. The first day of COMP is scheduled for August 1. The second day will be scheduled in September and the third day in October. Teachers will be paid a stipend or 1 day inservie credit for the first day and will be provided a substitute teacher to attend the second and third day. Each person who completes the entire three days will be awarded a certificate verifying 21 hours of professional development.

! All K-3 teachers will be required to use DIBELS next school year to assess student ability in literacy and to chart progress. Two opportunities for the one-day training will be provided and will concentrate on how to assess students and to use the materials and how to interpret scores. If needed, other training sessions will be offered.

!! Laura O'Dell, third grade teacher at South Polk, will present her creative approach to teaching SPIs through songs. She will have materials to share. This workshop is appropriate for grades 3-5. If you attend, please bring your own ideas and materials on teaching SPIs so we can all benefit from the knowledge and creativity that is present. The workshop is scheduled for July 21 from 8:30-2:30.