Edufest 2012

Weeklong Seassions

Select One Session During This Time Slot to Attend Monday-Thursday

10:30-12:00 p.m.

 *Refer to list at bottom of the page for those courses fulfilling endorsement credits.*

1.         How to think like a Mathematical Problem Solver-Bob Bishop (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents)-Jordan A

Mathematical problem solving is necessary for every student but thinking is what you do when you don't know the answer! Do you need some practical tools to teach your students who rely on getting answers quickly but

are frozen when the problems are too difficult to solve immediately? In this workshop you will learn 16 ready-to-use brain-based problem-solving tools, winning characteristics for a good problem solver, steps to overcome problem anxiety, and the “W.A.S.H. Technique” for problem solving. Be prepared to experience the joy of mathematical problem solving. Get set for some unforgettable activities and puzzles as you learn how to inspire confidence, concentration, and courage in mathematical problem solving.

 

2.      Brainology 101 and 102–Marcia Wall (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Parents, Administrators, G/T Coordinators, Counselors)-Hatch A

Neuroscience tells us what the brain likes and how it learns best. Let’s take that information to create brain-friendly classrooms. Learn how to develop neural plasticity in your student’s brains through enriched classroom environments and growth mindsets---then experience activities and resources to teach students, in brain friendly ways, about their own brains. 

 

3.         How Do We Know They’re Getting Better?  Assessment for 21st Century Minds-John Barell and Jann Leppien (Elementary School Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, Administrators, G/T Coordinators, Counselors)-Bergquist Computer Technology Lab

How do we measure students’ inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities so that we know they are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century? John Barell explains how inquiry leads to problem-solving and provides specific steps for formative assessment that informs instruction of 21st century skills. Included are examples that show how to use today’s technology in the classroom and how to use inquiry to develop and assess students’ ability to: (1) think critically and creatively, (2) collaborate with others, (3) become self-directed learners, (4) adapt and become resourceful, and (5) develop a sense of leadership, responsibility, and global awareness.  Teachers will find examples from all grade levels that show how to observe and assess students’ growth in their development of 21st century capacities, making this a timely and valuable resource.

4.         It’s A Book!: Using Books to Stimulate Learning and Thinking-Susannah Richards (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Administrators, Parents)-Hatch B

This strand will include an overview of books that invite the reader to explore and cultivate interests and ideas. In addition to the dozens of books and book lists that will be highlighted, specific focus on how to use books to meet the needs of gifted students will be emphasized. Featured books will include recently published fiction and non-fiction books that lead to critical and creative thinking experiences. Discussion and activities will focus on resources for locating and evaluating children's books, information on children's book publishing, strategies for sharing books with gifted students, and a variety of ways for students to respond to literature. Given that many gifted students are fascinated by the world of non-fiction, a portion of the strand will focus on locating, evaluating and incorporating non-fiction books into the curriculum. A medley of books from a verity of genres and formats (biographies, poetry, concept books, collections, graphic novels, technically-engineered, etc.) will be used to illustrate how to create learning experiences for students with different interests, learning styles and abilities. Strategies to use the Web 2.0, book trailers, e-books and audiobooks to motivate readers will be integrated into the strand content. There will be many opportunities to examine and share great books.

 

5.         Creating the Renaissance Student of Tomorrow-Linda Stokes (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents, Counselors)-Hatch C

What if we could travel back in time to interview Leonardo daVinci, Michelangelo or even Ben Franklin? Could we discover the processes of their thinking? How their inventions sprang from their heads? Why they knew so much of the arts, the sciences, the politics and machinations of their world? Can we learn the tools of problem seeking and problem solving to promote creativity and critical thinking? Join this class for hands on activities and learn to think like a scientist or inventor! Making a kaleidoscope will just be the beginning! Come and explore elements of STEM research, CORE standards and 21st Century Learning skills and develop your own renaissance-type savvy.

        

6.      A Dozen of Doable Strategies: Meeting the Needs of Gifted Students with Learning and Attention Difficulties -Susan Baum (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School, High School, Parents, Administrators, G/T Coordinators)-Hatch D

Are there bright students in your class who have difficulty paying attention, completing their work, or reading their assignments?  Are you frustrated by the lack of engagement in the curriculum? In this session, we will learn twelve researched based strategies that will engage all learners in your classroom while promote success to those gifted students with learning issues (twice exceptional). These practical suggestions will help you create a learning environment that will address the intellectual, physical and social/emotional needs of twice- exceptional learners.

 

7.       The Ten Lessons the Arts Teach-Diane Rowen Garmire (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents, Administrators)-Jordan B

Renowned arts educator Elliot Eisner has created a list of ten lessons that the arts teach. He declares the arts are important within the wider more general curriculum because they teach students more than facts.  In this session Diane will share tested methods that will put these Ten Lessons to work in your classroom.  Experience hands-on projects that celebrate multiple perspectives; show how small differences can have large effects; exhibit how problems can have more than one solution and still be appreciated and respected.  These concepts and more from Eisner’s list of Ten Lessons will be discussed and practiced while participants draw, paint, build and contemplate how the arts take learning to analysis, evaluation and synthesis.  Participants in this strand are encouraged to bring aprons, lab coats or dress casually as various art materials will be used that could possibly stain.

 

Select One Session During This Time Slot to Attend Monday-Thursday

1:15-3:00 p.m.

 

8.         Mathematical Games to Advance Thinking in Students-Bob Bishop (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents)-Jordan A

In this strand, you will learn and play Bob’s best student-tested math games and activities that reinforce computational math skills and enhance the thinking mathematical mind in your students. You will be able to begin this school year with a year-long collection of free or inexpensive math games that your students will love. Prepare yourself to play fun brain-based math games that will fit your curriculum and the gifted mind.

 

9.         Re-Engineering Teaching to Improve Student Literacy-Marcia Wall (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Parents, Administrators, G/T Coordinators)-Hatch A

A 21st Century approach to teaching literacy requires a blend of traditional practices with new types of literacy instruction. Using children’s literature as a foundation for instruction, this session will provide a multitude of online sites, to enhance and differentiate an elementary language arts program while promoting 21st century skills development. Participants will have time to explore sites for use within their own classrooms. Experience opportunities for real-world connections and access to exciting alternatives for student interaction with learning.  If you have laptops, please bring them with you.

 

10.    Teaching the Underachiever: Strategies that Work-Margo Long (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, Administrators, G/T Coordinators, Counselors)-Hatch B

Underachievement is one of the most frustrating conditions for parents and teachers when working with the gifted. This session will help all of us to become proactive with this ever-growing condition. We know that many students in our programs and classrooms are not reaching their potential. We now have available many answers and strategies that actually work. Come learn how to identify different types of underachievers and learn exactly what to do to bring about change.

 

11.    Enriching the Young 21st Century Naturalist –Jeff Danielian (Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, G/T Coordinators)-Hatch C

The curriculum presented during this session has its roots in the Multiple Menu Model, and presents an attempt to return to the roots of science education. By allowing students to pursue an interest in the natural world, focus on the methodologies needed to conduct field work, enable them to see and ponder the connections they perceive, and embark upon a problem solving approach to some naturalistic issue in their own neighborhoods, the presenter hopes that we can awaken the young naturalist, allowing them to understand and be aware of their attachment to the natural world. Students utilize Harvard University's Encyclopedia of Life and work to enter the Young Naturalist Awards through the American Museum of Natural History. Participants of this session will be exposed to the unit, come to understand the concepts and underlying principles, and receive handouts of various lessons. In addition, they will view samples of student work.

 

12.    Engagement and Thinking: That’s What It’s All About!!!-Susan Baum (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, G/T Coordinators, Administrators, Counselors)-Hatch D

This strand will focus on strategies to get your students engaged in learning at the highest levels. Each session will introduce instructional strategies designed to elicit critical and creative thinking. Learn how to use strategies like moral dilemmas and synectics and how to apply them to your curriculum for students of all ages.

 

13. Characteristics of High Quality Gifted Education Programs and Services –Jann Leppien (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Administrators, G/T Coordinators)- Jordan B

“High quality” gifted programs are based on sound theoretical, philosophical, and empirical support, but what are the characteristics of exemplary programs?   What should we do to ensure that these elements are present in our gifted education programs?  Information in this strand will address how to design comprehensive services; maintain ongoing support for services; identify and assess students; establish productive relationships with faculty and administration; and provide professional development.   Participants will be given the opportunity to assess their current practices or design new practices to improve the quality of their gifted education programs and practices.

 

14.       Using Technology to Differentiate Curriculum and Increase Student Involvement-Del Siegle (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High school Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents, Counselors)-Bergquist Computer Technology Room

Students thrive in an inductive learning environment. During this session we will compose music, create ebooks, conduct electronic surveys, make electronic presentations and videos, create and teach with QR Codes, and video conference with programs that are free or have minimal cost. We will review “Office-like” products, ebook creation programs, music composition programs, spreadsheets, presentation software, database programs, and free web authoring software that offer unlimited options for differentiating learning for gifted students.

Participants in this session will explore the power of these tools and how to build opportunities for students to construct and share knowledge. Participants should bring their own laptop to the sessions.

 

 

Select One Session During This Time Slot to Attend Monday-Thursday

3:15-5:00 p.m.

           

15.    The Brain Rules When Teaching Bright Learners-Margo Long (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Administrators, G/T Coordinators, Parents)-Jordan A

We have new and fascinating information on how the brain is constructed and how it learns. This information has incredible implications on teaching the gifted. The brain is the central core of learning and teaching; therefore, we need to continually update ourselves on how the brain develops and functions emotionally, socially, and intellectually. The last five years have produced an abundance of new details and strategies that can be directly applied to the classroom. Come join the discussion and practical interaction in learning and addressing how the new concepts of the brain impacts learning.

 

16.       Enrichment Activities in STEM Education-Dennis Kimberling (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents, Administrators)-Hatch A

STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) is the latest ‘fad’ in education.  How can you provide opportunities for your advanced learners with all of the other demands on you time?  We will explore some great ideas to get students actively learning as well as meeting State curriculum requirements.  Find out how to develop lessons in robotics, electricity, physic and engineers on a limited budget.  This strand is great for teachers who teach Grades K through 8.

 

17.       Creating Stimulating Reading and Writing Opportunities for High Ability Language Learners–Susannah Richards (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, G/T Coordinators)-Hatch B

This workshop will provide an overview of reading and writing strategies to meet the needs of high ability students in the areas of reading and language arts. The focus will be on strategies to differentiate and escalate engagement in reading and communications in language arts instruction. Highlighted strategies will include high level questioning, Socratic Seminars, book discussions organized around big ideas rather than specific book titles as well as strategies to integrate technology to meet student needs. A focus will be on examples of strategies to use web-based resources such as Glogsters, Weeblies, Vokis, Prezis, Blabberize, electronic bulletin boards, and other Web 2.0 online tools will be used to demonstrate varied strategies to both motivate readers and writers. Handouts will include information on talented readers and writers, teaching suggestions, and sources for materials to use with talented readers and writers. Participants will have a chance to interact with technology and develop a plan to implement the strategies to meet the needs of high ability readers, writers and communicators.

 

18.       The Fine Art of Altered Thinking–Linda Stokes (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents)-Hatch C

Sign on for an adventure that will alter your classroom experiences with engaging qualities, Core Standards and 21st Century Learning. Tap student intellectual curiosity by utilizing tasks that involve novelty and choice, affirming creative/critical thinking abilities. Goals include making content relevant, infusing depth, identifying problems and investigating new ways to be solution seekers. This paradigm-shifting strand will add spice and unearth hidden talents in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Our product will be an Altered Book reflecting stimulating writing, reading, creative and critical thinking activities utilizing pens, paints, ephemera, and technology. With creative thinking and writing, we will begin the paradigm shift needed for the production of malleable minds and excellence for the future.

 

19.    Strategies to Teach More Creatively While Teaching Creativity-Del Siegle (Primary Teachers, Elementary Teachers, Middle School, High School, Administrators, G/T Coordinators)-Hatch D

Creativity should play an important role in every teacher’s day. Not only can we teach more creatively, we can also teach our students to be more creative. During this session you will learn the ABCs of having a creative classroom. A number of creativity enhancing activities will be covered that educators can easily modify to fit a variety of grade levels and subjects. Learn in depth how to incorporate variations on brainstorming, transformations, metaphorical thinking, SCAMPER, and attribute listing into your regular curriculum.

             

20.    Arts Impact: Creating the Arts Infused Classroom-Diane Rowen Garmire (Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, G/T Coordinators, Parents)-Jordan B

Do you want to be empowered as a classroom teacher to become more competent and confident leading standards-based arts lessons? Infuse the arts into the core classroom curriculum? Improve student learning across the curriculum? If so, this strand is for you! Arts Impact is funded via the United States DOE grant designed to further research the impact of arts-infused learning on student achievement in literacy. Learn first-hand how the program provides an arts-infused curriculum into K-5 classrooms. The strand is hands-on and focuses on the Arts Impact mission statement, “All children should have access to arts education. Including the arts in basic education which develops creativity, innovation and imagination, engages all learning modalities and improves overall student learning.”

 

21.       Scene It All-Jeff Danielian (Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teachers, High School Teachers, Parents, G/T Coordinators, Administrators, Counselors)-Bergquist Computer Technology Lab

Enhance your curriculum with the magic of video. Participants in this strand will not only learn about the techniques and resources needed to create a project, but they will be guided through the process of planning, shooting, editing, and formatting short video segments (newscasts, movie previews, short films, commercials). Relatively inexpensive programs for PC's and Mac's have made the wonders of Hollywood accessible in the classroom. Come see how they can make a difference in yours! Bring a camcorder or digital still camera if you wish. Some will be provided for use during the session.

 

Edufest Weeklong Sessions

 

Strands specifically address the “Foundation” requirements to fulfill endorsement credit.

1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19

 

Strands specifically address the “Curriculum” requirements to fulfill endorsement credit.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

 

Strands specifically address the “Creativity” requirements to fulfill endorsement credit.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21

 

Strands specifically address the “Social and Emotional” requirements to fulfill endorsement credit.

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20

 

Those of you taking Edufest for credit will want to select strands based on type of course you are taking.  Select those courses that help you to fulfill your course requirements. You can check with your strand leaders.