Professional Development

Reader Response

On May 8^th, Kristina Elias Staron presented her third workshop to all Literacy Coaches.  Kristina’s focus was on Reader Response, getting students ready to independently connect to text, examining the content and structure of the four CMT language arts strands, and the third session primarily focused on strands A1, main idea and theme, and A3, summary.  Each of her three professional activities was well received by her audience.  Participants were actively involved in reading text and responding as students are asked to do.  These activities provided a deeper understanding of misconceptions students make when reading, and how we can clarify their understanding through effective reading strategies.  Kristina will be back for the 2008-2009 school year to continue her work with the Literacy Coaches.

The Elements of Coaching

On May 29^th, Dr. Nancy Boyles, program coordinator and a professor in the Graduate Reading Program at Southern Connecticut State University, presented a day long workshop to principals, Literacy Coaches, and ESL teachers on May 29^th.

 Nancy ‘s morning focus was on professional learning strategies and their level of impact.  Participants were informed of the difference between professional awareness and real-life application, levels of coaching activities, and using various checklists for literacy learning. 

Dr. Nancy Boyles

The afternoon session’s focus was the gradual release of responsibility to students, analyzing a classroom scenario, and applicable instructional interventions.  All participants agreed that Dr. Boyles’ presentation was both engaging and encompassed readily applicable strategies.

Educated Educators

Continued professional development has been offered to and by

 The Reading/Language Arts Department so that . . . . .  

• All students achieve at high levels of proficiency.
• All students graduate college ready.

The Bridgeport Public Schools Strategic Plan

Campaign 2012

*photo

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Professional Development Training SY 2007 – 2008

• Common Formative Assessments  with Larry Ainsworth

Assess student understanding of the particular standards that the grade-level or department educators are currently focusing on in their individual instructional programs.

• Data Driven Decision Making with Douglas B. Reeves

Looking at student test scores, analyze the data, set, review, and revise annual goals.

• Building Academic Vocabulary by Robert J. Marzano

Looking at Vocabulary across the curriculum

• Effective Teaching Strategies

Accelerate the learning of all students

• Quality Quinn
  “Two Years’ Growth for One Year of Instruction”

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 Professional Workshops at CES

• Explicit and Differentiated Code Instruction
• Enhancing Vocabulary
• Comprehension
• Teaching with Non-Fiction
•  Fluency: The Essential Link to Building Vocabulary
•  Phonological Awareness
• Oral Language

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Professional Development Workshops Presented

Linking the Academic Disciplines:

•  Literacy and Science  SY 2005 - 2006
•  Literacy and Social Studies SY 2006 - 2007
•  Literacy and the Visual Arts Training  SY 2007 – 2008
•  Literacy and the Performing Arts Training  SY 2007 – 2008