ASDSA Class: Google Docs

I'm teaching a session tomorrow on Google Docs. For those of you taking this course at ASDSA, please take a moment to answer a few questions so that I can maximize our time together:

Common Core Standards Videos...

With new standards adopted and the need to revise and align curriculum foremost in my mind, I continue my self-training on the subject. I found a resource I particularly like at The Hunt Institute. Here's a link to a brief video about the standards and a listing of their many resources. (ASD's decision to adopt the CCSS is actually linked there!) Once you view that one video, the best resource is to look at the other YouTube videos by the same organization. Lots of short videos featuring authors of the standards discussing what makes them different. Very, very useful!

Teacher Institute Seminar Series CEU Offered!

TPD and various ASD departments have put together a fabulous professional development opportunity for ASD teachers! During the months of February and March, teachers can attend over 30 unique sessions around any different topics. The LA department is offering something for LA teachers at all grade levels in topics such as fluency, vocabulary, and digital writing.

You can search the District Catalog in MLP with the search terms "teacher institute" to see all the offerings, and new sessions are still being added. The sessions are free of charge, and teachers who attend 15 hours can earn a CEU (Continuing Education Unit). This CEU can be used in the same way as a one-credit course for salary advancement, and can also be used for re-certification with the state of AK DEED. (NOTE: AK DEED charges  $50 fee per CEU.)

Questions can be directed to Mike Belloni or Pat Odin in TPD. Or to Martina Henke, as always!

ASDSA 2012: Survey

Although it seems incredibly early, it really is time to start thinking about our Summer Academy in May! We want to make sure that we have plenty of exciting learning opportunities for our Language Arts teachers, K-12. Please take a bit of time to think about what topics would be most helpful to you and your colleagues.  What courses should we prepare and offer?

Also, please consider whether you are interested in actually teaching an ASDSA course for your colleagues. You have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share!

Please visit this link to share course suggestions or to pitch your idea for a course you want to teach!

ASDSA 2012 LA Course Suggestions Survey

Nancy Pearl Coming to Anchorage!