Multiple Voices, Multiple Choices: Innovative Approaches to Literacy
Spring Connections 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008, 3:00-7:00pm University Readiness Center, USC Upstate
Cost: $30 for certified teachers, $10 for teachers in training
As we contemplate recent changes in state standards along with the many “new literacies” our students are introduced to through digital media, we realize as educators that our instructional methods must keep pace with an ever-evolving world of information. In order to best prepare our students for competition in a global market, we must begin to provide them with more authentic opportunities for learning and demonstrating knowledge. Each student who enters our classrooms has a unique voice, distinct abilities, and worthy goals. It is up to us to find effective strategies and methods that allow each student to find success in learning and life.
Concurrent sessions offered at this year’s fall renewal conference will focus on integrating student choice into your curriculum while still focusing on state standards. Presenters bring together innovative ideas and practical best practice strategies on topics ranging from using technology to publish research to conducting author studies at every grade level. Please join us as experienced teachers demonstrate how they create authentic learning environments which value student choice and input while remaining true to the learning goals and objectives set by the state and local districts.
In addition to individual workshops, the conference will open with a panel discussion and group presentation of current action research being conducted by the Spartanburg Writing Project in the area of using conferences to improve student achievement in reading and writing. During the opening session, you will hear from two kindergarten teachers, a fifth grade ELA and Social Studies teacher, and a high school teacher who will report on their experience working with SWP teacher consultants to build a strong foundation for writer’s workshop and utilizing individual student conferences in the classroom. In addition, we will showcase the work of four students, who will share with you their experiences and work in the classroom.
Schedule of Events
3:00-4:00 Registration, Book Browsing, and Refreshments
4:00-4:50 Opening: Conference Conversations: A Snapshot of the SWP Teacher in Residence Action Research Study
Panel Presentation
Tasha A. Thomas, SWP Director, Dawn Mitchell, SWP Partnership Coordinator, Diana Wright, SJWP Director, Kelli Coons, Boiling Springs Intermediate School, Kristi Mann, Byrnes High School, Jean McDowell, Carlisle-Foster’s Grove Elementary, and Cheri Parker, Fairforest Elementary School Students from each teacher’s classroom will share original works.
5:00-5:50 Concurrent Workshops, Session1
6:00-6:50 Concurrent Workshops, Session 2
7:00 Certificates for Recertification Credits Distributed
View a list of Session Topics and Descriptions
Download the Registration Form