Full Catalog of Upcoming Events

Dr. Gordon uses the  book This Is Disciplinary Literacy: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Doing Content Area by Content Area by Releah Cossett Lent as a basis for a VoiceThread on using/teaching reading and writing in disciplines other than English/Language Arts.  Students learn academic content, problem solving, and critical thinking by engaging in the practices of the discipline (science, social studies, mathematics). Students learn and experience the work of each discipline. This work includes the core academic content, skills, norms, and communication tools (reading, writing, and speaking).  She also includes a PowerPoint on Unlocking the Power of Classroom Talk.

This was copied and pasted directly from the SREB website:  The South Carolina Department of Education produced three professional development modules intended for kindergarten through third grade teachers, interventionists and coaches. The modules are publicly available and cover what dyslexia is, how screenings can identify it, and evidence-based instruction for students with dyslexia.

 This was copied and pasted directly from the SREB website:  "Dyslexia and Literacy International provides a free online training courseto help teachers identify dyslexia and learn about best practices for teaching literacy to children who struggle with reading and writing. The course is scientifically-based and offered in a Massively Open Online Course (MOOC) format via the website Coursera. The initial version of the course was presented at the UNESCO-sponsored 2010 World Dyslexia Forum, and it has since been adapted into a teacher training program by the Belgian Ministry of Education."

This was copied and pasted directly from the SREB website: "The Colorado Department of Education currently offers open access to video-based online course modules covering noted researcher David Kilpatrick’s Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties." There are 13 modules.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

These materials use the writing standard for this grade and walk a teacher through the steps of looking at the writing standards, pre-assessment, the vocabulary necessary to understand the expectations, short writing exercises, longer writing exercises, and post-assessment.  A step-by-step process is followed with brief videos that may be used by the teacher or with a class. Rubrics are provided for assessing.  All materials center on the opinion genre.

Description:  Dr. Mitch McGhee will present strategies on how to deal with difficult parents.  He offers practical advice and gives various scenarios to consider.

This module on the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators is focused on paraprofessionals.  It has a video, a text lesson, a short quiz with scenarios for choosing the appropriate action, and a resource listing.

As a paraprofessional in Georgia public schools, it is important that you understand the ethical expectations of your position.

Standard 3 of the State of Georgia Code of Ethics addresses Alcohol and Drugs.

It specifically says “An educator shall refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or  unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice.”

Unethical conduct includes being on school or school district property or at  a school or school district-related activity while 

• Under the influence of,  
• Possessing, 
• Using, 
• Or consuming 

Illegal or unauthorized drugs;

This module on the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators is focused on paraprofessionals.  It has a video, a text lesson, a short quiz with scenarios for choosing the appropriate action, and a resource listing.

As a paraprofessional in Georgia public schools, it is important that you understand the ethical expectations of your position.

Standard 7 of the State of Georgia Code of Ethics addresses Confidential Information.

It specifically says An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information.

Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 

1. Sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, health and medical information, family status and/or income, and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is required or permitted by law; 

2. Sharing of confidential information restricted by state or federal law; 

3. Violation of confidentiality agreements related to standardized testing including copying or teaching identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test items, violating local school system or state directions for the use of tests or test items, etc.; and 

4. Violation of other confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy.

 Mr. Mitch McGhee  presents strategies on how to deal with difficult fellow educators.  Following his practical advice, scenarios are discussed with reasons for certain reactions.

 Mr. Mitch McGhee will present strategies on how to deal with difficult community members and the media.  The video will also include scenario applications for the participant to consider different approaches to resolve.

In this presentation, Dr. McGhee gives the legal requirements for procurement and vendor selection.  He explains the legal aspects involving school systems.

"Cultivating Habits of Mind" is an introduction to a set of Life Skills that will help students respond to challenging problems and complex questions. These Habits range from the familiar, such as Persisting and Striving for Accuracy to the less familiar Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision and Creating, Imagining, and Innovating. The presentation includes definitions of each of the 16 Habits and ideas for instruction.

The unit Coach Like a Pirate looks at 10 coaching roles.  Exercises include translating the Georgia Standards of Excellence, examining "Look Fors," and then asking if it is Inquiry, and finally analyzing accessibility and rigor.  The folder contains all the handouts, a pdf of the PowerPoint, and the recording of the meeting held with North Georgia RESA.

The Georgia Department of Education examined the status of science instruction in Georgia. 

Session Objectives:

• Provide ELA Standards Overview:
• Objective, Timeline, Feedback, & Process
• Standards Rollout: What does that look like?
• Leadership’s Role & Needs
• Leadership Feedback Carousel

• Explore Available GaDOE ELA Resources
• Instructional Resources & PL
• Leadership Resources & PL

• “Individual Survey for Leadership Feedback”

Updates for Georgia assessments are discussed by Georgia Department of Education Assessment staff.

John Almarode gives a presentation on the Clarity of Learning.  The PowerPoint and handouts are accessible.

This was copied directly from the Waterford website, "These free Waterford.org Science of Reading webinars offer a professional learning opportunity to explore research-based classroom strategies. Learn how to use the latest neuroscience to inform reading instruction, help students build key literacy skills, and teach students to become effective communicators. The webinar sessions include:

• Phonological Awareness: The Structure of Spoken Language
• Phonics: Breaking the Reading Code
• Fluency: The Bridge from Word Identification to Reading Comprehension
• Comprehension & Vocabulary: Reading as a Lifelong Tool for Learning
• Language Concepts: The Structure of Written Language
• Communication: The Four Domains of Language"

This was copied directly from the video introductory site:  "GaDOE Intro to Intelligence Virtual Specialist Webinar: the Development of the Field of U.S. Intelligence." Additional information about the presenter can be found on this site: https://www.afcea.org/content/georgia-adds-high-school-coursework-intelligence  After registering, participants will receive links to the 13 videos led by Dr. LaMesha Craft.