ELECTIVES BLOCK # 1 – ESL Endorsement Training

NOTE:       ALL ESL certification interns and those interns who have been placed on an ESL    permit should register for this BLOCK.

• This block is designed to prepare you to take the TExES ESL Supplemental exam (#154).  This test will provide you with an additional certification in ESL EC-12.  The training consists of four (4) nights of test preparation for the exam as well as a state issued practice test scheduled for Saturday, October 24.  In order to be cleared to take the actual TExES exam, you must attend all 4 nights of training and score 75% or better on the practice test.  The training includes the following concepts: theories of second language acquisition, ESL teaching methods and strategies, foundations of ESL education, multiculturalism, and meeting the needs of a diverse classroom and community.  Preparation Manual for TExES ESL (#154) will be used as a resource during the training. If you wish to purchase your own copy, you may go to http://www.texesstudy.com.

ELECTIVES BLOCK # 2 – Instructional Strategies

• This block will consist of four (4) instructional strategies modules. Integrated Instruction module will focus on how to use integrated instruction to guide learners to construct knowledge through experiences. You will learn how to select and organize instructional topics so that students can make clear connections between what is taught in the classroom and what they experience outside the classroom. Grouping Strategies module will focus on using learning centers, workstations, and grouping strategies in the classroom. You will learn to apply appropriate grouping strategies, to analyze appropriate center evaluations and assessments, and critique sample classroom layouts.  Cooperative Learning module will focus on maximizing your students’ learning while giving them opportunities to learn to work together. Understanding Protocols module will focus on specific strategies of collaborating with peers to answer questions about how educational support structures work and what they mean for the learner-centered classroom.

ELECTIVES BLOCK # 3 – Book Study Seminar

• This block will consist of four (4) book study sessions focusing on a book by Peter H. Johnston titled Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children’s Learning. This book will be enlightening for any teacher who wishes to be more conscious of the many ways their language helps children acquire literacy skills and view the world, their peers, and themselves in new ways. Choice Words shows how teachers accomplish this using their most powerful teaching tool: language. Throughout, Peter Johnston provides examples of apparently ordinary words, phrases, and uses of language that are pivotal in the orchestration of the classroom. Grounded in a study by accomplished literacy teachers, the book demonstrates how the things we say (and don't say) have surprising consequences for what children learn and for how they become literate people. Through language, children learn how to become strategic thinkers, not merely learning the literacy strategies.  As participants, you will engage in structured conversations around the topics from the book and have an opportunity to gain insights, expand personal perspective(s), and deepen understanding of simple yet profound truth(s) that may change your life. You will need to purchase the book (available in paperback) at any local bookstore or online.

ELECTIVES BLOCK # 4 – Classroom Technology Boot Camp

• This series of four (4) sessions will introduce teachers to issues of technology in the classroom such as using digital media with 21st century learners, integrating technology into the core academic curriculum, digital citizenship and literacy. We will be exploring topics ranging from basic operating system maintenance and digital photography to district resources and multi media presentations. Each session lasts three hours (5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) and will contain open lab time for practice and completion of assignments. Assignments are designed to offer practice in creating classroom usable materials, demonstrate mastery of content and refine skills.

ELECTIVES BLOCK # 5 – Integrating Technology in the Classroom

• This block will consist of 4 modules about using technology in the classroom. All About Podcasting and Free Podcasting Resources is an overview of podcasting, how they are created, and what makes podcasting different from video.  You will also learn how to download iTunes and use it as a media aggregator and will explore the vast podcasting resources available free in iTunes. How Stuff Works! is all about how to connect different devices to your computer.  It will cover digital cameras, scanners, SmartBoard, document camera, and projectors.  You will also learn tips and tricks on other ways to use a projector in the classroom. Digital Literacy and HISD Resources will focus on the HISD online resources and the importance of digital literacy for today’s students.  The Care and Feeding of Your HISD PC will cover the basic care and maintenance of a PC.  Tips will include things such as keeping your mailbox from overflowing and your PC speedy!

ELECTIVES BLOCK # 6 – Classroom Management

• This block will consist of 4 classroom management modules. Proactive Strategies will examine strategies that enhance student cooperation and productivity, while eliminating chaos in the classroom. It will also involve discussion and activities around negative practices commonly used by teachers that should be avoided in order to create positive classroom culture and maintain desired student behavior. Setting the Limits will outline the important steps to implementing consequences so that they are used in a consistent and fair manner. When used correctly, consequences can teach responsibility by holding students accountable for their choices and behavior. Bullying will focus on understanding and recognizing the severity of bullying in elementary, middle, and high school and identifying strategies to decrease and prevent bullying. Behavior Contracts will focus on the key components of writing and implementing formal written agreements as a mean to address inappropriate classroom behavior.

Registration Window Time

Audience

Between 12:00 AM, September 15, 2009 and 11:59 PM, September 17, 2009

Interns with teaching positions

Between 12:00 AM, September 18, 2009 and 11:59 PM, September 20, 2009

Interns without teaching positions