New! Bring Flight into Your Classroom |
This course will offer an exploration of flight with experiential emphasis on the documentation of a flight lesson. This class will provide you with many hands on and age appropriate flight activities for Middle School age children. Each class will include lecture, demonstrations, hands-on activities, research, student presentations, and a field trip. The field trip will be to the Auburn-Lewiston Airport for a tour and flight lesson.
The field trip fee to the Auburn - Lewiston Airport & flight lesson is $80.00
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Clay Carkin
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Bringing the Best Out of Your Students: A Workshop for Teachers and Educational Technicians K-12 |
What does it take to bring the best out of our students, academically and behaviorally, in K-12 classrooms?” This seminar will consider the question in the context of what many believe is an “educational crisis,” along with the impact of unhealthy anxiety on the learning process. We will also reflect on how to have “high expectations” without “high anxiety.”
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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New! Contemporary Issues in American Education |
The course addresses current issues facing American public schools in the 21st Century, within the framework of the history of educational reform—since the 1890’s. The roles and responsibilities of a democratic society to educate all of its citizens are at the heart of this course. The study includes the social-ecological questions of control, standards, curriculum, and pedagogy. The No Child Left Behind law, high-stakes testing, accountability, Annual Yearly Progress (AYP), teacher merit pay, charter schools, the privatization of public education, and the polarization and politicization of education will be considered, as well as the impact of school unions and private foundations’ influence on public education
This is offered as a blended course (intensive seminar schedule, coupled with independent study) and as a Guided Independent Study (GIS). Please purchase and review the course textbooks in advance of the seminar. Book information is on the course syllabus.
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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New! Drawing on Reserves: De-Stress with Expressive Art! |
Teaching is a rewarding and challenging profession that calls for resourcefulness, intelligence, a giving spirit, eternal patience and sustainable energy. When and how do you recharge? This course explores the beneficial relationship between creativity, art and health, and how expressive art can stimulate wellness and joy, and reduce stress. By experimenting with art media - painting, drawing, music, form-making and journaling - you will examine strategies to open your creative process, so you (and your students) can feel better in mind, body and spirit. Employ new methods to enhance your classroom and your life. A $40 fee for shared and individual supplies is due at registration. An additional list of inexpensive, everyday materials to bring from home will also be provided. Educators of recreation, psychology, special needs programs, nursing, health, service learning and life skills are encouraged to attend.
Course content includes:
• Ways to open the artistic process, a non-linear, holistic way of knowing.
• How regular creative activity can lead to a healthier, positive mindset.
• Artworks that address the subconscious, and physical and spiritual healing.
• Building a portfolio of practical ideas, activities and resources.
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Instructor: Elaine Tselikis
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The First “Mainers”—Teaching K-12 Students about Native Americans |
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This course will examine the history of Native Americans, particularly in the State of Maine and consider how to effectively teach this history in the K-12 classrooms.
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Teachers and educational technicians, as reflective practitioners, will consider the history and significance of Native Americans in the rich tapestry of Maine history.
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Consideration will be given to developing pedagogical strategies to teach this history and to instill an appreciation for this rich heritage in students in K-12 classrooms.
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Attention will be given to the State of Maine standards and learning results, as applicable.
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Teachers will also reflect upon their own understanding and appreciation for Native American history in Maine and develop resources for teaching about this important and often neglected part of the State’s history.
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Instructor: TBA
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Great American Writers: Wendell Berry |
A seminal American author, farmer, and social critic, Wendell Berry will be the focus of a seminar that Stephen York, AICE Dean, will offer this summer as a reading/reflection course for all teachers and educational technicians.
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Introduction to Mathematics |
This course will introduce some of the important concepts and ideas of mathematics from the modern point of view.
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Victor LaPrade
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Keeping our Students Safe: Bullying Prevention & Response |
This course examines bullying behaviors from Pre-K through middle and high school levels. It considers the social/ecological relationships of bullying, educator/parental resources and “Best Practices” for addressing and preventing bullying in both school and cyberspace settings.
Students may take this course for CEUS or for graduate credit. Those who opt to take the course for graduate credit will have additional reading/writing assignments to satisfy the graduate level of work.
Please purchase and review the following text in advance of the first session: Bullying Prevention and Intervention: Realistic Strategies for Schools (The Guilford Practical Intervention in Schools Series) Susan M. Swearer PhD, Dorothy L. Espelage PhD, Scott A. Napolitano PhD ISBN 1606230212 (This book is most likely not available at your local bookstore.)
See also the State of Maine "Best Practices in Bullying and Harassment Prevention" guidelines [pdf].
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Instructors: Dean Stephen York and Catherine Ring
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New! Let's Explore The Wonderful World of Science |
This course examines an inquiry-based and discovery-focused approach to teaching science. It emphasizes that children learn best when they make discoveries using inquiry-based approaches.
The focus is on teaching in ways that capitalize on children's curiosity and questions.
This course will take a constructivist approach to science teaching—this theoretical approach focuses on the interplay between what children already know and the experiences the teacher provides. It also provides an approach that will capture children's imaginations, stimulate their curiosity, and create a strong foundation for their continued interest in, and appreciation of, science and the world in which they live.
Students will create a science unit which will be presented at the final class meeting.
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Instructor: Crystal Found
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The Long and the Short of It: Teaching—through the Short Story |
“Stories have the power to direct and change our lives.” --Nel Noddings, Stories lives tell: Narrative and dialogue in education, (p.157) New York: Teachers College Press. (1991)
The short story as a literary genre and pedagogical methodology is considered through the lens of three classic 20th Century American writers: Flannery O’Connor, Jesse Stuart, and Eudora Welty. Participants will read and reflect on the short story in theory and practice, as well as read about the lives of these three acclaimed storytellers. Teacher reflection, with an eye toward using the short story effectively in the classroom, is a critical component of the study.
This is a limited enrollment course and may be taken at the locations below in weekend or summer sessions, or as a Guided Independent Study (GIS). Acceptance into the course is by consent of the instructor. This is a rigorous, graduate level course and may be taken for either 3 semester hours of graduate credit or for 4.5 or CEUs. Graduate credits are issued through Plymouth State University, Plymouth, New Hampshire. CEUs issued by AICE are recognized for teacher recertification purposes by the Maine Department of Education, as stated on the DOE website.Participants must possess an undergraduate degree.
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Looking at Ourselves in the Mirror: Teachers as Reflective Practitioners |
This seminar provides teachers, educational technicians, and administrators an opportunity for self-reflection on:
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The nature of learning: doing, thinking, feeling
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Learning as a Social Activity
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Power and Passivity in Learning
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Levels of Learning
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Single-loop and Double-loop learning
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Applications for subject-learning, self-learning, and social learning in the classroom
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Maine Writers for the K-12 Classroom |
Description coming soon!
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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On Maine and the World: May Sarton—Her Work, Her Life |
Description coming soon!
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Instructor: Stephen York, Dean
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Mathematical Content for Elementary School Teachers |
This course will provide students with a conceptual understanding of fundamental mathematics. Coverage of topics follows those outlined by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM).
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Instructor: Victor LaPrade
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Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports |
Description coming soon!
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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The Reading/Writing Connection |
“What writers know is that, ultimately, we learn to write by practice, hard work, by repeated trial and error, success and failure, and from the books we admire,” A Francine Prose, “Reading Like a Writer” 2006
Based on the Six Traits Writing Program, Subject , Purpose and Audience and the Maine Learning Results this course is packed full with ideas to immediately implement. Help even your reluctant writers gain confidence and enjoy the process of writing.
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Instructor: TBA
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Remembering Our Writers: Utilizing Maine Writers in the Classroom (K-12) |
Maine has been and continues to be home to notable writers in every genre for all age groups including E.B. White, Sarah Orne Jewett, Longfellow, Doris Grumbach, May Sarton, Robert McCloskey to name a very few. In this study, participants will self-design a study of a writer(s) who lived in Maine for all or part of their writing life and how to utilize their study within their respective classrooms. This course will be a collaborative learning process using Best Practices in adult learning. Contact Stephen York, Instructor, ASAP for course syllabus information upon registration at: slyork@plymouth.edu.
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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Instructor: Stephen York, Dean
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Response to Intervention Methods for General & Special Education |
Provides teachers and educational technicians with the philosophy, best practices, and implementation of the Response to Intervention (RTI) in school districts and individual classrooms, as mandated by the reauthorization of IDEA, 2004 and in compliance with the State of Maine Unified Special Education Regulations, Section III. RTI is a three-tiered model with applications to academic and behavioral components to foster student success. Maine public schools are mandated to be in compliance by July 1, 2010.
Course Collaborative Goals:
To facilitate an inquiry-based, collaborative approach to understanding and implementing RTI
To identify and understand the beliefs, definitions, core components, three-tiered model, school district readiness plans, universal screenings, and curriculum-based measurements.
To investigate and understand the relationship of general education teachers and special education teachers under this new paradigm.
To investigate and consider the socio-economic-political influences on school systems, the stake-holders in student success, and the collaboration required between school-family-community to improve the odds of student success, including the developmental impact and appropriateness of high-stakes testing and assessments on students.
To examine RTI through the lens of critical pedagogy.
To develop print and other media-based resources to share as a prototype Professional Learning Community.
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Instructor: Stephen York, Dean
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New! Rock Your Students World with Minerals in the Classroom |
Students in this class will learn how to identify Maine minerals and make their own collection for display in their classroom. We will take a day long field trip to West Paris , Maine to collect minerals, explore a mine, sift for tourmaline & meet a Maine living legend - Frank Perham.
The class will do simulated classroom digs for: gems, fossils, fluorescent minerals & magnetite.
Students will create an age appropriate geology lesson with supportive materials. FIELD TRIP FEE $40.00
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Instructor: Clayton Carkin |
So All May Learn: Behavior Management Strategies for Educational Technicians and Teachers (K-12) |
We will look at challenging behaviors in schools (K-12) and ways that teachers and educational technicians may work in the classroom to maximize learning and to minimize disruptive behavior. This course will be a collaborative learning process using Best Practices in adult learning. Contact the instructor for course syllabus information upon registration at: slyork@plymouth.edu.
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Also avaliable as a Guided independent study. Contact us for more information.
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Instructors: Stephen York and Crystal Found (Naples)
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Strategies for Improving Student Achievement on the SAT Test |
The SAT has long been a source of frustration and anxiety for high school students of all abilities and backgrounds across the country. Since Maine adopted the test as its primary high school assessment tool, this frustration and anxiety has been passed on to educators. The purpose of this class is to help allay some of this apprehension and prepare teachers to assist their students achieve greater success on the SAT. The course covers testing strategies, SAT content, and how to integrate preparation materials seamlessly into the regular high school curriculum. Discussion will focus around what the SAT does and does not test as well as teaching methods and tools that help to motivate students of all abilities and maximize their performance on the test. Additional time will be spent discussing the relevance of the SAT and how we as teachers can use its current use in Maine as an opportunity to focus our students on post high school planning.
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Instructor: TBA
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Successful Strategies in Today's Classroom for Education Technicians |
This study begins with a one-day workshop and is completed by web-based distance learning for full course credit. Stephen York, AICE Dean, will be the instructor.
Some of the topics covered include:
• Roles and Responsibilities of Educational Technicians
• Organization and Management of the Classroom
• Developing Instructional Skills
• Effective Communication with Students, Teachers, and Other Professionals
• Ethical Issues for Educational Technicians
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Teaching Children's Literature Through the Arts: PreK-8 |
Unique in its Arts approach, this course unlocks the potential of the arts for learning in the children's literature classroom. This study provides a new perspective on how integrating the arts and literature fosters the active participation and in-depth understanding that is as important for future and practicing teachers as it is to children. We will use Jane Gangi's book, Encountering Children's Literature combines emphasis on multicultural and international literature with a focus on the aesthetic and artistic aspects of literature, music, the visual arts, and drama in order to promote culturally responsive and research-based teaching. The text caters to those who are interested in making reading more inviting to diverse groups with varied learning styles. Multiple points of entry open up new dimensions in literature, helping readers develop their unique talents and abilities.
This will be include experiential, project-based learning, with immediate applications to the Pre-K to 8 classrooms.
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Instructor: Catherine Ring
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Teaching Critical and Creative Thinking |
Critical and creative thinking skills are essential for all students in the 21st century. This inquiry-based seminar examines the work of theorists and practitioners. Participants will design an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) to apply what they are learning to the classroom.
Students may take this for graduate credit through AICE’s partnership with Plymouth State University. Additional requirements will be negotiated with the instructor. This course is also offered for 4.5 CEUs.
Required Textbooks: Students are asked to purchase and to read first text (Ken Robinson) in advance of the first seminar and the second text (Putney & Wink) in advance of the second seminar.
1. Robinson, Ken. Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative. 1 ed. London: Capstone, 2001.
2. Putney, Leann G., and Joan Wink. A Vision of Vygotsky. 1st ed. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon, 2001.
The textbooks are most likely not available at your local bookstore. They may be purchased through: www.amazon.com
Questions about the seminar may be directed to AICE Dean Stephen York at slyork@plymouth.edu
Please bring a laptop computer with you (if at all possible.) Students are also invited to bring something to eat with them to the seminar. We will be meeting for three hours in each session.
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Instructor: TBA
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Teaching, Learning, and Schooling in the 21st Century |
This is a foundational course which examines what it means to teach and learn in a postmodern culture and addresses the knowledge of the learner and the learning process. This course is in compliance with the INTASC standards (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) and is appropriate for individuals seeking initial teacher certification and recertification as well as for educational technicians. It is inquiry-based, collaborative, and works from a professional learning community model. This course may also be taken for graduate credit with additional work negotiated with the AICE Dean, Stephen York.
Course Syllabus [pdf]
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Teaching Maine History to K-12 Students |
Teachers, as reflective practitioners, will consider the history and the rich tapestry of Maine history. Consideration will be given to developing pedagogical strategies to teach this history and to instill an appreciation for this rich heritage in students in K-12 classrooms. Attention will be given to the State of Maine standards and learning results, as applicable. Teachers will also reflect upon their own understanding and appreciation for Maine’s history and develop resources for teaching it in the K-12 classrooms.
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Instructor: TBA
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Teaching Mathematics to Students with Learning Disabilities |
This course will be using a field-tested and research-based approach to mathematics instruction for students with learning problems designed to build the confidence and competence of teachers and educational technicians (Pre-K-12).
Course goals include: significantly improved teacher and student attitudes about mathematics, increased mathematics content understanding, and professional-level skills in mathematics assessment and instruction. Also addressed are other student learning issues such as language, specific mathematics disabilities, prior experiences, and cognitive and metacognitive factors.
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Instructor: Victor LaPrade
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Teaching Methods |
Our Teaching Methods courses are approved for initial certification. The courses will be offered in a blended format using 1-day intensive orientation sessions and comprehensive online course work, followed by a 1-day closure session. The following courses are available:
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Teaching Mathematics in the Elementary School K-8
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Teaching Middle/Secondary Mathematics: 7-12
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Teaching Middle/Secondary Social Studies: 7-12
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Instructor: Stephen York, Dean
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Teaching Methods—Health Education: K-12 |
Approved by Maine DOE for Health Methods required class.
Understanding the wide-ranging characteristics and developmental needs of Health education students (K-12), this course combines theory and best practices to prepare health educators for the challenges of today’s teaching environment. In addition to addressing the increased diversity of today’s health education classroom, this study also discusses the impact of No Child Left Behind and other recent legislation with respect to standards-based assessment criteria and State of Maine Learning Results for health education.
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Instructor: Stephen York, Dean
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Teaching the Exceptional Child in the Regular Classroom (K-12) |
This course is acceptable for initial certification as well as re-certification and this course also meets the Maine State Guidelines for the mandated course, Teaching the Exceptional Child in the Regular Classroom. Emphasis will be placed on the education of exceptional students in regular classroom programs. Your seminar leaders will include the following information: characterization of exceptional students, assessing the curriculum and the student, learning styles /instructional styles, measuring outcomes, immediate feedback through self-correction, test construction, classroom management, effective use of support systems, working with parents, and an overview of the current state and federal laws.
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Instructor: Stephen York
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Teaching Students with ADHD |
Description coming soon!
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders |
Understanding the wide-ranging characteristics and classroom needs of students (Pre-K to Grade 12) with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and the “Best Practices” for teachers and educational technicians, will be the focus of this study.
“A new study published October 5, 2009 in the American Academy of Pediatrics' journal Pediatrics found a parent-reported autism prevalence rate of one in every 91 American children, including one in 58 boys. The study used data gathered as part of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), a national survey directed and funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).” Source: www.autismspeaks.org
Textbook: Students are asked to purchase and review the text and to read chapters 1-4 (if at all possible) before the first weekend class session.
Giuliani, George A., and Roger Pierangelo. Teaching Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Step-by-Step Guide for Educators. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 2008. Print.
The textbook is most likely not available at your local bookstore. It may be purchased new or used on the Internet at:
www.amazon.com http://www.corwinpress.com/booksProdDesc.nav?prodId=Book227690
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Instructor: Dean Stephen York
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Teaching Writing Through Visual Art Making |
An exciting and unique approach, this course combines the visual arts with the writing process to help students improve both the quality of their writing and understanding of art and literature. Hands-on art lessons are an integral part of the course and directly correspond to the writing process. No art experience is necessary! Teachers will learn simple, yet inspirational techniques to help students express themselves through art and the written word. The course helps teachers to diversify instruction to meet all students’ learning styles. This will include experiential, project-based learning, with immediate applications to the pre-K to 8 classrooms.
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Instructor: Catherine Ring
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Twentieth Century American Writers |
This liberal arts study examines the life and significant literary contributions of well known and lesser known 20th Century American writers. Perspectives on the human condition and social commentary will be considered through the lenses of fiction, letters, literary criticism and biographies.
Course Collaborative Goals: Learners will participate in an inquiry-based, collaborative seminar conducted in the manner of an Oxford-style tutorial.
To critically read and interpret American culture through the lens of a variety of twentieth century American writers.
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To reflect on the role and value of literature within the American life—then and now, with consideration to the rising percentage of Americans who are aliterate.
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To consider the nature of “story” and its power to transform people. (Nel Noddings, Teacher's College, Columbia University)
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Request this class for your school or district by contacting us.
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New! The Visual Journey Across Your Curriculum: Re-discovering Modern Western Art |
Energize your classes with fresh new ideas by sharpening your knowledge of western art of the modern era! In this lively and informative survey course, you will acquire a deeper understanding of 19th and 20th century European and American painting, sculpture and works on paper. See the influence of African and Asian cultures and what is happening in our 21st century scene. Learn how artists think, work and how they came to create some of history’s treasured masterpieces. Explore the role of art to a civilization’s health. Discover powerful links between artistic trends, technology, science, politics, social behaviors and other art forms. These insights will enable you to develop fun and exciting interdisciplinary themes and engaging lessons to challenge your students in social studies, art, language arts and the sciences. As you explore the visual language of art, you will learn a new vocabulary. Topics include: artistic styles, developments, design elements, the creative process, photography, resources and classroom collaboration for multidisciplinary and multicultural studies.
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Instructor: Elaine Tselikis
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What's New in Children's Literature |
What's new in children's literature?-- A LOT! Explore the following genres: fantasy, realistic fiction, folk tales, fables, animal stories, mythology, historical fiction, biography and more. Learn how to identify and select quality literature and how to integrate books into your curriculum. Also included will be ways to present a successful story time, how to actively teach the reading/writing connection and samples of multi-level skill-based activities.
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Instructor: TBA
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New! Your Daily Art: Empower Your Teaching with the Creative Process |
For educators of all disciplines and grade levels! Image-making can provide a unique catalyst for opening new ways of holistic teaching and experiencing life. Explore hands-on art media and discover powerful techniques to engage your own creative process and better encourage diverse learning styles and successful problem-solving in your students. See how enlarging your creative capacity can help you design more effective and meaningful lessons. Delve into fun exercises in drawing, painting and other media to deepen your sensitivities and give you a fresh approach to originality, intuition, constructive expression and critical thinking with your students. Return to your classroom feeling confident to apply your creative process for invigorated interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Resources and tips will be shared how to integrate and expand art processes into your curriculum. A $40 fee for shared and individual supplies is due at registration. An additional list of inexpensive, everyday materials to bring from home will also be provided. Bring your imagination and enthusiasm to this workshop!
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Instructor: Elaine Tselikis
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