DirectionsTeacher Recertification
For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page. Click here for PLU Requirements
| PLU Courses Online (all online courses noted here are approved for 2 PLUs) Click here for Computer System and PLU Requirements Click here for a scheulde of starting dates |
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 The Classroom ComputerMS Word in the Classroom (2003 or 2007) MS Excel in the Classroom (2003 or 2007) PowerPoint in the ClassroomPowerPoint 2003 - IntroUsing the Internet in the ClassroomCreating Web PagesIntegrating Technology in the K-5 ClassroomSurvival Kit for New TeachersReady, Set, Read!Big Ideas in Little BooksSpeed SpanishSpeed Spanish II |
Teaching Math: Grades 4-6Teaching Science: Grades 4 - 6 The Creative ClassroomSolving Classroom Discipline ProblemsEnhancing Language Development in ChildhoodUnderstanding Adolescent DevelopmentDifferentiated Instruction in the ClassroomAn Introduction to Teaching ESL/EFLGuided Reading: Strategies for the Differentiated ClassroomGuided Reading and Writing: Strategies for Maximum Student AchievementWorking Successfully With Learning Disabled Students |
Preparation for Teaching AP Classes
English Literature and Composition
US History
Biology
AP English Literature and Composition (3 PLUs)
"An AP English Literature and Composition course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature. Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure for their readers. As they read, students consider a work's structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone." from page 45 of the College Board's AP English Literature and Composition course description.
Pre-course preparation: Click here for instructor welcome letter and instructions. (PDF format)
Instructor Information:
Deborah Shepard began teaching in 1977; since 1988, she has taught AP English Literature and Composition at Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Her involvement with the College Board started when she became an essay reader and consultant in 1994 and includes serving on the Southern Region Council, the National Academic Assembly, and now as the College Board Advisor to the English Literature Test Development Committee. Her other contributions to the profession include being a former editor of the Florida English Journal, a member of the College Board National Standards for English Language Arts committee, and a community columnist on educational issues for her local newspaper. She has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 1999.
General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes
Dates: June 23-27
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: VSU College of Education - Room to be announced
Instructor: Deborah Shepard shepardd@leon.k12.fl.us
Fee:$500
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AP US History (3 PLUs)
"The AP U.S. History course is designed to provide students with the analytical skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the problems and materials in U.S. history. The program prepares students for intermediate and advanced college courses by making demands upon them equivalent to those made by full-year introductory college courses. Students should learn to assess historical materials-their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance-and to weight the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. An AP U.S. History course should thus develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format." from page 3 of the College Board's AP U.S. History course description
Pre-course Preparation: Instructor request - Please
bring a "best practice lesson" to share with the group. This should be a lesson or project that the participant has effectively utilized in their teaching.
Instructor Information:
David Bilka has been teaching AP US History for over 10 years at Cypress Creek High School, a large public school with open admissions for AP courses, in Orlando, FL. He became an AP reader in 2002 and workshop consultant in 2004 leading both one-day workshops and week long summer institutes. David Bilka’s educational experiences also include a year teaching in Slovakia, a summer Fulbright-Hayes scholarship in China, and a summer Drey scholarship studying at Oxford University in Great Britain. In addition, David Bilka is also a teacher, examiner, and workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Program.
General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes
Dates: July 7-11
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: VSU College of Education - Room to be announced
Instructor: David Bilka
Fee:$500
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AP Biology (3 PLUs)
"The two main goals of AP Biology are to help students develop a conceptual framework for modern biology and an appreciation of science as a process. The ongoing knowledge explosion in biology makes these goals even more challenging. Primary emphasis in a AP Biology course should be on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; personl experience in scientific inquiry; recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns." from page 4 of the College Board's AP Biology course description.
Pre-course Preparation: Instructor request - Please
get some rest before the week and bring their school calendar and a copy of the textbook they will be using (if they have that available).
Instructor Information:
Pat Mote has taught biology at the high school level for 34 years and at the college level for 16 years. She served as science department chair at the high school level for 15 of these years. She has taught AP Biology for 21 years and has conducted one-day workshops and summer institutes in AP Biology at the University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University, and Stanford University for the past 19 years. She has also taught AP Biology Summer Institutes at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, the University of San Diego, and in Monterey, California. She holds a BS degree in Microbiology, a MS degree in Genetics, and a MEd. in Science Education from the University of Georgia. She has been involved with the AP reading to grade the AP Biology exams since 1992, serving as reader, table leader, and question leader. She has also written multiple-choice questions for the AP Biology exam.
General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes
Dates: July 7-11
Time: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: VSU College of Education - Room to be announced
Instructor: Patricia Mote
Fee:$500
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Advanced Classroom Management: Children as Change Agents (3 PLUs)
Welcome to Advanced Classroom Management: Children as Change Agents, a course geared primarily for professionals (e.g., regular or special educators, instructional assistants, school psychologist, counselors) serving children and youths presenting behavior problems the school or community. Focuses on cognitive- and cognitive-behavioral interventions (often lumped together under the rubric "social skills") with an emphasis on teaching students how to change and manage their own behavior. Since previous knowledge and understanding of traditional behavioral (operant) concepts and strategies is required, it is strongly recommended that you take an introductory behavior management course to learn the basic terms and concepts of behavior management prior to taking this “Advanced” course.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor: Person
Fee:$140.00
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Attention Deficit Disorder: Information & Interventions for Effective Teaching (3 PLUs)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help you achieve a better understanding of ADD and intervention strategies to facilitate positive student change. Attention Deficit Disorder provides information on the history of the disorder, accepted methods to assess and identify students with the disorder, and various treatment methods that are currently being used to treat the disorder. The course helps you through the referral process, when you feel a student needs services beyond what you are capable of or comfortable providing in your classroom environment. This course also lists resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about ADD.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$140.00
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Learning Disabilities: Practical Information for the Classroom Teacher (4 PLUs)
Learning Disabilities, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to provide an introduction to the field of Learning Disabilities for special teachers, general classroom teachers, integration teachers and related professionals, especially those working in the areas of language, psychology and counseling. Learning Disabilities will cover diverse theoretical approaches, lay the foundations for sensitive and appropriate assessment and evaluation of students, provide directions for program planning and implementation, indicate the importance of and the need for a close and positive partnership with parents (or alternative caregivers) and consider ways for ensuring that the home-school axis is effective and meaningful. This program will also consider some major trends and unresolved issues in the field of Learning Disabilities.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Bob Pillay
Fee:$150.00
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Autism & Asperger's Disorder: Information & Effective Intervention Strategies (3 PLUs)
Autism and Asperger’s Disorder, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help you achieve a better understanding of Autism and Asperger’s Disorder, intervention strategies to enhance communication and learning and to teach more conventional behaviors. Autism and Asperger’s Disorder provides information on the characteristics of the disorder, learning styles associated with the disorder, communication weaknesses, and various intervention strategies that have proven to be successful when working with students with Autism spectrum disorders.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Marrea Winnega
Fee:$140.00
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Talented & Gifted: Working with High Achievers (3 PLUs)
Talented and Gifted, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help you achieve a better understanding of the talented and gifted student, methods used in identification, and strategies for instruction of these students in an inclusive classroom. Talented and Gifted provides information on the history of the exceptional in relation to education, current law, and accepted methods for referral, assessment, and identification of these students. The course also covers major program models and methods of differentiating instruction to meet the rate and level of learning of those students identified. The course gives you an understanding of ways to meet the affective needs of the gifted and talented student in the regular classroom. This course also lists resources for teachers and parents who would like more information about the talented and gifted.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Margie Arnzen
Fee:$140.00
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Behavior is Language: Strategies for Managing Disruptive Behaviors (4 PLUs)
Behavior is Language®, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to give you a new perspective on student behavior and effective tools for facilitating positive student change. Behavior is Language provides a developmental framework for understanding what students are trying to tell you through the “language” of their behavior. The course teaches techniques and intervention strategies that remediate disruptive behaviors, reduce power struggles while increasing classroom control, and reduce your workloads and burnout. This program helps you, as well as students, find creative, effective solutions to problems.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$150.00
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Teaching Diversity: Influences & Issues in the Classroom (3 PLUs)
This course is designed to give you the knowledge, tools and dispositions to effectively facilitate a diverse classroom. This course will help you understand and identify differences in approaches to learning and performance, including different learning styles and ways in which students demonstrate learning. An emphasis in this course will be on understanding how students’ learning is influenced by individual experiences, talents, disabilities, gender, language, culture, family and community values. You will be challenged to apply knowledge of the richness of contributions from our diverse society to your teaching field.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Karen Lea
Fee:$140.00
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Child Abuse: Working with Abused and Neglected Children (3 PLUs)
Child Abuse, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help you identify and effectively teach students affected by child abuse and/or neglect. This course teaches you to recognize the signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect in students. It also discusses the specific factors that exist in families who abuse or neglect their children. A major emphasis in this course is on helping the participant understand the special learning needs of the abused or neglected child and how to meet those needs in the regular classroom. Working with parents and community agencies is also emphasized.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Joan Halverstadt
Fee:$140.00
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Traumatized Child: The Effects of Stress, Trauma, & Violence on Student Learning (3 PLUs)
Traumatized Child, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help you identify and effectively teach students affected by stress, trauma, and/or violence. This course teaches you to recognize the signs of stress, trauma, or violence in students. It also discusses the specific factors that exist in families and communities where stress and violence are common. A major emphasis in this course is on helping the participant understand the special learning needs of the student who is experiencing stress, trauma, or violence in his/her life and how to meet his/her needs in the regular classroom. Working with parents and community agencies is also emphasized.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Joan Halverstadt
Fee:$140.00
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Drugs & Alcohol in Schools: Understanding Use & Abuse (3 PLUs)
Drugs & Alcohol in Schools, an instructional computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to give you a more comprehensive understanding of alcohol, drugs, and their influences in your classroom. Drugs & Alcohol in Schools provides a contextual framework for understanding what students may be experiencing through their own substance use or the impact of substance use around them. The course provides a basic historical perspective of substance use along with descriptions of biological, psychological, and social factors that comprise the disease of addiction. This program will help you better understand a multitude of complex dynamics that contribute to this biological and social phenomenon.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Casey Jackson
Fee:$140.00
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Understanding Aggression: Coping with Aggressive Behavior in the Classroom (4 PLUs)
Understanding Aggression, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is about violence in America. Understanding Aggression is about the aggression in our schools, classrooms, streets, homes, and elsewhere. The course speaks to the hate, the fights, the anger, the crimes committed and the victims in our schools and society. It is a course about students, children, teenagers, adults, and neighbors, all of us. The course will consider the many forms of aggression, both criminal and otherwise; its costs and motivation; its perpetrators and targets; its likely and unlikely locations; its impact on our schools, the children; and, most especially, its several causes and promising solutions.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$150.00
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Educational Assessment: Assessing Student Learning in the Classroom (3 PLUs)
This course is designed to further develop the conceptual and technical skills required by teachers to help them identify their educational goals, and implement meaningful instructional strategies for effective learning by students with special needs. The focus of this course will therefore be on assessment for instructional programming. The course will outline procedures for designing or selecting, administering and interpreting, a variety of informal assessment measures typically used in schools. The use of a range of informal assessment measures in the academic and social skills areas will form the core of the content to be covered. The presentation of assessment information in an acceptable format to parents and teachers will also be addressed.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Dr. Bob Pillay
Fee:$140.00
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Violence in Schools: Identification, Prevention, & Intervention Strategies (3 PLUs)
Violence in the Schools, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to give you a better understanding of school violence and increase your interventions strategies. Violence in the Schools provides a foundational understanding of violence and motivational purposes behind aggression. The correlation and impact of the media, community and family upon violence will be investigated. The course teaches identification and intervention approaches to working with out-of-control behaviors. In addition, each student will receive information on national resources available for both parents and teachers. This course will help each person to increase his or her understanding of violence, the motivations behind the use of violence and specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of violence in a school and community.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Michael Sedler
Fee:$140.00
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Inclusion: Working with Special Needs Children in Mainstream Classrooms (3 PLUs)
Inclusion, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, is designed to help special and general educators like gain a better understanding of inclusion, one of the current educational reform movements that advocates for educating students with disabilities in the general education classroom.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Florah Luseno
Fee:$140.00
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Reading Fundamentals Series
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 mandates the use of scientifically based research in programs receiving federal funding that deal with remedial readers. The concept of scientifically-validated methods is so prevalent in the legislation that it appears 110 times when referring to Reading First. This three-course series will help improve your knowledge of science and the scientific process. This knowledge will make you a more informed consumer and an even better advocate for students. Courses must be taken sequentially.
Reading First #1An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research (3 PLUs)
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 mandates the use of scientifically-based research in programs receiving federal funding that deal with remedial readers (Fleishman, Kohlmoos, & Rotherham, 2003). The concept of scientifically-validated methods is so prevalent in the legislation that it appears 110 times when referring to Reading First (Slavin, 2003) (i.e., to date, the largest, most focused early reading initiative in the U.S.). The purpose of this course is to help improve your knowledge of science and the scientific process. This knowledge will make you a more informed consumer and an even better advocate for students. This is the first course in a three-course series.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$140.00
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Laying the Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction (3 PLUs)
The purpose of this second course in this three-course series is to lay the foundation for effective reading instruction. As part of this course, you will learn about the elements of effective instruction. It is important that all teachers have a firm understanding of effective instructional procedures. Teachers benefit, and more importantly, students benefit, both in terms of their behavior and their academic performance. Further, you will learn about the importance of reading instruction and read some sobering statistics on reading performance in this country and what happens when individuals are not proficient in reading.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$140.00
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The Elements of Effective Reading Instruction & Assessment (4 PLUs)
This course will focus on learning to read, reading to learn, and an introduction to reading assessment. As part of these two key areas of reading instruction, the five elements of effective reading instruction will be highlighted, including definitions, implications for instruction, and future directions. These five elements include instruction in: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Further, we discuss information on teacher preparation in learning about comprehension strategy instruction and reading instruction, as well as how to integrate computer technology into the classroom. Additionally, the course will provide information on important assessment terms and definitions and will explore how reading assessment fits within the Reading First Program. This analysis includes specific recommendations on 29 reading assessments. Finally, the course describes how teachers can conduct pivotal curriculum-based measurement procedures in their classrooms.
Dates: Open Entry: Specify preferred starting date on your registration form under "section"
Time: At your convenience
Location: Home/Personal Computer - CD-ROM Based Instruction
Instructor:Mick Jackson
Fee:$150.00
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Online Classes
Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom (2 PLUs) Differentiated instruction (DI) is becoming a mainstay in classrooms across the country as educators are starting to see the ways that the traditional classroom setting limits their ability to reach diverse learners. Join us on this journey through 10 practical DI integration strategies! Count on at least three sample integration lessons on each strategy, and just think of all the ways that you can apply them to improve learning outcomes for your students.
Over the next six weeks, we'll talk about DI strategies ranging from multiple intelligences (MI) to flexible grouping, cubing, WebQuests, I-Searches, tiering, anchoring activities, and interest centers. Every lesson is packed with real-world examples that will help you put these strategies to use in your own classroom. We'll take a look at integration across different subjects, grade levels, and learning profiles as you gain helpful tips on bringing DI to your classroom.
This course is a must for today's teachers who often have to differentiate quickly, and with a minimum of resources. DI is an excellent launch pad for ramping up your creative classroom, and with the tips in these lessons, you'll be reaching your diverse learners in no time flat. (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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The Classroom Computer (2 PLUs)
If you're a teacher, this course will show you how to create an exciting and enriching experience for your students. You'll learn a wide variety of simple, field-tested, and easy to apply techniques that will make the most of the computer in your classroom.
In this course, your instructor will work with you to assess your knowledge of computer use and to help you set goals for yourself so that you achieve the highest level of personal benefit from this course.
Simple classroom management ideas will help you maximize your classroom time for learning. You'll also discover powerful ideas and interesting web sites that you can immediately use to enhance your language arts, math, science, and social studies curriculum. You will discover pointers on using email and the Internet effectively to increase your students' understanding and learning in all content areas.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Microsoft Word 2003 in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Mastering Microsoft Word can make you a more productive and creative teacher. Throughout this course, you’ll learn to create, open, edit, and save documents, as well as create tabs and margins, set left, center, right, and justified spacing, add clip art and tables, and complete a host of other exciting tasks. As you get more familiar with this program, you'll find that it enhances your teaching in ways you didn't think possible.
As we walk through our virtual tour of Microsoft Word, you'll encounter a lot of program features you may not have known about—features that enable you to control document presentation, stay organized, and keep your students inspired and excited.
This course is vital for today's teachers who have to produce and achieve so much in so little time. Join us and find out how to turn this dynamic program into a launching pad for creative lesson plans and engaging classroom activities.
Requirements: Microsoft Word 2003, Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser. Note: please be sure to install the required software on your computer before the course begins. This course is not suitable for Macintosh users, nor for users of any of the 2007 versions of Microsoft Word.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Microsoft Excel 2003 in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Taught by a 10-year veteran of both the classroom and the school computer lab, Microsoft Excel 2003 in the Classroom is a unique online workshop packed full of tips, shortcuts, and lesson plan ideas just for teachers who want to bring the power of Excel into their classrooms, both as an organizational tool and as a teaching aid.
You'll learn all the important Excel basics: Using the toolbars, formatting cells and worksheets, inserting formulas for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and creating colorful charts and graphs. Then you'll move on to some more advanced Excel features: Sorting and analyzing student test data, writing powerful mathematical formulas, and using the Function Wizard to automatically calculate student averages and other statistics. You'll finish up the course by creating a fully customizable grade book that you use in your own classroom.
Throughout the course, you'll explore standards-based lesson plans and activities that will allow you to pass your Excel knowledge on to your students, no matter what grade level you teach. By the end of this course, you'll have a solid understanding of the basic functions of Excel, and a wealth of ideas for integrating this powerful technology into your lesson plans across your curriculum.
Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP or 2000, Microsoft Excel 2003 or Microsoft Office 2003 (Student and Teacher Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Edition, or Professional Edition are all acceptable - please be sure to install the software on your computer before the course begins), Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer or Netscape or Firefox Web browser. This course is not suitable for Macintosh users, nor for users of any of the 2007 versions of Microsoft Excel.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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PowerPoint in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Need help motivating students and boosting interest in your lessons? This course will help you create captivating and attention-grabbing classroom presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. You'll learn basic PowerPoint skills such as creating slides, using templates, inserting text, changing background colors, creating WordArt titles, and adding slide transitions. You'll also develop advanced skills such as inserting graphics, sound, and video, custom animations, timed transitions, and hyperlinks.
You'll be able to publish your presentation on a school Web site or even take your PowerPoint shows on the road. You'll also be able to create presentations filled with scanned drawings created by your students or digital photograph slide shows. This class will assist you in learning these skills.
Your instructor will walk you step-by-step through several different types of classroom presentations. You'll be able to create lectures, interactive presentations that viewers can use independently, and impressive presentations complete with narration for your students' independent use on computer stations or enrichment activities.
Each lesson also includes a wealth of ideas and suggestions you can apply in the classroom--as well as ideas you can use to help your students develop their PowerPoint and presentation skills.
Using PowerPoint in the classroom addresses different learning styles, heightens student interest, and engages learners. PowerPoint is a fun and motivational tool for teachers as well as students. This class will give you the knowledge you need to add appeal to any classroom subject!
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser, and Microsoft PowerPoint for Windows version 97, 2000, or XP. Macintosh PowerPoint 98 will also be supported.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 (2 PLUs)
Easy to learn and fun to use, PowerPoint 2003 sets the standard by which all other presentation programs are measured.
In this highly interactive hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create dazzling multimedia presentations for just about any audience. You'll be able to create and display slides filled with formatted text, video, audio, animation, special effects, charts, outlines, video clips, images, and links to the Web.
You’ll learn how to work with task panes and the clip organizer, and how to access the Design Gallery Live and Template Gallery Web sites to download clip art and templates for your presentations. You’ll even be able to save your presentations in HTML so they can be shared with others over the Web.
You’ll also learn how to use some of the exciting new features exclusive to PowerPoint 2003, including the new PowerPoint Viewer, the Package-for-CD feature, and the Reference task pane.
Your instructor will share with you her many years of teaching experience, providing you with valuable tips and keyboard shortcuts to use with PowerPoint 2003. She’ll also take you on many field trips to useful Web sites that will help broaden your knowledge of PowerPoint. (2.4 CEUs)
This course has been approved for PLU 2 credits for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Microsoft Windows XP or 2000, Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 or Microsoft Office 2003 (Student and Teacher Edition, Standard Edition, Small Business Edition, or Professional Edition are all acceptable), Internet access, e-mail, and Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Using the Internet in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Harness the power of the Internet to make your textbooks and lessons come alive! Teach your students how to locate and evaluate Internet resources. Improve the caliber and amount of discussion through the use of e-mail and discussion boards. Learn how to safeguard your students and their personal information while they are using the Internet. The Internet can make teaching easier--this course will show you how.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Integrating Technology in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Join us for an exciting and fun-filled tour of the technology-friendly classroom. Educational technology is advancing at an astounding rate, offering today's busy teacher quick and easy solutions for more interactive lesson plans, exciting WebQuests, and challenging assignments.
Discover the power and creativity that technology can bring to your classroom as we look at basic integration, subject-specific activities, and smart ways to make your integration seamless. Take your teaching to another level with these fun new ways to incorporate technology into your lesson plans.
In this course, you'll learn how to design your presentation station, identify kid-friendly Internet search tools, teach keyboarding, and develop integrated lesson plans in reading, writing, science, math, social studies, as well as music and art.
You'll also discover ways to reach special needs, GATE, and bilingual learners, who are often marginalized when we stick to one lesson plan that doesn't fit all circumstances. Finally, we'll take a look at computer ethics and the future of technology in the classroom.
If you find yourself being forced to produce more and more in less and less time, this course is an absolute must! This course will help you reinvigorate and streamline your lesson plans with the latest techniques and newest technologies.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Survival Kit for New Teachers (2 PLUs)
Feel a little trepidation before entering your classroom? You're not alone! Whether you’re already teaching, a newly credentialed graduate, or a substitute looking to transition to full-time, this course will provide you with proven tools, tips, and tricks to make your early years in the classroom a breeze.
Teaching is a balancing act, and it requires a blend of subject expertise and classroom skills to reach all of your diverse learners. In this informational and interactive six-week course, you'll learn the particulars of running a motivational classroom that will feel like home to your students.
You'll find out how to write winning lesson plans, reach diverse learners through differentiated instruction, communicate clearly, plan memorable events, and most important, keep stress at bay so you can feel good about going to work every morning.
Much like a virtual mentoring program, Survival Kit for New Teachers will provide you with benefits gained through many years of firsthand classroom experience.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Ready, Set, Read! (2 PLUs)
Take this opportunity to find out how children really learn to read and write. Explore current research that cuts through the media messages about reading wars and the right way to teach children. Learn by reading stories about children, doing interactive assignments, and exploring the latest in parent and childcare information. You will see everyday children’s play with a new eye as you understand how play can connect to literacy.
You'll learn how a child becomes literate from the moment of birth. First, you’ll investigate the many things a child’s growing mind must do to make sense of the written word and create writing. From there, you’ll explore the development of reading and writing from infancy to the early school years. You’ll know what problems to look for and how to assist a struggling reader. You will see how you can boost literacy growth during daily routines and child’s play.
Gain confidence in your ability to guide a child’s literacy development, and take pleasure in seeing how even the littlest events can lead to really big steps in reading and writing success. (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Speed Spanish (2 PLUs)
Imagine yourself speaking, reading and writing Spanish. Now you can with Speed Spanish! This course is designed for anyone who wants to learn Spanish pronto. You'll learn six easy recipes for gluing Spanish words together to form sentences. In no time at all, you'll be able to go into any Spanish speaking situation and converse in Spanish. ¡Qué Bueno!
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Speed Spanish II (2 PLUs)
Have you ever seen a non-native speaking Spanish fluently? Were you impressed? Would you like to become more conversational and more comfortable in Spanish-speaking situations? Now you can. Our Speed Spanish courses are unlike any other Spanish classes you may have ever taken. You'll see words, hear them pronounced properly, and be granted plenty of opportunities to practice your pronunciation. Then, you'll learn several clever recipes that you can use to glue the words together into sentences. Enroll in Speed Spanish II, and you'll see an immediate improvement in your Spanish fluency from the very first lesson.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Completion of Dan Mikel's Speed Spanish course, Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer Web browser, and a computer equipped with working speakers or headphones.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Big Ideas in Little Books (2 PLUs)
Do you have an idea for an instructional aid? The instructor--a former K-12 teacher who is also the author and developer of over 50 products for the educational market, will help you develop instructional aids that align with standards important to your district.
This exciting program will show you how how to create and self-publish work books, lab manuals, booklets, activity kits, visual aids, manipulatives, and other powerful instructional aids. You'll also learn how to profit from your ideas by offering the products you develop for sale through catalogs, stores, and trade shows. (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Teaching Science: Grades 4-6 (2 PLUs)
Want to increase your effectiveness as a science teacher for the middle grades? Join us and learn about the nature and history of science as well as how to help students in this age group grasp the scientific method.
You'll receive lots of worksheets and specific examples of some great experiments you can use in your own classroom. We'll cover principles of direct instruction and many different learning and organizational tools that will benefit your students. You'll even learn how you can use science class to improve the emotional climate in your classroom!
All through the course, we'll provide worksheets and check lists you and your students can put to immediate use. You'll see how helpful they are in the lessons on the scientific method, writing a research paper, and producing a science fair. We'll also cover foundational content in both physical science and life science. You'll learn how to use a study of the earth's atmosphere to teach students how to make and interpret a variety of graphs—an important skill for standardized testing.
By the end of the course, you'll have gained knowledge about both science and teaching methods. Your confidence will soar and you'll have many new skills that will benefit both you and the children you teach. You'll also learn about some of the best Web sites available to science teachers—they'll be great resources for you! And we'll all benefit from the Discussion Area where you can share your experiences and profit from the experiences of your fellow teachers.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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The Creative Classroom (2 PLUs)
Creativity will abound in your classroom as you tap your students' hidden talents. Learn how to use creativity to teach reading, writing, visual arts, performing arts, social studies, science, mathematics, and physical and health education. Develop creative new approaches to field trips, learning labs, activities, exercises, assignments, and evaluation methods. Think beyond the textbook and challenge your students by making your classroom a creative classroom! (2.4 CEUs, 2 PLUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Solving Classroom Discipline Problems (2 PLUs)
Why do some teachers enjoy peaceful, orderly classrooms while others face daily discipline battles? The answer is that some teachers know the secrets to solving discipline problems. This course reveals those secrets and presents a step-by-step approach to effective, positive classroom discipline. (2.4 CEUs)
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Enhancing Language Development in Childhood (2 PLUs)
Follow your child's lead and have fun while enhancing language development! In this fun and user-friendly course for parents, teachers, and caregivers, you will discover how children learn to process language and how they become proficient speakers and thinkers. This
course will help you enrich your child's life by stimulating his or her continued speech, brain, and language development in an enjoyable, age-appropriate, and natural way.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Understanding Adolescents
(Understanding Adolescent Development - 2 PLUs)
To know your kids is to love them. In this course, an experienced social worker will help you gain a deep understanding and appreciation of your adolescent's development and behavior. You'll uncover the secrets of the adolescent mind and gain valuable information on how they think, how they feel, how their identities develop, and what steps you can take to ensure that you are well prepared to meet the needs of the teens in your life.
Objectives:
By the end of this course, the student will:
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This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia. .
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Enhancing Language Development in Childhood (2 PLUs)
Follow your child's lead and have fun while enhancing language development! In this fun and user-friendly course for parents, teachers, and caregivers, you will discover how children learn to process language and how they become proficient speakers and thinkers. This course will help you enrich your child's life by stimulating his or her continued speech, brain, and language development in an enjoyable, age-appropriate, and natural way.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Microsoft Word 2007 in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Microsoft Word 2007 in the Classroom Mastering Microsoft Word can make you a more productive and creative teacher. You'll learn how to create, open, edit, and save documents, as well as how to create tabs, margins, and spacing. Then you'll make your classroom documents come to life. You'll add borders, clip art, and WordArt. You'll even insert shapes, pictures, tables, and complete a host of other exciting tasks that you can teach your students. As you get more familiar with this program, you'll find that it enhances your teaching in ways you didn't think possible, and you'll have a host of ideas for curriculum-related classroom projects.
As we walk through our virtual tour of Microsoft Word, you'll encounter a lot of program features you may not have known about—features that enable you to control document presentation, stay organized, and keep your students inspired and excited. You'll even produce templates that you can use for classroom tests, create a classroom poster, and use Word's table tools to create a class grade roster.
This course is vital for today's teachers who have to produce and achieve so much in so little time. Join us and find out how to turn this dynamic program into a launching pad for creative lesson plans and engaging classroom activities.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Microsoft Windows Vista or XP, Microsoft Word 2007 or Microsoft Word Home and Student Edition 2007 or Microsoft Office 2007 or Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007. A free trial version may also be available at Microsoft's Web site. Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins; Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser. Note: This course is not suitable for Macintosh users.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Microsoft Excel 2007 in the Classroom (2 PLUs)
Learn the basics of Microsoft Excel 2007 in this professional development course for teachers, and get the training every teacher needs for using and teaching this powerful program effectively in the classroom. This unique online workshop is packed full of tips, shortcuts, and lesson plan ideas.
First, we'll cover all the important Excel fundamentals: Using tabs, formatting cells and worksheets, inserting formulas for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and creating colorful charts and graphs. Then we'll move on to more advanced Excel features such as sorting and analyzing student test data for differentiated instruction, writing powerful mathematical formulas, and using Excel to automatically calculate student averages and other statistics. You'll finish the course by creating a customizable grade book that you can use in your own classroom.
Throughout the course, we'll explore standards-based lesson plans and activities that allow you to pass your Excel knowledge on to your students, no matter what grade level you teach. By the end, you'll have a solid understanding of Excel, and a wealth of ideas for integrating this technology into your lesson plans across your curriculum.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Microsoft Windows Vista or XP, Microsoft Excel 2007 or Microsoft Excel Home and Student 2007 or Microsoft Office 2007 (the Home and Student Edition, of Microsoft Office 2007 are also acceptable). A free trial version may also be available at Microsoft's Web site. Please be sure to install the software on your computer before the course begins; Internet access, e-mail, and the Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Firefox Web browser. This course is not suitable for Macintosh users.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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An Introduction to Teaching ESL/EFL (2 PLUs)
Would you like to increase your effectiveness as an English language teacher? Would you like to go beyond the well-known methods that often leave teachers frustrated with their one-size-fits-all approach? This course will take you on a fascinating exploration of what it means to be a teacher, how to understand who your students are and the needs they have, and how to choose the most appropriate materials and activities for your classroom. You'll learn how you can choose and fine-tune the principles that exactly fit your teaching situation.
During the next six weeks, we'll rethink the traditional native vs. non-native speaker distinction, see why teaching English is so different from teaching other subjects, and explore innovative approaches like Communicative Language Teaching and the lexical approach. You'll gain new insights and ideas for teaching vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You'll also discover what some of your options are in designing fair and accurate tests. And you'll learn how to keep learning and growing throughout your teaching career. Also, students who successfully complete this course will receive a TESOL Certificate of Completion.
So join us on this journey of becoming a more reflective and effective English language teacher!
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Creating Web Pages (2 PLUs)
Create and post your very own Web site on the Internet in this extensive, hands-on, six week workshop. First, you'll learn about the capabilities of the World Wide Web and the fundamentals of web design. Then, with your instructor's patient guidance, you'll plan the content, structure and layout of your Web site, create pages full of neatly formatted text, build links between the pages and to the outside world, and add color, backgrounds, graphics, tables, hot buttons, and animation. You'll also learn critical and timely information on securing the best possible location in search engine listings, and powerful no-cost or low-cost web marketing strategies.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, E-mail, Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Firefox Web browser, familiarity with the Internet, and a computer of any type.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Teaching Math: Grades 4-6 (2 PLUs)
Reinvent math instruction for grades 4-6 by bringing hands-on learning, inexpensive manipulatives, and real-world connections into your classroom. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned pro, this course will help you get your students excited about math!
Over the next six weeks, you'll learn the best ways to walk students through the complexities of elementary school math. From teaching them the best way to learn complicated vocabulary to turning them into problem-solving detectives, you'll discover lots of fun and practical ways to extend your students’ learning into their homes, the community, and the world. Whether you end up using clever geometry manipulatives or handmade fraction bars, math journals or Family Math nights, you'll soak up dozens of strategies that require little or no money if you supply a lot of imagination.
If you’ve been waiting to jumpstart your math instruction, now’s the time to double your teaching power without adding a lot of work.
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Guided Reading: Strategies for the Differentiated Classroom (2 PLUs)
Now more than ever, today's teachers are grappling with the question of how to reach struggling readers. While there are no quick fixes, thousands of teachers are combining the principles of differentiated instruction and guided reading with unparalleled success. Mixed in the right proportion, these popular strategies will help you build a balanced literary framework that gets results with even the most challenged learners.
Differentiated instruction tactics will help you understand how your students learn so you can teach in a way that makes sense to them. When you apply those tactics within the guided reading framework, which helps you lead students through new ways of approaching text, great things start to happen. The result is a classroom full of students who are able to negotiate increasingly challenging texts with unprecedented fluency.
This course is critical for today's educators, who often have to teach on the run with limited resources and unlimited demands on their time. Get ready to reach your readers with ease in no time flat!
This course has been approved for PLU credit for teachers in the state of Georgia.
Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.
Dates:Click here for schedule; Lessons released Wednesday & Friday over a six week period
Time: 24/7
Location:Online access from any computer with Internet capability
Fee:$95
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Guided Reading and Writing: Strategies for Maximum Student Achievement (2 PLUs)
Around 30% of students in sixth grade already have trouble with basic reading and writing. These literacy problems affect performance across subject areas, and they often leave teachers wondering how to help. Get the professional development training you need to improve student literacy as an accomplished teacher shares the secrets of turning guided reading strategies into opportunities for teaching writing. The road to literacy is also the road to ingenuity, invention, and imagination, and you'll soon learn how to take your students from groans to grins with creative lesson plans that really work!
We'll start our journey by talking abou