Valdosta State University > Continuing Education > Online Courses > Teacher Recertification

Teacher Recertification

For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page. Click here for PLU Requirements

Preparation for Teaching AP Classes - 2009 Summer Institutes Each session is approved for 3 PLUs
English Language and Composition World History	Biology Calculus AB	Click HERE for Housing and Travel Information
AP Summer Institute classes will be held at: Valdosta State University Regional Center for Continuing Education 903 N Patterson Street
PLU Approved Courses on CD-ROM (number in parenthesis = number of PLUs) Click here for Computer System and PLU Requirements Click on a title below for a brief description	Valdosta State University Continuing Education has partnered with Virtual Education Software, Inc. to offer professional learning unit courses for K-12 educators on CD-ROM. These interactive continuing education courses provide expert instruction at a pace that fits your schedule.
Advanced Classroom Management (3) Attention Deficit Disorder (3) Autism & Asperger's Disorder (3) Behavior is Language (4) Child Abuse (3) Drugs & Alcohol in School (3) Educational Assessment (3) Inclusion: Working with Special Needs (3) Learning Disabilities (4) Talented & Gifted Students (3) Teaching Diversity (3) Traumatized Children (3) Understanding Aggression (4) Violence in Schools (3)	Click HERE for complete information on all CD-ROM courses
	Reading Fundamentals Series (CD-ROM courses) Click here for Computer System and PLU Requirements Reading First #1 An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research (3) Reading First #2 Laying the Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction (3) Reading First #3 The Elements of Effective Reading Instruction & Assessment (4)
CD-ROM courses for Spring 2009 - now accepting registrations! Early Childhood Series 3 PLU credit courses: Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Issues and Information for Educators Early Childhood: Family-Centered Services 4 PLU credit courses: Early Childhood: Observation and Assessment Early Childhood: Program Planning Early Childhood: Typical and Atypical Development

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 schedule of starting dates
The Classroom Computer MS Word in the Classroom (2003 or 2007) MS Excel in the Classroom (2003 or 2007) PowerPoint in the Classroom PowerPoint 2003 - Intro Using the Internet in the Classroom Creating Web Pages Integrating Technology in the Classroom Survival Kit for New Teachers Ready, Set, Read! Big Ideas in Little Books Teaching Writing: Grades 4-6 Teaching Math: Grades 4-6 Singapore Math Strategies: Model Drawing for Grades 1 - 6 Teaching Science: Grades 4 - 6	The Creative Classroom Solving Classroom Discipline Problems Solving Classroom Discipline Problems II Enhancing Language Development in Childhood Understanding Adolescent Development Differentiated Instruction in the Classroom Creating the Inclusive Classroom An Introduction to Teaching ESL/EFL Guided Reading: Strategies for the Differentiated Classroom Guided Reading and Writing: Strategies for Maximum Student Achievement Working Successfully With Learning Disabled Students Speed Spanish Speed Spanish II
Newly added online classes - approved for 2 PLUs
Easy Classroom Podcasting Creating a Classroom Web Site A to Z Grant Writing

Preparation for Teaching AP Classes - 2009 Summer Institutes

      English Language and Composition
      World History
      Biology
      Calculus AB

Housing and Travel Information
      Valdosta State University maps and directions
      VSU visitors' information and hotel listing (scroll down page for accommodations)
      New this year... stay on the Valdosta State University campus!
                         Standard dorm room $14/night
                         Apartment style $20/night (limited availability)
                         For more information contact Teddi Walker (tabeal@valdosta.edu) 229.333.7165

AP English Language and Composition (3 PLUs)

General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes

Pre-course information and preparation:
This English Language and Composition workshop is for teachers who have taught the course for zero to three years. It will involve the development of a curriculum, student selection and support, and strategies for teaching synthesis, argument, and analysis of passages and visuals. Participants will be actively involved in exercises that enhance their understanding of the strategies and methods that most effectively prepare students for the exam. They will also read and evaluate samples from past exams and create materials which can be useful in the classroom. Time will be spent on the multiple-choice portion of the exam and helpful hints will be provided. The AP audit and the annual reading of exams will also be covered, and participants will have ample opportunites to share their own best practices.

Instructor Information:
Shirley Counsil has been teaching AP English at Spanish River Community High School since 1987. She became a reader for the AP Language and Composition Exam in 1992 and a table leader in 1999. She began as a consultant for the Southern Regional Office in 1995 and currently presents several week-long AP summer institutes every year in addition to numerous one-day workshops in various subjects. Additionally, in 2005 Shirley served as a Project Manager for the New York office in developing two new Pre-AP workshops. Shirley also serves as a College Board Mentor to other Consultants.

      Dates: June 29 - July 2, 2009
      Time: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
     Instructor: Shirley Counsil
      Fee:$500

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AP World History (3 PLUs)

General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes

Instructor welcome and Summer Institute information:

Dear AP Institute Participant,

I will be your institute presenter for the AP World History Institute. My experience has been that AP teachers who complete College Board institutes are much more successful and confident no matter what their level of teaching experience. The nature of teaching AP World History makes participation at an institute especially important.

To introduce myself, I am a high school teacher in Bradenton, Florida. I have taught four different Advanced Placement courses, and have been an AP essay reader for both European History and World History. As a consultant for the College Board, I have attended workshops with some of the leading teachers and creators of this AP course.

I believe that teaching is a collaborative process, so I will be bringing a large amount of material to share. During our five days together we will work on both the conceptual underpinnings of this new course and actual lesson plans that can be adapted for your classrooms. I will also share my insider’s view of how the essays for AP history are scored. This will be a casual and collegial environment. Dress is also casual.

I also ask that if possible you bring a copy of your AP World History textbook and your school calendar for next year. If you have prepared a syllabus for the AP Audit, you may also want to bring that as well.

I look forward to meeting you in June.

Best,

Patrick Whelan
pwhelan@saintstephens.org

      Dates: June 29 - July 2, 2009
      Time: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
     Instructor: Patrick Whelan
      Fee:$500

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AP Biology (3 PLUs)

General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes

Pre-course information and preparation:
Participants will meet in a classroom setting in the morning and lab in the afternoon. Discussions will include:

The College Board and Materials
for the Instructors
Themes and Concepts in the
AP Biology Program

Planning an AP Calendar
Textbook Selection
2009 Exam Review:
Grading the Free Response Questions

Scheduled labs will be hands-on and include many of the following:

AP Lab #3 MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS
AP Lab #8 POPULATION GENETICS
AP Lab #1 DIFFUSION AND OSMOSIS
Setup and Discussion
AP Lab #6A BACTERIAL TRANSFORMATION
AP Lab #6B GEL ELECTROPHORESIS
AP Lab #2 ENZYME CATALYSIS
AP Lab #4 PLANT PIGMENTS and PHOTOSYNTHESIS

AP Lab #5 CELLULAR RESPIRATION
AP Lab #7 GENETICS OF ORGANISMS Discussion
AP Lab #11 ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
AP Lab #12 DISSOVED OXYGEN Discussion
AP Lab #10 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Discussion

Participants are requested to bring thier calculators.

Instructor Information:
Pat Mote taught biology at the high school level for 34 years serving as department chair for 15 of these years. She also was an adjunct instructor at the college level for 18 of these years. She holds degrees in Microbiology, Genetics, and Science Education from the University of Georgia. For over twenty years she taught AP Biology and conducted one-day workshops and summer institutes at various schools and universities in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia, Washington, DC, and California. In the summers she teaches a Biology program in Molecular Genetics at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has been involved with the AP Reading to score the free response questions from the AP Biology Exam since 1992, serving as reader, table leader, and question leader. She has also written multiple-choice questions for the AP Exam. During her career as a high school teacher she has been named Teacher of the Year several times including being named Teacher of the Year for her school district. In 1995, she was the Georgia Biology Teacher of the Year and a Tandy Technology Scholar. In 2003, she received the Siemens Award in Biology for her work with minority students in the AP program at her school. She has written and edited various teacher guides for anatomy and physiology textbooks. She has recently had items published in The College Board’s Materials for Professional Workshops. She serves as an editor for articles for The American Biology Teacher and helped edit the current edition of the AP Biology Lab Manual for Students published by The College Board. Other publications include articles for several microbiology journals from research conducted at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and two instructor’s guides for AP Biology. She currently resides in Atlanta and is a Biology instructor at Georgia Perimeter College.

      Dates: June 29 - July 2, 2009
      Time: Monday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
     Instructor: Patricia Mote
      Fee:$500

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AP Calculus AB (3 PLUs)

General Information: Workshops and Summer Institutes

Pre-course information and preparation:
Workshop participants will discuss various methods of content presentation and sequencing, student and textbook selection, and teaching strategies. During the week we will consider several curriculum outlines, practice problems from all sections of the AB curriculum, and gain insight into the design and grading of the AP Calculus AB Exam by practicing evaluation of the Free-Response questions. Usage of the graphing calculator will also be discussed and participants should bring a graphing calculator to the session.

Instructor Information:
Deborah Costello graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota with degrees in mathematics and education. She received a Masters in Liberal Studies from Lake Forest College. She currently teaches AP Calculus AB at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Florida. She has been an AP reader for three years and an AP Consultant for nine years. She also teaches statistics and AP Psychology and holds the E. E. Ford Chair of Technology."

Deborah Costello
TRINITY PREPARATORY SCHOOL
costellod@trinityprep.org

      Dates: July 6 - 10, 2009
      Time: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 4:30 PM
      Location: Regional Center for Continuing Education
     Instructor:Deborah Costello
      Fee:$500

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Online and CD-ROM courses

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: Joe Kaplan
      Fee: $159

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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:$159

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Early Childhood Series

Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Issues & Information for Educators (3 PLUs)

Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Issues & Information for Educators, an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course designed to help you achieve a better understanding of infant and toddler mental health, child development, and strategies you can use to promote positive relationships with children and their families. This course provides information that will help you to understand and identify your role as a child care provider, educator, and early childhood professional. Infant and Toddler Mental Health will provide you with research-based information on child development, attachment, temperament, and curriculum. This course also lists resources for both teachers and parents who would like more help or information about infant and toddler mental health.

      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: Melissa Bandy
      Fee: $159

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Family-Centered Services: Birth to Five (3 PLUs)

Family-Centered Services, is an interactive computer-based instruction (CBI) course, designed to give you a new perspective on serving the needs of young children and their families. In this course you will learn what is meant by family-centered services as it applies to diverse systems of care, gain an understanding of family diversity, and explore the major stress factors facing families today. We will discuss the theoretical basis for family-centered services, as well as reflect on current research and best practice. Family-Centered Services will also examine the role of early childhood educators and explore ways to build partnerships with parents and create communities of care—for the benefit of our children, and ultimately society as a whole.

This course is designed for anyone working with young children and their families: child-care providers, early childhood educators, and health care or social services providers, to name a few.

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Early Childhood: Observation & Assessment (4 PLUs)

Early Childhood: Observation & Assessment, is an interactive distance learning course which explores observation and assessment instruments, as well as recommended practices and available resources for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Content includes an emphasis on observing young children and assessing their early childhood learning environments. This distance learning course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction, structured practice and evaluation all on your home or business computer.

This course is designed for anyone planning programs for young children: child-care providers, early childhood educators, and health care or social services providers, to name a few.

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Early Childhood: Program Planning (4 PLUs)

Early Childhood: Program Planning, is an interactive distance learning course designed to give you a new perspective on planning and implementing developmentally appropriate programs for young children from birth through age eight. In this course you will learn what is meant by curriculum, assessment, evaluation, and program planning as these terms apply to early childhood education. We will discuss several historical perspectives and theories of child development, and examine best practice for early childhood education. We will also examine key concepts and specific activities for teaching various curricular content areas including language and literacy, mathematics and science, and the expressive arts. This distance learning course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction and evaluation all on your home or business computer.

This course is designed for anyone working with young children and their families: child-care providers, early childhood educators, and health care or social services providers, to name a few.

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Early Childhood: Typical & Atypical Development (4 PLUs)

Early Childhood: Typical and Atypical Development, is an interactive distance learning course which explores contemporary best practice and perspectives on early childhood development. Content includes patterns and sequences of typical development for children from birth to six years. Emphasis is on individual differences, cultural influences, and the impact of developmental delay and disability during infancy, toddlerhood, and the preschool years. Discussion will also include instructional technology (IT) and assistive technology (AT) applications for this population. This distance learning course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction and evaluation all on your home or business computer.

This course is designed for anyone planning programs for young children: child-care providers, early childhood educators, and health care or social services providers, to name a few.

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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 #1
An 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.

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Reading First #2:
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.

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Reading First #3
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.

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Online Classes

Easy Classroom Podcasting (2 PLUs)

Have you ever felt like you just can't reach your students? They speak the language of technology while you speak the language of, well, teachers. But what if there was a bridge between the two? In this professional training course for teachers, you'll learn how to make a podcast that creates a memorable learning experience for your students. You'll find their interest reignited when you start using their favorite formats: audio, images, and video. You won't even need an iPod or a big budget to harness the power of podcasting in your classroom.

Over the next six weeks, we'll create three podcasts: one audio, one enhanced, and one video. As we make our masterpieces, we'll talk about the four steps of podcast planning, the best free software to use, common pitfalls and problems, and smart ways to integrate this exciting medium into your everyday curriculum. You can expect students to be more engaged and retain knowledge longer if you teach them in this exciting digital format!

As an added bonus, there's nothing quite like helping students discover the pleasures of putting their favorite gadgets--like headphones and computers--to work for school projects! (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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Creating a Classroom Web Site (2 PLUs)

Learn how to create a classroom Web site in this fun, easy-to-understand course for teachers. In no time, you'll build a site with text, images, animations, tables, links, and more. Then you'll create a WebQuest and a blog to add to your site.

You'll also learn how students can use site builders to create their own Web sites in minutes. As we move along, you'll be amazed by how simple creating a classroom Web site can be and all the ways in which having one can make you a more effective and dynamic teacher.

By the end of this course, you'll have your own published classroom Web site, and you'll feel energized by your great new teaching tool! (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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A to Z Grant Writing (2 PLUs)

A to Z Grant Writing is an invigorating and informative course that will equip you with the skills and tools you need to enter the exciting field of grant writing! You'll learn how to raise needed funds by discovering how and where to look for potential funders who are a good match for your organization. You'll also learn how to network and develop true partnerships with a variety of funders, how to organize a successful grant writing campaign, and how to put together a complete proposal package.

This course speaks mainly to nonprofit organizations, schools, religious institutions, and municipalities seeking grants from foundation, corporate, government, and individual donors. But many of the elements easily translate to the for-profit field and to individual artists, and material specifically designed for businesses and individuals is also included. No matter who you are or what level of experience you have, you'll find the A to Z of writing and submitting successful proposals here! (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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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)

In this professional development course for teachers, you'll learn the secrets of technology integration in the classroom, gaining the skills educators need to use tools such as wikis, podcasts, and blogs effectively. You'll discover simple ways to integrate technology to enhance your subject material and meet your course goals. We'll explore quick-and-easy, standards-based solutions for more interactive lesson plans, exciting WebQuests, and challenging assignments. We’ll also unleash the power of Web resources, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

You'll learn how to design your presentation station, identify kid-friendly Internet search tools, teach keyboarding and word processing, and develop standards-based, integrated lesson plans in reading, writing, science, math, social studies, music, and art. We'll delve into ways to reach special needs, GATE, and bilingual learners. Finally, we'll look at computer ethics and the future of technology in the classroom.

Whether you’re new to the integration process or already use emerging technologies in your classroom, this course is a must for all of today's teachers who often have to produce more and more in less and less time. By the end of our time together, you'll have a treasure of ideas for integrating all types of technology into your lesson plans across the curriculum!

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:

understand all aspects of adolescent development and how they work together
be able to make clear and well-thought-out decisions in regards to adolescents
develop skills required to work or parent more effectively with adolescents

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)

      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 about the reasons reading and writing are so difficult for students. Then we'll meet the total literacy framework and see how it mitigates literacy problems once and for all. Since this framework is based on guided reading lessons that flow naturally into writing challenges, you'll learn the recipe for a successful guided reading into writing lesson.

Once the framework is in place, we'll investigate a number of ways to modify this basic recipe for a variety of K-12 circumstances, wrapping up with a look at good writing habits and the traits of a productive writing conference. If you're looking for the right way to get students excited about the power of literacy, this is the course for you!

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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Working Successfully With Learning Disabled Students (2 PLUs)

Learn how to successfully meet the diverse needs of the disabled students in your classroom from an experienced special educator. We'll dissect the whole special education process, from working with individualized education programs (IEPs) to helping students struggling with reading comprehension, math skills, and writing.

We'll also talk about fun games you can incorporate, tips for modifying your classroom, and lots of tested methods for bringing out the best behavior in your students. Every teacher can have success teaching learning disabled kids. In this course, you'll discover easy, practical, and creative strategies that will help your struggling students find their light bulb moments!

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 II (2 PLUs)

In this professional development course, you'll get the teacher training you need to deal effectively with serious discipline problems and help even the most challenging students you're teaching make more responsible choices. You'll discover how to use a new research-based six-step approach to solve severe and chronic discipline problems, including bullying, fighting, using abusive language, stealing, and refusing to work.

You'll learn how to deal with the special problem of attention deficit disorder, find out how to use time-outs effectively, and see how class meetings can help solve class-wide discipline problems.

We'll cover numerous preventative strategies, including 12 actions you and your colleagues can take to prevent problems from occurring in the common areas of your school, and six practical strategies that can prevent student violence.

You'll gain a new understanding of what motivates severe and chronic misbehavior and, more important, what actions will help you effectively find solutions. We'll look at numerous real-life examples set in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms so you can see how to put the ideas into action in your own teaching situation.

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 the Inclusive Classroom: Strategies for Success (2 PLUs)

In this professional development course for teachers, you'll get the training you need to reach the diverse mix of students you face every day—learning proven strategies that turn diversity into opportunity. With a mix of students who have learning disabilities, neurobiological disorders, and physical challenges, the modern classroom requires an efficient and effective teacher who can prioritize under tight deadlines and be creative on demand. Over the next six weeks, you'll learn how to be the kind of super teacher who can guide every student toward academic success. And do you know what the best part is? You don't have to tear your hair out in order to adapt each lesson so that it makes sense for all your students!

We'll start our journey by talking about how students with special needs became a part of the mainstream. Then we'll discuss the inclusive classroom as a home for these students, exploring how all our kids can benefit from an adaptive learning environment. We'll examine how each child learns and what you can do to help him or her develop new strengths. You'll gain a deeper understanding about building collaborative partnerships with the special educator and classroom aides.

Over the course of 12 lessons, you'll discover creative, low-budget strategies for turning your inclusive classroom into a nurturing, supportive learning environment that helps every student. If you're looking for the right way to get all your students excited about coming to school, this is the course for you!

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 Writing: Grades 4-6 (2 PLUs)

      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
      Additional Information: Teaching Writing: Grades 4-6

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Singapore Math Strategies: Model Drawing for Grades 1-6 (2 PLUs)

In this professional development course for teachers, you'll get the training you need to start teaching model drawing, the powerful Singapore Math strategy that gives word problems a visual context. As a teacher, you know that many students groan when it's time to solve word problems. Why is that? Are the problems too difficult? Do students get lost trying to decipher the wording or figure out the computation? Do they simply not know which strategy to use? Actually, it's a combination of all these issues. Luckily, model drawing, a Singapore Math strategy for working word problems, will help your students start to enjoy math in a way they may never have before.

The secret behind model drawing is that it gives students a concrete, reliable set of seven steps that they can use to solve 80% of the word problems out there. They won't have to memorize 20 different techniques and know when to use which anymore. Instead, they'll learn how to read the problem, determine its variables, draw a unit bar (the visual model), adjust that bar, place the question mark to indicate what they're solving for, do the computation, and write a complete sentence at the end.

Does it sound too good to be true? This six-week course will prove to you just how effective model drawing can be in your classroom!

Requirements: Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape, Firefox, or Internet Explorer Web browser.

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System Requirements for CD-ROM courses:
These computer-based software courses are designed to be run from the compact disc (CD) and saves user data on the hard drive of their Macintosh or Windows computer. You MUST begin and complete your course on the same computer.

Macintosh Requirements:

Operating system 9.2, OS10.x, OS X 10.5 Leopard
A color monitor, min. 15" capable of displaying 800x600 px
256 MB of RAM, 5MB of hard disk space
A printer attached to your computer

Windows Requirements:

Windows XP or newer
A color monitor, min. 15" capable of displaying 800x600 px
256 MB of RAM, at least 5 MB of available hard drive space
A printer attached to your computer

System Requirements for Online courses:
In general you will need a basic computer running Windows 98 or higher with Internet access, e-mail, Netscape or Internet Explorer web browser. For those courses related to a specific software application (PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) you will need to have the appropriate software installed on your computer.

PLU Requirements:
A "Prior Approval" form will be sent to you upon registration. This form must be completed and signed by your superintendent or system designee and returned to VSU Continuing Education. If you are not currently employed in a school setting you must sign the bottom of the form. It is your responsibility to make sure your school system will accept courses delivered via Computer Based Instruction (CD-ROM) or Online Instruction for PLU credit.

Upon completion of the course you must submit the required assignments and original course completion certificate as directed in your course materials. For CD-ROM courses, mail or fax the certificate and evaluation form as instructed with your instructional package. Those taking online courses should mail or fax the certificate generated upon submission of the final to VSU Continuing Education (fax 229.333.5397). Upon verification of mastery a "Completion Letter" will be sent to your superintendent or system designee and a copy will be sent to you for your records.

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