Thursday Afternoon Workshops - $35

Thursday, October 30, 2008
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

CW1201
Fear of Failure—Why Both Gifted & Talented and Struggling Students Stop Trying
Debbie Silver, Ryan VanZee, Christa Peterson
Ever wonder why those who seem to have everything often fail to maximize their potential? Do you teach students who not only refuse to try but also become obstinate when asked to attempt new or novel concepts? Based on research on student motivation, this session will explore the phenomenon of learners whose mindsets literally immobilize their achievement and their ability to enjoy life. Come find out why students react this way and what to do about it.

CW1202
Differentiated Literacy Strategies That Accelerate Learning in the Middle School
Gayle Gregory
This interactive presentation will provide participants with strategies for subgroup growth including seven strategies that work well with male and female students, special education, and ESL students. Participants will get high-payoff strategies to construct and supervise a literacy program that accelerates student learning with a dynamic and powerful four-part model. A strong focus will be on the latest brain-friendly practices and key differentiation techniques that help teachers better manage very diverse students.

CW1203
M.A.L.E. CALL: Motivating African American Males to Learn and Excel in Middle School
Mack Hines
This session will train teachers to use their classrooms to facilitate the academic and social development of African American male students. This curricular innovation specifically focuses on developing teachers' skills to facilitate African American boys' academic identification with the classroom and teaching. The presenter will also provide participants with information on his research regarding African American males in inner city and rural schools.

CW1204
Building Culturally Competent Schools
Andre Koen
What does diversity mean? Nothing! Ask any number of people what diversity means and you will get any number of answers. It is time for our schools and communities to create a new paradigm. Cultural competence training will develop each institution's ability to become more effective in creating equity for all students and teachers.

CW1205
Interactive and Fun PowerPoint for Teachers: Quizzes, Interactive Maps and Images, Games!
Pavel Samsonov
Participants will learn how to create a quiz in PowerPoint, with immediate feedback in the form of sound effects and animation. They will learn how to create an interactive geographical map or other interactive images (like structures of cells) and interactive games like "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," with multiple choice questions and points. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops!

CW1206
Making a Successful Transition: Elementary to Middle, Middle to High School
Cathryn Berger Kaye
It's hot news: districts are dedicating time and money to help kids transition well. What skills do students need for success? An innovative research-based approach, Strategies for Success with Literacy, has assisted more than 25,000 students in this all-important transition. Based on current education and psychology theories, these practical activities build confidence and skills, and engage and elevate students as analytical and creative learners. Take home effective techniques you can use.

CW1207
Learning for the Next Generation: Taming Our Standards-Based Culture
Michael Chirichello
The curriculum of a successful middle school must be relevant, challenging, and coherent. How can we tame our standards-based culture and create an alternative that leads students to appreciate thinking, lifelong learning, creativity, and authentic experiences? During this engaging workshop, attendees will discover that curriculum design must begin with concepts and big ideas rather than topics and testing.