Week+7+-+Interactions+and+Activities

Professional Development for Curriculum, continued (Team and Whole Group)
During the past weeks we have reviewed and discussed the written, taught and tested curriculum. We have thought about how curriculum in the schools and systems could be upgraded to ensure that all students learn and achieve at high levels. We have also explored and discussed differentiation strategies and how to implement Universal Design for Learning principles. Reports such as //Keys to Math Success// recommend strategies that will enable educators to make the necessary improvements. In thinking about how to improve or update curriculum, we recognize there is a need for additional resources, including money, time, and professional development. It is in this latter area that will enable change to take place. In your role as a leader, think about how you could implement a professional development program that would result in improved instruction and thus higher achievement for all students. Be sure to consider the the National Staff Development Council standards, as well as your own state's standards for professional development, if applicable. (1) In your teams, discuss the questions below: > // > (2) This week's team reporter should summarize the team's discussion, and post as a new thread to the **PD for Curriculum whole group discussion by Saturday.** Be sure to include the name of your team in the title of the thread (i.e., TeamA PD for Curriculum Summary).
 * //How would you organize professional development to ensure that teachers and principals walk away with an understanding of the importance of differentiated instruction and accommodations to meet the needs of students with special needs?//
 * //How would you organize differentiated professional development to ensure that teachers and principals can effectively use data to shape instruction at the c lassroom level?
 * // How can you use both synchronous and asynchronous communications, as well as emerging technologies to support professional development? Provide specific examples? //

(3) Feel free to get creative with your summary. For instance, consider creating an audio podcast using Audacity or other online tool.

(4) Individually review the other three teams' summaries and post at least one comment, or follow-up question to each.

(5) Review the comments to your own team's summary and respond to questions or provide clarification, as needed.

Weekly Skype Meeting held Tuesday, February 16 @ 8:00 PM media type="file" key="kamac 2.16.10.mp4"