BATDC http://www.batdc.org The Bay Area Teacher Development Collaborative Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:46:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 New! Secrets of the Sleeping Brain February 9, 2012 http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/17/new-secrets-of-the-sleeping-brain/ http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/17/new-secrets-of-the-sleeping-brain/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:42:09 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=388 The functions of sleep remain largely unknown, a surprising fact given the vast amount of time it takes from our lives. Explore amazing research, featured in an episode of CBS’s 60 Minutes, that suggests that sleep might enhance our memories by remodeling our brains, as well as rebalance our emotional brain activity, to prepare us for next-day social and psychological challenges.

Matt Walker, Associate Professor and Director of the Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory at UC Berkeley, is a Kavil Fellow of the National Academy of Science. His research uses a number of neuroimaging techniques to understand the role of sleep in human brain function. He received a National Science Foundation fellowship in 2002, and has since been awarded numerous National Institutes of Health awards.

Click here to register.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/17/new-secrets-of-the-sleeping-brain/feed/ 0 What Should We Ask of Art Education? February 2, 2012 http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/13/what-should-we-ask-of-art-education/ http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/13/what-should-we-ask-of-art-education/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:09:15 +0000 mbasnage http://www.batdc.org/?p=384 This is a wonderful opportunity for teachers of all subjects to hear from one of the leading thinkers in teaching, learning, and visual art.

Lois Hetland is one of the leading thinkers on teaching, learning, and visual art. She is a key member of Project Zero, the educational research group of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Few people can so powerfully make the case for the educational value of art as Hetland, who has long focused on creativity in personal development. For this lecture she considers creativity in relation to three other areas: product, process, and place. She explores the distinctive value of contemporary art, the role of cultural institutions, and the demands of the creative economy.

Hetland will begin by noting the ways in which art education is undervalued and how arts educators have attempted to justify it by extra-artistic qualities—achievement in non-arts subjects relevance to the creative economy—arguments that miss the spirit of a liberal education and, at K–12 levels, the “whole child.” Hetland will then discuss two key issues in detail: the value of Artistic Mind as the desired outcome of arts education and the wider value of creativity in society.
Her discussion will address the extended field of arts participants, contexts, and venues (including schools, community spaces, and museums); the value of basing art education on the work of living artists; and the four categories of creativity, as Hetland sees them: creative person, process, place, and product.

Her lecture will be followed by Q&A with Malissa Feruzzi Shriver, chair of the California Arts Council, and Dominic Willsdon, Leanne and George Roberts Curator of Education and Public Programs at SFMOMA.

DATE: Thursday 2 February, 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Phyllis Wattis Theater, SFMOMA
TICKETS: Click here to purchase.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2012/01/13/what-should-we-ask-of-art-education/feed/ 0 Initiating, Sustaining, and Closing a Great Discussion With Your Students http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/13/initiating-sustaining-and-closing-a-great-discussion-with-your-students/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/13/initiating-sustaining-and-closing-a-great-discussion-with-your-students/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:51:40 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=369 This three-part workshop is designed to sharpen our practice and increase our confidence in using discussion as an effective teaching tool in the classroom. First we’ll look at discussion as a tool to help students think out loud, explore the relationships between ideas, and deepen their understanding of significant questions and problems. Next, we’ll look at how to encourage students’ persistence in reaching for meaning and how to make even partial insights and wrong turns a part of the process. Finally, we’ll consider next steps and techniques for capturing and assessing both individual and collective learning.

Participants are encouraged to bring some discussion questions that have worked for them, as well as some that haven’t.

Kate Moore is the English Department Chair at the Branson School. She offered a similar workshop in 2008 and is back by popular request!
This workshop is most appropriate for teachers in grades 6 – 12.
DATE: Thursday, January 12, 2012

TIME: 8:45 – noon

PLACE: The Bay School, 35 Keyes Ave., in the San Francisco Presidio 94129

COST: $75 for Collaborative members; $100 for non-members

Click here to register.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/13/initiating-sustaining-and-closing-a-great-discussion-with-your-students/feed/ 0 We All Do It: Effective Advising In and Out of the Classroom http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/12/we-all-do-it-effective-advising-in-and-out-of-the-classroom/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/12/we-all-do-it-effective-advising-in-and-out-of-the-classroom/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:15:30 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=357 This workshop was so successful last year that we are repeating it by special request! It is designed for teachers and administrators who work with students in grades 5-12 to help educators feel more empowered and effective as advisors.  Presenters include Mike Riera, Head of Brentwood School; Toby Mickelson, Director of Learning Services at Redwood Day School; Rachel Concannon, School Counselor at Head-Royce School; and Crystal Land, Assistant Head of School at Head-Royce School.
Those of you who have heard any of them before know how wise, supportive, and dynamic they are. Topics include understanding your official or unofficial role as advisor; what to do or not do when you are confronted with difficult situations and behavior; and facilitating effective advising within the classroom and beyond.
Participants will be offered frameworks, models, and tools for working comfortably and skillfully with students, even in those moments when one is on the run.
To encourage teams of participants, we will offer discounts for school groups. Everyone is welcome!
]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/12/12/we-all-do-it-effective-advising-in-and-out-of-the-classroom/feed/ 0 New! Comprehension Through Conversation http://www.batdc.org/2011/11/14/new-comprehension-through-conversation/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/11/14/new-comprehension-through-conversation/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:57:52 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=341 How can we help students become more comfortable taking risks and speaking out in a group? Are you interested in new ways to teach and assess comprehension? You are invited to join us for a morning workshop on “Comprehension Through Conversation,” a hot topic in literacy today as we consider the tools the 21st Century learner will need for the future.  The goal of this workshop will be to look at the way teachers can talk with students and lead them in interactive discussions about texts and topics across the curriculum. You will learn strategies for teaching discussion expectations and how to get kids to “dig deeper” in their conversations. The workshop is appropriate for teachers K through 4 – yes, even Kindergarten!

Erin Murphy, who leads this workshop, is the Primary School Director at Marin Primary and Middle School. She has worked for a number of years in the area of literacy research, specifically in “Teacher Talk”, how teachers facilitate comprehension through conversation. She is currently consulting with a local public school on this topic.

How can we help students become more comfortable taking risks and speaking out in a group? Are you interested in new ways to teach and assess comprehension? You are invited to join us for a morning workshop on “Comprehension Through Conversation,” a hot topic in literacy today as we consider the tools the 21st Century learner will need for the future.The goal of this workshop will be to look at the way teachers can talk with students and lead them in interactive discussions about texts and topics across the curriculum. You will learn strategies for teaching discussion expectations and how to get kids to “dig deeper” in their conversations. The workshop is appropriate for teachers K through 4 – yes, even Kindergarten!Erin Murphy is the Primary School Director at Marin Primary and Middle School. She has worked for a number of years in the area of literacy research, specifically in “Teacher Talk”, how teachers facilitate comprehension through conversation. She is currently consulting with a local public school on this topic.

DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 2011

TIME: 8:30 – noon

PLACE: The Bay School, 35 Keyes Ave., in the San Francisco Presidio 94129 COST: $75 for Collaborative members; $100 for non-members.

Registration is now closed.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/11/14/new-comprehension-through-conversation/feed/ 0 Design Thinking Hands-On Workshop http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/05/new-design-thinking-hands-on-workshop/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/05/new-design-thinking-hands-on-workshop/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 03:27:29 +0000 mbasnage http://www.batdc.org/?p=307 Design Thinking
Do you want to bring “21st century skills” – like critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication – into your classroom or school? Have you heard the buzz about Design Thinking doing great things at places like Stanford’s d.school, IDEO, and other innovative places and wonder what it might offer your curriculum and school?

Design Thinking is a problem-solving approach that challenges students to combine empathy, creativity, and critical thinking to come up with innovative solutions that meet the needs of real people. You will experience the entire design thinking process and learn how it might work in your own school and classrooms. You’ll also come away with resources ready to use with your students and peers.

Mark Basnage is the Director of Academic Technology and Innovation at the Prospect Sierra School and Director of Technology at the Oakland Military Institute. His masters degree from Stanford is in Learning, Technology, and Design, where he was an active part of Stanford’s d.school community. Coeylen Barry is a former lecturer at the Stanford d.school. She has worked with schools around the world to bring design thinking into the classroom. She is also the founder of KDT Consulting which works with schools, businesses and non-profits to use design thinking to create innovative solutions.

Additional voices will come from a local “panel of doers” who have deep experience using design thinking in the classroom.

Date: November 10-11, 2011

Time: 8:30am to 3:00pm

Location: San Francisco Friends School

Cost: $350 per person for BATDC member schools, (non-member rate: $450) includes breakfast, lunch, and materials.

Click here to register now.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/05/new-design-thinking-hands-on-workshop/feed/ 3 Easy Techniques to Enhance Your Students’ Social Development http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/easy-techniques-to-enhance-your-students-social-development/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/easy-techniques-to-enhance-your-students-social-development/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:03:47 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=327

How can we help students who have difficulty communicating, making friends, or working in groups? Teachers and specialists in grades K – 8 are invited to come to this workshop, which will cover specific vocabulary, activities, and games to enhance and develop a student’s ability to make transitions, communicate, and develop friendships with an emphasis on problem-solving abilities.Through case study and experiential role playing, participants will leave with new ideas to implement with students and parents.
This workshop will be interactive, interesting, and playful! Participants should come prepared with at least two students in mind and one classroom setting they want to work on during the workshop.

Toby Mickelson is Director of Learning Services at Redwood Day School. Kris Neugenbauer, a Speech and Language Pathologist with over 20 years experience, specializes in helping children who have delays in expressive and receptive language.
Questions? Contact Janet McGarvey: mcgarvey @batdc.org
DATE: Tuesday, October 25, 2011TIME: 8:30 – noon
PLACE: Black Pine Circle School, 2027 7th St., Berkeley, CA
COST: $75 for Collaborative members; $100 for non-members. Everyone is welcome!

Click here to register.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/easy-techniques-to-enhance-your-students-social-development/feed/ 0 Register for Right from the Start http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/register-for-right-from-the-start/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/register-for-right-from-the-start/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:00:27 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=323 Understanding school dynamics can play an essential part in determining one’s success as a beginning teacher. What knowledge, dispositions, and skills can we cultivate to thrive in our careers as educators? Please join us for a morning of discussion and sharing of resources; we will address a broad range of topics, including being seen as a professional, establishing good working relationships with colleagues, reading the culture of one’s school, and communicating with precision and accuracy.Your own questions and topics are welcome.
Our guest facilitator is Sue Porter, school counselor at The San Francisco School and a popular presenter for the BATDC. Her latest book is Relating to Adolescents: Educators in a Teenage World.
This workshop is appropriate for teachers and interns at every grade level as well as those who mentor new faculty. Questions? Contact Janet McGarvey: mcgarvey@batdc.org
DATE: Friday, October 14, 2011 TIME: 8:30 – noon
PLACE: The Bay School, 35 Keyes Ave., in the San Francisco Presidio 94129
COST: $75 for Collaborative members; $100 for non-members
REGISTER ON THE BATDC WEB SITE: www.batdc.org

Understanding school dynamics can play an essential part in determining one’s success as a beginning teacher. What knowledge, dispositions, and skills can we cultivate to thrive in our careers as educators? Please join us for a morning of discussion and sharing of resources; we will address a broad range of topics, including being seen as a professional, establishing good working relationships with colleagues, reading the culture of one’s school, and communicating with precision and accuracy.Your own questions and topics are welcome.

Our guest facilitator is Sue Porter, school counselor at The San Francisco School and a popular presenter for the BATDC. Her latest book is Relating to Adolescents: Educators in a Teenage World.

This workshop is appropriate for teachers and interns at every grade level as well as those who mentor new faculty. Questions? Contact Janet McGarvey: mcgarvey @batdc.org

DATE: Friday, October 14, 2011 TIME: 8:30 – noon
PLACE: The Bay School, 35 Keyes Ave., in the San Francisco Presidio 94129
COST: $75 for Collaborative members; $100 for non-members

Click here to register.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/10/03/register-for-right-from-the-start/feed/ 0 New! Deepening Our Practice: Methods for Differentiating and Assessing http://www.batdc.org/2011/09/02/new-deepening-our-practice-methods-for-differentiating-and-assessing/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/09/02/new-deepening-our-practice-methods-for-differentiating-and-assessing/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 22:11:09 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=273 Knowing your learners and understanding their needs is central to developing effective 21st century teaching practices. But how exactly do we do this?

This one-day workshop is designed so you will walk away with a greater understanding of recent developments in Differentiated Instruction and how they can improve your practice and student outcomes. Experience models of both differentiation and formative assessment, then apply them to one of your units with personalized coaching. Leave this session with a differentiated unit, theory and articles to google, and a greater sense of possibility. Bringing a colleague is encouraged. Most appropriate for K-8 teachers, but all are welcome.

Our facilitator will be instructional consultant Amy Symons.

Date:  Monday, September 26, 2011

Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Location: Black Pine Circle School 2027 7th Street Berkeley [map]

Cost: $120 per person for BATDC member schools, (non-member rate: $180) includes lunch.

Please register early, we have limited space.

To register, please click here.

]]> http://www.batdc.org/2011/09/02/new-deepening-our-practice-methods-for-differentiating-and-assessing/feed/ 1 Register now for 2011-12 Ongoing Programs http://www.batdc.org/2011/05/23/register-now-for-2011-12-ongoing-programs/ http://www.batdc.org/2011/05/23/register-now-for-2011-12-ongoing-programs/#comments Mon, 23 May 2011 16:11:46 +0000 mcgarvey http://www.batdc.org/?p=259 Registration is now open for our ongoing programs for next year. Our line-up includes:

  • TALL Change: A Team Approach to Learning and Leading (Instructional) Change
  • Collaborative Curriculum Study
  • Leadership 101: Strengthening Your Skills in the First Five Years
  • Experienced Educators: Leadership, Innovation, and Change

No matter where you are in your school career, these ongoing programs will help you deepen your craft. Click here to learn more about each one.

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