221+Agenda+-+8.30.11

Tuesday, August 30, 2011
9:25 - 9:45 - Welcome & Introductions (favorite middle school moment)

9:45 - 10:15 - Overview of course and course wiki

//**T**hink about this scenario. You are in a job interview at a school that seems to be a great fit for you. The principal looks at you, pauses, and says, "You know, there's lots of talk about "no child left behind." It's a nice goal and all, but seriously, how are we supposed to make it happen? And what about the kids who are ahead? I'll be honest with you - with class sizes hovering around 32, I don't know how we're supposed to reach every kid. But I know we have to try. If you're hired, you're going to have classes filled with all types of kids - introverts, extroverts, ELLs, special ed kids, gifted, those who can't read or can't compute. **How do you intend to make your instruction fit every kid in your class?**//


 * Course goals
 * Field Component
 * Wiki
 * What it is? Why?
 * Invitations
 * How to use it
 * Important Policies
 * Attendance
 * Honesty
 * Norms for Discussion
 * Communication
 * Technology

11:15 - 12:00 - Freedom Writers (Active Viewing & Reading) What does this have to do with the course goals?

media type="youtube" key="m0PRB4YsXn4" height="345" width="420"

11:00 - 11:10 - Break

11:10 - 11:50 - Diverse Learners and Differentiation

Factors Influencing Academic Achievement
Brainstorm a list

Key Concepts: Tensions and Possibilities
Differentiation vs. Standardization Planning vs. Responsive Teaching Diversity vs. High Expectations for All

11:50 - 12:00 - To do for next class, Thursday, 9/1

1. Student Survey - Complete and bring to class on Thursday.

2. Join the wiki - create a user name that is professional and identifiable to us, but not to outsiders

3. Re-watch the "Freedom Writers" video. As you're watching, think about this question: "How do you intend to make instruction fit every kid in your class?" Select three quotes from the clip and write a short paragraph response to each quote. Bring to class.