A General Educator’s Guide to Special Education

This course covers: the history, definition, and process of the IEP; the responsibilities of both the general and special educators; and, modifications and accommodations in the classroom. Emphasis is on providing the general educator with tools and knowledge for servicing the learners with special needs in their classroom.

All Eyes See Differently - A Course for Art Teachers

Art is a right brain thinking process. Most of the
time schools utilize the left side of the brain This course is designed to
acquaint the students with the differences between right brain and left
brain mode of thinking and how to take advantage of each. This course will
aid the student in discovering ways to 'think outside of the box' in
curriculum development to take advantage of both types of thinking as well
as utilizing both visual and auditory learning styles. Students will
determine their own personal thinking style and will create lessons to
foster both modes of thinking in their lesson planning.

A “Quick and Dirty” Teacher’s Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

 This course will present the fundamental principles of behavior analysis for teachers in the classroom.  The focus is on students with disabilities and instruction will demonstrate how these principles are used in various settings to address a variety of educational goals.  Ethical considerations in the application of behavior analysis will be considered with each topic area.

Advanced Computer Applications

Advance Computer Applications is a computer design class for teachers.  The class will provide a strong basis for designing slide shows, analyzing data using spreadsheets and graphs, designing web quests, writing across the curriculum, and making a basic web page. Basics skills will be reviewed on how to make a PowerPoint slide show, how to make a spreadsheet, how to make a graph using a Wizard, and how to use a Word document to reference Internet links.  All skills will be illustrated by actual projects in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. All sample projects will be available on a CD.

Advanced Concepts and Methods of Elementary and Middle School Math  

Participants investigate methods and materials used in elementary and middle school programs. Students develop functional math skills for use by elementary and middle school teachers. This graduate course includes information on math principles (set, function, probability and statistics, geometry, and measurements, algebra, and computer awareness) and provides opportunities for the application of such information.

An Introduction to Using Technology in Your Classroom

 This class is designed to enable teachers to integrate the computer into classroom instruction. In order to become "computer literate" to the degree necessary to make informed decisions about using computers in the classroom, a computer lab, or home, students will study such topics as the basics of computer hardware, software, computer-managed instruction, evaluation of computer-assisted instruction, as well as the social and ethical considerations in using computers in the school. The class combines lectures with hands-on activities using cooperative learning groups. There are both individual and group assignments for all major areas

Art Teachers Round Table

 This course is an interactive studio oriented course. This course is intended to be a forum for Art educators, to interact both artistically and intellectually and to help to develop new ways to present concepts that they use in their classrooms.

   The grade level can be from k – 12. Historically, all art educators deal with the same concepts throughout the educational process. The progression from the first year of school to the last year of high school is a varied and very subjective one. Teachers in this course will have the opportunity to discuss how they all handle the same steps in the artistic journey. Many new approaches can be learned and the elementary teacher can get insight from a secondary teacher, as well as the other way around.

   The class will start as a forum where concerns and ideas will be shared. After the core concerns are discussed, teachers will share approaches and new ways to use artistic strategies.

Awesome Autumn Science & Social Studies Field Trips for Grades K - 12 General Education & Special Education

Research shows that teachers are poorly utilizing computers to enhance curriculum and teaching practices. This is often due to a lack of time to learn how to apply technology to the curriculum and incorporate computer applications into routine classroom activities.

This course is designed for inexperienced computer users who need time to explore technology applications that they don’t have time for during the busy school year.

This course will allow students to create a variety of new multimedia projects for classroom use.  Students will be exposed to the basics of applications with an emphasis on producing useful classroom projects. You will be afforded lots of hands on opportunities in a collaborative teaching environment where we will work together to find teachings solutions for your curriculum and students.

 Throughout the course, students explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

A framework is provided for thinking about and resolving behavioral issues teachers encounter in today's classrooms. Various theoretical approaches are presented. Teachers are required to implement strategies in their classrooms and report and discuss results.

Better in Boston Field Trips in Science, Social Studies & Art for Grades K - 12 General Ed. & Special Ed.

In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on researching and implementing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

* Field Trip Locations:

This course examines the ever-present challenge of engaging the child who
displays difficulties focusing and attending in a classroom. Background
information will include the symptoms and causes of inattention, with
emphasis placed upon effective strategies and hands-on exercises/activities,
promoting both active and passive engagement.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT in the ELEMENTARY and MIDDLE SCHOOL

This course is designed for Elementary Teachers, Middle School Teacher, Principals, Assistant Principals, Curriculum Coordinators, parents of school-age children, and community members. Participants will explore effective methods for teaching elementary and middle school students the core ethical values of character including trustworthiness, respect, responsibilty, fairness, caring, and citizenship. Topics covered in this course include the importance of developing the six pillars character; the effects of bullying, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and scapegoating; sexual harassment; violence prevention methods; Internet dangers; and much more.  Emphasis is on fun, practical, and innovative experiences for students and participants alike.

Computer Power your Curriculum

This course will build on the skills learned in Advanced Computer Applications and provide the teacher with an opportunity to develop lesson plans and projects centered on computers in his/her classroom. Teachers will make make their own project.  They will also learn how to give a lesson on the rolling cart.

Automate and animate your favorite classroom projects, using slides, spreadsheets, charts, tables, the internet, and database techniques. Learn system analysis strategies; how to break down complex computer processes into categories and steps. Write a lesson plan to teach your students how to make a chart from a spreadsheet, analyze data, outline a story, interact with a website, and make a slide show. Bring one or two favorite projects that you would like to automate.  Together we will analyze and choose the computer software that gives your project the greatest visual and content impact. Then we will automate your project with a script you can teach your students.

Concepts and Controversies of Nutrition Education

This course is designed for Health Educators, Physical Educators, Nutrition Counselors, School Nurses, classroom teachers, as well as community members. Participants will explore current nutrition standards and guidelines set by the USDA, determine ways to balance healthy food choices and physical activity for weight management, as well as utilize techniques appropriate for teaching nutrition information to different age groups. Topics covered in this course include the new Food Pyramid, six essential nutrients, nutrition labels, healthy choices, diets, disease prevention, obesity, food safety, vegetarianism, food additives, organic foods, eating disorders, body image, diet pills and supplements, as well as food choices at home and when dining out. Emphasis is on fun, practical, and innovative experiences for students and participants alike.

Creating Powerpoint Presentations

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for classroom teaching.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual classroom instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.   

Creative Collaboration

This course covers creative collaboration techniques to maximize inclusion opportunities for all students.  Emphasis is on collaborating with regular education teachers, special educators, service providers and paraprofessionals. 

This course applies creative problem solving techniques and the arts to other content areas of the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on the use of a variety of creative learning activities throughout the content areas.

This course explores the variety of methods and materials inherent in developing multi-level, multimedia learning centers. The focus will be on integration in a variety of curriculum areas. Participants develop an interdisciplinary learning center to be used in a classroom setting. Techniques for effectively incorporating cooperative learning strategies into the implementation of these centers will be explored. Scheduling and evaluative techniques are integral parts of the focus in this K-12 course.

Developing Study Skills for the Learning Disabled Student

This course will focus on the development of study skills and the implementation of learning strategies that help the learning disabled student to manage their weaknesses.  We will explore how to improve organizational skills by focusing on a 10 step approach. Concrete instructional strategies will be provided so that the classroom teacher and co-teachers can structure their classrooms so that learning disabled students can succeed.   We’ll explore ways to develop the strategic thinking and problem solving skills that are required to succeed in school and in life

Learn how to employ the "nuts and bolts" of differentiating instruction to
enhance our student's learning which coincides with the philosophy that "one
size does not fit all". Exploring the demands of a standards-based currculum
and mixed ability classrooms, participants will acquire management and
instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Differentiated Instruction II

This course is for students who have been exposed to the theory and basic tenets of a "one size does not fit all" curriculum. Having a working knowledge of the "nuts and bolts" of differentiation, students will be able to apply the terminology and concepts to an advanced repertoire of structures and strategies for the effective classroom management of differentiated instruction.

Differentiated Strategies in the Content Areas: Math, Science, Social Studies, Literature,  Foreign Language and Physical Education

This course is for students who have been exposed to the theory and basic tenets of a “one size does not fit all” curriculum. Having a working knowledge of the “nuts and bolts” of differentiation, students will be able to apply terminology and concepts to an advanced repertoire of structures and strategies for the effective management of differentiated instruction.

As teachers, we measure our students comprehension but more importantly we should be teaching strategies for comprehension. In this course we will examine what research has taught us about proficient readers and the strategies they use to solve comprehension problems. We will examine specific strategies: metacognition; visualization; making text-to-text connections, text-to-self connections, text-to-world connections; author schema; activating prior knowledge; active questioning; monitoring comprehension; inferring; determining importance; synthesizing. We will model each strategy; engage in guided practice and monitor independent practice. We will discuss and reflect how these strategies can be taught in our own classrooms. We will explore Literature Circles as a way of deepening comprehension and we will use post-its to code our books.

Topics in the class will include intervention theory, intergroup relations, organizational behavior, management techniques, and many other topics relevant to the change process. Candidates will research planned change in education and sociological and psychological factors inherent in the change process.

Educational Strategies to Go

The focus of this course is upon effective and promising
strategies that refine the teaching and learning process. Research shows
that both knowledge and effective application of content and process are
powerful predictors of student success. Through modeling and
application, students will acquire a working knowledge of the following:
anticipatory set, active and passive participation, basic and higher level
concept attainment, concept formation, advanced cooperative learning,
inductive reasoning, mind-mapping/concept mapping, and lesson design

This course analyzes the importance of the use of hands-on activities and games in the classroom. Hands-on instructional strategies that have been proven appropriate for effective teaching and learning will be investigated.

The Enneagram Personality Types:  Effective Teaching and Learning

Have you ever noticed in a staff meeting, course, conference, classroom, or even in your own home how some people behave in certain ways that leave you perplexed and wondering why they do the things they do or say the things they say?  This course on the Enneagram will teach you the 9 basic personality types that are in the world around us. Understanding the Enneagram will forever enhance your approach to teaching and learning.

Everyday Math for Grades K - 12

This course explores the integration of visual learning and computers. Students explore the use of paint programs, hyperstudio, videos, and interactive videos.

Hands-On Math for Grades 1 - 9

This course is designed to help elementary and middle school teachers of mathematics to utilize simple, easily obtained materials to engage students in hands-on problem solving activities. Emphasis is on inquiry-based mathematics and communicating mathematical thought.

Hands-On math for Grades K - 12

This course will lay the groundwork for mathematical literacy from kindergarten through grade 12.  The course is based on research that supports the belief that children are capable of learning a great deal more than previously thought and will cover the following Math strands: numeration and order, patterns, functions and sequences, balance, use of variables, measures and measurement, and problem solving.

We will also focus on differentiated instruction with a special focus on the struggling learner and will provide ideas for balanced instruction  that include hands on learning, ideas for making difficult concepts manageable and review other winning strategies to help the challenged learner succeed.

Hands-On Math With Everyday Materials for Grades 1-8

This course is designed to help elementary and middle school teachers of mathematics to utilize simple, easily obtained materials to engage students in hands-on problem solving activities. Emphasis is on inquiry-based mathematics and communicating mathematical thought.

Hands-On Physical, Life, Earth & Space Science

 This course is a combination of physical, life, and earth and space science. It is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks. If you took Jambalaya-physical science, toys, Science Across The Curriculum and any of the field trip courses, this is for you - it encompasses all of the sciences. There will be many "make and take" activities.

This course includes content related to the impact of technology on education, especially as it relates to effective teaching and curriculum development. The use of technology as a change agent in schools is explored. Students are exposed to the variety of technologies used in schools.

Implementing Technology into the Content Areas

This course will examine the Microsoft Office package using the PC platform, as an important tool in the classroom for both teacher and student. In particular, the programs of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will be utilized in a variety of ways. In addition to these programs Internet searches, and storage will be included in this technology package. This course is intended to better prepare teachers to assist their students with the use of technology, and make teachers more knowledgeable in their implementation of technology in their classroom. This class should be limited to 10 students, and all levels of computer skills are welcomed. Small class size is essential to facilitate participants to maximize their potential regardless of their initial skill level. If registration exceeds 10 students, then a teaching assistant will be added to the class in which case a maximum of 20 students could be accommodated.

Incorporating & Teaching Social Skills in Your Classroom

This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of social skills instruction for your students.  Learn how to assess for skills needed, lead active practice sessions, and re-teach skills for retention and everyday usage.  A large emphasis will be placed on teaching proficiency in the social areas needed for self-regulation, increased confidence, and successful peer relationships.

Incorporating Social Skills into the Curriculum or Specialty Area

This course will provide practical solutions for social skills instruction that can easily be implemented into the inclusive classroom.  Learn to identify and target the social needs in your classroom and explore various activities, games, and materials.

Participants will receive an overview of technology in education including application packages, computers, projection devices, the internet, and educational software. Participants will also use a variety of models of computer use and explore ways to use technology to extend, enhance, and produce multimedia projects in the classroom to increase student learning. Participants will be able to use both Windows and Mac platforms.

Independent Topics in Technology

 This advanced course in curriculum and instructional technology enables students to develop in-depth projects pertaining to their own grade level, teaching discipline, or school based priorities. Students develop advanced projects by using a multiplicity of technologies and present their results by way of multimedia formats. Participants develop projects that require direct involvement with students in their own classrooms This course will prepare students to use current technology for classroom management and content-area instruction, in accordance with Massachusetts instructional technology mandates. Major emphasis will be placed on using technology to support instruction of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. The integration of technology into instruction will be based on contemporary learning theories.

An Introduction to Using Technology in Your Classroom

 This class is designed to enable teachers to integrate the computer into classroom instruction. In order to become "computer literate" to the degree necessary to make informed decisions about using computers in the classroom, a computer lab, or home, students will study such topics as the basics of computer hardware, software, computer-managed instruction, evaluation of computer-assisted instruction, as well as the social and ethical considerations in using computers in the school. The class combines lectures with hands-on activities using cooperative learning groups. There are both individual and group assignments for all major areas.

Jambalaya - The Best of Hands-On Science

This course is aligned with the Massachusetts State Frameworks it encompasses a wide variety of topics which include Heat, Energy, Density and Design technology, measurement and much more. This course is for primary and middle school teachers.

This course is for students who have been exposed to the theory and basic tenets of a “one size does not fit all” curriculum. Having a working knowledge of the “nuts and bolts” of differentiation, students will be able to apply terminology and concepts to an advanced repertoire of structures and strategies for the effective management of differentiated instruction.

Constitutional and statutory provisions governing a public school system are examined on local, state, and national levels. A thorough review is made of the legal parameters surrounding the local level of the educational system. In addition, students inspect federal and state guidelines generated to meet the needs of diverse student populations in compliance with current judicial decisions and state legislation. The impact of precedent-setting cases is a major focus of this course.

Leaping into Fall with Science & Social Studies Field Trips

In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on researching and implementing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

* Field Trip Locations:

 Day 1              

Weir River Farm – Holly Hill Farm Plant – Genetics –

World’s End – plant and seed identification – marsh exploration

Readings: Structure & Functions in Living Things

Day 2 

Marshfield history of kites and kite flying – connecting science/math with kite making

Readings: Forces & Motion, Energy            

 Day 3              

Presentation – Owls of New England – owl pellets

Readings: Behavior, Diversity & Adaptations of an Organism

 Day 4              

U Mass Boston – Mass Marine educators conference

Harbor and island tours

Readings: Ecosystems & Population

 Day 5              

Sandwich Fish Hatchery – Trout production in Massachusetts

Thorton Burgess Nature Center

Learn to Teach Writers Not Writing in the Elementary Grades

Journey Through the Writers’ Workshop provides learners an opportunity to explore the writing process.  During this course students will examine their own writing process.  As it pertains to their writers, students will also analyze and evaluate instruction, management, and assessment.  Students will combine philosophy with the use of practical and effective strategies to meet the needs of all writers.  Students will also research current trends in writing instruction and the connections to the writers’ workshop.  Working independently and in cooperative learning groups, students will challenge themselves to create a writers’ workshop model that is realistic and beneficial to both instructor and writer.  Students will have the opportunity to plan curriculum, design mini-lessons and authentic assessments, conduct research, and share their thinking and learning.

This course will help teachers develop a creative way for students to appreciate and understand poetry. Teachers are required to help students develop an understanding of poetic terms, forms, and are requires to teach them a variety of skills. Creatively we will explore the world of figurative language and other poetry techniques then apply these skills by writing original poetry. Teachers will also discover a fun way to help students celebrate their work.

Literature Circles in the Elementary Classroom

This course will offer techniques to help teachers utilize literature circles in their classrooms. We will discuss and implement the eleven key elements of literature circles.

Literature for Children

 This course explores the elements of choosing literature for use in the classroom. It will help teachers to assess the latest titles and decide what the best books are to use with their students. In addition, students will learn ways to connect children’s writing to literature.

This course will focus on the development of original approaches to curriculum with special emphasis on the match between an integrated curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Students will research, synthesize, and apply Massachusetts State Frameworks to the development of a unit which unites content area disciplines using single theme, project, or point of inquiry. Discussion and debate arising from contemporary issues in education will be used as topics for developing effective classroom practices.

Marching into Spring with Science, Social Studies, Art & Physical Education Field Trips for Grades K-12 General Education & Special Education

In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science, social studies, art and physical education curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on researching and implementing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Field Trip Locations:

Math is Everywhere - Developing the Algebraic Thought Process in the At-Risk Student from Grades K - 8

This course will focus on the development of higher level algebraic thought for the learning disabled student.  We will explore how to improve math instruction by focusing on mathematical understanding and developing the skills necessary to think algebraically. Concrete instructional strategies will be provided so that the classroom teacher and co-teacher can structure their classrooms so the learning of mathematical procedures, formulas and rules don’t overwhelm the student’s ability to think.  We’ll explore ways to develop the higher level thinking and problem solving skills that are required to succeed in the pre-algebra and algebra classroom.

The Mathematics of Building Construction - “When are we going to use this stuff?”
A class for upper elementary, middle school and high school teachers

 This course is designed to help upper elementary, middle school, and high school math educators integrate relevant math topics into the math curriculum. Using the Massachusetts state frameworks and NCTM standards, teachers will create lessons and math problems appropriate to their grade level, that show students how math is relevant “in the real world”. This class is designed to give math meaning to students of all levels. Hands-on activities support math topics such as; using angles, calculating area, perimeter and volume, measuring with a ruler, fractions and decimals conversions, using business formulas, scale drawing, interpreting blue prints, graphing (line, stem-and-leaf, bar and circle) and logical reasoning.

Maximizing Learning Styles in the Classroom

 Most Teachers enter the profession because they love teaching. Sometimes the pressures and stress build up to remove this love. Maximum Learning Styles seeks to remove the stress that causes burnout and return a freshness and joy that rejuvenates and results in more effective teaching and professionalism. The approaches used are: a student and classroom psychology, problems in teaching and a re-evaluation of objectives in a seminar style atmosphere.

Mind & Body Integrated Learning Connection

This course is designed to present the most recent links between foods, food additives and nutritional supplements that we consume, and the process of interaction with the brain’s neurotransmitters.  The brain controls, monitors, activates, and coordinates the function of the body’s cells and organs.  The interaction between cognitive skills and the intangible assessment of basic behaviors is a direct result of how the individual‘s brain manages each circumstance.  This course will research and analyze the individual’s reaction to various circumstances and how the brain determines which skills we apply during the coping process of every action.  This course will also use specific food preparation skills to ensure that students understand how to receive maximum benefits from their nutritional intake.  Knowledge of quality nutritional habits may ensure a long and healthy existence.  The mind and body integrated learning connection is critical in establishing a meaningful educational experience.

Modifying and Adapting Curriculum for Special Education Students in Inclusive Classrooms

 This course will provide students with the information and tools needed to teach children with dissimilar learning styles (IEP, 504, CAP).  It will provide effective classroom strategies to assist with the differentiated learning styles in the inclusive classroom setting.

No Teacher Left Behind: Teaching Techniques for the 21^st Century

 This course covers contemporary issues in education affecting educators in the 21^st century.  Emphasis will be on differentiated instruction, educational jargon, and how to teach for the test without teaching to the test.

Through this course, students will initially learn about the essential components of a comprehensive literacy approach, obtaining the latest research studies compiled from a number of nationally based research centers. Students will learn about the language underpinnings that support literacy acquisition. They will obtain direct exposure in the areas of: phonological awareness, phonic development, oral to written language, reading comprehension techniques and strategies, and written language strategies and techniques for both teacher and student. Students will learn about various assessments as well as various teaching techniques. Finally, students will develop and implement learned strategies and techniques within their academic setting. They will demonstrate these skills through varied classroom projects, journal writings, and shared oral presentations.

On The Road Again – Science Field Trips

(This class is a different class than Sensational Scenic Science & Social Studies Tours and will have different field trips)

 In this course you will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into the curriculum. There will be a small materials fee for admissions. Students will take part in various activities from Project Wet and Project Wild.

Over The River and Through The Woods On Science and Social Studies, Field Trips We Go

(This class is a different class than On the Road Again - Science Field Trips and Sensational Scenic Tours and will have different field trips)

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Date: March 10 at 5:00PM

Finally Fun Machines

Date: March 11

New Bedford Whaling Museum, and Rotch Jones Duffy’s House. Buttonwood Zoo.

Date- March 12

Moose Hill: Maple Sugaring - Trail Side Museum

Date March 18

Project Learning  Tree.

 Date  March 19

South Shore Natural Science Center—Vernal Pools.

 Time 8-4

Physical Science Topics on a Shoestring  - Upper Elementary/Middle Grades

 This course addresses and develops current thinking and practices in the teaching of physical science topics to upper elementary and middle level students.  Emphasis will be placed upon utilizing low/no cost materials to create high-interest student activities, as well as, teacher demonstrations for the classroom.  Topics may include, but not be limited to electricity, magnetism, light, sound, heat, simple machines, and forces.

Power Point Presentations for Teaching English Language Arts & Social Studies

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual English Language Arts and Social Studies instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.

Power Point Presentations for Teaching Math & Science

Students will explore power point presentations and learn how to create their own power point presentations for teaching Math and Science.  By creating power point presentations students will understand the benefits of creating and saving power point presentations for continual math and science instruction.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of using power point.  Students will create and present their own power point presentations.

Practical Solutions, Materials, and Activities for Teaching and Promoting Appropriate Social Skills in the Inclusive Classroom

 This course will provide practical solutions for social skills instruction that can easily be implemented into the inclusive classroom.  Learn to identify and target the social needs in your classroom and explore various activities, games, and materials.

This course will focus upon the connection between our systems of memory and the effective and productive construction of meaning. Students will actively engage in activities promoting time tested strategies for making sense out of what we learn while storing input for future recall. Participants will learn to structure assessments to match the multiple memory pathways used during instruction.

Problem-Based Learning for Grades K – 12

 This course explores the philosophy of problem-based learning and provides learners with authentic experiences that foster active learning, support knowledge construction, and naturally integrate school and real life.  Emphasis is on providing sample problems, curriculum, and assessment models appropriate for grades K – 12.

Problem Solving in Math - Grades 3 - 10

This course will provide educators with various problem solving strategies while solving problems involving: Probability; Geometry and Measurement; Number Sense and Operations; and Patterns. This course will benefit anyone teaching Mathematics in grades 3-10.

This course will explore a breadth of children's literature and related techniques which have proven effective in the achievement of student learning. Students will develop and implement a variety of approaches to the instruction of literature as a discipline as well as its application across the content areas. Discussion and debate arising from Massachusetts State Frameworks about what children should read will be used as topics for developing useful classroom practices.

Reading for Your Classroom: Practices, Strategies, and Materials for Use in the Classroom - Qualitative Reading Analysis

This course will present practical applications concerning effective literacy learning. The course participants will examine and discover appropriate practices for early education programs, effective ways to integrate children’s literature with basal programs, reading and language arts strategies, classroom management and organizational techniques and varied evaluation and assessment materials and methods. Emphasis will focus on allowing and creating materials and assessments that are teacher specific and easily implemented in the classroom.

Remembering to Remember: Priming the Gray Matter

This course will focus upon the connection between our systems of memory and the effective and productive construction of meaning. Students will actively engage in activities promoting time tested strategies for making sense out of what we learn while storing input for future recall. Participants will learn to structure assessments to match the multiple memory pathways used during instruction.

Sailing Into Summer with Science and Social Studies Fieldtrips

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

 Day 1               Author and presenter Richard Wolniewicz with Field Guides To Skulls and Bones

 Day 2              Tour of Plymouth and the Jenny Grist Mill

                        Lobster study in Plymouth Harbor on the Lobster Tails boat

 Day 3              Thornton Burgess Museum- Glass Museum - Heritage Museum

 Day 4              Cape Cod Canal Cruise  history and science of the canal

 Day 5              Water quality Testing

Scaffolding & Differentiation in Read Aloud & English Language Arts Instruction

 This course will center around using the practice of reading to children as means of more effectively delivering standards-based curriculum content.  Students will develop a scaffolded approach to differentiated language arts instruction, which is seamlessly woven across content areas.  Strategies and techniques which differentiate instruction and scaffold understanding of key concepts of literature within a classroom context will be emphasized.  Students demonstrate competencies by formulating and establishing techniques and activities which illustrate how scaffolded concepts and differentiated practices can be applied to classroom pedagogy.

Science, Social Studies & Art Field Trips for Grades K-12 General Education & Special Education

 Science and Social Studies Takes a Splash Into Summer Through Fieldtrips That Will Enhance Curriculum

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

* Field Trip Locations:

 Day 1              

John Quincy Adams House

The history and science of kites and there use in weather forecasting - followed by kite making

Day 2              

Project Wild   Project Aquatic Wild New Activities

Day 3              

A tour of two local farms and a lesson on plant genetics

Worlds End Lessons on marshes and seeds

Day 4              

Commonwealth Museum

J.F.K. library

Day 5              

Boston Harbor Island Tours

Science and Social Studies Take a Splash Into Fall Through Fieldtrips That Will Enhance Curriculum

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Daily Course Outline:

Day 1  

Presentation on whales and whale behavior 

Readings:  Chapter 1 – The Art of Teaching Science, Chapter 4 -  Science in the School Curriculum         

Day 2              

Upper Cape Technical School – Program on renewable forms of energy – solar, wind, etc. – Aqua culture in the classroom

Pilgrim Hall Museum

Readings: Chapter 5 - How Students Learn Science, Chapter 6 – Models of Science Teaching

Day 3              

Whale Watch                                                                                                                                                                                    

Mayflower Society

Readings: Chapter 7 – Designing Science Units, Chapter 8 – Assessing Active Science Learning, Chapter 9 – Strategies Fostering Thinking in Science

Day 4 

New Bedford Whaling Museum – Program connecting cultures in Alaska plus the museum and New Bedford Art Museum.  

Connecting Cultures

New Bedford Art Museum 

Readings: Chapter 10 – Facilitating Learning in the Science Classroom, Chapter 12 – The Internet          

Day 5              

Norwell Scrabble Acres Farm – Weymouth New England Wildlife Center

Lighthouse tour

Maritime Museum

History and tour of cranberry bog

Science Takes a Splash Across the Curriculum

Sea, Whales, Tails & Snails

The course has been designed to engage each participant in hands on marine science activities through observation and experimentation. Participants will explore the inside model of a seventy foot fin whale. Learn the difference between Toothed and Baleen Whales. Observe a real Dolphin Skeleton and compare it to the Human Body. Other marine mammals will include the Polar Bear, Walrus, Sea Otter, and Sea Lion.

The course will include Sea Turtles, Fish, Birds, and marine invertebrates; you will learn how to setup a tide pool or pond in your classroom. A field trip is included and it will be to one of the following sites: the beach for collecting, the New England Aquarium or the Monument Observatory depending on the time of the year.

Sensational Scenic Science & Social Studies Tours

(This class is a different class than On the Road Again - Science Field Trips and will have different field trips)

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

*Field Trips

Day 1 - Field trip to beach to gather tide pool animals –scavenger hunt, In House – MWRA demonstration and activities

Day 2 - Boston Harbor Tours

Day 3 -   Whale Watch

Day 4 -  Project Wet & Wild

Day 5 - Manomet Observatory, Plymouth Plantation

* Field trip locations may change

Social Studies Methodology: Practical and Handy Dandy Ideas for Teaching Social Studies in Grades Pre-K – Grade 6

This course is designed to improve your ability to teach Social Studies at the Elementary Level. We will engage each other in an exchange of ideas and enhance the advancement of positive attitudes towards teaching Social Studies.

South of Boston Field Trips for Science, Social Studies, Art & Physical Education Teachers Grades PreK - 12 General Education & Special Education

• July 7 Monday – Registration at the Furnace Brook Middle School, Marshfield - Boston Globe, John Adams House, Trolley Tour USS Salem
• July 8 Tuesday - Guide Dave Ball Scituate Lawson Tower Maritime Museum, Lighthouse, Cudworth House and Mann house
• July 9 Wednesday - Thornton Burgess Jam Kitchen connecting Science and Literature, Fish Hatchery, Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center History and tour of the canal
• July 10 Thursday - Forbes Museum, Weir River Farm and Worlds End salt marsh
• July 11 Friday - Presentations

Specific Learning Disabilities in the Classroom – Part I

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of learning disabilities in the school setting.  The student will learn how to informally assess characteristics in the classroom and seek appropriate formal measures.  Focus will also be placed on general education strategies to implement once a diagnosis has been reached.

 Specific Learning Disabilities in the Classroom – Part II

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of learning disabilities in the school setting.  The student will learn how to informally assess characteristics in the classroom and seek appropriate formal measures.  Focus will also be placed on general education strategies to implement once a diagnosis has been reached.

Spring Fling Field Trips: Integrating Science, Art & Social Studies for Grades K-12 General Education & Special Education

As a regular classroom / special education teacher of the twenty-first century, helping our students cope with stress has almost become as essential as mastering the academic standards employed by the state.  Our society as a whole faces the increasing challenge of finding peace in our daily lives despite the never-ending turmoil of the world surrounding us.  This course is designed to offer an understanding of emotional intelligence, a variety of relaxation techniques and energizers that can be used regularly, and research based rationale as to why movement in the classroom fosters learning. 

This course will examine the rationale for telling and hearing stories in the classroom (from language/reading and writing development to psychological well-being). Students will learn various storytelling skills/techniques and explore related classroom activities. Students will access relevant resources, learn several stories, tell stories, and promote both teacher and student storytelling in the classroom.

Strengthening the Third “R” Developing the Algebraic Thought Process in Learning Disabled Students – grades 6-9

 This course will focus on the development of higher level algebraic thought for the learning disabled student.  We will explore how to improve math instruction by focusing on mathematical understanding and developing the skills necessary to think algebraically. Concrete instructional strategies will be provided so that the classroom teacher and co-teacher can structure their classrooms so the learning of mathematical procedures, formulas and rules don’t overwhelm the student’s ability to think.  We’ll explore ways to develop the higher level thinking and problem solving skills that are required to succeed in the middle (6-9) school algebra and pre-algebra classroom.

Summer Sizzles with Science & Social Studies Field Trips for Grades K-12 General Education & Special Education

 In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Field Trip Locations

Day 1

This course covers contemporary thinking, practices, and research in the teaching of science to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on providing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

Teaching Social Skills

 This course will provide current trends, research, and examples of social skills instruction for your students.  Learn how to assess for skills needed, lead active practice sessions, and re-teach skills for retention and everyday usage.  A large emphasis will be placed on teaching proficiency in the social areas needed for self-regulation, increased confidence, and successful peer relationships.

Teaching the Five Components of Reading through Hands-On Literacy Activities

This course will provide K-2 educators with practical activities to support the five components of reading.  Teachers will explore theory and make hands on materials that relate to building phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. 

Research shows that teachers are poorly utilizing computers to enhance curriculum and teaching practices. This is often due to a lack of time to learn how to apply technology to the curriculum and incorporate computer applications into routine classroom activities.

This course is designed for inexperienced computer users who need time to explore technology applications that they don’t have time for during the busy school year.

This course will allow students to create a variety of new multimedia projects for classroom use.  Students will be exposed to the basics of applications with an emphasis on producing useful classroom projects. You will be afforded lots of hands on opportunities in a collaborative teaching environment where we will work together to find teachings solutions for your curriculum and students.

 Throughout the course, students explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

Using Toys, Games, Puzzles, and Media To Teach Science

 This course has been designed to engage participants to use toys, games and puzzles to teach various science concepts that are aligned with the state frameworks. This is a hands-on science course where participants will make toys to take back to their classrooms.

Understanding the Enneagram for Educators

 Have you ever noticed in a staff meeting, course, conference, classroom, or even in your own home how some people behave in certain ways that leave you perplexed and wondering why they do the things they do or say the things they say?  This course on the Enneagram will teach you the nine basic personality types that are in the world around us. Understanding the Enneagram will forever enhance your approach to teaching and learning.

Understanding Personality & Motivation in Learning I

 Have you ever noticed in a staff meeting, course, conference, classroom, or even in your own home how some people behave in certain ways that leave you perplexed and wondering why they do the things they do or say the things they say?  This course on the Enneagram will teach you the nine basic personality types that are in the world around us. Understanding the Enneagram will forever enhance your approach to teaching and learning.

Understanding Personality & Motivation in Learning II

 This course will provide students with information about the Enneagram, the nine basic motivators to personality, and how to apply that knowledge to their personal and professional lives.

Understanding Standardized Assessments & Evaluation Reports

This course will deal with the techniques of synthesizing and integrating psychological and practical information from evaluation reports into effective individual educational plans.  Emphasis will be placed on assessment techniques and terms, overview of different assessments based on discipline and what some results may indicate for the teacher and classroom.  **Please note this class is not tailored to instruct teachers in how to assess or interpret test results, instead its focus is to educate the report reader to be better equipped to translate results into practical interventions or accommodations.

Using Art Skills to Enhance Individual Student Area Lessons

This course will teach how art can become a tool for the classroom teacher. All levels, from primary to secondary are appropriate. Basic elements of art will be used to create lessons in the individual subject areas. Elements such as line, perspective, composition, the human figure, color and illustration will be explored. Subject teachers will brainstorm with colleagues and lessons will be collectively created. Each week a new element of art will be introduced, and at the end of the course, new lessons should be in place for each subject area.This course should be a beginning point for each teacher and should provide a variety of ways to have new approaches to their subject areas.

Using Music to Enhance the Curriculum

This course does not require participants to have musical training.  Assignments are focused on musical activities that enhance the curriculum preK through 12.  Brain research results indicate that immersion in musical experiences actually establish more neural pathways throughout the brain.  Human beings are musical by nature; therefore, music and related activities can be used to reinforce all areas of the curriculum. 

Using Musical Strategies to Enhance Classroom Learning

 This course is designed for the regular education teacher who desires to use music and musical strategies to enhance already existing curriculum and to enable all students to learn beyond traditional teaching styles.

Using Reading & Writing in Math, Science & Social Studies

This course covers contemporary thinking, practices, and research using reading and writing in the teaching of math, science and social studies. Emphasis is on providing innovative reading and writing activities to enhance math science and social studies learning.

Using Science & Social Studies Field Trips to Enhance Curriculum

In this course students will travel to various places for different experiences that can be integrated into their science and social studies curriculum. This course also covers contemporary thinking and practices in the teaching of science and social studies to elementary and middle school students. Emphasis is on researching and implementing innovative hands-on experiences for students.

* Field Trip Locations:

Day 1   

• Identification of trees, buds, stems

• animals tracks

• presenter - Meg Connolly

• Weir River Farm

Day 2

• New Bedford Whaling Museum

• History, Science and technology of whaling

• Tour of Rotch Jones Duff House

Day 3

• Pressure Demo and presentations

Day 4

• Moose Hill

• Maple sugaring festival history

• science and technology of maple sugaring

• Blue Hills - weather

Day 5

• Peabody Museum at Harvard

• MIT Museum

• Tour and class on bridge building

Using Technology in the Content Areas (On-line)

How can technology be used to differentiate instruction for various ability levels and unique classroom settings? How can teachers include technology for all students when they have only one to five computers in a classroom? This course will allow students to explore essential tips and strategies using technology to address the needs of all students in the diverse classroom. Participants will explore strategies to engage students with content-rich, student centered activities that generate higher level thinking skills. Participants will discover how computer activities can be a catalyst for dynamic and substantive learning experiences if the medium is used wisely. Educators will utilize “hands on” experiences in combination with online technologies, state curriculum frameworks, and student learning strategies to develop learning center activities that incorporate technology.

Web Design for the Educator

 The course will help educators of all levels of technological ability, construct a web page for classroom use. Options include web quests, "about me" page, how-to pages, classroom page, lists of assignments, etc.... The web pages will be constructed in class and will then be put on the Internet using a free web host.

Web Quests

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Web Quests for teaching English Language Arts & Social Studies

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Web Quests for Teaching Math & Science

 Students will explore current web quests and learn how to create their own web quests for classroom teaching.  Through exploration of online web quests students will learn about the benefits of teaching with web quests.  Students will understand the cross curricular abilities of web quests.  Students will create and present their own web quests.

Writing Across the Curriculum: Collins Writing Program

 This course presents a model for a writing-across-the-curriculum/writing-to-learn  program by defining five types of writing assignments and the outcomes expected for each. 

Poetry and children go together like milk and cookies. Poetry has rhythm, emotion and truth - just like our students. Poetry is complex and full of moods - just like our students. Poetry is immediate and lives in this moment - just like our students. And poetry lends itself to revisions - something sorely needed by most students. In this course, teachers will discover the potential of poetry to enrich their classrooms plus practical ideas to encourage the children to enjoy reading and writing poetry. This course is designed to help teachers experience the pleasure of teaching poetry - both reading and writing.

This research-based course is designed for classroom teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, Chapter I, ESL, Bilingual, and special needs teachers who want to involve themselves in the writing process and become more knowledgeable about the teaching of writing.