Strand Descriptions

Reading Pedagogy – An examination of the theories, methods, and materials used in the teaching of reading including the reading curriculum, literacy development, remediation, the role of the teacher and the skills and strategies to promote P-12 literacy learning.
(Strand Leader – Dr. Ursula C. Thomas)

Teaching and Learning Mathematics for the 21st Century: Grades P-5 – Participants will learn skills, strategies, and activities designed to prepare themselves and their students for mathematics in the 21st century. An emphasis will be given to exploring mathematical learning activities, problem-solving strategies, and representation models through various mediums including manipulatives, interactive whiteboards, computer programs, websites, and calculators. Participants can expect to gain an enhanced ability to create lessons and activities that both strengthen and deepen their students’ mathematical knowledge as result of this strand.
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leader – Dr. Jill Drake)

Teaching and Learning Mathematics for the 21st Century: Grades 6-12 – Participants will learn skills, strategies, and activities designed to prepare themselves and their students for mathematics in the 21st century. An emphasis will be given to exploring mathematical learning activities, problem-solving strategies, and representation models through various mediums including manipulatives, interactive whiteboards, computer programs, websites, and calculators. Participants can expect to gain an enhanced ability to create lessons and activities that both strengthen and deepen their students’ mathematical knowledge as result of this strand.
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leader – Dr. Fenqjen Luo)

Technology-Enhanced Research in the Science Classroom – Participants will use various methods of science research and technology by designing and conducting mini-research investigations. They will use computer/calculator based sensors, digital microscopes, cameras, and balances, interactive whiteboards, and iPods to gather and process data and develop reports. Using these experiences and constructivist teaching strategies, teachers will design ways to promote student research in their classrooms.
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leaders – Dr. Gail Marshall and Ms. Judy Cox )

Social Studies Content Pedagogy – Strengthening and deepening the pedagogical and content knowledge of P-12 Social Studies teachers, encouraging effective technology integration, and modeling research-supported instructional strategies.
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leader – Dr. Janet Strickland)

Differentiated Instruction – Skills, strategies and activities to access students with varying levels of academic skills (e.g. definitions of DI; its necessity in today's classroom; creating a conducive environment, assessment for appropriate instructional tiering; and an effective team teaching model).
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leader – Dr. Jackie Powell)

Teaching English Language Learners (ELLs) in Mainstream Classrooms – Skills, strategies, and activities to access ELLs (e.g. how second language is acquired, implementation of the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, writing language objectives, teaching vocabulary critical in their content area) and work effectively with ESOL teachers (negotiating and sharing teaching responsibilities, and issues of power in a team teaching model).
Click to view syllabus here! (Strand Leader – Dr. Kathleen Tate)