Introduction to Formative Assessments |
 | The research that supports the effectiveness of well-developed formative assessments to appropriately modify instruction and to improve student understanding is well documented. This introductory session provides participants with a general overview of the concept of formative assessment, examples of various formative tools, and the role of teachers, students, and peers in effective use of these assessments. Use of data, appropriate feedback, and the implementation of well-created and impromptu assessments are addressed. Participants model and create simple assessments during the session. |
Curriculum Director Training Level I |
 | The job of Curriculum Director requires a clear understanding of the many responsibilities attached to the position. Without that understanding an individual can spend much of their time tangled-up in ‘what is’ and ‘how do I’ situations. This workshop is designed to help define curriculum leadership responsibilities by providing a review of the “process” of developing and revising an effective K-12 curriculum. More Information | Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Member District: $125.00 Non-Member District: $185.00 |
Registration Forms: | Level I June 12 July 25 | Overnight accomidations: Truman Hotel SMCAA VIP Rate of $56.00 per night, includes hot breakfast buffett. 1-800-392-0202 |
| Curriculum Director Training Level II |
| | This workshop is designed to be an interactive opportunity for experienced curriculum leaders to come together to examine the implications for changes to curriculum and instructional practices that will be necessary in order to comply with the new Common Core State Standards. More Information Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Member District: $125.00
Non-Member District: $185.00
| Registration Forms:
| Level II June 13 July 26 | Overnight accomidations: Truman Hotel SMCAA VIP Rate of $56.00 per night, includes hot breakfast buffett. 1-800-392-0202 |
Curriculum Training for Administrators |
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Common Core Standards and MSIP 5 will demand higher achievement targets than ever before. If students are to reach these goals, building level administrators will have to support the development and implementation of a written curriculum that engages students at deeper levels of understanding.More Information | Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm Member District: $125.00 Non-Member District: $185.00 | Registration Forms: | July 11 | Overnight accomidations: Truman Hotel SMCAA VIP Rate of $56.00 per night, includes hot breakfast buffett. 1-800-392-0202 |
| Content Specific Content Workshop |
 | Content Specific curriculum development workshops are offered for K-12 vertical teams, in-district. The 3-5 day workshops provide opportunity for understanding the elements of effective curriculum and guidance on distinguishing between the ‘need to know’ and the ‘nice to know’ concepts in a content area. Topics examined will include: Why GLEs as objectives is not enough; the need for both formative and summative assessments; how to create learning activities for enduring understanding; and the use of Gradual Release of Responsibility as an effective instructional strategy. |
How to Improve Student Undrstanding in Grades 5-12 Using Reading Comprehension Strategies |
 | The goal of this training is to provide teachers with the reading comprehension tools they need to empower students to improve their reading comprehension. Participants will review eight strategies that can be implemented effectively in any content area. Participants will receive a packet of instructional activities to help students improve their reading comprehension skills. The strategies are great for differentiating instruction and serve as effective formative assessments. Comprehension strategies are a tool teachers need to use to evaluate student thinking and adjust instruction to student learning needs. Teachers will learn how to help students think at a deeper level, as they focus on the higher level thinking skills of synthesis and analysis. Students will never do well on the MAP if they can’t comprehend what they are reading. |
Using Depth of Knowledge to Enhance Student Understanding |
 | Too often classroom questioning and assessments are primarily focused on seeking factual knowledge or replicating teacher examples. For students to have a solid understanding of a concept, s/he must be able to understand at different depths of knowledge. This session encourages educators to move beyond what is considered low level cognitive thinking and provide experiences that stretch students and move them to higher levels of complexity. Participants are given opportunities to examine various assessment examples and develop their own. |
Effective Questioning: Building Thinking and Meta-cognitive Skills |
 | Are the questioning techniques being used in your district well defined and integrated into instructional activities as a powerful component to developing students’ critical thinking and meta-cognitive skills? In this workshop participants will explore the progressive levels of effective questioning and how they support depth of knowledge (DOK). Examples and discussions will reinforce the paradigm and increase levels of expectation for students’ reasoning, problem solving, and thinking skills. |