August 5th, 2010

State Wide Staff Meeting: 

There have been several emails concerning the meeting so I"m going to try to summarize and simplify.  If I have misinterpreted, please let me know.  Remember you can always post comments to the blog.

Email from Joanne Cain:  Everyone needs to read the first four chapters of Instructional Coaching, by Jim Knight (pp. 1-79). Have everyone bring the book to the meeting as well.

Tanya will meet at UAB on Monday, August 16 at 10 AM to work with Cathy Jones and other directors on MSP.

Steve Ricks' email forward to you on June 3rd..  Also, thanks to Karen for helping arrange for most of our August staff meeting to be held at the McWane Center in Birmingham.  We will begin at 12 Noon on August 16 at the Lane Teacher Center.  Note: Directors will need to meet at AMSTI-UAB site for internet availability as you work on the MSP grant.  Then, directors and specialists will be at McWane from Aug 17-19.  We will finish at McWane on August 19 at mid afternoon (3 blocks that day).

Sandy Ledwell's email  which may have only been sent to Science specialists but according to Steve's email and confirmed by Pam Williams -- this is the plan for the math specialists too.   Math and Science Specialist will be at Lane Teacher Center on Monday, August 16th at noon.

Tuesday, August 17 through Wednesday, August 18th (Lunch) : all specialists will participate in some training on the "ins and outs" of coaching.  That must be when you need the Instructional Coaching book.

Wednesday, August 18th (after lunch)  all specialists : Educate Alabama

Thursday, August 19th: Science specialists only - From Sandy: On Thursday, we will spend some time in reflection and application of what we have learned and  in attempting to incorporate what we have learned into AMSTI Science.  Additionally, we will look at teacher’s instruction and making a determination…”Now what!?”  For the last day, I would love for you to bring any instruments you have used and/or created to help you formatively assess your teachers.   There will be some time dedicated for you to learn from each other about how you formatively assess your teachers at the beginning of your coaching cycle and how you individualize your coaching to meet the specific needs of each teacher.  This session will be science only!

Math specialists plan for Thursday has not been sent out at this time.  From Pam Williams:  As stated in Mr. Rick's email below, yes, the math staff will meet on Monday August 16 at 12:00 at Lane Teacher Center.    An agenda for the math sessions will be sent out soon. 

Snacks- we are responsible for Tortilla Chips and salsa  (UAB will have bowls for the salsa and the chips).  Everyone is responsible for their own drinks. 

October's statewide staff meeting is in Mobile.  


UA has volunteered  to host January's staff meeting but I have not received confirmation on that. 


Staff PD
I have asked Eric to provide PD on the "Clickers" so you can use them in your lessons at schools.  We have three sets so you can check one out when needed to use in your classes.  Schools have them too and I'm sure if a teacher has them you would be able to use the ones in their class.  He has agreed. In looking at the Google Calendar, it would appear that August 27 is free for everyone and for Eric.  A minor miracle. Please hold that date for PD with Eric. It will be only 2 hr.  This is completely voluntary, so if you are not interested in using the clickers then you are not obligated to attend the training.   Talk among yourselves and someone please let me know if this is something that some  will attend so that I may confirm the date with Eric.  THANKS!  August 27


If there is something else that you desire in staff PD that we can provide, please make me aware of that as well.