January 2 is a division-wide professional learning day. The following is a sampling of the many offerings on that day. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting more. To view and sign up for courses, please log into the PLMS website.
This week’s highlighted courses:
Beyond Books as Windows and Doors: Using Diverse Books to Create Culturally Relevant & Culturally Responsive Instruction
What is cultural competence? And, How will ACPS achieve educational equity? During the session, participants will: explore the meaning of cultural competence; design a lesson plan using the Virginia Standards of Learning and the Teaching Tolerance Anti -Bias Curriculum; examine and discuss the work of the Equity Advisory Committee #15247
Incorporating Problem-Based Learning and Engineering Tasks into the Elementary Science Classroom
How can elementary teachers help students retain scientific content while developing higher-order thinking skills? During this session, K-5 science teachers will look at how problem-based learning and engineering tasks can be used to customize and personalize a student’s experience with the science content. Participants will learn strategies for creating problem-based learning and engineering tasks that align with their grade-level standards; develop and share activities that incorporate these strategies into their classrooms; and learn differentiation strategies that can be easily incorporated into problem-based science tasks for all learners. #15263
Building a Positive Culture in Your Learning and Work Environment
How can we use growth mindset and purposeful structures to establish a positive teaching and learning climate? Participants will learn how to develop relational capacity, student voice, high expectations, and respect among and between students and adults. Participants will engage in activities applicable for immediate use. If you want to be engaged in a mindset of culture building, sign up for this lively training. #15131
Career and Technical Education: The Mission Continues
How do we best prepare our students to take their place in the economies of the 21st century? How can all students succeed in Career and Technical Education (CTE) coursework and earn industry credentials? This session is for CTE instructors and staff teaching CTE classes in grades 9-12. Participants will continue the work from previous sessions as they work to address new state and local requirements and will have time to work in teams and on independent projects. #15269
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