Professional Development Highlights: College Prep, Reading Strategies, Gizmos and More

never stop learning concept on blackboard
- Professional Development

Friday, March 10 is Professional Development Day at ACPS and there will be a wide array of learning opportunities available for employees to enhance their knowledge and grow professionally.

Form now through March 10 we will be focusing on programs that are offered on Professional Development Day. Take a look at this week’s highlights and sign up for a program today on the PLMS website.

Note: Sections are added to courses on a regular basis, so be sure to check for new sections even if you have enrolled in the course before. Sections may include follow up, updates, or even brand new information. Be sure to look at the sections as sometimes courses are differentiated by content, or by grade level.

All Things College
How can school counselor prepare students of different backgrounds to become better informed and make decisions to apply and gain admissions to the college of their choice? In partnership with the National Association of College Admissions Counseling, school counselors at all levels will participate in a full-day conference on the entire college process. There will be break out sessions for all levels led by experts in the following areas:

  • College best fit
  • Financial Aid
  • Essay writing
  • Recommendation letters
  • Course Advising
  • NCAA regulations
  • On-campus student supports
  • Resources for undocumented students
  • Naviance tools and resources. 

#14788 

Close Reading Strategies
EQ: How can close reading strategies increase student engagement with text and student comprehension? Using Notice and Note as the guiding text, teachers will engage in close reading practices to increase student comprehension and text analysis. By the end of the session, teachers will be able to explain a variety of close reading strategies as well as incorporate them into their lessons. All participants will receive a copy of Notice and Note and will be able to participate in a one-on-one follow up session. #14847 

Behavior Strategies for Working with Students with Autism for Special Ed Paraprofessionals
How can paraprofessionals implement the latest research about supporting students with Autism in special and general education environments? Participants will: Review current research about best practices, and engage in role-play to practice implementing new strategies. The focus of the session will be providing paraprofessionals with strategies specific to supporting students with Autism. #14790 

Gizmos
How can I incorporate an inquiry-based learning model into my math classroom? Gizmos is a math and science online resource available for grades 4-12. Gizmos use an inquiry-based approach to learning that has been validated by extensive research as a highly effective way to build conceptual understanding. When teachers effectively integrate Gizmos into instruction, they can take learning to new levels. #14389 

Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners with Google Classroom
How can I use Google Classroom to meet the needs of my diverse classroom? This session will focus on the use of Google Classroom to support the needs of diverse learners. ACPS students in grades 3-12 have access to G Suite (formerly known as Google Apps for Education). Participants in this classroom will learn how Google Classroom, in conjunction with other applications in the G Suite, can personalize learning in their classrooms. Please bring a charged laptop or Chromebook. #14767 

Follow the Professional Development team on Twitter: @TeachACPS 

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