Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Cooperative Learning Summer Opportunities Expanded
by Debbie Yonke, Coordinator of Professional Learning Integration and Alicia Moore, Professional Learning Specialist

It seems to come with the seasons—during the long winter months, we long for spring and just a little sunshine.  When spring comes (and along with it a much needed spring break) our thoughts then begin to wander to summer.  Here in the Professional Learning Department, our thoughts have already headed to summer and we are excited to be able to offer some expanded learning opportunities in the area of Cooperative Learning. 

Cooperative Learning Modules have been available for Year 2 STEP UP teachers for the past several years.  During this past year, we heard from many veteran teachers that they would like to be able to participate in this learning as well.   For this reason, and due to available funding, any teacher who has never attended the 3-day training is invited to participate in one of this summer’s sessions.

During this 3-day workshop you will learn…
   -the difference between Cooperative Learning and group work.
   -many of the 36 basic structures to take back and immediately use in your classroom.
   -how Cooperative Learning can positively impact areas such as classroom management and social skills.

Implementation of Cooperative Learning allows our focus to be driven by our content and provides a framework for our students to practice critical thinking, collaboration, and communication—all key components of 21st Century Skills.  This alignment to the SPS Learning Model is an additional reason we are expanding our sessions this summer.

If you have not yet experienced the three-day session of Cooperative Learning, we welcome you to join us this summer!  Consider talking to others at your school and coming together with your grade level or content area team to learn and plan implementation together.   Please see details below and contact Cara Burch in the Professional Learning Department at 523-5537 if you have any additional questions. 

Summer 2013 Cooperative Learning Sessions
Session #1
June 18, 19, 20
8:30am - 3:30pm
Tefft Ctr. for Learning
Session #2
June 25, 26, 27
8:30am - 3:30pm
Tefft Ctr. for Learning
Session #3
July  09, 10, 11
8:30am - 3:30pm
Tefft Ctr. for Learning







-Register online through this Employee Self-Service link.

-Registration will show commitment to attend all three days of the training session selected.

-All sessions will be held at the Tefft Center for Learning in the auditorium from 8:30am to 3:30pm each day.

-Participation is limited to 60 per session due to space and budget limitations.

-All participants will receive the Kagan Cooperative Learning text and binder.

-Completion of a session (3 full days) will meet the Year-2 module requirement for STEP UP teachers.

-Non-STEP UP teachers who have never attended a 3-Day Cooperative Learning Workshop at SPS are eligible to register and will receive a stipend of $225.00 upon completion of the 3-day session.