Creative Arts for the Exceptional Child: Professor Anita Frey

Creative Arts for the Exceptional Child
Professor Anita Frey
This course (0801-723-028) offers practical, workable ways of attaining realistic academic goals for exceptional children. Teachers of exceptional children need hands-on ways of meeting curriculum requirements, specific I.E.P. goals and classroom management techniques which offer an opportunity for maximum social and emotional growth. (This course is OPEN to all Literacy Institute participants as an Institute workshop).

Week-long workshop: Professor Pat Deleo

Innovations in Information Literacy
Professor Pat Deleo
Discover ways to enrich your curriculum and class participation by using a Class Performance System, commonly known as “clickers”, Google Scholar, Google Books and other electronic-based resources for education.

Monday AM Keynote: Dr. Lindamichellebaron

Keynote: Dr. Lindamichellebaron
An author and poet, Dr. Lindamichellebaron has written such books as The Sun Is On, Rhythm & Dues, For the Love of Life, and Anthony Ant and Grady Grasshopper. The innovative Poetry & Ideas Book Series support her creative messages and provide self-reflective “how-to” activity guides for life and learning. Driving the Dream: Literacy and the Arts, and The Write Direction are teacher resources. Her poetry is represented on stage in the musical dance production, The Groove that Got the Move of Us!
http://www.lindamichellebaron.com

Monday workshop: Dr. Marlyn Press & Ms. Estelle Henenberg

Differentiating Instruction for all Students
Dr. Marlyn Press & Ms. Estelle Henenberg
This workshop will describe the ways in which students in literacy classrooms vary (ie., learning styles, social/ethnic/religious backgrounds, native language, language ability, gender and interests). The presenters will describe ways in which to provide the best types of instruction for each student. They will then, take a typical literacy lesson and provide insight in how to provide instruction in content, process and product to meet the needs of each child.

Monday Author Keynote: Larry Pringle

Keynote: Larry Pringle
Laurence Pringle’s writing is about nature, wildlife, and environmental issues. His more than 100 books include One Room School, Nature! Wild and Wonderful, and Whales! Strange and Wonderful, The Chicago Tribune has called him “one of America’s top nonfiction writers for young readers.”
http://www.authorsillustrators.com/pringle/bio.htm

Monday PM Workshop: Professor Donna Banek & Ms. Catherine Brown, MLS

Authentic Science Assessment for Service Learning
Professor Donna Banek & Ms. Catherine Brown, MLS
Service Learning is not just planting flowers or visiting the elderly. This workshop will classify service learning projects. It will provide an interdisciplinary approach to issues within our communities. Participants will be provided examples, activities and rubrics, as well as developing projects using existing curriculum.

Tuesday AM Keynote: Neil Waldman

Keynote: Neil Waldman
Neil Waldman began his publishing career as a designer/illustrator of young adult book jackets, including seven Newbery Medal winners. Recent titles written and/or illustrated by Mr. Waldman include: The Snowflake: A Water Cycle Story, The Promised Land: The Birth of the Jewish People, America the Beautiful, Wounded Knee, They Came from the Bronx: How the Buffalo Were Saved from Extinction, and The Starry Night.
www.thestarrynight.com

Tuesday AM workshop: Carol Varsalona, JoAnn Scott, Erin Castelli, Elissa Mostransky

Extending Balanced Literacy Through Literacy Workstations
Carol Varsalona, JoAnn Scott, Erin Castelli, Elissa Mostransky
Districtwide, collegial discussions have determined that it is essential for K-3 teachers to introduce and promote strategic reading for diverse groups of learners and to differentiate instruction while seamlessly integrating content area resources into the balanced literacy period. Based on Debbie Diller’s current research, a new model of learning, literacy work stations, has been implemented as part of the district's strategic reading initiative. The goals of this best practice are to promote the gradual release of responsibility model (Pearson, Harvey & Goudvis) and increase independent learning for elementary readers, thus leading to the transformation of the landscape of the literacy classroom into an active learning environment. As an integral part of a balanced literacy program, the literacy work station model provides tools and resources to extend the K-3 strategic reading initiative. This session will show teachers how to design their classrooms so that all K-3 students can become successful independent learners.
This workshop was presented at the 2007 IRA Convention.

Tuesday PM Keynote: Anita Saunders

Keynote: Anita Saunders
Anita E. Saunders has been an educator in the New York City school system for more than 30 years, serving in the capacity of teacher, staff developer, coordinator, grant writer, adjunct professor, national and international presenter, director of funded programs, district director of instruction and professional development, Deputy Superintendent, and now Superintendent, Community School District 26.

Wednesday Keynote: Dr. Howard Berrent

Keynote: Dr. Howard Berrent
Courtesy of RALLY! Education
Dr. Howard I. Berrent taught in New York City elementary schools, was a reading specialist on Long Island and professor and chair of reading at C.W. Post College of Long Island University. Dr. Berrent entered educational publishing with Berrent Publications, Inc. in the area of assessment and test preparation. He is now with RALLY! Education which produces both print and technology materials that address the needs of students preparing for state assessments.

Wednesday workshop: Sheena Hervey

Teaching Comprehension Effectively: Six Essential Strategies
Sheena Hervey, Courtesy of A.U.S.S.I.E., Professional Development
Sheena Hervey is a past president of the New Zealand Reading Association. She is the coauthor of AUSSIE, PD The Six Comprehension Strategies- Prediction/ Prior Knowledge; Questions and Questioning; Think aloud; Text Structure and Features; Visualizing; and Summarization. Current literacy research has identified these six strategies as proven to raise students’ level of comprehension.

Wednesday workshop: Dr. Crystal Kaiser

Early Disability Awareness for the Young Child:
Resources for Inclusion
Dr. Crystal Kaiser
Participants will have the opportunity to hear the results of a 3-year comprehensive literature review on disability awareness for the young child. In addition, a bibliography will be received by each participant of over 300 children's books currently in print for the very young (ages 2-7) addressing a wide range of disability awareness topics and themes. Over 50 of these books and related multimedia materials will be available during the workshop for participant review, as selected exemplary books and video are both presented and reviewed, both in terms of their unique contributions and their reflection of current best practice in the field of early childhood special education. Suggested considerations for evaluating and strategies for effectively using such books with the young child will be provided.

Wednesday author keynote: David Adler

Keynote: David Adler
“Dreamers become writers, and, for me, being a published writer is a dream come true,” author David A. Adler says. “I write both fiction and nonfiction. I begin my fiction with the main character. The story comes later. Of course, since I’ll be spending a lot of time with each main character, why not have him or her be someone I like? Cam Jansen is based on an elementary school classmate whom we all envied because we thought he had a photographic memory. For my books of nonfiction I write about subjects I find interesting, including biographies of Benjamin Franklin, Janusz Korczak, Dwight David Eisenhower, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lou Gehrig, Joe Louis, Lewis and Clark, Martin Luther King, Jr., and George Washington Carver.”
http://www.davidaadler.com

Wednesday workshop: Dr. Susan Eichenholtz & Professor Richard Edwards

Explorations in Literacy & Technology
Dr. Susan Eichenholtz & Professor Richard Edwards
This workshop will explore computer applications for teaching literacy. The presenters include an Adelphi professor teaching technology curriculum integration and a Media Technologist from the Faculty Center for Professional Excellence. Digital storytelling applications creating a project using digital images, voice over and background music will be introduced. It is suggested that you bring your own digital images with a theme (about 6) on a portable drive, but not required to learn the software. All technology skill levels are welcome.

Wednesday workshop: Professor Chris Sklarsky

Creating a School Literacy Center
Professor Chris Sklarsky
The presentation will include a rationale for a Literacy Center, organizational tips for creating a Literacy Center in your school, contents within the room, and management of the room. Suggested Publishers, Book Titles, and Resources will be shared.

Wednesday workshop: Dr. Leigh Benin

Combining Social Studies & Literacy in the Secondary Classroom
Dr. Leigh Benin
Attainment of literacy is central to knowledge construction in all middle and secondary school curricula, especially in the social studies. Social studies teachers, and all middle and secondary content teachers need to facilitate reading and writing as essential tools for learning subject matter. This presentation will offer ideas for enhancing literacy in the content area classroom.

Thursday Keynote: Dr. David Monti

Keynote: Dr. David Monti
Courtesy of Don Masters, Harcourt
Dr. David A. Monti is professor emeritus in the Reading and Language Arts Department at Central Connecticut State University. Dr. Monti’s work as a consultant to many school districts across the nation allows him to teach and influence children. Dr. Monti is coauthor of The Aloud Reading Assessment (TARA). He has published a number of professional papers and currently
researches reading comprehension during reading, alternative assessments, and flexible grouping. Dr. Monti recently contributed his expertise in flexible grouping, technology, and family involvement to Harcourt’s new K-6 reading and language arts program, Trophies.

Thursday workshop: Reflective Pathway Listserve Carol Varsalona & JoAnn Scott

Reflective Pathway Listserv/Collegial Circle: A Tool to Transform the Landscape of the Literacy Classroom
Carol Varsalona & JoAnn Scott
In this age of accountability, providing staff with the tools to effect change in teaching and learning is fundamental to the goal of increasing student achievement in literacy. In an interactive workshop, participants will examine a unique form of professional development, the district listserv/collegial circle, which provides a forum for K-8th grade teachers, administrators, and staff developers to reflect and apply their professional learning to classroom instruction. Techniques to encourage, develop, and sustain district wide collaborative and reflective practices that impact teaching and learning are explored. Professional resources include Strategies That Work, Reading with Meaning, Literacy Work Stations and Practice with Purpose, Teaching Reading in Middle School, and Teaching Reading in Social Studies, Science, and Math. (2006 NYS English Council Conference Program of Excellence Award)

NYSRA (New York State Reading Association)

NYSRA (New York State Reading Association)
Long Island Regional Meeting
Wally Freeland, IRA State Representative, and Dolores Watford, current NYSRA President with NRC Representatives Kathy, Mary and AnneMarie

Thursday workshop: Dr. Luda Bryzzheva & Dr. Elsa Bekkala

Childrens’ Literature for Social Justice
Dr. Luda Bryzzheva & Dr. Elsa Bekkala
A picture book authored and illustrated by the presenters will highlight homelessness as an issue of social concern. Presenters engage the audience with issues of social concern and how production of picture books can thoughtfully and responsibly address children’s understanding of those issues. Current and future efforts at advancing the themes of social justice through arts and literature in public schools will be shared. Additionally, a library of children’s books that focus on matters of social significance will be made available.

Thursday workshop: Dr. Diana Schwinge

TESOL in the Content Areas
Dr. Diana Schwinge
Bilingual students learn language over time. BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) comes before CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency). While attainment of literacy in English is prioritized by schools, it is still vitally important to develop cognitive knowledge in mathematics, the sciences, social studies, art, physical education, and other content subjects. This presentation will offer ideas for enhancing literacy in the content area classroom for students who are learning English.

Thursday PM Keynote Jan Cheripko

Keynote: Jan Cheripko
Jan Cheripko is an author who writes from personal experience. His involvement with teenagers at risk, his own high school football days, and his love of literature combine to make his novel, Imitate the Tiger, a work that breaks the usual stereotypes of sports plots and characterization. He teaches English and speaks to students, educators, and parents across the country about writing, literature, heroes, and at-risk students. “I tell my students what a mentor once told me: ‘Writing is an experiment in telling the truth.’ That simple statement is the basis of my philosophy of writing and teaching writing.”

Thursday workshop: Dr. Devin Thornburg

Literacy and the Learning Relationship
Dr. Devin Thornburg
This workshop will illuminate the central importance of emotional, motivational, relationship aspects of literacy learning. Through the use of instructional vignettes, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how diverse students become "at risk" in literacy achievement in all content areas, and how teachers strategically set up classrooms, use management strategies, and assessments. The benefits of becoming a learner in one's own classroom will be emphasized, focusing in on guidelines and suggestions for designing literacy instructional programs.

Thursday workshop: Dr. Lucia Buttaro

Educating our English Language Learners (ELLs)
Dr. Lucia Buttaro
This workshop consists of a series of modules: a) debunking myths about ELLs & an introduction to second language acquisition; b) sheltered instruction model to make content comprehensible; c) creating opportunities for interaction. By participating in the workshop, teachers will learn best practices and innovative instructional activities for enhancing English language learners’ literacy.

Robin's Journal Monday: Lindamichellebaron

Speaker Lindamichellebaron

Her best ideas:
A child will let you know who you are- honesty. A love of reading needs to spread like a virus. Students entering a library for the first time may feel like it’s a magical experience until they face the disappointment that they can’t read the books. They need scaffolding, modeling, and an infusion of love of the art form. Be passionate to fill the empty spaces in a child’s life. She loved reading aloud because in her 5th grade mind she was already a teacher. She taught her friends to read with expression. The lesson was passed down to her friend’s child. “When you teach for life, the test is easy.” Give them what they need- a love of literacy. Respect your creative urges. We have to be salespeople for literacy. Give children the perception of choices.
In action:
What energy! Loved the virus image accompanied by the sneezing out of the love of reading. On action:
The unresponsiveness of the audience caused her to model a great demonstration on getting the students involved. I loved her poems. They were easy to understand and were filled with unusual images. Other speakers also spoke of scaffolding and modeling. I will include more of both in my classes. Instead of just modeling reading with expression, I will coax my students to do it also like she did with her friends. Anita Frey also spoke of giving children choices. I try to do that.

Friday: Dr. Beverly Chin

Dr. Beverly Chin is a former president or the National Council of Teachers of English and of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Her article, “Top Ten Myths About Literary Education in America,” discredits
unflattering stereotypes about America’s educational system. Dr. Chin is the author of On Your Own: Writing and On Your Own: Grammar, Senior Program Advisor for The Reader’s Choice, and the Senior Series Consultant for Grammar for Writing.
http://www.cas.umt.edu/featured/chin/chin.htm

Friday: Gordon Korman

Gordon Korman
Gordon Korman has written more than six Bruno and Boots titles, and several award winning young adult titles, among them Son of Interflux. He has approximately 55 books to his credit, including the On the Run adventure series. Newly published is Schooled, a young adult title.
http://gordonkorman.com