Angela Maiers Educational Services

21C Literacies & Habitudes Workshop: Early Birds and Hotels

I am getting very excited about our 21st Century Literacies and Habitudes Workshop Day on June 22nd. Seats are filling quickly and the calendar is moving fast. Remember the deadline is May 31st for the discount (from $169 - $139).

On the top right of the site, I've included a link to the flyer you can print off and pass around your school (hint, hint). Or you can register online (payments due at the door or via PO#)

Many have asked about hotels, so I've included some information here.

Though there are several hotels in the area, the closest will be the southern most on the map (below the 80/35 split). Click below for a larger map and directions from any hotel to the Workshop.

View Larger Map

We'll share more information on breakouts, college credits, and sponsorships as we get closer. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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Iowa Summer Workshop: 21st Century Literacies & Habitudes (6/22/09)

While there won't be an institute in the Des Moines area this year, we will be offering an intensive one-day workshop: 21st Century Literacies and Habitudes in West Des Moines on June 22nd at Valley Southwoods School (map).

The one-day workshop is designed to allow participants (K-12 teachers, trainers, media professionals, media literacy trainers and activists) to rapidly gain proficiency and understanding of the how new digital and social media tools, the Iowa Core Curriculum, and aspects from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills can extend to the classroom and training space.

In just a few short years, Web 2.0 has profoundly changed both the definition and demands of literacy. Our students (and teachers) must be equipped not only to efficiently find and understand information but to use what they know to participate, engage, and contribute content in multiple ways.

Keynote presentations by Angela Maiers (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) will cover the Iowa Core Curriculum and Classroom Habitudes

Breakout Sessions will include:

• Media Infosumption
• Podcasting & Videocasting
• Developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN)
• Read / Write Web
• Global Conversation and Collaboration

Registration fee is $169 per person. There is an early bird special: Those who register before 8pm CST, May 31st will only pay $139. Seating is limited to 250 people. (click on the image of flyer to download a printable copy)

Viterbo University will be offering 1, 2, or 3 credit options for additional assignments completed online.

To register, fill out the form below (or click on this registration link):

While it's not the week-long institute we've had for seven years running, this will be a boot camp like training day, with skills and practices you can implement right away.

Stay tuned for info on Omaha, Clinton, Colorado, and Hawaii summer institutes.

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When Strategies Interfere with Strategic Reading

I spend a great portion of my time in classrooms helping students become more strategic, competent, and confident readers. I am a big advocate of active reading and teach students specific strategies that will help them construct deep and lasting meaning.

But, what happens when the "strategies" get in the way of strategic reading? I recently received the following Ask Angela request from a concerned parent addressing this issue:

Dear Angela,

I am in rather desperate need of advice due to the impact of active reading as employed by the local high school on my student, and I have been unsuccessful, as other parents have been unsuccessful. My childrens' school has a strict approach to active reading which is causing negativity and a large amount of cheating.

The school has an approach where active reading is no longer seen as a tool that each student should learn to employ their own way for their own learning style. It is mandated for every assignment.In some instances, where multiple highlighters are required students are expected to notate in the margins of each page a pertinent note, specific analysis, etc. - every single page, multiple notations.  There are times when the items monitored simultaneously are in excess of five, more likely approaching 8-10, even down to reference to specific words.

My child is frustrated quite literally to tears over this active reading approach which did not add to her comprehension, and instead just slowed down her reading and diminished her comprehension.  She notated in her texts anyway as she is forced into the rigorous approach by the school and honestly, despite a love of reading since quite small, this approach is causing her to hate reading.The frustration has a domino effect in regards to performance in other classes.
 
I would sincerely appreciate any help or advice you could provide.  If you have a source of help that you can refer me to, anything, please do.  We are running out of time in this semester and I'd like to approach this situation constructively with the school.  Honestly, I can't take it for another year and a half, and to think that this situation may effectively set or destroy my child's confidence as she prepares for college. It is very upsetting.
 
Very sincerely.

With permission, I am sharing her story. Because this is a school rather than an individual teacher policy, our task is more challenging. I would appreciate any thoughts, ideas, and resources that I can share.

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It's Elementary - Join me Tonight on EdTech Talk Live (9 PM ET)

Tonight, I will be speaking with Lisa Durff and the gang over at EdTech Talk Live- It's Elementary (9 PM ET). I am a long-time listener, and first-time guest, so I am excited on many fronts.

The topic for tonight's discussion is : 21st Century Literacies

In a Google Search, the term 21st Century Literacy gets 2.8 million results and is being discussed on blog sites, wikis, magazines, radio, et al -- so there is a lot to say! Yet,with all the chatter around the topic, there is still confusion and ambiguity on just exactly what the heck a 21st Century Literacy is.

I approach the topic from a more practical stance. When I think about literacy, the ability to read, write, speak, listen, view, investigate, collaborate, and communicate, what contexts will our students be engaging in those practice in the twenty first century?

What kinds of means and mediums will they be doing this complex work on: traditional text, multi-media images. audio, video, news, health, and content area matter

As I consider the work, it helps put into perspective the kinds of competencies, habits, and attitudes (Habitudes) I need to develop and nurture as a 21st Century teacher.

Here's my short list:

• Listening - the start of collaboration and connecting starts here, don't you think
• Questioning - there is no good search, without a good question. It is our questions that allow us to make meaning, you discern what is important and what is not, to analyze, validate, and seek out what is most critical
• Self Awareness - am I confident in this opinion and I willing to take a stance, do I realize whem I need others help, and I am aware of who I should seek to strengthen my weakness
• Adaptability - the relaxation that the only constant is change, It is literacy my ability to Read complex, multi-genre, multi-modal work that supports me in that change, My ability to investigate the variables that help me manage that change, and my open-minded attitudes that allows one to handle the ambiguity that comes along with not knowing the future
• Connecting - in this complex world, engagement is enhanced with connection. Our brain needs connection to make sense of the work. It's a big plus to have a personal learning network (PLN) to help me. Strength comes in numbers - teaching students to find, connect, and collaborate with others is vital to their future -- and ours.

What do you think?      What am I missing?

I wold love for you to join us tonight for this critical conversation, If you cant make it, leave your thoughts on my blog or yours.

Here are some resources and definitions of 21st Century Literacies:
 - NCTE Definition of 21st Century Literacies
 - A Global Imperative: The Report of the 21st Century Literacy Summit
 - Redifining Literacy for the 21st Century (David Warlick)

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Is 'Sitting Still' a 21st Century Skill?

Ask Angela brings me a stream of questions from teachers and administrators on 21st Century Education. Today, I received a question from a concerned 21st century parent. With permission, I am sharing her story.

Angela,

I received this email from my child's teacher:

I wanted to make you aware of difficulties we are having with "Sandy" in study hall.  On a daily basis she needs to be reminded to get to work on something, be quiet, sit down and stop messing around.

It is the expectations in study hall that a student will bring enough work to keep them busy the entire 42 minutes.  They are to be quiet, remain seated and not cause disruptions.  This is not how "Sandy" chooses to behave in study hall.

If you could please have a discussion with her regarding our expectations we would appreciate it.  If you have any further questions please let me know.

I agree that she should be prepared to follow directions. My concern is this-why in the 21st century is she being required to sit still for 42 minutes every day without any interaction or conversation?

I am a teacher (in a different district) and as my students study, collaboration, connections, and conversation are  a critical part of the content and lessons I present. Keeping them quiet with busy work, worksheets, and packets of fluff may have worked in previous years - but not anymore! It's not what they see in the real world now, it's not what they'll experience when they finish school.

This isn't the first letter I've received about my daughter being "disengaged" and "off task". How should I respond to the school?

Here is my response:

Many educators fighting for a 21st century education for their own children, face your same dilemma, and I we so feel your pain. We walk a fine line between supporting the school, even with what we believe may be inauthentic or inappropriate practices, and advocating for our children.

First, a conversation with your daughter should take place. Get a clear understanding about the kind of work she is being asked to "stay busy with." Here are some questions to consider:

• Is the work assigned challenging enough?
• Was there enough teacher modeling so that your child knows what to do on their own to finish the work?
• Does the work require practice in thinking, reasoning and problem solving or is it just busy work(fluff)?
• Is there a real life connection you can make in what your child is currently studying to help her see authentic reasons to apply herself?
• Does your child fully understand what is expected in the assignment?

Second, I would ask for a meeting with my child's involved teacher(s), sharing your willingness to support, but also your concerns about engagement and relevance. Have your child be a part of the conversation so she sees you are both supporting the schools goals and advocating for her right to a 21st Education.

If you still feel no resolve, you can bring these concerns to the attention of the administration. I believe it's important to begin the dialogue with those immediately involved before taking this step.

I am sharing this note with my readers, and hope for their advice and guidance. Thank you for including us in this important discussion. Good Luck!

Well, friend, what do you think? Please share your own stories-here or on your blog!

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Celebrating Mema Wordle Style

Yesterday, we said goodbye to my grandmother, my hero, and my best teacher. In the midst of sadness the day was filled with joy via stories about her life, and of her life shared with my grandfather who passed several years ago.

They were known to all as "Mema & Pepa" and I wanted to find a way to capture the essence of those stories and Wordle seemed a perfect way.

These were the words that came up over and over as both friend and stranger shared on how my grandma and grandpa touched their lives (click to enlarge image).

There's been lots of talk on how Wordle can be used -- reflection being one of those. It helped us all focus on her life, not her death. And in creating it, that's what we celebrate.

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Mommy, Get Better Soon!

by Mike Sansone

It seems like every once in awhile,
a season of rest is at hand.
We need to listen to our body
no matter what life demands.

And so this season comes to my Chief
She's a hero to more people than just me
Those that meet her know without doubt
She's much deeper than eyes can see.

Yesterday, she went to the hospital
And her pain -- the doctors took it away
They've tested and asked lots of questions
But they still keep her checked in at least for today.

We don't know exactly yet what ails her,
Tho as we know we'll update you here
Your well-wishes and 'Get Twetter Soons' are great
She holds each one of them dear.

So in the tradition of others who've paused
Drew and Tom and even myself for a few
We'll be waiting for your return, Chief
But for now ... rest...take care - we need you!!

 

top photo at Flickr by Kitten
bottom photo by Abby

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Coming to the Literacy Institute? Here's Where to Stay?

Many teachers coming to the Midwest Literacy Institute are asking about best places to stay in the area. Thankfully, the West Des Moines area has a bounty of great places, many within a walk of our location. 

I've included a Google map listing hotel addresses and phone numbers (the Green Arrow on the map is where the Institute will be held):

If you haven't registered yet, reserve your seat today

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TWO WORDS- THE STRATEGY of STRATEGIES

There have been several Ask Angela questions this week regarding active participation:

• How do I know my students are really listening when they do not say anything during group discussion?
• How do I get students to share their thinking with me?
• What is a good way to assess "on the run" if students are really listening and understanding what I am saying?

One of my favorite strategies for "checking in" is called the TWO WORD STRATEGY. I use this this with kids and grownups in my presentation and workshops.

Here is how it works:
Choose a point in the lesson or group discussion that you think warrants reflection or active learning. Ask the students or group members to stop, reflect on the content presented, and synthesize their most important thoughts and ideas down to only two words. This may sound easy, but it is difficult to express yourself in only two words. Be sure to encourage, not judge as learners share out their responses.

Here's why I love this strategy:

• It can be used with any audience: regardless of any age, grade, or content.
• It can be employed at any time: before the discussion starts, during the presentation, or afterwards as participants reflect on key ideas.
• It is a powerful assessment tool: In an instant, I can hear what my audience is thinking and wondering based on their two words shared.
• Everyone participates: the two words can be written down, shared with a neighbor, or communicated as a  group. Everyone has a chance to pause and reflect about what matters most to them as active participants in the learning experience.
  
• It's simple-no fancy forms, assessments, calculation. In seconds, you know if things are making sense and if your audience is there with you.

So next time you are looking for a way for students to engage, participate, and join the learning conversations, give this strategy a try!  What do you think..two words, anyone?

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Ask Angela: Q & A on Midwest Literacy Workshop

We've had several questions about registering for this summer's Midwest Literacy Workshop, So, we made some updates to the registration process (thanks for your valuable input).

The changes and answers:

Q - Will Credits be available?

A - Yes, both college and license renewal credits are available. Graduate credit will be offered through Viterbo University for an additional cost of $80 per credit hour. (Payable after workshop)

• 5 days = 3 grad credits
• 4 days = 2 grad credits
• 2 days = 1 grad credit

License Renewal Credit will be offered through Heartland AEA 11. Heartland credit is a FLAT rate of $20 for any type of credit. (Payable after workshop)

• 5 days - 2 renewal hours
• 3 days - 1 renewal hour

Q - Do we have to register for the full workshop?

A - Nope. We now have a partial registration (3 days or less) for $325. In other words, anything less than 4 days is $325. Otherwise, we need to have you register at the full $450 for the week. (You will be happy you did!)

Q - Are there group discounts available?

A - Yes! Any group registrations of 5 or more (registering simultaneously) receives a discount of $90 per person! Nice.

Q - What about your other workshops?

A - We'll have registration pages up for the other workshops by the end of the week.

Q- Will ELL, ESL Issues be Addressed?

A- YES! There will be both a K-5, and a 6-12 ELL consultant holding breakout sessions for teachers looking for strategies and adaptations for second language and dual language learners! Very Exciting!

online event registration by RegOnline

There is limited seating (only 225 seats), so be sure to register early! It is going to be a FANTABULOUS week!

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