GAINS+Literacy+Grade+7-8

=GAINS Literacy with Technology= This project was in conjunction with our UGDSB Tech Coach program involving half of our elementary schools that were refreshed with new computer equipment for the '08/'09 school year. All Elementary teachers receive a desktop computer for their classroom as well as a data projector to share in every other classroom and each school had the opportunity to select a Tech Coach who would receive a smartboard and a laptop and participate in a year-long lesson study with groups of teachers. The focus question was: What is effective use of technology at the point of instruction?

The Gains Literacy group joined in January and worked together for the second half of the year, creating 2 lessons collaboratively and reflecting upon them. The facilitator was involved with all of the Tech Coaches throughout the year.

Catherine Andrews - Kortright Hills Martine Cramer - Harriston Sr PS Mike Kumbhani - Rickson Ridge Mike Selman - Rickson Ridge Gerry Walker - Rickson Ridge Brenda Sherry - Facilitator - Itinerant Technology Coach
 * Teachers:**

Project Report [|Project Report 08_09.doc] Our Project Proposal: [|Gains Literacy Proposal 08:09.doc] Agenda For Action 08/09 [|Agenda for Action Gains 09.doc] Facilitator's Guide (including Promising Practices and Critical Attributes of Critical Literacies)[|Facilitator’s Guide.doc] Lesson Study Reflection Template [|Lesson Study Reflection.doc] Moving Literacies Forward (GAINS) [|Moving Literacies for Learning Forward final.pdf] Research Informed Practice - Media Literacy [|Sample Guide for Research-informed Practice.pdf] Tech Coach Survey Results [|Tech Coach Survey Results.pdf] UNESCO Critical Literacy [|UNESCO Critical Literacy.doc] Using Graphic Organizers [|Using+graphic+organizers.pdf]
 * For Facilitators:**

For Teachers:
(see Lessons and attached resources below) Promising Practices: [|Promising Practices.doc] Critical Attributes of Critical Literacy [|Critical Attributes of Cr.doc] Lesson Study and Teacher Learning: [|3 conceptions of teacher learning.pdf] [|Lesson Study - SEDL article.pdf] [|ETFO Lesson Study.pdf]

Rose and Meyer. (2002). Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age. http://cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/

Important Dates:
Dec. 10 - First round of sharing 1/2 day - Elora Raceway PM - we'll come to watch what the other teachers have completed in the first half of the year Smartboard Workshop - Tues. Feb. 10, 3:30 - 4:30 Rickson Ridge Lesson Planning 1/2 Day - Thurs. Feb. 12, 12:00 - 3:30 Silvercreek Lesson Planning after School - Thurs. Feb 19, 3:30 Rickson Ridge, Skype in Martine Lesson Planning after School - Mon. Mar 2, 3:30 Rickson Ridge, Skype in Martine Video Taping 1/2 Day - Mar. 10 - pm at Rickson Ridge April 20 - Half day planning for sharing day Sharing Day with Tech Coaches April 24th 12:45 - 3:30 pm at the Elora Raceway

Planning Session 1/2 Day Wed. May 6th 1:00 - 3:30 pm Elora PS Seminar Room Filming 1/2 Day Friday, May 15th 1:00 - 3:30 Kortright Hills Writing Days June 18th (full day) June 19th (full day)

Be sure to complete the teacher survey about Lesson Study, technology and Tech Coaching before the end of June! Thanks!

= = =Resources for Media Literacy:=

[|Sample Guide for Research-informed Practice.pdf] [|UNESCO Critical Literacy.doc] [|Moving Literacies for Learning Forward final.pdf] [|Using+graphic+organizers.pdf] = = =LESSON 1 - Recognizing the messages in tv advertising=

=LESSON 2 - Understanding perspectives and why we think the way we do=

=Teacher Reflections:= “Through the lesson model I have been exposed to a variety of teaching strategies to apply in my classroom. I have become familiar with and aware of an array of tools that complement existing resources. I have also enjoyed having the opportunity to critically reflect on teaching practices and found the input and ideas from fellow tech coaches invaluable”.

“Being a tech coach has made me more aware of good teaching practices. Hearing the ideas from other groups and more importantly, working in my own groups developing our lessons, and then having the opportunity to review those lessons has made me more aware of each lesson I teach.”

“Being able to work with other teachers to plan and implement lessons was invaluable. This is the best PD I've ever had. After teacher's college we never get to see how teachers teach their students, how they deal with classroom management, how they use technology. Seeing good teachers teach is the best way to be a better teacher ourselves. It is inspiring to work with colleagues who are as dedicated and passionate as you are.”

“I have worked in two school Boards, and I can say that this program was by far the most meaningful. I have attended what seems like thousands of inservices and programs, but the Tech Coach Program is tops on my list. Previous workshops have left a bad taste in my mouth. I often heard the phrase, "Ya I already know that".....or "Okay, but what next.....". With the tech Coach Program, I was learning new things each time we met. It wasn't someone talking at us, it was someone showing us new strategies. It was working with other teachers that were in the same boat. I can honestly say that this program has changed the way I taught this year and for the rest of my career.”

"I very much enjoyed having the opportunity to be a participant in the program. It was often about much more than technology. It provided me (and my group) with the opportunity to be very reflective and critical, not only in the use of technology but in general practice. I appreciated the mix of theoretical and practical information as well the "hands on" time that was given in the sessions. Being able to plan, deliver and evaluate a lesson with colleagues outside of my own school environment was very beneficial. I wish all teachers could have the same chance!"

= = = = = =

= = = =

= =

= =

= =