MERIT Training

We are learning amazing ways to use technology! Right now we are becoming experts at Google Slides. We have also learned strategies to use in the classroom (using iPads, chromebooks, and laptops) and tools to make the life of a teacher easier. 

Imagine teaching a Flipped Classroom where the teacher facilitates learning while students do the work of scouring the digital world as they master the core curriculum. Teachers and administrators have spent three days immersed in this world of Screencastomatic, BlendSpace, and Photosforclass just to list a few, and the possibilities are endless!

For anyone who has not been trained yet, don't worry. Ed. Services will be holding a Tech-extravaganza in January 2016! 

Implementing PBL

Bobbi Frensley, K teacher at Payne, attended a PBL workshop this year. She has already started a wonderful project with her kids. Below is her explanation of what they are doing. 

Project Based Learning is learning by "doing". The PBL workshop allowed me to learn about the process by "doing" an actual lesson. During the 3 day workshop, I was able to work with my grade level team to design a project that went great with our Arts in Action program. Combining S.T.E.A.M and PBL was a perfect fit. 

Driving Question:

How can we use our knowledge in math skills to improve our art?

We decided to break the PBL up into monthly units of study. Each month students will learn about a new artist/medium in the S.T.E.A.M lab. The lesson is extended in the classroom throughout the month.  Students will learn new math vocabulary associated with the art, write about and then create their own art based on what they have learned.

Currently, we are on our first mini unit. The kids have really enjoyed learning about Piet Mondrian. We set up a research portal on the iPads through Symbaloo. This allows students to access photos, videos and games associated with the artist. Voice and choice is awesome! ~Bobbi Frensley

Meeting Dr. Kagan

Moreland in Action!

What an amazing year it has been so far. We have been very busy in Ed Services and wanted to keep everyone up to date on what has been going on.

 Many teachers have been involved in incredible PD days. They include CUE conferences, PBL, and Merit training. Let's not forget the once in a lifetime training with Dr. Kagan that we all participated in! We learned strategies to use in our classrooms and the reasoning behind them.

 Ed Services has also hosted a DELAC parent night on Technology Safety. This included a special presentation from Comcast and several technology classes parents were able to attend. Families learned about Common Sense Media,  setting up a gmail account, and how to find websites in their language.

We also hosted a very successful GATE night for parents. This was an amazing opportunity for parents to learn about state funding, GATE enrichment classes, GATE Parent Night, and advocacy in Moreland School District. Parents were also introduced to the plethora of differentiation strategies that our Moreland teachers use. Parents walked away knowing that GATE is more than a special label, and that GATE kids need all the help they can get.