Audience: K-12 teachers and administrators

Course Narrative:
This course will introduce newcomers to the "What?" of Great Expectations - as we experienced it in August of 2009 (see description below). "G.E. - Rejuvenate" will also be a reinforcement of the practices and methodologies learned this summer.

As teachers and administrators work toward implementation of Great Expectations practices, let´s get together for this day-long follow-up session.

DESCRIPTION: Great Expectations is a professional development program that provides teachers and administrators with the skills needed to create harmony and excitement within the school atmosphere, elements that are basic for inspiring students to pursue academic excellence. With a focus on the human quality of teaching and learning, Great Expectations provides renewal and inspiration for teachers who may have lost their way and forgotten why they became teachers in the beginning.

Great Expectations is an answer for all schools, regardless of size, geographic location, student demographics, or economic base. Great Expectations creates an infrastructure that promotes improved student self-esteem, attendance, discipline, and parent participation - all of which result in improved academic achievement.

Drawing from many learning theories, professional development is grounded in the belief that all students can learn, no matter what labels have been placed on them. Rather than teaching WHAT to teach, Great Expectations methodology focuses on the learning climate and the HOW of teaching.

Great Expectations teachers understand it is their responsibility to reach every student. Building self-esteem and motivation is the key to helping students believe they are capable of learning.

Great Expectations teachers set high expectations for students, and they inspire and motivate students to reach upward to attain them. A climate of mutual respect is established that empowers students to take necessary risks to grow academically, and to be willing to make a few mistakes in order to do so. Mistakes are regarded as opportunities to learn in a Great Expectations classroom, and students´ ideas and efforts are valued and appreciated.

Teachers will work in an informal, relaxed setting with a national Great Expectations trainer using their own curriculum materials in this fall session. Great Expectations is a teacher training program that is bringing major change and innovation to public school classrooms. Training encompasses the very best of what is known about teaching and learning today. Drawing from many time-honored, research-based learning theories/practices, training is structured to provide insight and practical application skills necessary to assist students in becoming self-directed learners, productive citizens, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and cooperative contributors in the classroom as well as in society.

Course Objectives:
New participants to Great Expectations will walk away with several very practical strategies to use in their classrooms, and will be supported by teachers who were trained in August 2009 and are implementing G.E. practices. Participants attending to be "rejuvenated" will share their experiences from the first few months of implementation - hurdles and successes - and will work out additional implementation strategies.

Dates: April 14, 2010

Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm

Location:
Bay-Arenac ISD Educational Service Center
Bay City Room
4228 Two Mile Road
Bay City, MI 48706

Cost: $20.00
Includes snack, lunch, and materials

Credit:
SB CEU’s upon application approval

Maximum Participants: 50

Minimum Participants: 20

Questions?
Molly Bruzewski at bruzewskim@baisd.net or 989.667.3246