There are upcoming professional development sessions that can help with writing and reading comprehension.
Dr. Gina Kuker will share how writing can be incorporated in a variety of settings for diverse student needs in “Stop Assigning Writing! Raise Diverse Learners’ Achievement with Scaffolding and Modeling.” This event will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Andover CAPS location, 1401 W. 13th St. in Andover. Continental breakfast will be provided.
A 50-person maximum capacity limit has been set for the first training. If the first date fills up, a second event will take place from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, April 13, at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE), 900 S.W. Jackson, Suite 102. Continental breakfast also will be provided at this event.
To register, click here.
Demonstrating the five writing essentials – modeled, shared, guided, cooperative and independent – Kuker allows participants to discover the value of scaffolding the writing process so students can successfully write for various purposes.
She will model how the first two types of writing can be completed by using “think-alouds.” Finally, the group will participate in shared writing.
Kuker also will discuss when it’s appropriate for students to write cooperatively and independently and will review the five types of text structures for expository texts – description, compare/contrast, problem/solution, cause/effect and sequence.
Another professional development opportunity will take place virtually beginning in April. Attendees of “Reading Comprehension Blueprint” are invited to dive into the aspects of reading comprehension with Amanda Witty and Mary Williams from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mondays from April 17-May 15. Learn how syntax, inferences, text structure, background knowledge and vocabulary impact reading, and then collect the tools to bring these together into cohesive learning plans.
The ”Reading Comprehension Blueprint” will offer guidance for K-12 teachers, coaches and curriculum leaders.
Register here.