Institute Focusing on Common Core Lessons Open to Local Teachers

The Education Renewal Zone at the University of Arkansas invites local teachers to attend a daylong institute April 27 that will focus on creating lessons under the Common Core educational standards.

An online registration form is available for the Common Core State Standards Model Lessons Institute that will begin with check-in at 8:15 a.m. There is no charge. All sessions will be in the Graduate Education Building. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and run through 2:35 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

Teachers can choose from several options offered during four sessions. The institute is intended for teachers of all subjects in grades kindergarten through eighth. Five hours of professional development credit will be awarded for attendance.

• Session One: “Watching the Weather: Linking Critical Thinking in Music, Art, and Science” (Grades K-6) presented by Jeff Young and Paige Rose of the University of Central Arkansas and “The Successful Use of Socratic Circles in the Middle and Junior High Classroom” presented by Michelle Cearley of Washington Junior High School in Bentonville.
• Session Two: “Common to the Core: How to Integrate the New Standards Into Your Music Ensembles” (K-12) presented by Jann Knighten of the University of Arkansas, “Integrated Literacy and Science: Human Body System” (Grades 6, 7) presented by Lisa Davis, Marjo Burk and Lory Hall of Fayetteville Public Schools and “There’s An App for That! Making
  Technology Work for Common Core” presented by Jennifer Beasley of the University of Arkansas.
• Session Three: “War News From Mexico: Using Art and Historical Empathy to Integrate CCSS into an American History Class” (Grade 6) presented by Ginney Wright of the University of Arkansas, “Elementary STEM Narrative Curriculum Lessons” presented by Lindsey Swagerty of the University of Arkansas and “Tall Tales Meet the Wild West: An Integrated Third Grade Literacy and Social Studies Unit” presented by Burk, Davis and Hall.
• Session Four: “World War II Isn’t for Kids” (Grade 8) presented by Holly Elsea of Siloam Springs Middle School and “Weaving Art and Literacy Together for Close Reading” presented by Lea Ellen Jones of Tucker Elementary School in Rogers.

The Education Renewal Zone is funded by the Arkansas Department of Education through a grant to the College of Education and Health Professions at the University of Arkansas. Its goal is to help local schools implement Common Core educational standards. More information is available from Elizabeth Smith, ERZ director, at 575-3641 or ees005@uark.edu.