BOWLING Cancelled

Bowling at Inman's this evening has been cancelled due to the weather. Please pass the word along in case someone doesn't check on the blog.

Also watch the blog for cancellation of class tomorrow. This will be dependent on the weather.

Reminder

Today's class will be meeting in Swrz 216 today.

Responding to Student Behavior 12/1/09 Assignment

Classroom behavior issues are often the most frightening to future and beginning teachers. After reading Chapter 15 Responding to Student Behavior select one of the following learning objectives to respond to:

1. Outline strategies for promoting positive behavior and preventing misbehavior with groups of students, including students with special needs.

2. Explain simple techniques for responding to individual student misbehavior.

3. Describe the purpose of a functional behavior assessment and its steps for deciding how to respond to chronic, inappropriate student behavior.

4. Outline systematic approaches for increasing individual students' positive behaviors and decreasing their negative behaviors.

5. Identify how to help students manage their own behavior.

6. Articulate your own beliefs regarding your responsibilities for addressing student behavior in positive ways and describe how your beliefs may influence student actions.

Get in the Holiday Mood

Would you be willing to help out KDP decorate their PNC Holiday tree? KDP will be decorating their tree based on the theme of Santa's Secret Workshop. We will be providing a service to the children at Lake Hills Elementary. The children will be able to select a Christmas gift for their parents or caregivers. We would like to decorate the PNC Christmas tree to showcase this service project with Santa decorations. Please consider donating an ornament or two that has a Santa theme on it. These can be used ornaments or new ornaments. Right now Walmart has Santa ornaments for only $1.00. Just drop off your donation to the education office by November 30th. If you would like to get your ornament back label it with your name and you can pick it up the last day of finals.

Class on Thursday 11/19/09

Just a reminder that we will be meeting in Swrz 216 for Thursday's class.

Planning Instruction by Analyzing Classroom and Student Needs 11/17/09 Assignment

After reading chapter 13 you should have a good understanding of the INCLUDE strategy as well as other ways to plan instruction by analyzing classroom and student needs. For the online assignment you will plan accommodations in the instructional environment.

Vera is a student with a learning disability in your 4th grade class. You use whole-group instruction in math. This method is sometimes difficult for Vera, who is behind her peers in math. Vera is slow to answwer math facts, has trouble keeping numbers straight in columns, and sometimes forgets a step or two when she is computing a problem that requires several steps.

1. Identify the demands in your class that are likely to be challenging for Vera.
2. How can you use the remaining steps in the INCLUDE strategy to help Vera succeed in the whole group?
3. How can you use direct instruction to teach students to round numbers to the nearest 10?

Motivation in Learning and Teaching 11/10/09 Assignment

Read Chapter 12 Motivation in Learning and Teaching. After reading the chapter go to the What Would You Do? (Case Study on p. 451) Select 3 of the 5 questions to respond to. Use evidence from the chapter reading in your responses.

Respond to the poll on this blog concerning intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Celebration

Where: Inmans Bowling Alley, 3201 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383-6938
When: Wednesday, December 9th, 2009
Why: To celebrate the end of Block II
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $1.50 per game, $1.50 for shoe rental

Please RSVP to this blog so we will know how many are participating. May bring friends, family members, and kids.

Bowling at Inmans

I am sorry but I have double booked myself this evening. I was asked to teach a children's service at our church tonight and wasn't thinking about Block 2 going to Inmans for the great bowling deal. I would encourage you to still go and bond as a group. If that doesn't work out would you like to try another Wednesday?

Applications in Teaching Practice Assignment 11/3/09

After reading Chapters 10 (last weeks assignment) and 11 (this weeks assignment) Complete the Applications in Teaching Practice found on pages 446 & 447. Check out your specific assignment.

Collecting and Using Assessment Information
Questions
1. Elisa Boscaccy & Dana Dalton
2. Jennier Fase & Laura Gamble
3. Katie Gonzalez-Hannon & Nicole Kaufman
4. Holly Koski & Alayna Linsemeyer
5. Ashley Mains & Jenelle Meiss
6. Meghan Moriarty & Tera Nelson

Yolanda a student with a Learning Disability
Questions
1. Chrisinte Page & Holli Piers
2. Kelly Puett & Sarah Redmond
3. Mallorie Schoon & Samantha Schultz
4. John Selman & Michelle Sickles

R.E.P.A. Assignment 10/27/09

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 I will be attending the public hearing on R.E.P.A. in Rochester, IN with some of our faculty and students. Please visit http://www.doe.in.gov/news/2009/07-July/REPA.html to become familiar with R.E.P.A.

Your online assignment this week is to voice your opinion by making a comment online at www.doe.in.gov/repacomment by October 30, 2009. Please also post your comment to this blog.

R.E.P.A.

Holly Koski attended the Open Forum and posted this information.

BE EMPOWERED!
I went to the Open Forum meeting today .It was upsetting to hear the possible changes for specialized licenses such as the Early Childhood program at PNC. It is possible that the Early Childhood will be eliminated. If you would like more information about the proposed rules revisions for educator preparation and accountability (REPA) you can contact Dr. Cynthia Fontaine or visit the website if you are concerned about REPA and/or want to know more information. You can submit your comments to the Professional Standards Board by visiting: http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/dg/repa/welcome.cfm There is a public hearing on October 27th, 2009 at 10:00a.m (9:00a.m our time) at Rochester High School, 1 Zebra Lane, Rochester, Indiana. You will be limited to 3 minutes. Lastly, you can submit your comments to individual members of the professional Standards Board. (Dr. Fontaine has the list of these people). OUR VOICE MATTERS! ALL COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 30th, IF THEY ARE TO BE HEARD!!!

http://www.doe.in.gov/news/2009/07-July/Proposed_Teacher_Licensing_Changes_Summary_090903.pdf

You can go here to check out the summary of the REPA and what Dr. Fontaine talked about at the open forum...

ATTENTION

For this weeks online class you will need to use the powerpoint "Analyzing Student Needs". You can find it under Class Powerpoints.

Also bring food items for the JUST FOR KIDS FOOD DRIVE. As of now Block 2 is in the lead. Let's keep it that way!

Students with Special Needs other than Disabilities 10/20/09

Today you have a choice for your online assignment:

1. Attend the Open Forum today from 12-1 in LSF02

2. Read the following Case Study and create an INCLUDE strategy chart. (See p. 358 in Every Moment Counts book, Question #3). Fill in the chart with information not specifically outlined the the case study descriptions. Be sure to address academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and medical-physical needs. Turn the complete INCLUDE chart in on Thursday, October 29, 2009.


Case Study

David Hollingsworth is a first-year 5th grade teacher in a large urban school district. Although it is only the 8th week of school, he is concerned. Although he is confident of his knowledge of 5th grade content, as well as his teaching skills, he feels he has a strong commitment to teaching all the students assigned to him, he is worried that he won't be able to meet the vast array of student needs represented in this class. Mr. Hollingsworth is well aware that his students' needs are diverse. Wynn has just immigrated to the United States from Vietnam, speaks very little English and she seems overwhelmed by nearly everything at school. Mr. Hollingsworth can't remember ever seeing Wynn smile. Most of the content information is beyond Wynn's understanding because of the language differences. Another student is Reid. Reid is supposed to be taking medication for ADHD, but it doesn't seem to be having the intended effect on him. At an after-school meeting, Mr. Hollingsworth, the school psychologist, the counselor, and the assistant principal discussed the matter with Reid and his mother who is a single parent and Reid and his mom decided the medication wasn't working and that he didn't need to take it every day. Somedays Reid's mother gives him a double dose to account for the days he doesn't take the medication. The counselor is supposed to follow up on this unhealthy and potentially dangerous thinking about medication and keep Mr. Hollingsworth informed. In the meantime, Reid is either bouncing off the walls or zoned out. Irene is a concern as well. She and her twin sister Ida, are struggling academically despite receiving a lot of individual attention and having supportive parents. Neither girl is reading well enough to complete textbook readings. Both girls have been referred in the past for special education services, but neither is eligible to receive them. Mr. Hollingsworth knows that the twins' father has been out of work for nearly a year, and that the family is barely getting by. Mr. Hollingsworth heard last week that one of the grandparents had also come to live with the family due to health issues. He wonders how much of the twins' learning problems are related to their home situation. Mr. Hollingsworth also teaches Kennedy, who just moved into the district and is so far ahead of the other students that Mr. Hollingsworth wishes she were in a program for gifted and talented. Two other students Nancy and Larry are from families that have very little, they come to school without supplies and seem reluctant to interact with the other children.

Open Forum

Please attend the Open Forum on Tuesday, October 20th from 12-1 in LSF 02 to find out about the new proposed rules revisions for teacher educators and accountablility. These changes will impact YOU! Come and find out what you can do to voice your opinion.

TWS Due Date

As we discussed in class you have freedom to choose your due date for the Teacher Work Sample Assignment. Please post your name and the date you are interested in submitting the assignment. You may select any date prior to 12/8/09

Just for the Kids Food Drive

Remember to bring some kid friendly food to class on Thursday for the Just for Kids Food Drive. I just learned today that they are in desperate need of anytype of baby food items. Wouldn't that be fun to buy some baby food, baby crackers, formula, etc.

Low-Incidence Disabilities Assignment 10/8/09

You are a 2nd grade teacher and have discovered that in one week you will be getting a new student who has the following low-incidence disability. Low-incidence disability means you are unlikely to work with a student like this every year. You are now responsible for researching this disability so that you can provide the best learning environment for this student and the other 18 students that are in your 2nd grade class. Research the following disability according to the beginning letter of your last name. Share your findings.
B-D Mental Retardation
F-H Multiple Disabilities
K-L Hearing Impairments
M Orthopedic Impairments
N Other Health Impairments
P Autism
R Visual Impairments
S Deaf-Blindness

On Thursday, Barb Vinson, will be joining our class to share with you the low-incidence disability needs of her daughter Jodi James who passed away on September 5,2009

A Special Request from the Arts Group

The arts group for the SFL is asking the class to start collecting recyclable things from home, like empty cereal boxes, water/pop bottles, paper products, toilet paper rolls, etc. We are scheduled to present on December 3rd. It would really be helpful for our lesson plan idea if you could help collect some items to be reused. Please bring them into class as you collect them. We will have containers in class to store the items. Thank-you!

The Learning Sciences and Constructivism Assignment 9/29/09

This week we are investigating the Learning Sciences and Constructivism. After reading chapter 5 select an area to focus on:
Brain Based Learning
Constructivism
Learning in a Digital World

On the left hand side of the blog I have provided links for each of these areas. Select one area that you are most interested in. View the video clips and then comment to the post of what you will do in your future classroom to address this issue.

Child Abuse and Children with Special Needs assignment 9/22/09

For children with special education needs, the usual risk factors for child abuse such as dependence, vulnerability and family stress are intensified. In fact, a study from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect (NCCAN) found that children with special needs are maltreated at 1.7 times the rate of other children and indicate that underreporting is a major concern due to communication issues and negative myths about disabilities.
Parents of children with disabilities come from every social class and value system, however, these parents may feel very much on their own may be stressed by ongoing health care needs, difficulties in finding suitable child care, financial burdens and social isolation, along with related difficulties such as depression and marital discord. Several research studies indicate that caregivers of children with special needs who perceive themselves as severely stressed are more likely to commit abuse. Unfortunately, many families lack of the necessary social supports or networks to work through the many concerns and situations that arise in providing care for their children and the rest of the family.

The above information is taken from http://kcsos.kern.org/SpecialEd/stories/storyReader$428

Check out the websites on the blog under Child Abuse Resources. Share something important that you learned from this information.

REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE
Remember, it is against the law to hurt a child. You must report it when you suspect a child is being abused. After you report abuse, wait a week and then call again to see what has been done. Watch for new signs of abuse and report each one. Each time you call, write down the time, date, and who you talked to. Write down the child's name and what evidence you have that the child is being abused.

Extra Credit Opportunity

If you are interested in an opportunity to earn 5 pts. of extra credit attend the upcoming Brownbag Series on Diversity. Then add your reaction concerning the presentation to this blog post. Thank Michelle Sickles for sharing this information with our class.

Subject: Brownbag Series on Diversity
Location: LSF 170A
Start Date: 9/23/2009 12:00 PM
End Date: 9/23/2009 1:00 PM

Description:
Gerrie Grott and Sarah Smith

“My Story”

Mrs. Gerrie Grott was born with, what some would define as, a disability. Luckily, her parents did NOT listen to the advice given during their time – to send Gerrie away. They decided to keep her at home and to nurture her as who she was – their daughter.
Mrs. Grott is the keynote speaker for each incoming class of Leadership La Porte County. Her life story, her family’s courage, and her success is something that will warm your heart and encourage you to look at the world anew.
Don’t miss this one…it could change the way you look at life!

Spring Registration

Have you made an appointment to meet with your Advisor?

Block II
Dates to Meet with Bianca: Sept. 28 - Oct. 2
Actual Registration Dates: Oct. 21 - Oct. 23

Ways to make an appointment:
1. By phone
Contact: Bianca, Advisor 785-5473 or Preama, Department Secretary 785-5485

2. By Email
contact: Bianca bvillarr@pnc.edu or Preama pminix@pnc.edu

3. Stop by TECH 205 to schedule an appointments

When leaving a phone message or sending an Email, please leave the following information:
1. Name and phone number easiest to be contacted
2. Best day/time that works best for you
3. Block or Program Option

Child Abuse assignment 9/15/09

Please view the powerpoint titled Child Abuse. What is your reaction to the information concerning child abuse? What are the legal responsibilities you have as a teacher concerning the issue of child abuse or suspected child abuse? In Ghost Girl do we know that child abuse is occuring or is it suspected child abuse? How would you feel if you were Torey Hayden? Would you respond similarly to this teacher or do you disagree with the way Torey addressed Jadie's situation?



Research the resources that are available in your community for preventing/stopping child abuse. Include what you find to this blog.

Ghost Girl assignment for 9/8/09

Let's talk about Ghost Girl.

What are some examples from the book Ghost Girl that demonstrate Torey Hayden's understanding of human development? Give some examples of how Torey is aware of the diversity of her students. What types of adaptations did Torey make for Jadie's situation and disability?

EDUCATION MAJORS WANTED!

Great with kids, role model, likes to play games, responsible, trustworthy, helpful . . . if these traits describe you and you are interested in a part-time Monday – Friday schedule, we’d like to hear from you.

We have opportunities for Site Directors and Site Assistants for our Kidstop Unit working in Valparaiso elementary area schools, Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Our Duneland Club also has a Program Aide position Monday – Friday 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Applicants should have experience working with kids, knowledge of youth development, ability to motivate youth and manage youth behavior and the ability to plan and implement quality programs for youth.

As a part of our team, you will make a difference in the lives of many children by promoting program participation, orienting new members and providing guidance and role modeling.

To apply, please visit our website at www.bgcpoco.org for an application or you may call Tracey Dibble, Human Resources Manager 219-464-7282, ext 247 for more information.

Student Facilitated Assignments

Best Practices of Writing
Alayna, Sarah, Nicole

Best Practices of Math
John, Jenelle, Christine

Best Practices of Science
Meghan, Dana, Laura, Mallorie

Best Practices of Social Studies
Kelly, Sammy, Michelle

Best Practices of Reading
Ashley, Elisa, Samantha, Holly

Best Practices of the Arts
Jen, Holli, Tera, Katie

Human Development assignment for 9/1/09

Human development

What is it and why is it important for educators to have an understanding of human development? Use your researching skills and add information to this blog concerning what you discover about human development and why teachers need to have a good understanding of human development. You can use your book, the library, or the internet to provide examples of how children and youth learn.

Based on your discoveries of human development what are some examples from Ghost Girl of how Torey is making appropriate provisions for Jadie's situation.

Zonafest Extra Credit Assignment

Zonafest is an event to educate the public about Nature and Science. Participation will involve working at Zonafest to show kids ages preschool through grade 5 how to find and observe insects and other animals in the preserve.

Zonafest takes place at the Zona Wildlife Sanctuary in Porter County, Indiana on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

In order to participate in Zonafest you will be required to attend a Zonafest training day. The training days will be on Tuesday, September 1st from 1-3:30 approximately or on Wednesday, September 2nd from 12-1.The training will be facilitated by Dr. Vanessa Quinn in SWRZ 113. Please respond to this blog if you will be doing the extra credit assignment worth 10 points and indicate which training day you will be participating in.

Directions to Zonafest will be given at the training days.

Welcome to Block II

Hi All,
Welcome to Block II. You will begin an amazing journey where Every Moment Counts as we discover child development and special needs for the Fall 2009 semester. Each Tuesday I will add a post to this blog for you to respond to. Please respond to the post prior to our face to face meetings on Thursdays from 1:00-3:50 p.m. in Tech 214.

For your first response introduce yourself, share a time in your life where you learned how to do something for the first time. How did it made you feel, was this important to learn, has it helped you today?

Remember to bring a copy of the syllabus, curriculum map, and textbooks to our first class meeting on Thursday, August 27th