On Wednesday, March 9, a District-wide Early Release Day for students — all Greenwich Public School’s educators engaged in professional learning opportunities that focused on personalizing the learning for all students. The District offered more than 40 sessions to allow for teacher choice and collaboration time with colleagues. A sampling of the sessions offered include:
Using Inquiry to personalize student learning across content
Utilizing Big Universe to Enhance Personalized Independent Reading
Personalizing Learning utilizing STAR Early Literacy
Getting to Know Learning Progressions in Reading in order to Personalize Learning
Optimizing Traditional and Digital Literacies in the Reading and Writing Workshop
Personalized Learning Through the Lens of Social Studies Content: Exploring the use of digital tools with the new CT SS Frameworks
Integrating the New Literacies into Personalized Learning Quests
Curriculum Enhancement: Incorporating Elements of Personalization and Effective Technology
3-D Modeling in the Science Classroom
Personalized feedback with Doctopus, Beginner
Working with the NEW SAT Math – personalized learning to support learning for the SAT
Workshop presenters included GPS educators and administrators, as well as other professionals from out of district including, Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, founder and president of Curriculum Designers, Inc. Dr. Jacobs’ models for curriculum mapping and curriculum design featured in her eleven books are the basis for software solutions used throughout the world. Dr. Eleanor Osborn, former Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in the New Haven Public Schools and former Director of Reading at Sacred Heart University facilitated a session with the World Language department. Dr. Osborn provided teaching and learning strategies aligned with 21st Century Development as the department continues to transition to the CT Core Standards and Digital Learning Environment (DLE) goals. Trent DeBerry representing the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, Columbia University presented how to best optimize traditional and digital literacies in the reading and writing workshops.
Other presenters included digital coaches from Renaissance Learning, StarWalk Kids, IXL and other digital learning application specialists. GPS Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Learning Irene Parisi, District program coordinators and instructional coaches facilitated a number of sessions on curriculum analysis through the lens of personalized learning.
The early release days allow the district to provide professional learning that enhances both educator practice and outcomes for each and every student. GPS learning communities are committed to continuous growth, collective responsibility, family and community engagement, and alignment of district and school vision and goals.
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