Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Practice of Conversation Responses


This article introduces six basic principles that help foster deep, meaningful conversation. How will you use this information when initiating conversations with your students? How will you use them to encourage positive interactions amongst students in your classroom?

How to Start Academic Language Responses


What are your thoughts on/experiences with Academic Language? How do you plan on incorporating Academic Language in your own classroom? What types of activities/exercises can you do to build on your students’ home language and help them acquire the skills necessary to be successful in an academic setting?

Trouble With Talent Responses


Trouble With Talent raises some interesting questions, such as, how has this idea of smart versus hard working affected me in my own life, or the lives of others? Do I agree or disagree with this article and the ideas presented? How has this article maybe changed my thinking on student praise in the classroom?

Privilege, Power & Difference Responses


Privilege is often associated with wealth. However, after reading Privilege, Power & Difference, reflect on where you may come from privilege. This may look like where you grew up, your support network of family and friends, the color of your skin, your gender, birth order, etc. We all come from a place of privilege, some more than others. Please identify yours and how it has granted you access and possible power.



Monday, June 6, 2011

SDGVA Mission Statement & SDGVA Way

We develop civic-minded leaders, accomplished writers & resilient life-long learners.

SDGVA Learning Contract On-Site Schedule


Dates & Times for Instructional Learning Time (SDGVA Learning Contract Students): Please attend at least ONE session on behalf of our students who are working towards academic proficiency in either English Language Arts or Mathematics (or both):

Check-In #1: Saturday July 9, 2011 from 9am-12pm

Check-In #2: Monday July 18, 2011 from 9am-12pm

Check-In #3: Monday August 8, 2011 from 9am -12pm

Check-In #4: Assessment ONLY! (ELA & Math) Monday August 22, 2011 from 9am-12pm

Summer Reading Schedule for SDGVA Reader



Willing To Be Disturbed by Margaret Wheatly: Blog Entry Due on June 26, 2011

Privilege, Power & Difference (Chapter 1) by Allan Johnson: Blog Entry Due on July 17, 2011

Trouble With Talent by Marina Karkovsky: Blog Entry Due on July 31, 2011

How to Start Academic Language by Jeff Zwiers: Blog Entry Due on August 4, 2011

The Practice of Conversation by Margaret Wheatly: Blog Entry Due on August 22, 2011