Something for Everyone at Upcoming Language and Culture Conference
“There are specific keys for keeping our students attentive and engaged,” according to Dr. Bill McBride—keynote speaker for the October 19th session of the 8th Annual Language and Culture Conference. “Choice, variety, relevance, and challenge are the keys educators need to utilize effectively and consistently for student engagement,” he explained. The veteran educator added that both neuroscientists and educators seem to agree that while there are no differences in what boys and girls can learn, there are distinctly different ways to teach them.
The engaging and humorous presenter’s keynote on innovative teaching methodologies is part of a vast roster of creative, interactive educator training opportunities to learn and practice powerful, proven strategies taught by (inter)nationally known speakers and established local facilitators at the 8th Annual Language and Culture Conference. Set for Friday and Saturday, October 19 (8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and 20 (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.) at Boynton Beach High School, this year’s conference theme, Climbing to New Heights, reflects the Department of Multicultural Education’s efforts to “raise the bar” of expectation and outcomes for educators as well as students. “Everything an educator needs to know to be effective when teaching English Language Learner (ELL) and other students,” is the way Department Manager Kim Thomasson describes the jam-packed roster for the conference—which was moved this year from June to mid October.
On Saturday, Dr. Kenji Hakuta—co-chair of the Understanding Language initiative and the Lee L. Jacks Professor of Education at Stanford University will focus on the role of language in subject-area learning—with an emphasis on helping English-language learners meet the new Common Core Sunshine Standards (CCSS) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Dr. Hakuta said we owe ALL students, but especially English language learners, an instructional system that is tightly attuned to the language necessary to succeed in learning. “Our current education tends to obscure the role of language, and this initiative will make the language that kids need to succeed academically much more visible so that it helps guide what goes on in the classroom.”
Attendees can select from over 80 breakout sessions covering topics such as Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Strategies to Develop Strong Oral Language and Vocabulary Skills; Interventions Targeting Special Needs; Instructional Technology; and Guidance and Social services. Additional session titles include: Welcome to the Wonderful Webcams; Legacy of the Maya Continues, But I don’t Speak Their Language; Bridges and Ladders for Teaching Students of Poverty; Solutions to Bullying and Harassment, and much more. New teachers and experienced educators will add to their toolkit of instructional approaches, and receive resources to add to their stockpile.
Registration is still open but spots are going fast for the popular conference with a history of offering participants opportunities to network with each other and a wide range of educational vendors who showcase the latest research, books, DVDs, technology, and other resources. Additional features include the announcement of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Contest winners and performances by students from different schools.
This year, organizers are offering the option of registering for and attending one or both days of the conference. Friday’s session includes breakfast and features a number of gourmet food trucks on site for participants to purchase lunch. Saturday’s event includes lunch and offers five areas of specialized targeted workshops such as Elements of Reading Vocabulary, Reading Instructional Goals for Older Readers (RIGOR) and a special session for administrators to discuss the challenges of implementing the new Common Core State Standards with local, state, and national leaders.
The list of door prizes continues to grow and are featured along with other conference information at http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/385772788143721/
To register, visit the conference website, http://www.palmbeachschools.org/multicultural/Conference2012.asp
For further details, contact Steve Tata, Steve/tata@palmbeachschools.org.
