2021 Session Archive:
“Pheeling” Great and Having “Phun” with “Phonemic Awareness”
Presented by: Dr. Tammy Benson
Recording: https://youtu.be/y5f0_iRVbWc
This session will focus on creative and fun ways to teach and practice phonemic awareness skills in kindergarten and first grade. A brief summary of the science of reading and its application in early childhood classrooms will be shared with teaching video examples.
Cultivating a Balanced Digital Diet
Presented by: Mrs. Jessica Herring-Watson
Recording: https://youtu.be/BjstRByPmk4
Learners have spent more time than ever working in digital spaces this past year. This session will describe the foundational elements of digital citizenship and digital fluency and explore how we can help our students balance their digital diet by creating and consuming digital content responsibly.
Language at the Speed of Sight Book Study
Presented by: Dr. Susan Perry
This session will be the first in a series discussing the book Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It. Study participants will meet three times in June with each session lasting approximately one hour. Participants will need to purchase their own copy of the book Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It. Please read chapters 1-4 for the first session, chapters 5-8 for the second session, and chapters 9-12 for the final session. Come ready to participate and discuss your findings. Synopsis: Mark Seidenberg discusses the science of learning to read through the lenses of cognitive science, neurobiology, and linguistics. What can we learn about how we taught reading in the past? Based on the latest research, how should we be teaching reading in today’s schools?
From Teacher to School Counselor or School Librarian: Building a Roadmap
Presented by: Dr. Valerie Couture and Dr. Erin Shaw
Recording: https://youtu.be/I9ca9qPQnkQ
Are you a teacher who has always considered becoming a school counselor or a school librarian? During this session you will learn the steps required to become a school counselor and a school librarian in Arkansas, while still maintaining your full-time teaching position. School counselors and school librarians who were prior teachers will be featured and they will share their experiences (the good and the bad) they had while balancing teaching and pursuing their graduate degrees in School Counseling and Library Media Information Technology.
Beyond COVID: Helping Teachers to Integrate Technology Now and Post-Pandemic
Presented by: Dr. Michael Mills and Mrs. Jessica Herring-Watson
Recording: https://youtu.be/mf5eVehljfg
Learn about the revisions made and lessons learned while using the ISTE Standards for Educators to redesign our Integrating Technology & Teaching course to ensure preservice and inservice teachers develop the skills to serve K-12 students in remote, blended and face-to-face learning environments in light of the pandemic.
Tech Tools for Communication
Presented by: Ms. Shelle House
Recording: https://youtu.be/xX0OXZOt03g
This session will take a look at free webtools and software for enhancing synchronous and asynchronous communication. Featured webtools and software will enhance student engagement and help you create an inviting digital learning space that focuses on student’s social-emotional wellbeing.
Interactive Book Club
Presented by: Dr. Jeff Whittingham, Dr. Erin Shaw, Dr. Kevin Powell, and Dr. Amy Thompson
Recording: https://youtu.be/6O3P8h78LP0
This session will involve faculty modeling an interactive virtual book club as they discuss four middle grade novels that are connected to the theme of ocean life.
Digital Citizenship Daily: Promoting Digital Citizenship Throughout the Classroom
Presented by: Dr. Jason Trumble
Recording: https://youtu.be/KejysGx_hQw
This session will engage teachers in digital citizenship practices that move beyond personal protection into civic action. We want our learners to be engaged digital citizens who participate in democracy and we can do little things in our classes to encourage full citizenship for digital age learners. During this session, we will define and discover digital citizenship teachings that fit in the everyday curriculum.
Positive Classroom Design
Presented by: Dr. Stefanie Sorbet
Recording: https://youtu.be/BhIBNlWmqos
This session will incorporate the ingredients for a positive classroom design to include positive teacher language, social-emotional learning, morning meetings to build community, appropriate rules and procedures, reinforcing, reminding and redirecting language, and meaningful consequences for building students’ self-esteem and encouraging self-discipline and intrinsic motivation in K-6 grades.
Technology, Leadership, & Planning Mini-Sessions
Presented by: Ms. Ashley Cooksey
Recording: https://youtu.be/9bGa9f2OMyQ
These mini-sessions will feature 15-minute sessions from educators in our graduate programs. Presenters will share a snapshot of a tech tool, ed tech leadership strategy, or current issue concerning technology in education.
Parenting Styles Influence on Student Achievement
Presented by: Dr. Charlotte Green
Recording: https://youtu.be/fbPldbFOGMA
This session engages in strategic conversations regarding the association between parenting styles and student achievement. Based on our findings, how a parent interacts with their child has more significant influence on students’ achievement than their income and race. Our study provides useful data for schools and communities to reflect on current parental involvement programs’ effectiveness.
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known as a Reading Teacher
Presented by: Dr. Amy Thompson
Recording: https://youtu.be/3I12yrddcaE
This session will focus on changes in reading instruction as Arkansas has moved to the science of reading as well as lessons learned during the transition.
Overlooked Gems: Identifying Underrepresented and Promising Learners for High Achievement
Presented by: Dr. Alicia Cotabish
Recording: https://youtu.be/BdGY_iFQMCQ
Culturally diverse and low-income learners are often under-represented in high achievement programming (e.g. gifted education). Although these learners are equally as intelligent as their gifted peers, classroom teachers often miss the specific characteristics associated with culturally-diverse and low-income promising learners. This session will delve into the lesser known research on intelligence, the barriers (and gatekeepers) that prevent identifying and serving these overlooked gems, and offer suggestions and support documents that facilitate high achievement among vulnerable promising learners in the elementary grades.
Student Matters: Your Journey to Developing a Culturally Responsive Classroom
Presented by: Dr. Vicki Groves-Scott and Dr. Michael Mills
Recording: https://youtu.be/W7jAKfPQPc4
This session will lead participants through redefining their personal “why” for developing culturally responsive classrooms. Participants will leave with ideas for immediate implementation for the start of school in the fall.
Engaging Online Students
Presented by: Ann Broyles
Recording: https://youtu.be/_21s-0IQQnc
Designing engaging and effective online learning opportunities for students requires a different approach from lessons designed to be presented in a face-to-face classroom. Can online content be engaging in both synchronous and asynchronous activities? In this session, we will explore a variety of online technology tools that teachers can use to ‘hook” their learners. Participants will have the opportunity to create engaging lessons with these digital tools through guided practice that can be implemented in class right away
Balancing Rigor and Flexibility During the Pandemic
Presented by: Dr. Shoudong Feng
Recording: https://youtu.be/UhtFARKbgu4
The presenter will discuss the subtle issue of balancing academic rigor and Flexibility in online classes during the pandemic. There are several areas that faculty who teach synchronous classes have to consider, e.g., attendance rules, quantity of work, and quality of work. The audience will be engaged in discussion on what should guide faculty’s decision-making in this tough time.
SIM and A Strategy for Interpreting Visuals In Text
Presented by: Dr. Keith Lenz
Recording: https://youtu.be/uLtx-ZGJAo0
Research indicates that many students skip over the visuals images that appear textbooks formats and in text-heavy web pages. This session will provide: (a) an overview of evidence-based Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) learning strategies and teaching routines that can be used across the disciplines (Grades 4-12), and (b) then provide specific resources related to teaching the evidence-based The Interpreting Visuals Strategy. You can begin teaching this strategy this Fall! Many of SIM strategies are emphasized in both of the UCA Graduate and Undergraduate Special Education Programs.
Open Education Resources: Integrating Assessment Information and Collaborative Conversations
Presented by: Dr. Keith Lenz, Ms. Tina McCord, and Ms. Robin Slunder
Recording: https://youtu.be/0RqWAgDwM30
Open Education Resources (OERs) are most effective when student assessment data are tied to a suggested and limited list of very targeted online resources that students can use to choose from. In addition, once students complete an OER, they should have an opportunity to rate their experience with the resource, provide feedback, and be able to build a stronger student-teacher academic relationship around positive learning. Results of research on the ZUNI Learning Tree online platform conducted over the past year will be shared along with future development plans. Participants will get a free subscription to the ZUNI Learning Tree subscription and will be taught how to use it to improve student learning this Fall!
Using the Labyrinth in the Classroom
Presented by: Dr. Patty Kohler
Recording: https://youtu.be/pInQVbtJk28
In this session, an exploration of use of the labyrinth in the classroom at all levels will occur. A brief history of the labyrinth will be shared, and its use in a variety of education settings will be examined. Participants will be given resources for additional information.
2020 Session Archive:
Shaping an Equity Vision: Reflection of Outcomes & Process
Presented by: Dr. Stacey Loyless and Dr. Shelly Albritton
Recording: https://youtu.be/6W3ps9A6L54
In this session we examine the necessity of analyzing and being reflective about Process – what we do as adults. The triangulation of Vision-Process-Outcome is paramount in leading schools toward authentic equity. Vision should inform Process and Process should influence Outcomes. Far too often when we look at our school organizations, we fail to recognize the organization’s Vision leading to uninformed Processes. The lack of consistency in the goals, philosophy, and priorities among school constituents and stakeholders can lead to Processes that results in lower levels of student achievement. Further complicating the situation is the nearly exclusively focus on student Outcome data as a measure of school performance. Thus, the focus on Process connects Vision to Outcome.
Two-hour session targeted for those who desire to have a positive leadership influence in their school and district, regardless of current position or title.
Trends & Issues in Special Education
Presented by: Mrs. Dee Dee Cain and Mrs. Kristen Doran
Recording: https://youtu.be/cVueT3_ecGU
Participants will learn about three current trends and issues in special education. The three trends include High Leverage Practices in special education, Data Driven Assessment & Instruction and The Science of Reading & the special educator. We will walk through the trends and issues as well as learn how to implement these trends and issues into classrooms in a way that benefits everyone.
This session is for special education teachers K-12 as well as related services professionals in K-12 schools. Participants will walk away with a strong knowledge of the high leverage practices in the area of special education, how to comb through an educational evaluation to glean the information that can services providers understand the needs of students and how to approach the science of reading in the special education classroom. Participants will be given s handouts that can be implemented in any special education setting.
Utilizing Technology Tools for Investigation in Virtual and Face-to-Face Learning
Presented by: Dr. Debbie Dailey, Mrs. Michelle Buchanan, and Dr. Jason Trumble
Recording: https://youtu.be/jIbnXJwvcAQ
Technology tools can help augment a problem-based learning experience by providing and/or increasing student content knowledge and skills, enabling creative problem solving through shared ideas, and offering opportunities to learn in an authentic, real-world environment. Utilizing tools such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) allows students to gather information, data, and/or evidence from a seemingly authentic environment. This webinar will present multiple tools that can be used to engage students and guide them through a problem-based learning experience in a virtual or face-to-face environment. Participants will explore ways to use problem based learning in their own curriculum. An example problem will be created and participants will engage in solving the problem using available and interactive technology tools. Discussion will ensue on how a real-world problem could transform instructional practices in both virtual and face-to-face classrooms.
This session is for teachers of all subjects and grade levels who are interested in problem-based learning using real-world and current problems.
Creative COVID Classrooms: Literacy Learning in a New Hybrid Environment
Presented by: Dr. Amy Thompson, Mrs. Sheri Hight, and Dr. Susan Perry
Recording: https://youtu.be/uvfuZpm6zAU
In light of the ongoing pandemic, schools and teachers need to be prepared for hybrid learning in the fall. Our struggling learners will need our help now more than ever. RTI needs to continue in order for these students to be served. Participants will learn and discuss ways to continue RTI utilizing small groups online. Participants will focus on the organization, materials, and strategies needed to effectively pivot with uninterrupted instruction.
This session is meant for teachers of all grades who want to learn more about how to engage with and conduct literacy instruction in small groups online. Participants will build their literacy toolbox and leave with evidence-based strategies and technologies to address this important need.
Building an Online Space for K-12 Learners
Presented by: Dr. Erin Shaw and Ms. Ashley Cooksey
Recording: https://youtu.be/elDWQ4zdgxs
This session will focus on best practices for building instructor presence and creating a space for student interaction in online classrooms. Building an online space for K-12 learners requires the addition of spaces for students to interact with their instructor, as well as fellow classmates. Multiple modes and formats for interactions will be discussed.
Any K-12 educator interested in learning how to effectively build an online classroom space using an Acceptable Use Policy, classroom management techniques and ensuring student engagement through student interaction. This is a brief insight into some of the issues in which K-12 teachers and students experienced due to the novelty of transitioning from a face-to-face course to a fully online class without pre-planning.
Cultivating Opportunities for Equity in the Digital Age
Presented by: Dr. Michael Mills, Dr. Donna Wake, and Mrs. Jessica Herring Watson
Recording: https://youtu.be/IQINOEU0Igs
Participants will learn and discuss the inequity present in our schools based on race and income level, with a specific focus on how digital learning has bridged opportunity gaps in one sense and deepened them in others. Participants will engage in a honest, thought-provoking session focused on what systemic barriers need to be removed in our schools and learn about specific instructional approaches to addressing inequity in the classroom.
This session is meant for teachers of all grades and of all subjects who want to learn more about how to address the deep inequities present in our schools. Participants will gain fresh insight into this pressing issue with compelling local data from Arkansas and leave with high-impact strategies for addressing inequities in classroom instruction.
Creative COVID Classrooms: Literacy Learning in a New Hybrid Environment (REPEAT SESSION)
Presented by: Dr. Amy Thompson, Mrs. Sheri Hight, and Dr. Susan Perry
Recording: https://youtu.be/MEqO2cTh31I
In light of the ongoing pandemic, schools and teachers need to be prepared for hybrid learning in the fall. Our struggling learners will need our help now more than ever. RTI needs to continue in order for these students to be served. Participants will learn and discuss ways to continue RTI utilizing small groups online. Participants will focus on the organization, materials, and strategies needed to effectively pivot with uninterrupted instruction.
This session is meant for teachers of all grades who want to learn more about how to engage with and conduct literacy instruction in small groups online. Participants will build their literacy toolbox and leave with evidence-based strategies and technologies to address this important need.