Our Iceberg Is Melting by: John Kotter

Our Iceberg Is Melting is all about change accompanied by the desire and striving it takes to succeed under any condition. This is a fable: You know...when you take often confusing or serious subjects and make them clear, approachable, and hopefully memorable.

The setting for our story is Antarctica and our characters are marvelous Penguins. Not just your run of the mill penguins but magnificent Emperor Penguins. I just love these penguins because their tuxedo type coat helps me to visualize that they always appear to be going to some grand event like the symphony...you know in the old days when people wore something other than jeans to memorable events or perhaps a magical formal wedding.

A glimpse into this book is going to be a bit different in that I am going to reference you to the author's web page for additional insight. I hope you will be inspired to investigate and discover that remaining complacent will inevitably lead to lack of growth and probable failure.

As you take this journey substitute the penguins for educators and see where your path becomes crystal clear as you Make Dreams Come True! This journey is not for those who do not wish to change, are stubborn, or faint of heart. This quest is for individuals that value the premise that it will serve our children if we get our minds off of ourselves and help meet the needs of someone else. Sowing these types of Seeds is when educators and students receive a Bountiful Harvest and Dreams Really Do Come True.

We all know the saying that goes something to the effect that if you do what you did you will get what you got...Well, the same holds true for the Seeds that you Sow. You will Reap what you Sow. The question is...Do you want a meager, dried up crop or a bountiful harvest of professional educators and accomplished students? Let's challenge each other to be More Seed-Oriented than need-oriented.

The story unfolds when one penguin discovers a potentially devastating problem with the iceberg they currently call home. Each major penguin character has a name. It is not a stretch for us to identify with several of the characters. Look at each character carefully and with purposeful resolve.

The penguin's tale is one of resistance to change accompanied by those penguins that see the necessity for change and thus establish a core team whose purpose is to motivate and inspire others to adapt to the change and even become creative in order to survive and prosper. I dare say that the penguins handle the very real challenges a great deal better than most humans.

I am certain that by now you have retrieved your prior knowledge and drawn a reference to the ever popular story of Who Moved My Cheese. While both stories are about change the story of the penguins and their challenges provides the reader with a plan for change management. The story also can serve as a catalyst for discussion between individuals, grade levels, and/or teams. I encourage each of you to take the different scenarios presented in this fable and use a lens that allows you to visualize real-life problems that occur with individuals, as a grade level, cross grade levels, and/or within your own team. Think in terms such as:

• What is my iceberg?




• Am I living on a melting iceberg?




• Am I living on an iceberg that could melt?
  

Remember, for the purpose of this fable...icebergs come in various forms. How will you handle what you discover in this story to ignite you to become a better teacher or perhaps a more receptive co-worker? Share with others strategies or ideas. After all...things typically turn out better when everyone is on the same page or at least willing to pick up the paddles and commence rowing.

One final thought before I share some of the meat of the research that John Kotter has provided:
Handle the challenge of change well, and you can prosper greatly.
Handle it poorly, and you put yourself and others at risk.

Let's compare The Iceberg Manifesto with Alimacani's Vision/Mission Statement:

The Iceberg Manifesto:
We strongly believe that the world needs much more action from a broader range of people-action that is informed, committed, and inspired-to help us all in an era of increasing change.

Alimacani-
Where Education Is A Treasure And Children Are Inspired To Reach For Their Dreams.

If we are to accomplish or live up to our Vision/Mission then we certainly must believe that action from a broader range of people is required. This action must also include decisions that are informed, committed, and inspired. We value education at Alimacani and believe that education is indeed the noblest of professions. This belief system spurs each educator to live the Alimacani Vision of viewing education as a Treasure Where Children Are Inspired To Reach For Their Dreams!

Each individual needs to communicate their vision and or ideas and their voice must be heard. All participants need to feel enpowered. You may very well need to step outside of your comfort zone or individual classroom in order to survive and thrive for your children and yourself. Discover what you will learn when you venture out...don't become complacent...don't let up!

Succeeding in a Changing World-Video withJohn Kotter
As you view the video think about interchanging institutions with schools, classrooms, classroom, teachers, etc...

The 8-Step Change Process
This is a summary on the successful change research John Kotter has conducted.

Tools for Change
Our Iceberg is Melting, the book
Tips for Change Leaders Products, Services, and Freebies Related Books and Links


Now that you are ready to experience what you will learn when you venture out take a moment to view the video below and wondrously realize that "YOU" Make A Difference!

http://www.whaticansaymovie.com/

Accountability and Cognitive Coaching

We are Works in Progress. Initially this may not sound comforting. However, after careful consideration it is like a breath of fresh air. Works in Progress are constantly sowing and growing. I believe the reference is clear: Lifelong Learners. Exactly what is a Lifelong Learner and how does one verify this status? The first step is to think individually of someone you perceive to be a Lifelong Learner. Next run a mental list of what you have actually seen that person do or say to qualify as a Lifelong Learner. This scenario can and must be conducted for children and professionals. Soon you will be noting the behaviors that Lifelong Learners exhibit. How exciting that as professionals we are able to embark on the same journey as our children.

We have attended numerous training sessions that focused on the Art of Coaching and read various professional texts. Some of the text include: Asking the Right Question, Powerful Designs for Professional Learning, The Heart of Coaching, and Taking the Lead.

Taking the Lead continues to be a focus for Coaches since it highlights roles for teachers and school-based coaches. As a School Instructional Coach I am required to keep a Daily Activity Report. This serves as an accountability tool and is generated using an Excel Spreadsheet. The Spreadsheet has 5 headers titled:

• Date
• School Hours
• Topic/Activity
• School ID or School Number
• Code or task

School Instructional Coaches are required to submit their monthly Activity Report to the Schultz Center, our professional development center. The data is then compiled and presented to the school board. No, it is not my hearts desire to complete an Activity Report in 15 minute to hour or longer increments on a daily basis. I complete my Activity Report because it is part of my job. As School Instructional Coaches this tool is a vehicle that enables the district to view the value of our position and see how we contribute to the academic achievement of our children along with schoolwide professional learning communities.

Activity Report Snapshot

Completing and maintaining my Activity Log helps me to focus and prioritize my tasks as a School Instructional Coach. This year we have a new format for our Activity Reports. The Excel Spreadsheet is also divided into each month of the school year with additional tabs that provide a monthly and yearly graph along with a summary report. What each instructional coach strives for is to provide their teachers and students with the (5) Power Roles. The (5) Power Roles include:

Snapshot of the Five Power Roles

• CL: Classroom Supporter
• IS: Instructional Specialist
• CS: Curriculum Specialist
• LF: Learning Facilitator
• DC: Data Coach

I share this information with you because I am now able to analyze the data from my Activity Report and determine where I am spending the majority of my time along with reflections on the path of my next journey or the focus of my next journey/journeys. My journeys enable me to practice vital coaching skills and strategies that continue to help me communicate with my peers. This is at the heart of our professiona-to impact each child's academic achievement by helping each child know what success looks like and how success feels.

Those of us that remember America's Choice know that my job title has gone through several name changes. First came the title of Design Coach, followed by Standards Coach, and keeping with the spirit of Works in Progress we are now referred to as School Instructional Coaches.

Each title change really did not change the work or tasks set forth for us to accomplish. What is interesting is that with each name change the challenge and opportunities to communicate with our fellow peers was an ever present constant. I still pray each day for guidance as I strive to communicate with my fellow peers with clarity using a respectful, constructive, productive, and purposeful delivery manner. The ultimate goal is to be a good listener and distill the essential elements of each session together.

I have always searched and probably will continue to value learning hip-to-hip, side-by-side, or on the shoulders of valued peers. I am honored and humbled to learn from my peers that possess the true art of communicating with seamless qualities.

2008 begins either my 9th or 10th year of coaching. I consider myself to be embarking on a new journey each year because...well...I am a Work in Progress! I use the term journey because it epitomizes the process of traveling from one place to another coupled with time elements, vehicles ,passages one weaves in and out of along with the progress charted. One vital aspect I will never loose sight of are the wondrouprofessional travelers I meet along the way.

School Instructional Coaches have embarked on a new journey together. This journey is known as Cognitive Coaching. I have currently attend two sessions of an eight session program. The training sessions are conducted at the
Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership.


Two days of training and (14)...yes, 14 pages of typed notes continue to provide me with a plate full of food for thought. Can you imagine how full I will be after eight sessions! What I am trying to practice as I slowly digest/synthesize the first two days of Cognitive Coaching is that I am ever so thankful to be a Work in Progress.

The Cognitive Coaching framework provides support, knowledge, and guidance for all teachers in an effort to become self-thinkers who possess the ability to function as a member of their school family. This framework evokes the opportunity to embrace student learning as we strive for our children to know what success look like and experience how success feels. The coaches role is not that of a problem solver but rather to take the teacher on the journey of exploration. This exploration will pave the way for teachers to solve problems that may be as unique to them as the mixed ability groups they teach and work with on a daily basis. I believe that the emphasis is on self-assessment for the intent of learning.

The mission of Cognitive Coaching is to produce self-directed persons with the cognitive capacity for high performance both independently and as members of a community. -2007 Center for Cognitive Coaching

In other words the intent is to take an individual from where they are and move them to where they desire to be...arrive.

During the course of session one and two our journey with Cognitive Coaching allowed us to explore some of the following components:

• Becoming Self-Directed
• Self-Modifying: Analyzing when the change comes from the person that is when it stays
• Self-Assessing: What do you think...How will that work...The more emphasis on the outside monitoring the less that person know on the inside of themselves
• Help students become Self-Evaluators: Don't always answer for them...get them to think...
• Holonomy: holos=whole on=part omy=study of
  The study of being simultaneously whole and part. Think about yourself as part of a community of learners where you are equally good by yourself and as part of your professional learning community or in the case of children...part of their learning community
• Holonomy and the Five States of Mind:
  Consciousness
  Craftsmanship which I link with being a Lifelong Learner
  Efficacy
  Flexibility
  Interdependence
• Identity
• Mediator: Not a fixer of a person's problem...might rob person of room to grow...never say never...about developing capacity in other to accomplish tasks
• Elements of Rapport:
  Posture
  Gesture
  Tonality
  Language
  Breathing
• Trust: Relational Trust and Lenses of Trust
  Respect
  Competence
  Personal Regard for Others...even beyond the classroom
  Personal Integrity
  Trust takes time
• We discussed (4) Support Functions of Coaching and how to support functions to guide meditation interactions
  Cognitive Coaching
  Collaborating
  Consulting
  Evaluating
• Cognitive Coaching Capabilities: relate to the how of learning
• Listening Set- Asides: there are natural ways humans listen. When we want the focus on the other person then we must set these aside:
  Autobiographical Listening
  Inquisitive Listening or Soap Opera Listening
  Solution Listening
• Response Behaviors
  Paraphrasing which sends three messages:
  I am listening
  I am interested
  I understand
• Pausing - Wait Time
• The time to leave coaching and move into consulting

During the course of our two day Cognitive Coaching Sessions we participated in table talk, viewed videos, read/synthesized/summarized using reading protocols, watched role plays, studied theory, watched demonstrations, and we were assigned HOMEWORK.

I have been immersed in classroom visitations, modeling lessons, going to classroom observations with teachers, conducting verbal and written debriefs, along with holding conversations with students and staff members. I am diligently trying to practice the art of Cognitive Coaching as each opportunity presents itself. I am investing in the Cognitive Coaching tool as I adjust the focus of my coaching lens. I am even polishing this lens for greater clarity as I apply the components I am learning throughout my Cognitive Coaching journey.

Packing wisely for my Cognitive Coaching travels is a must. The Cognitive Coaching vehicle provides me with a wondrous opportunity to continue my journey as a Lifelong Learner.

I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
I reflect and I learn.
-Carmen Friesen
Tulare County Office of Education

Technology Refresher/TIPS: (I will try to include at least one or two MacByte Tech TIPS within each new blog post)

• Remember Worlde? Give it a try as a creative and fun way to help your students explore and investigate vocabulary.

Resource:
K-12 ProQuest is an online subscription that Duval County Public Schools has purchased for teachers and students. It consists of a wealth of resources that are avaiable once you log in.
Username: jacksonville Password: jacksonville

As Days Go By...

Most of you that know me know that for me to take a day falls under the category of fairly significant. Through no choice of my own...except for the fact that my get up and go...got up and went... for a bit...I took a couple of days to help me get my feet back in gear. It is times like these that I am often reminded of the saying: Don't do as I do...Do as I say. During those brief three days...normal/sane individuals would have slept and rested. I did rest and I did sleep but I also did some reflecting. The reflecting took me to my computer which in turn took me on a type of scavenger hunt. I gazed over the mammoth quantity of folders housed on my computers hard drive. I remember glaring at the folders and attempting to count them as one might count ceiling tiles or the pin-point holes in those ceiling tiles of a doctor's office. Then I refocused and realized that no matter what stage of our lives we are in days frequently unfold at such a brisk pace. I believe we are blessed to have periods of reflection. They allow one to remember to steady the pace and stay true to what you value in your heart and soul.


Come on...put on your
walking shoes and let's take a stroll together and see just how some of our Days Go By...always with the face of a child imprinting our path.


(CCL) Collaborative Coaching and Learning Cycle...now referred to as
(CLC) Collaborative Learning Cycle
CLC consists of three main components:
Inquiry: teachers read and discuss professional materials using various reading protocols
Lab Sites:teachers analyze workshop teaching practices in action, and follow-up, where teachers have the opportunity to incorporate what they have learned into their own instructional practices. This is what I refer to as the trenches!
The Lab Site, in turn, has three components:
Pre-conference: Teachers and coach meet before the demonstration lesson and review the focus of the lesson.
Demonstrations: A teacher, coach, or administrator demonstrates a teaching practice based on the lesson designed by the group.
Debrief: Teachers analyze their observations based on the Course of Study for the lesson focus and determine if revisions are necessary based on student work and the flow of the lesson.

The primary focus of CLC is always on the lesson not the teacher. This format provides teachers with the opportunity to work and grow together in a collaborative spirit that supports a safe and productive environment. The time and focus on a specific course of study enables teachers to dig deep into the learning process. This in turn impacts both professional growth and opportunities for students to see what success looks like and to know how success feels.

Documentation and lesson design study are integral components of CLC. Documentation is inclusive of but not limited to the following forms that are completed collaboratively by the group.

Course of Study
Focus Fro Pre-Conference - Demonstration Note-Taking Guide
Debrief
Reflections
End-Of-Cycle Report
The above forms of documentation as well as a comprehensive review of information contained above may be viewed by clicking on the link below. The article is titled:
Plain Talk About CCL: Learning in a Lab Site

Following the completion of each CLC Cycle participants are charged with determining and implementing their Off Cycle Course of Study.

To date Alimacani has conducted the following CLC Sessions:
1st Grade: Writer's Workshop: Report of Information
3rd Grade: Writer's Workshop: Narrative Writing
4th & 5th Grade: Report of Information

Alimacani is currently working on three CLC Sessions that utilize a grade level as well as a cross grade level approach:

Model Literacy Leads are focusing on incorporating the basal without compromising Readers Workshop










Math Lead Teachers are focusing on what writing looks like in math and sub-strands taught during Math Investigations

Science teachers are meeting to take a look at what writing looks like in science as well as the flow of the 5 E's in lesson design.

It should be noted that the term Lead Teacher referes to those professionals that have completed a comprehensive Standards-Based review that utilizes the Implementation Rubric. The Rubric along with classroom visitations, questions, artifacts, data, and conversations are part of the norm. The expectation is for all lead teachers to be fully vested in Best-Teaching/Standards-Based-Workshop Model Practices. These practices are implemented in their classrooms on a daily basis...it is just like breathing or honey drizzling smoothly from the tip of a spoon onto an anxious tastebud.

Early Dismissal Sessions
This year Alimacani is embarking on an exciting journey with our Early Dismissal Sessions. We believe that by drilling down and providing time for each grade levels to collaborate we will distill purposeful instructional strategies that impact student achievement. Focus will be placed on analyzing data coupled with (LASW) Looking At Student Work to drive instruction. This is indeed a remarkable time for our Professional Learning Communities.

We have established Lead Teachers for each content area and they will work with the Leadership Team to develop agendas that focus on The Way of Work at Alimacani. All topics are based on analysis of data that is specific to each content area. We have designed an alternating format so that our K-2 teachers who teach all content areas will have the opportunity to meet for each of their content areas. Just as in a classroom of students, staff members are working at diverse levels. It is vital for us to differentiate professional learning opportunities for our staff just as we are held accountable for providing differentiated instruction for our students.

One of the numerous tasks of a School Instructional Coach is to plan, provide, and participate in each school's professional development opportunities. I count myself blessed to work side-by-side and often on the shoulders of remarkable professionals. Gradual release of responsiblity builds capacity within a school and provides for diverse and meaningful learning. I am humbled and appreciative as we embrace challenges and view them with a lense of opportunity.

Click on the PowerPoint link below: Professional Learning Communities to view agendas, exit sheets, artifacts, and work products from just a few of our Professional Learning Communities.

Professional Learning Communities

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own.

Faculty Meetings:
Faculty Meetings are held monthly and take part after an Early Dismissal Professional Learning Community Session. The staff returns to a common area and continues The Way of Work. This is a time for Celebrations to be shared, administration to distribute district news as well as news for the good of the school, committees share updates, programs are reviewed, and Q's & A's are addressed. We are currently receiving hands-on sessions that revolve around Foundations. This is a district initiative that focuses on providing Safe and Civil Schools for staff and learners. Randy Sprick’s Safe and Civil Schools’ (Foundations) work will pave the way for our school to participate in CHAMPs which is a positive, proactive classroom management training initiative that unfolds following Foundations training. Alimacani is currently in our second year of Foundations training.

The above sessions are just one leg of our stroll. Classroom teachers, Grade Levels, Vertical Teams, Book Study Groups, and so many more grops meet before school, after school, and we are even known to meet during our lunch in an effort to plan and provide continuous growth opportunities for each member of the Alimacani Family.

Now, aren't you glad you put on those walking shoes and took that stroll? Go ahead...take those shoes off and rest those puppies!

Traditions Awaken As We Make Dreams Come True!

October has now folded into November. How many of us have been on our way home from a week or day filled with way too much to do...let alone accomplish? We often consider multi-tasking "The Way of Life!" The cultural norm places an enormous value on multitasking, so much so that often you will hear a heart friend tell you don't do as I do...do as I say. In other words...try stillness or silence for just a moment. Listen exclusively to your heart and reflect on what is worthy of meaning to sustain our heartbeat. I invite you to be still, clear the voices in your mind, listen, read, and visualize the wondrous events that Alimacani Family Members unfolded for each learner.

Author-Author-Author!

Not one, Not two, but three authors have enchanted the staff and learners of Alimacani.


Patsy Roberts made a return visit to Alimacani Elementary School during the month of October. Patsy has been on at least twenty trips to Africa. She shared her African adventures, what children are like in the areas of Africa she visits as well as the culture and environment they are exposed to on a daily basis, along with authentic photographs. Her love of photography is captured in each of her wondrously written books. Each of her books embodies the value of always believing in yourself, and that help can and often does come in surprising ways. She unfolds timeless values through the character development of the animals that are indigenous to Africa in each of her books. We hope this is just the second of many visits Patsy will bring to Alimacani. Patsy, you have become a valued member of our Alimacani family.






Jill Handler Grens, author, former Alimacani teacher, and currently a third grade teacher at Atlantic Beach Elementary School returned to our Sweet Land By The Sea. Mrs. Grens signed books and read her book, I Saved the Day to enchanted students.

The concept of this book was developed by United Way of Northeast Florida's Life Act 2 initiative. Their objective is to enhance multi generational understanding and appreciation. This is a wondrously positive and engaging story that uses images of older people to help children understand the contributions older individuals share with each age group. They remind us of stories yet to be told and those that we will unpack as we chase cherished memories.

Please enjoy the Voice Thread as Jill's book: I Save the Day comes to life.



November will indeed be a month to remember for Alimacani. We kicked off November with author Ross H. Mackenzie. Mr. Mackenzie allowed students to draw on their prior knowledge and schema as he walked students through the writing process using his book, My Sailor Dad. Ross H. Mackenzie is an active duty Navy pilot, former instructor of English literature and writing at the U.S. Naval Academy. His book, My Sailor Dad, is a heartfelt tribute to all Navy families. The book engages students with literary language and visual images that celebrate the sacrifices of today's military. This book most certainly touches the heart of so many of our military families. This powerful vehicle helps children and family members navigate the journey and challenges that are the reality of military families.

Alimacani continue to celebrate the joy of reading with The Scholastic Book Fair Safari . Dates: November 13th through November 25th.

We will continue our focus on the joy and value of Reading with Real Men Read Week: November 17-21. Alimacani will host Real Men Read Night on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 5:30-8:00 pm. This is indeed a wondrous opportunity to showcase Real Reading Role Models for our children.

Alimacani honored our timeless and purposeful tradition of paying tribute to our armed forces with a treasured Veteran's Day Ceremony on Friday, November 7, 2008. The Alimacani Family gathered in gratitude and celebration. We are proud to be Americans. We lovingly thank our Veterans and men and women serving in Active Duty for their unselfish contributions in safeguarding our freedoms. Our students find heroes here at Alimacani, both in person and memory. We celebrate our American heroes who show us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they choose to live lives based on noble principles, inspired by courage, and impelled by commitment.

We would like to thank HSL-48 for their mentorship and continued support to our students. Our Flag presentation and Helicopter Fly-Over was performed by HSL-48.



Alimacani proudly maintains our patriotic spirit. It is with purposeful resolve that we share our patriotic spirit with each member of the Alimacani Family and beyond. I hope your enjoy the following video. The video shares The National Anthem sung by fourth grade students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuYNiwAGTjA

Red White And Blue-Make Your Dreams Come True

Alimacani Elementary School Celebrates Reading With The Principal's Book of the Month for September and October.

George Washington's Teeth by Deborah Chandra & Madeleine Comora

George Washington worried about his teeth the majority of his adult life. He was constantly loosing tooth after tooth and suffered incredible problems with his teeth. Now come on...admit it...were George Washington's teeth really made of wood? Enjoy the Voice Thread and discover just what really happened to George and his teeth!

High Tech - High Touch - High Teach!

MacByte Time Tips:
Several of you have requested directions for help with the following tasks:

• Making a Distribution List


• How to Recover Deleted Items
  
• Labels
  

Click on the link below and scroll down until you see the titles listed above. Now you have a reminder from my March 2008 Blog Post. You might want to highlight these items-copy-paste in Word-then Print...Keep handy for a MacByte Delight!

http://celebrateeachday.blogspot.com/2008/03/high-tech-high-touch-high-teach.html

The logo above says it all...As teachers it is our responsibility and opportunity tointegrate technology into the learning process in an effort to promote success. This will take learning for our students above and beyond their wildest expectations. Who knows...we just might surprise ourselves with this vast opportunity.

I will endeavor to provide you with Technology TIPS based on the needs of your learners in conjunction with needs you believe will assist you in your educational journey. Kathy Hart is Alimacani's Instructional Technology Specialist. Kathy generates a Simply Marvelous weekly newsletter. I devour her newletter on a weekly basis and will be sharing some of the Technology Integration Promotes Success (T.I.P.S.) with each Alimacani Family Member. Please feel free to explore T.I.P.S. of interest that are based on the needs of your learners. Take a leap and don't be hesitant to embark on your own Technology Journey.

Kathy, Alimacani salutes you for helping us grow for our children!

Technology offers a wide variety of resources for teachers and students. It is important to view each site with a critical eye. Technology is indeed a powerful tool. Like most tools once they are put back on the shelf they may be forgotten or even worse they may indeed become rusty. The main goal is to explore the sites and uses of our technology services and determine how they will Engage, Empower, and Educate both teachers and students. Research and exploration alone will not always equate to growth. The infusion or implementation of technology into the curriculum will be one of the determining factors that help teachers and students understand what success looks like and in turn help each participant know how success feels. Have fun activating technology in the classroom with your students! Remember, we are an Apple Core School and Alimacani is up for a complete retrofit. The actual equipment might not be on our campus now but when it arrives let's be prepared!

Sites To Explore:

• Check out Wordle at : http://wordle.net/
  This is a wondrously fun and easy way for students to have fun generating vocabulary words. They can explore different content areas and capitalize on technology skills infused in the instructional day. The program allows students to generate topic focused vocabulary or even source book ideas while selecting different fonts, layouts, and color schemes. You can even customize! Students and teachers are able to print their magical word creations, insert them in a presentation, or save on the Wordle gallery for sharing.
  


• Visit the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) for curriculum and instructional opportunities that range from of literacy activities, centers, professional articles, and more: http://www.fcrr.org/forTeachers.htm



• LEaRN, The Literacy Essentials and Reading Network, is an online resource that contains information on the five building blocks or essential areas of literacy and reading instruction for PK-12. Just click on the link and then register for an account. Once you have access Explore the wide range of opportunities that are tailored for academic success. http://learn.nefec.org/login.aspx

• Click on the link below to view a DRA2 Video that will serve as a refresher for the Professional Learning Community Sessions we have conducted at Alimacani. http://settingthestandard.ning.com/video/video/show?id=1875370%3AVideo%3A9813
  


• Ok...just in case you think technology is way too hard...click on the link below and check out thevideo You should feel really, really, really, great...or maybe you or someone you know has had one of those days!
  

Introducing the Book

George Washington's Teeth