School & Classroom Culture
Opportunities to Learn and Grow October 2015
Support for School and Classroom Culture at Oakland Schools
Oakland Schools believes that learning happens within the context of the district, building and classroom culture; the culture teaches and culture counts. A variety of consultants are available for consultation, resources and professional learning. In addition, Oakland Schools supports of variety of related projects.
Student engagement concerns?
School Culture Opportunities
Positive, Supportive School Culture Series
11/4/15, 1/27/16 and 4/13/16 from 4:30-6:30 Room 250
12/9/15, 3/16/16 and 5/18/16 from 9-3 Room 250 $45 per person includes lunch and snacks
To Register: http://tinyurl.com/qbdqp93 Contact Mary Perfitt-Nelson with questions.
WE ARE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN BECOMING "WALK THROUGH SITES! If you are implementing the PBIS framework, especially in a braided way with other important social/emotional systems (character education/restorative pracatice/Culture of Thinking, etc.) please consider sharing your story! Contact Mary at 248 209 2309!
Oakland Schools staff, Ron Ritchhart (Harvard's Project Zero) and district leaders will be supporting Foundation Seminars, Foundation Cohorts, School Tours, Design Studio Days, Gallery Walk/Strolling Dinner, COT Rounds, COT InquiryAction Projects and COT Field Trips. Dr. Rod Rock, Superintendent from Clarkston will also host COT Dinner Dialogues. For more information, click here.
Nov. 7th Dinner and Gallery Walk :Introducing the first CoT Gallery Walk and Strolling Dinner. Come dine and learn from educators around the county.
School Tours:
- Clarkston High: October 29, 2015
- Leonard Elementary: February 18, 2016
New: Classroom Culture Opportunities
1. Foundations: The Art (and Heart) of Teaching
A teacher’s own identity, values and beliefs help form the basis from which flourishing cultures of learning may (or may not) grow. The focus of this two-day reflective experience is on exploring and clarifying our identities, values and beliefs around teaching and learning; demystifying what it takes to create the space/place we want and making our vision transparent for cultural transformation. Designed/Facilitated by: Dalyce Beegle, Bryan Dean, Mary Perfitt-Nelson and Holly Zimmerman.
Cohort 1: 12/3/15 and 1/12/16 http://tinyurl.com/oao3on5
Cohort 2: 3/9/16 and 3/28/16 http://tinyurl.com/otc647v
9 to 3 pm $35 per person includes materials, lunch and snacks
Contact Mary Perfitt-Nelson with questions.
2. The Classroom Environment Virtual Study
Reflective practitioners intentionally design environments that are learner-friendly with plenty of predictable routines. The space supports dialogue, collaboration and growth from feedback. They teach what they expect and are authentically present , creating a compelling context for teaching and learning. This on-line series will offer three separate modules: Learner Friendly Culture; Freedom within Form and The Physical Environment. Participants will identify a target of advancement to continue crafting the culture they envision. Designed by Jason Cuthrell, Bryan Dean , Jackie Gilmore, Laura Milner, Mary Perfitt-Nelson and Holly Zimmerman.
Coming Spring 2016 via MiPlace (Virtual Learning Space).
3. Responding to Disruptions
This professional learning experience is designed for educators who want to examine, more closely, the nature of classroom disruptions they experience. By identifying a target of advancement, participants will consider underlying causes and explore effective ways to support and intervene. Facilitated by Mary Perfitt-Nelson. Consider Foundations, the Art and Heart of Teaching and The Classroom Environment for a more comprehensive learning experience.
Saturdays: 2/6/16 http://tinyurl.com/nzwxfg9
or 4/16/16 http://tinyurl.com/oqb8mg6
9:00-1:00pm
Room 250 Oakland Schools $10 per person
4. Motivating Reluctant Learners Virtual Book Study
This virtual book study will be designed to support educators who are puzzled about students who resist to invest in their classroom. Participants will need to obtain their own book by Robyn Jackson. Coming soon via MiPlace
Universal Design for Learning (PLN4UDL)
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) focuses on design and delivery of curriculum, instruction and assessment that provides a full and fair opportunity for every student to learn and show what they know, with high expectations for all learners.
The PLN4UDL is a network for educators implementing UDL, exploring UDL, or just looking for innovative approaches to designing for student engagement and variability. Through design studios, social media, virtual groups, and unique professional learning opportunities the PLN4UDL strives to eradicate divisive lines in education and refocus users on designing for the continuum of our unique learners. For more information, click here!
Social-Emotional/Mental Health Learning Opportunities
Michigan Model for Health
The Michigan Model for Health is an evidence-based sequential K-12 curriculum that addresses essential health skills and covers Social and Emotional Skills; Nutrition and Physical Activity; Safety; Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs; and Personal Health and Wellness. Content aligns with the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations for Health (GLCEs), Michigan Merit guidelines for Health Education, and the National Health Education Standards.
The Michigan Model for Health Curriculum is recognized by Collaborative for Academic, Socials and Emotional Learning (CASEL) www.casel.org/guide and the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices www.nrepp.samhsa.gov. Research studies show students that receive this curriculum have stronger communication skills, better skills in managing their feelings and actions, improved attitudes about taking actions to stay safe, and stronger drug and tobacco refusal skills.
Participants will leave their grade level course with all the necessary materials and prepared to teach these skill-based lessons, which will lead to meaningful behavior changes in the classroom and beyond. For mental health professionals interested in supporting this Tier 1 curriculum, there is an afternoon breakout session provided to discuss ways to collaborate with teachers, creative effective Tier II interventions, and use for special education assessment and/or intervention.
High School Training: http://tinyurl.com/qd4839z
8:30am - 3:00pm
Cost: $40
November 5, 2015
Optional day for technology integration, planning, and other technical assistance on November 12, 2015
K-6 Training: http://tinyurl.com/nagt4o7
March 15, 2016
8:30am- 3:00pm
Cost: $25
Middle School Training: http://tinyurl.com/nsvladj
April 19, 2016
8:30am- 3:00pm
Cost: $25
Mindfulness Skills for Educators: CLASS IS FULL! be looking for Spring Sessions!
After the Crisis
Circle of Support for Learning: Bully Free Schools
Implement a research-based approach that will ensure your school is in compliance with the new State Board of Ed Sample Policy & the anti-bullying bills currently under construction in the State Legislature.
Bully-Free Schools strategies have been used in schools across MI. schools using these strategies have been shown to reduce bullying, harassment & other forms of peer-to-peer aggression by up to 83%. Following are the major components:
- Strategies to impact the behavior of students who engage in bullying and other forms of peer-to-peer aggression-including an intervention process that teaches alternative behaviors.
- Elements of effective limits and consequences, & strategies to ensure school-wide consistency.
- Strategies to support the "targets." Strategies to empower "bystanders" and change cultural norms.
- Strategies to work with the parents of bullies and targets.
- Tips for implementation & integration with existing school initiatives, such as PBIS and MiBLSi.
Two 2-day sessions will be offered in the fall and again in the winter. Cost: 120.00 per team of 4; $30.00 for individuals.
Cohort One: October 7 and 8, 2015 8:30-3:30pm Click Here to Register!
Cohort Two: February 10 and 11, 2016. Registration link coming soon.
What You Should Know – Bullying Prevention Laws
SEL Intervention: Why Try? Level 1 (2 days)
10/26/2015, 10/27/15
8:30am-3:30pm
The WhyTry? evidenced based program is a set of practical visual metaphors to teach pro-social alternatives to overcome problems with which at-risk youth struggle: basic problem solving, anger management, understanding consequences of their decisions, removing negative labels, dealing with peer pressure, living & keeping society's laws & rules, building a support system, & having goals & a vision of the future. The visual analogies are learned through a multisensory approach that resonates with youth to effect more positive outcomes. Note: The registration link is for Oakland County Special Educators only. Others register through www.whytry.org. Lunch will be on your own.
Event Registration: https://events.oakland.k12.mi.us/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=133266&cc=COEE&oc=10
SEL Intervention: Why Try? Level 2 (2 days)
Level 2 (2 Days)
2/23/2016, 2/24/2016
8:30am-3:30pm
The Why Try? Level 2 training builds on the principles you have applied from Level 1 (ten visual analogies, Why Try? music, learning activities, role-plays and applications in different settings). The training gives strong focus to successful implementation of Why Try?’s learning activities which are particularly helpful in group environments for increasing participation and creating a learning atmosphere. In addition, this training shows how to effectively use multimedia as a teaching tool in the school setting. Behavior support/management and creating buy-in are integral parts of this advanced training. The training is useful for anyone using Why Try?, regardless of their experience level. This link is for Oakland County Special Educators. All others may register at: www.whytry.org. Lunch on your own.
Event Registration: https://events.oakland.k12.mi.us/coe/coe_p2_details.aspx?eventid=133271&cc=COEE&oc=10
Empowering Different Learners
A Framework for Understanding Poverty
Poverty impacts:
- learning
- work habits
- decision making
- your classroom
People in poverty face challenges virtually unknown
to those in middle class or wealth – challenges from both obvious and hidden sources. The reality of being poor brings out a survival mentality and turns attention away from opportunities taken for granted by everyone else.
June 28, 2016 Contact Scott Felkey for more information
Cultural Competence Opportunities
Courageous Conversations Around Race
Courageous Conversations about Race is a four-day professional learning experience designed to provide educators with an opportunity to explore their own racial identify in order to engage in reflective dialogue about their beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of race, and student achievement.
Date(s): January 14 & 22, February 4 & 25, 2016
Time(s): 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford 48328
Cost: $75.00 Oakland County / Out-of-County $150.00
Culturally Responsive Teaching
This interactive professional learning series will provide participants with an opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary to teach and provide support for the education of students who are identified as ethnically diverse.
Cohort 1: Date(s): September 29, October 7 & 29, November 4, 2015
Time(s): 8:30 - 11:30 AMLocation: Oakland Schools, 211 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford 48328
Cost: $50 Oakland County/ Out of County $125
Cohort 2: Date(s): February 10 & 24, March 9 & 23, 2016
Time(s): 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Effective Strategies for Educating African American Males
During these interactive sessions participants will…
• Examine the current educational status of African American males in this country (re: academic
achievment, graduation rates, suspensions/expulsions, tracking, etc.)
• Identify factors that contribute to the achievement gap between African American males and other
students
• Engage in reflective discourse with peers about their own attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions
related to educating African American male students
• Explore ways to motivate and engage African American males in the learning process for the
purpose of raising their academic achievement
• Receive practical instructional strategies and resources for improving educational opportunities and
outcomes for African American male studentsDate(s): Cohort 1: October 2, 14, 28 and November 10, 2015 OR Cohort 2: January 13, 26, February 9, 23, 2016
Time(s): 8:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford 48328
Cost: $35.00
Social Justice Opportunities
Social Justice Project
Description: This fall/winter workshop will develop knowledge and skills of teachers and educational professionals for strengthening intergroup relations and institutional change. Race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social class and other forms of diversity can contribute to excellence in education, but teachers require information and ideas to incorporate content into curricula and courses, facilitate intergroup relations, and create institutional changes. It is collaboration between the University of Michigan, Oakland Schools and the Districts' of Oakland County. This is a four day project among educators in the county.
Dates, location and registration links coming soon! Contact Jay Marks for more information.
Student Diversity Forum
On May 10, 2011 a group of students presented a draftresolution to our State Board of Education that wouldsupport diversity learning in Michigan. Upon approval ofthis resolution, The Michigan Department of Educationasked student representatives, The University of Michigan,Farmington Public Schools and Oakland Schools to collaborate and create a model community forum that would begin to attend to elements of the resolution theypassed, that could then be used in other parts of the State for additional forums.
5th Annual Oakland County Student Diversity Forum hosted by Oakland Schools. The forum is scheduled for Friday, October 16, 2015 (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) at the Doyle Center in Bloomfield Hills. We are inviting 10 high schools from Oakland County to participate in this event. Each school will bring 4-5 students (representation including a freshman, sophomore, junior, and at-least one senior leader), 2 - 4 building level staff members (teachers, counselors, support staff, etc.) and 1 building level administrator to participate in this forum. The goal of this initiative is to engage students in diversity dialogue with facilitated whole group interaction, discourse, and skill-building instruction so that the students can develop and implement action plans for change in their schools, districts, and county. For more information, click here!
Contact Jay Marks by September 30, 2015 if you are interested!
School Quality's Student Engagement Team
Stephanie Barlow: Project Assistant
Karen Gomez: Socio-Emotional/Mental Health
Jay Marks: Cultural Competence/Social Justice
Julie McDaniel: Social-Emotional Learning
Mary Perfitt-Nelson: Student /Classroom Culture
Larry Thomas: Executive Director
Website: oakland.k12.mi.us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSMichigan?fref=ts
Twitter: @LACOEngage