Description of PD Series
Because of the recent updates to the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs), the focus on world geography at the 6th grade level is a monumental shift with regard to scope and sequence in some districts. Combined with more rigorous demands in spatial thinking, this curriculum and accompanying professional development network are the best tools to assist 6th grade Social Studies teachers.
Taught by Dr. Phil Gersmehl, former University of Minnesota Geography Professor, current Researcher for the Michigan Geography Alliance, and Co-Director of the New York Center for Geographic Learning at Hunter College, this 6-part series examines the connections between spatial thinking skills and increased student achievement in reading.
As the foundation for the 6th grade course, the accompanying curricular units include instructional strategies unique for the integration of temporal and spatial thinking skills through the Arc of Inquiry, hands-on activities, literacy strategies, and best practices in both formative and summative assessment and will be modeled at each session.
What Particpants Will Receive
Direct instruction from authors of the lessons on geography knowledge and skills needed to meet GLCEs
Hard and electronic copy of lessons and supplemental materials
Access to extra teacher-made materials including Power Points and other online resources
Trade books used to teach lessons
30 SCECHs
A meal for each evening session
Registration Information
Register by clicking on the link and completing the form.
The link will take you to a new form that is not part of the Genesee ISD Professional Development Catalog that was piloted during the 2016-17 school year. It is currently going through an update and will be made available later this summer.
Coordinator for Instruction Roy Sovis