Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Linking Literature
One Thursday, February 19th I had the privilege of
attending the Linking Literature Birmingham Area Reading
Council meeting. At this meeting, teachers from surrounding
Birmingham schools, professors, administrators, and college
students met to discuss the importance of literature and
different techniques for incorporating literature and reading
in your classroom. We had the honor of hearing Dr. Hill, a
professor in the College of Education at the University of
Alabama at Birmingham talk about her favorite childrens
picture books from the 2015/2016 (if theyve come out)
school year. Dr. Hill simply went through a picture walk of
sort and talked about why the books were her current
favorites and gave a brief overview of each. There were so
many books that I want to get for my classroom and myself.
There were funny, happy, sad, and all sorts of books to draw
out your emotions, which I loved. Once the professor finished
talking, we broke off into smaller groups and talked with a
teacher about a specific point. The group I worked with
AMSTI Training
At the AMSTI training today, I had the opportunity to
hear about the importance and impacts AMSTI is making in
Alabama classrooms and the role students and teachers play.
Prior to the training, I had concept of AMSTI or what it even
was and how it related to teaching. I now know the
the test and how the teachers can prepare the students for
the test. The presenter mentioned award and award systems
that can be in place for students when they practice well on
practice tests and are engaged when learning/preparing for
the ACT Aspire. The Tarrant teachers already have a rewards
system in place called Learning Earnings. The students
receive prizes of sort when they do well on practice tests
and/or in class with assignments geared towards the ACT
Aspire. It was evident that the testing was frustrating to the
teachers. I think from what I have observed that many of the
teachers are tired of the pressure put on themselves and the
students to make a certain score. From an outsider looking
in, it seems as though there is a large emphasize on testing
and many of the teachers, teach to the test. I dont think this
is good for the students and doesnt promote an excitement
for learning in the classroom. Secondly, the presenter
showed the students scores from the previous year for
Tarrant Intermediate in the fourth grade. The presenter told
the teachers what areas/subjects needed improvements. I
think the teachers didnt take this too well, just simply by
of advice. Overall, this day was great and I can easily see
why the ED Camp style of professional development is taking
off. ED Camp really allows teachers to take charge of their
professional development and I believe they enjoy the
simplistic of the conference, verses other conferences. In
conclusion, I had a great time and would definitely go back
in the future.