Professional Development Series: Focus
The goal of the professional development series is to provide teachers with an opportunity to identify an area of professional practice that impacts student learning and then work with colleagues to develop or refine their practice. Over a series of four sessions, participants will engage in a book discussion of Mike Schmoker's new book Focus and will gain a greater familiarity with the goals and content of the Common Core Standards.

Goals:
  • To read and study Mike Schmoker's new book, Focus.
  • To become familiar with the goals and content of the Common Core Standards.
  • To participate in an action research cycle designed to support personal reflection and collaboration.
  • To work collaboratively with other professionals to develop instructional practice and leadership skills.

Meeting Place: Room 24
Meeting Dates: October 12, November 9, February 8, and April 11
Meeting Time: 3:30-5:30 pm
Facilitators: Kathy Harris & Leilani Solheim

You can access resources and documents from the sessions below:

PD Focus Site -- A site for you to access links and other information related to the the professional development series, Common Core State Standards, reading assignments for the sessions, etc. (http://pdfocus.blogspot.com/)

Download a copy of the presentation on the Common Core State Standards
A Guided Tour of the California Common Core Standards (PowerPoint)

"Save the Last Word":  For the next session on November 9th, participants are asked to read chapters 2-3 (pages 25-89) and prepare and bring 4-5 "Last Word" cards.  You can download instructions here.

Action Research Cycle:  Over the course of the series, participants will engage in an action research cycle focused on a professional practice.  The cycle of inquiry includes identifying a problem of practice, gathering data, interpreting data, acting on evidence, evaluating evidence and developing next steps.  You can download the "Action Research Cycle" template here.

The Progression of Reading Comprehension by P. David Pearson and David Liben discusses the key building blocks for helping students develop their reading comprehension skills.  You can download the article by clicking here.

Companion to Qualitative Dimensions of Text Complexity:  This "companion" document can be used as a tool for scaffolding reading comprehension instruction - prioritizing which features of a text need to be supported by instruction.  It is also a useful tool in helping teachers develop an understanding of the strengths and needs of students as readers.  You can download the companion document by clicking here.