READ 180 National Summer Institute Highlights

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This summer over 1,000 READ 180 and System 44 educators, classroom teachers, and district administrators gathered in Nashville, TN for four days of intensive professional development and the opportunity to share best practices, implementation success, and creative classroom ideas. Over 275 attendees arrived early to the Institute to attend Pre-Institute Workshops, offering additional professional development.

"This was a great conference for our team to attend," reported one attendee, "We all left with next steps that will enhance the READ 180 implementation in our district, it was the best learning experience of my life."

New and returning attendees joined READ 180 authors Dr. Ted Hasselbring, Dr. Kate Kinsella and Dr. Kevin Feldman as well as educational leaders and authors Dr. Willard (Bill) Daggett, Dr. Julie Washington, Sharon Draper and Sara Holbrook amongst others in over 50 differentiated professional development workshops.

Educators from Columbia Heights Educational Campus, Washington D.C.

"I learned something I could take back to my classroom in each session I attended," noted one educator. "Having presenters who still work with children was very valuable. So many times, the conference presenters have not been in a classroom for years and don’t know what it’s like anymore! This was not the case at the READ 180 National Summer Institute."

In addition to sessions led by key Institute presenters, attendees had many opportunities to collaborate with their peers. One attendee said, "Networking with other educators and the professional discussions that took place were amongst the most valuable parts of this year’s Institute." Attendees, eager to return to their classrooms, were able to share best practices with one another through presenter-led collaborative activities, team-building exercises, and unique networking opportunities throughout the Institute.

Best Practices Spotlights, led by current READ 180 and System 44 educators, featured workshops with Sweetwater Union High School District in Chula Vista, CA; Bethlehem Area School District in Bethlehem, PA; and Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Houston, TX, who outlined different ways they have successfully met the diverse challenges of raising reading achievement.

Each morning 2009 READ 180 All-Stars, teacher-nominated students who have overcome their reading challenges to succeed in school, were recognized for their hard-work, perseverance and accomplishments, reminding attendees of the many ways they inspire teaching and learning everyday.

The Institute concluded with the presentation of the 2009 READ 180 Outstanding Educator Award created to recognize the exceptional commitment of READ 180 teachers who bring reading to life, truly turning lives around. This year, Nancie Brennan of Edison Middle School in Green Bay, Wisconsin was honored for her dedication as a READ 180 classroom teacher and district READ 180 coordinator. Joined by her husband and three young children, Nancie delivered a powerful acceptance speech where she shared her award through the recognition of the hard work and dedication of her fellow attendees.

"READ 180 has given my middle school students not only the skills they need to be successful, but also the insight into their abilities rather than their disabilities," Nancie has said, "This is what READ 180 is all about."

The 2009 READ 180 National Summer Institute was an immense success that we are looking forward to continuing next year! Thank you to those who joined us and for your continued dedication to your students and your own professional development. We hope to see you in Nashville for what promises to be an exciting 2010 READ 180 National Summer Institute July 25—July 28, 2010.

 

READ 180 Community Newsletter - Summer 2009
Nothing Else to Say But Thank You! With summer rapidly approaching, we at Scholastic and READ 180 want to thank you for what you do every day to raise reading achievement and turn around the lives of students. What you accomplish is incredible. Thank you!

A Conversation with Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams and Dr. Ted Hasselbring, Principal Scientists for System 44
A Conversation with Dr. Marilyn Jager Adams and Dr. Ted Hasselbring, Principal Scientists for System 44, appearing in the READ 180 Community Newsletter, Fall 2008.

LESSON PLAN	Let's Learn About Firefighters! Presents a lesson plan focusing on fire safety and prevention through reading, writing, and brain storming sessions.
UNIT PLAN	Time Travel Writing Assignment using A Sound of Thunder by Ray Bradbury Use this unit plan to take advantage of students' fascination with technology, by having them prepare and execute a PowerPoint presentation.