PD+Resources

This professional development plan includes organizations, professional papers, and websites that support instructional strategies in the classroom.


 * Resource 1:** [|**National Middle School Association**]

National Middle School Association (NMSA) has been a voice for those committed to the educational and developmental needs of young adolescents. NMSA is the only national education association dedicated exclusively to those in the middle level grades. Through the release of our landmark position paper This We Believe NMSA has been a key resource to middle level educators looking to develop more effective schools. Our message is for schools to be academically excellent, developmentally responsive, and socially equitable for every young adolescent (NMSA).


 * Resource 2: Project Based Learning**

[|The Buck Institute for Education] (BIE) is dedicated to improving 21st Century teaching and learning throughout the world by creating and disseminating products, practices and knowledge for effective Project Based Learning (PBL). In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st Century Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking).


 * Resource 3: Digital Storytelling**

Resources that promote digital storytelling by Dr. Alec Couros.


 * Resource 4: Cooperative Learning**

Included in this section: [|//Cooperative learning: Two heads are better than one//] [|Basic elements of cooperative learning] Cooperative Learning Institute And Interaction Book Company
 * Resource 5:** [|**Edutopia**]

The George Lucas Educational Foundation is dedicated to improving the K-12 learning process by documenting, disseminating, and advocating for innovative, replicable, and evidence-based strategies that prepare students to thrive in their future education, careers, and adult lives.


 * Resource 6:** [|**Socratic Seminar**]

The purpose of a Socratic Seminar is to achieve a deeper understanding about the ideas and values in a text. Participants systematically question and examine issues and principles related to a particular content, and articulate different points-of-view. The group conversation assists participants in constructing meaning through disciplined analysis, interpretation, listening, and participation.


 * Resource 7: Literacy: The Institute of Education Sciences (IES).**

[|//Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices//] The goal of this practice guide is to present specific and coherent evidence-based recommendations that educators can use to improve literacy levels among adolescents in upper elementary, middle, and high schools.


 * Resource 8: Authentic Instruction**

[|//Five Standards of Authentic Instruction//] by Fred M. Newmann and Gary G.Wehlage.

What types of instruction engage students in using their minds well? A framework developed at Wisconsin’s Center on Organization and Restructuring of Schools may be a valuable tool for teachers and researchers attempting to answer this complex question.

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