Professional Development Programs
Professional
development is offered as a part of every writing instruction program!
Teachers will learn new skills through direct observation of the author with
students as well as through working with the author to practice the craft of
writing and strengthen writing instruction. With the help of outstanding
educators such as Dean Sharon Kazee of the Governor’s School for the Arts, Dr.
O’Connor has created excellent standards-based teaching guides and enrichment
activities. Staffs have the opportunity to practice many of the writing
activities themselves, and to create new collaborations within and across grade
levels.
The Common Core Reading and Writing
Program has four programs tailored to the grade level from grades K – 8.
There is a natural grade level and skill progression in Dr. O’Connor’s approach
to
balanced
literacy instruction, providing optimal student writing development. This
specific, focused progression is mirrored in the ongoing professional
development, providing development to teachers that promotes the writing growth
in their students. This approach will be especially beneficial as South
Carolina adopts Common Core State Standards and returns to a standardized
writing assessment for grades three through eight.
The Professional Development program,
mirroring the four writing instruction programs:
The Magical Migration Adventure (Grades K - 3)
Early
elementary grade teachers will receive professional development using
cross-curricular enrichment activities to emphasize writing based on the Common
Core State Standards along with the support of The 6 Traits of Writing to
enhance student writing. In addition, teachers will learn how to engage
students in the arts and science using the Life Cycle Role Play and the Monarch
Migration Game.
Memories, Melodies and Our South Carolina Home (Grades 3
& 4)
Revision strategies are essential to writing improvement,
and most often given the least amount of time in classrooms. In this
professional development meeting, teachers are given ideas and suggestions for
how to continue to work with revising strategies, strengthening voice, and other
writing activities based on Common Core State Standards.
Piecing Together a Writer's Quilt
(Grades 4 & 5)
Teachers
will develop voice in their own writing so that they will be more comfortable in
teaching voice to their students. Teachers will gain a better understanding of
Common Core State Standards and Six Traits of Writing. In addition, teachers
will gain further understanding of the writing rubric for the PASS test and how
to use the Time to Write Checklist as a student self-assessment tool.
Writing Well for Different Purposes (Grades 6 - 8)
Teachers will gain a better understanding of Common Core State
Standards, The Six Traits of Writing, and Balanced Literacy. Teachers will
understand the writing rubric for the PASS test, how to incorporate the language
of the PASS rubric into their writing lessons, and how to teach the students to
use the rubric as a writing tool during testing. The author will offer ideas and
instructional materials to teachers about how to revise and publish a piece of
student work after the writing program ends.
"Dr. O'Connor's
student presentation was inspiring for our children. It
is amazing how she has been able to use her incredible book to
teach so many South Carolina standards. Our teachers
were inspired to make the huge connection between literature
and science while also incorporating music, art, social
studies and drama." Meredith Rose, Curriculum
Coordinator, Boyd Elementary
"She used so many brain compatible
strategies with the faculty that reached all content areas.
Not only will the students benefit, the teachers bonded as we laughed and
held powerful conversations about science! It was memorable!" Jodi Wright, MSU
Science Coach New Prospect Elementary, Spartanburg District
One Schools
"Dr. O'Connor visited five schools in
Lexington/Richland School District Five. Her presentation of
Jake and the
Migration of the Monarch is an excellent integration of science, literature,
drama, music and art. Dr. O'Connor actively engaged the students and faculty in
every aspect of the presentation. This was not the first, nor will it be the
last time that she is asked to visit in our district. Dr. O'Connor provided
teachers with excellent resources to assist them in addressing grade specific
standards. We highly recommend inviting Dr. O'Connor to your school. We
look forward to having her back and are excited to know that she has another
book recently published." Harry Gates, Lexington/Richland Five, District Science
Coordinator
"Fabulous! This has been one of
the best professional development experiences that I've ever had.
It's wonderful to be able to leave a session with ideas that
you're eager to share with team members and most importantly
students." Tanieka Greggs, Georgetown County School
District
"What did I
like most about this professional development experience?
Everything!" Jeanette
Stewart
