Latest Page Update 7/11/09
Mr. Pat Smith joined the LD project as a presenter and agency mentor at the start of the 09-10 program year. Pat retired from high school teaching with the Crawford Central School District where for many years he taught advanced placement classes. He most recently was the teacher/supervisor of the Stairways Impact Grant program and has classroom instructional experience with ABE Level adult education instruction, including students with significant learning difficulties.
Pat brings to the mentoring situation a seasoned and insightful perspective of the need to present material from many perspectives and the importance of establishing rapport while at the same time providing structure for student achievement.
To help agencies to plan for LD professional development, a PowerPoint slide presentation was developed by the ABLE LD Project and sent to all ABLE funded programs. The PowerPoint walks the agency Professional Development Team through a sequence of questions related to contact with students, identifying areas where training might be desired. The self-assessment can be used by individual or by ABLE funded agencies to determine specific professional development needs. It is an excellent tool for focusing on areas that can become the focal point for professional development.
Click on the graphic to the right to download the Powerpoint document.
With the addition of the new Fast Facts Series 4, the time came for us to update the flyers used to publicize the availability of this professional development opportunity. If you click on the graphic to the left you can download a PDF file containing flyers for Series 1 through 4 (the case management series) as well as a Fast Facts Overview flyer.
ABLE LD Project Newsletter: July/August 2009 Now Available. Click anywhere on the newsletter above to download the LD Newsletter
Click anywhere on the newsletter above to download the LD Newsletter
The ABLE LD Project completed its fourth LD Academy with a record enrollment. Twenty-one tutors, instructors and program supervisors attended the three day conference in State College and learned about the Information Processing Model, instructional adaptations, informal assessment the use of technology for accommodations. The format was similar to previous academies and featured demonstration screenings and lessons.
2009 LD Academy participants included: Front L to R.Jennifer Parker, Dr. Gacka, Lisa Brown, Sharon Hornstein, Colleen Serencsits, Lorna Tucker. Middle L to R. Chylo MacCartney, Carol Rick, Sharon McCreary, Susan McArthur, Mary Henegan, Annette Petry. Back L to R. Terry Mahoney, Michael Jewell, Doug Sivers, Teresa Swoger, Rosemary Clist, Madeleine Cappola , Barbara Huffman, Melissa Riser, Bootsie Barbour, Pat Smith, and Jacci West.
Pat Smith (a former volleyball coach) taught a demonstration lesson on Bracketology 101 and demonstrated teaching adaptations that were discussed during conference sessions.
Madeleine Cappola and Rosemary Clist demonstrated informal interviewing and academic counseling skills
Dr. Cooper demonstrated informal assessment strategies and participated in discussions of instructional adaptations.
Teams of participants presented lessons demonstrating assessment, memory instruction, reading comprehension and other content taken from workshop sessions.
Participants had the opportunity to discuss topics and participate in breakout sessions. Annette Petry asks for an explanation as Teresa Swoger looks on.
Volunteer tutor agencies had a strong representation at the Academy. Carol Rick presents a lesson on adaptations for building organizational skills.
New Fast Facts Flyers now available to download and distribute to agency staff.
There are now Four Fast Facts Series that can be used for independent professional development.
Pat Smith, now available for agency consultation and assistance in implementing professional development plans.
Pat provides a unique blend of experience and “common sense” in his consultation.
Where is your agency in terms of professional development for your staff? Download the latest Professional Development Hierarchy in the Area of Learning Differences. (Click Here to Download PDF File)LD PD Hierarchy V3 11-09.pdf
