[Replicable Practices] Choices Into Action

I recently discovered the Choices into Action: Guidance and Career Education Program Policy, 1999 (PDF) via the Ontario Ministry of Education site. It is a document that can be found under the Administrators Policy and Reference page. The reason why I chose to blog about this as a Replicable Practice is because guidance is no longer an area that specifically contained with the guidance offices of a school or the guidance counselor. It needs to be addressed by the classroom teacher as well. Just think what the ultimate goal is that we have as teachers for our students. Taken directly out of the document:

Choices Into Action describes the purpose and importance of Ontario’s guidance and career education program, its content, and its unique approach to teaching and learning. It describes the approaches that principals and teachers are expected to take when teaching students how to develop their learning skills, interpersonal skills, and knowledge and skills in the area of career planning. It also outlines program planning strategies, accountability measures, and the roles and responsibilities of all involved – principals, teachers, students, parents, and community partners.

Choices into Action: Guidance and Career Education Program Policy, 1999

[Replicable Practices] The Grammar Gorilla!

Grammar Bytes! Grammar Instruction with Attitude

Robin L. Simmons has created a grammar based website loaded with an assortment of interesting topics. Look up definitions of common grammar terms or test your grammar knowledge. Teachers you must check out the section devoted to handouts and presentations.

A giant thank you Ms. V. D'Amico for sharing one of your Replicable Practices.

[Replicable Practices] The power of an Apple iPhone and iPad to transform classrooms!

Apple iPad

For a long time whenever anyone mentioned an Apple computer I immediately thought of two things, graphic designers and classrooms. I suppose one reason is that Apple themselves marketed and aligned their products for a particular market.  Secondly it may have been the ease of use and availability that guided Apple computers into those segments.This thought had me thinking of the new Apples products such as the iPhone and iPad and how they could potentially transformation classrooms.

Google search "hand held classrooms" and at the time of this post about 2,950,000 results were found.

Here are a couple of PDF articles worth reading

• Mobile Learning and Handheld Devices in the Classroom by Robby Robson, Eduworks Corporation, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.
• The Handheld Classroom: Educational Implications of Mobile Computing by Mark Finn and Natalie Vandenham from the Australian Journal of Emerging Technologies and Society.

YouTube search "hand held classrooms" and at the time of this post about 302 videos resulted plus 567 videos under the search "classrooms of the future" and "Ipad in the classroom".

This shift is going to happen.

[Replicable Practices] Autism

Autism caused by wide array of rare gene changes, findings point to drug targets

TORONTO - The largest ever attempt to compare the DNA of individuals with autism to people without the condition shows a substantial number of rare genetic changes are involved in the development of the disease...

[Replicable Practices] My Team on TEAMWORK!

On June 2 2010, I had the privilege of presenting and working with a group of exceptional teachers. A sincere thank you is sent to Genevieve McDonough, Julie Cosentino, Lisa Gambardella and Bernie Costa for their hard work and preparation that went into preparing our 30 min presentation. Each teacher utilized their talents and put on a great infotainment production.

References:

 Simari, M. (2008). I wish I knew then what I know now, so I can know more: A handbook of successful leadership practices. St. Catharines, Ont.: Brock University, Faculty of Education.

THOMPSON, D. (2002). Teachers and teacher assistants: building effective relationships. Retrieved from http://www.uleth.ca/dspace/bitstream/10133/840/1/Thompson_Dawn_M.pdf

[Replicable Practices] Howard Gardner and Leadership

Howard Gardner

The Washington Post maintains a leadership blog and although the posts are heavily based on a US political agenda there are 3 blog posts that are particularly interesting.

May 25, 2010 - Bold new future for higher ed? - Click here for Howard Gardner's response.

May 18, 2010 - Too smart to lead? - Click here for Howard Gardner's response.

May 10, 2010 - What qualifies a leader? - Click here for Howard Gardner's response.

[Replicable Practices] Civics 101

The goal of Civics 101 is to teach people about how the Government of Ontario works. Through animated explainers, interactive features and interviews with political movers and shakers in the province many answers can be found. The majority of the information is presented in either a video format (perfect for an interactive whiteboard lesson) or a printable PDF format. Make sure to check out the online simulators and their new blog!

Civics 101

• What is an electoral system?
• What are Ontarians voting rights?
• What is democracy and when did it begin?
• How a law is made?
• Who does what?
• Rights and Responsibilities?
• What is a budget all about?
• What does First Past the Post mean?
• What is a minority and a majority government?
• What is a by-election?