Instructional Offerings
Course: Science of Reading Series
Description: How exactly does a child learn to read? What is this Science of Reading research I’ve been hearing about? If you have asked yourself these questions, consider joining the Science of Reading PD Series offered by the Elementary Literacy Department. You will learn about topics like why kids struggle to read, and how do we help build comprehension? See the list of dates and topics below. Topics are best learned in sequence, but feel free to sign up for any that interest you!
Series Dates and Topics
Friday, April 16th - The Syllable Types – What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
Friday, April 30th - Knowledge is Power
Registration Information: eSchedule
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. OR 10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Recertification Points: 12 recertification points available upon successful completion of the series
Target Audience: Instructional Staff
Instructor/Contact Information: Rachel Floyd and the Elementary Literacy Department rafloyd@rcps.info
Course: Writing Series: The Art of Summarizing
Description: Teaching students how to craft an objective summary is a lifelong skill, and certainly one needed for college and career readiness. Summarizing also helps build reading comprehension, allows for collaboration, and practices basic foundational grammar. Utilizing key components and frameworks, critical thinking and evaluating, students can take a culturally responsive text from any subject area and write a solid summary paragraph. This session focuses on selecting culturally responsive texts, the importance of summarizing and provides key instructional strategies for immediate use in the classroom.
Registration Information: eSchedule
Date: April 23, 2021
Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
Instructor/Contact Information: Shelly Atkins, Supervisor of MS Language Arts matkins@rcps.info
Target Audience: Instructional Staff/Teachers 2-12
Course: Writing Series:Argumentative Writing
Description: Teaching students to write well involves strengthening their ability to argue logically. Crafting an argument is a practical skill used in life as well as in school. Each content area includes relevant and culturally responsive topics that can turn our students' natural desire to debate into a writing opportunity. This session will address argument at elementary and secondary levels, review the Toulmin model of argumentation, provide suggestions, and give a framework of common language for all content areas in the approach to argumentative writing.
Registration Information: eSchedule
Date: May 7, 2021
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. (Each session is 45 minutes)
Recertification Points: 12 recertification points available upon successful completion of the series
Instructor/Contact Information: Shelly Atkins, Supervisor of MS Language Arts matkins@rcps.info
Target Audience: Instructional Staff/Teachers 4-12
Course: Basic Spanish in the Educational Setting
Description: Basic Spanish in the Educational Setting will boost your ability to communicate with Spanish speaking students and families by:
- Engaging in opportunities to learn and practice school-related Spanish words, phrases, and conversations
- Learning how to relay or receive important information, including how to find an interpreter on short notice
- Learning tips on how to avoid common problems caused by miscommunication
- Discovering key background and cultural information about various Spanish speaking families in RCPS
Course Dates
April 15
April 22
April 29
May 6
May 13
Registration Information: eSchedule
Start Time: 4:00 p.m. (Each session is 45 minutes)
Recertification Points: 15 recertification points available upon successful completion of the course
Target Audience: All Staff
Instructor/Contact Information: Ilsa Saavedra-Rogan (isaavedra-rogan@rcps.info) and Solange M. Salvo (ssalvo@rcps.info)
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Course: New Teacher Series
Description: This series will provide first year teachers or teachers new to Roanoke City Public Schools an opportunity to gather as a group, build a sense of community, and discuss a range of topics.
Series Dates and Topics
April 15 - Building a Sense of Belonging and a Caring Community
May 20 - Fireside Chat with Special Guests
Registration Information: eSchedule
Start Time: 3:45 p.m. (Each session is 45 minutes)
Recertification Points: 5 recertification points available upon successful completion of the course
Target Audience: First Year Teachers/Teachers New to RCPS
Instructor/Contact Information: Cari Gates (cgates@rcps.info) and Laurie Seidel (lseidel@rcps.info)
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Course: Children’s Literature in the General Music Classroom: Making the Most of the Joy of Reading in the Virtual Setting
Course: Using Music and Literature as a Springboard for Exploring Diversity in the Virtual Setting
*Sessions are conducted by Dr. Suzanne Hall, Associate Professor of Music Education, Temple University
Dr. Suzanne Hall’s primary research interests focus on pre-service music teacher training, music and language arts connections and comprehensive musicianship. She is a frequent presenter at conferences and presents professional development worships on music and literacy integration strategies for school districts across the country.
Instructor/Contact Information: Cari Gates, Executive Director of Professional Learning
Registration Information: eSchedule
Date: May 7, 2021
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Target Audience: Fine Arts Staff