PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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MATHEMATICS
A Process Approach to Middle and Secondary Mathematics: Algebra I
Designed for teachers wanting to implement standards-based instruction in algebra, this course includes methods to improve student achievement, strategies to promote group interaction, questioning techniques to develop higher order thinking, multiple representations of algebraic content, and ways to link how students learn with instructional methods.
Algebraic Concepts for Elementary Teachers
Teachers learn questioning techniques that help students develop algebraic thinking skills. Participants will experience problem solving tasks using whole numbers, fractions, geometry, patterns, and measurement. These tasks can be used in K–8 classes. A focus on writing in mathematics, group work, and student discussion is included in each day’s session.
Reshaping Mathematics with the NCTM Process Standards
This course helps grade 5–8 mathematics teachers incorporate the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) process standards in their classes. Participants engage in small-group problem-solving activities, practice questioning and discussion strategies, adapt tasks, and plan new approaches to use in their classrooms.
The “Write” Way Mathematics Journal Prompts
Learn how to incorporate writing in your teaching of mathematics. Journal writing gives students another means to express their understanding of concepts and processes and is a valuable assessment tool for teachers. Learn how to use journal prompts that are open-ended, are similar to tasks on standardized performance-based tests, emphasize problem solving, reasoning, and making connections, and are usable as assessment questions.
SCIENCE, ELEMENTARY
Developmental Approaches in Science, Health and Technology (DASH)
There are separate teacher institutes for DASH levels K–1, 2–3, 4, 5, and 6. These institutes prepare teachers to teach the program successfully by developing knowledge of the program’s philosophy and objectives, ability to use the variety of instructional strategies inherent in DASH, understanding of the science, health, and technology content necessary to teach the course, and engage in the excitement and enthusiasm for teaching science in the elementary school. Participants accomplish these goals by experiencing the program in the role of a student and working through the developmental sequence of activities. Besides focusing on the content of the activities, the course immerses teachers in the challenge and excitement of the student experience.
SCIENCE, MARINE
The Living Ocean: Biological Science and Technology of the Marine Environment
The Living Ocean explores the biology and ecology of the oceans and other aquatic environments and their application in aquaculture and related technologies. The institute prepares participants to teach the program successfully by developing a thorough knowledge of its philosophy and objectives, ability to use the variety of instructional strategies inherent in The Living Ocean, understanding of the science content necessary to teach the course, and excitement and enthusiasm for teaching it.
The Fluid Earth: Physical Science and Technology of the Marine Environment
The Fluid Earth explores the physics, chemistry, and geology of the oceans and their applications in ocean engineering and related technologies. The institute prepares participants to teach this program successfully by developing a thorough knowledge of its philosophy and objectives, ability to use the variety of instructional strategies that are inherent in The Fluid Earth, understanding of the science content necessary to teach the course, and excitement and enthusiasm for teaching it.
SCIENCE, MIDDLE SCHOOL
Foundational Approaches in Science Teaching (FAST)
The CRDG offers separate teacher institutes for each FAST grade level program. Institutes are designed to prepare participants to teach each program successfully by conveying a thorough knowledge of the program’s philosophy and objectives, the use of the variety of instructional strategies inherent in the program, understanding of the content of the physical, biological, and earth sciences necessary to teach the course, and to get a foretaste of the excitement and enthusiasm for teaching inquiry science. Course participants carry out FAST activities and experience this curriculum as students.
FAST 1, The Local Environment
Training for teachers includes the investigations of properties of matter, changes in state of matter, energy, plant growth, animal behavior, and the physical environment text/lab topics. Also covered are community water resource management and local air quality. Teachers receive the materials described in the FAST 1 Teacher Package, Item #F110.
FAST 2, Matter and Energy in the Biosphere
Training for teachers includes the investigations of photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition; matter conservation and recycling; and solar energy input and heat radiation into space as found text/lab topics. Teachers experience an experimental demonstration of organisms as a part of a complex interdependent system. Teachers receive the materials described in the FAST 2 Teacher Package, Item #F210.
FAST 3, Change over Time
Training for teachers includes investigations of changes in the earth, the solar system, and the universe over time to develop an understanding of the foundational concepts in physics, chemistry, geology, astronomy, and biology as found text/lab topics. Special attention is given in problems of resource depletion, overpopulation, and energy consumption. Teachers receive the materials described in the FAST 3 Teacher Package, Item #F304.
SOCIAL STUDIES
China: Materials for High School Teachers
This course gives teachers basic knowledge of Chinese history and culture. Participants consider thephilosophical benefits of the Confucian social order, the effects of the forced contact with Western powers in the nineteenth century, and the distinctive nature of Chinese Communism.
The Rise of Modern Japan
Teachers gain a basic knowledge of the history and culture of Japan and learn a standards-based approach to social studies teaching. Participants will consider the causes and effects of the Meiji Restoration, the impact of Japan’s interaction with the West, the various factors that led Japan into World War II, and the elements of Japan’s rapid recovery and transformation into an economic superpower following the war. Instructional materials are provided. A History of Hawai‘i Using the activity-oriented textbook A History of Hawai‘i, high school teachers examine Hawai‘i’s governmental and political history, economic history, social history, and land history from the pre-contact period to the present. They analyze primary documents and political cartoons and participate in activities such as simulations and role-plays, designed to help students understand how Hawai‘i’s past is connected to its present.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Performance English: The Golden Triangle
English teachers throughout the grades appreciate the benefits of classroom oral reading, but many are unsure of their oral reading skills. This course gives teachers the opportunity to develop oral reading confidence in a shared classroom environment led by teachers who have been reading along successfully in class with middle and high school English students for decades.