Course Description
In this 8-week online book study course, participants will read Note & Notice: Strategies for Close Reading by Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst, select and apply close reading strategies from the book in their classroom, and share their experiences online by posting brief reflections about their application experiences. The authentic classroom application of the practices described in this book is a key component of this class; thus, if your curriculum over the course of the 8-weeks will not offer ample opportunities to practice the strategies with literature in your classroom, we recommend that you opt to take this class at another time.
This class is essentially divided into three chunks: Weeks 1 & 2, Weeks 3 & 4, and Weeks 5-8. There is a tab at the top of the blog for each each chunk of the class, and there are specific instructions on these pages. Your facilitator will send you reminder emails throughout the course with links to the appropriate page, but you are welcome to visit these pages ahead of time and work ahead if you'd like.
How do I earn clock hours?
Participants interested in 12 clock hours must:
- Read the text(s) as assigned.
- Participate fully as outlined in each chunk.
- Read and reply to cohort member’s posts as directed.
Do I have to meet the posted deadlines?
Yes. However we understand that things happen. If you miss a deadline, please contact your facilitator.
What is the time period of this class?
October 2 - November 27, 2014.
Course At-a-Glance
Part 1 (Weeks 1-4): Thinking About Close Reading, the CCSS, and Preparing to Teach the Signposts
The first half of the class focuses on Part 1 of Notice & Note (pp.1-63). We’ve divided the reading into two chunks and will ask you to apply two of the preliminary strategies the authors suggest: 1) strategies that improve student-to-student discourse, and 2) a strategy for having students create text-dependent questions.
Part 2 (Weeks 5-8) The Signposts
The second half of the class focuses on the six signposts the authors have identified. The reading will encompass both Part II and Part III (pp.64-191). Part II introduces you to the signposts and outlines essential elements that will aid students in identifying and using the signposts for close reading. After reading Part II, we’ll want you to identify two of the six signposts you can teach and use with your class in the remaining weeks. The “due date” for identifying which signposts you’ll be applying in your classroom is at the end of Week 6; however, if you read Part II and post your plan prior to the end of Week 6, you’re welcome to dive right into your application. Part III of the book contains detailed lessons for each of the six signposts. Thus, we’d expect you to focus on the two chapters in Part III that feature the signposts you selected, but we invite you to read all of them.
Note: Clock hour credit will only be given for those who complete the course as outlined. Partial credit will not be awarded.
Posts and replies must be completed according to scheduled due dates.
Facilitators will keep an attendance/participation list.How do I post?
1. Type in your comment to the space provided. See example below.
2. Include your first and last name (or at least your last initial) followed by your district name or initials in parentheses in the Name box (see below) so we’ll know who you are and give you clock hour credit for that week.
3. In addition, provide your email address and select one of the options in the Subscribe to drop down list IF you’d like to be notified via email when someone comments on the post or replies to your comment.
4. Press Submit Comment.
Watch this little demonstration to see how it’s done.
Commenting Review from 10Tech on Vimeo.
Can I still participate if I don’t want clock hours?
Why, yes, of course you can! Even if you aren't completing the class for clock hours, we hope you will participate by reading and commenting on posts and/or someone else’s comment any time you’d like.
What if I need help with the blog?
Contact one of your district's technology TOSAs or coaches.
What if I need help with the course?
Contact your facilitator.
