COURSE TITLE:
NO. OF CREDITS:
5 QUARTER CREDITS
[semester equivalent = 3.33 credits]
| WA CLOCK HRS: OREGON PDUs: PENNSYLVANIA ACT 48: |
50 50 50 |
INSTRUCTOR:
Brenda McKinney
bbbrain@comcast.net
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Eric Jensen's, Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kid’s Brains and What Schools Can Do About It, analyzes the effects of poverty on education and how educators can play a hand in improving the potential of every student. The strategies and action steps are easy to apply and can really make a difference. Times have changed and now educators are in the business of changing their brains for the better.
This course is not just for teachers who reach the low-SES students, but for all teachers who want to make a difference in their students' lives. If you are an educator of any age student, this course is for you!! Even in the most affluent schools, there are students that are facing their own isolation. Don't miss an amazing resource and practical coursework. Join me today for this opportunity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of this course, participants will have:
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Completion of all specified assignments is required for issuance of hours or credit. The Heritage Institute does not award partial credit.
HOURS EARNED:
Completing the basic assignments (Section A. Information Acquisition) for this course automatically earns participants their choice of CEUs (Continuing Education Units), Washington State Clock Hours, Oregon PDUs, or Pennsylvania ACT 48 Hours. The Heritage Institute offers CEUs and is an approved provider of Washington State Clock Hours, Oregon PDUs, and Pennsylvania ACT 48 Hours.
UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT INFORMATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT
Continuing Education Quarter credits are awarded by Antioch University Seattle (AUS). AUS requires 75% or better for credit at the 400 level and 85% or better to issue credit at the 500 level. These criteria refer both to the amount and quality of work submitted.
CREDIT/NO CREDIT (No Letter Grades or Numeric Equivalents on Transcripts)
Antioch University Seattle (AUS) Continuing Education Quarter credit is offered on a Credit/No Credit basis; neither letter grades nor numeric equivalents are on a transcript. 400 level credit is equal to a "C" or better, 500 level credit is equal to a "B" or better. This information is on the back of the transcript.
AUS Continuing Education quarter credits may or may not be accepted into degree programs. Prior to registering, determine with your district personnel, department head, or state education office the acceptability of these credits for your purpose.
ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION
REQUIRED TEXT
None. All reading is online.
MATERIALS FEE
Text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind: What Being Poor Does to Kids' Brains and What Schools Can Do About It, is approximately $21 from Amazon.com
ASSIGNMENTS REQUIRED FOR HOURS OR UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT
A. INFORMATION ACQUISITION
Assignments done in a course forum will show responses from all educators who have or are taking the course independently. Feel free to read and respond to others' comments.
Group participants can only view and respond to their group members in the Forum.
Assignment #1: Introduction.
For those participating in Group Collaboration, you must read and follow the instructions outlined in the Group Collaboration Guidelines. Click on the link for Guidelines. https://www.hol.edu/about/group-collaboration
You must complete the introduction before moving on to another assignment.
What led you to choose teaching as your profession? Describe your current professional situation. What brings you the most joy in your work? What led you to choose this class? What outcomes do you hope to achieve through this coursework?
Assignment #2:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 5-12 and be prepared to summarize the effects of poverty on the brain.
In a 500+ word response discuss the risk factors for SIS kids. In your response include learning from your reading and the video. Detail what had the most profound effect on your teaching situation and what you have experienced in your classroom/school.
Consider the following:
Assignment #3:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs.13-22 then summarize the emotional and social challenges that SES students face.
You can choose to do a mind map or a diagram/chart. Be sure to include an explanation of your learning, ideas for a makeover, and what was significant for you. If you would rather write the response, it should be 500+ words considering each of the topics.
Include the following:
Assignment #4:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 22-31 then the effects of stressors on the brain.
View this video:
Respond to the following with a 500+ word response. You can also create a mind map, graphic organizer.
Assignment #5:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 31-45 then summarize cognitive lags and student performance.
Watch the following video:
Consider the following for your response in the Venn Diagram you will create for the assignment.
Create a Venn diagram showing 1). the news about how the brain is affected, 2). critical skills needed for underperforming students, and 3). ways to provide hope, success, and encouragement for kids with cognitive lags
Assignment #6:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 46-57 then be prepared to summarize your learning about embracing the mindset of change while focusing on the good/bad news.
In a 500+ word response share whether you feel more hopeful after learning this neuroscience. In your response include the following:
Assignment #7:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 58-65 then summarize educational intervention and long term enrichment.
Watch the video on how to create change one person at a time.
In a 250+ word response discuss and consider the following:
Assignment #8:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 66-90 then summarize policies and positive impact for students raised in poverty.
Watch the following videos:
Then respond in 500+ words using your reading and the videos.
Assignment #9:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs. 91 -105 then summarize the mistakes schools need to avoid. Respond to the following with a 1-2 page paper, graphic organizer, and mind map:
Assignment #10:
In the text, Teaching with Poverty in Mind, read pgs.106-142 then summarize the action steps needed to create change in your classroom/school.
Respond to the following in a 500+ word response:
ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS REQUIRED FOR UNIVERSITY QUARTER CREDIT
B. LEARNING APPLICATION
In this section, you will apply your learning to your professional situation. This course assumes that most participants are classroom teachers who have access to students. If you do not have a classroom available to you, please contact the instructor for course modifications. Assignments done in a course forum will show responses from all educators who have or are taking the course independently. Feel free to read and respond to others' comments. Group participants can only view and respond to their group members in the Forum.
Assignment #11:
As you visualize your coming year, what changes do you see that you can make immediately and then as the year progresses?
Create a chart with specific details of what you are already doing to create change and positive attitudes, what you hope to incorporate and the supporting research for change, and areas where you need more teaching or coaching in modeling the classroom of Mr. Hawkins.
Assignment #12:
In 500+ words write up the conversation, what you learned by sharing, and how you will follow up with your colleague or administrator.
Assignment #13:
For those participating in Group Collaboration, this assignment is Required to be completed individually by all participants.
Complete one (1) of the following options:
Option A)
OR
Option B)
Assignment #14: (500 Level ONLY)
Option A)
OR
Option B)
OR
Option C)
OR
Option D)
If you can visit a school in a high-poverty area, arrange a visit and focus on the following.
C. INTEGRATION PAPER
Assignment #15: (Required for 400 and 500 level)
SELF REFLECTION & INTEGRATION PAPER
(Please do not write this paper until you've completed all of your other assignments)
Write a 400-500 word Integration Paper answering these 5 questions:
INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS ON YOUR WORK:
Instructors will comment on each assignment. If you do not hear from the instructor within a few days of posting your assignment, please get in touch with them immediately.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR TEACHING THIS COURSE:
Brenda McKinney, CEO of Vancouver, WA based BrainVolution, is a developer and dynamic facilitator of workshops that teach practical thinking and learning tools for raising student achievement with the brain in mind. She has trained educators throughout the Pacific Northwest and is a popular presenter because of her ability to motivate, make things fun, and teach practical techniques for the classroom that can be used immediately. Brenda continues to read hundreds of books and articles on the subject of neuroscience and searches for the answer to success for every student. Her work with at-risk students and those with reading problems have made her a popular speaker at the state, regional and national level.
Brenda is able to synthesize the new research and continues to address the role of how to use the latest findings to create high achievement classroom. She brings 30+ years of experience at the elementary, middle school, high school and university level as a mentor teacher, consultant, motivational speaker, university instructor, and reading specialist. Brenda has her Master’s in Education from Washington State University and is nationally certified in Brain Based Learning through the renowned Jensen Corporation, led by Eric Jensen, a noted international spokesperson for neuroscience and education.
Brenda will inspire and motivate you with her energy, enthusiasm and knowledge. Her wisdom, techniques, and brain based approach to education will inspire you and challenge you to meet the demands of this ever changing world.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
POVERTY & THE BRAIN: Creating Emotional, Physical & Academic Success
Cushman, Kathleen. Fires in the Bathroom. Advice for Teachers from High School Students. The New Press, 2003.
The insights this book provides into what high schools are like, especially for kids in large city schools, are invaluable. Worth reading. The words of wisdom from these students would benefit any teacher from elementary school to high school and would benefit any teacher who needs a reminder of what to do or not do to have a productive mutually respected school year!
I liked this because the language was coming from the kids.
Howard, Tish and Sandy Grogan Dresser. Poverty is not a Learning Disability. Corwin Press, 2009.
This book focuses on the difference between students with disabilities and those who come from poverty situations. I appreciate the combined experience of the authors as they work to highlight what schools have done to be effective. The authors also point out that students of poverty may receive low test scores but adamantly insist on the intelligence of every student. An incredibly positive read and essential information to differentiate between students to provide maximum help and strategies for every student.
Jensen, Eric. Enriching the Brain: How to Maximize Every Learner’s Potential. John Wiley & Sons, 2006
I liked the blending of science and practical advice. Loved all the new scientific breakthroughs on enrichment; Jensen's passionate about this topic and that's really what makes the book work. The book gives the real scientific basis for how our brain becomes "enriched." Here Jensen makes a case for every student, in every school getting an enrichment program, and I can see why. Jensen tells you in clear, readable language, what happens to the brain if you do or don't enrich. I liked the chapters on how the gifted brain is different and why kids in poverty need enrichment as much as anyone. The more things you see that you can do, the more it opens your own eyes. There are good chapters specific for teachers and for parents. Highly recommended.
Tilteson, Donna. Why Culture Counts: Teaching Children of Poverty. Solution Tree Press, 2008.
Very comprehensive book. Recommended for education/sociology/race/poverty classes. Excellent for green teachers considering a position in the inner city or with a racial minority population that is impoverished. Provides solutions, blueprints, and examples to implement in the classroom that are research driven. Love it! I will use the book as a required text in my coursework.
US Department of Health and Human Services. (2006) Learning from nine high poverty, high achieving, Blue Ribbon schools. From www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2006/profiles.
Highlights the high achieving schools and provides a format for looking at what these schools are doing right.