Parents can attend education workshop
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on July 22, 2007 2:00 AM
A free workshop next month to address teaching and learning needs in the public schools will also feature a component for parents.
Wayne County Public Schools' second annual Curriculum and Instruction Summer Institute will be held Aug. 7-9 on the Wayne Community College campus.
This year's theme will be "Mission Possible -- Future Ready Students." Educators and school staff, as well as parents and the public, will be able to choose from an estimated 75 presentations during the three-day event.
Among the topics covered will be such content areas as reading, writing, and science, exceptional children, legal issues, English as a second language, family engagement, classroom management and technology.
Dr. Sandra McCullen, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction, is encouraging parents to participate in this year's event.
"It's a way to keep parents informed about the procedures and policies that Wayne County Public Schools uses and the changes that are coming down from the state and national level," she said. "It will help them understand what it takes for them to be prepared for the 21st century, the kinds of skills they need to enter the workforce and to enter college."
Keynote speaker will be Kathy Taft, a member of the N.C. State Board of Education, primary author of the High School Reform and Future-Ready Students effort, Dr. McCullen said. She will be speaking on Aug. 7.
Beth Howard of Onslow County, Southeast Regional Teacher of the Year, is scheduled to speak on the event's theme on Aug. 9.
Vendors will also be on hand with an array of books and teaching materials.
Educators can receive reading and technology credit for attending sessions, Dr. McCullen said. All new teachers to the district will be required to attend, while it is optional for veteran teachers.
Last year's workshop drew 450 participants, she said.
"The purpose of the summer institute is to give our teachers a motivational event -- prepare them for another school year, keep them abreast of policies and procedures and the skills that they need to teach the students," she said.
Registration in advance can be done on-line at the schools' Web site, www.waynecountyschools.org or by calling the central office at 731-5900.