Regardless of school size and resources, advanced and gifted students can and should thrive. The trick lies in the design of program. Too many advanced, dual credit, honors, G/T, pre-AP, AP, and ACT/SAT prep classes are designed to fit the “average” student and focus on students’ weaknesses.
thinkbig
The Language of Science: Vocabulary Strategies for All Learners
Do you need effective, interactive ways to help all students with academic vocabulary? This training is a blend of current research and practical strategies to promote vocabulary acquisition for all learners and scaffold learning and deeper thinking through intentional vocabulary instruction and support.
Integrating Literacy in the Science Classroom with Active Reading
We know that reading comprehension is a critical skill in understanding science content, but how can we help develop literacy skills as science teachers? With upcoming changes to STAAR, students’ ability to read critically and write about science topics becomes even more important.
Promoting Relevancy and Engagement in Science
As learners, we naturally crave to know more about the world around us. When we connect student learning to real-world phenomena, student interests and experiences, and current events, we can foster authentic engagement in the classroom.
Promoting Visual Literacy in the Science Classroom
Our students live in a world that is saturated with visual images. Being able to analyze and interpret photos, diagrams, graphs, illustrations, and other visuals is critical to students’ understanding of the world around them.
Building Critical Thinking Classrooms
How can we encourage all of our students to think deeper and more critically? Asking good questions, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions are crucial skills for success in the science classroom. In addition, cultivating strong reasoning skills is so important for 21st century learners.
Fostering Student Success on STAAR Redesign
STAAR will be shifting towards more innovative, interactive item types with less emphasis on traditional multiple-choice assessment. Participants in this engaging session will not only learn about new item types, but also how to use strategies that prepare students for the level of thinking and skills needed to be successful on the new STAAR.
Speaking of Science: Promoting Academic Conversation
How do we empower all students to speak with confidence in our classrooms? Current research is clear on the benefits of getting students talking about the content. It helps our students become better readers and writers, has a significant impact on retention and prepares them for the real world!
Think Big Learning Biology EOC STAAR Blitz
Need engaging ways to review for the Biology EOC? This 6-hour session models rigorous, interactive formative assessment activities that address all readiness standards and prepare students for success on the EOC! Participants will leave with digital copies of the activities that can be used to check for understanding, not only before the STAAR, but throughout the year as well.