Creativity, Assessment, and Learning in a Small School Classrooms
August 3 – 4, 2017
Project GRAD Kenai Peninsula (PGKP) organized and partnered with KPBSD to present a two-day professional development training and conference at Land’s End Resort on August 3-4, 2017.
Due to travel costs and logistics, it is difficult for teachers in these rural schools to attend national conferences where progressive ideas and productive networking can advance instructional practice and provide relevant insights and strategies. Because PGKP is committed to providing quality instructional and academic support to the seven K-12 schools it serves, Jane Beck, Executive Director, began exploring the possibility of bringing educational leaders to Homer to speak directly with teachers, principals, and district administrators.
In July 2016, Myron Dueck, author of Grading Smarter Not Harder and Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like a Pirate agreed to visit Alaska to share ideas for accurate assessment, feedback, and creativity in the classroom. Fifty-seven participants gathered for two days of insights and laughter for new ideas to engage students in learning. Teachers left feeling invigorated and inspired to develop rapport with students, tap into their passions, step out of the traditional learning in rows, and create classrooms where students are excited about their education and who receive valuable feedback on what they understand, know, and can do. Funding was provided by a US Dept. of Education Alaska Native Education grant and US Dept. of Education GEAR UP grant as well as a partnership with KPBSD.
Story contributed by Jane Beck
