The Common Core Content Standards place an emphasis on non‐fiction reading in all subjects of grades 6‐8. In this workshop participants will learn to use Google Reader in combination with other Google and web‐based apps to incorporate quality topical non‐fiction reading into lesson plans. This technique will also aid in developing background knowledge to prepare students for assessment situations.

In this interactive institute we will uncover strategies for supporting students’ literacy development in Readers Workshop in the age of the Common Core. Standards based strategies will be explored for supporting students with multiple text structures and genres. Focused topics of study throughout the week include
making use of shared reading, implementing effective conferences, branching out to book clubs, and supporting the reluctant reader.

The technology standards in the Common Core Content Standards challenge students to address a social issue using technology that can be shared among an online community. In this workshop participants will learn to use Scratch, a free digital
storytelling tool, to meet this challenge while putting a technological spin on the writing
process. Only basic computer literacy skills required.

This two day workshop series will demystify the CCSS and offer practical, research‐based strategies to implement the Standards in mixed‐ability classrooms and focus instruction on the ultimate goal‐college and career readiness. Participants will examine the foundations of the Standards, including the anchor standards and major
instructional shifts in the CCSS, and gain a thorough understanding of how these changes impact teaching and learning. Three introductory two‐day workshops (K‐5, 6‐12 ELA, and 6‐12 Literacy in the Content Areas) will be offered. Sessions will be tailored to meet the needs of teachers in respective grade bands
and/or content areas. Each workshop will include an introduction to the Standards and address best practices to implement the CCSS in mixed ability
classrooms.

“Writing to Respond” is a two‐day computer lab exercise in learning how to praise yet constructively criticize; we will learn how to use suggestions aimed at improving student writing. Workshop participants will utilize the NWP@Rider blog and NWP E‐Anthology while honing the skill of responding to writing of various genres. The class is computer‐based, but the skills practiced are transferrable to the paper and pencil realm.

In this interactive institute we will uncover strategies for supporting students writing
development in Writers Workshop in the age of the Common Core. We will examine our own writing practices as a pathway for supporting our students. Throughout the week you will have the opportunity to develop your own skill as a writer while examining strategies for assessing and supporting student writing. Focused topics of study throughout the week include implementing effective writing conferences, supporting students writing mechanics, and motivating the reluctant writer.