I like reading these bios. It is always nice to be introduced to people new to the group. Send stuff in if you are new to the group and haven’t done so already and maybe we can we can rekindle the bios. And don’t forget to put your pin on the map so we can know where you are:
https://benslavic.com/blog/put-yourself-on-the-map/
This bio from John Daley in MA speaks to how the Northeast CI community is just rolling along, with lots of networking and growing and energy:
Hello Ben,
I am in my second year of implementing TPRS and CI. I have been a public school teacher for 13 years now in the Boston, MA area and feel completely anew as the result of discovering this new way of life.
I have attended two of Blaine’s trainings and recently went to the http://www.nhawlt.org/conference this past weekend in NH and got to see then meet with Eric Herman. I will be observing him in the few weeks out on Martha’s Vineyard. I also have been trying to network with people in Eastern Mass. who are using CI/TPRS and haven’t hit the right vein yet. That is until now. I found Skip Crosby through the “moreTPRS” list serve on yahoo. We spoke via phone and he put me onto Eric Herman, who has been so helpful for me, the two of them are Great, the future would be limitless, If I didn’t have this thing called a curriculum to follow.
I need someone experienced in “playing the curriculum game” and can show me/ecplain to me how to appease administrators and then just shut the door and focus on acquisition.
We have been using ACTFL Proficiency guidelines for a couple of years now, I own the “Keys” book. My department did adopt the 6 theme model from ACTFL and I am tasked with having to show 6 Unit plans for each level I am teaching as part of my District Determined Measure (Goal).
I have a very supportive Dept. Head and is in favor of trying out new methods she is a follower of ACTFL.
Last year in using TPRS for the first time has proven to me that this is the way. My student’s writing by mid-year was like nothing I had ever seen before.
I have been following the Thread that Eric Herman started on Oct 9th on the ACTFL site and feel good about the points He, you and others have been making.
Who can argue with Data and there apparently is no such data, is Eric’s point, that shows that theme based curricula is the answer.
I spend too much time looking for Level specific Authentic “Stuff” for my Novice low-mid performers that I just want to do away with it honestly.
Just let me talk to the kids and use CI.
Above all I have discovered that I am looking into my students eyes and learning more about them and in turn am learning more about myself.
My 2 major issues right now in the classroom are:
1) I just want to get my learning curve up on TPRS/CI.
2) How to play the game with administration to make sure I am covering my butt!
3) Arm myself with Data and Knowledge and Experience so that I can defend my stance.
To thine own self be true. I can not deny the results I have had in such a short period of time.
The future looks great!
John