Arkansas: A Six Region Journey - Crowley's Ridge

This course features an enrichment activity titled "Road Trip: A Virtual Journey to Crowley's Ridge," which teachers can implement in classroom instruction. In this section of the course, teachers will recognize that writing activities can provide a sense of purpose and bring meaning to student learning. Teachers will understand that writing from research about a geographical area can enhance student knowledge of that area. 

This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by ACA 6-17-703.

Arkansas's First People: Nations

As European explorers continue to cross the Mississippi River, out of the mysterious past of the mound builders, diverse, communal groups known as the Caddo, the Quapaw, and the Osage emerge in the mountains, valleys, and plains of Arkansas. In this course, the modern descendants of these great people explain their tribal views and cultures.

This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by ACA 6-17-703.

Arkansas: A Six Region Journey - Ozark Plateau

This video addresses Ozark culture, both its traditional form, and the one that is emerging in the 21st century. Explore the Ozark landscape, which is shaped by hollows and ridges, quickly falling streams, and relative isolation.

This course features an enrichment activity titled "Singing the Ozarks to Life: A Poetry Writing Activity." With this activity, teachers will understand how writing poetry supports learning in the content areas, how teaching students to write three basic format poems about the Ozarks enhances their knowledge of this region, and how using rubrics to assess poetry is a good way to assess for content and craft.

This course meets the scheduled Arkansas history requirement as set forth in the Rules Governing Professional Development and required by ACA 6-17-703.

A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the NGSS: A New Vision for Science Education

A Framework for K-12 Science Education identifies the key scientific ideas and practices students in all grades should learn. Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, Director for the Board on Science Education, introduces the frameworks as a new vision for science learning. She reviews the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), details the three dimensions, and presents data in support of the need for implementing these standards in the classroom.

This course was taped during the AAMLE annual conference on March 30-31, 2015.  

Scientific and Engineering Practices in the Classroom

A Framework for K-12 Science Education presents three dimensions that are combined to form each standard with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The first dimension, Scientific and Engineering Practices, is the focus for this course. Heidi Schweingruber, Ph.D., Director for the Board on Science Education, discusses how these practices help support learning in the classroom. Referencing data from Achieve, she identifies the shifts in science education and suggested techniques for implementation. 

This course was taped during the AAMLE annual conference on March 30-31, 2015. 

Crosscutting Concepts

Crosscutting concepts are in place to help students make connections across the different disciplines. Dr. Heidi Schweingruber, Director of the Board on Science Education, explains how these concepts are more than just a way to categorize activities; they exist to support and deepen student learning. She identifies the guiding principles for how these concepts should be used in the classroom and looks at the progression of complexity and sophistication across the grades. Having prior knowledge of the NGSS framework before taking this course is strongly encouraged.

This course was taped during the AAMLE annual conference on March 30-31, 2015. 

To the Stars and Back: Empowering Students with Project-Based Learning

Throughout history, people have always looked to space as a source of awe and wonder. We have strived to not only better understand our universe but also our place in it. Nettleton STEAM, a unique third through sixth-grade school in Jonesboro, Arkansas, continues this time-honored tradition of exploration and discovery by infusing STEAM and project-based learning into everything they do.  

STEM education is critical to developing innovative problem solvers and strengthening community partnerships. Nettleton STEAM is a Cognia STEM certified school where twenty-first century skills, service learning, and the arts are explored through project-based learning and makerspaces. Nettleton STEAM was granted the extraordinary opportunity to participate in a downlink with astronauts aboard the International Space Station in December of 2020. In this course you will learn how educators at Nettleton STEAM use project-based learning through the lens of the International Space Station themed projects created around this event.

Family & Community Engagement: Inviting Caregivers & Community Partners Into School

It is vitally important that we take deliberate, intentional steps toward creating a collaborative network of support for our students. Becoming partners in our advocacy for educating the whole child influences student success and strengthens relationships throughout the community. In this course, parental involvement consultant Dave Shepard introduces steps educators can take to invite caregivers into the daily operations and activities of schools. Melissa Dunbar-Gates moderates discussions on broadening the definition of parental involvement toward a more inclusive, community-based definition that encompasses all types of caregivers.

This course meets the family and community engagement requirements of ACA 6-15-1703.

From Extra to Essential: Family Engagement in Arkansas Schools

Today’s classrooms are filled with children of many ethnicities, cultures, and languages. To fully support our students, we must tap into the range of assets, experiences, and perspectives within our families and communities. Research shows us that when schools, families, and communities work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and enjoy school more. What are we doing in Arkansas to co-create with parents, guardians, and invested community partners in our students’ development, wellness, and learning? 

In this course, host Alyson Courtney and Arkansas Department of Education’s Freddie Scott take us on a tour around the state and through the Essentials of engagement. These Essentials are: Communication, Equity, Safe and Friendly Schools, Innovation, Leadership and Support, and Partnerships and Relationships.

This course meets the family and community engagement requirements of ACA 6-15-1703.

My Child, My Student: Parents and Teachers Communicating - Reducing Chronic Absenteeism

This course features Jonathan Crossley, 2014 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. Mr. Crossley discusses chronic absenteeism and suggests strategies that teachers can use to help students be successful. In addition, Mr. Crossley addresses the underlying meaning of chronic absenteeism and why it matters. He also offers suggestions for teachers as they communicate with parents about the importance of regular school attendance among students. 

This professional development session was recorded on October 23, 2014 at the AETN studios in Conway, Arkansas.