October 9, 2006 Volume 11, Issue 2

Yale Adventure Renée Heinlein

This past summer several of my colleagues and I traveled across the county to New Haven, Connecticut to participate in a Literacy Training hosted by Yale University. The highlight of the trip—other than spending a lot of quality time with members of my department—was my introduction to Kylene Beers. A truly gifted speaker, Kylene inspired my colleagues and I to try something different this year, in both our vocabulary and literature programs at the school.

Kylene pointed out that most vocabulary instruction is simply overwhelming for second language learners. Despite the fact that our students have lower vocabulary banks upon which to draw, Kylene insisted that quality was better than quantity. Rather than teach ten or twenty words each week, limit the number to five. Introduce the words two weeks prior to instruction by using them in normal conversations with students.

This made a lot of sense, not only to our team of Yalies, but our entire staff. We begin with announcements, pronouncing the word fo the day with its meaning and use in a sentence. Then all teachers on our staff have agreed to use the five words during the two week prior to instruction. During the second week, an additional five words are being used. Most teachers do not have to give definitions, or hold students accountable for using and understanding the words. All they have to do is use the words when communicating with their classes. Then ELA teachers use graphic organizers to instruct students in the meaning and usage of the words of the week.

We’re hoping our vocabulary instruction will ease some of the struggles our students encounter with academic texts. We couldn’t be attempting this type of program without a big assist from every teacher on our staff. But most of all, a special thank you to my fellow Yalies, who gave up a week of their summer to improve literacy at Pajaro Middle School.
Robert O’Brian, Renée Heinlein, Mayo Ruiz, Valerie Cypert, and Aimée Hobson attended.

Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendar

• October 9, 2006 General Membership Meeting is in The Board Room (Eiskamp Building at the District Office) from 4:30-6:30pm—Agenda includes: Upcoming Elections, NCLB, and PVFT Endorsements.
• October 17, 2006 AMAE (Association of Mexican American Educators) is holding a PVUSD Trustee’s Candidate Forum at the Watsonville City Council Chambers from 6pm—8pm. Open to entire Community.

*Teacher Alert*

As our society becomes more and more litigious with lawyers dominating the scene, teachers need to understand what to do if an attorney contacts them and demands information, written documentation, etc. This may arise due to custody battles, immigration issues, or even criminal charges against parents or colleagues. First of all, take a deep breath and do not panic. Unless there is a subpoena, you are not required to do anything.

If an attorney, or any governmental agency, contacts you and wants your testimony in any form, contact your principal and the union immediately. The district and the union have attorneys on retainer to handle these types of issues. Do not do anything until you have been directed by the district and/or union leadership. We trust our attorneys to protect your rights when dealing with these complicated issues. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a court battle that has little to do with you.

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