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The BERC Group is an independent evaluation, research, and consulting firm focused on putting research into practice. Our mission is to skillfully gather, analyze, and use data to inform, inspire, and improve all learning organizations.

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PTL 101 Conference  SEATAC, WA | June, 2009

Day One

Educators from Washington and Missouri school districts were in attendance as we kicked off the June, 2009 Seattle Powerful Teaching and Learning Conference.

Dr. Duane Baker, President of The BERC Group, introduced us to Powerful Teaching and Learning and told the story of its conception. Scientific research and statistical analysis has shown that student-centered teaching that builds conceptual skills and knowledge, shows evidence of metacognition and personal reflection, is relevant to the learners and is supported by strong relationships enhances achievement in all students. This is Powerful Teaching and Learning.

The goal of the conference is to inform, inspire and improve our teaching practices. Understanding why Powerful Teaching and Learning is important and how to integrate it into lesson plans are key components to professional development. Through video simulations followed by collaboration and reflection, teachers gain hands on experience in how to look for Powerful Teaching and Learning. Questions we reflected on included:
  • What can I apply to my classroom?
  • What else did I want to see in this context?
  • What could we have seen given this context?
Communication among groups was open and constructive. The dialogue around Powerful Teaching and Learning elicited a high level of thinking.
  • "You need time to reflect."
  • "District focuses on more, not necessarily a higher cognitive demand."
  • "It makes sense. If I figure it out and can apply it, I can be a STAR!"
Early in the day of any conference can be daunting. There is a wealth of information and trying to gain personal meaning can be difficult. In this conference, however, the light bulb switched on quickly - you could feel the excitement level build among the attendees as Powerful Teaching and Learning hit home.

Day Two

Day Two of the Seattle Powerful Teaching and Learning conference was all about Professional Learning Communities. After focusing on personal practices in Day One we moved into team building because for lasting change to occur, we need support through strong professional relationships. Professional Learning Communities provide a trusting environment focused on improvement. The necessity for constructive relationships extends beyond colleagues and also includes administrators.

Essential questions for reflection today included:
  • What can we do to support each other in this area?
  • What is the importance?
  • Could we all, as a school, make sure the objective is known?
In Day Two, we also covered the necessity of environmental awareness and analysis. Do you have a positive relationship with your administrative staff? Is there an honest open-door policy for all staff?