September 23, 2008
One Thousand Archdiocese of Philadelphia High School Teachers Gather to Discuss "Understanding and Educating the 21st Century Learner
Unique In-Service Program Highlights Innovation in Curriculum, Social Networking and Neurobiological Learning Patterns
PHILADELPHIA (September 23, 2008) - 1000 high school teachers from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's twenty Catholic high schools will gather at Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, Chester County, at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24 to participate in a day-long in-service program entitled "Understanding and Educating the 21st Century Learner." Speakers and workshops will address numerous topics associated with the unique qualities of today's student, including neurobiological differences in learning patterns, the growing influence of social networking and technology on young people, and the standardization of curriculum, instruction and assessment in Archdiocesan classrooms.
Two
nationally recognized education experts are scheduled to present on
groundbreaking trends and scientific guidelines for improving the
learning process of modern students. Jim Warford, Executive Director of
the Florida Association of School Administrators and a member of the
International Center for Learning and Education, will deliver a keynote
address entitled "Bringing Rigor and Relevance Framework to Reality in
Our Classrooms." The Rigor and Relevance Framework was developed by the
International Center for Learning and Education to provide a means of
designing effective curriculum, measuring individual learners' progress
and ultimately delivering a more meaningful educational experience to
the student.
Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a clinical neurologist and adjunct associate
professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburg School
of Medicine and also a member of the International Center for Learning
and Education will present on how best to work with individual students
based on the mental learning processes inherent to that child.
Additionally, attendees will hear from Dr. Nussbaum on the importance
of ongoing brain health for adults and various methods of maintaining
sharp reasoning, memory and communication skills throughout life.
Afternoon workshops will highlight best practices among the
Archdiocesan high schools for connecting with 21st century learners,
including blogs and other social networking content tools like "wikis",
and digital video production. Dr. Ellen M.E. Wedemeyer, Assistant
Superintendent for Special Education, will present to the group on how
best to reach the struggling learner with advanced technology methods.
"Students
today are dramatically different than they were thirty years ago. Even
the last three years have brought about changes in technology and
communication that create new opportunities for educators," said Nancy
Caramanico, Director of Technology K-12 for the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia's Office of Catholic Education. "Even email is too slow
for today's young people. They can easily multi-task, they place a high
value on interactive learning, and they are better equipped than any
previous generation to learn independently. Web-based learning tools
are teaching them to collaborate with their peers in new ways."
"It's an exciting time for educators everywhere," Carol Cary, Director
of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction for the Office of Catholic
Education. "The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is committed to keeping up
with and even anticipating these trends for the 80,000 students we
serve in our schools."
For more information about the 182 parish and regional elementary
schools, 20 high schools and five schools of special education in the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit www.KeepingFaithinMind.org.
ABOUT THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, celebrating its Bicentennial in 2008,
has 270 parishes serving almost 1.5 million Catholics. Currently there
are 182 parish and regional elementary schools, 20 high schools and
five schools of special education in the Archdiocese, located
throughout Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia
counties.
Contact
Meredith Wilson
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747