Author: Richard Gabriel

Secondary Math and MTSS: What is my best approach for Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions?

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     September 13, 2022
Time:     9:00am - 3:00pm  

Location: Lenoir Rhyne (Asheville Location, Room 314, 315)
Cost:     WRESA Members and Burke County staff: No Cost thanks to the Dogwood Trust
          Non-members  : $75     

Audience: 6-12 Math Teachers and Instructional Coaches
Credit:   5 Contact Hours

Want to have fun while feeling like you have accomplished your goals? Come to this day-long professional development to develop your plans as you support middle and high school aged students.

Morning will be all grade levels as we address a simple routine that will develop critical aspects of number sense and that can make a huge difference in just one year.  

In the afternoon we will break out into Middle school/High school groups.  Middle school will focus on games and routines that build understanding of fractional ideas across number systems. You will learn how to leverage whole number understanding to build rational number reasoning.  High school will focus on teaching linear algebra conceptually and in a way that makes sense to students. They CAN pass the Math 1 assessment. 

Our presenter will be Valerie Faulkner, a special education teacher, who developed a focus in mathematics while teaching middle and high school students in Durham, NC  and supporting K-12 teachers in Wake County. She is a co-writer of NCDPI Math Foundations and is currently a Teaching Professor at NC State University in the College of Education. Stacy Eleczko is currently a middle school mathematics teacher in Wake County. She has served as a K-5 math coach and intervention teacher.  Questions: Contact April Spencer at aspencer@wresa.org

REGISTER

 

Growing Up in A Digital Age – Three Award Winning Documentaries – One Day Virtual – June 2024

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
DATE:     June 12, 2024
TIMES:    Session #1   9:00am - 10:30am  "Screenagers Growing up in a Digital Age"
          Session #2  11:00am - 12:30pm  "NEXT CHAPTER" - Uncovering Skills for Stress and Resilience
          Session #3   1:00pm -  2:30pm  "UNDER THE INFLUENCE" - Adolescent Addiction

LOCATION: Virtual (Zoom)  An email will be sent at a later date with a link for each session 

Fee:      $25 WRESA Members
          $40 Non-members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at
lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change the 
name of the person attending.

Audience: Anyone who works with students 
CEUs: 1.5 Contact Hours for each Session (Sign up for one, two, or all three sessions)

Enjoy 3 award-winning documentaries! These are a “must-see” for anyone who works with or cares about kids! In these poignant and unexpectedly funny segments, you will find insight and solutions on how adults can empower kids to find balance and navigate the digital and addictive world that we live in. 

Join us VIRTUALLY! Sign up for one, two or all three.

Session #1:   9:00am – 10:30am “Screenagers -Growing up in a Digital Age”

The average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. Screenagers reveals how tech time affects student brains and learning and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.

Watch Trailer here: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers  

Session #2  11:00am – 12:30pm “NEXT CHAPTER” – Uncovering Skills for Stress and Resilience

This film deals specifically with stress, depression and anxiety in our current screen filled society and gives parents and schools surprising insights from brain researchers, psychologists and thought-leaders that reveal evidence-based ways to support mental wellness among our youth. 

Watch Trailer here:https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-next-chapter

Session #3   1:00pm – -2:30pm “UNDER THE INFLUENCE” – Adolescent addiction

 Exploring the latest research and learning more about the personal experiences of teens and families, the film highlights the changing landscape of the substances themselves, offering solutions for how we can best empower teens, as they face decisions about what they will and will not be influenced by.

Watch Trailer here: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-under-the-influence

 For additional information contact April Spencer aspencer@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

 

Where Do I Start? A Crash Course to Assist with Passing the Foundations of Reading Test

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     June 13, 2024
Time:     9:00am-3:00pm
 
Sessions: 9:00-12:00 Session
          1:00- 3:00 Individual time to study and ask the presenter questions

Location: WRESA
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206 
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-Members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at
lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change the 
name of the person attending.

Audience: Beginning and Lateral Entry Teachers 
CEUs:     None
What to Bring: Your own device

Description:

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Expand knowledge of the content covered on the Foundations of Reading Exam
  • Learn how to access study materials and resources
  • Examine and discuss sample questions from the practice exam
  • Work collaboratively to begin developing a study guide
  • Independently work through practice questions to access areas of strength and need

Presenter:
Allyson Scott just completed her third-year teaching 4th grade at West
Marion Elementary. She is passionate about helping students love learning
and finding new technology resources to use in the classroom. Outside of
school Allyson enjoys traveling, reading, and kayaking.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers  csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

Understanding Trauma Informed Strategies and Expanding Resilience in Our Schools

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     June 18, 2024
Time:     9:00am-3:00pm   

Location: WRESA
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206 
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-Members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you are welcome to send a
colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102)
if you need to change the name of the person attending.

Audience: Any K-12 Educator 
CEUs:     5 Contact hours
What to Bring: Your own device

Compassion Fatigue from students experiencing trauma is weighing on
the hearts and minds of educators. We are not therapists, so how can
we respond to provide the best educational experience to help our
children lean and heal? This one-day interactive workshop will give you
an overview of trauma and the effects it can have on our students. We
will explore adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the research
behind it, toxic stress and how our stress response system works, and
trauma’s impact on the brain. We will then go into resilience-building
strategies for schools and programs to consider as they work with
students.

Presenter: Brian Randall, from the NC Center for Resilience and Learning

If you have additional questions, contact April Spencer aspencer@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

WRESA Regional AIG Credentials Course

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     July 23 & 24, 2024
Time:     9:00am-3:00pm 
Type:     In-person  

Location: WRESA
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206 
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $85 WRESA Members Only

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you are welcome to send a
colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102)
if you need to change the name of the person attending.

Audience: K-12 Classroom Teachers, (Licensed AIG Specialists are welcome)
CEUs:     10 Contact hours
What to Bring: Your own charged device

AIG Coordinators across the NC Western Region have recognized the need for classroom teachers to understand the unique characteristics and needs of gifted learners.

In this 2-day course, teachers will review and understand their own district-specific Academically/Intellectually Gifted Services Plans. They will learn how to recognize the characteristics of gifted learners and understand their unique learning needs. Differentiation strategies for the regular classroom will be a focus and teachers will leave with tools for planning, working in PLCs, and using differentiation strategies in their classrooms.

Participants will receive a WRESA Regional AIG Credentials certificate. While it is important to note that this is not NC AIG Licensure, it will provide a practical level of knowledge and skill that will benefit gifted and advanced learners in classrooms across the region. These credentials will be recognized and accepted by the WRESA member school systems. Stephanie Knox, the AIG/Advanced Learning Lead Specialist for Buncombe County schools will be leading this workshop.

If you have additional questions, contact April Spencer aspencer@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

Early Planning for a Successful Retirement – July 2024

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     July 31, 2024
Time:     9:00am - 3:00pm

LOCATION: WRESA   
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206
          Asheville, NC 28806

FEE:      $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-members 

LIMIT:    40 Participants

This one-day session focuses on teachers/administrators who have taught 0 – 30 years and want assistance with critical retirement information and decision making before they retire.  This session will review the implications and repercussions of early-mid career decisions, laws, policies and processes, benefit options and investment plans.  Whether you are just starting your career or close to the end- you will learn how to maximize your benefits and be ready to make better decisions for the future. The workshop will be conducted by Woody Ayers, April Spencer and Deborah Rapetski.  You will leave the day tired, but much better informed.

If you have questions, contact April at aspencer@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

Supporting Students Who Are Exceptional

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     August 1, 2024
Time:     9:00am-3:00pm   

Location: WRESA
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206 
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $120 WRESA Members
          $200 Non-Members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at
lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change the name
of the person attending.

Audience: District EC Directors, Principals and Assistant Principals, Curriculum
Facilitators, and Instructional Coaches
CEUs:     5 Contact hours
What to Bring: Your own charged device

Do you support schools on the TSI list for a gap in performance for students with
disabilities? This opportunity is designed for you! In this one-day session, participants
will explore strategies for increasing student performance. Come ready to learn more
about scheduling, co-teaching and administrative practices that support achievement for
all students. Dr Jan King and Dr Alicia Tate from NCPeak will be your presenters for the
day.

If you have further questions, contact April Spencer aspencer@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTER

Where Do I Start? A Crash Course to Assist with Passing the Math CKT Test

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     August 7, 2024
Time:     9:00am-3:00pm
 
Sessions: 9:00-12:00 Session
          1:00- 3:00 Individual time to study and ask the presenter questions

Location: WRESA
          200 Ridgefield Ct, Suite 206 
          Asheville, NC 28806

Fee:      $45 WRESA Members
          $70 Non-Members

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you
are welcome to send a colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at
lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102) if you need to change the 
name of the person attending.

Audience: Beginning and Lateral Entry Teachers 
CEUs:     None
What to Bring: Your own device

Description:

By the end of the session, participants will:

  • Expand knowledge of the content covered on the Math CKT Test
  • Learn how to access study materials and resources
  • Examine and discuss sample questions from the practice exam
  • Work collaboratively to begin developing a study guide
  • Independently work through practice questions to access areas of strength and need

Presenter:
Allyson Scott just completed her third-year teaching 4th grade at West
Marion Elementary. She is passionate about helping students love learning
and finding new technology resources to use in the classroom. Outside of
school Allyson enjoys traveling, reading, and kayaking.

If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers  csellers@wresa.org

If you are unsure whether your school system is a WRESA member, click  WRESA MEMBER List.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON!

Exploring Plant Genetics – Aug 2024

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     August 28, 2024   
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center
          455 Research Drive
          Mills River, NC 28759
           
Cost:    Free and receive classroom materials/supplies to use in the future
Audience: K-12 teachers
Credit:   5 Contact Hours

The Mountain Horticultural Crops  Research and Extension Center is a 397-acre campus located just outside of Asheville and hosts a wide range of plant breeding programs. The Center has played a significant part in field research and numerous scientific achievements including the release of new varieties. Research is conducted on tomatoes, apples, ornamental landscaping crops, vegetables, peaches, biofuel crops, corn, soybeans, and even hops. The agricultural research projects continue to change to reflect the needs of our society and to address new challenges within the agricultural community of Western North Carolina. 

This one-day workshop will provide teachers with visits and interactions in the Research Station fields with faculty and graduate students involved with research on different varieties of plants. The morning will be filled with discussions, site visits, and activities exploring the research happening at Center. The afternoon will be spent in the classroom doing investigations related to the research and includes resources to take with you so you can implement in your classroom.

If you have questions about the workshop, contact Michelle Taylor at mtbenign@ncsu.edu. If you have questions about registration, contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org 

REGISTER

 

STEM to Your Doorstep – Aug 2024

Posted on by Richard Gabriel 
Date:     August 30th, 2024   
Time:     9:00am – 3:00pm
Type:     In-Person

Location: Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Ext. Center
          455 Research Drive
          Mills River, NC 28759
           
Cost:    $65 - WRESA Members
         $95 - Non-members 

**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you are welcome to send a
colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102)
if you need to change the name of the person attending.

Audience: K-12 teachers
Credit:   5 Contact Hours
What to Bring:  Your own device

K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers, what do you need to boost the STEM curriculum in your schools?  How about free access to technology, resources and lab materials for use in the classroom? Now, the real question is how can you make this happen? You can participate in a day of training presented by The Science House of NC State University. You will use MacBooks, LabQuests and various probes to explore science and math concepts. After the training session, you will be eligible to participate in the equipment loan program through The Mountain Satellite Office of The Science House. Participants will be trained on equipment use and equipment implementation through the use of grade level activities.

If you have questions about the workshop, contact Michelle Taylor (828-206-3014 / mtbenign@ncsu.edu).

If you have questions about registration, contact LaDonna Sluder at WRESA (828-774-5681 ext 102 / lsluder@wresa.org )

REGISTER