Photos and video of our graduate students and cooperating teachers participating in the Master Reading Teacher Institute at Houston Elementary. The Master Reading Teacher program is offered in cooperation with the Texas Reading Initiative with a goal of improving the quality of reading instruction in the state. The Institute has been designed with the major content learning goals identified by the Texas legislature (House Bill 2307) in creating the Master Reading Teacher Certificate. These learning goals include the development of teachers’: knowledge of reading instruction and assessment across age groups and developmental levels; appropriate use and interpretation of reading assessments that inform instruction; awareness of the performance standards intended to guide instructional planning and goal setting; knowledge of the relationships between primary and second language and how to build on these understandings; knowledge and use of the characteristics, qualities, and needs of students with reading difficulties; and, understanding of professional leadership skills involving mentoring, collaboration, and research. Those who successfully complete this program will be eligible to take the state examination for the Master Reading Teacher certificate. Program completion and passing this examination are two of the requirements for certification. Teachers who successfully complete all the certification requirements and teach on a “high needs” campus designated by the Commissioner of Education may be eligible for a $5,000 stipend.

2022 ONRAMPS SUMMER SERIES

Summer is here and a time for celebration and renewal! If you are an active district partner, whether a school administrator, counselor, principal, assistant principal, or instructional support staff member, and interested in earning Continuing Professional Education credit hours while going behind-the-scenes with OnRamps, we hope you will join us for our new Summer Series. From June 23 through July 20, 2022, we will host high-impact, bite-sized learning sessions that pull back the curtain on our courses, show the depths of a high-quality student experience, and offer key strategies for continuity of instruction and learning during times of transition. Each session is one-hour long, and no pre-registration is required. The series will culminate in the OnRamps Summer Symposium for new partners, which you are welcome to join, as well. Explore the sessions below and stay tuned for additional details on email.

SESSION OPTIONS

Nurturing a New Humanities Course: Implementing History and Rhetoric with Success

The OnRamps History and Rhetoric courses engage students in Team-Based Learning and Rhetorical Pedagogy as they acquire skills that serve them now and in multiple postsecondary experiences. What does the daily classroom experience look and feel like for your students and instructors? Learn about the student and Instructor experience and understand how you support students and teachers in a successful implementation in the first year and beyond.

Thursday, June 23, 10 - 11 AM CST or Thursday, July 14, 2 - 3 PM CST

The Power of Active Learning: Supporting OnRamps Precalculus and College Algebra

Take a deep dive into how we encourage students in OnRamps College Algebra and Precalculus courses to unpack mathematical definitions and make logical arguments with their peers. Learn how you can support Instructors and students through this transformative experience where they are empowered to develop problem-solving skills alongside their teacher. In this session, we will also specifically address strategies for implementing these courses with success for the first time on a campus alongside parents, students, and instructional support staff.

Tuesday, June 28, 2 - 3 PM CST or Wednesday, July 13, 10 - 11 AM CST   

From Student Registration to Earning Credit: The OnRamps Student Experience

OnRamps provides a unique and authentic college experience for our students to prepare them for the demands of college and the workforce. In this session, we will walk through the OnRamps student experience. From registration to completion of the course, we will highlight how, by removing barriers, our students are able to engage in the college experience, develop the academic and social-emotional skills needed to succeed in college and beyond, and upon completion of an OnRamps course, show that they are truly college and career ready.

Wednesday, June 29, 10 - 11 AM CST or Tuesday, July 12, 10 - 11 AM CST or Tuesday, July 19, 2 - 3 PM CST

Maintaining Continuity in the Student Experience During Instructor Transitions

Throughout the year there are times of transition that can result in teachers unexpectedly being absent from the classroom—despite their best intentions and aims to be working with students. The OnRamps staff can partner with your campus teams to support and facilitate instructor transitions during these times. As we look forward, join us to discuss the role of the teacher and how we navigate short- and long-term transitions to provide a sustained student learning experience and leave a positive impact on student outcomes.

Thursday, June 30, 2 - 3 PM CST or Wednesday, July 20, 10 - 11 AM CST