For immediate release
August 10, 2000

Elementary teachers head "back to school"
for Summer Institutes

    This week, more than one hundred elementary school teachers have gone back to school in Trenton. This is the second year for the Summer Institutes offered through the cooperation of the local Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario and the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
    The two courses being offered in Trenton have attracted teachers from across Ontario. "Looking at the Kindergarten Program" provides teachers with practical suggestions for assessment and evaluation of student literacy. They are looking at learning opportunities and experiences to assist in the implementation of the new Kindergarten document put out by the Ministry. They are also participating in discussions of issues facing Kindergarten teachers such as growing class sizes, and full day versus half day programs.
    In "Teaching Math the Ultimate Way" teachers are looking at issues such as writing in Math class, the use of calculators, homework, reporting and the Education Quality Assessment Office testing. They are learning strategies to address those issues while participating in interactive hands-on activities such as a "Math Walk" in downtown Trenton.
The courses in Trenton are two of 89 Summer Institutes offered across the province for elementary teachers to enhance their teaching skills. They are voluntary programs, which have been developed by teachers, for teachers.
The Summer Institutes are running the week of August 8 to 11 (inclusive) from 8:30am to 2:00pm at Prince Charles Public School, 138 Dufferin Avenue, Trenton.
 

For information contact:
Elaner Pound, Curriculum Co-ordinator, 966-9491 ext. 2117.