Post on 29-Mar-2015
All-Boys Alternative ProgramAt Sir James Lougheed School
(June 2011)
Who am I?Dr. Garry Jones
• Teacher, 32 years – K, 1, 2, 5, 6.• Ph.D. in Elementary Education from University
of Alberta – “A Narrative Inquiry about a Male Elementary Teacher and the Shaping of his Identities” (Jones, 2001).
• English Language Arts consultant 2002-2005.• Principal of Rosscarrock School 2005-2011.
• Wrote 2 books of short stories about teaching: Crocus Hill Notebook and Crocus Hill Reunion, published by The Althouse Press.
• Research interests: boys and schooling, male elementary teachers, stories of how our gender shapes our experiences in the workplace.
The All-Boys Program:
Boys achieving their personal best!
• “Boy-focused” curriculum and instructional approaches to literacy• Inquiry based learning environments ‐• Broad based fine, performing and applied arts ‐ experiences • Wellness, physical fitness and athletic activity • Emphasis on student independence, leadership and
character development
(from CBE statement of principles)
• Opportunities for off campus study and interaction with community organizations, as well as mentorship with successful men
• Focus on innovation and research regarding male single gender education ‐
• Active, committed parent support
• Inclusion of students with mild/moderate/ gifted coding and ELL profiles
• School uniforms (from CBE statement of principles)
So how will it look?
Research indicates…
• Girls develop language skills earlier, use more complex language.
• Girls tend to read earlier and more girls read for pleasure.
• More boys require speech therapy, more boys in Special Education.
• Many boys are more active than girls.
Boys are physically active!
Boys need to move to stimulate the brain.
Physical activity:
• Boys come here expecting to move!• Daily physical activity.• Activity breaks during lessons.• At recess – play, walk, move!• Many teaching activities require moving.
Boys and literacy learning
Reading
• information texts • fiction -“edgy”, quirky, funny, adventurous• comics, graphic novels • digital environments• read for a purpose• broadened definition of text includes visual
and oral texts
Projects:
• Boys love projects.• Problem solving• Group process• Connect curriculums – for example language
arts outcomes through science
Boys are relational learners
• Boys learn best when they connect with staff, students and curriculum.
• Classroom teacher is key.• Goal – at least 50% men teachers.
Direct instruction:
• Demonstrations• Guided practice• Literacy groups• Math instruction• How to…• Daily guided reading
Uniforms
WEAR IT Inc.626 – 20A Street S.E, Calgary, AB T2C 0R3, Canada Tel. (403) 265-9200
• Blue sweater vest, tie, white shirt, white golf shirt, jeans, black shoes.
• Order from Wear It
Behavior management plan…
January 2009
Discipline policy
• CBE policy 6001• Classroom teacher and principal responsible• We work with students in school.• Bus is a privilege – I support the driver.• My line in the sand – refusing to cooperate
with staff, fighting, running away, hiding.• Last resort, call home.
Communication
• Website• Email• D2L for homework and communication with
classroom teacher• Very short printed newsletters
Communication
• Parent survey will be available in Survey Monkey in the fall.
• We send you the link.
How you can help:
• At home – participate in daily activities such as swimming, community teams, walking.
• Eat 3 meals.• Sleep.• Read every night.• Support our program
Advocating for boys
• We purchase books about boys for school library (for parents to sign out)
• Plan workshops or books studies for parents.• Guest speakers for parents.• PD for teachers in other schools about boys.
Thank you for your interest in our program
Dr. Garry JonesPrincipal