Page 5 - Priorities #8 1997-98 Annual Report

four in fine arts, and one in physical education.
A few summer projects
supported other aspects of campus
life. Several student body officers
learned and practiced leadership
skills at a week-long conference.
Four faculty members/
administrators spent a week with
other educators from Pacific Rim
countries, discussing cultural
issues, use of technology, current
research in learning theory and
other common interests. Father
Maurus and Hovey Clark used
grant funds to lead a student trip to
Costa Rica, where they studied rain forest ecology.
The list goes on, but we will stop here. All participating faculty members made brief presentations to their colleagues at the first faculty meeting of the year. Teachers follow up with each other throughout the school year, so that the new skills and experiences eventually migrate into many classrooms.
“Traditionally, faculty development
has been designed by administrators.
Often, teachers have few choices
beyond the campus-wide inservice
program and subject-area conferences.
These are important but the Priory
goes one step beyond. Our professional development plan encourages our
teachers to think about their work
individually and creatively, based on
their individual skills and knowledge.
Projects with measurable ties to
classrooms in the next academic year
receive priority,’ said Holly Thompson, Academic Dean
Benedictine values challenge everyone to be aware
of both the needs of the community and the
uniqueness of the individual. St. Benedict also
believed that, for a teacher, example is more
important than words. Measured against these
traditions, the Priory’s professional development program provides an anchor for values as well as for 5 academic excellence.
fitness analyzer. Ms. Mason is also introducing a wide range of new teaching materials dealing with health and social issues pertinent to teen years - everything from conflict and stress management to human growth and nutrition.
• Algebra students already use graphing calculators, a tool that is fundamental to success in the higher math/AP classes. David Hafleigh and Nancy Newman have integrated additional skill building into their course materials.
• Art students are working with the disciplines of history, criticism, aesthetics and production (of a product) as a result of Cayewah Easley’s work over the summer. Ms. Easley also planned out new courses in ceramics and design. Last year, students learned to present slide lectures in their ceramics class. Building on their enthusiasm, Ms. Easley asked for and received a digital camera, a writable CD ROM drive and a flatbed scanner. Now students can archive their own materials and prepare professional-quality presentations. Check the Priory web site for a detailed article. (http:// www.woodsidepriory.com - click on Priorities Magazine: Arts and Technology Team)
• Physics students will extend their experience with computer-based interactive problem solving and lab work, as well as more Internet-based research. Paul Trudelle pioneered this area of science teaching with his eighth grade class last year. David Hall’s chemistry students will make use of a wide variety of technical instrumentation tools (see photo).
• The student yearbook, school newspaper and literary magazine have new production equipment and curricula. Faculty advisors are devoting extra attention to strengthening their student publications this year.
In all, eight grants were awarded to support curricular developments in science and math; five each in foreign languages, English and social studies;
Students who plan college majors in science will have an advantage if they understand complex, state-of-the-art measuring instrumentation. Chemistry teacher David Hall ordered several devices and has integrated them into chem lab work.
The ability to meet and greet, monitor success, express problems without blame, and structure a good discussion are essential academic skills. Mitch Neuger’s sixth graders practice them daily in class meeting. (They can now move their chairs in a circle in about 30 seconds. They know what contributes to a fast time. They plan ahead.).
—C.D.