Southwest Educational Consultants, Inc.
Professional Development Resources Currently Available
Traditional Workshops
Currently offering One and Two Day Workshops through Heinemann Speakers Bureau on a variety of literacy topics including:
o The Reading Workshop: Creating Space for Interpretation, Dialogue, and Instruction
o Lessons in Comprehension: Expanding Instructional Practices in the Reading Workshop
o Talking Comprehension: Using Language to Expand Comprehension
o Visual Literacy: Strategies for Understanding Images
o The Role of Expository Texts in the Reading Workshop
o Building Capacity for Literacy Instruction
o The Writing Workshop: Creating Space for Writers and Writing Instruction
o Literacy Assessment: Coming to Know Children as Readers and Writers
On-Line Video Conferencing
Currently working with five school districts throughout the United States and Canada conducting monthly video conferences to support the instructional practices described in Around the Reading Workshop in 180 Days. These sessions run for 1.5 hours each month and include presentations of support material, and responding to participants questions. These video conferences are conducted through ichat or skype technology (free web based video software).
Lessons in Comprehensin Interactive E-Book (DVD)
In conjunction with Pearson Education Canada, an electronic version of Lessons in Comprehension (from Heinemann Publishers) has been developed. This E-Book contains a complete copy of the book and demonstrations of numerous lessons from the book, video clips of Dr. Serafini conducting workshop sessions, interviews with Dr. Serafini on a variety of literacy educational issues, and post-lesson interview sessions between Dr. Serafini and each demonstrations lesson teacher.
Lessons in Comprehension Facilitators Guide
A Facilitators' Guide to help faculty use the Interactive Electronic Book (DVD). This guide provides questions and observational suggestions for discussing and analyzing the Lessons in Comprehension contained in the Interactive DVD.
Seminars
Specially trained facilitators are available for monthly seminars on-site throughout the school year. These facilitators have worked with Dr. Serafini for years and bring a wealth of information to the Reading Workshop Seminars. Each seminar is designed to fit the needs of your educational setting.
Podcasts
A Reading Workshop Podcast is currently available through the itunes store. Each month a new 10-15 minute audio, video, or profcast session is added to the Reading Workshop Podcast.
Weblogs
A Literacy Workshop Blog is currently available for workshop participants through www.frankserafini.com. An additional blog is available for UNLV students through blogspot. Posted on the Literacy Workshop Blog are articles for reading and discussion and threaded discussions focusing on various educational issues.
Website Resources
Currently available at www.frankserafini.com are numerous instructional resources, booklists, professional resources, course syllabi, unit of study examples, and links to other web-based resources.
E-Mail Support at: frank@frankserafini.com
Currently, Dr. Serafini is available for e-mail discussions and response. Through his website, he fields @ 100 emails per week, offering support for teachers, literacy coaches, and teacher education students.
Graduate Level Literacy Courses
I am currently developing a series of 1 Credit course modules concerning various topics in Literacy Education. Topics include:
o Establishing Literate Environments: Physical and Social Dimensions of the Reading and Writing Workshop
o Organizing for Individualized Instruction
o Interactive Discussions
o Classroom Discourse and Interactions
o Literature Study Groups
o Comprehension Lessons in Action
o Literacy Assessment
o Literature in the Writing Workshop
o Expository Texts in the Reading Workshop
In conjunction with a University collaborative (being investigated), graduate credit will be made available for each module. The modules are self-directed, but will include feedback on each assignment completed. Readings will be required and weekly reflection journal entries will be submitted electronically.