1	ALEM, Learning Centers, and Incorporating the School Focus Presenter: Michael Ojeda William F. Halloran School #22 Elizabeth, NJ
2	Central Questions How can we use learning centers in our classrooms to bolster student learning? Which tools will help us to implement learning centers effectively? How can we infuse the school focus into our learning centers? Are there alternatives to the traditional models of learning centers? What questions do we have?
3	A word about teaching philosophy ... A teacher’s personal beliefs impact every aspect of his/her instructional practice. Before we begin, let’s think about our own visions of quality instruction.
4	Questions to consider ... How do students learn? What motivates students to learn and achieve? What do you want your students to know and be able to do? What type of climate will facilitate your student outcomes? What does effective instruction look like?
5	Understanding ALEM and CFL Abbott v. Burke and “whole school reform” The link between CFL and ALEM* Focus on individual student needs* Adaptive instruction* *Source: Wang, M. C. (1992). Adaptive education strategies: Building on diversity. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
6	12 Critical Dimensions of ALEM Record Keeping Diagnostic Testing Prescribing Monitoring and Diagnosing Interactive Teaching Instructing Motivating Developing Student Self-Responsibility Arranging Space and Facilities Creating and Maintaining Instructional Materials Establishing and Communicating Rules and Procedures Coordinating and Managing Support Services and Personnel
7	8 Tools of ALEM Classrooms Prescriptions Exploratories and Learning Centers Self-scheduling Boards Self-scheduling Forms Teacher Calls Work Folders Wait-time Folders/Activities Student Progress Charts
8	Previous experience with centers ... What previous experiences have we had with learning centers? How were they used? Why? What difficulties have we experienced with learning centers? How can they be used most effectively?
9	Sharing our work ... What did we think about these centers? Did they reflect the school focus? Were any of the centers leveled or differentiated? How? Could they be modified or improved? Comments on the classroom management tools?
10	Wrap-up Questions, comments ... Structure for tomorrow Have a great day!
11	Learning Centers - Day 2 Bring materials and share topics Develop curricular objectives Share objectives and discuss Make and take Share what we’ve done
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14	Points to consider ... Can the school focus be infused into your learning centers? Technology? What type of learning centers would reflect your teaching philosophy? Which classroom management tools will help you to implement your centers? What might your centers look like?
15	Questions, Feedback, etc. OJEDAMI@edu.elizabeth.k12.nj.us Phone: 908.436.4860, ext. 54012 Voicemail: 908.436.6130, ext. 21914
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