OWL Virtual Symposium- June 2020

Join a new, dynamic, virtual professional development experience where you will learn to implement a proficiency based, student-directed learning environment. The four day experience focuses on the whole teacher and student through Social and Emotional Learning practices, an emphasis on social justice and building community in the classroom, experiential learning of OWL methods and strategies, implementation of an immersive environment, and the role of multiliteracies. 

The OWL Virtual Symposium connects teachers from all different backgrounds and range of experiences. OWL values center around authenticity and equity and recent events have brought a renewed awareness of the necessary work of antiracism. We will be looking at OWL practices and strategies through that lens, while self-reflecting on our own actions and roles, and demonstrate how OWL strategies promote an environment of acceptance and being seen, which are powerful tools to educate the next generation.

If you are wondering how to tackle either a virtual or hybrid classroom, the week itself is structured as an OWL virtual classroom, where you will experience effective strategies that you can apply to your learning environment, whatever that may look like. The opportunities for relationship-building throughout the week take you to a higher level of collaboration and connection with colleagues. During the Symposium, participants receive multiple layers of interaction; with live webinars, special selections, chat groups, provocative prompts, meaningful reflections and resources. As you journey through the week, you will develop your own take on the information and strategies, and work to make it your own.   

The Symposium is composed of 6 important modules:

Whole Teacher (Morning session)

Language Experience (Morning session)

Equity, Social Justice and Antiracist Work (Day 2 afternoon and woven throughout)

Proficiency (Day 1 afternoon and woven throughout)

OWL Strategies & Techniques (Morning and Afternoon Strands)

Specialty Strands (Days 2-4)

All of these sessions work together to create a holistic, comprehensive four days, where you choose the experience you want to have. It is all woven together through our main focus on community and the supportive power of relationships. You will have opportunities to interact with teachers in your specific strands, as well as through the modules above. Through our social platform, each one of you will make connections and build relationships that will last long past the Symposium, since you will leave with a variety of post support as well: a one-on-one accountability partner, and regional, national, and international support systems. This innovative OWL event creates a confident, whole-hearted teacher who is ready to dive into an authentic and immersive environment with their students. It truly is a connected experience: one you won’t want to end.

 

 

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Schedule of Events

*All times are given in PST/EST and each session is 50 minutes long 

Day 1

• Virtual Symposium Begins
• The materials are provided for you (delivered via email and available online) to explore and apply at your own pace.
• Introduce yourself on our community online platform
• 1/4pm pm Learn about proficiency and the ACTFL levels with examples, connects to skills-based and mastery expectations for subject area teachers. In a pre-recorded webinar format. 
• 4/7pm LIVE for Opening Ceremony 

Day 2

• 8/11am  LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and experiencing a target language circle. 
• Continue to work with provided materials at your own pace.
• Share on posted prompts + interact with other group members  in the community group.
• 10am/1pm LIVE Webinar in level-specific strands. 
• 1/4pm Small Group Session*
  • OWL at the Novice level (additional cost)
  • OWL at the Intermediate and Advanced (additional cost)
  • OWL for Heritage Speakers (additional cost)
  • OWL for all Subjects (additional cost)

• 2/5pm Small Group Session*
  • Games and Activities for Language Growth (additional cost)
  • Games and Activities for Subject Area Teachers (Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.) (additional cost)
• 3/6pm Live Webinar in level- specific strands. 
• 4/7pm Community Forum on Equity, Social Justice & Antiracist Work 

Day 3:

• 8/11am LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and a language circle at NM-IL range. 
• Continue to work with provided materials at your own pace.
• Share on posted prompts + interact with other group members  in the community group.
• 10am/1pm LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands. 
• 1/4pm Small Group Session:
  • Assessment and Feedback for Language Teachers – (additional cost)
  • Assessment and Feedback for Subject Area Teachers – (additional cost)
• 2/5pm Small Group Session
  • Curriculum Triangle: Effective Planning for Language Teachers  – (additional cost)
  • Curriculum Triangle: Effective Planning for Subject Area Teachers – (additional cost)
• 3/6pm LIVE Webinar in level-specific strands. 
• 4/7pm Virtual Happy Hour

Day 4

• 8/11am LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and a language circle at IM-AL range. 
• Continue to work with provided materials at your own pace.
• Share on posted prompts + interact with other group members in the community group 
• 10am/1pm LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands. 
• 12:30/3:30pm Small Group Session
  • Virtual or Social Distancing Engagement for World Language Teachers – (additional cost)
  • Virtual or Social Distancing Engagement for Subject Area Teachers – (additional cost)

• 2/5pm  LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands. 
• 3/6pm LIVE for Closing Ceremony

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The OWL Virtual Symposium is personalized and scaffolded to fit goals at various levels. There are level-specific strands, based on participants’ previous experience with proficiency and the methodology.

 

Green Strand

Designed for teachers new to OWL. Whether proficiency is new to you or you have been teaching with proficiency for many years, this strand allows you to explore and examine your current practice, while diving in to proficiency-based, student-directed OWL strategies. Teachers will leave with new techniques and ideas for high student engagement and the ability to create a positive space for language acquisition. Could have previously attended a conference session or a Visitation Days for this strand. 

 

Blue Strand 

This strand is designed for participants who want to develop systems to support proficiency-based learning. Through further exploration of the strategies & techniques introduced in prior OWL training, we go deeper into how to create a space for acquisition. Prerequisite: Attended an OWL Foundations workshop. 

 

Orange Strand 

Designed for the teacher who is seeking collegiality and support systems, this strand encourages reflection of practice and collaboration of ideas. By discussing the elements of proficiency-based practice, participants utilize effective teacher discourse to move forward in their practice. Prerequisite: Attended an OWL Foundations and Application workshop and/or 2+ years implementing OWL strategies. 

 

All Subjects Strand

This strand is designed for teachers of any subject including Math, Science, Social Studies, English and beyond. This strand will focus on the OWL values and strategies in your subject area, such as helping students feel fearless in your class, being willing to take risks and fostering a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation. The content is proficiency and skills-based, guiding students towards mastery of the subject.

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What’s Included

The OWL Virtual Symposium includes:

• All online materials: videos, webinars, printable prompts and questions pages, printable Whole Teacher reflection, and printable resources along the way
• Access to two Live Webinars daily with inspiring and informative facilitators
• Mail delivered goodie bag as a thank you for being part of the Virtual Symposium.

To Further Enhance Your Experience

• Participants may choose to enhance their Symposium experience with our small group sessions on theme specific content at an additional $20 per session.
• Participants may take advantage of half hour one on one consultations with a member of the OWL facilitation team at an additional $30 per session. Topics can include: school specific dilemmas and challenges, feedback of a previously recorded classroom session, question and answer, and many more!
• Participants can purchase additional OWL resources to further aid in your implementation of a proficiency-based classroom at a discounted rate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need social media accounts to participate?

No! We’re using a community based platform that allows you to engage with fellow participants without the distraction of a feed.

If I live internationally, can I participate?

Yes! You will be charged additional for shipping of the resource materials. With questions, reach out to [email protected].

If I cannot attend a live session, will I be able to experience the Symposium?

Yes! All live webinars will be recorded for your perusal when is convenient for you.