- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Arkansas Students Participate in First MT Stage: Expressions Program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

John Hill — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 13:23:39 +0000

Dozens of Arkansas students honed their musical theatre talents and skills during the first MT Stage: Expressions summer enrichment program held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education hosted the summer program June 13-17 for junior high students who have a passion for musical theatre. The program was provided at no cost to participants thanks to a $15,000 Academic Enrichment for the Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) grant from the Arkansas Department of Education. “The camp was extremely successful in that we were able to quickly establish a sense of community, a sense of teamwork, and a sense of belonging through our leaders who are experts in their fields,” said Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “The children were enthusiastic, and the leadership team was equally enthusiastic. We all had a common love of performance and musical theatre. That was the glue and the spark behind our program.” MT Stage: Expressions! is designed to nurture young, aspiring performers while building self-confidence through teamwork and talent exploration. During this five-day program, participants partnered with Expressions! coaches for team-building exercises and engaged in workshops focused on lyric performance, stage performance, photography, and song expression. Guest speakers included Rocky Gray, a musician and recording artist, Shay Rafferty, a theatre and stagecraft teacher at Little Rock Southwest Magnet High School, and Ben Krain, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock photographer. The participating students include Madilynn Anderson, a 7th grader from Ward; Jaylin Barry, an 8th grader from Little Rock; Michaela Brown, a 7th grader from Little Rock; Chloe Cadzow, a 7th grader from Haskell; Jonathan Carson, a 7th grader from Cabot; Arianna Cartwright, a 7th grader from Little Rock; Will Daniels, an 8th grader from Little Rock; Xoe Hawkins, a 7th grader from Alexander; Khylee Houston, a 7th grader from Little Rock; Gavin Kohrs, a 7th grader from Austin; Maddie Lee, an 8th grader from Maumelle; Braden Lisowe, an 8th grader from Benton; Addison Lumpkins, an 8th grader from Benton; Jessyca Maeweather, a 9th grader from Little Rock; Kaitlyn McKissick, a 7th grader from Conway; Alyvia Moore, a 7th grader from Cabot; Marshall Morrow, an 8th grader from Springfield; Vasily Nedosekin, an 8th grader from Little Rock; Ashton Parker, a 7th grader from North Little Rock; Sydney Phillips, a 7th grader from Little Rock; Abigail Schlup, a 7th grader from Booneville; Zoe Simon, a 7th grade from Cabot; Isabella Simoneaux, a 7th grader from Bryant; Ava Tillery, a 9th grader from Alexander; Brook Walton, a 7th grader from Austin; and Ella Zitzer, an 8th grader from Maumelle. On June 17, the students had the opportunity to shine in a student showcase that included “Sprechgesang” (speaking lyrics), singing, rapping, and student-photographic works. Students also performed original choreography to “Surface Pressure” from “Encanto” as well as “You Will Be Found” from “Dear Evan Hansen.” “It was a very meaningful experience,” Deitz said. “After three years of not being able to work with students in person, it was extremely meaningful for the instructors to come back to campus. Our students were so excited, it was like catching fire throughout the week. I’m very proud of the children for attending the program and the parents who made sure the children arrived on time. I’m grateful to the university for creating the space for us, and I’m grateful to the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education for funding our program.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Will Provide Free Summer Enrichment Program in Musical Theatre for Junior High School Students with ADE Grant

John Hill — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 12:41:32 +0000

The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education will host a week-long summer enrichment program for Arkansas junior high school students who want to learn more about musical theater and stage performance. The program is provided at no cost to students who are selected to participate. MT Stage: Expressions! is designed to nurture young, aspiring performers while building self-confidence through teamwork and talent exploration. The new summer enrichment program is funded by a $15,000 Academic Enrichment for the Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) grant from the Arkansas Department of Education. The Jodie Mahony Center is accepting applications for current students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Those selected will participate in the week-long summer program that takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13-17 at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “I am particularly excited about Expressions! The program is designed to nurture stage presence and speaking confidence in young talent,” said Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “Amazing, talented adults, who are skilled at supporting budding talent, will use contemporary and classic lyrics and poetry to inspire youthful expression. MT Stage: Expressions! is a program that will truly be enjoyed by children who find themselves humming a catchy tune, thinking about lyrics, and who would like to gain confidence in working with others in a performance-based program.” During this five-day program, participants will partner with Expressions! coaches for team-building exercises and engage in workshops focused on lyric performance, stage performance, photography, and song expression. The program concludes with a cast and ensemble showcase performance featuring “Sprechgesang” (speaking lyrics), singing, rapping, and student-photographic works on June 17. From 2017 to 2019, the Jodie Mahony Center held the popular “MT Stage: The Hamilton Experience” summer program, where students produced and performed songs based on “Hamilton,” the popular hip hop Broadway musical. The musical theater summer program is now back with a new program after a two-year absence due to COVID-19. “The Mahony Center has a long history in providing programs to children and adolescents,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “We aim to encourage creativity, develop talents, and provide a place where our young people can try out new performance ideas together with caring adults. MT Stage: Expressions! continues our campus and community service. We are delighted to be back to face-to-face programs in 2022!” Participants may fill out an application via this link. Applications are due May 13.

Gifted and Talented Educators Recognized for Contribution to Research for Gifted and Talented Low-Income Students

John Hill — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 14:25:19 +0000

A gifted and talented education professor and alumnus have been honored for their part in a book that discusses how to identify and help gifted and talented students from low-income households. Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and Dr. Monica Meadows, a two-time ��Vlog��ý Little Rock graduate who is a gifted and talented facilitator for Pulaski County Special School District, wrote a book chapter in the 2020 book “Unlocking Potential: Identifying and Serving Gifted Students from Low-Income Households,” edited by Tamra Stambaugh and Paula Olszewski-Kubilius. The National Association for Gifted Children selected the book for the 2021 Book of the Year Award in the Scholar Category. The award was created to recognize excellence in books published in gifted and talented education. Meanwhile, the Scholar Category recognizes books that offer an advanced understanding of contemporary research on gifted persons and gifted education. “The book as a whole talks about unlocking the potential of gifted and talented students from low-income backgrounds,” Meadows said. “The goal of the book deals with evidence-based identification practices, tools, and strategies for finding low-income gifted students and how to support their needs. It’s looking for kids who are often overlooked in the identification process for gifted and talented students.” The NAGC Publications Committee oversees the annual Book of the Year Awards, and every book that is submitted is reviewed by several members who bring expertise to a specific area: scholar, practitioner, or parent/caregiver. All of the winners will be recognized during the National Association for Gifted Children ceremony in November. “These outstanding publications exemplify NAGC’s commitment to promoting research-based books that aim to develop all our gifted and talented children. Trustworthy and comprehensive books such as these will greatly benefit our parents, teachers, and communities as they work diligently to meet the growing needs of their gifted learners,” said Lauri Kirsch, NAGC Board President.

Dr. Monica Meadows presents her research on gifted and talented research at a conference.

Meadows’ and Robinson’s chapter in the book offers educators and parents instructional strategies to identify and motivate gifted students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “The chapter Dr. Robinson and I wrote includes instructional strategies for low-income students in the STEM fields,” Meadows said. “We incorporated a lot of examples from evidence-based programs that have data to back them up for kids from low-income households. The STEM fields offer a great way to spot kids that have exceptional abilities, especially kids whose talents may get overlooked in the core subjects.” A first-generation college graduate, Meadows holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Central Arkansas. Additionally, she earned a Master of Education degree in gifted and talented education and a Doctorate of Education in educational administration and supervision with an emphasis in gifted and talented education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.

Deitz becomes National Association for Gifted Children Board Member

John Hill — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:04:38 +0000

Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Children at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has been elected as a state representative to the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) Board of Directors, the largest advocacy association focused on the needs of talented children and adolescents in the U.S. Through education, advocacy, community building, and research, the NAGC aspires to help individuals who work to improve the growth and development of gifted and talented children. “Serving the children, their families, and educators of our state has prepared me for the national position,” said Deitz. “My chief role and responsibility at the state level was to advocate for all children to develop their gifts and talents, and now I will be able to do that at the national level.” Deitz is one of 15 elected board members with the responsibility to read and research current issues, engage deeply in conversations, and help the board reach a consensus on issues that impact children. She also has volunteered for the NAGC Conference Committee, where she previously attended for over 20 years, to ensure equal representation and inclusiveness. Upon leaving the Little Rock School District as the secondary coordinator for gifted services, Deitz is currently a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock faculty member going on six years in the Jodie Mahoney Center, where they work alongside the School of Education to help teachers obtain their gifted and talented licensure. “The University of Arkansas Little Rock is very fortunate to have a national leader in gifted, creative, and talented education on our campus at the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Children and past NAGC president. “Dr. Deitz has recently completed her term as the president of our state organization, Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education, and is now joining the board of directors of the National Association of Gifted Children. She brings creativity, diplomacy, and keen insight to her new role as an NAGC Board member. To be sure, we appreciate her here in Arkansas, but it is also very gratifying to know that her superb leadership and her gracious collegiality are recognized across the country.” Deitz has been actively involved in NAGC since she began as a graduate student here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. She has frequently presented at the national conferences, served as the chairperson for NAGC’s Middle Grades network, and wrote many articles on gifted education. She won the A. Harry Passow Classroom Teacher Award in 2007 and was named Doctoral Student of the Year in 2013 by NAGC. Along with her career, she served as the president of Arkansas for Gifted and Talented Education organization for two years from 2018-2020. The nationally recognized advocate’s success was no small feat running against two other well-qualified applicants and now, thanks to her, Arkansas will have a voice at the national level. Deitz’s first aim is to engage and network with the 47 states who have NAGC affiliate memberships in meaningful conversations and to support the affiliates in reaching their goals. “I’ve been in gifted education for most of my teaching career and having the opportunity to serve at the national level is truly an honor,” said Deitz. “I’m thankful to NAGC’s membership for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.” Deitz received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. She completed her master’s degree in gifted education and a doctorate in education leadership with a co-emphasis in gifted education from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock has played a critical role in shaping my professional career,” said Deitz. “I’ll carry my Trojan spirit with me as I take on my new leadership responsibilities with NAGC.”

Robinson Awarded A. Harry Passow International Award for Leadership in Gifted Education

John Hill — Fri, 16 Jul 2021 15:49:46 +0000

Dr. Ann Robinson, distinguished professor of education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, has been honored for her dedication to serving and advocating for gifted children around the world.�� The World Council for Gifted and Talented Children awarded Robinson the A. Harry Passow International Award for Leadership in Gifted Education during its biennial World Conference.�� Recipients of this award hold international stature as a leader in gifted education. Their life and work have significantly influenced policy and practices in gifted education, or they have made other outstanding contributions in promoting the cause of gifted education worldwide. “This is a lovely award, particularly nice for me because I happened to know A. Harry Passow personally,” Robinson said. “He was a giant in the field of educational leadership. To receive an award named in his honor is amazing.” Dr. A. Harry Passow, Jacob H. Schiff Professor Emeritus of Education at Teachers College, was one of the world’s leading experts on gifted education as well as a founding member and past president of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Education.�� Passow collaborated on a project called the Graduate Leadership in Education Program. The project was directed from Teachers College and included four other universities nationwide. Robinson was a recipient of the program, and the fellowship provided funding during her time as a doctoral student at Purdue University. “Dr. Passow saw the wisdom in an international network of gifted education scholars back in the 1960s,” Robinson said. “He did some of the first work with students from low-income neighborhoods and communities. His perspective very much affected how I think about education. Many awards are lovely, but this one had a real personal touch to it for me.” Robinson serves as founding director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, which is celebrating its 20-year anniversary. It is one of only 25 centers in the nation dedicated to the development of gifted students and is also home to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s graduate programs in gifted and talented education. Under her leadership, the center has garnered millions of dollars in grants to help advance education in the state. Robinson, along with the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, also received the 2021 Presidential Award from the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education, which recognizes a person, organization, or institution that has been a powerful influence in gifted education across the state. Robinson is also a past president of the National Association for Gifted Children.

Registration opens for Summer Laureate University for Youth program

John Hill — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:53:11 +0000

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Summer Laureate University for Youth (SLUFY) program is accepting applications for this upcoming summer. Their virtual classes will take place June 21-25 for students who have completed kindergarten and grades fifth through sixth, and July 19-23 for students who have completed grades one through four.�� As an educational program, SLUFY provides high-ability students with unique, hands-on learning experiences that allow them to explore their interests through a variety of subjects. The program also gives students the chance to interact with other students, facilitating friendships lasting beyond the summer classes.�� After 42 years of the program, the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education is continuing their event virtually, making it available globally. Courses offered will still have small teacher-to-student ratios. They will also have Zoom connections supported by technical assistance and flexible learning schedules planned for student comfort as well as attention levels. The courses are taught by graduate students and certified master teachers.�� In addition, the SLUFY Power Hour will feature instruction from internationally, nationally, and regionally recognized educators, artists, and performers. These instructors will teach students through things like dancing, sing-a-longs, kitchen creations, acting tips, and backyard chemistry.�� The schedule for each day, beginning at 10:30 a.m., will include two live, hourlong Zoom sessions. These sessions will be separated by two 30-minute segments of enrichment content prepared by teachers for individual students. Finally, they also include an hour of performance-based activities to inform, entertain, and engage students of all ages.�� Kindergarten students will learn about things like bugs, math, and more. Courses for first and second-graders will focus on engineering, creative problem solving, geography, culture, languages, and oceanography. Courses offered to third and fourth-graders will include topics such as astronomy, engineering, fantasy, chemistry, affective needs, and the world of Harry Potter. Finally, fifth and sixth grade-students will get a glimpse into medieval studies as well as the arts, creative problem solving, VEX robotics, and even participate in a quiz bowl.�� The cost includes a $25 application fee and a $200 tuition fee. For information regarding available scholarships, call 501-569-3410. Registration can be found online at .��

Hinton receives AGATE Curriculum Award for gifted and talented education unit

John Hill — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:20:53 +0000

A ��Vlog��ý Little Rock student has been honored for her work in creating an exceptional curriculum unit for gifted and talented education. Krista Hinton, a graduate student in gifted and talented education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as well as the K-12 gifted and talented coordinator for Lavaca School District, received an AGATE Curriculum Award. The AGATE Curriculum Award highlights the importance of differentiated curriculum and recognizes outstanding curriculum units. An award of $500 is presented to the educator’s gifted and talented program. “The AGATE Curriculum Award, to me, is the pinnacle of academic achievement,” Hinton said. “To be recognized on a state level for an original unit is an honor that very few teachers have the privilege to experience. The award will always hold a special place in my heart.”�� Hinton developed her unit as part of the Arkansas Declaration of Learning program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Reception Rooms in Washington, D.C. and the Arkansas Department of Education. The program works collaboratively with Arkansas teachers and school librarians teaching 7th-12th grade students in the fields of art, English language arts, and social studies to develop innovative curricula that bring history to life and share the importance of civic engagement with students. Hinton was given the opportunity to select objects for her unit from the Arkansas Central Library System, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Diplomatic Reception Rooms. “All created units will be distributed nationwide,” Hinton said. “Students all across the country will have the opportunity to learn about my unit and the historical objects I selected as well as learn about Arkansas’s rich history and contributions to the narrative of our country. The goal of the program and my unit was to develop lessons that would teach students the value of objects from our nation’s historical past and create civic engagement opportunities that promoted diplomacy skills and civic responsibility.” Hinton’s curriculum unit for seventh- and eighth-grade students in the Gifted Education Program took an in-depth look at the essential question, “In what ways does the term community conceal as much as it reveals about society?” The unit of study helps students understand empathy and compassion for their community members and society as a whole. Students utilized artistic impression to analyze how social media platforms have influenced the idea of community and how those influences have impacted attitudes towards age and gender. They also demonstrated understanding by creating civic-engagement projects that identify, describe, and articulate what the term community means to their lives and the lives of those around them. Additionally, they expressed how negativity in social media affected feelings and attitudes. “The ultimate goal of the unit is to provide students with the tools necessary to positively impact their home lives, classroom communities, and the district as a whole, as well as the community at large,” said Dr. Tim Smithey, director of gifted and talented education at Springdale Public Schools and AGATE Awards chair. The participating students also used surveys and data to assess the success of the project. In addition, the students made suggestions to enhance future learning on the topic. Due to the efforts of the students, Lavaca School District added two new programs to the Gifted Education Program. The “Word Worms” program pairs kindergarten students with third- and fourth-grade students to improve reading skills. Meanwhile, in the “Uplifters” program, seventh- and eighth-grade students spend one day a week working with students in the district’s Special Education Program to promote social skills and positive interactions. “My most memorable experience from the unit was watching the students brainstorm ways that they could affect changes within their school that would have a permanent impact on the Gifted and Talented program and then implement their ideas,” Hinton said. “My desire for the lessons was to empower students to make a difference where they can and understand that their voices matter to all around them.” Hinton is also looking forward to implementing the final part of the unit that had to be postponed due to COVID-19. In “The Positivity Project,” students will create a social media campaign and poster project to encourage people to take a pledge to only post positive and encouraging comments, pictures, ideas, and quotes across all forms of social media they use. The district also plans to hold a social media fair that would include discussions on the safe use of social media, mentoring, and a gaming tournament. “I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to be taught by the instructors from the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock,” Hinton said. “Through the guidance of Dr. Ann Robinson and Dr. Christine Deitz, I have refined my teaching skills, learned new teaching techniques, and gained a deeper appreciation for the amazing privilege it is to be a teacher of gifted and talented students.” Hinton’s professors at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock agree that Hinton has a bright future ahead of her. “She is a natural leader in the field of gifted education,” said Deitz, assistant director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “Krista was elected to the AGATE Nominations Committee. Beginning July 1, Krista will assist the board in spotting leadership talent among Arkansas’s educators. As she is finishing her GT licensure with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she is beginning her National Board Teacher Certification in Exceptional Needs/Gifted. I’m looking forward to working with her as she seeks this national credential.”

Three ��Vlog��ý Little Rock students receive AGATE scholarships for gifted and talented education

John Hill — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:02:53 +0000

Three graduate students at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock have been recognized for their excellence in gifted and talented education in Arkansas with scholarships from Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE). “One of my favorite aspects about AGATE is the organization’s ability to give back to the students and teachers in the form of awards and scholarships each year,” said Dustin Seaton, president of AGATE. “I am a recipient of the AGATE scholarship previously, and it helped my family tremendously in paying for my G/T certification and endorsement.” Countess Cyrus, a kindergarten teacher with Little Rock School District, Krista Hinton, K-12 gifted and talented coordinator for Lavaca School District, and Sarah Willis, gifted and talented K-4 facilitator at Lakeside School District in Hot Springs, received $1,000 scholarships from AGATE. Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, described Cyrus as an early career teacher who was inspired by a gifted and talented facilitator at her elementary school to pursue a master’s degree in gifted, creative, and talented education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. “Countess is an exemplary early childhood educator who understands that fostering creativity, providing hands-on instruction, and spotting talents in young children makes a real difference,” Robinson said. Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahony Center, described Willis, who is a member of the Online Gifted Education K-12 Licensure Program, as an excellent student and educator. “Sara immediately distinguished herself as a very special educator,” Deitz said. “Sara is amazing. Her work reflects interesting and insightful perspectives that stimulate thoughtful responses from others.” The third scholarship recipient, Hinton, is also in the Online Gifted Education K-12 Licensure Program and has also recently been elected to serve on the AGATE Nominations Committee. “Krista will assist the AGATE Board in spotting leadership talent among Arkansas’s educators,” Deitz said. “As she is finishing her GT licensure with ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, she is beginning her National Board Teacher Certification in Exceptional Needs/Gifted. I’m looking forward to working with her as she seeks this national credential.”

��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Jodie Mahony Center recognized for excellence in gifted and talented education

John Hill — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 16:00:02 +0000

The Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the center’s director, Dr. Ann Robinson, have received the 2021 Presidential Award from the Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education (AGATE). “The Mahony Center is thrilled to receive the 2021 Presidential Award from Arkansans for Gifted and Talented Education,” Robinson said. “This award is possible because the center has been supported by a fantastic and creative staff, by ��Vlog��ý Little Rock administrators who care about us and about our mission, and through the interest and support of the Mahony family. We are deeply appreciative to everyone and truly enjoyed the ceremony which brought together well-wishers from across the state and the country.” The AGATE Presidential Award recognizes a person, organization, or institution that has been a powerful influence in gifted education across the state. “Dr. Ann Robinson and the Mahony Center staff have educated many of the gifted and talented educators and leaders across the state who continue to have a lasting legacy in the gifted and talented education in Arkansas,” said Dustin Seaton, president of AGATE. The Mahony Center is one of only 25 gifted centers nationwide, and it is recognized nationally for its research, grants, professional development, STEM education initiatives, and leadership.

Members of the Jodie Mahony Center are shown during the AGATE Awards Ceremony.

“As a point of personal pride, Dr. Ann Robinson first introduced me to gifted education when I enrolled in her Saturday statistics course at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the spring of 2007,” Seaton said. “It was there I first learned about the importance of identification and program services for gifted students as well as met many other impressive gifted educators, such as Krystal Nail who is now program director of the Office for Gifted and Talented and Advanced Placement at ADE-DESE.” Both Robinson and Dr. Christine Deitz, associate director of the Jodie Mahony Center, have served as former presidents of AGATE and continue to play important roles in the National Association for Gifted Children. “Dr. Christine Deitz has also helped me transition into the AGATE presidency following in her footsteps this past July and personally helped me obtain my National Board certification in 2011,” Seaton said. “They both deserve all of the recognition bestowed upon the Presidential Award because of their tireless efforts both in public and behind the scenes.” This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Jodie Mahony Center’s founding. Robinson and the center are in good company when it comes to award winners. State Rep. Jodie Mahony, for whom the center is named, received the very first AGATE Presidential Award in 2004. “Mr. Mahony was a highly effective state legislator for 36 years,” Robinson said. “As early as the 1970s, he was elbow deep in developing legislation that enjoined schools to cultivate and develop the talents of young people. He was a visionary.” In the upper right picture, AGATE President Dustin Seaton congratulates Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center, during the AGATE Awards Ceremony.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock holds virtual AP Summer Institute for 700 teachers

John Hill — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:33:43 +0000

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock held its first fully online Advanced Placement Summer Institute in June and July for more than 700 AP teachers.�� The virtual AP Summer Institute is a collaboration between the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock eLearning office, the Arkansas Department of Education, and College Board, an educational nonprofit organization that developed AP courses and examinations. “When we were presented with a choice to go online instead of canceling, we wanted to maintain our commitment to the Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas teachers, and students,” said Dr. Ann Robinson, director of the Jodie Mahony Center. “The online environment is an opportunity to serve APSI participants innovatively with exciting, dynamic professional development.” Currently in its 26th year, the AP Summer Institute allows AP teachers to attend summer workshops in 24 areas of advancement placement. It was established in 1994 to provide AP teachers with the content-focused professional development they need to teach AP courses. Thanks to a grant from the Arkansas Department of Education, a majority of participating teachers from Arkansas attend the institute for free. “This is one of the best professional developments I’ve ever attended,” said Vera Rideout, a sixth-grade teacher at Coleman Intermediate School. “I am so thankful for this opportunity! Thank you so very much for opening this window of opportunity that I previously just gazed out.” While the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down many educational workshops and summer camps, professors and educational proponents were determined to keep the workshop going for the nearly 700 teachers who signed up. “It took a small army to move a professional development institute this far-reaching to an online environment,” Robinson said. “��Vlog��ý Little Rock has extensive experience with online courses and online professional development. The university is supported by a well-developed tech support infrastructure and a widely used online learning management system. We also had six expert course assistants who worked with the faculty members to get their course shells organized and the whole Jodie Mahony team supporting them.”�� At a time when providing quality education for students is more important than ever, Arkansas teachers were glad for the professional development experience. “Seven years ago, when I was a graduate student in secondary education at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I had the opportunity to attend APSI as a pre-service teacher. APSI was hands-down the best training that I had to prepare me for teaching in the high school art classroom,” said Amanda Heinbockel, an AP studio art and design teacher at Central High School. “I was able to network with art teachers from around the state and country. The entire week was structured to model the student experience of an AP Studio Art course. The instructor, Trish Winnard, modeled excellent classroom management techniques that I used in my first semester teaching that fall. It was amazing to have a week of hands-on experiences so that I could understand how to create a rich, positive learning experience for my students. I have since attended three additional APSI training, and they have all consistently been excellent experiences.” In the upper right photo, staff members at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s Jodie Mahony Center for Gifted Education celebrated the 25 anniversary of the Advanced Placement Summer Institute in 2019. Photo by Ben Krain.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Arkansas Students Participate in First MT Stage: Expressions Program at ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Will Provide Free Summer Enrichment Program in Musical Theatre for Junior High School Students with ADE Grant