Level 2 PYP Workshop in Pittsburgh, PA (IB Americas)

Level 2: This workshop is for teachers, coordinators and administrators who have at least one year of experience working at an authorized PYP school or have at least one year of experience working at a candidate PYP school during its candidacy phase. Practitioners with extensive experience in the PYP, through working at an authorized school, who are now working at a candidate school are also eligible to participate in Level 2 workshops.

In addition to the above requirements, participants must be able to meet criteria specific to the workshop as described below.

Promoting International-mindedness in the PYP

This workshop is intended for school faculty to revisit the basic philosophy and programme framework with a view to improving implementation and development of the programme in their classrooms/schools.

In this workshop participants will further develop their understanding of the following:

• Our personal cultural identities influences who we are as teachers.
• International-mindedness is not about ‘the other’ but rather about understanding the self.
• The curriculum framework can provide opportunities for learning about issue that have personal, local and global relevance and significance.
• An inclusive ethos which values and reflects the diversity of cultures and perspectives within and beyond the school community can be developed and supported.
• Internationally minded learners could actively demonstrate responsibility for and commitment to making a difference in the world.

Participants are requested to bring the following to the workshop (either download to their laptops or to bring a hard copy):

• Copies of school Programme of Inquiry
• Copies of a unit planner that they have been involved in teaching/developing
• Several artifacts that reflect their own cultural & national identity
• Materials or a list of materials they have used to promote or develop international understanding e.g. books, websites, unit activities, student work
• One copy of Making the PYP Happen

The Written Curriculum

This workshop is intended for school faculty to revisit the basic philosophy and programme framework with a view to improving implementation and development of the programme in their classrooms/schools.

In this workshop participants will further develop their understanding of the following:

• The PYP definition of curriculum includes the written, the taught and the learned curriculum: the interdependent relationship among these parts.
• The Programme of Inquiry: why it is the way it is and its relationship/role within the PYP.
• The written curriculum comprises of the Programme of Inquiry and the subject scope and sequences: the nature of the relationship between the Programme of Inquiry, the subject content areas and student learning.
• The role of the written curriculum in collaborative planning.
• The implications of the requirement for balance between disciplinary and transdisciplinary teaching-learning.
• The rationale for insuring provision in the written curriculum for the study of the host/home country, the culture of individual students, the culture of others.

Participants are requested to bring the following to the workshop (either download to their laptops or to bring a hard copy):

• Copies of their school’s Programme of Inquiry
• Copies of their unit planners
• Copies of their school’s subject scope & sequence documents
• Copies of their school’s sample student report formats
• One copy of Making the PYP Happen

Location and Accommodation

The workshop will take place at the The Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel.  IB Americas has arranged for special room rates for the workshop.  Please make your reservations by Wednesday, 14 October 2009, and indicate you are with IB Americas to receive the special rate.  Rates are quoted in US dollars and are exclusive of all taxes.   

**Please note: Checks must be received by the hotel at least 14 days prior to their date of arrival and must include room and tax for the total amount of hotel stay.

Workshop Schedule Outline

Workshop check-in for participants will start at 3.00pm on Friday, 6 November 2009. The level 3 workshop begins on Saturday, 7 November at 8.30am and concludes on Monday, 9 November at 12.00pm.  IB Americas will provide a breakfast, a beverage break, and a lunch on Saturday, 7 November 2009 and Sunday, 8 November 2009.  IB Americas will provide a breakfast and a beverage break on Monday, 9 November 2009.  Please be aware that dinner is not included in the conference registration fee and will not be provided on any of the workshop dates.

International Travel

All non-citizens must present proof of citizenship to enter the United States and Canada.  An acceptable form of identification is a valid passport. 

Ground Transportation 

The hotel is located approximately 30 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).  Express Shuttle offers shared van shuttle service and the fare is approximately USD $20.00 one-way or USD $35.00 round trip.  The ticket counter is centrally located on the lower level of baggage claim area.  Shuttles depart airport every 45 minutes, 7.15am – 7.15pm, and every hour, 8.00pm – 10.00pm.  No reservations required for service from the airport.  For additional information, please call (412) 472-3180.  Taxicabs are also available and the fare is approximately USD $40.00 one-way.  Rates subject to change.Parking

The hotel offers 24-hour valet parking for approximately USD $42.00 per car, per day plus applicable taxes.  Rates subject to change.

Parking

The hotel offers self-parking for approximately USD $20.00 per car, per day plus applicable taxes without in and out privileges.  Valet parking is approximately USD $22.00 per car, per day plus applicable taxes with in and out privileges.  Rates subject to change.

Miscellaneous

Please remember that meeting room temperatures and personal comfort zones vary widely. It is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket to all sessions.

Draft programme

For more information and to register for this workshop, please download the IB Primary Years Programme Workshop Catalog.

There will be no refunds for cancellations received after 7 October 2009.