Level 3 PYP Workshop in Portland, OR (IB Americas)

Level 3:  This is an experienced IB teachers workshop for practitioners who have completed Level 1 professional development and/or who have taught in a candidate or authorized school for at least  one year.

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

Early Childhood in the PYP

This workshop is suitable for administrators, coordinators and teachers who are responsible for the teaching-learning of 3-5 year olds.

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

• Our individual histories affect who we are as learners and teachers: our beliefs and values influence how and what we teach
• Our understanding of ‘inquiry’ has evolved over time, and is still evolving: asking and answering questions are but two of the ways children inquire
• In the PYP inquiry is guided through the provision of a stimulating environment and by the teacher acting as guide and facilitator.
• While we shape the learning environment , it also shapes us as learners: the way we structure space and time reflects what we believe about how children learn and what learning is ‘important’
• Inquiry is democratic- it gives learners choices.
• Before we design learning experiences we need to be aware of our own dominant learning style and kind of intelligence.
• Good units of inquiry are refined by sharing our practice.
• Literacy and numeracy can be achieved in creative, playful meaning making ways by individual children learning at their own rates
• Assessment is integral to planning, teaching and learning: the intention of authentic assessment is to involve learners in engagements that require them to apply concepts, knowledge, and skills in real world situations.
• In authentic assessment there is: personal intent, a reason to engage and a genuine audience beyond the teacher.

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

• A copy of the IB Academic Honesty document (this document is presently being developed and participants will be sent a copy before the workshop)
• A finished PYP planner from a unit of inquiry which they have planned jointly with class teachers
• Any exemplary work / photos / worksheets / displays/ picture book etc. which they would like to share and/or display during the workshop.
• One copy of their job description, and a statistical analysis of their school’s library
• One copy of Making the PYP Happen

Location and Accommodation

The workshop will take place at the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower Hotel.  IB Americas has arranged for special room rates for the workshop.  Please make your reservations by Tuesday, 20 October 2009, and indicate you are with IB Americas to receive the special rate. Rates are quoted in US funds and are exclusive of all taxes.  

**PLEASE NOTE: the hotel consists of two buildings (Main & Executive Tower). Please review your reservation room type for building assignment.  For your convenience, if your room assignment states EXECUTIVE TOWER, you may arrive and park (if driving) there directly.  The Executive Tower's entrance is located at 545 SW Taylor between 5th and 6th Avenues.

Workshop Schedule Outline

Workshop check-in for participants will start at 3.00pm on Friday, 20 November 2009.  The level 1 workshop begins with a general session on Friday, 20 November at 5.00pm and concludes on Monday, 23 November at 12.00pm.  The level 2 workshop begins on Saturday, 21 November at 8.30am and concludes on Monday, 23 November at 12.00pm.  IB Americas will provide a breakfast, a beverage break, and a lunch on Saturday, 21 November 2009 and Sunday, 22 November 2009.  IB Americas will provide a breakfast and a beverage break on Monday, 23 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 Portland International Airport (PDX).  Blue Star Shuttle offers shared van shuttle service and the fare is approximately USD $14.00 one-way or USD $24.00 round trip.  Shuttles depart the airport every half hour from 8.00am – 12.00am.  For information call (800) 247-2272.  Max Light Rail System (Red Line) provides public transportation from Portland International Airport, and runs every 5 - 15 minutes from 4.30am to 12.00am.  Max Light Rail System stops at the Pioneer Square North station, which is two and a half blocks from the hotel.  The fare is approximately USD $2.30 one-way. For further information, please access http://trimet.org/max/index.htm.  Taxicabs are also available and the fare is approximately USD $35.00 one-way.  Rates subject to change.

Parking

The hotel offers self-parking for approximately USD $20.00 per car, per day plus applicable taxes with in and out privileges. Valet parking is approximately USD $27.00 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 21 October 2009.