Cameron University

02/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/20/2024 09:30

Cameron offers free workshop for alternative certified teachers in preparation for PPAT

In an effort to assist alternative certified teachers in Oklahoma to achieve standard certification, the Cameron University Department of Education is offering "The Differentiated Instruction: A Pathway through the PPAT." The virtual workshop, set for Tuesday, February 20, at 4 p.m., is designed to support alternative teachers in understanding differentiated instruction and how it aligns to the requirements within the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT).

The session is offered at no charge. Those interested in attending can register at www.cameron.edu/ppat; a secure Zoom link will be emailed following registration.

The workshop will prepare alternative certified teachers to take the PPAT, a certification performance assessment that all teachers need to successfully complete to obtain standard certification in Oklahoma.

Participants who attend the workshop will gain experience in key aspects of effective teaching, which include personalized learning, motivating students and increasing engagement in the classroom. Understanding and utilizing data to drive instruction is also covered. Effective teachers are aware of diverse strategies and approaches to assist a range of learning abilities and styles in the classroom. These skills will be introduced and reinforced throughout the workshop.

Upon completion of the Differentiated Instruction workshop, attendees will gain foundational knowledge for each of the learning objectives which will play a vital role toward earning a teacher certification with the PPAT. Attendees will take a formal written exam that will measure the attendees' ability to apply learning objectives in a classroom by asking application-based questions related to a mock class. The format of the exam will emulate portions of Tasks 1-4 of the PPAT. Attendees will have one week from completing the workshop to turn in responses. A micro-credential will be awarded based on successful completion of a take-home assignment.

Those completing the workshop will be more prepared to meet the needs of today's students and will improve their current teaching abilities by applying the concepts learned from the workshop in their current classroom setting. Key takeaways include 1) an appreciation of the diversity each student brings to the learning environment, 2) the ability to design authentic assessments to determine baseline abilities and measure academic achievement for all students and implementing and analyzing instruction to promote student learning, and 3) developing learning experiences for diverse learning levels, abilities, and styles to engage students in the process toward achievement.

For more information, contact the CU Department of Education at 580-581-2320.

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PR# 24-026