Students were not in class on Friday, Oct. 7, but there was a flurry of educational activity underway throughout Mansfield City Schools.
It was the second of five professional development days scheduled primarily for teachers and administrators to focus on teaching techniques, concepts and strategies to improve student achievement. In cooperation with Ohio State University-Mansfield, the district scheduled more than 40 sessions in various buildings.
“These professional development days are part of our response to the Ohio Department of Education’s assessment of our strengths and challenges as we pursue academic gains,” Superintendent Brian Garverick said. “A great deal of work goes into preparing these sessions for staff participation.”
At Springmill Learning Center Adrienne Hopson, a lecturer in OSU’s Department of Education, Teaching and Learning, interacted with staff on teaching science in kindergarten through sixth grade. “We worked on developing integrated science lessons that cover state standards and include the use of Springmill’s math and science galleries,” said Hopson, who holds degrees in biological sciences. “We shared ideas, methods and techniques in the development of lesson plans.”
The wide range of other subjects throughout the district included such topics as intermediate school math literacy, K-12 music curriculum alignment, separate Senior High sessions on English, social studies, math and science and a session on supporting at-risk students in the classroom.
The first professional development day was Sept. 2. Remaining dates are Nov. 4, Feb. 3 and May 5. Students will not be in class.
