Highest Attendance Yet for LTF Training

Over 650 teachers from across the state are convening over the next two weeks to participate in Laying The Foundation (LTF) training, facilitated by A+ College Ready, a division of A+ Education Partnership.

This training is designed to prepare math, science and English teachers in grades 6-11 to effectively implement pre-advanced placement (pre-AP) courses in their districts.  “The LTF lessons are chock-full of practical lessons and assessments, and are completely aligned with Alabama’s course of study and new college- and career-ready standards.” said Mary Boehm, A+ College Ready president.  “And, 26 excellent Alabama teachers with extensive experience and certification by Laying the Foundation are leading the training.”    

Most of the teachers attending are from the 76 A+ College Ready program schools and their feeder middle schools, but many other districts are sending teachers for professional development as well. Teachers receive four days of content- based training  per year for three years in middle or high school math science or English.

“School administrators and teachers understand that rigor in the classroom must be elevated to help students succeed, particularly to meet the higher state standards,” explained Boehm. “Therefore districts, the State Department of Education and the private sector are helping fund this training for teachers,” said Boehm.

350 Teachers will receive their first year of LTF training at Carver High School (Birmingham) from July 31st - August 3rd. A+ College Ready is still accepting registrations for this training, pending availability. Visit its website for details:  www.apluscollegeready.org

Teachers receiving their second or third year of LTF training convened either at Hewitt Trussville High School or  Gadsden High School the week of  July 24th - July 27th.

During an LTF lesson to about 30 pre-AP Biology teachers, instructor Tammy Dunn, (A+ College Ready Content Director, 2003 Alabama Teacher of the Year and former AP Biology teacher), invited all who would be implementing the pre-AP Biology course developed by A+ College Ready to join her in monthly webinars beginning this fall and extending throughout the school year. During the webinars, Tammy will preview the lessons and labs that will be covered that month and provide guidance on how to most effectively engage students in learning the rigorous material.  

Laying The Foundation is a division of the National Math and Science Initiative focused on equipping teachers to effectively prepare students for AP-level coursework. According to its website, the program is “dedicated to improving the teacher corps in the U.S., … by providing effective teacher training and mentoring, rigorous classroom-ready materials, and web-based resources to improve the quality of math, science, and English instruction in middle school and high school classrooms.”

A+ College Ready is the LTF affiliate for the state of Alabama.