Teacher Book Study Application Information

As a component of this year’s (2003/2004) federal Title IIA grant for professional development, MSAD #50 has been approved to offer a series of book study opportunities for teachers. In keeping with the district’s staff development themes for the year, book studies approved under this grant will need to be connected to the following district-wide goals:

• utilizing data analysis & assessment to improve instruction
• improving mathematics & science instruction
• improving literacy instruction – particularly in reference to student writing

The format for the book study is intended to be fairly flexible and designed to meet the specific needs of the study group. This application form will lead participants through the process of structuring their study group. The following ‘nuts & bolts’ should guide any study design:

1. A book-study leader will need to be identified. This person is responsible for facilitating the study, organizing concepts/guided questions to be discussed, scheduling meetings (either face-to-face/electronically), establishing timelines for reading, and leading discussion and active reflection for the group. The book study leader will receive an honorarium of $400.
2. Book studies should include a minimum of 8 actual meeting hours. Upon conclusion of the study, the book study leader will document actual meeting hours and ‘contact hour’ certificates will be provided to participating members.
3. All book study participants will receive their own copy of the selected book.
4. Book studies should include at least six and no more than ten participants. Members need to make a conscientious commitment to their participation in the book study (application section #5 – group norms).
5. All book study applications will be reviewed and approved by the MSAD #50 Curriculum Team Leaders. One copy of this application should be submitted to Neal Guyer @ the Supt’s Office. A second copy should be submitted to the school principal or principals if more than one school is involved.
6. Approved applications can be amended if group needs/conditions change!

Thank you for your active interest in this self-directed professional development activity!

Click here to open the Teacher Book Study Application Form which is a Microsoft Word Document. Before completing the application save the document on your computer. Submit the application by e-mail or interoffice mail to Neal Guyer (neal@sad50.k12.me.us) and your school principal(s).