Courses

 

The Aiken County Public School District offers professional development opportunities in the form of graduate classes, workshops, certificate renewal credit programs, and trainings to employees.

To qualify to enroll in these opportunities:

  • One must be listed as an active employee (on contract) in CSI – the district’s employee database system.
  • Homebound teachers, adult ed teachers and substitutes may enroll as space permits.
  • Classified employees may only enroll in those that are job specific.
  • Depending on the requirements of the funding source for the free courses, the course may be open to private schools who receive Title 1 funding.

Some advertised courses are limited by number and may have a priority basis – for example, a course may have a limit of 25 with first priority given to first year teachers. Waiting lists are then formed. PACE teachers must have their coursework pre-approved by the State PACE Office.

Some courses may be free, but require a $25.00 deposit. Others may be a “shared expenses course” where enrollees share the total cost of the course which is usually considerably less that the regular cost of a graduate course. Checks must be made out to the Aiken County Public School District and submitted by the deadline indicated in the course information to insure a place in the class.

Unless otherwise indicated, one may register for a course by e-mailing Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) and submitting the check to her at the Brookhaven Office.

For online courses, go to information about online courses. These are recognized by the state for renewal credit at a base enrollment cost and for graduate credit at an additional cost.

Fall 2011

The SMART Way to Integrate Technology

Course Description:   This is very much a hands on course that will include: the basic operation and maintenance of the SmartBoard, as well as an engaging and in-depth look at the tools of the SMART Board software including special elements such as the Smart Notebook, virtual keyboard, video player and recorder.  Teachers will work on group and individual projects that are clearly outlined in the syllabus.  

The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.

Graduate Hours: 3 graduate hours
Location:  Aiken High School Annex
Instructor:    Terry Hallman

Dates:

August 16

August 23

August 30

September 6

September 13

September 20

September 27

October 4

October 11

October 18

October 25

November 1

November 8

November 15

November 29

Time: 4:00 - 7:00


Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by August 5th in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.
  • A $5.00 registration fee Payable to the College of Charleston is due the first day of class. Payment can be made by electronic check only.( no credit cards or cash)
  • Transcripts are $8.00 each. Payable by check. (no credit cards or cash)

 

 

 

Summer 2011

Geometry for Middle School Teachers

This is a geometry content course and provides 3 graduate credits to your participating teachers. There will be an initial 8-hour meeting on May 21 (location TBD), and a final meeting on June 30, 2011. All other course requirements will be handled online. In addition to manipulatives, the course makes extensive use of the Geometers' Sketchpad software. I am attaching the course syllabus as well.

 

To register for the course, please complete the attached "Registration Geometry (DVD) SU11.doc" form, and mail it along with your course participation fee of $40 (payable to USCA) to:

USC Aiken
Attn: Karen Morris (Box 45)
471 University Pkwy
Aiken, SC 29801

 

 

  1. Descriptive Information

This course is designed for Middle School Teachers (grades 6-8) or those interested in becoming highly qualified and certified in middle school mathematics.  The course is content based and participants will learn through a variety of teaching methods (i.e. cooperative-learning, hands-on materials, calculators TI-73, and computer software).  The use of computer graphing software (Geometer’s Sketchpad and or GeoGebra) will be used extensively to investigate and discover as well as to enhance the learning of geometric concepts.  Students will be assigned projects that require the use of the computer software mentioned above.  These assignments will investigate a variety of geometric concepts and require critical thinking as well as a variety of problem-solving skills. The S.C. Mathematics Curriculum Standards, the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, and the objectives of the Praxis II Middle School Mathematics Exam will serve as guides for content emphases.

 

Basic geometric concepts covered are:  lines, plane curves, angles, polygons, circles, sphere, constructions, congruence, similarity, perimeter, area, volume, measurements, deductive and inductive proof, parallelism, perpendicularity, and transformations. Click here for more information.

 

Instructor: Bill D. Whitmire, bwhitmire@fmarion.edu, 843-661-1477

 

Times and dates: First class May 21th, 8:30-4:30  Last class June 30th, 8:30-4:30 

 

AEDU 633 – Topics in Education: Issues in American History

“Issues in American History” is a teacher recertification course for participants in the Sand River Teaching American History grant. The course will provide an in-depth look at three key events and controversies in United States History. The goal of the course is to increase teachers’ understanding of these key events and controversies in United States history through the study of primary source materials and enhance their abilities through the development of appropriate lesson plans to communicate their understanding in the class room.

 

Instructor: Alexia Jones Helsley, Instructor in History, USCA and faculty consultant, Sand River Teaching American History grant

 

Dates and Times: The course will require 45 contact hours and be offered during the first session of summer school 2011.  Students will meet 2 days a week for 7.5 hours (9 am – 5 pm) each day as follows:

MT June 13 - 14; MT June 20 - 21; MT June 27 – 28. 

Class hours include a thirty minute lunch break.

*Interested teachers should email me at awagoner@aiken.k12.sc.us or call at 803 507-4219. 

There is a 25 person limit to the class.

Aiken County Mathematics Alignment Project Institute

2011 Algebra Summer Institute
Monday–Thursday: June 6-9, 2011 
Pre-Institute Overview Session: Saturday, May 14, 2011

 

Institute Overview:
The 2011 Algebra Institute will provide professional learning experiences in algebra course content and technology support for up to twenty middle and high school classroom teachers.  
A stipend of $400.00 and lunch will be provided. Topics will include the study of linear, quadratic, exponential and other functions, their verbal, symbolic, graphical and numerical representations, and their applications.

 

Click here to download a Flyer with detailed information

 

Summer Institute, Building Bridges to the Health and Human Services of Aiken County

 

Offered by Aiken County Community Partnership, in conjunction with the Aiken County Public School District.

Course Description: The goals of the course, in its eleventh year, are to:

  • Provide participants with a broad overview and a deeper understanding of the health and human services network in Aiken County
  • Give teachers, counselors, and other school personnel knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to help troubled, high-risk children and adolescents and their families
  • Identify and define aspects of self-damaging and risky behaviors so often seen in children and adolescents today, and the impacts
  • Develop strategies to identify helping professionals within schools, and links to community resources
  • Create an opportunity for shared learning, so that area health and human services leaders also learn how to better support, communicate with, and meet the needs of colleagues in schools, thereby improving the quality of our collective services to children, adolescents and families

 

Credit: 60 recertification credits & $100 stipend

Dates: June 6-10, 2011

Time: 8:30am-4pm

Location USC- Aiken Business and Education Building

Email publiced@bellsouth.net for an application or download from http://www.publicedpartners.org/documents/Flyer.11.doc

Natalie Fox, Executive Director, Public Education Partners
803.649.9040

A Step SMARTer   

  Course Description:   Participants in this course will develop a “Best Practices” outline for the delivery of quality Notebook lessons in their classrooms.  In addition to creating model lessons participants will learn and practice many advanced features of the SmartBoard and Smart Notebook tools.  Advanced features include:

    • using the video recorder and microphone to create “How To” screenshot movies
    • using the Senteo (student response system) to create question sets
    • working with TeacherTube and SchoolTube
    • working with Audacity and Lame to include more sound
    • working with the template and group features
    • making and exporting folders in “My Content”
    • importing PowerPoint presentations
    • exporting as pdf, image file, or PowerPoint/import previously made PowerPoint slide shows so that prior work is utilized
    • embedding Flash video files
    • developing media rich lessons that incorporate best practices for digital/interactive media delivery
    • working with Windows Movie Maker and Smart Recorder to make movies and edit United Streaming video

 
The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.
*Prerequisite: Participants must have completed the first level SmartBoard course “The Smart Way to Integrate Technology” to enroll in this course.
Graduate Hours: 3 graduate hours

Location:  Hammond Hill Elementary
Instructor:  Ashlee Logan

Dates: Saturday, May 21, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Monday - Friday, June 13 - 17, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Time:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by May 9 in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.
  • A $5.00 registration fee Payable to the College of Charleston is due the first day of class. Registration payment can be made by electronic check only.( no credit cards or cash)
  • Transcripts are $8.00 each. Payable by check. (no credit cards or cash)
  • The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.

Return

 

The SMART Way to Integrate Technology

Course Description:   This is very much a hands on course that will include: the basic operation and maintenance of the SmartBoard, as well as an engaging and in-depth look at the tools of the SMART Board software including special elements such as the Smart Notebook, virtual keyboard, video player and recorder.  Teachers will work on group and individual projects that are clearly outlined in the syllabus.  

The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.

Graduate Hours: 3 graduate hours
Location:  Aiken High School Annex
Instructor:    Terry Hallman

Dates: Saturday, May 7, 8:00am - 5:00pm and Monday - Friday, June 6 -10

Time: 8:00 - 5:00


Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by April 25th in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.
  • A $5.00 registration fee Payable to the College of Charleston is due the first day of class. Payment can be made by electronic check only.( no credit cards or cash)
  • Transcripts are $8.00 each. Payable by check. (no credit cards or cash)

Return

A Step SMARTer   

  Course Description:   Participants in this course will develop a “Best Practices” outline for the delivery of quality Notebook lessons in their classrooms.  In addition to creating model lessons participants will learn and practice many advanced features of the SmartBoard and Smart Notebook tools.  Advanced features include:

    • using the video recorder and microphone to create “How To” screenshot movies
    • using the Senteo (student response system) to create question sets
    • working with TeacherTube and SchoolTube
    • working with Audacity and Lame to include more sound
    • working with the template and group features
    • making and exporting folders in “My Content”
    • importing PowerPoint presentations
    • exporting as pdf, image file, or PowerPoint/import previously made PowerPoint slide shows so that prior work is utilized
    • embedding Flash video files
    • developing media rich lessons that incorporate best practices for digital/interactive media delivery
    • working with Windows Movie Maker and Smart Recorder to make movies and edit United Streaming video

 
The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.
*Prerequisite: Participants must have completed the first level SmartBoard course “The Smart Way to Integrate Technology” to enroll in this course.
Graduate Hours: 3 graduate hours

Location:  Aiken High School Annex
Instructor:  Terry Hallman

Dates:Saturday -May, 14, 8:00am - 5:00pm and Monday - Friday, June 13 - 17
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

 

Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by April 25th in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.
  • A $5.00 registration fee Payable to the College of Charleston is due the first day of class. Registration payment can be made by electronic check only.( no credit cards or cash)
  • Transcripts are $8.00 each. Payable by check. (no credit cards or cash)
  • The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.

Return

 

 

 

 CLASS IS FULLThe SMART Way to Integrate Technology

Course Description:   This is very much a hands on course that will include: the basic operation and maintenance of the SmartBoard, as well as an engaging and in-depth look at the tools of the SMART Board software including special elements such as the Smart Notebook, virtual keyboard, video player and recorder.  Teachers will work on group and individual projects that are clearly outlined in the syllabus.  

The course can count toward recertification, technology proficiency, and certificate upgrade.

Graduate Hours: 3 graduate hours
Location:  Hammond Hill Elementary
Instructor:    Ashlee Logan

Dates: Saturday, May 14, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM and Monday - Friday, June 6 - 10, 8:00 - 5:00 PM

Time:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM


Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by May 9 in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.
  • A $5.00 registration fee Payable to the College of Charleston is due the first day of class. Payment can be made by electronic check only.( no credit cards or cash)
  • Transcripts are $8.00 each. Payable by check. (no credit cards or cash)

Return

 

 CLASS IS FULLEngaging The Digital Native  

 

 

Course Description:   This course is designed to enhance technology skills of the “digital immigrant” (the teacher), allowing them to invent methodologies that can be incorporated in all content areas at all levels in order to increase the engagement of the “digital native” (the student).  Each day of the course will emphasize a different program/application that can be used in the classroom to promote project-based learning.  Program/applications will include Photostory 3, Windows MovieMaker, iTunes, Microsoft Office, SMART Response, StreamlineSC, Skype, and MORE.  Participants that complete the course will have ready-to-go materials that can be immediately incorporated in any class.

 
The course can count toward recertification and technology proficiency.
Credit: 60 Renewal Credits

Location:  Aiken High School Annex
Instructor:  Allison Cook

Dates: Monday July 11, 2011 - Friday July 15

Time:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by May 9 in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.

Return

CLASS IS FULLEngaging The Digital Native  

 

 

Course Description:   This course is designed to enhance technology skills of the “digital immigrant” (the teacher), allowing them to invent methodologies that can be incorporated in all content areas at all levels in order to increase the engagement of the “digital native” (the student).  Each day of the course will emphasize a different program/application that can be used in the classroom to promote project-based learning.  Program/applications will include Photostory 3, Windows MovieMaker, iTunes, Microsoft Office, SMART Response, StreamlineSC, Skype, and MORE.  Participants that complete the course will have ready-to-go materials that can be immediately incorporated in any class.

 
The course can count toward recertification and technology proficiency.
Credit: 60 Renewal Credits

Location:  Aiken High School Annex
Instructor:  Allison Cook

Dates: Monday July 18, 2011 - Friday July 22

Time:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

 

Sign up for classes:

  • E-mail Rashelle Stokes (rstokes@aiken.k12.sc.us) to sign up for the class.
  • Cost – $25.00 A $25.00 non-refundable supply fee is required. Payment must be received by May 9 in order to guarantee your slot in the class. Please send your check to Rashelle Stokes at the District Office after you have been notified that you have a slot in the class. Checks are to be made payable to Aiken County Public Schools.

 

 

Return

 

 

 

Online Courses

ITV Recertification Courses

ITV recertification courses are only open to educators
with a South Carolina teaching certificate.

ITV provides Office of Educator Certification approved recertification courses. All courses are professional development courses only and may be used for certificate renewal credit. These courses cannot be used to satisfy undergraduate or graduate degree program requirements.

It is the EDUCATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY to contact a district professional development coordinator and/or an Office of Educator Certification analyst PRIOR TO REGISTRATION to determine if ITV offerings will meet professional development plan and/or certificate renewal requirements.

Click here to view classes offered by ITV.

 

 

Online Solutions for Teacher Professional Development in the Southeast

As a regional provider and promoter of PBS TeacherLine courses, the premier professional development resource delivering online courses for PreK-12 teachers, TeacherLine Southeast helps SC, NC and GA teachers renew their credentials and meet their professional development goals.

Credit options: SC renewal credits, GA PLU credits, NC CEU credits & graduate credit.

To see the course descriptions and our 50+. Please visit the Course Offerings page.

For information about credit and enrollment matters, see the FAQ page.

http://www.teacherlinesoutheast.org

 

ETV/PBS TeacherLine

ETV/PBS TeacherLine courses are facilitated, online learning experiences, and can be used re-certification or pay upgrades (additional graduate credit fees apply). Most courses are 30 seat hours/2 credits/40 points; a few courses are 15 seat hours/1 credit/20 points.

During the six weeks of each online course, students are required to participate in an online discussion board at least three (3) times each week, and weekly assignments are due on Tuesday night each week. Participants should plan to be online about 3-4 hours each week.

No need to drive anywhere, arrange for childcare, or buy books or tapes! TeacherLine courses can be taken anytime, anywhere with Internet access, and all of your videos, interactives, and readings are online!

Credits and cost information (applicable for all courses):
30hr courses: 30 seat hours/2 credits/40 points ($199 seat fee)
15hr courses: 15 seat hours/1 credit/20 points ($169 seat fee)
Graduate credit, if desired, is available for an additional fee.

For more information please click here.

 

South Carolina Online Professional Development Program

The SCOPD program is only open to educators with a South Carolina five-year certificate and provides online professional development courses for graduate and renewal credit. Although the Office of Teacher Certification has approved all SCOPD courses, new renewal credit guidelines may require additional action by the educator prior to enrollment. Educators employed by a school district should consider consulting with school or district professional development representatives to ensure SCOPD courses align with their professional development plan.

Graduate Credit:
Selected courses through Coastal Carolina University!
Registration: Opens 60 days prior to course start date.
Cost:
60 renewal credit course - $180.
40 renewal credit course - $120.

South Carolina Online Professional Development Program

DESC.info (Distance Education South Carolina)

Provides quick and convenient access to the distance education offerings of South Carolina.

The courses and programs are offered by South Carolina colleges, universities, K12 school districts, state agencies, businesses, and organizations. Delivery methods include satellite, internet, cable, videotape, compressed video, and other distance-education technologies.


At DESC.info, you may find a course to take in your own home on the Internet (an online course) or a course that's live via satellite that you take at a convenient location; you may even find a hybrid course that combines several distance delivery methods. Through distance education, you can meet your educational goals in ways most convenient to you.

So whether you call it distance-ed or distance learning, DESC.info will help you find it in SC. Click here to explore your options and see what DESC.info has to offer!