All-Boys Alternative ProgramAt Sir James Lougheed School

(June 2011)

Who am I?Dr. Garry Jones

• Teacher, 32 years – K, 1, 2, 5, 6.• Ph.D. in Elementary Education from University

of Alberta – “A Narrative Inquiry about a Male Elementary Teacher and the Shaping of his Identities” (Jones, 2001).

• English Language Arts consultant 2002-2005.• Principal of Rosscarrock School 2005-2011.

• Wrote 2 books of short stories about teaching: Crocus Hill Notebook and Crocus Hill Reunion, published by The Althouse Press.

• Research interests: boys and schooling, male elementary teachers, stories of how our gender shapes our experiences in the workplace.

The All-Boys Program:

Boys achieving their personal best!

• “Boy-focused” curriculum and instructional approaches to literacy• Inquiry based learning environments ‐• Broad based fine, performing and applied arts ‐ experiences • Wellness, physical fitness and athletic activity • Emphasis on student independence, leadership and

character development

(from CBE statement of principles)

• Opportunities for off campus study and interaction with community organizations, as well as mentorship with successful men

• Focus on innovation and research regarding male single gender education ‐

• Active, committed parent support

• Inclusion of students with mild/moderate/ gifted coding and ELL profiles

• School uniforms  (from CBE statement of principles)

So how will it look?

Research indicates…

• Girls develop language skills earlier, use more complex language.

• Girls tend to read earlier and more girls read for pleasure.

• More boys require speech therapy, more boys in Special Education.

• Many boys are more active than girls.

Boys are physically active!

Boys need to move to stimulate the brain.

Physical activity:

• Boys come here expecting to move!• Daily physical activity.• Activity breaks during lessons.• At recess – play, walk, move!• Many teaching activities require moving.

Boys and literacy learning

Reading

• information texts • fiction -“edgy”, quirky, funny, adventurous• comics, graphic novels • digital environments• read for a purpose• broadened definition of text includes visual

and oral texts

Projects:

• Boys love projects.• Problem solving• Group process• Connect curriculums – for example language

arts outcomes through science

Boys are relational learners

• Boys learn best when they connect with staff, students and curriculum.

• Classroom teacher is key.• Goal – at least 50% men teachers.

Direct instruction:

• Demonstrations• Guided practice• Literacy groups• Math instruction• How to…• Daily guided reading

Uniforms

WEAR IT Inc.626 – 20A Street S.E, Calgary, AB T2C 0R3, Canada Tel. (403) 265-9200

• Blue sweater vest, tie, white shirt, white golf shirt, jeans, black shoes.

• Order from Wear It

Behavior management plan…

January 2009

Discipline policy

• CBE policy 6001• Classroom teacher and principal responsible• We work with students in school.• Bus is a privilege – I support the driver.• My line in the sand – refusing to cooperate

with staff, fighting, running away, hiding.• Last resort, call home.

Communication

• Website• Email• D2L for homework and communication with

classroom teacher• Very short printed newsletters

Communication

• Parent survey will be available in Survey Monkey in the fall.

• We send you the link.

How you can help:

• At home – participate in daily activities such as swimming, community teams, walking.

• Eat 3 meals.• Sleep.• Read every night.• Support our program

Advocating for boys

• We purchase books about boys for school library (for parents to sign out)

• Plan workshops or books studies for parents.• Guest speakers for parents.• PD for teachers in other schools about boys.

Thank you for your interest in our program

Dr. Garry JonesPrincipal