On Saturday, March 8 the Cortland Educator’s Conference will work in collaboration with Ithaca College’s media literacy initiative, Project Look Sharp on a daylong conference.
Entitled “Media, Critical Thinking and the Common Core in Our Classrooms,” Project Look Sharp directors and award-winning teachers Cyndy Scheibe and Chris Sperry will work with educators to present the theory and practice of integrating media literacy into K-12 curricula, with a focus on literacy and critical thinking skills. At the conference, participants will be provided with access to free online resources, as well as inspiration for how to apply this work to their context.
The conference will take place at Homer Intermediate School on 58 Clinton Street in Homer, NY (13077), and will run from 8:15 am to 2:30 pm. Registration will take place the same day, from 7:30 am to 8:15 am. For teachers, administrators and the educational community, registration will cost $25. For support staff, paraprofessionals and students, registration will cost $15. Both fees include refreshments, lunch and workshop materials. Please visit http://www.projectlooksharp.org/events/PLS-Cortland-March2014.pdf for the registration form and for additional information.
Project Look Sharp supports the integration of critical thinking and media literacy into the teaching of core content in multiple subject areas. They do this through developing and providing lesson plans, media materials, training, and support for educators at all education levels. The purpose of media literacy education is to help individuals of all ages develop the habits of inquiry and skills of expression they need to be critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens in today’s world.
Project Look Sharp has consistently received very positive feedback from well-respected individuals within the media community. The late historian Howard Zinn praised Project Look Sharp’s work for how it changes the way students think, saying “it fosters independent thinking, which, after all, should be the chief objective of a good education.” After reviewing Look Sharp’s early curriculum kits, preeminent journalist Bill Moyers commented “I wish that I had these materials when I was in school.”
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20140219102546181