(Letter Written to "Fellow EdSers" by Diane, Tonia, Rhina after first class of the fall semester)

Dear Fellow EdSers,

Just a note to say how much we appreciated your attention, energy and humor last night as we started the semester together. Overwhelmed hardly captures how everyone must feel with so many activities starting at once. But rest assured we are very sensitive to your needs, your goals and your stress.

After debriefing last night, the team decided that the Independent Work Plans are now going to be completely designated for you to work on the continuing Exploratory projects (a.k.a. burning idea/questions) that you began this summer with Barbara and Tonia. Because there are two Independent Work Plan Days (9/26 and 10/31), we will assume that you are using the first to continue the work and the second one for planning your final presentation and written report.   So,

1. You do NOT have to fill out the Independed Work Plan worksheet that we handed out last night and that is listed in the syllabus and due at various times.
    
2. The points allocated for this assignment (in 8100) will be either dispersed among other assignments or allocated for the presentation of the project. More explanation of this to come.

Our stuff should be on the wiki by Friday. The chapters will be posted there as well for those who weren’t able to get the textbook in time.

Just a reminder for next week. Regional groups are meeting separately at their locations (wherever you decided last night) and will work on the following activities:

1. For 8100- Critical Reflection of article handed out in class History and Culture from the book Teaching To Change the World. See Rhina’s syllabus, page 3 for directions on how to write up the critical reflection.

2. For 8400

   1. Chapter 1: Bring ah, ha’s- highlights, stickies, etc…)
   2. Chapter 6: Bring your What, So What, Now What- notes
   3. Chapter 7: DO NOT READ- DIANE IS RESCHEDULING THIS ONE

3. Group will review and discuss the holistic grading rubric from syllabus for possible modifications.
4. Group will begin discussion of their initial plans for their Book Extensions (BEEPS). First book starts in a couple of weeks.
5. Group will sign up for any individual/team coaching or conferencing for next week (whole class session 9/5--4:00-4:30)
6. If time, status check on Teacher Action Research projects.

That is it for now. Hope this helps clarify some things for next week.

See you soon,

Diane, Rhina, Tonia