OBJECTIVES:

Participants will:

• Examine and read young adult literature for the following: genres, analyzing themes, real-world connections, multiple perspectives, problem-solving, and personal experiences.
• independently read two selected young adult novels.
• answer online discussion questions.
• reflect upon other participants discussion question answers.
• complete online assessments at various points in the course.

"GOOD CLASS, GOOD DISCUSSIONS, GOOD BOOKS."

"INTERESTING AND WELL ORGANIZED."

"THE IDEAS IN THE TWO NOVELS WERE RELEVANT TO MY TEACHING, WITH EACH YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE COURSE I TAKE, I FIND MYSELF MORE CONNECTED TO MY CURRICULUM AND TO MY STUDENTS. THESE ARE THE BEST CLASSES FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS. I WISH THERE WERE MORE OF THEM."

"IT WAS FUN TO BE ABLE TO READ NOVELS AND DISCUSS THEM WITH OTHER TEACHERS. IT WAS LIKE SITTING AROUND, TALKING AND SHARING IDEAS AND CONCERNS."

"BEING ABLE TO DISCUSS PERTINENT TOPICS WITH OTHER EDUCATORS IN OTHER DISTRICTS AND SEE THE DIVERSITY IN OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS."

"FINDING NEW YA READING MATERIAL; QUICK FEEDBACK ON ASSIGNMENTS AND THE CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH OTHER STUDENTS THOUGHTS WAS HELPFUL."

"GREAT ASSIGNMENTS! LOVED THE DISCUSSION BOARD QUESTIONS AND THE FINAL ASSIGNMENT WAS FUN TO COMPLETE"

"THE TEXT TO READ WAS VERY VALUABLE TO ME AS A TEACHER."

"EXCELLENT NOVELS - INTERESTING REAL WORLD TOPICS, COURSE WAS WELL THOUGHT OUT."

"COURSE HAS A GREAT DEAL OF MEANINGFUL CONTENT THAT ALL SCHOOL STAFF COULD UTILIZE AND BENEFIT FROM IN THEIR ROLE."

TEXTS:

Young adult novels available at schools, public libraries, book stores, and Amazon.

• The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by E.L. Konigsburg (ISBN: 978-1416953531) Amazon Link

Amedeo Kaplan dreams of discovering something -- some treasure no one realizes is there until he finds it. And he would like to discover a true friend to share this with. Improbably, he finds the friend in aloof, edgy William Wilcox. And even more improbably, he finds his treasure among the memorabilia in the house of his eccentric neighbor, Mrs. Zender. But Amedeo and William find more than treasure -- they find a story that links a sketch, a young boy's life, an old man's reminiscence, and a painful secret dating back to the outrages of Nazi Germany. And they discover unexpected truths about art, friendship, history, heroism, and the mysteries of the human heart.

Participants will discuss historical events, museums, and art gallery influences on teaching.

• This Is Where It Ends by Marieke Nijkamp (ISBN: 978-1492622468) Amazon Link

This #1 New York Times Bestseller chronicles the 54 harrowing minutes of a school shooting and follows four students who must confront their greatest hopes, and darkest fears, as they come face-to-face with the boy with the gun.

10:00 a.m.
The principal of Opportunity, Alabama's high school finishes her speech, welcoming the entire student body to a new semester and encouraging them to excel and achieve.

10:02 a.m.
The students get up to leave the auditorium for their next class.

10:03 a.m.
The auditorium doors won't open.

10:05 a.m.
Someone starts shooting.

Participants will discuss realistic genre traits, school crisis management, and planning for serious events in the school community.