"Conversation was not invented to help people choose right answers on tests. It evolved to solve problems, build ideas, build relationships, and understand others and the world.  Yet despite its power to grow minds and hearts, effective conversations are still too scarce in our schools."  Jeff Zwiers, an educational researcher at Stanford University, shared his initial vision for classroom conversations in his 2011 book, Academic Conversations, which was the focus for the initial course: Utilizing Structured Academic Conversations.  In this follow-up course, teachers will actively participate in online learning to further develop their understanding and application of Structured Academic Conversations in the Classroom and how to utilize Structured Conversations to Support CLD Students. Teachers will synthesize conversation work across disciplines, understand the most recent research in utilizing Structured Academic Conversations in the Classroom, apply specific strategies for different lesson elements, reflect on and discuss their experiences with other teachers, and ultimately develop an Action Plan for how to strengthen the practices of utilizing Structured Academic Conversations in their classrooms.

This course is appropriate for all secondary level teachers including elective teachers, ELD & CLD teachers, Digital Literacy Teachers, Librarians, and Instructional Coaches. 

Required Text:

• Next Steps with Academic Conversations by Jeff Zwiers

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify and Explain effective strategies for crafting Structured Academic Conversations. 
• Understand and Apply the Core Conversation Skills while Crafting Structured Academic Conversations. 
• Apply Specific Strategies for Structured Academic Conversations by facilitating Lessons with Students.
• Differentiate Strategies for CLD Learners.
• Develop an Action Plan for how to craft & strengthen Structured Academic Conversations in their teaching practices