27th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference
Literacy, Assessment and Core Curriculum Standards
Friday, November 14, 2014 - 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 2014 - 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Guam
Sponsored by:
University of Guam
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Co-Sponsors:
School of Education
International Reading Association, Guam Council
E-mail: uoglac@gmail.com
Welcome to the 27th Annual Regional Language Arts Conference (LAC) website! The LAC is an annual event in which Western Pacific educators are provided with opportunities for professional growth and enrichment in literacy.
This year's Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Margaruite Smith
Dr. Smith is the Manager of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), Hawaii and Pacific Sales and Service for McGraw-Hill Education. In that capacity, she is responsible for all aspects of teacher training, textbook and online learning sales, as well as Professional Development services for McGraw-Hill School Education educational materials, including SRA, Macmillan, Glencoe and Wright Group products to the Department of Defense Schools and to Guam, Marshall Islands, Palau, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, and Hawaii.
She has degrees from Texas Tech University, Texas Southern University, and the University of Denver in education and in educational administration. She has taught in every grade level 1-12, and has been an elementary administrator. She has teacher certification in reading, English as a Second Language, as well as general studies K-12.
Featured Presentation: Unlocking Literacy with the Common Core State Standards
This session will highlight the Common Core Anchor Standards that address literacy achievement for all students. The session will address the benefits of using the CCSS in planning English Language Arts instruction to assure mastery of essential foundation skills for literacy. Dr. Smith will show examples of teaching lessons based on the Common Core State Standards and address quality assessment that is critical to effective instruction.
Past Featured Keynote Speaker: Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood
Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood is a former Superintent for the Guam Department of Education (GDOE). She served as GDOE's research, planning, and evaluation administrator. She holds a doctorate of philosophy from the University of Oregon, a master's degree in education, and a bachelor of arts degree in education. She has also served as the chair of the committee to develop Guam Department of Education's master plan relative to the increase in military presence. Dr. Underwood has been a leader in the local Filipino community organizations and an advocate of Guam's quest for self-determination and has served the community as a member of the Guam Memorial Hospital's board of trustees, the Guam Humanities Council, and St. Paul Christian School's board of directors. She is also the vice chair of the Democratic Party of Guam.
Past Featured Keynote Speaker: Efren Penaflorida, CNN Hero of the Year
Penaflorida is a Filipino teacher who won the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year award for his outreach teaching project known as, "Kariton Klasrum" (pushcart classroom). He received his award from American actress Eva Mendes at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
According to Penaflorida, "Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes, and sizes. We are one great tapestry...Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need."
If you are interested in presenting or attending, it is important that you return the forms with your check/payment immediately. We have a limit of 300 participants. Last year, many were turned away because we reached capacity before the registration deadline. Don't let this weekend go without signing up. We look forward to seeing you there!
CALL FOR PROPOSALS DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 7, 2014
You can also earn two (2) PD894 graduate credits/CEUs. You must register for the conference before you register for the graduate credits at the Professional International Programs, 2nd floor, MARC/Computer Center/PIP Building, Room #217. For more information, call 735-2601 or fax 734-1233. You can also e-mail the Instructor, Lois Taitano Gumataotao, at ltgumataotao@gmail.com.
Contact LAC Committee Chairpersons:
- Dr. Clarisa Quan: risaquan@yahoo.com
- Dr. Catherine Stoicovy: stoicovy@guam.net
- Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera: mnrivera1@yahoo.com
- Dr. Christopher Garcia: guamchrisgarcis@gmail.com
- Dr. Michelle Santos: msantos@uguam.uog.edu
Administrative Coordinators:
- Kathleen Duenas (Email: kduenas@uguam.uog.edu, Tel: 735-2725)
- E-mail: uoglac@gmail.com
Merry Christmas from around the Pacific!
