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Are you ready to take the next step? Become a Tribes Trainer in 2012!

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:02:50 +0000

As a Certified District Tribes Trainer, you have the opportunity to provide on-going training, coaching and support to teachers, administrators, resource personnel and parent community groups in your school district,region or board. Because Tribes TLC® is a capacity-building model, CenterSource Systems encourages schools and districts to develop their own leadership teams (Tribes) and expertise, rather than forever relying on the “experts” to provide quality training, mentoring and coaching. In this way, responsibility is gradually transferred to the schools for implementing the process, just as teachers gradually transfer responsibility to their students for their own learning.

If you would like to learn more about this exciting opportunity and download the TOT Application Packet, click here!

2012 TOT SCHEDULE:

JUNE 18-22, 2012 – AUSTIN, TEXAS
Hosted by Brentwood Elementary School
Austin Independent School District
Austin Application Deadline: May 20, 2012

CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA

Dates coming soon!

College Readiness: Learning Collaboratively

admin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:41:00 +0000

At more and more colleges, students are expected to be able to effectively learn in collaboration with their classmates. The author of this article emphasizes that secondary and primary schools need to give their students the necessary practice in collaboration. The implementation of Tribes Learning Communities is a comprehensive, fun, and rewarding way to do just that! Click the following link to view this edutopia article.

College Readiness: Learning Collaboratively

Article by: Ben Johnson

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/college-readiness-collaborative-learning-ben-johnson

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Attention Tribes Trainers!

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:37:54 +0000

Summer Institute 2012 -

“Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future”

40th Anniversary Celebration of Tribes TLC!

July 9-12, 2012

Where you ask? The place where it all began many years ago… Northern California!

Join us as we Honor the Past and Embrace the Future in the Heart of the Sonoma Wine Country.

Click here for all the details!

Attn: Tribes Trainers!

Braiding PBIS/RtI System into Tribes Universal Process

admin — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:25:14 +0000

I have been a Certified Tribes TLC® Trainer since 2002. In the last three years, I have been introduced to a three tier intervention system for behavior and academics; Positive Behavior Interventions Support (PBIS) and Response to Interventions (RtI). As I look at what Tribes implements and compare it to the framework of PBIS/RtI, I fully believe and endorse the Universal Tribes TLC® Process as the beginning point for any and all positive school change.

In the 24 years I have been in education, I have not come across a curriculum, process or framework that takes into consideration the “Whole Child Development” and then puts it into a training process that actually has educators experience Tribes Learning Communities.

Tribes starts at the beginning of all basic human needs by building an environment where all feel safe, valued and a have a sense of belonging. From there the Tribes TLC® Process builds in expected behaviors and then bridges over into best practices for teaching and learning.

Once the Tribes Process is implemented and developed, a school can train in and implement the PBIS/RtI framework to give deeper meaning to Tribes by going beyond the Universal practices into interventions for the students who need them both academically and behaviorally.

In summary, Tribes is a process that implements research based best practices for “Whole Child Development”; PBIS/RtI is the framework that drills deeper into making a school’s system, practices and data collection more effective.

Submitted by Christine Kleiman, CESA 7 Safe and Healthy Schools Director, Certified Tribes Trainer, PBIS External Coach, SWIS trainer.

For more information, please download:

Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

A Work in Progress

David Gibbs — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:36:23 +0000

You might notice a few changes in our website today. We’ve been tweaking things to improve your visit to Tribes.com. Take a look around and let us know what you think.

The Bookstore has moved…

We have simplified the navigation to the bookstore for easier access. You can now find it located at Top-Right on most pages. And as always, your purchases are safe and secure! Our site uses the latest technology that ensures your personal and payment information is kept confidential and secure.

Now featuring…

Our home page now has Featured Articles, Featured Products and a Featured Video that will change from time to time. We even have upcoming events listed in the right column for fast and easy access.

Even MORE about Tribes…

Are you looking for articles about Tribes? Take a peek at the About Tribes page and you’ll see a list in the right column containing Articles, Research and Model Program information that you might have missed before. We will be adding to these sections soon, so please check back often for new info.

Hey Trainers! Do you want a Google Map posted for your Tribes training?

Click here to submit your upcoming event. Be sure to provide the street address and your participants will be able to find your training on the map (incomplete addresses equals no map). You can provide your email address, your phone number and even your website if you’d like. Check it out…

Other visitors who are searching for a Tribes training in which to participate, can do so on the Events page. If you see a nearby location listed, please contact the trainer directly for registration information and cost. If you are interested in a whole school training, please contact us. Chances are we can schedule a training at your school on the dates of your choosing.

Is your Tribes School on The Map?

Zoom in on the world map of TLC Schools to find your school. If it isn’t on the map, please complete the form on the bottom of the page and we will gladly add it!

What… no Forum??

We found that most people prefer to post comments and questions on our FaceBook page rather than the old Tribes Forum. Additionally, as much of the Forum content was duplicated on our TeachCommunity.com website we decided to drop it and stick with the more user-friendly social networking path. Do you approve?

We are just a few clicks away…

Let us know your thoughts… Ask a question… or simply say hello by clicking on the Contact tab. We usually can get back to you the same day (unless it’s a weekend in which case we are likely out hiking, kayaking or riding a horse).

As always, we appreciate your interest and support of Tribes Learning Communities!

Come back again soon.

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What’s New with Tribes TLC?

Mary Palin — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 14:26:58 +0000

This time last year, we were gearing up for a summer institute in Houston, Texas which was an awesome event!

Here we are, a year later…and proud to share what’s happened in our world.

Jeanne has recorded a new message for educators that is available on DVD or by clicking here.
30 US Trainers have responded to CSS to become contract trainers; they will facilitate training contracts in new districts. We are currently printing their business cards and mailing out promotional materials (cards, brochures, books, CDs, etc) so they can share with others. This new opportunity allows the trainers to network with their local and more distant professional communities to spread the word about Tribes TLC. Many of them will be contacting multiple new districts to generate interest, and consequently, will be facilitating trainings in new areas.
CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) is conducting a two-year research project on social emotional learning and teacher education. About 10 Trainers who are professors at universities have replied and will be in touch with CASEL regarding the work that they are doing at the university level. Due to the expertise of our trainer network, we are pleased to be able to respond to many opportunities generated by CASEL, which helps Tribes to stay in the forefront.
There are three Training of Trainers (TOTs) this summer, and one scheduled for the fall in Australia:

Waukesha, Wisconsin (June 20-24) has 20 well-qualified participants,
Vancouver (July 4-8) has 18,
Houston (July 11-15) has 25.
The cutoff date for Perth, Australia (September 26-30) is August 1st, and we expect that one to fill as well. That will result in 90 new Certified Trainers, who will facilitate training in new districts for many years to come.

Hawaii and Ontario hosted Tribes TLC Regional Conferences; they were both a great success. About 80 professionals attended each one, where both introductory and advanced sessions were facilitated by Certified Trainers. Jeanne Gibbs was the keynote for the Hawaii conference, and Nancy Lindhjem, one of our exceptional Staff Trainers was the keynote for the Ontario conference. A huge congrats to the planning teams (“trainer tribes”) from each area for a job well done!
www.teachcommunity.com was one of 25 websites featured in May in the 31 Day Game, an innovative Professional Learning Game created by Canadian educator Rodd Lucier and Tribes trainer Ben Hazzard. Staff trainer Mary Palin was the guest convener for this version of 31 Day Game. 31daygame.net features information on how to play the game, links from past games, and will be hosting another game in August.

As we continue to focus on learning and development, a caring culture, a community of learners, and student centered, responsive education – we encourage you to send us YOUR “successful moments” or ”making a difference with the Tribes TLC process” in your classrooms, schools, and life.

Contact us at tribes@tribes.com

Tribes Strategies and the ‘Sweet 16′

Mary Palin — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:23:10 +0000

Thirty-two cooperative learning experiences and corresponding websites/links have been evaluated, shared, critiqued, appreciated, and arranged into a ‘more effective’ status, called ‘Round Two’.

Yes. It’s the 31 Day Game. www.31daygame.net

And two (of my) favorite Tribes TLC strategies (from www.teachcommunity.com) are in the ‘sweet 16‘, AKA “round 2″. Check out these links: http://teachcommunity.tribes.com/2008/06/i-like-my-neighbor/ and http://teachcommunity.tribes.com/2011/01/weekly-tribes-reflective-practice-snowball/

BTW, there are at least ten known Tribes TLC teachers and/or trainers in the game! If you are wanting to play , but unfamiliar with the whole “Twitter” experience, contact mpalin@tribes.com for help, encouragement, a tutorial.

Initially, it was my goal to expose players to good ideas and good sites/places where they could get suggestions, prompts, and validation. And I think that happened. What is really insightful, and enduring, is the rich discussion in the tweeting, and therein is the magnificence of this little game…ideas worth sharing, and professional broadcasting in 140 characters or less.

No only do players get multiple resources, but they get even more from discussion with one another. Kind of what we hope to have happen in our own classrooms and staff rooms?!

So. Fasten your seatbelts and let’s see what comes up for Round Two. Players will continue to intensify, influence, ignite, and speak their minds and experience. Note that not only do the learning experiences compete in structure and application, they also must appeal and relate – academically, socially, and emotionally.

And. It’s still not too late to play …or invite a friend to the 31 Day Game, Round Two.

Learning and Influence

Mary Palin — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:33:47 +0000

To learn requires ‘influence’; to influence others requires knowledge (a synonym for ‘learning’).

Right now, an online discussion is tweeting: the 31 day game. Two educators in Canada (one is also a Tribes TLC trainer) designed a professional learning game that promotes making a choice between two educational realizations. The first game challenged players to make a choice between two compelling videos; the current game considers cooperative learning strategies. Participants are forced to make a choice between the two.

It’s not easy! You might think so, since both of the choices are really good. But that’s not the hard part; what’s hard is voicing one’s opinion – out there for all to read and comment on. That statement is ‘influence’; maybe it will influence others, maybe it will influence a retort, maybe it will influence a challenge to justify.

Just like in a classroom, there are potentially more who observe, watch, sit, or remain silent than those who actively participate, voice opinions, ask, or dispute. Inclusion is easy and inviting and comfortable. Community is a celebration, a feeling, an event. Influence is a challenge, a risk, and one cannot truly learn without it.

Typically, when implementing the Tribes TLC process, “influence” is identified as the opportunity for problem solving, decision making, valuing diversity and resolving conflict. But isn’t that also reminiscent of “learning”? When one learns, whether it is a concept, a skill, or a process, doesn’t that also involve some problem solving, decision making, valuing diversity (other ideas) and resolving conflict – both internal and external? I can tell you from my own recent experience of learning how to ride a motorcycle that it is most certainly is about ‘influence’

I don’t want to do anything stupid or embarrassing or wrong. But if I want to learn, then I have to risk making mistakes, being challenged, and defending my actions and reasons.

Just like those players in the 31 day game; the more we share, ask, challenge, and ‘tweet’, the richer the discussion and the more we learn from each other.

So whether it’s in the 31 day game, the classroom, on the playground, among peers, or around the dinner table; be aware that your ‘influence’ is also a potential for others’ (and your own) learning. Plan your response, and before you say (or tweet) it, make it concise and thoughtful.

In Rodd’s (31 Day Game architect) words, “It’s a relatively simple idea that hinges on participation. You really will learn more if you engage in conversation, than if you worry about having the right answer…”

How ‘influential”!

Are You Ready to Play?

Mary Palin — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:05:45 +0000

…the next 31 Day Game starts May 1^st.

32 cooperative learning experiences will compete in a Professional Learning Game. The question is, “Which of the two is a ‘more effective’ cooperative learning experience?”

Learning experiences are arranged into suggested groupings of pairs, triads, groups of four, and whole class. Use your creativity to modify, adapt, and apply to any subject or different grouping configuration.

We hope that many of these learning experiences will be familiar; they may also be a timely reminder, or just a great little strategy that you could use right about now, in May.

Whether or not you have the time and energy to hit the ground running each day in May to actually try the two competing learning experiences, by participating in the 31 Day Game you will become familiar with a multitude of websites and ideas.

And what if we run another learning experience challenge in August with some of the top finishers plus more ‘start the year’ strategies?

Well, we need you to play, participate, comment, share, and tweet. Yes, you will need a Twitter account (takes 5 minutes) and just follow these simple instructions.

Visit http://www.31daygame.net/

You will see some ‘tweeting’ there already. Once you have your Twitter account, join us! Here’s how:

1) Go to www.twitter.com then log into your account.

2) From your home page, type #31daygame, write the strategy that you are voting for and a short message why.

3) Then hit “tweet”.

4) When you go to back to the home page on 31daygame.net, you will see your tweet! We will know you are on board with us.

Your ‘tweets’ will be mostly your vote and reasons on which of the two is a ‘more effective’ cooperative learning experience. But you can also share experience, ask questions, make suggestions or comment. Visit the Education Video Challenge page on the site for a sample of how this plays (as well as all the links to some great videos; in case you missed the first 31Day Game…click on “Here are the results”.)

So.

Mark your calendars.

Commit to 5 minutes of clicking on some informative websites and a quick review of a cooperative learning experience.

Decide. Which of the two have you tried with success, or which of the two would you like to try, or which of the two gets your head nodding?

Tweet your vote.

Participate in the second Professional Learning Game: the 31 Day Game.

If you miss the start, or any day along the way, you can still be in the game! Jump in any time, and no one is disqualified if “life” distracts you for a day or two.

It’s not too late to play the 31 Day Game!?

Mary Palin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:11:36 +0000

What is it?

http://thecleversheep.blogspot.com/2011/01/do-you-have-time-for-31-day-game.html

In the spirit of the March Madness tournament each spring, Rodd Lucier has cleverly created a professional learning game, where you (the participant) watch two competing videos each day, and then your vote determines how the video of choice advances to the finals. The videos are compelling, provocative, educational, and inspiring. The game started March 1st, but it’s not too late to play – the finals are coming!

Tribes trainer Ben Hazzard has also blogged and supported the 31 Day Game. You can read or hear his blog here: http://benhazzard.com/

Here’s the bonus: Every video Rodd has assembled for this game is also relevant to Jeanne’s message of Tribes TLC and every video has significance for staff meetings and professional learning communities at your school. Depending on the age/grade level your teach, the videos are also (for students) talking points, writing opportunities (response to ….), and motivation for learning. The videos range from 2 to 27minutes in length.

For easy access to all the videos and to catch up on the 31 Day Game, go here: http://31daygame.net/

Hope to see you on the 31 Day Game!