Pathways Project

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been in discussion with folks at NCTE headquarters about writing a curriculum that would focus on “21st Century Literacies” that would be part of the Pathways online professional development program. I have agreed to do so along with Ernest Morrell, from UCLA; Laurie Henry from the University of Kentucky; and Elizabeth Beagle, a teacher from Virginia Beach. I am excited about the project, because I think we will be creating an innovative site filled with lots of good ideas for teachers; this will include some new streaming video clips. (I don’t know yet what our budget is, but I would welcome ideas for locations. We would need to shoot in early May.) Ernest, Laurie, Elizabeth and I are heading for Urbana, Illinois (NCTE headquarters) for a meeting this Thursday and Friday to plan out the curriculum. The goal that has been set by NCTE is to introduce the new Pathways 21st Century Literacies program at the Indianapolis conference. Registrants will be provided with a one-year subscription to it, as I understand it, and the four of us curriculum writers will be moderating online discussions on the site for the next school year. Let me hear your thoughts about what should (or shouldn't) be included in this important project.

Also, within the last 10 days, I’ve been asked to be one of the presenters at the Indy conference. I hope to find more details about this later this week, and I’ll communicate it with all of you.