October 15, 2009 - On Tuesday, October 13, the Globalization Literature Circle met for the first time this year. The group, which consists of North Colonie teachers, administrators, and support staff, meets several times over the course of a semester to discuss publications relevant to education. The literature circle was an action step that came from the Globalization Study Group after North Colonie received TRAC (Tackling Racism in Albany County) training in December 2005.

“Since then, a group of interested teachers and administrators have served as group facilitators,” Boght Hills Principal and group discussion leader, Mrs. Kim Greiner said. “All of the sessions have been well attended by teachers’, administrators, support staff, and student teachers. I think the word is spreading about how valuable this professional development is.”

Photos: (Top) The Globalization Literature Circle gathers at the Shaker High School Library. (Bottom) Mrs. Kim Greiner, Boght Hills Principal and group discussion leader.

The literature is diverse and challenging. The books examine issues in education and how they impact the classroom and school as a whole. Some of the books that the group has read include: Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin, Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom, by Lisa Delpit which culminated in a videoconference with the author, and The Muslim Next Door, by Sumbal Ali-Karamali, concluded with a Skype session with the author.

The unique aspect of the literature circle is that it promotes constructive feedback that results in passionate discussions.

“Discussions center around our reflections on the text and the implications for classroom instruction,” Greiner said. “Some discussions are animated, but respectful, and others are filled with agreement and a ‘let’s get it done’ attitude.”