XTRA Weekly

In its 18th year, XTRA Weekly has expanded online through a partnership with Exploros to provide teachers with critical reading content in a fun and engaging digital format. Exploros is a teacher-guided platform for staging learning experiences in the face-to-face or a remote classroom. Teachers can guide the experience and resulting dialogue, and all students engage using devices and social media skills. Every student has a voice, actively contributing to the learning process. The benefits of XTRA Weekly lessons and activities in conjunction with the interactive Exploros platform include: 1. Enhancing ELA skills such as critical reading, writing, and thinking, aligned to Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts 2. Accessing high-interest current news articles from Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper media companies for 32 weeks 3. Elevating student engagement in which every student contributes to the social learning experience 4. Evaluating student progress (quizzes, activities, etc.) via real-time data reporting 5. Sharing documents, visuals, and videos with all students In addition, XTRA Weekly/Exploros subscribers will receive weekly: * Guided teacher lesson plans for all 32 weeks * Lessons developed for two levels—Level 1 (Grades 3-5) and Level 2 (Grades 6-8) * Suggested Answer Keys for student activities * Diverse extension activities addressing Common Core Standards in speaking and writing *Extension activities include exercises for ELL students and for parent-student engagement About me: Founder and President of XTRA Weekly (2005-Present); Developed more than 50 curriculum guides for San Diego Unified School District and the Copley Press; Editor/curriculum developer/special projects coordinator for San Diego Unified School District (1980-1992); Community & Public Relations Director/Consultant, The San Diego Union-Tribune (1996-Present); Newspaper In Education Manager for The San Diego Union-Tribune (1992-1996); Adjunct journalism instructor at San Diego State University (1980-1982)

My goal in working with students is to inspire them to become lifelong learners. I engage students by encouraging them to think, write, and speak critically through the use of high-interest, relevant, current news articles from Pulitzer Prize winning newspapers. Recognizing that individuals have different learning styles, I offer a variety of learning activities that students find both challenging and fun.

San Diego Council Literacy Luminary Award (2014); California Literacy Outstanding Service Award (2003); Phi Delta Kappa Citizen of the Year (1998-99); Greater San Diego Reading Association Celebrate Literacy Award (1988)

BA, Journalism, San Diego State University; MS, Mass Communications, San Diego State University; Graduate Teaching Assistant, Journalism, University of Mississippi

NONPROFIT BOARD/COMMITTEE SERVICE (Current): University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences Junior Achievement; Classroom of the Future Foundation; San Diego Council on Literacy; Susan G. Komen San Diego