HOME ABOUT DARLINGTON SCHOOL FACULTY DIRECTORY

Robert Hall

Former Faculty

July 2007 to July 2011

Previous Background
Rob Hall has served as Darlington’s reading specialist since 2007. In this role, he is responsible for developing, implementing, leading and evaluating the school’s comprehensive literacy program. He also serves as a vital resource for faculty members by providing research-based strategies and plans as well as delivers professional development opportunities that focus on literacy. In 2010, he took on additional duties as director of student assessment. Rob holds a B.S. from Jacksonville State University, an M.S.Ed. from Berry College, Reading Endorsement Trainer Certification and a Ph.D. from Capella University (Minn.) Prior to his work at Darlington, he taught for seven years in the Rome’s Floyd County Schools system.

College Education

BSEd. Jacksonville State University

M.Ed. Berry College

Ph.D. Capella University

SAT Prep: It's Never Too Early

Academic Administration | Robert Hall, January 4, 2011

PSAT scores will be given to students on Jan. 10. Understanding the test, scores and what to do with them are the first steps in preparing for the SAT. The PSAT scores should not be looked at then discarded. The information in the score report will be helpful in developing a long-term plan of action for taking the SAT.

Academic Summer Camps

Learning Center | Robert Hall, April 29, 2010

Engaging in different academic activities is important for all skill levels and grade levels. Just like practicing for a sport is important, so is practicing for school. However, motivating our kids can sometimes prove difficult during the summer. Enrolling in a summer camp can be the boost a child needs or provide the necessary engagement to begin the new school year ready for success.

Debunking Five Myths of Dyslexia

Learning Center | Robert Hall, February 11, 2010

When I first heard the term dyslexia, I thought it was someone who reads words backwards. Little did I know that a majority of the conversations I have with parents would revolve around that one word. Understanding what dyslexia is and isn’t helps to create an understanding of the struggles and talents of these extremely gifted students.

What is Phonics?

Learning Center | Robert Hall, January 29, 2010

Phonics, quite simply, is a method of teaching reading and spelling based on these predictable symbol-sound relationships. Using phonics to teach reading means the student will learn the sounds of language (phonemes) and the letters (graphic representations of the phonemes) which would most likely represent those sounds based on location of the sound in the word. Confused yet?

Crazy English: Reading Problems Expounded

Learning Center | Robert Hall, January 13, 2010

What if you were asked to read and write a language that made no sense to you? The frustration would probably be overwhelming, if you even attempted to begin. Well, that is what many students with a reading or writing disability face each day.

Technology and Literacy Go Hand in Hand

Learning Center | Robert Hall, December 15, 2009

I recently purchased a new phone. I didn’t really need it, but the technology simply amazed me. That’s when I started thinking about technology and literacy and this blo

Undiagnosed Learning Disabilities in Adults

Learning Center | Robert Hall, November 11, 2009

Reading and writing issues are not discovered overnight, nor are they created that way. Sure, disabilities and learning differences are sometimes unavoidable, but the majority of problems can be detected early and accurately.

Faculty members earn kudos

November 2, 2009

Darlington faculty and staff members are recognized for their recent achievements.

14 faculty members to present at GISA conference

September 23, 2009

Nine of the presentations on the docket for the Georgia Independent Schools Association’s annual conference will be led by Darlington faculty and staff members. The conference will be hosted Nov. 1-2 at Darlington. Counselors Jill Pate and Chris Allen will lead a session titled “One School’s Response to Tragic Loss: Lessons Learned,” focusing on how Darlington coped with the loss of five students and two parents during a nine-month period in 2009. Beth Wilson, chairperson of the English department, and Melinda Holmes, director of library services, will lead a session titled “Summer Reading: A Student-Centered Approach.” It will focus on Darlington’s unique approach to summer reading, which engenders buy-in, crosses boundaries between the English department and other disciplines and assesses reading based on what really matters – student engagement with literature. Gordon Hight (’94), director of Upper School, will lead a session titled “Backwards Design: Planning and Assessment,” which aims to help teachers balance the enormous amount of material they need to cover in class with the specific information they want their students to understand and retain. He will focus on identifying the essential understandings and developing lesson plans and assessments that evaluate this knowledge. Debra Myrick, chairperson of the math department, will lead a session titled “Sketchpad for All,” focusing on the use of the Geometer’s Sketchpad and ways that the teacher can use this tool to save time, increase student interest and participation, and provide depth of understanding. Julia Dodd, chemistry teacher, will lead a session titled “Teaching Introductory Organic Chemistry to Seniors,” in which she will discuss the benefits of bridging the gap between high school chemistry during the sophomore year and college organic chemistry. Her presentation will include course prerequisites, selection of textbooks, course organization and information about laboratory activities. Mitchell Maddox, English teacher, will lead a session titled “Writing a New Experience,” in which he will discuss the ways people have used writing to understand the world and how teachers can pass those skills along to their students. Rob Hall, reading specialist, will lead a session titled, “Reading Specialists: A Paradigm Shift from Tutor to School-Wide Literacy Improvement.” He will focus on the expanding and ever-changing world of literacy and the role of the reading specialist – to integrate a comprehensive K-12 literacy program by developing programs, assessing struggling and advanced students, evaluating programming, and providing inexpensive professional development on site. Craig Schmidt, chairman of the history department, and history teachers Brian Inman and Bailey Duncan (’98) will lead a session titled “Making History Interesting: Incorporating Technology in the History Classroom.” They will specifically look at the use of YouTube, Google Earth, Sketchup 7, OneNote, online forums and assessments and other programs that help bring learning to life. Joe Montgomery, chief advancement officer, and Julie Lucas (’97), regional director of the Second Century Campaign, will lead a session titled “Executing a Successful Capital Campaign,” which will focus on planning and implementation as well as how to work with different constituents of the school community.

Hall named school-wide reading specialist

March 18, 2009

Rob Hall will take on a more expansive role as school-wide reading specialist effective June 2009, announced incoming academic dean David Powell during a faculty meeting this morning.