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Volume 12, Number 13                               The Source
August 3, 2012
Join Us on August 9 - Assuring Authentic PLCs with Daniel R. Venables 

Daniel R. Venables, author of The Practice of Authentic PLCs: A Guide to Effective Teacher Teams, will be a featured speaker at the SAI conference on Thursday morning, August 9.Venables

Iowa ASCD is sponsoring a "value-added" opportunity for Iowa ASCD members the afternoon of August 9, 12:00 - 3:00 P.M.  For $15, members will have the opportunity for a focused conversation with Venables around authenticating your PLCs. Each participating member will receive lunch as well as a copy of Venables's book. Non-members are welcome to attend at a fee of $45; they, too, will receive lunch and a copy of this practical book for implementing PLCs.

Daniel R. Venables will address specific questions of the participants as well as the following:
  • Lessons learned regarding the "nuts and bolts" of PLCs.
  • Suggestions for getting the most from three basic tasks of PLCs - examination of teacher and student work, development of common formative assessments, and review and response to student learning data.
  • The role of principals and/or central office staff in establishing the vision for improving learning.
  • Tips and suggestions for addressing PLCs that fail to collect, analyze, and present evidence of work beyond simple, self-reported, anecdotal observations.
  • Recommendations or strategies for training facilitators of PLCs.  

Individuals may register with a credit card on the Iowa ASCD web site or call (515.271.1872)/FAX (515.271.2233) Bridget Arrasmith with purchase order information. Participants will be asked to complete a short survey to focus the work on August 9 with Venables.   

 

You may also contact Kevin Vidergar with questions regarding this opportunity. 

Iowa ASCD's Fall Institute Features Rick Smith, National Expert on Teaching Strategies That Engage Students in Their Learning

Join Iowa ASCD for its annual Fall Institute at Drake University on October 12, 2012.

We are all wanting our students to achieve "the core," whether in our regular classroom opportunities or in supplemental or intensive learning situations.  Let Rick Smith help you with that learning. 

This lively interactive workshop by Rick Smith provides K-12 teachers with practical strategies based on current research on the brain that help boost student involvement, motivation, and retention.  Teachers will walk away with strategies that help their students achieve the Iowa Core. 

 

Participants will explore how the brain learns, with focus on the MEANS for making a difference:

Memory - key ways to increase your students' retention
Emotion - its critical role in student learning
Attention - how to get it and maintain it
New Meaning - how to "wire it" into long-term memory
Strategies - Dozens that are brain-compatible

 

Participants will leave with:

  • "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lecture" - how to break up a lecture and provide multiple opportunities for active student engagement
  • Nine strategies for increasing student participation in class discussions
  • Two dozen ways to increase student attention and retention, especially for your reluctant learners
  • Classroom Management Strategies that are geared primarily for the at-risk student
  • Lesson Plan Ideas That Work

Rick SmithRick Smith is an international education consultant and  presenter. He has shared practical teaching strategies to tens of thousands of teachers and teacher-trainers worldwide, including two years training American Peace Corps Volunteer Teachers in Ghana, West Africa. Rick will be heading to Singapore when he leaves us.  Rick was a classroom teacher for over fourteen years, focusing primarily on students-at-risk. He's been a mentor/support provider and mentor coordinator for many years, and has taught in both Elementary and Secondary Credential programs in northern California.

  

Rick has conducted hundreds of workshops and keynotes on classroom management and instructional strategies that  are consistently praised for both their motivational and practical value. His reviews at the ASCD conference last March topped the chart. 

 

Register now "on line" with a credit card or contact Bridget Arrasmith with your purchase order number and list of participants. 

 

Advocacy and Influence - Check Out the Iowa ASCD Web Site for Resources to Advocate for Learning

Be sure to check out Iowa ASCD's website.  Chris Welch, Iowa ASCD Director of Technology, reminds us to "touch the green" and you have access to the resources.

Advocacy and Influence:  We all want to advocate for students and their learning.  Use this site for access to your legislators as well as talking points that will help you advocate in a responsible and focused format.  
  • Be sure to access the Iowa ASCD legislative agenda on this site as well as plan to participate in the legislative training on February 5-6, 2013, provided by David Griffith, ASCD Director of Public Policy.  You can also review the presentation made by Iowa ASCD members and directors to the House Education Committee last spring.   
  • Well Rounded Education:  ASCD and 20 major education organizations, which represent a wide array of subject areas, developed consensus recommendations for how the federal government can better support core subjects beyond reading and math.  
  • capitol
    As you meet or write your legislators, be sure to cite key points and then share the stories from your district about the very issue for which you are contacting them.
Webinars for Your Learning 

Iowa ASCD seeks to keep you informed abut webinars for your learning and the learning of those with whom you work.  Check out the following as you prepare for a great start of the 2012-2013 school year.
  • Title:  Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works
    • Presenter:  Howard Pitler, Senior Director, Field Services McRel 
    • Provider:  ASCD
    • Date:  Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 2:00 P.M. CDT
    • Register Free
  • Title:  Ask Dr. Judy - How Can Resisting Immediate Gratification and Long-Term Goal Development Be Developed in Students?
    • Presenter:  Dr. Judy 
    • Provider:  ASCD
    • Date:  August 14, 2012, 2:00 P.M. CDT
    • Register Free  
  • Title:  Flipped-Mastery Learning Model:  Students in Charge of Learning, Part II
    • Presenters:  Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams, co-authors of Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day 
    • Provider:  ASCD
    • Date:  September 12, 2012, 2:00 P.M. CDT
    • Register Free
  • Title:  The Teacher Evaluation Conundrum:  Value-Added or Devalued Teaching?
    • Presenter:  Heidi Hayes Jacob 
    • Provider:  ASCD
    • Date:  September 25, 2012, 2:00 P.M. CDT
    • Register Free
Are You Ready to Address the 6 Shifts in Math and the 6 in Literacy Needed to Achieve the Core?
 
There are twelve shifts that the Common Core requires of us if we are to be truly aligned with it in terms of curricular materials and classroom instruction. There are six shifts in Mathematics and six shifts in ELA/ Literacy.  Check out how they can apply to you and your school as you implement the Iowa Core.

Six Shifts in Math:
  • Shift 1 - Focus:  Teachers use the power of the eraser and significantly narrow and deepen the scope of how time and energy is spent in the math classroom. They do so in order to focus deeply on only the concepts that are prioritized in the standards so that students reach strong foundational knowledge and deep conceptual understanding and are able to transfer mathematical skills and understanding across concepts
    and grades.
  • Shift 2 - Coherence:  Principals and teachers carefully connect the learning within and across grades so that, for example, fractions or multiplication spiral across grade levels and studentscan build new understanding onto foundations built in previous years. Teachers can begin to count on deep conceptual understanding of core content and build on it. Each standard is not a new event, but an extension of previous learning.
  • Shift 3 - Fluency:  Students are expected to have speed and accuracy with simple calculations; teachers structure class time and/or homework time for students to memorize, through repetition, core functions (e.g., 
    multiplication tables) so that they are more able to understand and manipulate more complex concepts.
  • Shift 4 - Deep Understanding:  Teachers teach more than "how to get the answer" and instead support students' ability to access concepts from a number of perspectives so that students are able to see math as more than a set of mnemonics or discrete procedures. Students demonstrate deep conceptual understanding of core math concepts by applying them to new situations. as well as writing and speaking about their understanding.   
  • Shift 5 - Application:  Students are expected to use math and choose the appropriate concept for application even when they are not prompted to do so. Teachers provide opportunities at all grade levels for students to apply math concepts in "real world" situations. Teachers in content areas outside of math, particularly science, ensure that students are using math - at all grade levels - to make meaning of and access content.
  • Shift 6:  Dual Intensity:  Students are practicing and understanding. There is more than a balance between these two things in the classroom - both are occurring with intensity. Teachers create opportunities for students to participate in "drills" and make use of those skills through extended application of math concepts. The amount of time and energy spent practicing and understanding learning environments is driven by the specific mathematical concept and, therefore, varies throughout the given school year.  

Check out the "Six Shifts" in English Language Arts/Literacy on the Iowa ASCD web site, under Reading/Literacy. 

Technology Tip:  Pinterest

Pinterest is one of the newest technology buzzwords. Many of you may already be "pinning" away, while others might be unaware what Pinterest is and how it might connect technology and student and teacher learning.   If we break down Pin-terest into two words, it sort of sums up what you can do with this tool. This tool allows you to virtually "pin" images that interest you onto virtual bulletin boards that you create. The beauty of Pinterest is that every image that is "pinned," is instantly linked to the website it came from. In our visual world, this is a quick and easy way to see excellent resources and then learn more about that resource by clicking on the image.  

 

To start, go to www.pinterest.com and create an account. Once you create an account you can find friends or organizations to "follow" and you can add the Pinterest icon to your toolbar so that you can pin any image you wish from websites you visit.  

 

Pinterest has infinite possibilities for both student and teacher learning. Many teachers I know are using Pinterest to share classroom management ideas, lesson plans, etc.   Teachers are also asking students to create virtual boards on Pinterest to organize their thinking and demonstrate what they've learned. These are just a few of the ways Pinterest can be used to advance teacher and student learning. See the links below for additional ways to use Pinterest in the classroom.

 

Additional Links:

This information was shared by ASCD Emerging Leader Stefanie Rosenberg-Wager.  Stefanie will be blogging each month on the Iowa ASCD web site about the integration of technology to support and enhance student learning and engagement.
You Ought to Know That . . . 
  • Annual Notices for Public Districts: The Iowa Department of Education provides this list (which may not be exhaustive, but represents the DE's best efforts) of state and federal notices that all districts are required to give to the public every year. This list does not attempt to include notices that are to be given to specific populations (e.g., notification of non-highly qualified teachers, notices to CPI families about testing). We have marked it with a "happy face" on our web site. 
  • Middle Web is a great web site all about the middle grades with a sharp focus on teaching and learning in grades 4-8.
  • Iowa ASCD members Anita Micich (Clear Lake and  Mason City) and Cindi McDonald (Waukee) serve on the Iowa Department of Education Task Force on Instructional Time.
  • August is Connected Educator Month. The U.S. Department of Education's Connected Educators initiative is assuring coordinated opportunities to participate in events and activities in dozens of online locations to develop skills and enhance one's personal learning network.   Watch Iowa ASCD Twitter for reminders of activities. 
  • Iowa ASCD members Todd Abrahamson (Grinnell-Newberg), Chris Coffman (Grinnell-Newberg), Sandra Dop (Iowa Department of Education), Jason Ellingson (Collins-Maxwell), Jason Glass (Iowa Department of Education), Dana Schon (SAI), Bridget Wagner (Waverly-ShellRock) and Cindy Swanson (ISEA) serve on the Task Force for Competency-Based Education.   
  • Intel Teach Elements has a new course for online learning for educators - Inquiry in the Science Classroom.  Transition from textbook science to authentic inquiry! Explore ways to develop your students' scientific thinking and practices!  
  • Iowa ASCD will publish tonight a summary of today's Summit!  Watch for it in your e-mail box tonight!  
  • Science Objects are two-hour on-line interactive inquiry-based content modules that help you better understand the science content you teach. With support from sponsors, Science Objects provide all teachers of science open access to these valuable new resources - all at no cost!   
  • Teachers new to the profession may join Iowa ASCD for only $15.  This is a great way for you to mentor their learning and practices. 
  • Iowa ASCD really appreciates your membership.  Let us know how we can best serve you!  
Iowa ASCD - Twitter!

Stay current with learning! Follow Iowa ASCD on Twitter!   

http://twitter.com/#!/IowaASCD  

Iowa ASCD is the source for developing instructional leadership. Serving more than 800 educators - teachers, principals, superintendents, directors of curriculum, technology specialists, college professors, AEA staff - Iowa ASCD strives to develop the collaborative capacity to impact the learning of each and every student in Iowa.

 

In This Issue
Authentic PLCs - Daniel R. Venables
Fall Institute - Rick Smith
Advocacy and Influence
Webinars
6 Shifts in Math
Technology - Pinterest
You Ought to Know
Iowa ASCD Twitter!
Featured Article
Featured Article

Quick Links:

 

Iowa ASCD  

 

Iowa ASCD Twitter

 


Iowa ASCD Contacts

 

President

Jason Ellingson 

   

Past-President

Leslie Moore

 

President-Elect

Allan Eckelman 

 

Membership Information

Bridget Arrasmith

 

Secretary

Marcia Tweeten 

 

Treasurer

Julie Davies  

 

Members-at-Large

Julie Grotewold 

Ottie Maxey 

Becky Martin 

Kevin Vidergar 

 

DE Liaison

 Tina Ross 

 

Higher Education

Jan Beatty-Westerman 

Elaine Smith-Bright 

 

Advocacy and Influence 

Pam Armstrong-Vogel 

Susan Pecinovsky 

 

Curriculum Leadership Academy

Sue Wood 

 

Fall Institute

Kelly Adams 

 

Summer Institutes and Grade-Level Conferences

Kym Stein 

 

Planning Chair 

Cindy Swanson 

 

Technology

Chris Welch  

 

Membership Relations and E-Learning

Amy Wichman 

 

Executive Director

Lou Howell  

 


Featured Opportunities

with Iowa ASCD
  • August 9, 2012 
    • "Authenticating Your PLCs" 
    • Presenter: Daniel R. Venables
    • 12:00 - 3:00 P.M.
    • ISEA Conference Room, across the street from SAI conference
    • $15 for members; $45 for non-members; includes lunch and book
    • Focus: strategies for establishing and sustaining PLCs as educators work toward improving learning for students and educators  
    • Register NOW!  
  • October 12, 2012 
    • Fall Institute
    • Presenter: Rick Smith, international expert on engagement of students through brain-based learning
    • 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
    • Drake University
    • $90 for members; $135 for non-members
    • Focus: increase teachers' knowledge and practices with the Iowa Core through strategies that "wire" the learning of their students in their long-term memory.
    • Register Now! 
  • February 5-6, 2013
    • "Advocating for Students and Their Learning"
    • Presenter: ASCD Director of Public Policy David Griffith
    • February 5: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M., Savory Hotel
    • February 6: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Historical Building and the Capitol
    • Focus: training on advocacy "on the hill" as well as update on national and state agendas and tips for influencing your legislators  
  • April 10 - 11, 2013
    • Iowa ASCD Leadership Academy
    • 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. daily
    • Hilton Garden Inn, Urbandale/Johnston
    • $250 for members; $295 for non-members
    • Focus: strategies and best practices around Iowa Core and RTI for curriculum leads
  • April 25 and 26, 2013
    • Grade-Level Conferences - Grades 4 and 5
    • Presenters: "for teachers and by teachers"
    • 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. each day
    • AEA 267 Conference Center in Cedar Falls
    • $90 for members; $150 for non-members
    • Focus: best practices to implement Iowa Core

     

  • Check out  Iowa ASCD's web site  

  • Get The Source the first and third Friday of each month.