December 11, 2013                                                           Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube


 

In this issue of Ed-Connect, find 2014-2015 instructional planning resources as well as updates to the Compass video library. Additionally, you will find updated early childhood resources as well as guidance on the state's upcoming transition to more rigorous standards.
 
IN THIS ISSUE:
 

Instructional Planning for 2014-2015IP

 

In March of 2013, the Department released the Classroom Support Toolbox and has continued to update it with resources each month. This toolbox includes important teacher resources such as:

As we plan for 2014-2015, we will be releasing updated resources in the Classroom Support Toolbox. The Department has focused on these tools because of the feedback received from teachers such as yourselves. Starting in March 2014, teachers will be able to access resources such as:

  • Recommended curricula in ELA/math
  • Printable curriculum guidebooks in ELA/math that include standards, planning and assessment resources 
  • Additional videos that illustrate key ELA/math instructional strategies

Look for all of this and more starting in the new year!

 

Compass Video Library UpdatesCVL

 

This week, the Department is adding new videos to the video library. Instructional Videos portray the instructional shifts required when teaching to new, more rigorous standards and in order to meet the student-centered instructional practices articulated in the Compass Teacher Rubric. 

New Feedback Videos provide examples of how teachers and leaders can prepare for and participate in productive feedback conversations that lead to improved educator and student work. 

The Video Library User Guide provides viewers with a guide as to how these videos can be used as the basis for collaboration and discussion among teachers and leaders around student outcomes. 

Early Childhood Resource UpdatesEC

 

The Teacher Support Tool Box now offers additional resources designed to provide guidance for early childhood teachers as they set goals, plan, teach, and evaluate results. These three new Cross-Curricular Four-Year-Old sample units as well as four sample weekly lesson plans can be found here. Additional resources will be forthcoming.

Transition Policy GuidanceTP

  

Last week, BESE passed policies that ensure that both educators and students are supported during the state's transition to more rigorous standards and assessments. Below you will find both a one-page document describing each policy. Additionally, the Department will be providing webinars on December 18th during which Department staff will explain the policies in depth. Teachers, administrators, and central office staff are invited to join, so that all can be informed and can make plans accordingly. For more information on accessing these webinars, click here.

Additional Transition Policy Resources

 

Thank you to all the educators who joined the Virtual Teacher Town hall with Superintendent John White. If you were unable to participate, click here to watch both an explanation of the new policies and hear Supt. White answer educators' questions.  For a list of frequently asked questions about the polices click here.

Reminder: 2015 Teacher and Principal of the Year Application Process Now OpenTOY

 

The application process for the Louisiana Teacher and Principal of the Year is now open. Districts may nominate up to three candidates, one per division, for both Teacher and Principal of the Year. For more information on this year's selection process, click here. Application materials are available here and should be submitted to excellenteducators@la.gov by 5:00 pm on January 17, 2014.

 

Please send any questions to excellenteducators@la.gov.

 
Louisiana Department of Education
1201 N. Third Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
1-877-453-2721

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