IL ASCD and ASCD expresses our profound sadness upon learning of the loss of author, presenter, and lifelong educator Grant Wiggins. Hundreds of thousands of educators have changed their thinking and their instruction because of Wiggins' books and presentations; they serve as evidence of his innovative mind, captivating personality, and educational leadership. Thank you, Grant, for your indelible impact on students and educators: http://inservice.ascd.org/thank-you-grant-wiggins/

June is National Safety Month
This June, learn more about important safety issues like prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, and slips, trips, and falls. Encourage communities, workplaces, families, and individuals to identify and report safety hazards. Share information about steps people can take to protect themselves and others. Go to http://healthfinder.gov/nho/pdfs/june2nhotoolkit.pdf for the June 2015 Toolkit - National Safety Month.

Literacy: 7 Ways to Promote Reading and Writing Skills

As the school year comes to an end, kids should continue to develop their reading and writing skills over the summer months. Consider these activities to engage your kids in ways that could help them with reading and writing. 1. Read as a family: 2. Write a story. 3. Go to the Library.

Call for Proposals! ILASCD Conference on Learning 2015, Sept 21 - 22, Chicago

Join over 50 National and Local Presenters such as Bobb Darnell, Dave Nagel, Elizabeth Brooke,Mike McKay, Laura Beltchenko, PJ Caposey, Jennie Winters, Don Kachur, Steve Oertle, Greg Wolcott, Quintin Shepherd and many more. Illinois ASCD is requesting presenters for its Conference on Learning 2015. We seek presenters on current learning issues in education and developmentally appropriate practices in today's learning environments.

All sessions are 60 minutes in length. The strands addressed at this year's conference are CCSS, NGSS, Assessment, PERA, PLCs, Blended Learning, Evaluation, Flipped Classroom, STEM, Urban Ed. Grading, Student Growth, Technology, Social/Emotional, and "what's my bag". Please email Ryan Nevius at rcneviu@me.com with further questions. For additional information, visit our website. To be a presenter, please submit a proposal by clicking here. Proposals must be received by July 1st, 2015. Sessions will be selected and presenters will be notified by July 10, 2015.

Great Opportunity for Team Planning this Summer!

14th Annual IASA and ILASCD Leadership Institute at beautiful Eagle Ridge, Galena, IL

July 26 - 28, 2015 Highlighted speakers: Greg Wolcott, Quintin Shepherd, Jennifer Garrison.

Hotel reservations must be made directly with the resort by June 30, 2015 at www.eagleridge.com. For flyer and registration, click here.

Check out our Conferences/Workshops section and choose an opportunity for professional development!

ASCD congratulates 2014 Affiliate Overall Excellence Award recipient Illinois ASCD. ASCD annually recognizes affiliates to honor their exemplary service to the education community.

IL ASCD Central Illinois Offices

Regional Office of Education

200 W. Front Street, Suite 500 D

Bloomington, IL 61701

Please send me good news about your school! Anyone taking a new position for next school year or retiring this year, please let me know!   Glenna Adams, Editor gladams@wideopenwest.com

Renee Phillips, Administrative Assistant, reneephillips@mac.com, phone: 309-820-9100.
Ryan Nevius, Event/Grant Facilitator, rcneviu@me.com, phone: 618-203-3993.

Katie McKay-Phillips, Social Media & Events, kathrynmckay20@gmail.com

Did you accidently delete last month's Education Briefs? All Education Briefs from the past year are now archived on the www.illinoisascd.org website under Members Only, Bi-monthly EdBriefs.

Are you already on Facebook? Check out and LIKE the ILASCD Facebook page
IL ASCD is now on Facebook! Visit us at IL ASCD.



IL ASCD has a Twitter channel! Stay current at IL ASCD.



The Common Core State Standards, Teacher Evaluation Systems, Race to the Top funding....Is your system ready?
Built on leading scientific research the Miller Guidance System puts into practice the theoretical underpinnings of federal school reform initiatives. Created and refined by practitioners, in a variety of settings our practical tools and processes provide the blueprint for school improvement. Is your system ready?
Click below to see a video of what your colleagues are saying about Miller Guidance!
www.millerguidance.com 866-364-9535

ASCD News

ASCD Announces New CEO, Deborah S. Delisle

ASCD's board of directors announced the appointment of U.S. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah S. Delisle to the post of ASCD's Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer. Delisle will take the helm of ASCD effective July 1, 2015. She will replace Executive Director Judy Seltz, who is retiring at the end of June. "I am passionate about ASCD's mission to support the whole child through high-quality professional development, and I look forward to the many new initiatives we will embark upon," said Delisle.

Teachers Will Tune Up Their Skills in Music City June 26 - 28, 2015

ASCD will host thousands of educators to explore bold new directions in their teaching practice at the 2015 ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence. Held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., June 26-28, the conference will bring together diverse teachers from around the globe to gain new strategies and solutions for making excellent teaching a reality in every classroom. Register today.

Contribute to Educational Leadership's "Tell Me About" column

The September issue of Educational Leadership will be all about questioning for learning, and we're currently collecting stories for the "Tell Me About" column. In 200 words or less, please explain how you ask questions that encourage students to really think, instead of just looking for the "right" answer. If appropriate, give an example of a specific question that sparked student thinking. Selected responses will appear in either the online or digital issue. All responses must be received by June 22. Share your story.

Cambridge Educational Services Cambridge has been working with members of ASCD for nearly 25 years providing data-informed lesson plans and supplemental materials to increase ACT/ASPIRE/PSAT/WorkKeys/GED test scores while mastering skills aligned with College Readiness and common core standards.

Schools select after-school, semester-long or alongside-the-curriculum models using their own teachers or ours. Professional development, Parent Admission and Student Motivation workshops assist with systemic efforts for greater student achievement.

Contact Mary Parks at 800-444-4373 ext. 226, 847-204-0502(C), or MParks@CambridgeEd.com for additional information.

Advocacy / Governance

IL ASCD's purpose is to inform. We encourage you to be an informed, involved educator. Watch local, state, and national news for most current events.

Global Policy Recommendations Focus on Reduced Testing Reliance, Whole Child Support

ASCD has released its first Global Policy Agenda, which makes recommendations to promote the success of students, educators, schools and communities worldwide. The specific global recommendations include establishing a multimetric accountability system, reducing the reliance on standardized testing, promoting a whole child education, and honoring and supporting the education profession. View the agenda.

ASCD's Whole Child Initiative in Illinois

Launched in 2007 ASCD's Whole Child Initiative is an effort to change the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the long term development and success of children. Illinois ASCD supports this premise.

Are you receiving the ASCD Whole Child Newsletter? Sign up on http://www.wholechildeducation.org to receive this biweekly free resource and stay up to date on policies and practices, data, strategies, and tools to help you ensure that each child in your community is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. In addition to this information from ASCD, we are running a series on the Whole Child within our Illinois ASCD Newsletter. To read the latest edition of our newsletter, visit http://publications.catstonepress.com/i/225903

In 2012, Illinois Legislature Declared March to be "Whole Child Month."

With the help of Illinois ASCD members, we continue to keep the names of ASCD and IL ASCD in the minds of Illinois legislators as the go-to organization on learning. They helped us enable the passage of the Whole Child Resolution in Illinois in both houses on March 9, 2012. As the years progress, our members will continue to keep in touch with our legislators and feel that we have had a say in helping to promote strong educational issues in our state. Copies of these resolutions can be found below:

Whole Child Senate Resolution SR 0545

Whole Child House Resolution HR 0781

Illinois Education News

CPS CEO Byrd-Bennett Resigns

The Chicago Tribune reports that in her resignation letter, Byrd-Bennett "did not give any reasons for her decision." A CPS spokesperson said that Byrd-Bennett will receive neither a pension nor a severance. The Tribune notes that she "has not been accused of wrongdoing," but has conceded that given the investigation, "her presence could divert attention from the pressing affairs of the district."

The Washington Post reports that Byrd-Bennett's departure comes as the district faces "a federal investigation into the school system's $20 million no-bid contract with her former employer." The Post reports that the move is the latest in a series of leadership changes at CPS, which "has had four schools chiefs since Arne Duncan resigned in 2009 to become U.S. Education Secretary" after eight years at CPS. The piece quotes Duncan saying last week, "It just makes you really sad for the city. There's been a lot of turnover and we need stability."

IEMA Helps Schools Remove Unused Radioactive Materials at No Cost

More than 60 schools have benefited from a state program that helps schools safely remove unused radioactive materials at no cost. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging other schools to check for similar materials in storage closets and laboratories and contact IEMA about collection and disposal. The types of radioactive materials found in schools are chemical compounds containing uranium or thorium and small solid sealed sources. This material is commonly used in chemistry, physics and earth science experiments to demonstrate the physical and chemical properties of radioactive material.

There is no cost to schools for IEMA's removal of the materials. A school that does not take advantage of IEMA's program could pay more than $1,000 to dispose of these materials. In addition, a spill of the materials at the school could create extra expenses for cleanup activities. Any school with unwanted radioactive materials can contact IEMA at (217) 558-5135 for more information about the Orphan Source Recovery Program School Initiative.

Legislature Misses Scheduled Adjournment Deadline
It is going to be a long summer, at least as far as State politics is concerned. The State Legislature missed its scheduled May 31st adjournment deadline and has vowed to meet all summer to address the State budget and the Governor's "Turnaround Agenda." While a FY 2016 State budget has technically been passed, democratic leaders in both chambers used a technical maneuver that keeps the budget in limbo and prevents it from going to the Governor for his consideration. Regardless, the Governor has vowed not to sign any budget bills until an agreement is reached on his Turnaround Agenda, which has been largely rejected by the democratic controlled House and Senate. The House returns to Springfield on June 4th and the Senate on June 9th. Stay tuned!

Click this link for a pdf listing of all House and Senate PK-12 committees.

Bill Text/Status: Illinois General Assembly www.ilga.gov. Click on Dashboard.

Federal Education News

White House Initiative Educational Excellence for Hispanics

September 2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics (Initiative). To commemorate this historic occasion U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and the Initiative launched the "Anniversary Year of Action: Fulfilling America's Future" from October 2014 through September 2015. Throughout the Anniversary Year of Action, the Initiative is encouraging the public and private sectors to invest in increasing educational outcomes and opportunities for Hispanic students across the country.

This national call for Commitments to Action (Commitments) will make a meaningful and quantifiable contribution to increase and support educational outcomes for Latinos, from cradle-to-career, in the following critical areas: early education, K-12 education, college access, postsecondary education, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and Latino teacher recruitment. Examples of Commitments range from offering scholarships, internships and fellowships, increasing the number of students enrolled in STEM courses, increasing Hispanic teacher recruitment efforts and support for teachers, strengthening language and literacy instruction in preschool programs, providing in-depth college counseling or committing resources to develop, expand, scale or replicate programs working to address these critical areas in your community.

To ensure that proposed Commitments will be reviewed and considered for recognition at the Initiative's Anniversary Year of Action culmination celebration, during 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month, submit your proposed Commitment by June 30, 2015. If you have any questions please contact Jaqueline Cortez-Wang, Senior Advisor, at jaqueline.cortezwang@ed.gov.

ASCD Educator Advocates: www.educatoradvocates.org

ASCD Legislative Agenda: www.ascd.org/legislativeagenda

ASCD Policy Points: www.ascd.org/publicpolicy

Follow news from ED at

Homeroom, the official blog of the U.S. Department of Education.

To reach Senator Mark Kirk: Chicago 312-886-3506, in Springfield 217-492-5089, in Washington DC 202-224-2854, by email at Senator@Kirk.Senate.gov. You can also contact Sen. Kirk's outreach person, Randy Pollard at gop2525@gmail.com or randy_pollard@kirk.senate.gov. 217-492-5089.

To reach Senator Dick Durbin: Chicago 312-358-4952, in Springfield 217-492-4062, in Carbondale 618-351-1122, in Washington DC 202-224-2152, by email at www.durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm.You can also contact Sen. Durbin's outreach person, Justin Cajindos, 525 S. 8th Street, Springfield, IL 62703, Phone: (217) 492-4062. E-Mail:Justin_Cajindos@durbin.senate.gov

Conferences / Workshops

Successful Assessment 101: Everything You Need to Know about Tests in a Standards-Based Learning Environment

ILASCD presents Video Workshops for use in Department meetings, Faculty meetings, PLC teams, college classes, parent meetings, Board of Education meetings, grade-level meetings, individual PD.

Not webinars, but live-capture presentations defining and exploring how testing in standards-based learning environments leads to successful growth model attainment. Each video begins with definitions of the tests in the area being covered. Detailed information about their impact on the learning in classrooms will be provided. Each video allows break times within the 30-45 minute time period for discussion by the viewing group under the leadership of the local host (principal, professor, department chair, PLC leader, etc.). Each module is $69. What's Included:

Downloadable HD Videos
Facilitator Directions
Participant Handouts
PowerPoint Slides

Module Descriptions

Module 1: Overview of Assessment Types
Module 2: National Assessment
Module 3: District Assessment
Module 4: Local/Classroom Assessment

You'll get everything you need to facilitate an effective professional development session for your group. Each video is timed to fit within a 1-hour staff meeting (35 to 45 minutes running time), including ample time for discussion, the included activities, and opening/closing time.The videos are provided in high-definition 1080p MP4 format. We recommend using a large screen with a high-definition projector for the best experience, and providing slide handouts if a smaller screen will be used.less total about 15GB in size. If download speed is a concern, you can also order the program on a USB flash drive. 30-Day Money Back Guarantee Your purchase is 100% Risk Free. If you're not happy for any reason, simply let our friendly support team know (via email) and we'll happily refund your money. Get started now!

Think Forward, Project Based Learning Institute, June 22 - 24, 1015, Forest View Educational Center, Arlington Heights, "Here the future begins today."

This 3 day institute is a dynamic way to train educators in best practices for Project Based Learning (PBL), Leadership, and 21st Century Skill Applications. Over three busy days, participants explore every aspect of the PBL process, from development and sequencing of data-driven projects constructed around state standards to the seamless integration of available technology in the classroom. All participants create unique, original projects, ready for implementation, and are assigned nationally recognized mentors from Manor New Technology High School who will further coach them once they have returned to their campuses. This is a place of experiments and experiences, rigor and relevance, innovation, dedication, education. This is a place where educators discover how to engage students in meaningful, contextual learning.

Registration Fee $699.00 Includes All materials. Please bring your laptop or notebook with thumb-drive slot. Free parking Refreshment breaks. Lunch is not included. Recertification Credit Award. Choice of One: 18 hours Illinois Clock hours, 1 hour Graduate Workshop credit, or 18 hours Connecting Educator's Badge. Please arrange for your district's pre-approved and preferred method for recertification or other point systems. All awards based on full conference attendance. One year unlimited, on-line mentorship from Think Forward Coach. SKYPE or Google Hangout is required. Additional course work for Action Research in PBL course: (Select one) 3 Graduate Workshop Hours: $595 Illinois Clock Hour Credit (45 contact hours): $540.00 PBL Unit Application Badge (45 contact hours): $540.00 Please receive district approval for optional course work prior to course start date. For requirements and syllabus go to Think Forward PBL Institute www.iriprofdev.com. Optional work must be registered prior to course start date. Please request special needs services prior to registration. Graduate workshop credits provided through International Renewal Institute and Concordia University, Chicago. For detailed description of required effort, go to Think Forward PBL Institute www.iriprofdev.com Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Geobbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Click here to register.

PERA-From Joint Committee to Student Growth, with Jennifer Garrison, Mar 19, 2015, Mt Vernon, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm OR July 15, 2015, ISU Alumni Center, Normal

Jennifer Garrison, Superintendent of Sandoval CUSD #501, will present a student growth model based on Student Learning Objectives developed by the Sandoval CUSD #501 and the joint committee will share how to design a teacher evaluation plan aligned to PERA requirements. Attendees will develop an action plan to implement in their own district. Attention will be paid to the make-up of the Joint Committee, Joint Committee Timeline, PERA Implementation Timeline and the components of the professional development necessary to implement a student growth model. Teams are encouraged to attend. They will use the Sandoval Guideline/Toolkit and the PERA Guidance Student Learning Objective for Type 3 Assessments and the Guidance on Creating Operating Guidelines for Student Growth Models in Teacher Evaluation Systems. Designed for all districts. Workshop includes breakfast, lunch, parking and 6 CPDUs. To register, click here.

Keep Calm and Teach On! with Shari Sloane, July 22, at ISU Alumni Center, Normal OR July 23, NIU Naperville, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Benefit from the practical insights of an experienced early childhood teacher. Shari will share the useful insights she has learned throughout her 28 years of teaching in a way that is best for children. A fun and engaging approach while teaching to the CCSS and making formative assessments. 6 CPDU's, breakfast, lunch, parking and handouts included. 2 locations: July 22 at ISU Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main, Normal OR July 23 at NIU Naperville Campus, 1120 E. Diehl, Naperville. Register here

14th Annual Leadership Institute, July 26 - 28, 2015, Eagle Ridge, Galena, IL

IASA and ILASCD present Leading Accountability to Achieve Student Success, Get Teachers' Assessments Ready and Implement PERA and Evaluation on July 26 - 28, 2015 at Eagle Ridge in Galena, IL. 2 � days of dynamic professional discussion, learning and leadership building from diverse perspectives for school leaders and leadership teams. Through ongoing dialogue, networking, presentations, and other sources, participants will seek new directions for making powerful positive impact in their school district. Administrator Academy #1565. "Designing A Quality PERA Aligned Assessment Plan - All types I, II, III." or 8 Professional Development Hours.

Sunday, July 26 4 pm - 6 pm Greg Wolcott, followed by a reception and dinner. Greg Wolcott will share research findings that assist administrators in providing concepts to consider every student's background, prior knowledge, and what motivates them to excel in the best preassessment any teacher may have toward starting a relationship. He is Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning at Woodridge SD 68 and has presented at the ASCD Annual Conference.

Monday, July 27 Continental breakfast, 9 - noon Quintin Shepherd, lunch, exhibits, team planning

Tuesday, July 28 Continental breakfast , 9 - noon Jennifer Garrison, box lunch, team planning

Recommended pre-reading: Embedded Formative Assessment by Dylan William (Shepherd),

Student Centered Leadership by Vivian Robinson (Wolcott), Visible Learning by John Hattie (Garrison).

Hotel reservations must be made directly with the resort by June 30, 2015 at www.eagleridge.com. Click here for flyer and registration.

Steve Oertle on Assessment, Aug 5, 2015, McHenry High School East, Teaching Theater, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional Dates: October 28 at ISU or April 13, 2016 at NIU Naperville

This is a dynamic workshop in which we will work our way up Bloom's Taxonomy over four separate sessions:

understanding the background on assessment research
applying the assessments
analyzing through application of the research
creating items for a common assessment

Registration includes, parking, breakfast, lunch, and 6 professional development hours.

Click here for flyer and registration:

Call for Proposals! ILASCD Conference on Learning 2015, Sept 21 - 22, Chicago

Illinois ASCD is requesting presenters for its Conference on Learning 2015. We seek presenters on current learning issues in education and developmentally appropriate practices in today's learning environments.

ILASCD Conference on Learning & EXPO, Sept 21 - 22, 2015, Chicago Marriott O'Hare, Chicago Two big days of learning! Four Keynotes, 80 Breakout Sessions, Up to 16 EXPO Topic Presentations, Special CLDN Spotlight Topics

Keynote speakers include Bobb Darnell, Dave Nagel, Elizabeth Brooke, Mike McKay

Multiple learning strands. Learning EXPO will have over 30 exhibitor/sponsors providing the latest and best in learning support materials and services. New this year: CLDN Spotlight Topics Lecturers include PJ Caposey, Jill Gildea, joey Hailpern, Deb Vogel and Greg Wolcott. CLDN Reunion Reception, Sept 21, 3:00 - 4:15 pm. Conference on Learning Reception, all participants welcome, Sept 21, 4:15 - 5:30 pm. Conference on Learning and EXPO, Sept 21 - 22, 2015, 8:00 am - 4:00 m, Chicago Marriott O'Hare, 8535 W. Higgins Road, Chicago. For more information and registration, click here.

Make your overnight reservation directly with Marriott:

Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development

Start date: 9/20/15 End date: 9/22/15

Last day to book: 8/30/15

Marriott hotel(s) offering your special group rate: Chicago Marriott O'Hare for $179 USD per night

Book your group rate for Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

NEW-Join us for the Curriculum Leadership Development Network 2015-2016 Cohort, beginning Sept. 21 & 22 at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare

If you want to enhance your instructional leadership skills, need more knowledge on PERA, NGSS, or PE Standards, or are wondering how to lead PLC's, then CLDN is right for you. Our areas of study for the year include the Curriculum Strand: Common Core Implementation; Vertical/Horizontal Curricular Organization, Assessment Strand: Data analysis; Assessment: Formative/Summative, Instruction Strand: 21st Century Learning; PERA and Instructional Supervision; Instructional Strategies and RTI; Walkthroughs in the age of PERA. NGSS, PE Standards, Organizational Strand: School culture & climate. Managerial Tools Strand: PLC's; Coaching of Administrators.

NEW to CLDN this year: CLDN cohort members will attend CLDN Spotlight Topics as part of our larger IL ASCD Conference on Learning, visit CoL by clicking here.

REGISTRATION INCLUDES:

* Two days of attendance at IL ASCD Conference on Learning & EXPO

* Sept. 21-22 at the Chicago Marriott O'Hare

* Five additional days of learning October - April

* Options for AA Credit and Graduate Credit

* Professional Development Hours

* Breakfast and Lunch each day

* IL ASCD is an ISBE Approved PD Provider

* Complimentary Parking

* Complimentary topical books

* Ability to request a curriculum mentor

Click here for flyer and registration:

NEW-Visible Learningplus Institute, featuring John Hattie, Oct 13 - 14, 2015, Bobak's Signature Events & Conference Center, Woodridge, IL

The Illinois ASCD Visible Learning Institute is a two-day conference designed to introduce you to the core concepts and research of Visible Learning. Visible Learning is an in-depth school change model of professional learning and development based on the research of Professor John Hattie. Through the lens of Visible Learning evidence, you will learn to systematically examine effective instructional practice in order to determine the "impact" on student achievement and learning. By considering the effects of the practices of teachers and leaders, schools will be able to make substantial gains in student achievement. Register at www.corwin.com/ilascdvl

Listen! Students are Talking to Us in Their Assessments - Bobb Darnell, Feb. 3, 2016, 8:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. Holiday Inn Crystal Lake

Learn the difference between Assessment of learning and assessment for learning to find out what you are looking for in formative assessments. After attending the workshop you will be able to:

1. Explain what students need from us to demonstrate high achievement.

2. Be familiar with assessment practices that you and your colleagues use.

3. Know how to use data to measure and "cause" student learning and growth.

Haven't heard Bobb present? Here he is presenting on Common Core and Assessments: https://vimeo.com/78481157

Holiday Inn Crystal Lake, 800 S. Illinois Rte 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Registration includes: Breakfast, lunch, and six professional development hours. To register, click here.

ASCD IOWA Summer Institute, Dr. Robert Marzano, June 22-23, 2015, Ensuring Learning for Each and All: Building Our Expertise, 8 am - 3:30 pm, Iowa Events Center, Des Moines, IA

Make plans now for you and your team to attend the Iowa ASCD Summer Institute on June 22-23 at the Iowa Events Center. Dr. Bob Marzano is the headline speaker and will also provide several breakout sessions. In addition to Marzano, other national speakers include Jim Rickabaugh, Rose Colby, Tim Westerberg, Ron Mirr, Sandra Alberti, Bobb Darnall, Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, and Grace Dearborn as well as statewide presenters from Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Collins-Maxwell, Des Moines, East Union, Grinnell-Newburg, Howard-Winneshiek, Marshalltown, Mason City, Muscatine, Solon, Van Meter, Waukee. West Branch, Iowa World Languages, Grand View University, AEAs, SAI, Iowa Association for Professional Development Schools, and the Iowa Department of Education

Presenters will be addressing ways that you and your team can ensure learning for each and all by:

Creating conditions for learning - a culture for achievement
Implementing the Iowa Core - optimizing learning for all students
Assuring effective teaching - recognizing instructional knowledge and skill as the most powerful instruments to enhance student learning
Grading for learning - reporting students' progress on learning goals
Empowering students to develop mastery of academic content - implementing competency-based education

The early-bird fee until June 1 will be $250 for Iowa ASCD members and $295 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership for one year. The regular fee in June will be $295 for members and $340 for non-members.

Join us for this great opportunity to learn and network with other leaders of learning in the state! You may register now on line at http://iowaascd.org/index.php/events/event-registration/.

Purchase orders with a list of the names and email addresses may be sent to Bridget Arrasmith, Iowa ASCD, Drake University, Room 123, School of Education, Drake University, 3206 University, Des Moines, IA 50311 or FAXED to Attention of Bridget Arrasmith at 515.271.2233.

Summer 2015 Common Core Mathematics Institute, June 23 & 24 OR Aug 4 & 5, K-12, Implementation of Common Core State Standards in Math

The Learning Sciences Research at The University of Illinois at Chicago is offering two summer institute opportunities for teachers in kindergarten through grade twelve focused on the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSSM) in your school and classrooms. During the institute, teachers will have the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions based upon their needs and experience with the CCSSM. Choose from either of the two institutes offered:
Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24
Keynote Speaker: Phil Daro, lead writer of the CCSSM and Director of Mathematics for the Strategic Education Research Partnership at Proviso Math and Science Academy, Forest Park
Tuesday, August 4 and Wednesday, August 5
Keynote Speaker: Dylan Wiliam, author, Embedded Formative Assessment and Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment, University of London
For registration: regonline.com/uicmath. For more information, please contact: Danny Pak at danpak15@gmail.com or call 312.413.1733.

Illinois New Teacher Collaborative, June 30 - July1, 2015, Champaign, IL

Registration is open for the Illinois New Teacher Collaborative 6th Annual Beginning Teacher Conference "Y2: Moving Beyond Survival." This conference is open to teachers completing their first year of teaching in Illinois and will take place on June 30-July 1, 2015, in Champaign.

Beginning teachers face unique challenges and rewarding experiences in their first year. The Y2 conference is an opportunity for them to:

Reflect on and share the past year's teaching experience
Network with beginning teachers from around the state
Gain valuable teaching tools and ideas to use in their classroom
Hear the motivational speaker Manuel Scott, Freedom Writer

More information and registration for the conference can be found here.

For questions, please email INTC or call (217) 244-7389. Please forward this information to any first-year teachers or anyone who works with first-year teachers.

NEW-2015 College Changes Everything Conference, July 16, 2015, 8 am - 4 pm,Tinley Park Convention Center, Tinley Park, IL

The CCE Conference prides itself in bringing together a diverse audience from across the state for a day of dialogue to share information, ideas, and best practices that promote access to postsecondary education, ensure degree or credential attainment, and provide career pathways. Attendees include:

high school leaders, counselors, and case managers
college and university leaders and administrators
business leaders
elected officials and policymakers interested in higher education
leaders from state agencies, non-profits, foundations, and community-based organizations focused on educational opportunity and attainment and career pathways

Registration is $40, and space is limited and fills quickly. Register Now

NEW-Math Splash Conferences Provide a Deeper Dive into Engaging Math Instruction, ISBE, 3 locations, July 7 - 8 Carbondale High School; July 9 - 10, Byron Middle School; July 28 - 29 Effingham High School

Attention all mathematics instructors, administrators, parents, and enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into summer? What better way to spend a couple days in July than to immerse yourself in a math conference to gain valuable skills and insight into the Model Math Curriculum? Look no further than this year's Math Splash Conference.

The Math Splash Conference is a two day mathematical event developed specifically for mathematical instructors in the State of Illinois and sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education. This year, it will be offered in three different locations across the state: Carbondale High School (July 7-8), Byron Middle School (July 9-10), and Effingham High School (July 28-29). Registration will begin at 8:30 am on day one. The conference will begin at 9 am and conclude at 4 pm with a 30 minute break for a catered lunch both days.

Keynote speakers at each event will include Adam Poetzel of the University of Illinois and Dr. Bob Mann, President of Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) and of Western Illinois University. Featured presenters will be Jennie Winters, Lead Consultant for the Model Math Curriculum Project; Dana Cartier and Heather Brown, Math Content Specialists; and Anita Reid, math practitioner and Professional Development Consultant. Other presenters at this conference are Model Math Curriculum Writers who are Illinois teachers of mathematics. They will share valuable information about a backward design lesson planning framework for mathematics using the Model Math Curriculum Resources. Conference attendees will gain meaningful professional development while also networking and developing connections with other math teachers, experts, and reliable resources. A special three hour curriculum development lab on the first day of each event, facilitated by Model Math Curriculum Writers, will help participants develop challenging, aligned lesson plans for their grade level. Pilot schools will have representatives present to discuss their experiences with the Model Math Curriculum.

Credits for continuing education and graduate credits will be available through this event. Each day will be worth 8 CEUs for a total of 16 CEUs for attending both days of the conference. In order to receive 2 hours of graduate credit through Lindenwood University, an additional credit fee and enrollment fee totaling $145 will be due the first day of the conference by check or money order. A follow up assignment of professional quality must be completed following the conference to receive graduate credit.

Registration can be completed online at http://forms.4ltc.org/mathsplash/.

Total cost for the conference is only $30. Lunch, name badges, pens, and paper will be provided as well as an opportunity to win some great door prizes. Participants may also bring a laptop or tablet and a lesson plan idea they want to develop. For any questions regarding this year's Math Splash conferences, please contact Linda Brissenden at lbrissenden33@gmail.com or Anita Reid at areid@lewistown97.net Registration deadline is June 19, 2015.

The Strategic Teacher: Developing Every Teacher's Instructional Know-How, Featuring Harvey Silver, July 30 - Aug 1, 2015, Anaheim, CA

This three-day interactive, constructivist academy will expand on the original concepts presented in the best-selling book The Strategic Teacher and help you move beyond instructional strategies to the larger concept of instructional know-how.

By the end of the academy, you will understand how and when to apply different strategies to achieve different objectives and how strategic teachers improve their craft and expand their repertoires both as individuals and as part of a professional learning community.

>> Learn more about The Strategic Teacher Academy.

>> Watch a recorded webinar about what you'll learn at this academy.

Connect 21 Camp: Becoming a 21st Century Teacher, Leader, and School, Featuring Heidi Hayes Jacobs, August 6-August 8, 2015, National Harbor, Md.

If you are interested in making the transition from 19th century school structures to 21st century learning models, then this academy is for you!

Join Heidi Hayes Jacobs and her Curriculum 21 team to create your own path and explore solutions to contemporary education challenges-the modernization of your curriculum, upgrading classroom and district assessments, and creating authentic personalized learning experiences.

>> Learn more about the Connect 21 Camp.

>> Watch a recorded webinar about what you will learn at this academy.

NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE, Making Artistic Connections, Saturday, August 8, 2015, 9-4pm, Concordia University Chicago

* Join us as we discuss innovative ways to integrate music and dance into core academic subjects.

* Bring comfortable clothes to move!

* Receive a conference bag filled with handouts related to music and movement.

More information on our expert presenters and conference fees to come. LUNCH will be INCLUDED! Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL, Christopher Center Rooms. Please register for the conference by sending an email to: greaterchicago@ecmma.org

Higher Edcamp Midwest, College of DuPage, Saturday, October 24, 9:00-3:00

The Unconference is coming to higher education!

Complete the form at the bottom of this flyer to indicate your interest in Higher EdCamp Midwest! When tickets become available, later this spring, we will send you an email to register. Remember: Tickets for Higher EdCamp Midwest are FREE!
Information can be found at https://www.smore.com/wmc09.

From the Field

Campus Overhaul About to Begin at New Trier High School

A 275,000-square-foot addition will be built over the next two years at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL.

New Website Seeks to Aid College Graduates' Job Searches

About.me, the personal homepage website, has launched a new campus section aimed at helping college students and recent graduates market themselves to potential employers. The site is seen as a direct competitor to LinkedIn.U SA Today

How Do Digital-health Tools Affect PE Lessons?Researchers from the University of Queensland in Australia have launched a three-year study of how digital-health tools affect physical-education programs in schools. Technology is being used to track students' calorie intake and exercise habits. Researchers say they want to determine how the data are used and whether the programs improve student health. MobiHealthNews.com

Audiovisual Technology Brings More Collaboration to Higher Education

Audiovisual systems at colleges and universities are becoming more interactive as developers employ new technologies including devices and applications that allow students to collaborate and share projects. IT professionals purchasing new AV technologies should ensure products will meet future needs and offer training support for staff and faculty, says AV consultant Mike Tomei. CampusTechnology.com

Tips to Identify, Support Students Who Are Gifted
States vary in their approach to identify and support students who are gifted, with 15 states not requiring schools to identify such students or provide gifted-education programs. Experts in this article suggest several ways to identify gifted students -- as well as those who are "twice exceptional." District Administration magazine

STI The use of technology in classrooms appears to range from none, or minimal, to frequent. STI focuses on teaching strategies that give diverse students multiple options for taking in and processing information, making sense of ideas, and expressing learning. Technology tools can support good instruction and personalized learning environments in which students can interact with so�tware and applications, conduct research, create products, and communicate with others. STI staff work closely with school personnel to produce professional development that integrates the use of existing technologies, connects curriculum and incorporates: Innovation, Curriculum Development Response to Intervention Strategies, Interim Assessments, and Modeling.

Curriculum / Common Core

More Schools Use Technology to Grade Writing Under Common Core

An increasing number of schools are using automatic assessment tools and programs to grade students' writing -- particularly under the Common Core State Standards. Districts that have adopted the technology say it eases the grading burden for teachers and includes prompts and mechanisms to improve students' writing. District Administration magazine

Instructional Method Takes Learning into the Real World

Expeditionary learning is similar to project-based learning, but it also incorporates real-world issues, off-campus fieldwork and community engagement. A high school in Maine has embraced this method, with students performing community service for New York residents affected by severe weather. They also engaged with artists and historians to research their school's history for a mural project. eSchool News

Free, online SAT Prep to be Offered

The College Board is partnering with the Khan Academy to offer free, online SAT preparation. Officials said the move is designed to make the college-admissions exams more equitable and reduce stress for students. United Press International

ISBE Test and Assessment Home

PARCC Updates

Test Design Changes

On May 20, 2015 the PARCC governing board voted to:

Reduce the testing time for students by about 90 minutes overall (60 minutes in mathematics; 30 minutes in English language arts) and create more uniformity of test unit times.
Consolidate the two testing windows in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (which includes reading and writing) into one.

The single testing window will simplify administration of the test for states and schools that experienced challenges with scheduling two testing windows.
The testing window will be up to 30 days and will extend from roughly the 75% mark to the 90% mark of the school year. Most schools will complete testing in one to two weeks during that window.

Reduce the number of test units for all students by two or three units.

Read more details of the test design changes.

DLM Corrections Window
The DLM Corrections Window will run from July 15 through September 25.

Many PARCC resources have been moved to the end of this newsletter under RESOURCES.

Elementary STEM- Engage and encourage your elementary students to develop strong STEM skills that will keep them excited and excelling in their later school years. Request a whitepaper: Integrated STEM Education through Project-Based Learning or contact Mark Adzick - Territory Manager, madzick@learning.com or 800-580-4640 x4560, Daniela Kaelin - Inside Sales Representative, dkaelin@learning.com or 800-580-4640 x4495 for more information.

Opportunities

Free Course for Science Teachers to Focus on Light and Optics

Educators can enroll to take a free online course this summer on the science of light. The five-week, self-paced class, Bringing STEM to Light: Teaching about Light and Optics, is designed for teachers with students ages 6 to 14 and will include a number of hands-on activities using Laser Classroom's Light Blox Kit. The class begins June 22. Registration is open now for interested teachers.

The Illinois Education Research Council announces the call for proposals for its 13th annual Focus on Illinois Education Research Symposium October 8 & 9. They provide a unique forum for the discussion of educational issues of interest to the Illinois community for education policy makers, researchers, and practitioners from the state and beyond. Deadline is June 19, 2015.

Do You Have An Interesting Ed-tech Collaboration Story?

CDW-G and eSchool News have teamed up to launch a new ed-tech award program, Collaboration Nation. Schools and districts are invited to submit videos of their ed-tech collaborations and the measurable impact these projects have had on learning and instruction. The winning school or district will receive $50,000 to spend on CDW-G products and services. The program runs through June 30.

Group Wants Teachers to Encourage Students to Study Abroad
Institute of International Education is looking to recruit 1,000 U.S. elementary and secondary-school teachers for its Generation Study Abroad campaign, which aims to inspire and prepare high-school graduates to study abroad during college. The organisation's goal is to increase the number of U.S. college students who study abroad to 600,000 by 2019 to better prepare them for work in the global economy. UniversityWorldNews.com (U.K.)

Autism Home Support Services Position

Autism Home Support Services wants you to join our collaborative, professional team. We provide quality, evidence-based support, therapy and counseling to children with Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders, their families, and their support networks in multiple markets. Autism Home Support Services believes that the most important place for children on the autism spectrum is to develop skills in the home environment. Come participate in creating an innovative way of helping families of children with autism!

What we offer:

Career Development in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis
A part-time schedule matched to your needs
Opportunity to grow with the company and build a high-impact career
A rewarding experience in helping children and families reach their full potential
Best in class training program (online and onsite) before joining a client

What you'll be doing:

8-10 Hr a week of structured one-on-one interaction/instruction with children with autism spectrum and related disorders in their home, school and/or community setting. This may include maintaining and furthering skills from the child's IEP (Individual Education Plan) and executing an AHSS Care Plan via Applied Behavior Analysis techniques, as well as, attending to physical needs of the child
Care Team Members provide observational data based reports on the learning progress of their clients using best-in-class technology
Competitive compensation package based on experience and education
Work alongside a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a professional care team in a collaborative environment

Required Skills:

Experience with children with special needs, preferably autism
Applicants must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be self-motivated, creative, organized, and reliable
Applicants must possess Our Core Values: Teamwork, Positivity &Energy, Empathy, Integrity, and Getting Stuff Done (GSD)
Applied Behavior Analysis experience preferred, but not necessary
Some college experience preferred
First Aid/CPR/Crisis Management Training preferred--also offered by AHSS

To learn more, visit our website at: www.AutismHomeSupport.com To apply, visit: www.tinyurl.com/AutismHomeABA

Free Tutoring
Mark Smith mark.smith@tutorhunt.com a completely free service for both tutors and students to locate each other. The website is at www.tutorhunt.com/.

The Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) is pleased to announce the newly redesigned Illinois Education Job Banks at https://www.illinoiseducationjobbank.org.

Job Banks At Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education has two links to job bank sites, click here.

ASCD Job Ramp: A Careers Site for Educators

Developed through a partnership between CareerBuilder and ASCD, the free ASCD Job Ramp website was developed to simplify the job hunt for educators of all professional levels. Access the jobs site day or night, weekend or weekday, to browse U.S. openings in education. And don't forget to take advantage of custom search options and personalized alerts. Browse openings in your area

Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning, Inc,

Grants / Awards

U.S. Department of Education Announces $60 Million Available for First in the World Grant Competition

As part of the Obama Administration's commitment to drive innovations in higher education and increase college completion, affordability and quality outcomes, the U.S. Department of Education today announced the availability of $60 million in Fiscal Year 2015 in the First in the World (FITW) program. Click here for the Federal Register notice for applications. FITW grants will fund the development and testing of innovative approaches and strategies to improve postsecondary education attainment. Of the $60 million available this year, the competition has a set-aside of $16 million for institutions designated as minority-serving institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The deadline for applications is June 26, 2015. All grants will be awarded no later than September 30, 2015. For additional information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fitw .

IL ASCD Winn Research Grant

Winn Research Award program is designed to promote research in education that results in improved learning and teaching. The Winn recipient receives recognition at an Illinois ASCD event. In addition, the Winn recipient receives an $750 honorarium, state-wide recognition by having a summary of their research study published in one of Illinois ASCD's publications, and a one-year free membership in IL ASCD. For more information, click here.

IL ASCD Jim Montgomery Instructional Leadership Award

The Jim Montgomery Instructional Leadership Award is named for Dr. Jim Montgomery, long-time active IL ASCD Board member, Chair of the Governance Committee, and past president (86-87). In honor of Jim, IL ASCD has established an annual award to recognize others in the field of education who excel in instructional leadership. The Montgomery recipient receives recognition at an Illinois ASCD event. In addition, the recipient receives a $250 gift certificate, a plaque, and a one-year free membership in IL ASCD. For more information, click here.

Campbell's Labels for Education

The Campbell's, Inc. Labels for Education Program gives schools free educational equipment in exchange for labels from Campbell products. Maximum award: varies. Eligibility: Schools or parents coordinate label drives to raise resources for schools. Deadline: N/A. For more information, click here.

BestBuy Teach@15 Award

The Teach@15 Award program improves classroom learning by helping schools (grades 7-12) meet technology needs. A teen member (age 13-18) who is a registered member on www.at15.com can nominate his/her school to win a Teach@15 Award. Maximum award: $1,500 in the form of Best Buy Gift Cards. Eligibility: accredited, nonprofit junior or senior public, private, parochial, magnet, and charter high schools in the U.S. serving any grades 7-12. Deadline: ongoing. www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/ teach_ awards.htm

WAVELENGTH the Chicago-based, award-winning ensemble of actors and educators, offers an assortment of proven keynotes and workshops that use humor, laughter and improvisation to train, motivate and inspire educational professionals. New options include Uncommon Core Comedy, Those Who Laugh, Last,The 7 Habits of Highly Ineffective Educators, Faculty Lounge , Musical Staff, and The Sense™ of Humor. DVD training also available. For keynotes, workshops or DVDs, please call 877-LAUGHS2 or www.wavelengthinc.com.

Research

Report: Federal education funding not equitable among grade levels

Federal education funding is focused in early grades and in college -- while middle and high schools often lose out -- according to a recent report from the Alliance for Excellent Education. The report asserts that equity in funding should be included in the rewrite of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Washington Post

The Condition of Education, 2015

Department's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), released "The Condition of Education 2015," a Congressionally mandated report to the country on education in America today. The report presents 42 indicators grouped under four areas: population characteristics, participation in education, elementary and secondary education, and postsecondary education. The report also underlines some issues of current policy interest: kindergartners' approaches to learning behaviors and academic outcomes, disparities in educational outcomes among male youth of color, and differences in postsecondary attainment by socioeconomic status.

Report Proposes Measures for Global Education

A new UNESCO report seeks to establish indicators to measure global education progress. The focus on progress is a shift from previous measures that focused on access, participation and completion in primary education and gender equality. CampusTechnology.com

Data: Higher Percentage of Students are Graduating High School, College

The high-school graduation rate continues to rise, according to data released by the National Center for Education Statistics. Data also shows similar long-term spikes in the number of students earning bachelor's degrees. Gains are driven, in part, by improvements among African-American and Hispanic students. Education Week

Childhood Poverty Rises in U.S.
There has been a 6% increase in childhood poverty from 2000 to 2013 -- with about 1 in every 5 U.S. schoolchildren living below the federal poverty line -- according to data released by the U.S. Department of Education. The highest rate of poverty for children ages 5 to 17 was found in the South at 23%. The Washington Post

Professional Learning Community Launches for Early Childhood Educators

EdWeb.net has partnered with Kaplan to create Classroom Management for Early Learning, a professional learning community for early childhood educators. Membership is free and includes access to a library of resources, webinars and online discussion forums. Members can receive free CE certificates for viewing webinars.

75% of Colleges, Universities Collect Discipline Data on Applicants

About 75% of colleges and universities collect students' high-school disciplinary records, and about 89% use that data in admissions decisions, according to a study released Friday by the Center for Community Alternatives. Supporters say the data helps colleges keep campuses safe, while others suggest the practice has civil rights implications.Education Week

40 Years of Bullying Research

A special school bullying and victimization issue of American Psychologist includes six papers. The introduction article "Four Decades of Research on School Bullying" takes the reader through section summaries on "Linking Peer Victimization to Adjustment in Childhood and Adolescence," "Prospective Studies Following Children Forward Into Adulthood," and "Mediators and Moderators: What Contributes to Defining Pathways?" The article finishes with a look at conclusions, implications, and future directions.

"Long-Term Adult Outcomes of Peer Victimization in Childhood and Adolescence: Pathways to Adjustment and Maladjustment" looks at negative outcomes caused by bullying and analyzes findings from studies that investigate why not all victims of bullying have similar outcomes in adult life.

"Translating Research to Practice in Bullying Prevention" examines findings from various studies and meta-analyses of bullying prevention programs and makes recommendations for further research. The author (Catherine P. Bradshaw of the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia) has written previously for this newsletter's sister publication Better: Evidence-based Education.

Publications

Gamification Of Education Has Merit But May Not Be Ideal

T. Rees Shapiro of the Washington Post reviewed The Game Believes In You by Greg Toppo, which claims that educational video games are "rewriting centuries-old rules of learning, motivation, and success." Shapiro added that Toppo claims that video games can be a transformational technology for education, as they use what Shapiro paraphrases as "concepts often missing from the classroom environment," such as "exploration and, above all, failure" to help players learn to innovate. Shapiro noted that the ED can "see games' potential" and has spent millions on the concept, but that while he is "sympathetic" to Toppo, not all games are necessarily learning experiences, and 20 percent of students say they did poorly on tests as a result of video games. He concludes that while games "clearly hold promise," he wonders if "we need more video games in schools when they have already spread everywhere else?"

Peer Coaching to Enrich Professional Practice, School Culture, and Student Learning

In ASCD's newest publication, teachers can learn how to sharpen their skills and support one another in improving their professional practice. In this book, author Pam Robbins explains how peer coaching can help create a collaborative, learning-focused school culture, enhance professional learning, and increase student performance. Robbins discusses the meaning of peer coaching, explains how it works and maps out a strategic approach for how to implement an effective peer coaching program in any school. Learn more.

Classroom Routines for Real Learning
Classroom Routines for Real Learning gives you 160 classroom-tested ways to engage and empower students as you begin and end the school day, build community, encourage independence, help students work collaboratively, enhance assessment, and extend learning outside the classroom. Click here to preview the entire book!

Real Engagement: How do I help my students become motivated, confident and self-directed learners?

In this new ASCD Arias publication, authors Allison Zmuda and Robyn Jackson discuss the four key elements of real student engagement -- clarity, context, challenge, and culture -- and explain how teachers can use these drivers to create a classroom filled with students who ask intriguing questions, seek feedback on their performance and immerse themselves in learning.

Book Excerpt: When Students are Performing But Not Tearning

Veteran educator Jeffrey Benson says one of the biggest traps when working with challenging students is feeling the need to rescue them. In his book, "Hanging In: Strategies for Teaching the Students Who Challenge Us Most," Benson draws on real-life scenarios to explain how to create a patient and supportive environment that helps all students learn. Stop by the Inservice blog, to read an excerpt of the his book. Read an excerpt.

Internet Sources

Are your students reading as well as they should be? We can help. Learn about The Superkids, the strongest K-2 reading program in America. Read teachers' raves, see results-and improve reading scores at your school. Contact Susan Quarino at sue.quarino@rowlandreading.org or click here for more details, www.superkidsreading.org.

Peer Coaching: Pathways for Reflection, Growth, Teaching Excellence and Student Achievement

Join ASCD author Pam Robbins for a free webinar on June 18, 2 p.m. CT to explore how to build a foundation of trust to support peer coaching by using differentiated activities that align with the needs of a specific context. You'll also examine how to use peer coaching structures to promote professional growth, collegiality, and cultures of continuous improvement and support student learning and more. Learn more and register.

EdCasting Debuts as Twitter for Education

A new form of social sharing has emerged that combines the brevity of Twitter with the open access of massive open online courses. "Just as podcasting and Tweeting made it easier to share general content, EdCasting empowers everyone to share their knowledge and help create the new culture of lifelong learning in this knowledge economy," EdCast CEO and founder Karl Mehta said. He also said the service will expand access to subject-matter experts. eCampus News

How School Leaders Can Make or Break PBL

Thoughtful leadership is the foundation of effective project-based learning programs, writes PBL advocate Suzie Boss. In this blog post, she suggests several ways leaders can set their schools up for success, including by giving teachers ownership, sharing success and staying patient. Edutopia.org

3 Ways to Develop Teacher Capacity to Serve English Learners

Teachers of English learners could benefit from professional development that supports teachers as leaders, advocate and author Ayanna Cooper writes. In this blog post, she highlights three professional-development models. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education

How Principals Can Improve the Performance of Instructional Coaches

School principals should give instructional coaches the time they need to work closely with teachers and make it clear they are teachers' peers, Jim Knight, director of the Kansas Coaching Project at the University of Kansas Center for Research on Learning, suggests in this blog post. Principals also should meet frequently with coaches and emphasize confidentiality, so teachers feel safe sharing their needs and concerns, he writes. Scholastic Administrator magazine

Teacher: Tips to Help Students Access a Global Audience

Students should be completing schoolwork for a wide audience, writes Jon Smith, a technology resource teacher for Alliance City Schools in Ohio. In this blog post, he highlights how digital tools can help students share their writing with the world. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education

Tips for Effectively Launching a One-to-one Laptop Program

About one year after launching a one-to-one laptop program, a Georgia school district is reporting higher test scores among participating students. In this commentary, Wendy Marshall, manager of instructional technology/media for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, shares the seven lessons her district learned from the successful program. T.H.E. Journal

Cloud-based Videoconferencing Opens Doors for Schools

Some schools with limited resources are using cloud-based videoconferencing technology to expand their access to educational opportunities. In this article, Andrew Davis, senior partner and analyst for Wainhouse Research, offers three suggestions for schools considering moving to the cloud. EdTech magazine online

How Shared Leadership Can Improve School Reform, Teacher Retention

The best way to implement school reforms and keep teachers in their jobs is through shared leadership, educator Cheryl Redfield asserts in this blog post. Unlike a top-down leadership style, shared leadership puts a school's best teachers in mentoring roles that can foster "a culture of student achievement and professional practice that ultimately leads to school-wide improvement," Redfield writes. Center for Teaching Quality

RESOURCES:

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) is an online teaching and learning resource from federal agencies. Topics that enhance the academic growth of all children can be found at http://free.ed.gov/, the FREE homepage.

Tips to Help Teachers Master Twitter

Social media can be a powerful learning tool for educators, asserts Steven Anderson, a former teacher and technology director. He spoke recently at the TCEA 2015 conference, where he offered seven tips to help teachers use Twitter more effectively. EdTech magazine online

How Teachers Can Make the Most of Twitter, Google+

Google+ and Twitter offer teachers an opportunity to build their professional learning networks, according to Thomas Murray, a director at the Alliance For Excellent Education, and Steven Anderson, a former director of instructional technology in North Carolina. In this article, they share eight ways that teachers can make the most of social networks, including how to use hashtags effectively. eSchool News

Illinois Department of Natural Resources presents:

Standards-based Lesson Plans

The IDNR offers lessons developed with Illinois Learning Standards as their foundation. You can download them at http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/Kits.htm or http://dnr.state.il.us/education/standards.htm. You'll find several topics to choose from for a variety of grade levels.

ISBE-Developed Guidance Helps Schools and Teachers Implement New Math Standards

Illinois State Board of Education

Illinois districts are piloting state-developed model math units to help students master concepts at each grade level as schools implement internationally-benchmarked learning standards that emphasize depth of knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The nationally-recognized units are the first of their kind, developed by a statewide team of educators... Check out the models

Resource: Mathematics Guides
Newly created Informational Guides to the Summative Assessments in Mathematics provide information about the design and structure of the PARCC mathematics assessments for each grade/course. These guides were created to assist educators in understanding the mathematics content, inform instruction, and provide information about the mathematics test administration policies. The guides were developed by the PARCC Mathematics Operational Working Group, a group of PARCC state content and assessment specialists who work together to make PARCC mathematics policy decisions and ensure the quality of the assessments.

Lesson Plans to Teach Students About Data Breaches, Online Privacy
Cyberattacks and data breaches at some major retailers and government websites have been big news. This blog post offers tips and lesson plans to help educators teach students about topics including cybersecurity, online safety, privacy and digital citizenship. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/The Learning Network blog

Specialists Highlight Free Resources to Teach Coding

Digital-learning specialists Anna Adam and Helen Mowers offer a roundup of free resources to introduce students to coding. "Graduates with programming skills are in high demand, and it's clear those numbers will only increase," they write. Edutopia.org/Coding in the Classroom blog

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE) is an online teaching and learning resource from federal agencies. Parents and teachers, be sure to look for the FREE Feature spot on the ED.gov homepage. Other topics can be found at http://free.ed.gov/, the FREE homepage

PARCC/Common Core Resources

PARCC Releases 3rd Edition of Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual

The third edition of the PARCC Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual is now available on the PARCC Accessibility, Accommodations and Fairness page. The manual is a comprehensive accessibility policy document that provides guidance to districts and decision-making teams to ensure that the PARCC performance-based, and end-of-year assessments provide valid results for all participating students. This third edition of the manual includes additional information on the Personal Needs Profile, assessment administration, and specifics on the accessibility features and accommodations available during the spring 2015 administration of the PARCC assessments.

Webinar: Sarah Martino and Kathy Brown Present: Kindergarten and the Common Core: It's as Easy as ABC!

Kindergarten teachers everywhere are currently stressed about meeting the new rigorous common core standards. How can we possibly teach with such high expectations and maintain developmentally appropriate environments? Don't let these demands defeat you. Join us as we unfold how to create a magical common core aligned kindergarten. Webinar registration link https://vimeo.com/84910703

ASCD and PARCC Post New Educator Resources Project on iTunes

PARCC is pleased to announce - along with our partners ASCD and Apple - the release of iTunes U Common Core Resources collections, designed by teachers for teachers, and free for all educators. Teacher teams comprised of Apple Distinguished Educators, members of the PARCC Educator Leader Cadre, and ASCD teachers created this curation of instructional resources and assessment sample items that will help educators successfully implement the new standards and teach effectively using iPads. Each of the 23 courses, organized by subject, grade level and standard, presents targeted and appropriate resources, including:

Lesson and activity ideas, useful apps, books, videos, and web content.
Instructional content and assessment information.
PARCC and Smarter Balanced sample assessment items.

PARCC Creates Top 12 Resources for Educators

We have gathered a list of our favorite PARCC resources for educators. Each resource is paired with a brief description to ensure that educators can quickly locate important information about PARCC.

PARCC Illinois Resources

The Illinois State Board of Education created a helpful resource for teachers and parents outlining the top 10 things teachers need to know about the new Illinois assessments.

ISBE Educator Leader Cadre Available For Common Core Assistance

The Illinois Educator Leader Cadre (ELC) is a network of educators who assist the State Board with staff in building awareness and understanding of Common Core State Standards and PARCC assessments. A listing of ELC members and a map of their locations is available here.

The National Association of Elementary School Teachers has created "Implementing the Common Core Standards: The Role of the Elementary School Leader Action Brief," a guide outlining best practices for transitioning to the Common Core. Click here to read the guide.

Check out WWW.COMMONCOREIL.ORG Resources for families and educators, including videos and downloads, and sign-up for the Core Connection newsletter!

Blended Learning Resources

3 Components of Blended-learning Implementation

Blended learning can be messy, but it's a hallmark of modern learning, history teacher Bill Tolley writes in this commentary. He offers tips to help schools get started, with an emphasis on three essential components -- online delivery, student control and the brick-and-mortar experience. Education Week Teacher

iNACOL Releases Blended-learning Framework

Educators now have a framework by which to determine their online and blended-learning competencies. The framework, which includes a list of competencies and effective practices, was developed by the International Association for K-12 Online Learning and nonprofit Learning Accelerator. T.H.E. Journal

ASCD RESOURCES:

ASCD Resources on Assessment

ASCD Arias: Grading and Group Work: How do I assess individual learning when students work together? (print and e-book formats)
Educational Leadership: Using Assessments Thoughtfully
ASCD book: Assessment and Student Success in a Differentiated Classroom (print and e-book formats)
The ASCD Inservice blog: Using Formative Assessment to Meet the Demands of the Common Core
ASCD Express: Using Assessments Thoughtfully
2014 ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence

ASCD Resources for Blended Learning

ASCD Resources on Common Core

Free ASCD webinars: Common Core Webinar Series archive
EduCore: Tools for Teaching the Common Core
2014 ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show
Educational Leadership: "Common Core: Now What?"
ASCD books and e-books on the common core
ASCD's Common Core State Standards resource center

ASCD Resources on Data

ASCD book: How Teachers Can Turn Data into Action (print and e-book formats, preconference institute)
Educational Leadership: Data: Now What?
Professional Development Video: A Visit To A Data-Driven School District DVD And Viewer's Guide
ASCD Arias Publication: Ensuring Effective Instruction: How do I improve teaching using multiple measures? (print and e-book formats)
ASCD YouTube Channel: Teacher Effectiveness
2014 ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence: Explore ways to make excellent teaching the reality in every classroom

ASCD Resources for Digital Leaders

ASCD's PD In Focus platform gives you and your colleagues online access to ASCD's extensive library of videos demonstrating effective teaching practices. Each video clip is designed to be used with additional provided resources in group learning.

The premier collaborative, on-demand professional development system for professional learning communities, schools, districts, and states, PD In Focus has the features you need to integrate video into your PD, including

Hundreds of hours of classroom examples that bring successful teaching to life
Group discussion boards.
Search by topic, grade level, subject area, classroom type, pedagogy, and more.
Ability to suggest assignments and monitor learning activity.

Your free 14-day trial includes access to all channels and topics. Explore the potential of PD In Focus to create powerful, ongoing professional development that is differentiated to all kinds of users and groups. Learn more about PD In Focus and start your free trial today!

ASCD -- There's An App For That

The free ASCD application for iPad brings valuable professional development content to educators everywhere. The app enables you to read ASCD e-books and, if you're an ASCD member, access issues of our flagship publication, Educational Leadership. Members will also be able to access ASCD newsletters, including Education Update and Policy Priorities. Download the app.

Browse EL, Our Blog, and Many Other Educator Resources on ASCD's Mobile Site

Whether you'd like to access an archived Educational Leadership article for today's faculty meeting or just want to read the latest education policy post in our Inservice blog, use ASCD's mobile site as your one-stop-shop for resources. Simply go to www.ascd.org on your mobile device to access the site and explore the wealth of resources we've opened to you. Visit our mobile site now

ASCD has five Twitter channels, each intended to connect you with different aspects of our work and the latest developments in our field. Stay current on education news, policy developments and general education discussion by following @ASCD our main channel. Don't forget to take advantage of additional opportunities to connect with ASCD experts in real time. Engage ASCD blogger Laura Varias @ASCD_Inservice, join the Whold Child team for important updates @WholeChildAdv, get the latest ASCD resources from @ascdmember and follow the Educational Leadership team @Ed_Leadership.Connect with all five channels

ASCD curates six boards that are home to pins on topics ranging from professional development to a whole child approach to education.

Find and follow us on Pinterest for ideas and inspiration.

This electronic publication is sent to you every other Wednesday. This is a benefit brought to you as part of your membership in Illinois ASCD. We hope you will share with other educators. "Education Briefs is an electronic publication of Illinois ASCD and not a publication of ASCD and the views expressed or implied should not be construed as official positions of Illinois ASCD nor ASCD."

Sincerely,

Illinois ASCD