December 9, 2015


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Mission Statement:
To build the capacity of educational leaders to enhance
 the quality of teaching and learning.

IMPACT     SERVICE     ADVOCACY

IL ASCD NEWS
CHECK OUT IL ASCD revised website at  www.illinoisascd.org
Enjoy your holiday break!
Winter Weather Preparedness 
IEMA, the NWS and the American Red Cross developed a winter weather preparedness guide that covers winter weather terms and tips for staying safe at home, in the car and at school. The guide is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov. Winter weather preparedness tips also will be posted on the Ready Illinois Facebook  and Twitter.

How Educators Use "Star Wars" for Instruction
Some educators and schools are incorporating "Star Wars"-themed lessons in the classroom ahead of the release of the seventh film in the series. The website Star Wars in the Classroom features stories about how nearly 400 teachers have used the movie in their lessons. KPCC-FM

Know Your IEIN?
Professional Development Requirement- IEIN Number * When registering and signing attendance for future professional development opportunities provided by school districts, ROE, professional association, or other approved ISBE Provider, you will be required to provide your IEIN which is your Illinois Educator Information Number. * Your personal IEIN can be found on the ELIS site, which is the ISBE site for licensure renewal and PD hour entry. * Please know your IEIN when registering and attending. This requirement protects YOU when ISBE decides to audit your attendance at events.


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 Illinois Office
P.O. Box 852
Normal, IL 61761

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, Assistant Director, rcneviu@me.com, phone: 618-203-3993.
Katie McKay-Phillips, Social Media & Events, kathrynmckay20@gmail.com 
 
 
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.      
 
  
 
miller_guidance 
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 
When used systemically, data can make a push for change seem less personal. "The issue isn't about you or me; it's about the goal we're trying to achieve," write Kristen Swanson, Gayle Allen, and Rob Mancabelli in this Educational Leadership article. The authors explain that it is instinctive in human nature to judge others, but that judging gets in the way of finding solutions. When we're aware of this challenge, we can use data to tackle system-level issues with success. 
 
The 71st ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show will be held in Atlanta, Ga., April 2-4, 2016. Keynote presenters will include Carol Dweck; Mike Schmoker; Manny Scott; Pedro Noguera and Alan Blankstein; and Shanna Peeples. The conference will have more than 200 sessions for educators of all roles and interests and special events for attendees to network with educators from across the world. Early bird pricing is available until Feb. 3, 2016.
 
LILA: Where Educators Become Advocates
Attend ASCD's 2016 Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy (LILA) -- happening January 24-26, 2016, in Washington, D.C. -- to hear from education policy expert and whole child champion Paul Reville, meaningfully collaborate with other civic-minded educators, build your advocacy skills, and meet with your federal lawmakers to discuss key education issues in your community. Visit www.ascd.org/lila for more information. Learn more.

Cambridge Educational ServicesCambridge 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.
 
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. 

The latest issue of Policy Priorities examines the vocabulary that various stakeholders -- including communities, administrators, teachers, parents and students -- use to discuss a whole child approach to education. It reviews similarities and differences among common terms, provides definitions used by specific educational associations, and calls for building a whole-child lexicon that all stakeholders can use -- the aim is to build a vocabulary that is practical, that everyone can use.

ASCD has released updated Whole Child Snapshots for each of the 50 U.S. states to display the progress our nation has made in supporting the whole child as well as the areas where negative trends have continued. The snapshots encompass various stages of a child's development, from prekindergarten through postsecondary education and provide a picture of child success and well-being that extends beyond academic performance.

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/566315-fall-2015 

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:

LILA: Where Educators Become Advocates
Sign up for ASCD's  2016 Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy-happening January 24-26 in Washington, D.C.-to hear from education policy expert and whole child champion Paul Reville, collaborate with other civic-minded educators, and learn to amplify your advocacy voice.Visit www.ascd.org/lila for more information.

Illinois Education News
   
Illinois Parents And Watchdog Group Report High Opt-Out Numbers For State Tests
The Chicago Daily Herald reports that according to "More Than A Score", a Chicago-based education watchdog group, over 20,000 students in Illinois opted out of the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) earlier this year. According to the state, only around 2,200 students opted out of the ISAT in 2014. The article also highlights the efforts of one parent, Kylie Spahn, to learn how many students have opted out of state tests by using Freedom of Information Act requests and to share her views on standardized testing with other parents through a Facebook group and other means. Spahn says that the high opt-out numbers are evidence of how many parents are dissatisfied with the state's testing regime.

Superintendents Speak Against Funding Formula
Superintendents representing more than 35,000 students met in Granite City recently to demand the Illinois State Board of Education take a stand against the state's current school funding formula. The superintendents and district representatives were part of the Funding Illinois' Future coalition who met with Illinois State Board of Education representatives at a state budget hearing in Granite City. Read more.  Listen to WBEZ's story about the superintendents lobbying for funding reform.


ISBE Hot Topics
PARCC Score Toolkit - Communication tools for school leaders available

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
 
Congress Releases Final Text Of ESEA Rewrite Bill
The Washington Post reports that the final text of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which would reauthorize ESEA, was released Monday, Nov 30. The bill, described as a "true compromise," would "largely shift authority from the federal government to states and districts," as states will be able to set their own academic goals, design their own systems for judging schools and what should be done for schools that struggle. The bill "attempts to thread the needle between conservatives" who want smaller federal control in education and civil rights groups "who worry that some states...will obfuscate or ignore the poor performance of schools serving low-income and minority students." The legislation won endorsements on Monday from the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National PTA and the National Governors Association, along with the nation's two largest teachers unions. The House is "widely expected" to vote on the bill "as early as Thursday."  With only a short time before an expected vote, the final rewrite of No Child Left Behind is now available to the public. See the bill and read more here.

US Awards $113M in Grants Through Investing in Innovation Program
The US Department of Education has selected 13 organizations to share $113 million in grants through the Investing in Innovation program, which supports innovation in education. "Through i3, educators are dramatically improving outcomes for students, and we are committed to providing teachers and school leaders with the resources they need to continue this important work," said senior adviser John King.T.H.E. Journal

Coalition Seeks to Raise Teaching Standards
A coalition of 40 education groups, using the slogan TeachStrong, have released a nine-point plan to help improve teacher quality. Suggestions include better training, higher standards, more support and better pay. The coalition seeks to make education a top priority during the 2016 presidential election. The Washington Post

IDEA 40th Anniversary
Celebrating the  40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Department released guidance designed to ensure that the nation's six million children and youth with disabilities have the same opportunity for a high-quality education as their non-disabled peers.  The guidance clarifies that students with disabilities should not only have access to a free, appropriate public education but also individualized education programs (IEPs) aligned with state academic content standards for the grade in which the child is enrolled.  Such alignment will help make sure all students receive quality instruction that prepares them for success in college and careers.
In addition to the guidance, the agency also issued resources for parents and educators, including:
  • a new web site with resources developed by grantees on effective IEPs, instructional practices, assessments, student engagement, school climate, home and school partnerships, and post-school transition;
  • tips for teachers with evidence-based, positive, proactive, and responsive classroom behavior intervention and support strategies;
  • a new, two-part blueprint
    on teaching behavioral expectations throughout schools; and
     
  • tip sheets for parents to help children with disabilities successfully reach adulthood
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

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
Please note that most workshops/conferences close registration one week prior to the event.  The last day to register is on the registration form.

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!  


  
Know Your IEIN?
Professional Development Requirement- IEIN Number * When registering and signing attendance for future professional development opportunities provided by school districts, ROE, professional association, or other approved ISBE Provider, you will be required to provide your IEIN which is your Illinois Educator Information Number. * Your personal IEIN can be found on the ELIS site, which is the ISBE site for licensure renewal and PD hour entry. * Please know your IEIN when registering and attending. This requirement protects YOU when ISBE decides to audit your attendance at events.


Science is a Verb, not a Noun!, Craig Gaska, Dec 15, 2015, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Kaskaskia College, Centralia, IL OR Apr 29, 2016, 3:30 am - 3:30 pm, 7 Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, IL 
Science is a verb, not a noun! Science is something that students do. The goal of this workshop is to help you use the Next Generation Science Standards to invigorate science in the classroom. You will learn how to bring the standards to life by using strategies that integrate the NGSS into your current curriculum, not an "add-on." Dr. Gaska will show you how to apply the standards, using a practical unit and lesson planning model that will help you create lessons that will turn your students on to science. Participants need to bring examples of current science units to this hands-on workshop to make the most of the day.  Continental breakfast, lunch, free parking, 6 professional development hours. Register here
 
2015-2016 Cohort, 4 sessions of CLDN - "ONE DAY AT A TIME" AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
Ideal for those responsible for curriculum leadership in a school or district setting.  Learn to enhance instructional leadership and gain skills on implementation, data analysis, and implications for curriculum development. Gain invaluable knowledge on PERA, Assessment, NGSS, and PE Standards. Learn how to lead PLC's.  Network and connect with other curriculum leaders. Share resources, explore topics relevant to school improvement planning AND you will also get access to experienced mentors. Frequently we have been asked, "Can I sign up for part of the program?" Now the answer is YES! CLDN sessions will be expanded to include educators and TEAMS OF EDUCATORS who wish to select from varying topics. 1. WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS? * Select one topic on one date, or select two or more. * Come alone or as a team. * Select Administrators Academy Credit or CPDU's. * Customize to your individual, your school or district needs. 

Jan. 25 - "Visible Learning Research for Teachers & Students," Greg Wolcott, Asst. Superintendent for Learning, Woodridge; "Evaluating as Student Centered Classroom/ Danielson," PJ Caposey, Superintendent, Stillman Valley SD
Feb. 22 - "Vertical/Horizontal Viable Curriculum," Jill Gildea, Superintendent, Fremont SD 79, Elizabeth Freeman, Curriculum Director, Fremont SD 79; "Instructional Rounds" Anne Roloff
April 25 - "Vision, Values & Goals: Leading Change in a Professional Learning Community" AA # 940, Doug Lillydahl, Adlai Stevenson HS; Jill Kingsfield, Ranjana Rajendran, Fenton HS
Meetings take place at HSD 218 Academy, 10701 S. Kilpatrick, Oak Lawn, IL 60543.
Continental breakfast, lunch, free parking, 6 professional development hours, and some sessions offer Administrator Academy credit. Register here for Nov 30.  
   Balancing Evaluation, Supervision and Reflection, Tony Frontier, Dec 15, 2015, 8:30 am - 3:30pm, Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge
How can we build systems of supervision that focus on developing teacher expertise rather than merely measuring quality?  How do we empower teachers as the active users of frameworks for effective practice?  This workshop will:
  • Develop an understanding of the critical distinctions among systems of evaluation, supervision, and reflection.
  • Learn strategies to lead and implement transformational systems that emppower teachers as compared to transactional systems that emphasize the role of administrators.
  • Apply a three-phase model of implementation of processes that ensure ownership and engagement in their goals for growth and ensure each teacher is his or her own best supervisor.
  • Acquire dozens of practical strategies and protocols for teachers, coaches, principals, and district office administrators to ensure their system of evaluation improves, rather than merely measures, teaching.
This workshop includes breakfast, lunch, free parking, 6 Professional Development Hours.  Register here.

MS/HS RtI/MTSS Roundtable Conference, Jan 15, 2016,The McHenry County College Conference Center, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
MS/HS administrators, RtI/MTSS coordinators, social workers, psychologists, deans and counselors.  Attendees with similar roles/positions will be grouped to share ideas and programs focused on Tier 2 Interventions.  A facilitator will coordinate the discussion.  Potential topics:  Attendance; Truancy; Discipline; Support Groups; Targeted Programs for academics, behavioral or social-emotional; RtI/MTSS roles; Coordination of RtI; Communication systems; Drug & alcohol; Data.  Attendees are asked to bring at least one description of an RtI/MTSS program/service being offered in the school/community.  Please bring 25 copies to the conference. Breakfast, snacks, free parking, materials, 4 PDH, 4 Social Worker continuing education hours.  Register for the roundtable here.

Transitioning Students to Appropriate Assessments in Math in the CCSS/PARCC World, Anita Reid, Jan 20, 2016, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, ISU Alumni Center, Normal
We will look at various means to implement an instructional and assessment process moving students towards being more successful on CCSS aligned PARCC assessments for middle and high school math.  This information provided will assist you in taking your existing classroom to the next level of student engagement and eventually achievement.  Topics discussed will be Backward Design lesson planning, Creating Engaging Assessments, Finding Engaging Tasks, and Writing Your own Engaging Tasks.  Numerous resources will be shared. This workshop includes breakfast, lunch, free parking, 6 Professional Development Hours.  Register here.
 
Building Teachers' Capacity for Success, Pete Hall, Jan 20, 2016, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
To help you deepen your thinking and reflect on your professional practice, Pete Hall will share with you the Continuum of Self Reflection, a tool introduced to coaches and administrators in his best-selling
Building Teachers' Capacity for Success and redesigned for teachers in Teach, Reflect, Learn - so you can take charge of your own professional growth!

In this workshop, you'll find tools specifically made to enhance self-reflection on professional practice, including the Continuum of Self-Reflection and the Reflective Cycle. You'll be able to assess your current self-reflective tendencies, identify opportunities to reflect on your instruction, and begin to forge a path toward continuous growth and educational excellence.  Continental breakfast, lunch, free parking and 6 professional development hours included. Register here:  https://illinoisascd.org/professional-learning-opportunities/upcoming-conferences-workshops/event/2016/01/building-teachers-capacity-for-success

LILA: Where Educators Become Advocates
Sign up for ASCD's 2016 Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy-happening January 24-26 in Washington, D.C.-to hear from education policy expert and whole child champion Paul Reville, collaborate with other civic-minded educators, and learn to amplify your advocacy voice. Visit www.ascd.org/lila for more information.

Empower All Staff to Exceed Their Potential, Greg Wolcott, Jan 28, 2016, ISU Alumni Center, Normal IL 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Leadership in today's educational climate is all about creating an environment that builds upon existing teacher knowledge and embracing new demands as opportunities for system-wide improvement. Today's successful leaders exercise leadership by empowering staff to solve the challenges of the day. In this day-long workshop, Greg Wolcott will share Student Centered Leadership work by Viviane Robinson, The Progress Principle by Teresa Amable, Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Succeed; How We Can Reach Our Goals by Heidi Grant Halvorson. Teachers and principals will gain insight into how to EXCEED in helping learners in successful learning growth. This workshop includes: Six professional development hours, breakfast, lunch, parking and handouts. Register here.

Listen! Students are Talking to Us in Their Assessments - Bobb Darnell, Feb. 3, 2016, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, 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. 
 
PERA--From Joint Committee to Student Growth, Jennifer Garrison, Feb 10, 2016, Forest View Educational Center, Arlington Heights, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
This workshop will share how one district successfully collaborated to make decisions at the local joint committee level to design a teacher evaluation plan aligned to PERA requirements. A student growth model based on Student Learning Objectives developed by the Sandoval CUSD #501 and the joint committee will be shared. Attendees will develop an action plan to implement in their own districts. Attention will be paid to the make-up of the Joint Committee Timeline, PERA implementation timeline and the components of the professional development necessary to implement a student growth model. Teams will develop an action plan using the Sandoval Guideline/Toolkit and the  PEAC Guidance Student Learning Objective for Type 3 Assessments and the Guidance on Creating Operating Guidelines for Student Growth Models in Teacher Evaluation Systems. Six professional development hours, breakfast, lunch, parking. Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Register here.
 
Lead and Teach - Classroom Assessments that Empower, Diane Wolf, Feb 11, 2016,
8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Kaskaskia College, Centralia, IL
Classroom assessments should not be overwhelming, but empowering! This is a dynamic workshop that will have you analyze your own assessment beliefs and talents as you begin to formulate your own professional plan for assessment literacy. As leaders in buildings and classrooms, teachers are transitioning to a new assessment era.  This session will be divided into four parts and will have practical suggestions at each turn: * BIG PICTURE: Formulate a "big picture" view of assessment in schools and districts and their different purposes * MINDSETS: Connect how the mindset of the teacher impacts the learning in the classroom * USERS: Determine who are the users of assessments and the data that should be inferred from the assessments * RELATIONSHIPS: Decide how the relationships in a classroom and school influence, for good or bad, the learning that occurs.  Breakfast, lunch, parking, 6 professional development hours are included. Register here. 

Student-Centered Leadership: 10 Strategies Leaders Need to Know, PJ Caposey, Mar 15, 2016, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Woodridge
This  course  offers  practical  strategies  that  will  help district  and  school  leaders  create  and maintain  an effective  student-centered  school  environment.  The session  will  provide  evidence  to show  the  relationship between leadership, student-centered practice and high academic  achievement. Participants  will  leave  with an understanding of how to analyze their leadership style and  current  school  practice.  They  will  also  learn practical techniques to create a plan for increasing the student-centered nature of their school.
OUTCOMES
  • Participants   will   be   able   to   demonstrate   an understanding  of  what    student-centered  leadership means and their influence as a leader in their school.
  • Participants  will  be  able  to  analyze,  develop  and communicate student-focused practices to the school community.
  • Participants will be able to examine their own leadership philosophies and behaviors and will assess their abilities to model and prioritize student-centered practices.
    Participants  will  communicate  their  leadership  story and learn to relate with all stakeholders of the school community  in  the  context  of  a  student-centered school environment.
Breakfast, lunch, parking, 6 professional development hours are included.  Register here.

Registration Now Open for ASCD 2016 in Atlanta, GA, Apr 2 - 4, 2016
From hands-on workshops to inspiring speeches, the 2016 ASCD Annual Conference has more than 200 sessions on an extensive range of topics. So whether you are a new teacher or a seasoned administrator, you can customize a program to meet your professional needs.  Join your peers to share knowledge, learn from others, and gain tools to help lead education into the future. Learn more.   

Using Protocols to Guide Professional Learning, Conversations with Don Kachur (Administrator Academy #1544 ), Apr 7, 2016, Seven Bridges Golf Club, Woodridge, IL 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Protocols are a tool for guiding professional learning conversations, whether they occur at grade level or department-level meetings, professional learning community team meetings, or any other meetings where educators are focused on improving student achievement. Protocols provide a structure or guide for conversations--a series of steps, each with a recommended time frame for completion that a group follows in fixed order, and they specify the roles different people in the group will play (typically a facilitator, a presenter, and participants). Participants in this workshop will learn of the value of protocols and how they are designed to structure conversations when educators within school groups study together, work on problems of practice, and examine student work and other data. Registration Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, 6 Professional Development hours or 6 Administrator Academy Credit.  Register here.   
 
Steve Oertle on Assessment, April 13, 2016 at NIU Naperville Campus, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
 
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.

The Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Administrators present: Professional Advancement Seminars, Seeking the Superintendency, Jan 13, 2016 (Springfield)
This intensive one-day seminar is designed to assist anyone seeking employment as a superintendent and will include a detailed description of the Illinois Association of School Boards' Superintendent Search process. You will learn how to evaluate and improve your opportunities for professional advancement through presentations by those who work with the process and through printed materials that are yours to retain. For a pdf of the brochure regarding these events: click here. To register online today: click here for Wed., January 13, 2016 (Springfield)

Leadership Legacy Summits, David Anderson, 3 sessions, Renaissance Hotel, Schaumburg, IL Attend one or all three!
Begin your journey to GREAT leadership by attending the Leadership Legacy Summits.  This quarterly series focuses on YOUR leadership, and helps participants to fully understand what true, authentic leadership really is! This Summit will give you the tools to practice great leadership and allow you to find better relationships, improved organizations, increased profits, and new cultures, just to name a few.  The Leadership Legacy Summits will give you a strong foundation for building sound leadership and raising the "lid" on your current leadership quotient.  This is a DO NOT MISS opportunity!
February 19, 2016 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
"What Are You Afraid Of?,"  Getting Out of Your Own Way
May 20, 2016 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
"Think Like a Leader,"  Always Taking the Leader's Perspective
August 26, 2016 8:30 am to 1:00 pm
"360 Degree Leadership,"  Lead from Anywhere.  Take on the Leadership Lifestyle.

Where:  Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL
Cost:  $249 per session, including Networking Luncheon
Register by visiting:  www.theleadershiplegacysummits.com 
From the Field
Zuckerberg Announces $20 Million Donation To Expand Broadband Access At School
Wired reports Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan announced they are donating $20 million to non-profit EducationSuperHighway that aims to expand broadband access to schools and close the "digital divide." Zuckerberg has donated funds to many education reform projects across the US and has said, "One day we'll connect the world and provide personalized learning for all students, and we'll keep focusing on this until that happens."

Despite Efforts to Increase Them, University Graduation Rates Fall
The proportion of people who entered college in 2009 and have since graduated has declined at every type of institution, and for every kind of student, from traditional aged to adult learners.

Net tuition revenue for public and private colleges and universities is expected to grow 2% to 3% for fiscal year 2016, according to a new report. The trend will hit small regional and rural public schools hardest, because they rely on local student enrollment more than larger schools, which attract more out-of-state students, the report's authors predict.The Chronicle of Higher Education 
 
Several Major Metropolitan Areas To Replace Plastic Utensils In School Cafeterias
The Washington Post reports that New York City, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and Orlando have decided to replace plastic utensils at school cafeterias with those made from compostable materials. Reportedly, the six districts have combined their purchasing power to fund the initiative to source compostable utensils cost-effectively, and are taking bids from suppliers which might fulfill such orders.

What Do Students Say About Online AP, IB Courses?
Some students are taking part in online International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses. Students featured in this article discuss some of the challenges, such as international time zones that can make collaboration more difficult and the need to be an independent learner.U.S. News & World Report 
 
STIThe 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 soîtware 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 
Some Call for Overhaul of NAEP Exam
Math scores declined for the first time in 25 years on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Fran Stancavage, who helped develop the NAEP at the American Institutes for Research, says the exam, which has not been updated since 1990, may need an overhaul to better align with what students are learning under the Common Core State Standards.
The Hechinger Report

With the increasing challenges presented by new standards, it is more important than ever for teachers to have access to practical, research-based and classroom-tested assessment strategies. This free 26-page download will help you get started with fresh assessment strategies. The strategies in this action pack come from well-known authors and experts and include tips to thoughtful assessment so you can keep a focus on each learner's needs, avoid the common pitfalls of feedback and much more.

In this Educational Leadership article, Carol Ann Tomlinson states that formative assessment should be the bridge between today's lesson and tomorrow's. "Both its alignment with current content goals and its immediacy in providing insight about student understanding are crucial to helping teacher and student see how to make near-term adjustments so the progression of learning can proceed as it should," she explains. Tomlinson lists 10 principles to follow that will make your formative assessments improve both teaching and learning.

What type of questioning invigorates and sustains productive discussions? That's what Jackie Acree Walsh and Beth Dankert Sattes ask in their book, "Questioning for Classroom Discussion: Purposeful Speaking, Engaged Listening, Deep Thinking," a passionate exploration of questioning as the beating heart of thoughtful discussions. Walsh and Sattes argue that the skills students develop through questioning and discussion are critical to academic achievement, career success, and active citizenship in a democratic society

Rainforest Journey, from EdTechLens, uses a trip through the rainforest to teach students in grades K-5 about life science. The Web-based program comes with 34 lessons and features hands-on learning activities, interviews with science experts and a Rainforest Trip Journal created by a mother-son team.

Is the Common Core Putting Some Students at a Disadvantage?
The focus on collaboration and other 21st-century skills in the Common Core State Standards may actually be putting introverted students, who prefer to work independently, at a disadvantage. This article reveals several ways to engage introverted students in the classroom and ways in which administrators can model inclusion in staff meetings, too. District Administration magazine online

PARCC Unbundles Testing System
States now can purchase test questions from the system developed by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, according to a recent announcement by the group. The new tiered system includes several customization options. The move seeks to provide "different tiers of participation and opportunities for customization," said Laura Slover, PARCC's chief executive officer. T.H.E. Journal, Education Week

PARCC Score Reports are on Their Way!
Some school districts are beginning to receive PARCC score reports for their high school students and reports will be arriving home in some states very soon. Do you know what to expect from the reports? Watch this video featuring three educators walking through the score report and discussing how to make the most of the information provided in them. For more information on the reports and tips on how to support students in their learning, follow @AcademicCheckup on Twitter and visit UnderstandTheScore.org.

ISBE Test and Assessment Home
 
Many PARCC resources have been moved to the end of this newsletter under RESOURCES. 
 
LEARNING.COMElementary 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
The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program provides K-16 educators with unique opportunities for overseas experience. The program is open to teachers and administrators with responsibilities for curriculum development in fields related to the arts, humanities, languages, and area studies. Topics and host countries vary annually, although all seminars are held outside of Western Europe. There are seminars being offered this summer in Peru, India, and Senegal. The deadline to submit applications is December 9.

Teaching And Principal Fellowships
Applications for the Department's 2016-17 cohort of Teaching and Principal Ambassador Fellows are now available online.  As in years past, there are two options for candidates: the Washington Fellowship is a full-time appointment based at the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C., while the Classroom Fellowship enables educators to participate on a part-time basis and still fulfill regular school responsibilities.  Applications must be received by December 14 at 11:59 p.m. (ET)

NEW-Vacancy:  Superintendency, Putnam Co CUSD 535, Granville, Illinois
Click here to download or view the Job Description.  Applications are only accepted online by noon, Dec 16, 2015.  Please click here to apply.  For further information, please visit the IASB website.

NEW-Superintendent, Proviso Township High School District 209, Forest Park, Illinois
Description:  The Board of Education for Proviso High School District 209 in Cook County, Illinois announces the commencement of a search for a new superintendent of schools who will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2016.   This is an outstanding professional opportunity for a qualified and experienced transformational leader to work with a diverse community of high school learners.
Proviso Township High School District 209 is located in suburban Cook County with close proximity to the city of Chicago. The district is made up of three high schools:  Proviso East, Proviso West and the award winning Proviso Mathematics and Science Academy. The communities of Bellwood, Berkeley, Broadview, Forest Park, Hillside, Maywood, Melrose Park Northlake, Stone Park and Westchester matriculate into the three schools. With a mission "to provide opportunities for successful experiences, so that upon graduation, the satisfied student may pursue an avenue of choice," Proviso Township High School District 209's vision is to be "the best high school district in Illinois." Additional information about the school district can be found at www.pths209.org . A regionally competitive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate.  This will be a rolling search, with applications being screened as they are received.  Candidates are urged to respond as soon as possible but no later than January 15th, 2016.  
Application Procedure:  Please go to www.bwpassociates.com to view a detailed vacancy notice, complete the online application process, and submit required materials. For additional information, contact BWP search consultants:  Dr. Anne Noland, 630-624-3336; Dr. Phil Ehrhardt, 630-514-7003; Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams, 708-935-0471; or Dr. Nick Wahl, 630-965-3367.
 
Vacancy:  Superintendent of Schools, Township High School District 113, Highland Park, Illinois
Description:  The Township High School District 113 Board of Education announces the commencement of a search for a new Superintendent of Schools who will assume responsibilities on July 1, 2016.  This is an outstanding career opportunity for a qualified and experienced professional administrator to provide leadership to a two campus, grades 9-12, school district in the highly desirable North Shore suburban area of Chicago, Illinois.  District 113 serves students from the communities of Deerfield, Highland Park, Bannockburn, Highwood and Riverwoods. The district is served by two high schools, Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School. The total combined student population is approximately 3,700. District 113 students are high achieving and perform well above state averages on all standardized measures. Approximately 95% of students matriculate to institutions of higher learning.  The schools are supported by a highly qualified and committed faculty and by a dedicated Board of Education. A very competitive salary and benefit package will be offered. Additional information about the school district may be found at www.dist113.org.
Application Procedure:  Interested candidates need to complete the online application process at www.bwpassociates.com.  This will be a "rolling search" with applications reviewed as they are submitted. Candidates are urged to respond as soon as possible but no later than January 4, 2016.  Application materials should include the following: a completed online Applicant Data Form; letter of interest; resume; a brief description of major professional accomplishments; College/University transcripts; four to six letters of recommendation; and evidence of eligibility to be a Superintendent in Illinois.  All of the required materials may be submitted online at www.bwpassociates.com. Application materials will be treated confidentially. Applicants are requested not to contact members of the Board of Education.  Each candidate will be informed of the Board's selection and appointment of the new Superintendent. The final selection and appointment is the sole responsibility of the Board of Education.
For additional information, please contact one of the BWP search consultants:  Dr. Mark Friedman at 847-975-8393, Dr. Anne Noland at 630-624-3336, or Dr. Debra Hill at 847-204-0462.

2015-2016 Moon Scholarship Program 
Are you a superintendent or an aspiring superintendent? Are you pursuing graduate study to become the best superintendent you can be? Do you know there are scholarships available through IASA to help offset the costs of your coursework?  Established in 1993 in memory of Dr. James V. Moon, a former superintendent at Morton High School District, the James V. and Dorothy B. Moon Scholarship program is committed to improving the education and qualifications of school administrators. Since its inception, 90 scholarships totaling nearly $196,000 have been awarded to current or aspiring superintendents.
 
Practicing school administrators in Illinois qualify if they are college graduates pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration at an accredited college or university. Several scholarships ($2,500 minimum each) are awarded each year and are paid directly to the college or university to cover tuition, fees and/or textbook expenses.  To obtain more information on the application and awards process, click here or contact Cherry Middleton, IASA Executive Secretary/Office Manager, at 217/753-2213 or email at cmiddleton@iasaedu.org. This year's application deadline is Friday, January 1, 2016.

USDA Seeks Applications for $16.8 Million in Grants to Empower SNAP Participants to Make Healthy Eating Choices
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of up to $16.8 million in funding to help participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) increase their purchases of fruits and vegetables. The funding is available to local, state and national organizations to test incentive strategies to help SNAP participants better afford healthy foods. This is the second round of awards to be made under the Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program created by the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will administer the grants.  Applications are due December 16, 2015. NIFA will host a webinar for applicants on October 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., EDT at http://nifa-connect.nifa.usda.gov/finip/.
Applications are sought in three categories: (1) FINI pilot projects (awards not to exceed $100,000 in one year); (2) multi-year, community-based FINI projects (awards not to exceed $500,000 over no more than four years); and (3) multi-year, FINI large-scale projects (awards of $500,000 or more over no more than four years).  For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.

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
 
 
 Grants / Awards
The Big List of Educational Grants and Resources
Get a roundup of educational grants, contests, awards, free toolkits, and classroom guides aimed at helping students, classrooms, schools, and communities. Check this page weekly to get the latest updates! www.edutopia.org/grants-and-resources

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.
http://www.labelsforeducation.com/About/about-the-program.aspx
 
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: US Lags in International Education Ranking
Fewer students in the US are enrolling in preschool and college, compared with 46 other countries, according to a report released today by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Korea is at the top of the international ranking, with nearly 70% of 25- to 34-year-olds earning a college degree -- compared with 46% in the US. The Hechinger Report 

Study: Can Students' Ability to Pay Attention be Measured?
Brain connectivity can reveal important information about how well students pay attention, suggests Monica Rosenberg, a Ph.D. candidate in psychology at Yale University. In this commentary, she writes about her team's research, which seeks to identify a way to measure attention -- similar to how IQ is measured. The Conversation (U.S.) 

A new report released by ASCD and the Rennie Center for Education Research & Policy looks at ways states and school districts can help students cultivate social and emotional skills like empathy, cooperation, flexibility, and good decision-making. Using lessons learned from districts that have prioritized SEL, the report offers a blueprint for all school districts on ways to foster social and emotional development, from integrating SEL into existing initiatives to creating accountability without impeding work.

From Crawling to Walking: Ranking States on Birth-3rd Policies that Build Strong Readers
This report examines the state of early education policy in all 50 states and Washington, DC and offers a framework for moving forward.  

Report: Computer-based Reading Helps Close Gender Gap
Boys are better are computer-based reading -- potentially because they play more video games -- according to a recent analysis by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The analysis of 46 countries finds that the gender gap in reading was wider in print than when students used digital material.
Education Week 

Report: 77% of Schools Have Fast, Reliable Internet Connections
About 77% of schools in the US have reliable and fast Internet connections -- up from about 30% in 2013 -- according to a report released Thursday by EducationSuperHighway. The report was released the same day that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, announced they would invest $20 million in the organization, which is dedicated to improving schools' Internet access.
The Hechinger Report
Publications
This book, by Jackie Walsh and Beth Sattes, explains how questioning and discussion are important components of classroom instruction that work in tandem to push learning forward and move students from passive participants to active meaning-makers.
This book includes
  • Guidelines for developing powerful questions for discussion.
  • Concrete classroom examples of questioning and discussion techniques.
  • Tips to help you keep discussions focused and student thinking sustained.
Questioning for Classroom Discussion offers numerous strategies and tips to help you engage students in thoughtful and respectful discourse with their peers by focusing on the use of quality questioning techniques.

Sparking Student Creativity: Practical Ways to Promote Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving
In Sparking Student Creativity, author and researcher Patti Drapeau explores and explains research related to creativity and its relevance in today's standards-based, critical thinking-focused classroom. No matter what grade levels or content areas you teach, this book will help you to produce creative lesson components that directly address critical content, target specific standards, and require thoughtful products from students as they grow into independent learners and become successful adults. Read a sample chapter.

As a teacher, you work hard to make a positive difference in the lives of your students. But this kind of progress doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't happen accidentally. It's the result of intentionality, planning, effort, and thought. In this book, authors Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral help you deepen your thinking and reflect on your capacity as an educator so you can take charge of your own professional growth.
Internet Sources
SuperKids
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.

 
Higher education administrators should think twice before posting on social media, experts assert in this article. They also suggest that administrators use each platform differently and establish clear guidelines for the use of social media. Education Dive

Why are Chromebooks so Popular Among Educators?
About 2.5 million Chromebooks were shipped to schools in the first half of this year. This article highlights six reasons the devices may be so popular in schools, including their price point -- $200 a piece. eSchool News

Veteran educator and education-technology consultant Ann McMullan shares six tips to help teachers create innovative lessons in a digital age. Tips include starting with small changes to help avoid becoming overwhelmed by the process. eSchool News

EA Sports, in collaboration with Discovery Education and the NFL Players Association, will release "Madden NFL: Football by the Numbers" on Dec. 1. The new game will be free to educators, students and parents and will focus on teaching science and math to fifth- through ninth-graders. Education Week

Microsoft and Code.org will use Minecraft to teach students computer programming. The initiative will give students access to a tutorial and 14 Minecraft levels through the Code.org website. Bloomberg

Use These Resources to Become a Better School Leader
To be effective, school leaders must learn how to build strong relationships and should look for ways to sharpen their skills. This article offers a list of resources to help leaders in their professional development, including ideas on how to build safer schools and approach topics such as discipline and connecting with parents. Edudemic
 
Do Students Really Know How to Use Google?
Students may not be using Google searches to full potential, according to Alan November, senior partner and founder of November Learning. In this commentary, he reveals several expert search strategies, such as using country codes when looking for sources from a particular country and using Wikipedia to refine research. eSchool News

Check out Path to Teach, a new consumer guide to colleges of education. Users can search grades on more than 1,100 colleges and universities and 85 alternative certification programs, finding the one that will get them on a successful path into the teaching profession.

Visit the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Accelerated Model Course Pathways - a resource that offers guidance to schools and districts seeking to organize NGSS performance expectations into a compressed time frame.

RESOURCES:

ACT Releases 2015 STEM Report
The Condition of STEM 2015 is now available on the ACT website. This is the third edition of our annual Condition of STEM report series.

Path to Teach
Check out Path to Teach, a new consumer guide to colleges of education. Users can search grades on more than 1,100 colleges and universities and 85 alternative certification programs, finding the one that will get them on a successful path into the teaching profession.

Speak Up 2015 is a national online research project that provides individuals the opportunity to share their thoughts on how to leverage technology in schools to promote learning.  Surveys for students, educators, parents, and community members/business partners will be open through December 18.

The English Learner Toolkit is a companion to the English Learner Guidance released by the Departments of Education and Justice in January 2015, consisting of 10 chapters, each chapter aligned to one of 10 sections of the guidance.  Included within the toolkit are tools and resources for identifying students as English Learners (ELs), delivering high-quality EL programs, evaluating the effectiveness of EL programs, preventing unnecessary segregation, providing qualified staff, ensuring access to school programs and activities (including disability-related services), exiting students from EL programs at the appropriate time, monitoring students' progress, and supporting EL parents.  The free toolkit can be easily downloaded and printed online (blog post).

A new online community, called Playbook, is providing teachers a place to share best practices and learn about classroom strategies used by other educators. The community, provided by Panorama Education, also includes a student-feedback loop to assess effectiveness of the lessons. Xconomy

Website Offers Open Education Resources, Online Community for Educators
Educators have a new way to access Open Education Resources. Curriki.org
offers free, vetted learning materials, plus a professional network (called Curriki Groups) where educators can collaborate and exchange ideas. 

Website Offers Free Instructional Resources for K-12 Teachers
Educade, from GameDesk, is an online library of free K-12 instructional resources, including lesson plans, applications, games and hands-on activities. Teachers can search for resources by grade level, subject matter and technology type. Users must register in order to access the library.

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.   

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 

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.

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

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
 
PARCC/Common Core Resources
 
NEW-Check out the Student Achievement Partners' Coherence Map. Their interactive website illustrates the connections between Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

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 

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. 

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.

Blended Learning Resources

10 Tips to Help Schools Share Blended-learning Efforts
Communications planning may not top school leaders' to-do lists when implementing a blended-learning initiative, but it should be a cornerstone of the process, writes Kira Keane, a communications and public affairs specialist. Keane offers a step-by-step communications process to help school leaders share blended-learning goals. EdSurge

There are many ways that teachers are using blended learning experiences in their classrooms, but these hybrid experiences don't need to begin and end with students. In the spirit of Connected Educator Month, ASCD author William Kist shares many different blended experiences that can enrich educator PD in this Inservice blog post. When you use these yourself, you'll also be discovering the best ways to take advantage of these kinds of opportunities with your students.

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 

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 Resources for Blended Learning
ASCD Resources on Common Core
ASCD Resources on Data  
ASCD Resources for Educational Leadership
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  

Follow us on Twitter 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. 
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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