March 30, 2016
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Mission Statement:
To build the capacity of educational leaders to enhance
 the quality of teaching and learning.

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IL ASCD NEWS
Enjoy your Spring Break!
Good luck to all schools participating in State testing! 
ASCD Conference in Atlanta Apr 1 - 4! Mark your calendar!  Mid-States Reception will be held on Saturday, April 2, 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Dogwood Room, Level M1 - North Tower, Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center.  Meet your friends from the midwest states. Let's be "Gone With the Wind" in Atlanta. Put on your best attire and join the Mid-States ASCD Affiliates for a good old-fashioned Ball! Fun, food, music!

We encourage you to vote in ASCD's 2016 General Membership Election. ASCD operates under the auspices of the Board of Directors which represents the interests of our 125,000 members. Active members have the opportunity to help determine the association's future by casting a ballot to elect two members of the Board of Directors. The successful candidates will take office on July 1, 2016, and serve for four years. Candidates' biographical information and video statements are included with the online ballot and also appear at www.ascd.org/candidates.
The election is only online. Have your membership number on hand in order to make the process easy. Go to www.ascd.org/vote by April 30, 2016, to cast your ballot.
  • You will be prompted to enter your Member ID and password.
  • Click on the Vote Now button to connect to our secure online election system.
  • If you don't have your Member ID or password, contact the ASCD Service Center at 1-800-933-ASCD (2723) and then press 1, or send an e-mail to member@ascd.org.
Free Event!!  Anyone in the Rockton area welcome!  Apr 18, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
"Brain Rules to Improve Performance in the Classroom and Workplace," Monday, April 18, 2016, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Hononegah Community HS Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem St, Rockton, IL 61072. Presented by Dr. John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Please RSVP to dphelp@hononegah.org

Free Resources for Teaching Personal Finance
The Cowin Financial Literacy Program is a financial literacy initiative, designed to bring experiential learning about personal finance into under-resourced, high school classrooms.This first-of-its-kind initiative provides high school teachers with intensive professional development and customized curricula. The program, developed by Teachers College, Columbia University, offers eight free case studies that can be integrated into existing curriculum. Download the case studies for free at  http://lootinc.tc.columbia.edu/.

Archived issues of ILASCD Education Briefs are now available on our website. 
 

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 
In Case You Missed It: ASCD Whole Child Snapshots
How well are we supporting the whole child? ASCD's 50-state whole child snapshots provide a picture of student performance and well-being across the nation. Find out how your state measures up in ensuring that its students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged 
  
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. 
 
"I'd cast a strong vote that we think about attitudes, outlooks, and habits of mind. These may well have much more to do with living a meaningful life than do any facts we can share with our students," writes Carol Ann Tomlinson in her latest Educational Leadership column. She reflects on that fact that the "facts" we teach students may soon become obsolete, but that teaching them certain attributes focused on lifelong learning can prepare them for positive and generative lives. 

ASCD has released its 2016 Global Policy Agenda, which calls on policymakers and other education stakeholders across the globe to align education programs and create a coherent system to support and develop the whole learner from early childhood to graduation. The focal points of the agenda include developing and enhancing optimum conditions for learning; promoting accountability systems that embrace a broader, more comprehensive definition of student success; and placing an emphasis on supporting educators along the entire career continuum.

In this Educational Leadership article, Rick Hess shares his fear that "college readiness for all" is either a "banal reminder for schools to do what they have long been trying to do, a spur to unhelpful faddism, or a call for the disruptive pursuit of this or that new metric." He shares that this is an appealing principle and something to aspire to, but not a helpful driver of policy or something that helps schools improve. 

Based on the best-selling ASCD books "Building Teachers' Capacity for Success" and "Teach, Reflect, Learn," this April 20-21 institute, led by authors Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral, will provide participants with the tools, strategies, language and mindset to support all teachers' growth as reflective practitioners. This collaborative two-day institute supports every role that supports teacher development: principals and other administrators; instructional coaches and teacher leaders; and classroom teachers. Attend in Sacramento, Calif., or Tacoma or Spokane, Wash.

Cambridge has worked with members of ASCD for over 25 years to provide research-based test preparation programs that are proven to increase students' standardized test scores and ensure that students have mastered the necessary skills to be college and career ready. We offer supplemental curriculum, data services, test prep, and training for the SAT, PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/ NMSQT, ACT, Explore, Plan, Aspire, HiSET, TASC, GED, Career Interest Inventory, Learning Styles and WorkKeys tests. Our customized lesson plans guide your teachers in how to use data to improve teaching, engage learning, and plug college and career
skill gaps.
To schedule a free on-site presentation or visit, contact Mary Parks at
847-299-2930 ext. 226 or MParks@CambridgeEd.com .
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'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:
Illinois Education News

General Assembly To Return APRIL 4
The General Assembly is on spring break until April 4. Stay tuned for more legislative updates next month!

Top 25 Most Improved Schools
Some Illinois schools have taken big steps up between 2014 and 2015, according to SchoolDigger.  The website tracks school performance and ranks the top schools in the state by calculating an Average Standard Score using recent test scores across grades. By comparing the 2014 and 2015 scores, SchoolDigger calculated which schools improved by moving closer to the top of the state's rankings. This year's rankings used the new Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam scores. Since some Illinois students didn't take all or part of the PARCC test, we've included the school's participation rate for both the English and math portions of the exam, using the Chicago Tribune's score tool. Here are the state's Top 25 most improved schools in 2015, according to SchoolDigger.

Illinois Science Assessment Update
Students who are enrolled in the following courses, and do not have prior full year credit in any of the following courses, must be tested: 03051A000 Biology, 03052A000 Biology-Advanced Studies, 03056A000 AP Biology,or 03057A000 IB Biology.  Students who will take the Dynamic Learning Maps alternate assessment in science will test at grades 5, 8 and 11.

ESSA webpage - Click here to access.
 
Illinois Law Day May 1, 2016, "Miranda More Than Words"
The following are available resources to assist in planning for Law Day 2016:
Use promo code LDM16 for a 10% discount until March 31, 2016. Visit the Law Day website frequently for free resources to help you plan and execute impactful and successful programs on criminal justice. Make a difference in your community this Law Day. www.lawday.org

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

John King Named As Secretary of Education
On March 14, the U.S. Senate confirmed John King as Secretary of Education.  The full Senate vote came after the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee voted in favor of his confirmation.  King has been serving as Acting Secretary of Education since January, after former Secretary Arne Duncan stepped down at the end of last year.  

ESSA Update
A committee will convene to draft proposed regulations in two areas of Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): student assessments and supplement not supplant requirements.  Selected negotiators and their alternates represent the constituencies that are significantly affected by the areas proposed for negotiation, including state and local education administrators and board members, tribal leadership, parents and students, teachers, principals, other school leaders, and the civil rights and business communities.  They represent all geographic regions, as well as contribute to the diversity and expertise of the committee, and have received background materials to help prepare for their discussions, including issue papers on key topics identified by the agency in the notice announcing the formation of the committee.  The committee will meet March 21-23 and April 6-8, with an optional session April 18-19.  The meetings are open to the public. Moreover, the Department released ESSA transition Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Will ESSA Change the Course on Teacher Evaluations?
Reforming teacher evaluations and tying them to classroom performance has been a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's education policy. This article examines the progress that has been made and whether school districts and states will stay the course under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The Atlantic online 

Bill Would Spark Study of Students' Milk Consumption
A draft bill to reauthorize federal school-meal standards would require the US Department of Agriculture to study milk trends among children, including consumption of flavored milk. The USDA allows schools to offer fat-free flavored milk, but some states have worked to ban or limit flavored milk sales. Bloomberg BNA

The Federal Communications Commission plans to propose new rules that would prevent consumer data from being used by Internet providers in the wireless and cable industries, blocking these companies from being able to sell targeted advertising. The cable and wireless industries have expressed opposition to the proposal, stating that it would put them at a disadvantage with companies such as Facebook and Alphabet, which would not be covered under the regulation. The Wall Street Journal 
 
ASCD Educator Advocates: www.educatoradvocates.org  
ASCD Legislative Agenda: www.ascd.org/legislativeagenda  
ASCD Policy Points: www.ascd.org/publicpolicy 
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.
 

2015-2016 Cohort, LAST CLDN - "ONE DAY AT A TIME" AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3
 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. 
 
Transitioning Students to Appropriate Assessments in Math in the CCSS/PARCC World, Anita Reid, Apr 6, 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.

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.   
 
Assessment 201 with Steve Oertle, April 13, 2016, NIU Naperville Campus, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm  
Attendees will collaboratively review, evaluate and revise their own standard-aligned classroom assessments.  A 30-minute overview of the components of high quality local assessments will allow the remainder of the training to lead participants through analyzing and revising the assessments they bring.  The workshop will address paper/pencil assessments, rubric creation, performance tasks and incorporation of student learning objectives (SLOs).  Feedback will be modeled and a large part of the process.  Attendees will potentially leave the workshop with their classroom assessments reviewed, revised and at least partially completed.  Bring materials or laptop with an electronic version. Registration includes, parking, breakfast, lunch, and 6 professional development hours. 
Click here for flyer and registration.

NEW-Assessment Literacy with Anji Garza, April 14, 2016, University Center of Lake County,
8 am to 11:30 am
This presentation is intended for any teacher or administrator who seeks to develop a better understanding of a balanced and coherent assessment system. Participants will explore and reflect  upon the central role of formative and summative assessment in the classroom: to drive feedback for classroom instruction, to increase student engagement, and to reflect on the use of assessments related to student growth in the context of teacher evaluation. Registration includes: Breakfast, free parking and 3 professional development hours. Register here.

An Evaluator's Guide to the SLO Process for Monitoring Student Growth, Jennie Winters (Administrator Academy Course #1679), Apr 21, 2016, SIU Carbondale, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
This Academy will guide administrators in understanding their role in the SLO (Student Learning Objective) Process.  Evaluators will understand the components of an SLO.  They will evaluate the rigor of the SLO by examining the standards that are chosen and the assessment resources that will be utilized.  They will learn strategies to facilitate development of SLOs and Type III assessments, as well as to monitor the SLO process. Jennie Winters will explain the variety of types of assessments that can be used in a Balanced Assessment System, with a focus on Type III assessments for the purpose of evaluation.  Registration includes parking, breakfast, lunch and 6 professional development hours. Register here.

Science is a Verb, not a Noun!, Craig Gaska, 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.

School Leadership Practices for Transforming the Attitudes of At-Risk Students, Baruti Kafele, May 5, 2016, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Goodman Center of Roosevelt University, 501 S. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
The complex role of the educational leader is the most important role in bridging the attitude gap!  In this high-energy, highly-interactive workshop, Principal Kafele discusses the characteristics of an effective leadership team in an underperforming school comprised of an at-risk student population.  He will outline what he did to lead the transformation for four low-performing public schools in New Jersey.  Before we can focus on closing the achievement gap, we must first focus on closing the attitude gap-the gap between those students who have the will to strive for excellence and those who do not.  Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking, and 6 professional development hours.  Register here.

NEW-Teaching the Standards: It's As Easy As ABC! with Sarah Martino and Kathy Brown, June 10, 2016, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, Woodridge, IL, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Are you struggling to incorporate the language arts standards and still maintain a developmentally appropriate environment? Do you need routines for collecting common core and KIDS aligned data that are woven into your everyday activities? Would you like to learn how to engage your students in collaborative conversations? Are you searching for just the right mentor texts and strategies to spark social and emotional learning? Do you want to spice up your read-aloud routine and encourage increased comprehension growth? Are you longing for a way to get your students to take the risk to write? Do you need visual anchor charts and graphic organizers to assist your students in remembering key academic vocabulary? Do you desire to create a classroom of clear procedures and easy routines that will empower your learners? If you answered "YES" to any one of these questions, then sign up for this workshop today! K-2 Teachers, ELL, Reading Specialists/Coaches, Special Ed. K-2, and Administrators. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking, and 6 professional development hours. Register here. 

NEW-Indian Education: An Overview of Policy to Pedagogy, Saturday, April 9, 2016, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Minnesota Department of Education, Roseville, MN
Teaching staff, counselors, coaches, principals, district office personnel:
Join us to explore how American Indian education reflects best practice by expanding understandings of diversity and equity. You will also gain personal perspective that will equip you as an educator to advocate for American Indian students.The session will provide an overview of historical foundations surrounding American Indian education and the relationship and responsibilities between the US Government and American Indian people. In addition we will dispel the myth of data irrelevancies as it pertains to the American Indian educational experience.
 
This day of learning is facilitated by Indian Education Program Coordinator Ramona Kitto Stately, and Director of Educational Equity Dr. Rev Hillstrom, both of Osseo Area Schools. Learn more about our presenters
here.  Registration Fees: (include lunch and workshop materials): Minnesota ASCD Affiliate Member $ $125. Minnesota ASCD Affiliate Non-member $139.  Download the EVENT FLYER.
 
NEW-Cowin Financial Literacy Institute, July 11-14, 2016, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City
Pre-registration for the 2016 Teachers College Cowin Financial Literacy Institute is now open.  This year's summer program will held on July 11-14 Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City.  The
No Obligation Pre-registration comes with no strings attached.  It allows you to express interest in attending and stay abreast of the latest developments, such as confirmed speakers and guests, regarding the conference.   
Conference attendees will receive
  • A $200 stipend
  • A certificate of completion that may be used for professional development hours
  • A chance to earn a Certification in Personal Finance
 
IASA Aspiring Superintendent Summer Academy, July 11-15, 2016, Springfield 
The Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) Aspiring Superintendent Summer Academy is a program for school leaders who are thinking about becoming a superintendent. The five day summer leadership academy will hone participants' leadership knowledge and skills and give them a view of the modern superintendency.  This summer learning academy, aligned with the ISLLC Standards, will be a fast-paced, authentic Learning Academy where attendees will participate in simulations and produce meaningful activities that reflect the modern job of the superintendent. Have you ever wondered what you may not have learned in graduate school but you may need to know in order to be an effective leader?  Find out more!
 
Southland Learning Conference, August 8, 2016, Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School, Oak Lawn
In an effort to connect and learn from each other in Oak Lawn-Hometown SD123, and with other educators in surrounding school districts, D 123 has created an opportunity on Aug 8th, 2016 called The Southland Learning Conference.  The event is scheduled from 8:30a-1:00p.  The Southland Learning Conference is currently looking for educators to present at its inaugural event. Presentations should be approximately 40 minutes in length and can focus on any educational topic. Additionally, we have also added a "poster session" option. Poster sessions are informal presentations similar to what you would experience at a science fair.   For more information please check the link below or if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email Laura Ferrell at (708) 499-6400 or lferrell@d123.org.  For more information: http://www.southlandlearning.org/ 
 
NEW-T21CON 2016
The College of Education at Illinois State University, September 23, 2016, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Bone Student Center, ISU, Normal, IL
Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21CON) is a hands-on, engaging learning opportunity designed for current and aspiring educators to gain an edge in using technology in the classroom. T21CON connects attendees with resources, strategies, and a network of experts to support their careers in education. Attendance is free for all practicing educators and ISU students.  Have questions about T21CON 2016?   Contact The College of Education at Illinois State University.

Leadership Legacy Summits, David Anderson, 2 sessions left, Renaissance Hotel, Schaumburg, IL
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!
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
Chicago Public Schools Prepares For One-Day Teacher Strike
The  Washington Post reports the Chicago Teachers Union has voted to strike for one day on April 1, and to hold a "massive rally" downtown, in "an effort meant to draw attention to ongoing contract negotiations and city schools' dire financial outlook." While Chicago Public Schools officials say the walkout would be breach of labor rules they say bar teachers from striking any earlier than mid-May, the CTU says the strike is legal because teachers have been subjected to unfair labor practices by not being awarded salary increases based on education and experience. School officials say that teachers will forfeit their pay if they strike, which could create a savings of up to $10 million.

Collaborative Teaching Strategy Introduced in Grayslake District 46
Grayslake Elementary District 46 is focusing on a new program to build collaboration by encouraging teachers to work together and share resources. "All of us are going to be excellent," instructional coach Laura Golden said. "And we're going to share our excellence with each other."  Daily Herald

Analysis Focuses on Global Literacy Trends
The US ranks seventh in literacy in a recent international ranking of more than 60 countries by John Miller, president of Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Conn. Finland tops the list.
The Washington Post

How Facebook's Zuckerberg Plans to Change Public Education
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an estimated $45 billion investment in education that experts assert could have implications for public education, philanthropy and education technology. In this interview, Zuckerberg says the goal is to spotlight student innovators and raise the profile of personalized learning.  Education Week

Experts Share Vision for Future of Higher Education
Eight higher-education leaders spoke recently at SXSWedu about ways to improve higher education and set students up for success. Panelists asserted, among other things, that learning is becoming more measurable and flexible, that more should be done to address college affordability and higher education is likely to evolve. CampusTechnology.com

$47M Pledged to Improve Principal Preparation
The Wallace Foundation has announced a new initiative -- $47 million during five years -- to redesign and improve principal preparation. The program will overhaul principal training at some universities and include input about curricula from school leaders in partner school districts. The Washington Post

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 
Classroom Lessons from "Hamilton" the Musical
More teachers are finding ways to tap into enthusiasm for the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" to engage students in classroom lessons. Some teachers are using the popular soundtrack to spark students' interest in the Revolutionary War and another teacher assigned students to create their own historical-themed hip-hop songs. KQED.org

Chicago Teachers Adopt "Lesson Study" to Boost Practice
Some Chicago teachers are using a collaborative professional-learning method known as "lesson study" to develop teaching practices that focus on student reactions and key learning objectives. Popular in Japan, the method calls for one teacher to deliver a lesson to students while peers collect data on students' responses to the lesson and the teaching. KQED.org

Artificial intelligence is changing the world of work and education, with some groups saying AI could eliminate the need for standardized tests. AI trends raise questions, including what skills should be taught to students for future jobs and how best to prepare educators for the classroom.

Students can use Vernier's new Dynamics Cart and Track Systems to study kinematics, dynamics, momentum and energy. The system comes with a track, two carts, a pulley and attachment accessories.

ACT To Release New PreACT For 10th Graders
Catherine Gewertz writes in the Education Week "Curriculum Matters" blog that ACT announced Mar 22 "that it has added a new test to its lineup: the PreACT, a multiple-choice test designed to prepare 10th grade students" for the ACT. The "PreACT, which will be available in the fall of 2016, is a paper-based, multiple-choice test in the same four subjects that appear on the ACT: English/language arts, math, reading, and science."

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
Vacancy-MorrisSD #54 Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy. Applications are only accepted online by noon, Apr 1, 2016. Please click here to apply.  For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Vacancy - Riley CCSD 18, Marengo, IL, Part-time Interim Superintendent Position 
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by noon, Apr 5, 2016.  Please click here to apply.  For further information, please visit the IASB website. 

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
Study Examines Benefits of Integrating Autism Therapy Into Preschool
Preschool children with autism who received play-based therapy incorporated into their preschool curriculum gained more social and language skills over those in a traditional preschool program, according to a recent study. Researchers also found that preschool teachers were as skilled as clinicians in delivering the interventions after two months of training and coaching. Disability Scoop

High-school graduates in the US perform on average or below average in literacy, technology and math when compared with international counterparts, according to a study by the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies. Data show that the US is about average in literacy, but it lags behind in math and technology.The Christian Science Monitor,  National Public Radio

Low-Income Students Left Out of Illinois Gifted Programs: Report
A Chicago education organization released research showing that students who are low-income, black or Latino are significantly under-represented in gifted programs in school districts across the state. 

Classroom Management Interventions Made a Difference
A meta-analysis of classroom management interventions has found that they improved academic, behavioral, and social-emotional outcomes. Published in the Review of Educational Research, the study included 54 classroom management interventions in 47 studies published between 2003 and 2013. It included some interventions that had been evaluated several times (including Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS), the Good Behavior Game, and Zippy's Friends). About three-quarters of the studies were carried out in the U.S., with the remainder in Europe and Canada.

High Marks for High-quality Preschool
A new report from the RAND Corporation presents findings from a review of research on preschool. Specifically, the report examines whether high-quality preschool produces favorable effects for participating children and their families, the magnitude of the impacts, and how long the benefits last.

College Applicants: Be Careful What You Put Online
The results of a recent national survey by Cornerstone show an almost 25% growth from one year
to the next in college admissions officers (AOs) using the internet, including social media, to research the background of college applicants.

The Promise and Pitfalls of Charter Schools After 25 Years
After 25 years, charter schools now serve an estimated 2.9 million students in more than 6,700 U.S. schools, and the sector seems poised for rapid growth in the near future. This issue of Policy Priorities examines the ideas that spurred the charter school movement, the evolution of the concept and rationales behind charters, and their current status as an education reformer.

Study Considers Success of National Teacher-prep Programs
Efforts to overhaul teacher preparation may be missing the mark, according to a study of four national programs by researchers with the National Education Policy Center. The researchers offer several policy recommendations to serve as the foundation of reform. CampusTechnology.com

PARCC Accessibility Features Noted in Center For American Progress Study
The Center for American Progress calls high-quality assessments like PARCC and Smarter Balanced a "major step forward" toward making tests accessible for students with disabilities, and also for English language learners. In Better Tests, Fewer Barriers, authors Samantha Batel and Scott Sargrad of the Center analyze the multi-state consortium assessments and find that they "not only move beyond old fill-in-the-bubble tests to measure critical thinking skills, but are also designed to better accommodate the needs of students with disabilities and English language learners."
Publications
In the new book, "Tapping the Power of Personalized Learning: A Roadmap for School Leaders," James Rickabaugh, former superintendent and current director of the Institute for Personalized Learning (IPL), presents the groundbreaking results of the Institute's half-decade of research, development, and practice: a simple but powerful model for personalizing students' learning experiences by building their levels of commitment, ownership, and independence. Rickabaugh provides principals and other top-level leaders with a blueprint that dramatically improves student outcomes.

Authors John Antonetti and James Garver designed the Look 2 Learning model of classroom walkthroughs. They visited more than 17,000 classrooms -- examining a variety of teaching and learning conditions, talking to students, examining their work and determining their levels of thinking and engagement. The lessons learned from all these classroom visits can't be wrong. Learn those lessons in this book, along with stories of successful practice and practical tools ready for immediate classroom application. 

The Better Writing Breakthrough
Every teacher knows the challenge of trying to engage reluctant readers and struggling writers -- students whose typical response to a writing prompt is a few sentence fragments scribbled on a sheet of paper followed by an elaborate shrug of the shoulders. In "The Better Writing Breakthrough: Connecting Student Thinking and Discussion to Inspire Great Writing," you'll learn the Discourse and Writing Cycle, which explores writing as a means to focus student thinking, fuel deeper learning, and build complex understanding.  

All leaders looking to inspire excellence throughout their school should pick up a copy of "The Principal50" by best-selling author Baruti Kafele. Kafele, a veteran school administrator, passionately guides motivated school leaders through 50 self-reflection exercises designed to yield a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the work they do and shares ways to revitalize your staff to ensure success in the classroom, school and beyond.
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.



Free Online Tools to Reach Learners at All Levels
Middle-grades teacher Kristen Vogel in this commentary recommends four free online applications to help differentiate and supplement literacy instruction. Tools include Open eBooks and Padlet. KQED.org

Strategies for Developing Meaningful Assessments
School leaders play an important role in creating a culture that supports meaningful student assessment, K-12 leadership experts Jill Berkowicz and Ann Myers write in this blog post. They share strategies to help leaders -- and teachers -- begin the process.  Education Week

How a Story Around Values Can Re-energize a School
Leaders can re-energize their schools by crafting a narrative that focuses on the values faculty and staff live by and seek to instill in their students, K-12 leadership experts Jill Berkowicz and Ann Myers suggest in this blog post. "If the story is a strong one and those within the school community remain true to it, it is the work of the school community to do what it takes in order to maintain the story, or reputation of the district," they write. Education Week

Leaders who prize authenticity must recognize that you need to know and accept yourself before you can project authenticity to others, writes Srini Pillay. That means finding ways to accept, address and respond productively to the things that stress you out. "Stress blocks self-knowledge, especially your ability to monitor and control your own thoughts," Pillay warns. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Leadership

In this new ASCD Arias, educator Matt Renwick debunks five common myths about technology and helps you consider how to fund and manage the devices and create a supportive, schoolwide program. Renwick uses his school's experiences and examples as a foundation to explain how you can assess and answer your students' technology needs in terms of access, purpose and audience -- and why you and your school cannot afford to keep students from using technology in their education.

Some Schools Use Snapchat to Engage Students
Some schools are experimenting with using mobile messaging app Snapchat to communicate with students. Aaron Plas, assistant principal of York High School in Nebraska, says the school created an account to connect with students on the social media app they use most. U.S. News & World Report

RESOURCES:

Teachers can create grading shortcuts using Google Documents, suggests Catlin Tucker, an author, international trainer, education-technology speaker and Google Certified Teacher. In this blog post, she shares a guide to using shortcuts and offers a few of her own favorites. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education  

Poverty -- with its widespread effects on learning and well-being -- is a multifaceted problem without a simple solution. Addressing these challenges can seem daunting if not impossibly complex. ASCD has gathered a list of professional learning resources that will help educators tackle the effects of poverty on students and achieve equity in classrooms and schools, including books and courses from Eric Jensen; Pedro Noguera, Alan Blankstein, and Lorena Kelly; and William Parrett and Kathleen Budge. 

ClassFlow Expands Platform with Free Lessons, Resources for Students, Teachers
Promethean has expanded its ClassFlow platform with several free features and resources for students and teachers. The tool now offers new interactive lessons through its ClassFlow Marketplace, accounts for students and teachers, collaborative lesson building and ClassFlow Desktop, the native app for Windows and Mac OS.

Check Education Briefs Archived issues now available on our website for previously listed resources. 
  
ASCD RESOURCES:

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