April 13, 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
Happy Tax Day Apr 18!
National Assistant Principals Week - Apr 11 - 15
Celebrate Earth Day - Apr 22
Administrative Professionals Week - April 18 - 22 
VOTE for ILASCD Treasurer!
Please vote in the IL ASCD elections.  This year we will be electing our Treasurer for a two-year term. Our current Treasurer, Jennifer Garrison is running for re-election.  Voting can take place between April 15 and May 15, 2016 at the following link:  https://www.associationvoting.com/ilascd/

National Assistant Principals Week
National Assistant Principals Week was established by NASSP to honor and recognize contributions of assistant principals to student success; encourage recognition activities that promote awareness of the assistant principal role in school leadership; celebrate the State Assistant Principals o the Year at an annual forum event in Washington, D.C. Visit www.NASSP.ORG/APWEEK  to get ideas.

Earth Day Lesson Plans
K-5 Earth Day Curriculum Resources: The National Education Association produced this resource for teachers, which features seven in-depth lesson plans, Earth Day games, and a list of outside links for students in grades K-5. There are also three entire unit plans as well. Plus, you'll find even more resources, lesson ideas, and activities in the NEA's blog post, "Environmental Education Activities and Resources."

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

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 
Beyond Initiative Overload: Putting Teachers Back in Control
How do we empower teachers and put them back in control of the profession? On the latest episode of ASCD Learn Teach Lead Radio, authors Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral ponder this question with ASCD Emerging Leader Jeff Bradbury. The guests discuss ways for teacher leaders to make an impact, and also share thoughts on best practices for reflective teaching and learning. Listen to the interview.

It's here! Check Out the Interactive SmartReport on STEM
Don't miss this interactive, in-depth digital magazine about building inclusive pathways to STEM careers. Get tips from students, educators and other experts. Download your copy today.

Student Assessment Trends
In this ASCD SmartBrief special report, we've also included an ASCD Resources section, with links to more information on this topic. And don't miss an additional article about
refocusing assessments. If you don't receive ASCD SmartBrief daily, we urge you to  sign up for our free, timely e-newsletter. ASCD SmartBrief delivers the stories making news in your profession directly to your inbox -- for free.

Why Project-based Learning is Red Hot and Getting Hotter
On the latest episode of ASCD Learn Teach Lead Radio, author John Larmer discusses why project-based learning (PBL) is growing in popularity and how educators can begin implementing it in their schools and classrooms. Larmer shares how PBL uses technology to connect to the real world, why this method of teaching is effective, and more. Other recent episodes feature Regie Routman, who discussed how to create a high-trust school culture; and Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral, who gave strategies to move beyond initiative fatigue. Listen now.

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.

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.

Jason Lee Middle School of Tacoma, Wash., is the 2016 recipient of the Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award. On behalf of her school, Principal Christine Brandt accepted the award from Deborah S. Delisle, ASCD Executive Director and CEO, on stage during the opening general session of the 71st ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show on Saturday. Jason Lee, which serves 584 students from grades 6-8, has a staff of two administrators, two school counselors, 45 teachers and 20 support personnel. 

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

Supreme Court Strikes Down Another Pension Change
The Illinois Supreme Court on Mar 24 struck down Public Act 98-0641, which cut the pensions of retired City of Chicago employees and required active employees to pay more only to receive a diminished benefit upon retirement.
From the decision:
"As we have explained, under the clause, a public employee's membership in a pension system is an enforceable contractual relationship, and the employee has a constitutionally protected right to the benefits of that contractual relationship (Heaton). Those constitutional protections attached at the time an individual begins employment and becomes a member of the public pension system. Thus, under its plain and unambiguous language, the clause prohibits the General Assembly from unilaterally reducing or eliminating the pension benefits conferred by membership in the pension system."
In addition, the court decided that, although union representatives had negotiated the bill, "The individual members of the Funds have done nothing that could be said to have unequivocally assented to the new terms or to have 'bargained away' their constitutional rights. Accordingly, nothing in the legislative process that led to the enactment of the Act constituted a waiver of the Funds members' constitutional rights under the pension protection clause." Read the full decision here.
 
Illinois School Funding Divided Along Political, Geographical Lines
The Chicago Tribune reports that Illinois legislators are "rolling the dice" in anticipating public support on Election Day based on the results of the debate over the "state budget impasse" that has created a crisis for school funding. Gov. Bruce Rauner has blamed Democrats for creating the problem while Democrats have refused to support Rauner's "turnaround agenda" hinging upon union-weakening measures. Republicans have also characterized state Sen. Andy Manar's redistribution of funding between Chicago Public Schools and other districts as a "bailout" for CPS, with Rauner claiming that other legislators are holding school funding "hostage" while Manar says that his plan meets requirements that Rauner previously put forth.

Illinois Law Day May 1, 2016, "Miranda More Than Words"
The following are available resources to assist in planning for Law Day 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

King Sets Ambitious Education Agenda
Education Secretary John King Jr. in this interview outlines his agenda for the last 10 months of President Barack Obama's term in office. His top priorities include implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act and improved access to high-quality preschool programs and higher education.  National Public Radio

Supreme Court Affirms Appeals Court Upholding California Law On "Fair Share" Fees
The New York Times reports the Supreme Court in a 4-4 ruling on Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association Mar 29 "handed organized labor a major victory" in affirming without further explanation the ruling of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that California could require public employees to pay "agency fees" to unions for collective bargaining activities even if they did not choose to join the union.
       The AP reports the tie "left in place" the ruling upholding "the collection of 'fair share' fees from nonmembers." The case was brought by a California public school teacher who challenged the state's collecting of fees from her after she had resigned from the teachers union.  The Hill explains that under California law, school districts may "require public school teachers, as a condition of employment, to either join the union representing teachers in their district or pay the equivalent of dues to that union."

Improving School Climate
The Department of Education released new school climate surveys and a guide on making school climate improvements to help foster and sustain safe and supportive environments that are conducive to learning for all students.  The  School Climate Surveys and Quick Guide on Making School Climate Improvements will enable states, school districts, and schools to collect and act on reliable, nationally-validated school climate data in real time.  These free, adaptable resources will empower educators to understand and create environments where every child can be successful. The resources build on two Administration initiatives: President Obama's Now is the Time Plan and his  My Brother's Keeper Task Force, which recommended the Department work on school climates.
Aside from the Quick Guide, a series of tools will be released later this spring and summer as part of the School Climate Improvement Resource Package, a web-based suite of action-oriented, research, and evidence-based resources to help create and support positive environments.
 
U.S. Education Department Releases Draft ESSA Regulations on Testing
Negotiators trying to craft rules on testing and spending for the Every Student Succeeds Actnow have a starting point for discussion. The U.S. Department of Education released draft regulations on the two areas of the law that a panel of educators, advocates, and experts have been discussing: testing, and a spending portion of the law called "supplement-not-supplant" (which governs how local and state dollars interact with federal Title I spending for students in poverty). 

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.

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.

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-Flipped Learning: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day, Jon Bergmann, July 15, 2016, NIU Naperville, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Workshop Objectives:
Introduce the concept of flipped learning
Plan the steps for flipping a lesson or course 
Explore helpful tech tips for flipping 
Discuss strategies for dealing with anticipated obstacles to learning in a flipped learning environment 
Explore strategies to increase understanding of the flipped learning concepts by students and parents 
Examine the challenges of flipped learning faced by teachers and administrators 
Determine best practices for teachers and administrators whether their schools have already flipped or planning 
Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking, and 6 professional development hours. Register here.

NEW-Summer Kindergarten Conference, Greg Smedley-Warren with Kindergarten Smorgasboard, July 27, 2016 at NIU Naperville, OR July 28, 2016 at ISU Alumni Center, Normal, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
1 /2 hours on each topic:
A Smorgasboard of Math Strategies
Discover how to build math skills each day using the calendar, math review,  mental  math,  groups,  centers and lesson  closures.  These strategies  will  help  you  meet  the  needs  of  your  students  while challenging  them to  reach  for  higher-order  thinking. Plus,  you  will find  out  how  to  integrate  technology  and  differentiate math instruction.
Common Core Centers & Management Made Simple
Get familiar with Common Core-aligned and differentiated math and literacy  center  ideas  and  explore  ways to effectively  manage  your math or literacy centers. See how easy it is to integrate technology into your center time.Plus discover how center wheels and tubs help make  managing  and  rotating  centers  simple  for  you and  your students.
A Compilation of Classroom Management Ideas & Tips
You won't believe how many new and fresh classroom management strategies, tips, tricks and ideas you'll discover in this session! Plan on learning about different types of behavior systems, rewards and consequences, the  importance  of  routines,  expectations  and procedures, and ways to bring free and low-cost incentives into your classroom.
Kick Off Your Day RIGHT With Morning Meeting
See  how  10-20  minutes  each  morning  can  change  the  dynamics  of your  classroom  and  make  your classroom  more  like  a  family. You'll learn  the  components  of  morning  meeting  as  well  as  ideas  for greetings,  activities  and  morning  messages  to use in your classroom.
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, parking, and 6 professional development hours.
Register here

NEW-15th Annual Leadership Institute, July 31 - Aug 2, 2016 ,444 Eagle Ridge Dr, Galena, IL, Using Assessments to Empower Student Learning with Diane Wolf, Steve Oertle, and Donald Viegut
You will experience  2½  days   of   dynamic   professional discussion,   learning   and   leadership   building  from   diverse perspectives  for  school  leaders  and  leadership  teams. Through  ongoing dialogue, networking, presentations, and other sources, participants will have the  opportunity to seek new directions for making powerful participant roads for their school district.
Sunday July 31, 2016
Noon - 3:00 p.m.   -  Resort Recreation
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.   -   Registration/Check-in
4:00 - 6:00 p.m.    -  Diane Wolf
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.    -   Welcome
Reception
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.    -  Dinner/Networking

Monday Aug 1, 2016
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.    -    Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Noon   -  Steve Oertle
Noon - 1:00 p.m.   -  Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 p.m.     -   Exhibit Round Robin
Team Planning for Remainder of Day

Tuesday Aug 2, 2016
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.    -   Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - Noon   -  Donald Viegut
Noon - 1:00 p.m.  -  Box Lunch
Team planning for rest of day

Administrative academy #1577 or professional development hours.  Registration for hotel must be made by June 30, 2016. Registration coming soon.

NEW- Promoting Excellence Through Equity with Dr. Pedro Noguera, Sept 12, 2016, Roosevelt University, Goodman Center, 11:30 am - 7:30 pm
Promoting Excellence Through Equity-If  policies,  strategies,  practices or procedures work for our most vulnerable  communities  and students,  they  will  work  for everyone.  The  reverse, however, IS NOT true. Across  our  nation,  courageous  conversations are underway on confronting the fundamental ways inequalities affect students' learning and opportunities to reach their full potential. But talk isn't good enough, and more work must be done to attain  greater equity and opportunity for all students.
IL ASCD continually engages and supports its members to understand the drives and biases of institutional inequities and to shape their  school cultures, change practices and lead  teams that   deliver  high-quality instruction for all students. To deepen these conversations and cultivate more  effective practices, we have partnered with the American Reading Company to bring Dr. Pedro  Noguera for a day  of  thought-provoking discussion  that advance our shared  work in attaining  equity and opportunity for all students.
Agenda
11:30 - 12:00 p.m.  Registration and light lunch
12:00 - 1:30 p.m.  Welcome
IL ASCD, Roosevelt University & American Reading Company
"Learning Around Access and Equity" Dr. Pedro Noguera, "Access and Equity:
From Exploration to Theory of Action," Amelia Van Name Larson
1:30 - 4:30 p.m. Team Collaboration: Teams will work to identify gaps, apply
new knowledge, and plan to develop systems and structures that will ensure access and equity for all students. Facilitated by Dr. Pedro Noguera and Amelia Van Name Larson
4:45 - 5:45 p.m  Hosted Reception Sponsored by IL ASCD System II & Roosevelt University New Deal Program in the Roosevelt University Auditorium Library
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Keynote Address: "Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement for Every Student" Dr. Pedro Noguera
Register here

NEW-ARIE's Global Project Based Learning Academy, June 28-30, 2016, Forest View Education Center, Arlington Heights, IL
Advanced Research in Education's team will advance your readiness and fill your toolbox with the practical methods they perfected in their own classrooms.  Their approach is in demand worldwide as they are the only provider who brings 100% all day every day PBL experience to you.  We are proud that AIRE selected IL ASCD to partner in this summer program. For more info go to: http://www.ilc21.org  For registration go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/think-forward-arlington-heights-illinois-regional-conference-registration-15463754506.

Cowin Fnancial 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
Register today!
 
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/ 
  
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
Scholars Debate Whether Teaching Algebra Is Worthwhile
The AP reports on the debate over whether teaching algebra is worthwhile. Political scientist Andrew Hacker said, "One out of five young Americans does not graduate from high school. ... The chief academic reason is they failed ninth-grade algebra." Hacker "argues that, at most, only 5 percent of jobs make use of algebra and other advanced math courses." However, Philip Uri Treisman, University of Texas professor of mathematics and public affairs, said, "Every study I've ever seen of workers in whole bunches of fields shows that you have to understand formulas, you have to understand relationships. Algebra is the tool for consolidating your knowledge of arithmetic."

Should High Schools Consider Later Start Times?
Students can sleep more if school starts later -- perhaps improving academics and health -- suggests Aaron Carroll, a professor of pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine. In this commentary, he cites other benefits of starting school later.  The New York Times

Can You Build Systems That Help People Produce?
Good leadership boils down to getting things done, and that usually means knowing how to develop and maintain systems for achieving specific tasks or solving recurring problems, writes Larry Weidel. Clear systems can help engage employees and leaders while improving their productivity, but they aren't easy to create. "Good systems require thought, planning, analysis, the desire to improve, and in teams, the ability to get other people on board," he writes.  LeadChangeGroup.com

Illinois Middle Schoolers Explore Alternate Histories In Cross-Curricular Program
The AP reports on a cross-curricular program run by two teachers at Challand Middle School in Sterling, Illinois that links science and social studies by letting students explore alternate histories via the creation of comics, gaming apps, movie scripts, or fictional newspapers.

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 
What are Some Top Strategies for Teaching ELL Students?
Data show about 4 million students speak a second language at home. Many of these students fall into the English-language-learner category, and schools are working to meet the needs of this growing population. For example, Utah is investing $2 million annually in language-immersion programs.  Education Dive 

Flipping instruction is one way that teachers can reach students who may thrive from an alternative approach to teaching and learning, suggests Anthony Persico, founder of MashUp Math and educator. In this commentary, he shares his own experience with flipping his classroom. Education Next

Platforms such as Google's Classroom, Blackboard and Canvas are helping educators flip learning, according to science teacher Brian Bennett. Bennett and other education professionals highlight six trends in flipped-learning technology. T.H.E. Journal

Some educators are using technology tools to create virtual field trips for students. Educators profiled in this article discuss the trend and which tools work best for them.  T.H.E. Journal

More teachers are introducing podcasts in the classroom to teach writing, storytelling and listening skills. Using the popular podcast "Serial" as inspiration, students at a Washington state high school recently wrote podcast episodes in their writing workshop and then used technology, including their smartphones, to create and record the podcasts. U.S. News & World Report

Parents: Help Your Child Prepare With this Checklist
PARCC has released a five-step checklist that will help parents get their kids ready for testing. The checklist features links to a host of assessment-related resources from both PARCC and partners such as the National Parent Teacher Association, Learning Heroes,  Raise the Bar, and Great Kids, that will provide both parents and teachers with information about when the assessments will be given in their child's district, what will be expected of them when they are testing, and much more.
Both parents and teachers may also use the checklist to find practice tests, along with released items on the Partnership Resource Center. View the Checklist

PARCC Website Adds New Material
PARCCOnline.org, the homepage for the PARCC assessment consortium, now features new information about the 2016 assessments. Parents, educators and students can find more information about what's different about this year's assessments (also be sure to view the graphic the New Jersey Department of Education created about the changes), and learn about the growing list of independent studies showing that PARCC measures what matters.

PARCC Support Center Opens for Test Season
The PARCC Support Center is open for school and district administrators and other educators with questions about live testing, infrastructure trials, PearsonAccess, registration, and other technology questions. Educators may contact the Support Center between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, at 888-493-9888, or by email at parcc@support.pearson.com. There is also a chat feature within PearsonAccess that is live during the same daily time period as the phone support line.

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
Through the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program, K-12 educators can apply for grants to engage in 2-8 week collaborative projects abroad.  Teachers may travel to Botswana, India, Mexico, or Vietnam, and grants cover travel costs, lodging, meals, local transportation, and related costs.  The deadline for applications is April 18 for summer 2016 programs and May 9 for fall 2016 programs.

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 Considers How Common Core is Changing Education
Test scores vary little between states using Common Core State Standards and those not using the standards, according to a report from the Brown Center on Education Policy. Data show Common Core is changing instruction, with 45% of teachers emphasizing nonfiction in 2015, up from 38% in 2011. eSchool News

Study Reveals Access Gap On Path to College, Career Readiness
A report from Education Trust shows 31% of high-school students follow a college-ready curriculum, and 13% engage in career-preparation courses. Students from low-income families have less access to college- and career-readiness curricula, compared with students from families in top income brackets, data show. Diverse: Issues In Higher Education

Review: Poverty the Leading Cause of Youth Homelessness Worldwide
Thirty-nine percent of surveyed youths said poverty caused their homelessness, while nearly 32% cited family conflict and approximately 26% cited abuse. The findings in JAMA Pediatrics, based on a review of 49 studies involving 13,559 youths ages 24 and younger, from 24 countries, also showed that only 10% said delinquency caused them to live on the streets. Reuter 

New Research: Digital Content Goes to School
With digital content and e-learning increasingly present in K-12 classrooms, ASCD and OverDrive teamed up to conduct a proprietary research study on how digital content is being integrated, how administrators are making the decision to transition from print to digital, and what the future holds for digital materials that support curriculum and instruction goals. For a copy of the report, visit www.ascd.org/digitalcontentreport.

The College Graduation Gap Is
More than two-thirds of public colleges and universities have increased graduation rates over the last decade, according to a new report from The Education Trust. 

This report highlights effective strategies by colleges and universities to increase college access and to support successful outcomes for low-income students.

Tracking May Benefit Black, Hispanic Students, Studies Show
Enrolling groups of high-achieving students in honors and Advanced Placement courses may help close achievement gaps among black and Hispanic students, according to two studies. This finding is contrary to previous research that found the practice can further inequality.  The Hechinger Report
Publications
In Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leaders to Guide Achievement for EveryStudent, Alan Blankstein, Pedro Noguera and Lorena Kelly -- along with contributors such as Michael Fullan, Andy Hargreaves and Paul Reville -- take an inspiring look at how real-world educators are creating schools where all students are able to thrive. The book shows how to make organizational meaning, ensure constancy and consistency of purpose, build sustainable relationships, and more.

Tapping the Power of Personalized Learning
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.
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.


 
Quality makerspaces always put students first, according to Laura Fleming, a former teacher and makerspace advocate. In this interview, she offers insight into how she plans and executes effective makerspaces for all grade levels. EdTech magazine online

In this blog post, middle-school language-arts teacher Frank Ward shares four technology tools he has used in his classroom, where each student has access to a Chromebook device. Tools include Scrible and VideoAnt. Edutopia.org

This article highlights ed-tech products from Tech Showcase, including new science tools and mobile games designed to teach young students about social and emotional skills.

Some Schools Embrace Snapchat, Others Ban ItWhile some teachers are integrating Snapchat into their classrooms, others have rejected the social media app altogether. A North Carolina school district, for example, says it is not a classroom resource and has banned Snapchat from the Wi-Fi network.  National Public Radio

How 2 School Leaders are Collaborating on Improvement
Leaders at two schools in Indianapolis are partnering for a program called Project Restore that aims to improve student outcomes, teacher support and parental involvement, Matthew Tully writes in this column. "Our goal with every teacher is to give them their voice back, to give them the freedom to teach," school leader Tammy Laughner said.  The Indianapolis Star

Eighth-grade teacher Kenny Silva suggests using TED Talks to assess student engagement and media evaluation skills. Silva writes in this blog post that students are eager to watch and analyze the TED Talks. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education

In this commentary, former teacher, principal and administrator Frank Buck suggests school leaders get organized with the help of free mobile app Evernote. Buck asserts that the app can help improve efficiency. MiddleWeb

5 Strategies to Help Educators Learn for Life
How do you find the time to grow professionally and be a lifelong learner while also being a rock star with your students? In this Inservice post, ASCD Emerging Leader Rachael George shares five strategies and approaches for educators to keep your own professional development and learning integrated seamlessly into your life. These include getting connected, making professional learning a priority, and choosing your friends wisely. 

RESOURCES:

The GreatKids Illinois Test Guide for Parents is a free, online tool organized by grade and subject to help parents use their state test scores to support their kids at home. The guide was developed by the national nonprofit GreatSchools, in collaboration with leading educators and PARCC assessment designers.

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/.

How to Use Google Docs to Create Grading Shortcuts
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