May 11, 2016
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Mission Statement:
To build the capacity of educational leaders to enhance
 the quality of teaching and learning.

IMPACT     SERVICE     ADVOCACY
IL ASCD NEWS
May is National Teacher Appreciation Month
Congratulations to all graduates!
Congratulations to ILASCD Board Member PJ Caposey!
Three Illinois superintendents were selected as winners of the National School Public Relations Association's 2015-16 Superintendents to Watch program. The program recognizes superintendents with fewer than five years of experience as a superintendent who use communication technology in innovative and effective ways. Congratulations to Illinois' honorees:
P.J. Caposey of Meridian CUSD 223 
Dr. Ehren Jarrett, Rockford Public School District 205 
Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, Deerfield Public Schools District 109

What an exciting opportunity for your school team coming up soon! Start the year organized and energized! 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, AA #1577 or professional development hours
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 (Register by June 30)
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 Remainder of Day

Leadership Institute Outcomes:
* Build leadership capacity among teams
* Acquire practical leadership strategies for application in the educational setting
* Develop long-range and short-range district improvement plans for the year
* Recharge personally and professionally
* Network with leadership from other educational teams
* Graduate Credit available on site

Illinois ASCD is a CPS Approved Provider: 24595
Recommended Pre-reading: Common Formative Assessments 2.0 by Larry Ainsworth and Donald Viegut
Administrative Academy #1577 or professional development hours.  Registration for hotel must be made by June 30, 2016. Register here.

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/

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. 
 
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 
"We as educators often see engaged students as the ones who are being quiet, giving us full eye contact, and waving those eager hands to answer our questions," writes teacher Ryan Ochocki in this Inservice post. He shares that sometimes a teacher can tell which students are prepared to do well just by observing them in the classroom, but proposes an important question to answer: How do we keep students engaged and keep their minds curious?

ASCD members are part of a global community of dedicated educators and invaluable stakeholders in our mission to promote the success of each child. As a member, you are an advocate for the education profession and contributor to the creation of innovative programs, products, and services. Join ASCD or renew your membership by June 30 to save $20. Use code B38AC16 at checkout to receive the discount and begin receiving award-winning benefits.

In this ASCD Express article, Kathy Dyer shares that we give feedback to students all the time: in the moment, daily, weekly, and at the end of a unit or year, and that research about formative assessment shows that feedback is a foundational practice that makes a difference in student learning. But how can we make sure our guidance encourages our students' learning and growth? Dyer explains three feedback models and the insights to take away from each. 
 
On ASCD Learn Teach Lead Radio, you can hear engaging conversations about the topics that matter in education today and affect the success of each child. In the latest episode, Michael Fisher discusses why it's important to move beyond the old way of lesson planning and create new types of learning experiences. Listen to this episode and each of the other episodes, or subscribe on iTunes. Listen now.

"School leaders and teachers have a responsibility to help all of their students feel included in the school process so they can maximize their potential. It doesn't mean everyone has to agree, but it does mean that everyone has to feel safe and included in our school systems," writes Peter DeWitt in this Inservice post. Read DeWitt's thoughts on creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomes LGBTQ students.

We're reinventing our annual conference for 2017. Get inspired with a new professional learning experience featuring a variety of innovative ways to network and learn, and feel empowered to transform your schools through content that will focus on the whole child, transformational leadership, global engagement, poverty and equity, teaching and learning, and redefining student success. Join us in Anaheim, Calif., from March 24 to 27, 2017. Be a leader, keynote, presenter or speaker. Request for proposals will open soon.

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:
Whole Child House Resolution HR 0781 

Data show students who feel more connected to their schools are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, Charles Mendez, managing director of the C.E. Mendez Foundation, writes in this commentary. He shares four ways to help foster school connectedness. Education Dive

Illinois Education News

Illinois Legislature Passes $600 Million Higher Education Funding Bill
The Chicago Sun-Times reports the creation of a new specialized education fund, derived from "income tax revenue," has made it possible for the Illinois legislature to vote almost unanimously to approve a bill that continues to fund the state's universities and community colleges. The bill provides $600 million in funding to "stem the financial crisis" within the state's higher education system, as well as "$160 million in tuition grants for low-income students." Senate Republican leader Christine Radogno said, "Every bit of spending in this bill is paid for - both Higher Ed and Human Services. That is the model we are trying to achieve. That is the sort of reset in budgeting we need for this state."

Proposal To Reform Illinois School Aid Delayed After State BOE Alleges It Would Help Chicago While Hurting Many Other Districts
The Chicago Tribune reports a bill by Illinois state Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) "to rewrite the state's school aid formula" was delayed, after the Illinois State Board of Education released data showing that under the plan, while "many suburban and downstate schools would receive fewer state dollars, Chicago Public Schools [CPS] would be in line to receive millions more," and Senate Republicans attacked the bill as a "bailout" for CPS.
       The Chicago Sun-Times reports Senate Republicans "want more collaboration" with Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois State Board of Education on the bill. CPS spokeswoman Emily Bittner said, "Senator Manar's legislation to reform the broken funding formula is an important first step in fixing this basic injustice, and we continue to support his measure because the current formula shortchanges not only Chicago but low-income students around the state." Rauner "favors a plan that would give districts at least the same amount of money they currently get." The Springfield (IL) State Journal-Register reports Manar suggested that the report issued by the BOE was intended to harm the bill. He said the governor "has had my proposal in his hands for three months," and "the delay in these numbers I think are another bit of evidence that builds the case that the governor truly does not want to achieve education funding reform."

May Vision 20/20
The May Vision 20/20 newsletter is now available. Highlights include a summary of upcoming pieces of legislation related to Vision 20/20 that have been introduced for the spring session of the General Assembly. Topics include Evidence-based funding, Reciprocity, Unfunded mandates, SAT/ACT choice for districts, State assessments, Third-party contracting, and Educator and substitute teaching licenses.

ISBE NEWS

ESSA LISTENING TOUR
ISBE is hosting a listening tour on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to help prepare the state plan for implementation. Each meeting will pose the following questions for feedback:
  • What do we value and how would that be translated into a state plan to improve student achievement for all students?
  • How should student growth factor into an accountability system?
  • What do you want to see in a state plan to improve coordinated services to schools and districts?
  • What do you want to see in a state plan to improve programs and services?
Each meeting will be held from 4:30-6:30p.m. See below for the full schedule and click here for more information.
  • Tuesday, May 17 - ROE 21 - 17428 Route 37, Johnston City
ISBE DATA DASHBOARD SURVEY
ISBE is developing a data dashboard to provide information to Regional Offices of Education, districts, schools and classrooms, compiling local and state data in an easy-to-understand format to help educators. Teachers and administrators are encouraged to provide feedback on what data should be included in a dashboard at all levels. Input your feedback at this link and view a webinar about the new dashboard here.

Next election in Illinois:  Nov 8, 2016

ISBE Hot Topics
PARCC Score Toolkit - Communication tools for school leaders available
ISBE ESSA webpage - Click here to access

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

Federal Report Shows Decline In K-12 Schools Crime
The AP reports that a new report on school crime from the National Center for Education Statistics and DOJ "paints a picture of safer schools with declines in violent crime, bullying and harassment because of sexual orientation." The report shows that 3% of students aged 12 to 18 reported being victims of crimes in 2014, and roughly "1.3 million students were suspended for at least one full school day for alcohol violations, violence or weapons possession." Meanwhile, "on college campuses, the number of sexual attacks more than doubled from 2001 to 2013."

About one-third of high-school students are ready for entry-level college courses, according to the Nation's Report Card. Data also show a one-point decrease in average math scores in 2015, compared with 2013, and a five-point decline in average reading scores, compared with data from 1992. The Associated Press,  U.S. News & World Report,Los Angeles Times

ED Stepping Up School Desegregation Efforts
Take Part reports that while experts say a diverse student body enhances learning for all students, "the nation's classrooms are more segregated than ever." However, the article cites a new report from the Century Foundation which indicates that the number of districts "using school-assignment policies to promote socioeconomic integration" is rising sharply. Moreover, Education Secretary John King "is using his bully pulpit...to preach the gospel of classroom diversity." The piece quotes King saying, "For me, just as a well-rounded education is essential to fulfilling our mission of a quality opportunity through education, so too is the opportunity to attend schools that are diverse, that are racially diverse, that are socioeconomically diverse."
 
Senators Call For Congress To Approve Funding For Schools To Test Drinking Water For Lead
The Washington Post reports 25 Democratic US Senators are calling for Congress to approve funding to help schools across the US pay to have their drinking water tested for lead. The Senators wrote in a letter to two of their colleagues, US Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who lead the subcommittee that could appropriate the funds, "Over half of schools have not tested their drinking water and may be providing to children water with unsafe levels of lead or other chemical, biological or heavy metal contaminants."

ED Conference Discusses How Music Can Be Integrated With STEM Subjects
The Washington Post reports jazz composer and musical icon Herbie Hancock was among a group of educators and researchers at the Education Department's headquarters to discuss "how music can be better integrated into lessons on math, engineering and even computer science." Education Secretary John King Jr. said arts education is being squeezed out of classrooms because of an emphasis placed on math, reading, and standardized testing, "a trend he believes is misguided." King stated, "English and math are necessary but not sufficient for students' long-term success," while adding that under the new federal Every Student Succeeds Act, schools can fund arts education with new flexibility.

My Brother's Keeper Task Force
On April 22, the My Brother's Keeper Task Force released its  second year report and announced a series of new commitments spotlighting continued progress.  The report tracks progress achieved over the past year on efforts to make a measurable difference in the lives of young people.  These priorities fall into three interdependent priorities articulated by the President: (1) engaging state and local communities; (2) increasing engagement by business, philanthropic, and non-profit organizations; and (3) reviewing and reforming public policy.  (Note: Don't miss this video of President Obama and the NBA's Stephen Curry on mentoring).

Green Ribbon Schools
In celebration of Earth Day (April 22), Secretary King announced 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees.
All honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony and reception in Washington, D.C., on July 20.  (Note: To learn more about the honorees, see the nomination packages and highlights document.) There are resources available for all schools -- preschool through postsecondary -- through the agency's Green Strides portal.

Higher Education Groups Say ED Should Regulate All Teacher Preparation Programs By Same Standard
Inside Higher Ed reports, "University administrators and higher education groups are urging the U.S. Department of Education to regulate all teacher preparation programs according to the same rules, regardless of whether students learn in the classroom or online." The Education Department "is still tweaking its proposed rules on how states should evaluate teacher preparation programs," and has been collecting "input specifically on how those rules would affect distance education programs."

New Federal Website Offers Student Loan Payback Options
People with student loans can find the best program to pay them off by searching a new website developed by the US Department of Education. The site is part of an effort by the Obama administration to increase enrollment in programs such as the income-based Pay As You Earn plan. The Associated Press 
 
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.
   
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.
 
ASCD 2016 Conference on Teaching Excellence, New Orleans, July 8 - 10, 2016, Preconference Institutes July 7, 2016
Do you want to get the latest innovations and best practices in teaching?  ASCD delivers what works best in classrooms and school districts.  Learn from today's thought-leaders and seasoned educators.  Then take what you've learned and apply it in your classroom.  You'll start the new year with fresh inspiration as well as more efficient and effective skills.  Meetings are at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.
  • More than 150 sessions on subjects including instructional strategies, engagement and motivation, lesson planning, assessment, and leadership.
  • Keynote luncheon with Carol Ann Tomlinson.
  • Network with colleagues and experts at our welcome reception and networking breakfasts.
  • Save with a team discount where every fifth person you register from the same school or organization is free.*
Register online at  www.ascd.org/CTEregister. 
 
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.

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

Don't miss this summer opportunity for team planning.  Start the school year organized and energized! 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

Leadership Institute Outcomes:
* Build leadership capacity among teams
* Acquire practical leadership strategies for application in the educational setting
* Develop long-range and short-range district improvement plans for the year
* Recharge personally and professionally
* Network with leadership from other educational teams
* Graduate Credit available on site

Illinois ASCD is a CPS Approved Provider: 24595
Recommended Pre-reading: Common Formative Assessments 2.0 by Larry Ainsworth and Donald Viegut
Administrative academy #1577 or professional development hours.  Registration for hotel must be made by June 30, 2016. Register here.

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-Student Self-Regulation:  The Foundation for Learning Autonomy featuring Richard Cash, September 21, 2016, Crystal Lake Country Club, Crystal Lake, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
For students to achieve their potential, they must be competent in the academic, emotional and social skills tasks that lead to success.  Self-regulation involves the beliefs and determination that students need to accomplish tasks, both dependently and independently.  Topics include:
  • Applying the self-regulation model in today's classroom
  • Closing the achievement gap through self-regulated learning
  • Building self-regulation by developing a growth mindset
  • Creating a student-centered classroom
  • Using the TLC (Teaching and Learning Continuum) to achieve success through learner autonomy
Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, handouts, parking and 6 professional development hours.  ILASCD is a CPS Approved Provider #24595. Register here

NEW-An Evaluator's Guide to the SLO Process for Monitoring Student Growth featuring Jennie Winters, October 4, 2016, SIU, Carbondale, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, AA Course 1679
Jennie Winters will explain the variety of types of assessment that can be used in a Balanced Assessment System with a focus on Type III assessments for the purpose of evaluation.  This Academy will guide administrators in understanding their role in the SLO (Student Learning Objective) Process.  Participants will understand how to analyze assessment resources to determine alignment to the rigor of the Illinois Learning Standards.  Strategies for data management, including collection, analysis, disaggregation and triangulation of data will be covered.  Registration includes Administrator Academy credit, breakfast, lunch, parking, handouts and six professional development hours.  ILASCD is a CPS Approved Provider #24595. Register here

NEW-Save the dates!  Conference on Learning and EXPO, October 26 - 27, 2016, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL Two big days!  Top speakers!  Mike Schmoker, Ray Louk, Aaron Brengard, Steve Zipkes, and Scott Estes
Illinois ASCD is requesting presenters for its Conference on Learning 2016. We seek presenters on current learning issues in education and developmentally appropriate practices in today's learning environments. All sessions are 60 minutes in length.  The strands addressed at this year's conference are Whole Child, 21st Century Learning, Principal Leadership, Classroom Leadership, Learning Leadership, Curriculum Leadership Development Network Topics. Please email Ryan Nevius at rcneviu@me.com with further questions.

NEW-Prioritizing for Powerful Results:  Five Levers to Improve Learning featuring Tony Frontier, October 12, 2016, Crystal Lake Country Club, Crystal Lake, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where do we exert influence in classrooms, schools, and districts to obtain a desired goal?  What are the characteristics of initiatives that have a transformational impact on student learning as compared to initiatives that require significant efforts and resources--yet merely perpetuate the status quo?  This workshop will provide participants with a framework, resources and tools to guide classroom, school and district improvement efforts as described by the author and presenter of the ASCD book Five Levers to Improve Learning;  How to Prioritize for Powerful Results in Your School.  
  • Develop an understanding of how nearly all educational practices and mandates can be grouped into one of five categories; and the relative utility of each of these categories to leverage school improvement.
  • Understand typical "leverage errors" and how to avoid them.
  • Tap the owner of "leverage advantages" that maximize the potential to influence student learning.
  • Understand the critical differences among status quo planning, transactional change and transformational change; and how to align efforts to intended results.
  • Ask critical questions to prioritize initiatives and efforts across classrooms, schools and districts.
  • Utilize the Five Lever framework to create more powerful strategic plans, utilize fiscal resources more efficiently and ensure team meetings, faculty meetings and board meetings are focused on high leverage initiatives.
Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, parking and 6 professional development hours.  ILASCD is a CPS Approved Provider #24595.  Register here

The Breakthrough Coach 2-Day Course, "How to Work Less, Produce More
and Still Get the Job Done," November 3-4, 2016, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, 19th Century Club,
178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301
The 2-Day Course is unlike any other, designed to present and teach administrative teams The Breakthrough Coach's Fundamental Practices™. With a focus on executive management rather than on education, the 2-Day Course provides you with the structure and systems you need to get it all done, and produce the results you're after, all in a sensible work week.
Who Should Attend?  Site Principals, District Office Supervisors, Cabinet-Level Administrators, and their Secretaries.
Course Format:  Conducted over two full days; Includes lecture, small group discussion, Q&A, and hands-on implementation between administrators and secretaries.  Administrators attend Day 1 & 2; Secretaries attend Day 2 ONLY with their administrators.
The  Breakthrough  Coach is an educational training firm that supports school administrators to be  transformational  leaders who achieve student success.  The Breakthrough Coach's Management Methodology™ teaches school leaders how to build productive front-office  environments that then  free them up to focus on creating sustainable, school-wide improvement. The  Breakthrough  Coach  provides you with a proven structure to:
  • Spend 2 full days each week observing classrooms
  • Work more efficiently
  • Empower and coach your staff
  • Achieve work/life balance
  • Raise student achievement all in a sensible work week
Course includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, free parking and Professional Development Hours. Walk from the CTA Green line or Metra. IL ASCD is CPS Approved Provider # 24595.  Register here.

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 
The College of Education at Illinois State is now taking presentation proposals for the 7th annual Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21CON) taking place on Friday, September 23 at Illinois State University in 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
One Illinois school district is using a new learning management system that allows teachers to instantly grade tests and produce videos for their classrooms, among other functions. The district also is seeking ways to provide Internet service for students who aren't connected at home, so they can take advantage of the system. Chicago Tribune

An Illinois school district will replace traditional methods of paying for school meals with biometrics by the 2016-17 school year. However, some activists and child psychology experts have raised concerns over the practice, saying it could send the message that it is acceptable to reveal personal information. Daily Herald

Chicago Public Schools Will Allow Transgender Students To Use Restrooms Of Identity
The Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago Public Schools announced last Tuesday that "transgender and gender nonconforming students will be able to use restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity," and gender nonconforming students will be given "special accommodations." The newly announced guidelines "also offer the district's first protocols for transgender employees and adults who otherwise volunteer or participate in CPS activities."

Four school leaders during the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego shared their schools' models for education. The models focus, in part, on self-directed and project-based learning. eSchool News  

Data show teacher shortages vary by teaching specialty and region. This article highlights several causes for teacher shortages, including turnover and the recession. The Hechinger Report

Global Citizenship Commission Chief Gordon Brown is asking the United Nations to consider several initiatives to help children, including the establishment of a global children's court to hear cases of child labor and rights violations. "We need, in a sense, a civil rights struggle by and on behalf of children because their rights have been neglected in the international community," he said. Reuters/Thomson Reuters Foundation 

Number of U.S. Students in Special Education Ticks Upward
After years of steady decline, the nationwide count of school-age students covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has shown an upswing since the 2011-12 school year based on the most recently available federal data, driven by rapid growth in such disability categories as autism.

A new initiative launched by AASA, the School Superintendents Association, aims to increase the number of women becoming superintendents. Officials say the program will offer mentoring, networking and other support to remove barriers faced by women who aspire to become superintendents. Education Week

Tennessee governor lets law take effect without his signature; Georgia governor vetoes.

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 
Project-based learning (PBL) is a powerful tool to promote student engagement. It allows students to investigate real-world challenges and problems and create high-quality work for authentic audiences. In this Inservice post, ASCD author and faculty member Andrew Miller shares three tips to make PBL projects more engaging. He explains how to allow for failure, set up flexible classrooms spaces, and provide opportunities for student voice and choice.

Digital Learning Director Discusses OER for Common Core
Education leaders in Washington state have tapped open educational resources for teaching the Common Core State Standards. In this interview, Karl Nelson, director of the Digital Learning Department for the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, describes the process.T.H.E. Journal

Digital Archives Bring Art into the Classroom
Technology is changing the way teachers share and teach about art. Digital-art repositories bring masterpieces into the classroom while mobile apps, such as Touch Van Gogh, allow students to interact directly with art. EdTech magazine online

Fill Math with Music
The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has developed MathScienceMusic.org, a website that offers teachers resources and apps to use music as a vehicle to teach other academic lessons. One app, Groove Pizza, allows users to draw lines and shapes onto a circle. The circle then rotates, and each shape and line generates its own distinct sound. It's a discreet way for children to learn about rhythm and proportions. With enough shapes and lines, children can create elaborate beats on the app, all in the context of a "pizza"-another way to make learning math and music palatable to children. Another app-Scratch Jazz-allows children to use the basic coding platform Scratch to create their own music.
Click Here to Visit Website

"Educating the whole child takes on a whole new meaning when an educator can engage all parts of the brain throughout the class time," writes Stephanie Knight in this Inservice post. She shares that "engaging students means engaging their brains wholly with the release and increase (or decrease in some cases)" of the four main neurotransmitters - serotonin, cortisol, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Read on to hear why brain engagement is a worthy goal for teachers.

PARCC New Resources Released for School Leaders to Improve Student Outcomes
Two new guides for school and district leaders were released recently, both with the goal of helping administrators identify strong principals and teachers who can help students achieve at all levels. Achieving Equitable Access to Strong Teachers: A Guide For District Leaders,released by The Education Trust, features a seven-step guide showing how low-income school districts across the country have succeeded in trying to close the gap in the quality of teachers compared to higher-income districts. The guide is designed to help school districts utilize data and develop guidelines for measuring and growing teacher quality.
A Policymaker's Guide to Improving School Leadership, published by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, highlights five essential guidelines that will help district leaders find, train and retain excellent principals to help assure students are meeting high-quality standards. According to a survey published in the report, 89 percent of principals assume full responsibility for their schools, yet just 42 percent have control over their curriculum, highlighting the importance of identifying quality teachers and principals.

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.
 
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
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
NEW-ASCD Announces Grants to Support Teacher Leadership Projects
ASCD announced its Teacher Impact Grants program, which will provide direct grants to teacher leaders to fund initiatives that improve student outcomes. The program is part of ASCD's commitment to Teach to Lead, an initiative jointly convened by the U.S. Department of Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and ASCD. Learn more about the grants: http://ow.ly/4nnEkn

The Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement (OII) is soliciting applications under several grant competitions.
  • The Investing in Innovation (i3) program announced its Development competition, focusing on generating new approaches to implementing rigorous standards and assessments, improving school climates and developing alternatives to exclusionary school discipline, improving student outcomes and closing opportunity gaps for underserved students through fostering racially and socioeconomically diverse schools, and addressing the unique challenges of rural areas.  The competition will award up to $3 million each to 9-11 grantees.  Applications are due by May 25.
In the weeks ahead, OII will launch additional grant competitions, to create new  Promise Neighborhoods,teacher preparation programs, and district-level educator support systems.

NEW-Empower Young People Through Music
Classics for Kids Foundation supports school and community youth music programs in need by providing matching grants for new, high-quality stringed instruments, such as violins, violas, and
cellos. Schools and nonprofit organizations must raise at least half of the funds to purchase the
requested number of instruments, using a provider authorized by the foundation. Programs that serve K-12 students are eligible for grants. The website offers guidance for starting a stringed instrumental program, including a proposed startup budget. Deadline: June 30, 2016, for applications

NEW-Make Your Dream STEM Lab a Reality
Northrop Grumman Foundation aims to get students excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by making five grants of up to $100,000 each available to public middle schools for a fabulous school lab makeover. To enter the Fab School Labs Contest, applicants should create a video or submit photos, along with a written essay describing their current classroom and their vision for a school lab makeover. The foundation will choose up to 25 finalists and make their videos and photos available for viewing on Facebook. Five winners will be selected based on a public vote. Interested participants will find this opportunity on GetEdFunding, a free database sponsored by CDW*G of thousands of funding opportunities for educators.
Deadline: June 17, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. (PT), for entries
Click Here to Access GetEdFunding

Grant Opportunities Available
Chicago-based Illinois Humanities has revamped its grantmaking guidelines, and is hoping that high schools will apply for some of its new grants opportunities. In particular, the Illinois Speaks program may be interesting to high school faculty and students. The program works like this: Illinoisans who would like to host public discussions in their communities apply for an Illinois Speaks micro-grant. In return, once chosen, they receive three things: a stipend of $250 to help make the event possible, resources on various topics, and a training in how to facilitate the conversation. Anyone 16 years of age or older can apply. The three suggested topics for 2016 are: "Water and the common good," "The future of public education," and "The Aftermath of Ferguson, Mo." though applicants can propose variations of these topics or their own topics altogether. Deadlines are May 15 and Sept. 15. For more information, and to apply, visit here. Reach out to Mark Hallett at Illinois Humanities for more information.

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
CDC researchers found that middle- and high-schoolers who viewed online e-cigarette advertisements had a nearly threefold and twofold higher risk, respectively, of using e-cigarettes, compared with those who didn't see any ads. The study in Pediatrics, based on 2014 National Youth Tobacco Survey data involving nearly 22,000 students from the sixth to 12th grades, also showed that ads in retail settings were more effective than print ads or movie promotions. Reuters
 
Concerted efforts could enable the world to become free from fossil fuels within 10 years, says a study from the University of Sussex. Such a fast change is possible but will "require significant shifts in technology, political regulations, tariffs and pricing regimes, and the behavior of users and adopters," said study author Benjamin Sovacool. Voice of America

There were 182 collaborations in the US in January 2015 in which foundations, nonprofits, private companies and other groups partnered with school districts to improve education for students, according to a recent report. Officials say such partnerships often are prevalent in urban districts. District Administration magazine online

Time to Act: Making Data Work for Students
This report presents a set of recommendations to help states enact policies that are critical to ensuring that data is used to support student learning.

Reports indicate that the nation's current and future in-demand jobs require workers who have some form of postsecondary education, as well as work-based experience. Associate degrees, industry-recognized certificates, apprenticeships and workforce-training programs all are ways students can achieve these requirements, experts suggest. The Cincinnati Enquirer

Teachers Discuss How Assessment Data Helps Inform Classroom Instruction and Much More
A report from America Achieves features some of the country's best teachers explaining why high-quality assessments are important to them and the students they serve. To create  Why Assessments Matter, the authors spoke to 600 America Achieves teaching fellows from 34 states and the District of Columbia to understand how assessments benefit them in the classroom. The report says that high-quality assessments play three important roles in ensuring high-quality education for all: ensuring equity across classrooms, schools and districts; allowing teachers to tailor instruction to specific students' needs; and creating a new dialogue between teachers, students, and community members at large.
Publications
Celebrate Visual Storytelling
A new quarterly print magazine for creative youth and their grownups, ILLUSTORIA celebrates visual storytelling, makers, and DYI culture. With backgrounds in design, comics, illustration, writing, and publishing, the magazine's contributors share a belief in the power of stories, art, and creative expression. In the first issue, all about beginnings, readers will learn from Cece Bell about the making of her graphic novel El Deafo. They will also discover how Andrew Bird prototyped a makeshift violin at age 4 and glimpse into Aaron Becker's process illustrating Journey. The magazine has original contributions from dozens of new and familiar artists and writers in the form of illustrated stories, comics, DIY activities, and more. Click Here for More Information About Magazine

 Cathy L. Seeley, former president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, turns the spotlight on administrative leaders who are seeking to improve their math programs, offering an overview of what an effective program looks like and examples of actions to take to achieve that goal. Along with the companion book for teachers, "Making Sense of Math," this book is an essential tool for leaders facing the critical task of revising their math program.

The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success
In the new ASCD book The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success, teacher and professor Jeff Marshall introduces the Teacher Intentionality Practice Scale (TIPS), a framework for both supporting and measuring effective teaching. Taken together, the framework's seven TIPs provide a research-based, classroom-tested guide to help teachers
  • Create coherent, connected lessons;
  • Use strategies and resources, including technology, that truly enhance learning;
  • Organize a safe, respectful learning environment;
  • Develop challenging and rigorous learning experiences;
  • Promote interactive, thoughtful learning;
  • Nurture a creative, problem-solving classroom culture; and
  • Deliver feedback and formative assessment that inform teaching and learning.
The Highly Effective Teacher is a guidebook for thoughtful, intentional teaching with one goal: success for all students, in every classroom.

On-demand Webinar: Steps to Becoming a Highly Effective Teacher
Join Jeff Marshall, author of the new ASCD book "The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success," for a webinar that guides you through critical teacher actions that are within your control to improve and that influence student success, such as creating challenging, rigorous learning experiences and facilitating interactive, thoughtful learning. Marshall helps participants learn to identify where they are on the continuum of performance for each action. Watch the webinar.

The Better Writing Breakthrough
The Better Writing Breakthrough: Connecting Student Thinking and Discussion to Inspire Great Writing will show you to use the Discourse and Writing Cycle, a highly effective instructional technique that takes the guessing out of the process of teaching writing across different subject areas in grades 4-12. This practical and field-tested method consists of the three interrelated sequences of the cycle-the Discourse Sequence, the Transition to Writing Sequence, and the Writing Sequence. This book takes you to the next level of writing instruction with insights on the
  • Prominence of argument writing in the literacy standards.
  • Importance of building content knowledge through nonfiction texts.
  • Significance of using textual evidence to support analysis.

Filled with practical tips, innovative ideas and sample reflections from real students, this book by Starr Sackstein, a National Board Certified Teacher, shows you how to incorporate self-assessment and reflection in ways that encourage students to grow into mindful, receptive learners, ready to explore a fast-changing world. This essential guide explains how teachers can use reflection to help students decipher their own learning needs and engage in deep, thought-provoking discourse about progress. Learn more.
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.


Sixth-grade teacher Kevin Hodgson rolled out digital writing portfolios for his students this school year. In this blog post, he shares insights about transitioning from a three-ring binder model to one using Google Apps. MiddleWeb

Take the Tech Plunge
Whether you've just dipped your toes into tech or you're already riding the latest wave, this summer you can Plunge into Tech and discover new and innovative ways to use technology purposefully to enhance learning. Join some of the most brilliant thinkers in educational technology to discuss hot topics such as blended learning, personalized learning, open educational resources (OERs), and much more. Topics in this free summer webinar series, sponsored by Corwin, include "Deeper Learning with QR Codes and Augmented Reality" (June 7); "Courageous Edventures" (June 14); "Redesigning Learning Spaces" (June 21); "Understanding Open Educational Resources" (July 5); "Blended Learning in Action" (July 12); "Teaching the Last Backpack Generation" (July 19); "Going Google" (July 26); and "Make Learning Personal" (August 2).

Participate in Productive Backchannel Discussions
Educators at Purdue University have used a web-based social media tool called Hotseat to allow students to engage in virtual fields trips called zipTrips. With Hotseat, students can use their laptops or mobile devices to submit and vote on questions they want experts to answer. Then their school can use the free zipTrips to connect, via web streaming and videoconferencing, and interact with scientists at Purdue in real time. The program engages students and gives them a new way to take control of their learning by connecting and collaborating with experts and one another. It gives participating teachers practice with managing the use of social and collaborative online tools with students. The Hotseat tool is freely downloadable for iOS, Android, and the web. Click Here to Access Free Hotseat Tool. Click Here for More Information About Free zipTrips. 
 
Fill Math with Music
The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz has developed MathScienceMusic.org, a website that offers teachers resources and apps to use music as a vehicle to teach other academic lessons. One app, Groove Pizza, allows users to draw lines and shapes onto a circle. The circle then rotates, and each shape and line generates its own distinct sound. It's a discreet way for children to learn about rhythm and proportions. With enough shapes and lines, children can create elaborate beats on the app, all in the context of a "pizza"-another way to make learning math and music palatable to children. Another app-Scratch Jazz-allows children to use the basic coding platform Scratch to create their own music. Click Here to Visit Website.

How Should Colleges, Universities Respond to a Cyberattack?
There are six key steps that should be taken in case a college or university falls victim to a cyberattack. Those phases, developed by the SANS Institute, are preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery and follow-up. CampusTechnology.com

Providing school facilities for community usage builds deep connections and creates opportunities, Brent Emmons, principal of Hood River Middle School in Oregon, writes in this blog post. He shares ways his school benefits from facility rentals, such as receiving donations for auditorium improvements and having students sell food grown in school gardens at the farmer's market located on campus. Edutopia.org 

Stop motion video can be a useful classroom tool, according to sixth-grade teacher Josh Stock. In this blog post, Stock offers a step-by-step guide to using video clips to engage students in classroom lessons. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education

Why Relationships are Key to Virtual Learning
Personal relationships are key to creating a successful virtual learning community, educator Paul Barnwell writes in this blog post. "Regardless of the tool used for virtual learning, remember: it starts with people and purpose," he notes. Center for Teaching Quality

Sixth-grade teacher Kevin Hodgson rolled out digital writing portfolios for his students this school year. In this blog post, he shares insights about transitioning from a three-ring binder model to one using Google Apps. MiddleWeb

RESOURCES:  

Check out Real Learning for Real Life for assessment resources for families and educators, including videos and downloads, and  sign-up for the newsletter!

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.
 
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