June 22, 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
CHECK OUT IL ASCD's website, www.illinoisascd.org
Congratulations to those with June Graduations!
Happy Independence Day!
Call for Proposals - Kindergarten Conference 2017 !
Hey! Are you interested in presenting at the 2017 Kindergarten Conference?  We are looking for new presenters to add to our already excellent lineup of offerings. Send in your proposal by clicking here.
 
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 2˝  days of dynamic professional discussion, learning and leadership building   from diverse perspectives for school leaders and leadership teams. Through ongoing dialogue, networking, presentations, and other sources, participants will have the opportunity to seek new directions for making powerful participant roads for their school district.
Registration for hotel must be made by June 30, 2016. Register here.
 
Planning for next year?  Taking a new position as a Curriculum Director or want to know more about current developments?  Then Curriculum Leadership Development Network is right for you!  Just announced, 10th season schedule for 2016-2017!
 
Sept 26 - "It's About the Learning!  Observing & Evaluation the NGSS" Craig Gaska; "C3 Social Studies Standards" Donna McCaw
Oct 26 & 27 - CLDN Special Topics at Conference on Learning & EXPO at Roosevelt U, Schaumburg
Nov 28 - "Visible Learning Research for Teachers & Students" Greg Wolcott; "Home to School Connection" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
Jan 23, 2017 - "Human Resources & Teacher Hiring Practices" Mark Friedman & Steven Greisbach; "21st Century Learning Leadership" Josh Stumpenhorst
Feb 27 - "Social Emotional Learning" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
Apr 24 - "Vision, Values & Goals:  Leading Change in a Professional Learning Community" AA #940, Doug Lillydahl; "PLC's & Formative Design" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
Registration coming soon 

Talking to Children About the Orlando Shooting
Children and teenagers are better able to cope with upsetting news when they understand more about the event-they need information just as adults do. In the wake of the recent tragic shooting in Orlando, FL, read NASSP's most recent School of Thought blog post with some advice you can share with your students' parents to help them when discussing the event with their children.

Visit the  National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, the Coalition to Support Grieving Students
(NASSP is a founding member), the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, or the National Association of School Psychologists.

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

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

ASCD congratulates 2014 Affiliate Overall Excellence Award recipient Illinois ASCD. ASCD annually recognizes affiliates to honor their exemplary service to the education community.
 
IL ASCD Illinois Office
P.O. Box 852 
Normal, IL 61761

Please send me good news about your school!  Anyone taking a new position for next school year or retiring this year, please let me know!   Glenna Adams, Editor gladams@wideopenwest.com 
  
Renee Phillips, Administrative Assistant, reneephillips@mac.com, phone: 309-820-9100. 
Ryan Nevius, Assistant Director, rcneviu@me.com, phone: 618-203-3993.
Katie McKay-Phillips, Social Media & Events, kathrynmckay20@gmail.com 
  
 
Are you already on Facebook?  Check out and LIKE the ILASCD Facebook page  
IL ASCD is now on Facebook!  Visit us at IL ASCD.
  
  
 
 
IL ASCD has a Twitter channel!  Stay current at IL ASCD.      
 
  
 
miller_guidance 
The Common Core State Standards, Teacher Evaluation Systems, Race to the Top funding....Is your system ready?
Built on leading scientific research the Miller Guidance System puts into practice the theoretical underpinnings of federal school reform initiatives.  Created and refined by practitioners, in a variety of settings our practical tools and processes provide the blueprint for school improvement. Is your system ready?
Click below to see a video of what your colleagues are saying about Miller Guidance!
www.millerguidance.com 866-364-9535
ASCD News 
In this Educational Leadership article, veteran teacher Jennifer Collins offers six pieces of advice to pre-service teachers. Her tips include advising new teachers that they must be ready to wear the many hats of a teacher -- including nurse, custodian, therapist and cheerleader -- and that while almost every teacher will strive for perfection, they should dismiss the notion of a perfect lesson and be gentle, patient and forgiving of their own stumbles and development. 

50 Top Educators Selected for 2016 ASCD Emerging Leaders Class
ASCD has announced the selection of 50 educators for its 2016 class of emerging leaders, the largest class since the program's inception in 2005. The emerging leaders hail from 20 states, the District of Columbia, Bermuda and Taiwan, and the class includes superintendents, assistant principals and principals, teachers, literacy coaches, professional learning specialists and a digital-learning specialist, among other roles and titles. Read on and view the Emerging Leaders directory to see who was selected. Read on.  
Congratulations to six Emerging Leaders selected from Illinois!
Abbie Eklund
Twitter:@Eklundteaches 
Lead Teacher, CORE Instruction Strategy, School District U-46, Elgin, IL
Thomaie Hilaris
Teacher, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Chicago, IL
Amy MacCrindle
Twitter:@Amy_MacCrindle 
Director of Literacy, Community Unit School District 300, Algonquin, IL
Cynthia O'Brien
Teacher, Maywood School District 89, Maywood, IL
Trey Smith
Learning Sciences PhD Student, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Kristin Striebel
Twitter:  @KristinStriebel 
Diverse Learners Teacher, The Chicago Academy Elementary School, Chicago, IL
How the Most Supportive School Leaders Empower Teachers 
"The real action doesn't happen behind the principal's desk," says Bill Sterrett on this episode of ASCD Learn Teach Lead Radio. "The principal has to be a vibrant member of the school community, has to be willing to listen, has to be willing to empower others." In this conversation, hear how principals can effectively empower teacher leadership in the school and create an environment that gets the best out of all educators and creates the best learning for students. Listen here.

ASCD SmartBrief News About Assessments
The Every Student Succeeds Act allows states and districts to use multiple measures of student performance, rather than a single measure. This shift in national testing policy opens the door for schools to design a range of innovative assessment activities that work for all students. In this ASCD SmartBrief special report, we provide a roundup of news about assessments. We consider how some educators use multiple measures such as portfolios and journals to assess student growth. We also highlight the importance of student voice in the education and assessment landscapes. Don't miss the ASCD Resources section, with links to more information on this topic. 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.

Special Offer on ASCD Membership: Save $20 Today
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.

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. Proposal Submission Is Now Open. We are pleased to announce that you can now submit your proposal to be a leader, presenter, or speaker at ASCD EMPOWER17. We appreciate your interest in helping us build a new professional learning experience and look forward to receiving your submission. You can submit to present by yourself or with up to four copresenters. Complete information on proposal criteria is available on our proposal submission web page. Hurry, the deadline for proposals is Monday, August 1, 2016. Once you submit your proposal, you will have until the deadline to make any edits or changes. Acceptance notifications will be e-mailed by September 13, 2016. Again, thank you for your interest in ASCD EMPOWER17.

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 https://www.illinoisascd.org/resources/publications.

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

The National Association of School Psychologists and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network offer tips to help teachers and parents address the Orlando, Fla., shootings with children of all ages. Overall, it's important to make children feel safe and allow them to talk about their feelings. The Washington Post 

Illinois Education News
 
No budget agreement has been reached as of this edition of Education Briefs.

ISBE NEWS

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.    
 
Next election in Illinois:  Nov 8, 2016
Federal Education News

Civil Rights Data Reveal Education Disparities
Black, Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native students are more likely to attend schools where at least 20% of educators do not have proper certifications, according to data released by the US Department of Education. Data also show such students are more likely to have first-year teachers.

Making US STEM Education Stronger And More Diverse
Connecticut Public Radio reports that according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment in STEM fields is "growing faster than any other sector of the U.S. economy," but the US is still trailing behind other countries in STEM education, and new recruits in science and technology are overwhelmingly white and Asian men.

Expansion of Pell Grants Part of Bill Backed by Senate Panel
Pell Grants would be available year-round as part of a $161.9 billion bipartisan appropriations bill approved this week by a US Senate subcommittee. Around 1 million college students would benefit from the expansion, and administration officials say it would help students complete college faster.

Chronic Student Absenteeism
The Department of Education released new, first-ever chronic absenteeism data through a new, interactive website and hosted a two-day Every Student, Every Day National Conference to support states, districts, schools, and communities in their efforts to develop effective chronic absenteeism policy and practice.  The conference focused on how schools can address root causes of the problem and strengthen the collaborative capacity of multi-agency early warning systems to link students to interventions, programs, and preventative services.The 2013-14 CRDC shows that chronic absenteeism impacts students in all parts of the country and is prevalent among all races, as well as students with disabilities.  National data reveals more than six million students -- or 13% of all students -- missed at least 15 days of school in the 2013-14 school year.

The White House has launched a new initiative, the Fair Chance Education Pledge, which encourages colleges and universities not to use students' criminal records when making admissions decisions. Several institutions already have signed on, including Boston University, Columbia University and Cornell University. The Atlantic online 

ED Recommends Stripping ACICS Of Accreditation Power
Several media outlets are covering the announcement June 15 that ED is recommending that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools be stripped of its accreditation authority. Coverage focuses on what this will mean for the embattled agency and for the for-profit colleges it regulates. The Washington Post reports that ACICS is the "largest national accreditation agency," and that ED is calling for it to "lose the power to act as the gatekeeper between colleges and billions of dollars in federal financial aid." The Post says that advocacy groups and state officials are urging the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity to "deny the accrediting agency the recognition needed to operate" when it meets next month. The Post notes that the move "would leave hundreds of schools scrambling to find a new accreditor to prevent students from losing federal financial aid," adding that some troubled schools might not find other accreditors willing to approve of them.
       The AP reports that "dozens" of the 900 schools ACICS oversees could lose their Federal funding, explaining that the accreditor "has been under intense scrutiny after critics, including attorneys general in 13 states, accused it of overlooking deception at some schools." Federal officials reviewing the agency "said they found major problems with its standards" and "slammed the council's handling of institutions like the now-defunct Corinthian College." Their report "blamed the council for failing to stop schools from falsifying data about the success of students, failing to stop misleading recruitment tactics and failing to punish schools that employed those practices."

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 by email at https://www.kirk.senate.gov/.  
To reach Senator Dick Durbin by email at http://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases.
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.   

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.
 
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  2˝  days   of   dynamic   professional discussion,   learning   and   leadership   building  from   diverse perspectives  for  school  leaders  and  leadership  teams. Through  ongoing dialogue, networking, presentations, and other sources, participants will 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 
 
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
 
Planning for next year?  Taking a new position as a Curriculum Director or want to know more about current developments?  Then Curriculum Leadership Development Network is right for you!  Just announced, 10th season schedule for 2016-2017!
 
Sept 26 - "It's About the Learning!  Observing & Evaluation the NGSS" Craig Gaska; "C3 Social Studies Standards" Donna McCaw
Oct 26 & 27 - CLDN Special Topics at Conference on Learning & EXPO at Roosevelt U, Schaumburg
Nov 28 - "Visible Learning Research for Teachers & Students" Greg Wolcott; "Home to School Connection" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
Jan 23, 2017 - "Human Resources & Teacher Hiring Practices" Mark Friedman & Steven Greisbach; "21st Century Learning Leadership" Josh Stumpenhorst
Feb 27 - "Social Emotional Learning" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
Apr 24 - "Vision, Values & Goals:  Leading Change in a Professional Learning Community" AA #940, doug Lillydahl; "PLC's & Formative Design" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
REGISTRATION WILL BE COMING SOON!

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

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.

NEW-Instructional Rounds, Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani, October 13, 2016, Niles West High School, Skokie, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Instructional Rounds refers to a practice adapted to education from the field of medicine.  It embodies a specific set of ideas about how practitioners can work together to solve common problems and improve practice.  It is designed to help schools, districts and state systems support high-quality teaching and learning for all students.  Program objectives include:
       Make  connections  between  rounds  and  ongoing  school improvement efforts at your school
 *     Understand  how  the  instructional  core  is  the  heart  of rounds and of improvement efforts
 *     Understand  the  basic  principles  of  instructional  rounds and practice the specific protocols of the practice
 *     Develop  skills  in  observing  teaching  and  learning  - describe what we see - and debriefing observations
 *     Build  common  language,  expectations  and  norms for conducting rounds
 *     Be  ready  (and  excited)  -  to  conduct  rounds  at  your school!
Registration includes PD hours, breakfast, lunch, parking and handouts.  ATTENDANCE IS LIMITED TO 30 PEOPLE!  Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60077.  IL ASCD is a CPS approved provider #24595.  Register coming soon!

Save the dates! Conference on Learning and EXPO, October 26 - 27, 2016, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL Two big days!  Top speakers!  Keynote Mike Schmoker and Jonathan Fanning.  Other presenters include Craig Gaska, Megan Fuciarelli, Dee Ann Schnautz, Jennie Winters, Jim Bellanca, Ray Louk, Aaron Brengard, Steve Zipkes, and Scott Estes.  Registration coming soon. 

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. 
 
Curriculum 2020, Dylan Wiliam, Embedding Formative Assessment with Teacher Learning communities, November 9, 2016, NIU DeKalb, 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
There is now a large and growing evidence base showing that helping teachers develop their use of minute-to-minute and day-by-day assessment is one of, if not THE most powerful ways to improve student learning. Formative assessment involves far more than adding a few "quick fixes" to teachers' classroom repertoires.  It involves a fundamental shift in focus, from what the teacher is putting into the process to what the students are getting out of it.  In this interactive one-day workshop participants will learn:
  • WHY we need to increase educational achievement, what's been tried, and why it has worked
  • WHY formative assessment needs to be the priority for every school
  • WHAT formative assessment is (and isn't)
  • PRACTICAL techniques for implementing formative assessment
  • HOW TO sustain the development of formative assessment with teacher learning communities.
Course includes continental breakfast, lunch, materials, free parking and 6 Professional Development Hours. NIU DeKalb, Ellington Ballroom, Holmes Student Center, 340 Carroll Ave, DeKalb.  Park in Guest lot on Carroll Ave.  Register here.

PARCC Learning Series and Workshops, June & July!
Registration now open for the PARCC Learning Series and Workshops!  You are invited to join a free, teacher-led learning series and workshop that connects you with fellow teachers to unpack the new assessment.  Locations in Bensenville, Peoria, Urbana and Berwyn.  For more information, visit their website. 
 
The Illinois New Teacher Collaborative, June 29-30, Champaign The Illinois New Teacher Collaborative invites beginning teachers (all grade levels and content areas) who have just completed their first year of teaching in Illinois to the INTC Beginning Teacher Conference Y2: Moving Beyond Survival.  The event will be held June 29-30 in Champaign.  Learn more.

International EdCamp Leadership, July 11, 2016, Galesburg, Roselle, OR West Frankfort, IL EdCamp Leadership is an international event taking place on Monday, July 11. Illinois will host three sites around the state. This FREE event is geared toward all educators looking to connect, network, and engage in professional conversation to grow as educators.  Edcamp is a form of unconference designed specifically for educators and their needs. What makes Edcamp an unconference? Unlike traditional conferences which have schedules set months in advance by the people running the conference, Edcamp has an agenda that is created by the participants at the start of the event. Instead of one person standing in front of the room talking for an hour, people are encouraged to have discussions and hands-on sessions. Built on principles of connected and participatory learning, Edcamp strives to bring educators together to talk about the things that matter most to them: their interests, passions, and questions.  Register at one of three Illinois locations.

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/ 

NEW-The Illinois Association of School Boards and the Illinois Association of School Administrators present: Professional Advancement Seminars Seeking the Superintendency,
Sept 15 in Lisle, Sept 22 in Springfield, OR Jan 18 in Springfield
This intensive one-day seminar is designed to assist anyone seeking employment as a superintendent and will include a detailed description of the Illinois Association of School Boards' Superintendent Search process.  You will learn how to evaluate and improve your opportunities for professional advancement through presentations by those who work with the process and through printed materials that are yours to retain.  For a pdf of the brochure regarding this event: click here.  

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.
From the Field
Naperville District 203 Students Can Earn Seal of Biliteracy
Naperville Central and Naperville North will join the growing number of high schools that acknowledge student proficiency in multiple languages.Starting next year, high school students in Naperville School District 203 will be able to apply for either an Illinois Seal of Biliteracy or state commendation toward biliteracy.

School board officials in a Virginia district are filing a petition with the US Supreme Court about transgender bathroom policies. "It directly affects every school district and college in this circuit that receives federal funding and indirectly affects every such district and college in the United States," the lawyers wrote in court papers, noting the national significance of the justices' decision to hear the case. The Washington Post

Microsoft to Offer Free Version of Minecraft to SchoolsMicrosoft announced June 10 that schools will be able to download a free education version of its popular Minecraft software. Microsoft is seeking a greater share of the education market. CNN

Most 18-year-olds believe children across the globe are at risk of "sextortion," cyberbullying and online sexual abuse, a UNICEF poll of teenagers found. Parents and schools need to help educate children about digital safety, UNICEF contends. The Guardian

Number of Homeless Students Doubles in Past 10 Years
More than 1 million U.S. students were homeless in the 2013-14 school year -- twice as many as a decade ago. A report from Civic Enterprises highlights homeless students and their challenges through interviews with 44 such students and a survey of 158 who were homeless during middle or high school.  National Public Radio

Alan November, senior partner and founder of November Learning, shares seven interview questions designed to find teachers who understand how to use data and digital tools to personalize education. Among them are how educators manage their professional learning. eSchool News 
 
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 
Planning for Great Group Work
On the surface, having students work in groups may seem simple enough; however, there's much more to it. Effective group work provides the space and structure for students to work together and learn from one another. Proper planning for group work includes laying the groundwork for collaboration, assigning groups that work well together, developing group-worthy tasks, and determining ways to assess group and individual contributions.   

How to Connect with Middle-schoolers in an Online Classroom
Engaging students in a virtual classroom is similar to how educators do it in a traditional school setting, online middle-school science teacher Ashley Fryer writes. In this commentary, she offers insights into how she connects with virtual students through live classroom meetings, online chats and shared experiments from science kits. Education Week Teacher 

"We learn to do well what we learn to love," writes Pam Allyn in "Taming the Wild Text." For many students, reading is either a source of stress and anxiety or a chore and a bore. What can teachers do to help these students cultivate a love of reading? In this issue of ASCD Express, educators redesign learning to draw on student interests, social media, research-based scaffolds and family supports that make reading engaging and joyful.

Schools Adopt Escuela Nueva Instructional Method
A teaching method known as Escuela Nueva is practised in more than 20 countries. This article   focuses on how a one-room schoolhouse in Colombian Andes is using the project-based learning Model.  National Public Radio 

Award-winning Teachers Discuss the Importance of Common Core
In a video series developed by the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, highly regarded teachers from around the country share the ways that they use the Common Core State Standards in their classrooms to inform their instruction and improve educational outcomes.  The short videos feature teachers from a diverse range of grade levels and subjects explaining how rigorous educational standards, and assessments that measure them, create tools for success that didn't previously exist.

How Schools, Colleges Address Common Core Math
Research shows some elementary teachers may need more support to teach math under the Common Core State Standards. Some teacher-preparation programs are adding classes to help prepare teachers for the standards, and school district officials are working to create professional development to meet teachers' needs. The Hechinger Report

Math Teachers Incorporate Video to Improve Students' Skills
Many math teachers are turning to several forms of media, including short, high-interest video clips, to help students hone their skills. This article provides links and descriptions of how two educators are using video to present problems to show students different ways to solve them. KQED.org

Over 800 Released Items Among the Numerous PARCC Resources Available Online
As part of the effort to develop the most transparent high-quality assessments available, PARCC has released more than 800 test items on the Partnership Resource Center. In addition, the PARCC consortium website features a wealth of parent, student and educator resources, including links to even more practice assessments, score report guides (in both English and Spanish), informational videos, and links to PARCC resources that are specifically designed for residents of each consortium state. PARCC has also released a detailed description of how the assessments are designed, along with detailed information about how they are aligned to Common Core State Standards, and how the term "college and career readiness" is defined and measured.

Educators: 9 Mobile apps for Common Core
Free mobile apps can help support instruction aligned with Common Core State Standards, three professors write in this commentary. They highlight nine such apps that they say can help educators scaffold instruction and support student understanding under Common Core. eSchool News  

After Turbulent Waters, PARCC Steadies Itself
The 2016 PARCC testing period passed with few incidents, and based on both empirical and anecdotal evidence, opt-out rates dropped significantly. There was higher participation. Several recent studies also gave PARCC tests good reviews.

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
WWI
The U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and National World War I Museum and Memorial are creating a bi-monthly electronic newsletter and corresponding web pages with resources and learning opportunities about World War I and are asking teachers to share created content that can be used in
the classroom.

Fall 2016 Internships
The Department of Education is accepting applications for fall 2016 internships through July 15.  
Interns will have an opportunity to learn about federal education policy while developing a variety of
other skills, including communication, researching, and writing.  They will also participate in group events, such as lunches with senior agency officials, local tours, and movie nights.

Schools across the US are using a service, known as Schoola, to supplement their budgets. The program allows parents to send in used clothing, then the school sells them and receives 40% of the sale. About 20,000 schools nationwide are using the service. WCBS-TV

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
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. We accept grant applications quarterly. Grant deadlines are: June 30, September 30, December 31 and March 31

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 is 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
New Gallup Study Highlights Diverse Views on Standards and Assessments
Gallup and the Northwest Evaluation Association interviewed more than 4,200 educators, parents, and students to get their views on how they perceive and utilize high-quality standards and assessments, particularly in the wake of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The researchers who developed the report, Make Assessment Work for All Students: Multiple Measures Matter, found that more than 75 percent of students and half of all parents think that students either spend the right time or too little time taking assessments, while an overwhelming majority of principals and administrators believe ESSA will have, at worst, a neutral impact on their schools and districts.

Reports Provide Early Results Of The Gates Foundation's Teaching Partnerships
Education Week reports in its "Teacher Beat" blog about results from three interim reports by the RAND corporation that analyzed the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's intensive teaching partnership projects through 2013-14. The foundation gave grants to districts in Memphis, Tenn., Pittsburgh, Pa., Hillsborough, Fla., and to a group of charter schools in California. The researchers found that all of the districts made "the significant changes they promised to the Gates Foundation" for the grants, "despite struggling with certain elements like professional development." The report found the "grants' impact on student achievement is mixed-but appears to be trending upwards." Teachers have become less enthusiastic for the evaluation process, and teachers continued to get "pretty good results from the new teacher-evaluation systems." According to the reports, "professional development remains a challenge," and there were mixed results the grants affecting teacher-distribution patterns.

Study: High-school GPA May be Best Indicator of College-readiness
A study at the University of Alaska has found that the SAT, ACT and placement tests were not good predictors of how students will perform in college-level math and English classes. Instead, Michelle Hodara, lead author of the study, said a student's high-school grade-point average "is a really powerful measure of college readiness, even for students who want to earn a four-year degree."  The Hechinger Report

Report: Workforce Trends for Class of 2015
The number of college graduates from the class of 2015 who were employed or pursued more education six months after graduating is slightly higher than numbers for the class of 2014, according to a report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data show 64% were working and 18% went back to school. InsideHigherEd.com

ACT Survey: Common Core Isn't Emphasizing Top Skills Needed To Prep Students For College, Career
According to the 2016 ACT National Curriculum Survey, the Washington Post reports, many educators and workplace supervisors don't think the Common Core State Standards reflect "what students and workers need to be successful in college and career." The report found that "many workplace supervisors and employees believe skills necessary for success are not part of the Core," including the top skill they think ensures success: "conscientiousness." Likewise, college instructors place more emphasis on "the 'ability to generate sound ideas - a skill applicable across much broader contexts'" - than on "analyzing source texts and summarizing other authors' ideas as required by the Core."

Report: Only Half of Colleges Track Student Success Based on ACT, SAT
Although 78% of colleges associated with the National Association for College Admission Counseling require students to submit SAT or ACT scores for admissions, only about half track student progress through their programs. The tracking, NACAC said in its report, is important to show whether entrance exam scores are a valid indicator of student success. Education Week

Hechinger Report Compares, Contrasts NCLB, ESSA
The Hechinger Report reports on the differences and similarities between NCLB and ESSA, exploring whether there were any beneficial aspects to the much-reviled NCLB and whether any of its "legacy still lingers on in its successor." The piece notes that despite added school accountability flexibility and a reduction in the emphasis on standardized testing, "civil rights groups and organizations working on behalf of underserved students, however, have been less than enthusiastic" about ESSA, saying it "leaves too much accountability up to the states."

New Report Critical Of K-12 Computer Science Education
Education Week reported that a study by the Information and Technology Innovation Foundation (ITIF) "on the state of computer science education cites a deficit of relevant course-work, and inadequate teacher training in its conclusions, tracing a historical lack of progress back to the subject's 'fringe' status." According to the study titled "The Case for Improving U.S. Science Education," failure to prioritize computer science has created "stagnation and decline in K-12 classrooms." 
Publications
Take a Deep Dive into Your Summer Learning
Summer reading takes on a whole new meaning with books and interactive resources from ASCD. Profit from your time at the pool by enhancing your skills and expertise. Best of all, you'll start the school year rested, ready, and well on the way to achieving your goals and objectives. Gain the skills and insights that will make you more efficient and effective. New Books, Teaching and Learning, Leadership, Redefining Student Success.  Explore the complete list of resources in these four categories on www.ASCD.org .

In this new book, Erik M. Francis explores how one of the most fundamental instructional strategies -- questioning -- can provide the proper scaffolding to deepen student thinking, understanding and application of knowledge. By using this book to fine-tune your approach to questioning, you can awaken the spirit of inquiry in your classroom and help students expand their knowledge, understanding, and ability to communicate what they think and know.

How to Make Decisions with Different Kinds of Student Assessment Data
Educators can learn what data truely mean when analyzing student learning by reading "How to MakeDecisions with Different Kinds of Student Assessment Data." Education consultant and best-selling author Susan Brookhart discusses how teachers and administrators can use assessment data to improve teaching and learning in schools and districts. "What sets this book apart from other data books is the focus on a deeper understanding of the different kinds of student assessment data," said Brookhart.

In this galvanizing book for all educators, Kristin Souers and Pete Hall explore an urgent and growing issue -- childhood trauma and its profound effect on learning and teaching. Grounded in research and the authors' experience working with trauma-affected students and their teachers, Fostering Resilient Learners will help you cultivate a trauma-sensitive learning environment for students across all content areas, grade levels and educational settings. 

Why do I lead? With this deceptively simple question, best-selling author Baruti K. Kafele begins a powerful examination of what it takes to make a school community achieve the greatest success in the classroom and beyond. In this best-seller, Kafele, a veteran school administrator, guides motivated school leaders through 50 self-reflection exercises designed to yield a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the work that they do.
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.

More teachers are tapping into Snapchat's popularity among teenagers to expand learning opportunities, Madeline Will writes. This blog post describes how some teachers are using the app, such as by sending study helps for exams and posing questions to students before class sessions. Education Week 

Tips to Take the Stress Out of Email
Simple practices can help make managing email less stressful, writes Frank Buck, a former middle-level teacher, principal and central office administrator. In this blog post, Buck offers best practices to help simplify the process. MiddleWeb

Carl Sagan said, "Every kid starts out as a natural-born scientist, and then we beat it out of them." Here, Howard Pitler writes that all you have to do is observe a toddler at play and you'll see Sagan was right. Where is the sense of wonder and enthusiasm for learning when you see a student in high school history or math class? Pitler proposes a three-step process for building a more curious 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.

Graduate students can still find a good job without an internship by engaging in industry-specific social media networking and getting involved in student groups, recent graduate Alice Williams advises in this blog post. "Joining a graduate student organization, in particular, is a valuable way to network with others to learn about their research and connect with like-minded individuals," she writes.

Zaption is a web-based tool that lets teachers and students insert elements, such as images, text, quizzes and discussions, into videos to create interactive lessons. Users can add the components into videos they produce as well as videos from YouTube and Vimeo that are offered through the platform. Teachers can sign up for free accounts on the Zaption website.
  Sports can help students develop social-emotional skills and character, writes Maurice Elias, professor of psychology and director of the Rutgers University Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab. In this blog post, he shares four benefits of playing sports. Edutopia.org

Hip-hop culture is woven into every facet of society. We hear it on the radio. We see it on TV; in film, fashion, and art museums; and on buildings and train cars. Hip-hop is youth culture and even kids who don't listen to rap music have been influenced by it. So why is it not in every classroom? This Inservice post provides a list of resources to help you integrate hip-hop into your lessons and enhance student engagement.

RESOURCES:   

Google is preparing to take smart messaging to the next level with this summer's planned introduction of its Allo app. The app offers many of the latest chat features, but should be unique in offering a Smart Reply option, which allows message responses without typing by crafting customized replies based on user's conversational patterns.  The Boston Globe

Tech Tools Worth Exploring Over Summer Vacation -   MiddleWeb

Resources to Help Educators Access OER
Open educational resources can be found in various ways, including eight curated collections highlighted in this article. Collections include OER Commons and Khan Academy. T.H.E. Journal

Don't miss these additional teacher-themed blog posts:
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