August 17, 2016
Quick Links

IL ASCD News 

ASCD News 

Advocacy / Governance 

Conferences / Workshops   

From the Field 

Curriculum / Common Core 

Opportunities 

Grants / Awards 

Research 

Publications 

Internet Sources 
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
Keep using your sunscreen!
Ready, Set, GO!  Off to another GREAT school year!!
What goals will drive educational change this school year? Four education leaders share their guiding principles for the 2016-17 academic year, including an emphasis on "truthful kindness and necessary action" when responding to students' needs. SmartBrief/Education 

BACK TO SCHOOL WEBINAR - AUGUST 17, 1:30 PM
State Superintendent Smith and ISBE staff will host a Back to School webinar on August 17 to address the budget, the development of the Illinois implementation plan for ESSA, state assessments and other topics. Click here to register.

Four Skills to Teach Students in the First Five Days of School
Alan November, a former teacher-turned-author and lecturer, says the most important ideas to hammer home within the first week will help students learn on their own for the rest of the year.

In Loving Memory
The ILASCD Board regrets to announce the passing of life-long educator and former ILASCD Board member Karl W. Fivek.  Karl passed away July 26, 2016, in the LaSalle-Peru area and will be missed by family and friends alike.  We, at ILASCD, will miss his smiling face, his patient manner, his caring attitude, and his contributions to our organization as part of the Communication Committee.  We were all enriched by having known him.

Planning your professional development for this fall?
Conference on Learning and EXPO, October 26 - 27, 2016, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL Two big days! Top speakers!  Keynotes 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.  Register here.

Green Apple Day of Service, on Saturday, September 24, gives students, parents, teachers, businesses, and local organizations the opportunity to transform schools into safe, healthy, and productive learning environments through local service projects.  Find an event in your area or post your own. 

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 
Being recognized and affirmed by a powerful adult can be life-changing for a young person. In this Educational Leadership article, Jeffrey Benson shares why offering unconditional positive regard to students can make such a difference for them, and may become a favorite daily activity for educators. The power you have as a role model for others at school, whether you're the principal or a teacher, will ripple out to every corner of the building, leading to a culture that appreciates everyone. 

Preparing for the future is one way to re-frame the past, no matter what it holds, Naphtali Hoff writes. "The most successful people in life were not necessarily the ones who had it all laid out for them on a silver platter," he writes. SmartBrief/Leadership

SmartBrief Education Originals connects education professionals with industry news, insights, resources and trends. Visit daily for contributed blog posts written by educators, for educators, and don't miss our Tuesday Tech Tips feature, bringing you education-technology practices you can use in your classroom today. SmartBrief/Education

Despite decades of effort, public education still struggles with inequity. How can we confront the forces that keep economic and racial segregation in place? How can schools ensure fair, unbiased and effective discipline practices? ASCD Express is looking for submissions, 600- to 1,000-word essays or brief multimedia content, exploring how educators can address the barriers that create opportunity gaps for students on the basis of their socioeconomic level, race, ethnicity and gender.  Guidelines for submissions are here; please send your submissions to express@ascd.org by September 15, 2016.
 
There are challenges and pitfalls to implementing project-based learning, but the advantages are great. In this Educational Leadership article, teacher Alison Zuniga and university educator Thomas M. Cooper share one high school's journey to effective PBL and describe why, when done right, teachers make the choice to relinquish a majority of learning into the hands of their students, allowing students to be active partners as opposed to passive receptacles.

Teach to Lead
Brought to you by U.S. Department of Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and ASCD, Teach to Lead® works to catalyze fundamental changes in the culture of schools and the culture of teaching so that teachers play a more central role in transforming teaching and learning and in developing policies that affect their work.  Teach to Lead will host a teacher prep-focused Teacher Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., on November 3 and 4.  Teachers and institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply by  submitting an idea proposal addressing a current area of growth or a problem of practice within their teacher preparation program by September 6.  Space is limited; all submissions will be reviewed, and invitations for participation will be issued to those accepted by September 23.

While the process of making data-informed decisions is not necessarily a difficult one, it is best to approach it with a specific plan in mind. In this Inservice post, ASCD author Craig Mertler shares five tips that can help you in developing your plan for using data to better inform your decision-making. His tips include ensuring the data you plan to use will be manageable, and treating data-driven decision making as a cyclical process.
 
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:
Illinois Education News
 
Illinois Schools Make List of Nation's Best Public High Schools
Report 24 schools in Illinois have been named among the top 500 public high schools in the country. NBC Chicago has the story.

New State Bill Seeking to Cut Remediation in Higher Education
High school graduation rates across Chicago and all of Illinois have risen steadily for years, but state leaders are now taking action to make sure those students are properly prepared for life inside a college classroom. Last month, Illinois House and Senate leaders unanimously approved HB5729, also known as the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness Act. The legislation creates higher education career expectations for high school grads. 

ISBE NEWS

BACK TO SCHOOL WEBINAR - AUGUST 17, 1:30 PM
State Superintendent Smith and ISBE staff will host a Back to School webinar on August 17 to address the budget, the development of the Illinois implementation plan for ESSA, state assessments and other topics. Click here to register.  

Preparing For 5ESSENTIALS OR Selecting An Alternative Survey
Illinois will administer the 5Essentials survey once again this year between November 16, 2016 and January 16, 2017. The survey is required for all districts that did not participate last year and all Race to the Top districts.

Districts will again have the option, at their own expense, to choose an alternative to the 5Essentials:
  • Comprehensive School Climate Survey
  • Organizational Health Instrument Teacher Survey and Gallup Student Survey
  • AdvancEd student and teacher surveys
If your district plans to participate in 5Essentials, email 5Essentials@isbe.net. If your district plans to use an alternative survey, complete the letter of intent found here and return to 5Essentials@isbe.net by September 1.

ESSA Listening Tour - Round Two
The Illinois State Board of Education will host a second round of listening tour stops regarding the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the development of Illinois' state plan for implementation. The tour begins September 6 at Freeport High School (Freeport, IL) from 4:30-6:30pm and ends September 28 at Streamwood High School (Streamwood, IL) at 5pm. Click here for the full schedule of events.

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

U.S. Dept. of Education Releases Resources to Guard Against Zika
Department of Education Secretary John B. King Jr. recently released a letter to all Chief State School Officers providing information and resources on steps to be taken against viruses caused by mosquitoes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed interim guidance for kindergarten through grade 12 school administrators on public health actions specifically for Zika virus infection. Click here to read more

The US Department of Education has received more than 20,000 comments on the draft regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act. This blog post highlights comments from some education groups, including the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Association of State Boards of Education. Education Week

The Education Commission of the States has published a report explaining 10 key issues surrounding implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Issues include assessments, school-quality indicators and low-performing schools. Education Week

US Department of Education Secretary John King Jr. recently discussed proposed rules for the Every Student Succeeds Act that seek to meet the needs of students who may be homeless. The rules would require liaisons in school districts who would help identify and offer resources to such students. Education Dive 

A coalition of more than 30 advocacy organizations, including the Black Lives Matter network, has released a platform calling for full funding of education at the federal and state levels. The proposal seeks an amendment to the US Constitution to achieve this goal. Education Week

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.   
 
IL ASCD is an ISBE Approved Provider      IL ASCD is a CPS Approved Provider #24595
During this two-day ASCD institute, renowned authors Alan M. Blankstein and Pedro Noguera, along with award-winning education scholars, district and school leaders, and practitioners, will share strategies to pursue equity and close instructional and achievement gaps in multicultural K-12 districts and schools.

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

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.

Teach to Lead
Jointly sponsored by the Department of Education, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, ASCD, and more than 120 education organizations, will be holding a Teacher Leadership Summit September 24-25 in Long Beach, California.  To attend, teachers must submit actionable teacher leadership ideas by July 25.

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

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-Given the lead, students succeed! The Transformative Power of Student-led Conferences, Craig Gaska, October 5, 2016, Roosevelt University Schaumburg IL Campus OR April 5, 2017 Our Lady of the Snows Belleville, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Given the lead, students succeed! Student-led conferencing is a proven strategy to motivate students to higher levels of learning. It incorporates goal setting and metacognitive processes that allow students to take charge of their learning. Student-led conferencing increases parent attendance and involvement, creating a learning team that is synergistically powerful. Student-led conferencing is the culmination of effective and motivating classroom practices. Expected Outcomes: Attendees will learn classroom practices and strategies that support the implementation of student-led conferencing that positively affect classrooms forever. This session will also address goal setting and assessments, which are critical for successful student-led conferences. Please bring materials from a unit you currently teach.  Registration includes: 6 PD Hours, breakfast, lunch, handouts & parking. Register here.

NEW-Fall Kindergarten Conference, Kim Adsit, October 12, 2016, ISU Alumni Center, Normal, IL, 8:30 am - 3:45 pm
Kim Adsit, 2002 Teacher of the Year, has taught kindergarten for over 30 years.  Come get new ideas in each of four topic areas presented for 1 1/2hrs each:  Creating Confident Writers; Phonemic Fun; Wacky Wonderful World of Words Mini Lessons; Creative Comprehension...What does it mean?
Registration includes breakfast, lunch, handouts, free parking, and 6 professional development hours.  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 FiveLevers 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.

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 here.
 
Science is a Verb, Not a Noun! With Craig Gaska, October 20, 2016, ISU Alumni Center, Normal OR November 3, 2016, SIU Student Center, Carbondale OR April 27, 2017, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Science is a verb, not a noun! Science is something that students do. The goal of this workshop is to help you use the Next Generation Science Standards to invigorate science in the classroom. You will learn how to bring the standards to life by using strategies that integrate the NGSS into your current curriculum, not an "add-on." Dr. Gaska will show you how to apply the standards, using a practical unit and lesson planning model that will help you create lessons that will turn your students on to science. Participants need to bring examples of current science units to this hands-on workshop to make the most of the day. Continental breakfast, lunch, free parking, 6 professional development hours. Register here.

Conference on Learning and EXPO, October 26 - 27, 2016, Roosevelt University, Schaumburg, IL Two big days! Top speakers!  
Featured Presenters:
  • Opening speaker Mike Schmoker - author of Focus and Leading with Focus
  • Ray Lauk - author of FUEL for Learning
  • Aaron Brengard -Principal of Katherine Smith Elementary School, San Jose California
  • Steve Zipkes - Founding Principal of New Manor Tech - A STEM High School
  • Scott Estes - Assistant Superintendent East Peoria SD 86
  • Closing speaker Jonathan Fanning - "Creative Leadership"
The conference will include:
  • Presenters from the Midwest Principals Center,
  • Presenters from Illinois Consortium for 21st Century Schools,
  • Presenters from IL ASCD CLDN (Curriculum Leadership Development Network),
  • Presenters on the ASCD topic of Educating the Whole Child
Our strands for the 2016 Conference on Learning and EXPO include:
  • Whole Child
  • 21st Century Learning
  • Principal Leadership
  • Curriculum Leadership Development Network
  • Classroom Leadership
  • Learning Leadership

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 a24dministrators 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.
 
2016 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership
Take your leadership skills to the next level from November 4-6 at the 2016 ASCD Conference on Educational Leadership in National Harbor, Maryland near Washington, D.C. This conference provides the perfect setting to start pursuing new goals and to develop a solid plan for improving student achievement. You'll connect with today's most influential education leaders and join colleagues who share your commitment to transforming education, including principals, central office staff, superintendents, teacher leaders, building-level specialists, professors and deans. Learn more.

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.

NEW-ASCD 2016 Global Institute: Ensuring Educational Equity for Each Child, Dec 12-14, 2016, Hawaii
The 2016 ASCD Global Institute: Ensuring Educational Equity for Each Child is a two-part, three-day event on Hawaii's Big Island, December 12-14, 2016.
On Day 1, you'll hear from global leaders, engage in dialogue with peers and experts, and plan for the future. On Days 2 and 3, you'll learn strategies to pursue equity and close instructional and achievement gaps in your school or district.
 
Creating Student-Led Learning Environments with Rubrics and John Hattie's 3 Questions:  Where am I going? How is it Going? What are My Next Steps?, Steve Oertle, December 13, 2016, ISU Alumni Center, Normal, OR February 1, 2017, Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Using standards to drive a student-led classroom may seem like an oxymoron.  However, there are many research-based instructional practices that fit a standards-driven curriculum or program and are well-suited for all learners in becoming independent.  When teachers help students understand and apply the qualities of good learners, students begin to take responsibility for their learning, increasing their drive, motivation and achievement.  This fully interactive workshop will use John Hattie's research on effective influences on achievement as the anchor for modeling fun, yet rigorous, strategies that are student-led and driven by appropriate grade level standards.  Connections to both the Danielson Framework and SLOs will be made throughout the workshop.  Breakfast, lunch, parking, and 6 professional development hours are included.  CPS provider #24595.  Register here.

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.

NEW-The Danielson Group, The Framework for Teaching:  Elevating Professional Learning, October 6, 7, & 8, Northern Illinois University (NIU), Naperville Campus, 8 am - 4:15 pm
Over 1 million educators in the United States use the Framework for Teaching AND MANY of those educators are in Illinois.  Come find out how to maximize the use of the Framework for Teaching in high-leverage teaching, coaching, leading, and teacher evaluation.  Educators professional learning will be elevated by engaging in sessions like ...
  • Digging into The Framework Clusters: Big Ideas of Effective Practice for Powerful Professional Learning
  • Refining and Enhancing Observation Skills to Support Teacher Growth
  • Peer Coaching using the Framework Clusters
  • Learning-focused Conversations
  • Collaborative Peer Observation
  • Student Engagement: The Heart of the Framework
  • Co-Teaching using the Framework
  • Special Education - Determining Levels of Performance
  • Classroom Assessment for Instruction and MANY MORE!!!
This Danielson Group Conference is being hosted in one of Illinois' playgrounds...Naperville, IL where there will not only be great professional learning during the day at beautiful Northern Illinois University - Naperville campus but wonderful things to go-n-do in downtown Naperville and beyond.  See you there!!!  

This wide-ranging, three-day conference offers sessions to support and enhance the professional growth of all participants in the teaching and learning process. This year's conferences include a combination of both full-day workshops and 90-minute topical sessions. Attend keynote and panel discussions with Charlotte Danielson and hear her latest thinking on how to move from mere ratings and rankings to a more educative culture that supports collaborative learning conversations and enhances the role of teacher leaders. Attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to submit questions that Charlotte will address as time permits. All participants are welcome to attend any combination of full-day workshops and 90-minute sessions that are of interest, space permitting.
Conference Session and Workshop Descriptions-Download a description of conference sessions and workshops with additional travel and hotel information Register Now:  www.danielsongroup.org/connect/conferences

Joint NASSP and NAESP Conference, July 9 - 11, 2017, Philadelphia, PA
Next July 9-11 in Philadelphia, NASSP and NAESP will hold the National Principals Conference: the first-ever joint conference for Pre-K through grade 12 school leaders, which will give you an unprecedented opportunity to engage in authentic conversations with a large pool of your peers. You can learn more about the conference on the website and contact us info@principalsconference.org or 800-253-7746 with any questions. 
From the Field
Closing schools because of poor performance may offer meaningful benefits to students, according to an analysis of 29 New York City high schools designated for closure between 2003 and 2009. Data show rising ninth-graders slated to enroll in such schools were more likely to enroll in higher-performing programs, potentially increasing their odds of graduating, researcher James Kemple writes. Education Next

Advice for Zuckerberg, Chan on Education-philanthropy Efforts
Don't let government priorities dictate your education efforts, Chester Finn Jr. of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute writes in this open letter to Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan. Finn encourages the duo to press for real change by using their assets and independence to create programs outside the traditional public-education structure.Education Next

Educators in school districts such as in Arizona, Pennsylvania and South Carolina are experimenting with robotics. For example, some educators in a South Carolina district share robots for two to three weeks each semester and create their own curriculum using the tools. T.H.E. Journal


Is Virtual Reality the Future of Education?
Developers in China are working on adaptive, computer-based teaching that some say could be the future of education. Such virtual-reality classrooms, which have gained more acceptance in Asia, would use technology to determine whether a student is drifting off or uninterested and could even change the instructor's gender to match cultural preferences. Bloomberg

Using virtual schools as full replacements for face-to-face learning may impede student performance, according to a study by New York University professor June Ahn. The study considered an Ohio virtual-school program, where students who enroll in the system must then take all their classes online. The Hechinger Report
  
STIThe use of technology in classrooms appears to range from none, or minimal, to frequent. STI focuses on teaching strategies that give diverse students multiple options for taking in and processing information, making sense of ideas, and expressing learning. Technology tools can support good instruction and personalized learning environments in which students can interact with soîtware and applications, conduct research, create products, and communicate with others. STI staff work closely with school personnel to produce professional development that integrates the use of existing technologies, connects curriculum and incorporates: Innovation, Curriculum Development Response to Intervention Strategies, Interim Assessments, and Modeling. 
Curriculum / Common Core 
States Embrace a Cursive Revival    The Washington Post

Schools see Benefits, Challenges in Edtech
Technology increasingly is commonplace in classrooms, with some research showing about 46% of school districts boosting spending on computer hardware last year. In one Florida district, leaders have transitioned 224 middle-school classrooms to what they call "classrooms of tomorrow."  USA Today

Augmented reality can help boost student motivation and learning, educators David Loveland and Jim Wasserman write in this commentary. They compare augmented and virtual reality and share three tips for introducing AR in the classroom.  eSchool News

Could Pokemon GO impact #FutureEd?
We're just one Pokéstop away from the future of learning. With more than 75 million downloads, Pokémon GO has changed the way we think about and use gaming apps - and it's potentially altered the trajectory toward the future of learning. We turned to Jason Swanson for some further insight on the gaming platform and his thoughts on how it could impact the education sector.

Guide Offers Ideas for Bundling Science Standards
Taking a "bundling" approach when teaching the Next Generation Science Standards may help leaders connect concepts and educators optimize class time. A resource guide recently published by the organization behind the standards offers ideas for bundling the standards. T.H.E. Journal
 
Making math satisfying, interesting and fulfilling can help reduce math anxiety, says Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, an associate professor of education, psychology and neuroscience. Immordino-Yang and others share ideas to help accomplish this goal. KQED.org

A data breach at the for-profit College Board -- which develops the SAT test -- may have exposed answers to the standardized exam. Hackers have leaked small portions of the test to journalists, and College Board spokeswoman Sandra Riley called the breach a "serious criminal matter."

The Common Core State Standards have changed expectations and practices for teaching reading and writing. Some educators and experts are debating how best to teach -- and test student understanding -- wondering, in some cases, if the bar has been raised too high.

Civil Rights Groups Join PARCC to Discuss Score Release Support
PARCC convened a roundtable discussion with New Mexico Education Secretary Hanna Skandera and over 20 civil rights groups, public information officers from PARCC member states, and national education partners, to discuss ways to collectively support parents and families around the upcoming 2015-16 student score release. Meeting attendees, who joined both in person and via conference call, also discussed the promises and challenges of assessment flexibility under the new Every Student Succeeds Act, including comparability and ensuring that all students have access to high-quality, aligned assessments.


The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation plans to stay the course in its support for the Common Core State Standards and efforts to improve teacher quality, Melinda Gates said. Gates noted the foundation's goal is to be a neutral party focused on what is and what is not working in education. The Washington Post

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
NEW-2016-2017 Moon Scholarship Program
Are you a superintendent or an aspiring superintendent? Are you pursuing graduate study to become the best superintendent you can be? Do you know there are scholarships available through Illinois Association of School Administrators to help offset the costs of your coursework? Practicing school administrators in Illinois qualify if they are college graduates pursuing an advanced degree in educational administration at an accredited college or university. Several scholarships ($2,500 minimum each) are awarded each year and are paid directly to the college or university to cover tuition, fees and/or textbook expenses.

To obtain more information on the application and awards process, click here or contact Cherry Middleton, IASA Executive Secretary/Office Manager, at 217-753-2213 or email at cmiddleton@iasaedu.org. This year's application deadline is Monday, January 2, 2017.

Concordia University Chicago (River Forest, IL) is seeking to hire UNIVERSITY SUPERVISORS who will supervise student teachers during their internship semester in all locations in Illinois. Must have master's degree and 5 years of teaching experience.  Supervisors will mentor and evaluate student teachers in their internship semester. Stipend is $525 per student supervision. Please send your resume, references, and cover letter to: Joy Mullaney, Assistant Professor College of Education, Concordia University Chicago at Joy.Mullaney@cuchicago.edu. 

NEW-Vacancy Oak Park River Forest High School District 200 Superintendent
The Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 Board of Education announces the opening of a search for a new Superintendent who will assume responsibility on July 1, 2017.  Additional information about Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 may be found at www.oprfhs.org, or contact one of the BWP consultants listed below.  Interested candidates need to complete the online application process at www.bwpassociates.com.  Application deadline is October 15, 2016.
An application requires:
  • A completed online Applicant Data Form
  • A letter of application indicating reasons for interest in the position
  • A current resume
  • A brief description of major professional accomplishments
  • College/university transcripts
  • Three to five letters of recommendation
  • Eligible to serve as a Superintendent in Illinois
           (Illinois grants reciprocity)
Application materials will be treated confidentially. Applicants are directed not to contact members of the Board of Education. Each candidate will be informed of the Board's selection and appointment of the new Superintendent. The final selection and appointment is the sole responsibility of the Board of Education.
BWP & Associates, Ltd.
872 South Milwaukee Avenue, #221
Libertyville, IL 60048
For additional information, please contact one of the BWP search consultants:
Dr. Philip Ehrhardt                                630-514-7003
Dr. Anne Noland                                   630-624-3336
Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams                  708-935-0471
Dr. Ronald Barnes                                 812-322-7734

Vacancy Fox Lake Grade SD 114 Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by Sept 7, 2016.  Please apply at  https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp.  For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Vacancy Mahomet-Seymour CUSD 3  Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by noon on Sept 12, 2016.  Please apply at https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp. For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Vacancy Richmond-Burton CHSD 157 and Nippersink District 2  Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy. Applications are only accepted online by noon of Sept 20, 2016.  Please apply at https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp. For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Vacancy - Pana CUSD 8 Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by noon on Sept 26, 2016.  Please apply at https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp/.  For further information, please visit the IASB website.
 
Vacancy Hoopeston Area CUSD 11 Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by noon on Sept 27, 2016.  Please apply at https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp.For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Vacancy Genoa KingstonCUSD 424 Superintendent Position
Click here to download or view the Announcement of Vacancy.  Applications are only accepted online by noon on Oct 4, 2016.  Please apply https://www.applitrack.com/IASB/onlineapp . For further information, please visit the IASB website.

Free Tutoring
Mark Smith mark.smith@tutorhunt.com a completely free service for both tutors and students to locate each other.  The website is at www.tutorhunt.com/.

The Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA) is pleased to announce the newly redesigned Illinois Education Job Banks at https://www.illinoiseducationjobbank.org.
 
Job Banks At Illinois State Board of Education
The Illinois State Board of Education has two links to job bank sites, click here.    
 
ASCD Job Ramp: A Careers Site for Educators
Developed through a partnership between CareerBuilder and ASCD, the free ASCD Job Ramp website was developed to simplify the job hunt for educators of all professional levels. Access the jobs site day or night, weekend or weekday, to browse U.S. openings in education. And don't forget to take advantage of custom search options and personalized alerts. Browse openings in your area 
 
Collaborative Learning
  
  
 Grants / Awards
NEW - Illinois School Library Media Association/Library Book Selection Service Read for Information Grant
The application period for the Read for Information Grant funded by the ISLMA/LBSS Endowment Fund is now open.  At least 20 $1500 nonfiction grants will be awarded to school librarians doing a collaborative project with one or more staff members.  Details about the grant and eligibility requirements are available at the Endowment Fund website www.lbssfund.org.  The application deadline is September 15, 2016.

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

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
The brain goes through four distinct stages when solving math problems, according to a study published in Psychological Science. The findings may be useful when designing math instruction, said lead researcher John Anderson, a professor of psychology and computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. The New York Times  
Gestures and physical movement can enrich math understanding, according to an analysis of more than 200 studies about math teaching and learning conducted by the US Department of Education's Institute for Education Sciences. The analysis offers 28 ways federally funded research has changed math instruction. Education Week
Number Of Children Diagnosed With ADHD On The Rise
The Fresno (CA) Bee reports according to the Centers for Disease Control, about "11 percent of American kids have" Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), "one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in children." Professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Dr. Jeffrey Brosco attributes some cases of ADHD to increased school work, saying, "We've increased the academic demands, but we've also reduced our demands for allowing children to figure out how to spend their time." According to the Bee, ADHD researcher at Florida International University Dr. William Pelham said increased diagnoses of ADHD are caused by "recognition by the federal government in 1991 that children with ADHD are entitled to special education services in school," and "the development and marketing of new pharmaceutical drugs in the 2000s."

Accountability Under ESSA: How States Can Design Systems That Advance Equity and Opportunity
This report presents some guiding principles to help state chiefs build an accountability system that reflects voices from across their communities, advances educational equity, and makes a difference for as many students as possible.  Read the report

The Illinois Report Card is a great source for information about public schools across Illinois. This online school report card goes beyond test scores to present a complete view of schools and school districts. Visit their website here.

Top-performing schools invest in early education, teacher quality, and career and technical education, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The study considers lessons from Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, Ontario, Poland, Shanghai, Singapore and Taiwan. National Public Radio 
Publications
The Quest to Gamify Your Classroom and Engage Your Students
If you want to see your students engaged, motivated and excited about learning, join Jonathan Cassie on a journey that will add a powerful new set of ideas and practices to your teaching toolkit. In the new book, "Level Up Your Classroom," you'll learn about the gamified classroom, an exciting new frontier of 21st century learning that awaits you and your students. Find out how this instructional approach is revolutionizing K-12 education. Read a free sample.

The new book, "Cultivating Curiosity in K-12 Classrooms: How to Promote and Sustain Deep Learning," describes how teachers can create a structured, student-centered environment that allows for openness and surprise, where inquiry guides authentic learning. Award-winning educator Wendy L. Ostroff shows how to foster student curiosity through exploration, novelty and play; questioning and critical thinking; and experimenting and problem solving.

The Power of the Adolescent Brain
Moody. Reckless. Impractical. Insecure. Distracted. These are all words commonly used to describe adolescents. But what if we recast these traits in a positive light? Teens possess insight, passion, idealism, sensitivity and creativity in abundance -- all qualities that can make a significant positive contribution to society. In this thought-provoking book, Thomas Armstrong looks at the power of the teenage brain from an empathetic, strength-based perspective, and describes what educators can do to make the most of their students' potential.

Packed with ideas for both new and veteran teachers of K-8 students, this book touches on a variety of topics that are especially relevant to the first week of school. Author Otis Kriegel provides critical information that includes arranging and navigating the classroom, setting basic expectations, communicating routines and understanding your students' needs. Plus, you'll see how these efforts actually work in the classroom as Kriegel shares experiences, anecdotes, and quick tips.

If you want to see your students engaged, motivated and excited about learning, join Jonathan Cassie on a journey that will add a powerful new set of ideas and practices to your teaching toolkit. In the new book, "Level Up Your Classroom: The Quest to Gamify Your Lessons and Engage Your Students," you'll learn about the gamified classroom, an exciting new frontier of 21st century learning that is revolutionizing K-12 education.

This new book from Bonnie Houck and Sandi Novak will teach you how to foster excellent reading instruction through classroom visits. You'll learn why ensuring high-quality reading instruction is one of the most important jobs of a school leader and get introduced to the meticulously researched and refined Literacy Classroom Visit (LCV) Model that enables you to evaluate and improve literacy instruction in your school or district. 
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.


School Leader Describes Living, Teaching in Olympic Host City
The American School of Rio de Janeiro -- where the 2016 Olympic Games are being held in Brazil -- is part of the Olympic Values Education Programme, which engages students in values-based learning. In this blog post, Andrew Sherman, head of school, describes how hosting the games has affected him and his students. PBS

App Teaches Students About Presidential Election Process
Voters Ed walks students through the presidential election process, from the electoral college, to the primaries and polls, to candidates' stance on issues and more. Teachers can purchase a one-year subscription or lesson plan sets.

SmartBrief Education Originals connects education professionals with industry news, insights, resources and trends. Visit daily for contributed blog posts written by educators, for educators, and don't miss our Tuesday Tech Tips feature, bringing you education-technology practices you can use in your classroom today.Learn more.SmartBrief/Education

A new school year offers an opportunity to "lead like new," writes Fred Ende, assistant director of curriculum and instructional services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. In this blog post, he shares three guiding practices for school leaders.

Schools should consider expanding their digital citizenship lessons this school year, write Julie Cremin, a digital-learning specialist, and Kerry Gallagher, a technology-integration specialist. In this blog post, they share a four-step process for getting started.  EdSurge

Representations of ideal appearances highlighted on television, in movies and on social media can contribute to negative body images among teens, Dr. Perri Klass writes in this blog post. Klass highlights recent research on the topic and takeaways for parents and caregivers.

Socratic seminars can help students develop critical-thinking skills, sixth-grade teacher Mary Howard writes in this blog post. She offers a step-by-step guide to introducing the Socratic style of discourse in the classroom. eSchool News

RESOURCES:

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.

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