October 26, 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
October is National Principals Month
October is Hispanic Heritage Month
VOTE by Nov 8
Veterans Day Nov 11 
Illinois residents can check their voter registration here. Make sure your registration is up-to-date at your current address, or make any changes necessary before Election Day deadlines.
Important Dates
  • General Election - November 8
Schools are encouraged to invite U.S. military veterans into their classrooms around Veterans Day (November 11).  Veterans can share their experiences and teach students lessons about the history and significance of the federal holiday, helping students reflect upon the importance of the ideals of liberty, freedom, and democracy.

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 

"Taking on a student teacher is hard work. The meager stipend won't come close to compensating for the extra hours involved. However, if teaching is a true profession, it's our obligation to invest that time in the next generation of teachers." In this Inservice post, ASCD author Howard Pitler shares 10 tips for mentoring student teachers to help them become just the kind of teachers we would want for our children.

It is all about relationships when it comes to education. This is probably something that you have heard a million times, but have you really stopped to think about the true effect relationships have on your students? In this Inservice post, ASCD Emerging Leader Rachael George shares tips to help you start building a solid foundation when it comes to relationships with your students.

There are challenges and pitfalls to implementing project-based learning (PBL), 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.

ASCD EMPOWER 2017 Annual Conference, Mar 25 - 27, 2017, Anaheim, CA
Super Early-Bird Savings END Oct 31!!
Empower your learning!  Personalize your experience with expanded learning sessions, student and practitioner panels, great debates, and successful schools showcases.  Empower your vision!  Explore new learning paths, share your expertise, and participate in a new approach to professional learning.  Empower your students!  Gain new perspectives on and preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.  Empower your focus!  Explore learning paths supporting:  The Whole Child, Transformational Leadership, Poverty and Equity, Teaching and learning, Redefining Student Success, and Global Engagement!  See you in Anaheim!  Register now at
www.ascd.org/empower  1, 2, & 3-day Preconferences available, too!

Do you want to have a say in ASCD's future? The Nominations Committee is seeking qualified candidates to run for two open positions on the ASCD Board of Directors in 2017. The application process is open now through Nov. 15. Visit the ASCD Governance web page to view application instructions and for information on qualifications for office and the time commitment involved (Board members serve four-year terms).

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

ISBE NEWS

The Illinois State Board of Education has conducted its first public hearing to take testimony on the FY 2018 state budget for PK-12 education at the ISBE headquarters in Springfield on Oct 20. Only three budget hearings have been scheduled. The second one will be November 18 at 1 p.m., or immediately following the Board's meeting in Conference Room 16-503 in the Thompson Center in Chicago. The third will be November 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Atrium of Granite City High School.
 
Budget hearings are a part of the State Board's annual process of developing detailed recommendations for the governor and the General Assembly to enact education program appropriations for the fiscal year beginning the following July 1. The Board will vote on its proposal at a meeting in December.
 
ISBE has made it possible for you to submit testimony even if you cannot attend any of the scheduled hearings. A form is available at this link for you to download, fill out and then take it with you to a hearing or send it as an attachment to an email message that you should address to ISBEFY18@isbe.net.

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

Click this link for a pdf listing of all House and Senate PK-12 committees. 

Bill Text/Status: Illinois General Assembly www.ilga.gov. Click on Dashboard.
 
Federal Education News
 
Obama Creates New Commission On Native Children
The Washington Post reports President Obama signed legislation to establish "a new Commission on Native Children to study the problems" faced by Native American children "and come up with recommendations to address them." In a statement, Obama said he hopes the new effort "will help ensure all our young people can reach their full potential." Obama added, "During my own visits to Indian Country, I have been inspired by the talent and enthusiasm of young people who want nothing more than to make a positive difference in their communities." 

The National Education Association is advocating that states make bold changes under the Every Student Succeeds Act, instead of just making a few changes to existing accountability plans. The NEA highlighted examples in California and in Colorado as gold standards.  Education Week

The Every Student Succeeds Act will change how schools work with English-language learners in several key ways. It is expected to change how ELL students are classified and assessed, and improve services related to English-language proficiency under Title I framework. Education Dive

The US Department of Education released guidance on Thursday intended to help states and school districts use federal funds to support early learning under the Every Student Succeeds Act. Suggestions include training for teachers and administrators, especially for early-learning teachers who want to integrate technology into their lessons. Education Week

The American Academy of Pediatrics has released updated recommendations in the journal Pediatrics calling for no screen time for children younger than 24 months, except for video chats with family; a one-hour limit for children ages 2 to 5; and consistent screen-time restrictions for those ages 6 and older. The AAP also launched an online tool that allows parents to create their family's own media-use policy. USA Today

States will be held accountable for outcomes of graduates from teacher-preparation programs under new regulations released this week by the US Department of Education. The rules include several changes, some of which are drawing criticism. The Washington Post

The Federal Communications Commission in 2014 announced plans to modernize the federal E-Rate program, resulting, in some cases, in diminished support for older telecommunications technologies such as the telephone. The shift has resulted in funding shortfalls for "legacy" technology services in some school districts, according to an analysis by consulting firm Funds for Learning.

King Recommends Improved Civics Education
Schools and colleges should teach more civics education, Education Secretary John King Jr. said in a speech at the National Press Club. He said that students can learn to become active citizens and help solve problems such as inequity by deepening their knowledge of how the US government works.

Secretary King released "”Graduate! 2.0: A College Planning Guide to Success," supplying Hispanic students and families with information and resources to navigate the process of going to college.  The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics also issued fact sheets on college  access and completion.

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
The Curriculum Leadership Development Network, a cohort of new curriculum directors or those responsible for curriculum, including 2 days at Conference on Learning & EXPO
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
 Mar 20 - "It's About the Learning! Observing and Evaluating the NGSS" Craig Gaska; "C3 Social Studies Standards" Donna McCaw
Apr 24 - "Vision, Values & Goals:  Leading Change in a Professional Learning Community" AA #940, doug Lillydahl; "PLC's & Formative Design" Jason Ness & Antwan Babakhani
 
Science is a Verb, Not a Noun! With Craig Gaska, November 3, 2016, SIU Student Center, Carbondale OR Feb. 22, 2017, Crystal Lake Country Club,Crystal Lake, IL 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.

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.

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.

What Great Educators Do Differently with Todd Whitaker, January 19, 2017, Holiday Inn, Crystal Lake, IL, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
What are the specific qualities and practices of great educators that elevate them? This session reveals what the most effective teachers and administrators do differently than their colleagues. Whether it's your first year in the classroom or you're an experienced educator, you'll gain valuable insights on improving instruction, planning, student motivation, discipline, classroom management, and much more!  Includes: Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Free Parking, and 6 Professional Development Hours. Register here.

Save the Date - Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy (LILA), Jan 22 - 24, 2017, Washington, DC
Learn to expand your influence beyond the walls of your school by boosting your policy knowledge and advocacy skills at our Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy (LILA), ASCD's premier legislative conference. LILA will equip you with the training and confidence you need to make your voice heard by decision makers in your school, state, or on Capitol Hill.  Watch for registration coming soon!
 
Conscious Classroom Management: Bringing Out the Best in Teachers and Students with Grace Dearborn, Feb 7, ISU Alumni Center, Normal OR Feb 8, Roosevelt University Alumni Hall Schaumburg, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m
In this fast-paced, interactive workshop by international presenter and veteran teacher Grace Dearborn, you'll get dozens of practical, eye-opening strategies you can use for managing students effectively, focusing on both prevention and intervention. Discover key ways that teachers can reduce arguing, off-task time, and misbehavior and increase structure, consistency and calm. Leave with the tools you need to create the learning environment you've always wanted. Conscious Classroom Management focuses on what we do, how we do it, and who we are as we work towards supporting all our students, especially our toughest. While all teachers will walk away from the training with dozens of take-away strategies they can use right away to create a more safe and structured learning environment, the training isn't just about strategies. It's also about how we implement them in a way that addresses the social and emotional needs of struggling students.  Workshop includes:  5.5 PD hours, breakfast, lunch and parking.  Register here.
 
Writing is the New Black & The Writing Thief: Using Mentor Texts to Teach the Craft of Writing featuring Ruth Culham, March 14, 2017, ISU Alumni Center, Normal, IL, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Morning: Writing is the New Black. Key ideas on the state of writing in the Common Core era and how to work with standards to create a high-quality and successful approach to writing using the 4Ws: writing process, writing traits, writing modes, and writing workshop. Afternoon: The Writing Thief: Using Mentor Text to Teach the Craft of Writing. Hear Ruth share the traits, the modes, and how to use fiction and nonfiction mentor texts to learn from the pros - how writing works. New picture books, chapter books, young adult books, and everyday texts are shared. Common Core aligned. Based on the May 2014 book from IRA by Ruth Culham by the same title.  Workshop includes:  6 PD hours, breakfast, lunch and parking.  Register here.

ASCD EMPOWER 2017 Annual Conference, Mar 25 - 27, 2017, Anaheim, CA
Super Early-Bird Savings END Oct 31!!
Empower your learning!  Personalize your experience with expanded learning sessions, student and practitioner panels, great debates, and successful schools showcases.  Empower your vision!  Explore new learning paths, share your expertise, and participate in a new approach to professional learning.  Empower your students!  Gain new perspectives on and preparing students for the workforce of tomorrow.  Empower your focus!  Explore learning paths supporting:  The Whole Child, Transformational Leadership, Poverty and Equity, Teaching and learning, Redefining Student Success, and Global Engagement!  See you in Anaheim!  Register now at www.ascd.org/empower  1, 2, & 3-day Preconferences available, too!

Given the Lead, Students Succeed! The Transformative Power of Student-led Conferences, Craig Gaska, 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.

Spotlight on Dyslexia: Online Conference For Educators And Parents, December 2, 2016 
Looking for ways to educate staff on how to support students with learning disabilities? Learning Ally is hosting the 3rd annual Spotlight on Dyslexia online conference on December 2nd. Twenty experts will provide you with key insights and practical strategies to support these students. Check out our list of speakers, scroll through the agenda, and learn how you can use this event as PD! The presentations will also be available on demand.

Powerful Professional Learning for Teachers
Visible Learning for Literacy with Doug Fisher. Explore the practices that work best to accelerate student learning. This webinar series will cover John Hattie, Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey's research as to the most effective and impactful strategies for literacy learning and teaching. Webinar Topics:
  • Surface and deep learning
  • How to use the right approach at the right time
  • Activities and routines - most effective at specific phases of learning
  • The mind frames for teachers.
3-Part Live Webinar on September 20, 2016, October 26, 2016 and January 11, 2017 4:45 to 6:45 pm Pacific Time / 6:45 to 9:45 pm Eastern Time The session is presented live - so you can ask questions, interact and apply what you learn tomorrow! Can't make the date? Learn at your convenience! Your registration includes unlimited access to ONDEMAND sessions for your entire staff. Registration fee:  $300.  Site registration means 1 location for viewing.  For more information or assistance, please contact: Tom Unwin tomunwin7@gmail.com or 1-604-250-5960. In partnership  with Alaska Staff Development Network.  
WF16 Visible Learning for Literacy with Doug Fisher
Fall '16 Webinar Series
Dates: September 20, October 26 and January 11
Time: 3:45 - 5:45 pm Alaska Standard Time
Phone: 907-364-3809
Email: asdn@alaskaacsa.org

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
Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers, offers three
tips to help schools address threats. One suggestion is to not dismiss any threats.

The high-school graduation rate in the US has reached a record high of 83.2% -- an increase of
about 4 percentage points since the 2010-11 school year -- according to data released by the White House. The graduation rate has steadily increased among minority groups, students from low-income families, students with disabilities and others since states adopted the same method of calculating the
rate.  The Washington Post

Some school districts, including one in St. Louis and one in Milwaukee are considering plans to
transform vacant school buildings into affordable housing for teachers. Officials in St. Louis hope
such plans turn the buildings into assets and help recruit and retain quality teachers.  Education
Week Teacher

An Illinois school district is raising pay for substitute teachers to stem a growing shortage as regular teachers retire or potential substitutes find other work, officials say. Other challenges include state
laws that make it more difficult for retired teachers to substitute if their credentials have expired.
News-Tribune

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 soītware 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 
ILASCD is not endorsing any of the following websites or products.  They are offered as examples of websites that have prepared lessons on a variety of topics and are basically free.

The learning brain craves movement. When teachers keep students active, we keep their energy levels up and provide their brains with the oxygen-rich blood needed for highest performance. Teachers in any subject can add movement to learning at any time, not just on special occasions. Try these easy-to-use strategies to get pulses pumping, and optimize student performance in your classroom.

Insight Into the SAT Exam, Its History
Robert Rorison, a retired history teacher and department head at a Pennsylvania high school, has been a proctor for the SAT exam for the past 53 years. In this interview, he shares how the exam has changed over the years, how he prevents cheating and how students reacted to the addition of an essay question. The Atlantic online

What Does Research Say About Cursive Writing?
The Common Core State Standards do not include requirements for cursive writing, a decision driven, in part, by the increased use of technology for communication, says Sue Pimentel, one of the lead writers of the English-language arts standards. Experts in this blog post consider some of the research behind the debate about teaching cursive writing in schools. Education Week 
 
Cooperative games call on players to team up to defeat the game itself -- in this case, math teacher Mr. Glass. In this example, students design 30 math problems to stump their teacher, while Glass creates 10 to stymie his students. In a timed competition, students work together using speed, accuracy and content knowledge to beat the game by correctly finishing their problems first.

How Math Teachers Can Foster Deeper Learning
Learning new information is dependent on accessing prior knowledge, but students sometimes struggle to access the latter, math teacher Nicole Smith writes in this commentary. She reflects on this challenge and offers some strategies to overcome it. Education Week Teacher  

In 2013, 12 states allowed computer science to fulfill a math or science high-school graduation requirement. That number since has risen to 28 states and the District of Columbia, but efforts to pass policies in other states to have computer science count as a foreign language have been met with some resistance.  U.S. News & World Report 

Ideas for Teaching Close Reading on Devices
Teaching students to use close-reading strategies for digital texts has become necessary as more online versions of textbooks, educational materials and state assessments are being used, said Devin Hess of the University of California at Berkeley History-Social Science Project. Strategies include using Google Docs to outline and highlight texts that support students' writing and discussions. KQED.org 
 
ASCD Spotlight on Project-Based STEM Education
This generation of K-12 STEM students is the first to be born in the midst of the information age-and they expect their teachers to be connected and education to be relevant. Learn how you can teach your students crucial concepts and make them better citizens through project-based learning (PBL).

  1. It strengthens interactivity: PBL teaches students teamwork, leadership and collaborative thinking. 
  2. It engages both sides of the mind: The opportunity to "flex" the right and left sides of the brain during PBL helps students refine critical thinking skills.
  3. It encourages personalization: PBL allows students to take pride of ownership and put their best effort forward.
  4. It requires real-world application: PBL contextualizes the issues in your community and makes problems relatable.
Learn more here.

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
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.
  
Vacancy Superintendent, Lee's Summit School R-7 District, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Description: The Lee's Summit School R-7 District Board of Education announces the commencement of a search for a new Superintendent of Schools who will assume responsibilities on or before July 1, 2017.  This is an exceptional professional opportunity for a qualified and experienced administrator to provide leadership to a large K-12 school district that is recognized as one of the top educational systems in the state and nation. Lee's Summit R-7 is a large and growing school district with a student population of 17,750. The District encompasses 117 square miles in the southeastern portion of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Within its boundaries sit four different communities, Lee's Summit, Greenwood, Lake Lotawana and Lake Winnebago, as well as unincorporated areas and a small portion of the Blue Springs and Kansas City municipalities. The schools are supported by a committed faculty and by a dedicated Board of Education.  Additional information about the school district may be found at www.lsr7.org.
A regionally competitive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate.  Application deadline is November 11, 2016.
Application Procedure:  Please go to www.bwpassociates.com to view a detailed vacancy notice, complete the online application process, and submit required materials. For additional information,
contact BWP search consultants:  Dr. Anne Noland, 630-624-3336; Dr. Mark Friedman, 847-975-8393
or Dr. Bert Kimble, 573-301-4940.

Vacancy Co-Principal, Johnson Elementary School, Pre-K-5, Bensenville Elementary School District 2, Bensenville, Illinois
Description:  Bensenville Elementary School District 2, located in northeastern DuPage County and bordering O'Hare airport seeks a Co-Principal for the Johnson Elementary School beginning on July 1, 2017. Bensenville District 2 serves a diverse student population of approximately 2,200 students. Johnson Elementary has a student enrollment of close to 650 in its K-5 program. Johnson is a beautiful new facility located in the western part of the community. A special attribute of Johnson Elementary is the Co-Principal model, a mainstay in both of the District 2 elementary schools. This unique and highly successful administrative setup allows for equal assignment of responsibilities to both Co-Principals.
District 2 is a financially stable, diverse and innovative school system. The district has been recognized by the State of Illinois and U.S. Department of Education for growth in student achievement (National Blue Ribbon Award 2011). It has also been a leader in teacher training, performance evaluation and was recently recognized by the State Board of Education as being the highest performing school district in Illinois in the federal Race to the Top Program (2015). District 2 was an early implementer of the Common Core back in 2010 and successfully completed the work required under the Performance Evaluation Review Act (PERA) to have student outcomes in teacher evaluation in 2012. This exciting and unique opportunity will afford a career minded and dedicated professional a chance to work with a collegial and progressive administrative team. The opportunity to share the principal position on a full time basis is a rare chance to collaborate with a colleague on a day-to-day professional basis. This really is a chance for a special type of leader to excel in his/her career.
The ideal candidate will have a strong record of accomplishment as an instructional leader, excellent communication skills, a collaborative philosophy, and the ability to involve all stakeholders in the continuing process of positive growth and change. A proven growth mindset will be essential for success in this position. The ability to communicate in Spanish, while not a requirement, would be a strong asset to any candidate interested. Additional information about Johnson School and District 2 can be found on the district website www.bsd2.org.  A competitive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate.
Application Procedure:  Interested candidates need to complete the online application process at www.bwpassociates.com by November 15, 2016. An application requires a completed online Applicant Data Form; a letter of application indicating qualifications and reasons for interest in the position; a current resume; College/University transcripts; three to five letters of recommendation; and evidence of eligibility to serve as a Principal in Illinois. All of the required materials should be submitted online at www.bwpassociates.com. Application materials will be treated confidentially. Applicants are requested not to contact the Superintendent but to direct questions to the search consultants.
For additional information, please contact one of the BWP & Associates' search consultants: Dr. Mark Friedman at 847-975-8393 or Dr. Joe Porto at 847-533-3587.

Vacancy Superintendent, Westchester Public School District 92½, Westchester, Illinois
Description:  The Westchester Public School District 92½ Board of Education announces
the opening of a search for a new Superintendent of Schools who will assume responsibility on
July 1, 2017. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced school administrator to provide leadership to a diverse and high-achieving PreK-8 school district. Westchester Public School District has an enrollment of approximately 1,160 students. Students are served in three elementary schools, Westchester Primary (PreK-2), Westchester Intermediate (3-5), and Westchester Middle School (6-8). Westchester is located in Cook County, 14 miles west of downtown Chicago. With a population of approximately 17,000, Westchester prides itself as a friendly neighborhood community where both young and old work together to form an active village.  The diverse mix of ethnic and cultural groups enriches the community. The Westchester Public School District is served by a highly qualified teaching staff, a committed Board of Education, and very supportive parents and community. Additional information about Westchester Public School District 92½ can be found at www.sd925.org.

Application deadline is November 27, 2016.
Application Procedure:  Please go to www.bwpassociates.com to view a detailed vacancy notice, complete the online application process, and submit required materials.
For additional information, contact BWP search consultants:  Dr. Anne Noland, 630-624-3336 or Dr. Sheila Harrison-Williams, 708-935-0471.

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
21 Schools in Illinois Win National Blue Ribbon Schools Award
Twenty-one Illinois schools have made the U.S. Department of Education's "National Blue Ribbon Schools" list for 2016.

NEW-Secretary King announced eight principals from 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools as this year's recipients of the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding School Leadership.

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
Recent research suggests middle-schoolers may benefit when schools are configured from kindergarten to eighth grade, rather than grades 6-8, but are there ways other than reconfiguration to meet the unique needs of these students? Middle-grades expert Dru Tomlin in this interview discusses other options. National Public Radio 
 
Students of all races and ethnicities may prefer teachers of color, according to a study by a New York University researcher. The study considered feedback from more than 50,000 sixth- to ninth-graders.  Daily News 
 
Both parents and teachers believe it is important for children to be kind, but they define kindness in different ways, according to a recent survey of 2,000 parents and 500 teachers from the Sesame Workshop, the educational nonprofit behind Sesame Street. Parents tended to choose polite manners as being more important in showing kindness, whereas teachers placed a higher value on empathy.  National Public Radio

Twenty-three percent of schools have tested virtual reality in the classroom, according to a survey of 350 K-12 and higher-education schools by Extreme Networks. Data show some educators are reluctant to adopt the technology because they are not sure their schools' networks will support it, while others are concerned about a lack of content.eCampus News 
Students with disabilities are more likely to act out aggressively if they are bullied, according to a study published in the journal Remedial and Special Education. The study considered survey results from about 1,200 middle- and high-school students with disabilities. Disability Scoop

 New research shows that the part of the brain typically associated with muscular activity and motor control also plays a role in language functions and with visual-spatial, executive and working memory processes. By combining physical activity and higher-order thinking, teachers can capitalize on the brain-body connection and help students grow this area of their brain. Here are four ways to increase engagement and academic achievement by adding movement to learning.

School districts in more than 40 states are facing shortages of teachers in science, math and special education, with schools serving minority and low-income students feeling the pinch the most, according to research by the Learning Policy Institute. In response, some schools are offering bonuses to recruit new teachers and mentors to keep veterans in the classroom. District Administration magazine online 
Publications
In the new ASCD book Charting a Course to Standards-Based Grading, Tim R. Westerberg offers a continuum of options to ensure that grading policies are fair, accurate, and consistent across classrooms. Explore the four "destinations" that Westerberg identifies on the road to improved grading and assessment.
  • Destination 1 critically examines popular grading mechanisms and explains how they undermine objectivity and instead result in widely divergent grades for comparable wor
  • Destination 2 invites educators to put assessment and grading into the larger context of a districtwide guaranteed and viable curriculum.
  • Destination 3 brings parents and others on board with a multi-year implementation plan and community engagement strategies.
  • Destination 4 involves a total rethinking of the nature and structure of school, leading to individualized education for all students.
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for free.

Check Out SmartReport on ISTE 2016
Read highlights and insights from the year's biggest education-technology conference, including features about edtech funding, technology trends and equity. Also, don't miss our Tech Showcase feature.

The new ASCD book "How to Reach the Hard to Teach: Excellent Instruction for Those Who Need It Most" presents a thoughtful and practical approach to achieving breakthrough success with linguistically and culturally-diverse students who struggle in school. Combining elements of the SIOP Model and the FIT Teaching approach, authors Jana Echevarrķa, Nancy Frey and Douglas Fisher take stock of what we know about excellent instruction and distill it into five guiding principles.

The Teacher 50: Critical Questions for Inspiring Classroom Excellence
The Teacher 50, by Baruti Kafele, takes readers on a reflective journey designed to reignite their passion for teaching. Kafele's 50 questions and penetrating insights are an indispensable companion for teachers who want to give their absolute best in the classroom at all times and under all circumstances. Read the book's Introduction for free.

New book: A Teacher's Guide to Special Education
In "A Teacher's Guide to Special Education," David F. Bateman and Jenifer L. Cline clearly define what general-education teachers need to know about special education law and processes and provide a guide to instructional best practices for the inclusive classroom. With its practical examples, action steps and appendixes covering key terms and definitions, this book is an indispensable resource for every general education classroom. Learn more
Internet Sources
SuperKids
Are your students reading as well as they should be? We can help. Learn about The Superkids, the strongest K-2 reading program in America. Read teachers' raves, see results-and improve reading scores at your school. Contact Susan Quarino at sue.quarino@rowlandreading.org or click here for more details, www.superkidsreading.org.


PebbleGo Vote is a website offering free educational content about the 2016 election for students in kindergarten through second grade. Among the assets available for download are e-books, articles and lesson plans.

Teach the Election is a website designed to help students think critically about the issues involved in the upcoming election. Among the resources featured on the site are weekly debate prompts, election forecasts, fact-checking helps, and 107 differentiated reading and writing lessons for students in grades 3-12.

Computer science -- in particular, coding -- has become a top-level priority in K-12 education. This article details six tools that teachers can use to teach the fundamentals of code and encourage students to experiment on their own.  KQED.org 

How Skype Can Connect Students, Professionals
Educator Jess Burnquist uses Skype to connect her 10th- and 12th-grade students to a network of professionals. During the unit on careers, Skype is used to explore options and inspire students.
Edutopia.org

Makerspaces provide environments where schools can combine the arts with science, technology, engineering and math, educator Patrick Waters writes in this blog post. He shares tips for integrating the arts into STEM, using the STEAMworks makerspace located at a Houston, Texas, school as a model. SmartBrief/Education
 
Career and technical education engages students in creating and making -- two aspects of the maker movement, writes Eboni Camille Chillis, coordinator of career, technical and agricultural education for Clayton County Public Schools in Georgia. In this blog post, Chillis shares how CTE allows students to try new skills, persevere and innovate.SmartBrief/Education

Teachers can use real-world problems to blend makerspace projects with lessons in science, technology, engineering and math, writes author and educator Anne Jolly. In this blog post, she outlines how teachers can create a makerspace, and how to keep students focused and engaged.
MiddleWeb

Browse the latest free K-12 Technology ebook sponsored by CDW*G and the free Resource Essentials for Educators of English Language Learners and Reaching ALL Students ebooks sponsored by Quill. And be sure to "Like" Big Deal Media on Facebook and follow Big Deal Media on  Pinterest, Twitter (@TheBigDealBook), and Google+ to learn how other educators are using Big Deal Media resources and to share your own ideas and experiences.

Subscribe to Big Deal Media's Amazing Resources for Educators on edWeb.net to get frequent updates on grant deadlines,free resources, and hot, new websites for 21st century learning. And, of course, you can share any great new resources that you've unearthed!

RESOURCES:

ILASCD is not endorsing any of the following websites or products.  They are offered as examples of websites that have prepared lessons on a variety of topics and are basically free.

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.

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.
 
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