November 9, 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
October is National Principals Month
Veterans Day Nov 11
Happy Thanksgiving  Nov 24
Webinar: The Teacher 50
Based on Principal Kafele's new ASCD book, "The Teacher 50: Critical Questions for Inspiring Classroom Excellence," this empowering, introspective webinar takes teachers on a reflective journey designed to challenge them to think deeply about their current practices relative to how they inspire classroom excellence. Teachers will discover numerous ideas for strengthening their practice and investing in student success. Thursday, November 10,2016, 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. Register now.

2016 Illinois Family Reading Night Nov 17th
The 2016 Illinois Family Reading Night is Thursday, November 17th! If you are planning an ILLINOIS READS Family Reading Night event, be sure to order Illinois Reads bookmarks and posters from the Illinois Reading Council office. Supplies are limited, so order soon!  
www.Illinoisreads.org 
 
Nov 11, Veterans Day
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.

Plan Ahead
Black History calendars @www.black-gifts.com

Congratulations to the 2016 World Series Winners -- the Chicago CUBS!! 

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 
ASCD Quick Reference Guides cover fundamental education topics in a handy format that's perfect for time-pressed study groups or individuals. Written by recognized experts, the guides are packed with instructional tips and solutions that you can put into practice right away. Each 8.5' x 11" multipanel guide is laminated for extra durability and 3-hole-punched for binder storage. Buy singles or save 10% on a pack of 25.
 
Voting for the annual Educators' Choice Content Award has kicked off. Each month, we recognize two innovative education bloggers with the Editor's Choice Content Award. These winners then are in the running for our annual Educators' Choice Award. Now we need your input. Vote by Nov. 30.
SmartBrief Education's monthly Editor's Choice Content Award celebrates educator-bloggers. October winners include artist and educator Stacey Goodman and Charity Preston, a former educator turned teacherpreneur. 

ASCD EMPOWER 2017 Annual Conference, Mar 25 - 27, 2017, Anaheim, CA
Early-Bird Savings End January 31, 2017!!
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:
Whole Child House Resolution HR 0781  

Whole Child Awards
Whole Child Tenets
Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.
Each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.
Each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment.

Congratulations to the following schools who have been recognized for excellence in honoring the spirit of The Whole Child by the ILASCD Whole Child Committee on Oct. 27, 2016, at the Conference on Learning & EXPO in Schaumburg, IL
Each of these schools is recognized for their excellence in fulfilling the qualities expressed in the specific Whole Child Tenets:
    Healthy:    Ardmore Elementary, Villa Park, IL
    Safe:        South Park Elementary, Deerfield, IL
    Engaged:    Kipling Elementary, Deerfield, IL
    Supported:    Woodland Primary School, Gages Lake, IL
    Challenged:    Pepper Ridge Elementary, Bloomington, IL
This school is recognized for overall excellence in the fulfilling the qualities of the Whole Child Tenets:
    Overall:    Pershing Elementary, Berwyn, IL

Illinois Education News

CPS Official Questions PARCC After Results Dip
The Chicago Sun-Times reports "the scores of about 1 million public school children across Illinois" on PARCC reading tests decreased "from 37.7 percent in 2015 to 36.2 percent in 2016," leading CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson to question the test itself. With "CPS on the verge of using PARCC to rate elementary schools and evaluate teachers as soon as next year," Jackson said, "we just have to make sure there's alignment" on standardized tests used by the school system.

Most Illinois Schools Improved On PARCC
The Chicago Tribune reports that although "more than half of Illinois schools made gains in the second year of controversial state PARCC exams and test participation rose statewide," there were hundreds of other public schools that "saw declines in already-low scores...and resistance to testing continued in some wealthy suburban enclaves, Chicago Public Schools and other pockets around the state." The article breaks down the tests' results for the state in depth.

Search for PARCC Test Results
To see how any Illinois school did on the 2016 PARCC tests, go to www.chicagotribune.com/parcc.

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
 
NAEP Science Scores Show Gains In Fourth, Eighth Grades
The Washington Post reports in new NAEP science test results released OCT 27, "fourth- and eighth-graders have made gains" and "large racial achievement gaps have narrowed slightly." However, the results showed stagnation in high school results. Moreover, in the lower grades, "girls improved faster than boys, narrowing the gender gap at the eighth-grade level and erasing it in the fourth grade."

Education Dept. Weighs in on Block Grant Funds
The US Department of Education on Friday released guidance about using funds under a block grant called the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program. The guidance covers topics such as the role states play in developing funding applications. Education Week

State Education Leaders Face Complex Changes Under ESSA
The Hechinger Report (10/24) reports that given new flexibility under ESSA, state schools leaders "are finding an army of inside-the-beltway advocates suddenly interested in local goings-on" and issuing "a flurry of policy papers and hosting events meant to persuade states to try new models of education." State leaders "will likely need the help" given the daunting "task of drafting complex accountability systems that will influence what happens in classrooms."

A proposal by the Council of Chief State School Officers would do away with the four options proposed by the US Education Department for distribution of state and local school aid under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The group also proposed that state and local money should be given to schools without considering their Title I status, which denotes schools with high rates of students living in poverty.  Education Week

District- and school-level administrators can test a new tool developed by the US Department of Education to help measure the success of education technology in schools. The Ed Tech Rapid Cycle Evaluation Coach tool will be available to all schools beginning in January.
The Hechinger Report

The Alliance for Excellent Education has released free toolkits designed to help navigate the Every Student Succeeds Act. The toolkits address topics such as funding and includes resources such as videos, analyses and case studies. District Administration magazine online

Draft recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force call for pediatricians and health providers to screen body mass index in children ages 6 and older and offer weight-loss counseling programs or behavioral therapy to both children and parents or guardians, as needed. The draft guidelines will remain open for public comment until Nov. 28. Los Angeles Times

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, 5 sessions left! 
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, 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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Save the Date - 36th Annual Pre K Kindergarten Conference, Mar 1 -3, 2017
 
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
Early-Bird Savings END Jan 31, 2017 
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
A collaborative leadership model that engages local school leaders in policymaking decisions could help boost college and career readiness, according to a report from the Learning First Alliance. The report offers six steps to improving college and career readiness.  eSchool News

Some school districts no longer rank students based on grade point averages, noting that the differences among top students often are minor and such rankings can have negative effects on college admissions. However, the changes have drawn criticism from some parents and students.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
 
A student in Illinois with a rare congenital condition called Russell-Silver syndrome now is able to receive the same education as his peers by using FaceTime and an iPad. A math teacher who devised the plan props the iPad on a desk in the classroom. The Herald News

STIThe use of technology in classrooms appears to range from none, or minimal, to frequent. STI focuses on teaching strategies that give diverse students multiple options for taking in and processing information, making sense of ideas, and expressing learning. Technology tools can support good instruction and personalized learning environments in which students can interact with soîtware and applications, conduct research, create products, and communicate with others. STI staff work closely with school personnel to produce professional development that integrates the use of existing technologies, connects curriculum and incorporates: Innovation, Curriculum Development Response to Intervention Strategies, Interim Assessments, and Modeling. 
Curriculum / Common Core 
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. 

Document-based questions are the meat and potatoes of high-school history classes and AP courses. These essay or short-answer questions require students to construct a response after inspecting provided historical documents. As new standards prescribe more evidence-based thinking, even middle-school teachers are assigning document-based writing tasks. Too often, though, lessons on DBQs become merely a strategy to beat the test. Deeper DBQ lessons bolster students' habits of inquiry and hone their skills for using evidence in a complex task. 
 
Why Schools Should Offer More Voter Education
Research has shown that voter education boosts the number of students who vote when they are of age. Kei Kawashima-Ginsberg, who directs a research center at Tufts University that studies youth voting, suggests schools give students access to voting machines for practice.
 
Teaching goal setting helps students know what they are supposed to learn and, ultimately, take ownership for their learning. Here, a third-grade teacher and a college professor outline a four-step process for helping elementary students set and track progress toward personal and class-wide reading goals.

Students should be the drivers of their learning, Fred Ende, assistant director of Curriculum and Instructional Services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., writes in this blog post. He offers three guiding principles to help make the shift to learner-driven education.
SmartBrief/Education

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 92˝, Westchester, Illinois
Description:  The Westchester Public School District 92˝ 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 92˝ 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
The Illinois-Sweden Program for Educational and Research Exchange (INSPIRE) has been awarded the 2016 Heiskell Award in the category of "International Partnerships" for its sustained, multi-faceted collaboration in research, education, and service.The partnership, which involves four world-class research institutions according to the release by the Institute of International Education, has been nominated for providing "a model for global leadership in higher education, research collaboration, and public engagement." 

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.
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
 "The Cost of Catching Up," a newly released study from the Center for American Progress, shows that remedial coursework in the first two years of college costs students and their families about $1.3 billion per year in tuition and loans, all for coursework that should be part of K-12 curricula. The report says that between 40 and 60 percent of all first-year college students require remediation in English, mathematics, or both, with the problem being most prevalent among African American and Latino students. According to the study, in Florida, Nevada, and Oregon, states which all have a higher Latino population than the national average, more than 3 in 4 college students require remediation, and students who need catching up are likelier than average to drop out of school before getting their Bachelor's degree. 
 
Strategies for Using Tech to Combat Cheating
A new whitepaper from ProctorU outlines ways colleges and universities can use tech tools to guard against cheating. Among the issues discussed in the paper are how to preserve academic integrity and prevent financial aid fraud.
 
Teachers' perceptions about boys' and girls' math skills may affect girls' confidence in math, according to a study published in AERA Open. Researchers found that teachers as early as kindergarten perceive boys as having higher math abilities than girls. Education Week 

More students are receiving their educations through home-school models, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics. Data show the number of home-schooled students more than doubled between 1999 and 2012. The Washington Post 
 
Data: Low-income Students Thrive in College
Students from households making $35,000 per year or less have an equal chance at thriving in college as students from higher-income families, according to a new survey. Researchers say the survey dispels the perception that low-income students "cannot thrive in a variety of four-year college ecosystems."  eCampus News

Student-centered learning is a primary growth driver for the flipped-classroom market, according to a report from Technavio. The report projects a 35% rise in the North American market by 2020.  T.H.E. Journal 
Publications
Ensuring High-Quality Curriculum: How to Design, Revise, or Adopt Curriculum Aligned to Student Success offers targeted advice and real-life examples from elementary and secondary units of study across a variety of content areas and standards, as well as field-tested rubrics, protocols, and other tools. Angela Di Michele Lalor provides criteria for evaluating each component of a curriculum and end-of-chapter checklists to help you ensure that the criteria aremet. Ensuring High-Quality Curriculum is a comprehensive and accessible roadmap to developing a solid foundation for teaching and learning-and better results in the classroom. Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for free.

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.

Partnering with Parents to Ask the Right Questions: A Powerful Strategy for Strengthening School-Family Partnerships, by Luz Santana, Dan Rothstein, and Agnes Bain of the Right Question Institute, presents a deceptively simple strategy for how educators can build effective partnerships with parents-especially those who typically have not been actively involved in their children's schooling. It distills complex, important ideas on effective civic participation into an easy-to-learn process that teaches parents two fundamental skills they can use to support the education of their children, monitor their progress, and advocate for them: asking better questions and participating effectively in key decisions.
Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for free.

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.
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.


Students should be the drivers of their learning, Fred Ende, assistant director of Curriculum and Instructional Services for Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., writes in this blog post. He offers three guiding principles to help make the shift to learner-driven education. SmartBrief/Education

A communication device originally created for NASCAR has a new role in the classroom. Dozens of schools now are using the SafeCeiver to enable one-way communication between a school principal and teachers during on-campus emergencies.  WYFF-TV

Have an idea for a new mobile app? Technology writer J.D. Biersdorfer in this Q&A highlights free classes and resources, such as the Computer Science Education Week website.
The New York Times

Can Audiobooks, Podcasts Improve Literacy?
Listening to stories can help improve literacy skills among students who dislike or struggle with reading, according to the educators and experts mentioned in this blog post. They offer a list of recommended audiobooks and podcasts. KQED.org

Messaging apps can be an effective way for teachers to communicate and work with students who may need extra support, principal Jessica Cabeen writes in this blog post. She shares how her school uses voice-messaging app Voxer to help manage crises with students who have special needs.
SmartBrief/Education

Conversations on Advancing Early Learning
The Committee for Economic Development (CED) has produced five podcasts in a series titled, "Advancing Early Learning."  The CED affirms that strong early childhood programs are central to a healthy economy. Topics addressed in the podcast series are science of early brain development, philanthropy in early learning, how business is improving access and quality, strong educational start for children, and the importance of investing in early learning.

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. 
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