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Volume 15, Number 7 The Source
| April 3, 2015
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Vote Now!! Elect YOUR Iowa ASCD Board of Directors and President-Elect
It is time to vote for the Iowa ASCD Board of Directors and your next Iowa ASCD President-Elect. Check the summary you received March 3 in a special edition of The Source - describing all candidates. (A second mailing will be sent on March 30.)
 Thank you for sharing your voice by voting now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IowaASCD2015
Voting will take place March 3 - April 17, 2014. Announcement of those selected will be April 24 at the Iowa ASCD Curriculum Academy as well as in the May 1 edition of The Source.
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Winners in Iowa ASCD Membership Drive
Congratulations to the following new members of Iowa ASCD. They won the prizes through a "new member" drawing for the Iowa ASCD Membership Drive! - The $50 Amazon Gift Card is being mailed to Janet Greene of Grant Wood AEA.
- The free conference to any Iowa ASCD conference in
 2015-2016 goes to Alyssa Chambers of the Lewis Central Community School District.
Congratulations to each of you and a special welcome to you and all new members in Iowa ASCD. |
Register for Curriculum Academy: Assessing the Core - Grading for Learning - April 23-24
Be sure to plan to attend the Curriculum Leadership Academy on April 23-24, Assessing the Core: Grading for Learning
Ken O'Connor will be the key note speaker on April 23. Ken O'Connor, specializes in issues related to the communication of student achievement, especially grading and  reporting. Through books and articles, presentations and working with small groups Ken has helped individuals, schools, and school districts to improve communication about student achievement. In 1995 Ken developed eight guidelines for grading, and he has continued to refine those guidelines. In 2007 the same ideas were organized into fifteen fixes for broken grades. He has also designed eleven guidelines for standards-based reporting. He is now generally acknowledged to be one of a small group of leading experts on how to grade and report effectively. All participants will receive one of his books.
On April 24, 2015, several districts from across the state will share their stories on transitioning to grading based on the learning and demonstration of the Iowa Core. Matt Townsley, Solon Community School District, will be the final keynote, sharing Solon's story - what worked, what didn't, and what you can do to make grading in your district based on progress in learning and demonstration of the standards!
The fee is $295 for Iowa ASCD members and $335 for nonmembers, who will then receive a complimentary membership for one year in Iowa ASCD. Purchase orders with a list of the names and email addresses may be sent to Bridget Arrasmith, Iowa ASCD, Drake University, Room 123, School of Education, Drake University, 3206 University, Des Moines, IA 50311 or FAXED to Attention of Bridget Arrasmith at 515.271.2233.
All members have received a flyer with the information. You may also access it on the Iowa ASCD website - bottom left corner under Event Resources.
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"Broad-Band Matters" to Educators in April - Take Park in the Discussion
High-speed broadband is changing the education landscape in Iowa. Broadband advocates are invited to two April 9 events connected to the Iowa Communications Network's Broadband Matters campaign:
* ICN's Broadband Matters Legislative Day will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on April 9 in the Legislative Dining Room at the State Capitol in Des Moines. This event is an opportunity to build relationships with legislators and fellow advocates while making a difference in  broadband policies that impact state government, public safety, education, and health care.
* The ICN's Broadband Matters Education Roundtable Forum will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. on April 9 in the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines and broadcast statewide. Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck will be one of five panelists. Iowans can watch the discussion from six locations throughout the state and may interact with panelists by mentioning @BroadbandIowa on Twitter. Questions will be addressed during the Q&A session.
Visit the following website for more information on these events: https://www.broadbandmatters.com/events
The Broadband Matters campaign is dedicated to providing awareness of the critical need to connect every student with high-speed Internet access to ensure a 21st century education. Broadband creates a culture in which learning becomes more interactive in and outside of the classroom allowing for a more positive collaborative learning experiences.
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Dr. Robert Marzano Headlines the Iowa ASCD Summer Institute on June 22-23 - Ensuring Learning for Each and All: Building Your Expertise
Make plans now for you and your team to attend the Iowa ASCD Summer Institute on June 22-23 at the Iowa Events Center. Dr. Bob Marzano is the headline speaker and will also provide several breakout sessions. 
In addition to Marzano, other national speakers include Jim Rickabaugh, Rose Colby, Tim Westerberg, Ron Mirr, Sandra Alberti, Bobb Darnall, Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, and Grace Dearborn as well as state-wide presenters.
Presenters will be addressing ways that you and your team can ensure learning for each and all by:
- Creating conditions for learning - a culture for achievement
- Implementing the Iowa Core - optimizing learning for all students
- Assuring effective teaching - recognizing instructional knowledge and skill as the most powerful instruments to enhance student learning
- Grading for learning - reporting students' progress on learning goals
- Empowering students to develop mastery of academic content - implementing competency-based education
The early-bird fee until June 1 will be $250 for Iowa ASCD members and $295 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership for one year. The regular fee in June will be $295 for members and $340 for non-members. Purchase orders with a list of the names and email addresses may be sent to Bridget Arrasmith, Iowa ASCD, Drake University, Room 123, School of Education, Drake University, 3206 University, Des Moines, IA 50311 or FAXED to Attention of Bridget Arrasmith at 515.271.2233.
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Iowa ASCD Summer Institute: A Few More Highlights
Iowa ASCD is hosting the Summer Institute on June 22-23 - "Ensuring Learning for Each and All: Building Our Expertise." There will be high-powered presentations from both national and state presenters, including the keynote by Dr. Bob Marzano. Here are just a few of the many presentations: Bob Marzano is cofounder and CEO of Marzano Research Laboratory in  Englewood, Colorado. Throughout his years in the field of education, he has become a speaker, trainer, and author of more than 30 books and 150 articles on topics such as instruction, assessment, writing and implementing standards, cognition, effective leadership, and school intervention. His books include Designing & Teaching Learning Goals & Objectives, District Leadership That Works, Designing & Assessing Educational Objectives, Making Standards Useful in the Classroom, and The Art and Science of Teaching. His practical translations of the most current research and theory into classroom strategies are internationally known and widely practiced by both teachers and administrators. - Presentation (one of six): "Effective Deliberate Practices" This session is an introduction to ensuring your teachers' practice is at expert-level. The process is collaborative, requiring input from colleagues and supervisors, coaches, and other observers, but it is also transformative, as teachers take responsibility for their own growth. Educators report feeling a renewed sense of passion and commitment to their profession. There's more good news: a recent study found that one week of Deliberate Practice out-performs 11 weeks of traditional training. If you want to know how to move your practice to the next level - this is one session you shouldn't miss.
Rose Colby is the Competency Education Specialist for the New  Hampshire Department of Education, a national leader in competency-based learning. Colby is the co-author of Off the Clock: Moving Education from Time to Competency and serves as a national advisor and contributor to CompetencyWorks.org. She is currently the 2Revolutions Competency Education Fellow, supporting educators in designing competency-based learning systems. - Presentation (one of four): "Instructional Designs in the Competency-Based Learning Classroom" Moving to a competency based learning model requires that instructional practices shift to highly personalized practices that lead to deeper learning. This session is designed to examine those shifts and problem solves how to move from instructional coverage of curriculum to supporting diverse learning pathways for students.
Josalynn Agnew, fourth-grade teacher at Monroe Elementary in Des  Moines Public Schools shares the impact of students' own problem solving on their learning. - Presentation: "How Many? How Much? Finding Success in Problem Solving" Imagine a classroom where students are asking questions, working together, and solving problems. In this presentation, we will look at ways to effectively use cooperative learning in problem solving. Quadrant problem solving engages students in analyzing story problems through writing, illustrating, and estimation. You will leave equipped with new ideas to engage all students in their problem solving and how to get maximum results.
John Carver, Superintendent, and Tim Felderman, High School Principal , of Howard-Winneshiek Community School District are leaders in the state in competency-based learning. - Presentation: "Developing a 21st Century Community for All Stakeholders" Howard-Winneshiek Community School District is developing a student-centered learning environment that is addressing grading systems, gaps in knowledge, and student pacing. Students, teachers, school board members, post-secondary educators, and community members are developing this system while engaging today's students in 21st Century skills via global connections. Learn the protocols and philosophies behind this unique learning environment.
Register now! This is THE conference for all of us - higher ed, superintendents, teachers, principals, central office, AEA staff, DE staff, teacher leaders, building and district teams, TLC teams. Early-bird price (until June 1) is $250 for Iowa ASCD members and $295 for nonmembers, who will receive a complimentary membership in Iowa ASCD. Check out the flyer that was sent last week as well as published on our Iowa ASCD website in lower left-hand corner. Join us as we all develop our expertise! |
30 Book Available in the 24/7 Digital Online Books from Iowa ASCD: Engaging Students with Poverty in Mind: Practical Strategies for Raising Achievement by Eric Jensen MUST READ!
Eric Jensen's book focuses on at-risk students and grabs your attention at the very first sentence. It cites research done with students of poverty, discusses student needs, and gives suggestions that can easily be implemented in the classroom. In the first chapter, Jensen states, "In the United States, if you are poor, your odds of graduating are lower than are those of a middle-income student. If you are also Hispanic or black, your odds just dropped again. Half of all poor students of color drop out of school (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2008). Seventy percent of all children who do not graduate from high school have spent at least a year living in poverty (Hernandez, 2012). In 2009, the dropout rate of students living in low-income families was about five times greater than the rate of students from high-income families: 7.4 percent versus 1.4 percent (Chapman, Laird, Ifill, & KewalRamani, 2011)."
Jensen shares that students from poverty have specific needs that can be met through engagement, motivation, and a better understanding of the deficits that often accompany poverty. He states that increasing student engagement will impact attendance, achievement and graduation rates. "In their study of more than 1,800 students living in poverty, Finn and Rock (1997) found that school engagement was a key factor in whether students stayed in school." Jensen addresses student engagement for students of poverty through seven factors: 1) Health and Nutrition, 2) Vocabulary, 3) Effort and Energy, 4) Mind-Set, 5) Cognitive Capacity, 6) Relationships, and 7) Stress Level. Jensen breaks each of the factors down to provide more detail and suggestions for implementation.
Jensen emphasizes the importance of the teacher in increasing engagement and motivation. "Over 50 percent of the academic outcomes of school-age children stem not from pub lic policy but from what the teacher does in the classroom (Hattie, 2008). Teaching matters more than any other factor in a student's school years. In fact, research (Hanushek, 2005) tells us that quality teaching can completely offset the devastating effects poverty has on students' academic performance... If you are serious about helping kids succeed, stop wishing for a miracle. Five years of strong teaching is the miracle."
The next several chapters discuss 1) The rules of engagement-getting started, 2) Creating A Positive Climate-establishing a supportive environment, 3) Building Cognitive Capacity-increasing attention skills, processing, and memory, 4) Motivation and Effort-how to increase these in the classroom, 5) Getting Deep Understanding-going beyond understanding to application and transfer, 6) Energy and Focus-using physical activity (in and out of their seats) to engage students. Each chapter includes a thorough discussion and gives many realistic examples of what teachers can do such as:
Creating a Positive Climate- "Accentuate the positive. Make sure your class acknowledges its own success through peer affirmations ("Turn to your neighbor and say, 'You're moving up fast!") "
Building Cognitive Capacity- "Practice recall. Five minutes a day boost students' listening skills and working memory with simple, active games that require students to recall commands." The game 'Simon Says' was one suggestion.
Motivation and Effort- "According to Carol Dweck, author of Mindset (2006), the way a teacher talks to students greatly affects how students shape their mental models of their own capacity. Dweck points out that subtle conversations can actually change students' effort levels. Some well-meaning teachers inadvertently lower their students' engagement and subsequent achievement through what researchers call "comfort talk." These teachers think they're doing struggling students a favor when they say things like: "It's all right. Maybe you're just one of those students who isn't good at math", "Bless your heart; you really mean well", "That's OK; you can be good at other things."
"These well-intended comments actually hurt students' performance (Rattan, Good, & Dweck, 2012). The lowered expectations, easily perceived by students, decrease motivation and, ultimately, effort.  To succeed with all students-especially those living in poverty or other adverse circumstances teachers need to be on a daily mission to build attitude, effort, capacity, and behavior. Don't make excuses or try to make students feel artificially better for doing poorly. Instead, focus on students' capacity to grow and change, and emphasize where they have control over their learning."
Energy and Focus- a short energizing activity is suggested every five minutes, and a longer, more active one every thirty minutes. There is a wide variety of activities for in and out of their seats.
The final chapter discusses implementation and what to do when it isn't working and/or you are frustrated. "Sometimes we're reluctant to change ourselves out of fear of risk or loss. But although taking risks may result in failure, not taking risks guarantees failure. If you refuse to try new things, you rob both your students of their possibilities and you of your own potential. Fear is normal, but it must be managed."
Jensen closes the book with "I opened this book with the story of a kid-me-who struggled in school. I earned poor grades and I disengaged, but a middle school teacher cared enough to connect with me and build my effort, attitude, behavior, and cognitive capacity. That teacher made all the difference in my life. Can you be that miracle teacher for your class this year? Will you try? Your students await your answer."
What more is there to say? This is a must read for every teacher who works with students from poverty! Merritt has given you a sample of some of the research as well as suggested activities to peak your interest. This is an easy and very enjoyable read. Highly recommended must-read book!
A special thank you to Iowa ASCD Member Sandy Merritt who shared this review.
And remember this book is available to all Iowa ASCD members via the 30 titles available 24/7 for 2015. In addition, these are the other books available 24/7 during 2015 to all Iowa ASCD members that will increase your effectiveness as a leader of learning. (If you have forgotten your password to these resources, please contact Lou Howell at LouHowell@mediacombb.net.) 
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Check It Out!
Check out the following:- Are you expecting new curriculum leads in your district next year? If so, be sure to contact us as we want to honor
 and support them at a breakfast at the Summer Institute as well as learn how we can support them in your district. Contact Lou Howell with names when available.
- Science Standards Review Team's next meeting is on April 14. At that time, the review team will go over the Next Generation Science Standards in detail and consider whether the standards should be adapted based on public feedback or adopted as they are.
- Be sure to check out TeachIowa.Gov if looking for a job in education or seeking candidates for positions in your district.
- Differentiated Accountability Pilot: The Iowa Department of Education is seeking 30-40 volunteer districts, nonpublic schools, preschool programs and Area Education Agencies to participate in a pilot program for implementing a new model of accreditation and improvement for districts, AEAs, and pre-kindergarten programs.
- Branstad, Reynolds, Iowa Department of Education Announce Iowa Financial Literacy Summit: A great education includes knowing how to make smart, responsible financial decisions. As part of a statewide effort to improve students' financial literacy skills, Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced they will host an Iowa Financial Literacy Summit this spring and encouraged Iowans to get involved. The summit will be held on May 5 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
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Webinars for Your Learning
Iowa ASCD seeks to keep you informed about webinars for your learning and the learning of those with whom you work. Check out the following; many of these support the work in your collaborative time and definitely help with implementation of The Core!
- Title: Using PD Online� for Blended Professional Learning
- Presenter: Ann Cunningham-Morris
- Provider: ASCD
- Date: April 23, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. CDT
- Register Here
- Title: The Strategic Teacher - Developing Every Teacher's Instructional Know-How
- Presenter: Harvey Silver and Tom Dewing
- Provider: ASCD
- Date: May 12, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. CDT
- Register Here
- Title: Archived Webinars of the Marzano Research Laboratory - Assessment and Grading, Common Core, Instructional Strategies, School Leadership, Educational Technology and Vocabulary
- Presenter: Staff Members of Marzano Research Laboratory
- Provider: Marzano Research Laboratory
- Access Here
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 Stay current with learning! Follow Iowa ASCD on Twitter! We would like to follow you on Twitter as well. If you are willing to share your "Twitter Handle" with us, please leave your information on this site. |
 Iowa ASCD is the source for developing instructional leadership and translating research into daily practice. Serving more than 1400 educators - teachers, principals, superintendents, directors of curriculum, technology specialists, college professors, AEA staff - Iowa ASCD strives to develop the collaborative capacity to impact the learning of each and every student in Iowa. |
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