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Free eWorkshops for Educators Supporting Multilingual Learners
Free, on-demand eWorkshops for educators supporting multilingual learners are available in the eLearning Center on the WIDA website. Workshop content is appropriate for school leaders, AICs, ESOL teachers and K-12 classroom teachers.
- Engaging Multilingual Newcomers explores what all educators can do to welcome and engage multilingual newcomers and their families into their classrooms and schools.
- Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics helps math educators recognize and design mathematics instruction that strengthens both mathematical reasoning and language development for multilingual learners.
- Doing and Talking STEM is designed to support K-12 content and ESL teachers as they interact with the resources introduced on the Doing and Talking Math and Science website.
- Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry focuses on planning inquiry-based instruction to identify the benefits and investigate the components of an inquiry approach while exploring how to consider the content and language needs of multilingual learners in social studies.
- Leading for Equity: Classroom Walkthrough introduces a simple resource to add to your current walkthrough practices that provides specific attention to the principles of exemplary and equitable teaching for multilingual learners.
- WIDA Writing Rubric eWorkshop provides information for grades 1-12 educators who work on writing development with multilingual learners. The series is appropriate to use individually or with a Professional Learning Community (PLC).
Go to https://wida.wisc.edu and select WIDA Secure Portal. WIDA.us login is required to access eWorkshops. If you need a new login or help with resetting your current login, please contact Samir Mujagic, ESOL Data Specialist, at Samir.Mujagic@slps.org.
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Tech Trainings
The Technology Team is offering additional training in October. Click HERE for the full schedule.
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Mask-Wearing Tips
Click on these links for handouts on best practices for mask wearing courtesy of the COVID-19 Regional Response Team.
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Live PD Sessions from Assessment
Review the schedule HERE. Session topics will focus on Renaissance and Scantron.
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Digital Engagement PD Opportunity!
Promoting Engagement using Nearpod SAVE THE DATE:
- Oct. 6, 2020 & Oct. 14, 2020 *
- 3:30-4:30pm
Nearpod brand ambassadors will be hosting a live PD event designed specifically for SLPS teachers.
Nearpod is an interactive digital learning platform that promotes engagement and innovate content delivery.
* The same session is being offered on both dates. Seating is limited. Please sign up on My Learning Plan to attend this PD session.
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Thank Your Custodian!
Custodians are our first line of defense of the war on germs and it can be a thankless task. So, TODAY, Oct. 2, 2020, on National Custodian Day, show your appreciation to the awesome custodians who clean our schools and offices. THANK YOU!
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GOOD NEWS: Apple for the Teacher
The sorors of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda are proud to announce the following educators has been selected to receive the prestigious Apple for the Teacher Award:
- Ms. Shuntel Bozeman, Special Education Process Coordinator
- Ms. Julia Roberts, Carnahan High School of the Future
- Ms. Angelia Rougeau, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience
- Dr. Kacy Seals-Shahid, Central VPA High School
- Mr. Marvin Terrell, Gateway MST Middle School
This year's honorees will be honored on Nov. 20, 2021, at the St. Louis Airport Marriott Hotel. Congratulations to the District's honorees!
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REMINDER: Escrow for 2020-2o21 SY
In years past, we have circulated paper cards for staff (10-month, 10.5-month and 11-month) to enroll in the escrow program. This year, we are moving to 100% electronic enrollment. Staff have until midnight TONIGHT to enroll at www.slps.org/escrow. You will need your employee ID number and the last four digits of your social security number.
As a reminder, when you opt in to escrow, you are authorizing the Board of Education of SLPS to withhold approximately 13% of your bi-weekly base pay. A total of 16 deductions (one per pay period) will be withheld beginning 10/16/2020 and ending 05/14/2021 to be deposited into your employee Escrow Account for distribution in five equal payments on 06/25/2021, 07/09/2021, 07/23/2021, 08/06/2021, and 08/20/2021.
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Blogs About Reading: Timothy Shanahan on Literacy
Literacy expert Timothy Shanahan shares best practices for teaching reading and writing. Dr. Shanahan is an internationally recognized professor of urban education and reading researcher who has extensive experience with children in inner-city schools and children with special needs. All posts are reprinted with permission from Shanahan on Literacy.
Eight Ways to Help Kids to Read Complex Text // June 27, 2020
In response to a teacher’s question concerning the expectation that students who read 1-2 years below grade level perform well on complex texts, Dr. Shanahan offers eight strategies for teaching challenging text:
- First, determine which grade-level materials are the right fit for each student.
- Second, vary the reading demands for students who will be learning from challenging text.
- Third, let the kids in on the secret. Tell them what you are doing.
- Fourth, if students are far behind, reverse the order that you normally use with guided reading and fluency practice. Have students read the text a few times before guided reading.
- Fifth, preteach vocabulary that the author does not explain or define.
- Sixth, when reading the text for comprehension, chunk it into small sections.
- Seventh, go through the text and identify particularly complicated sentences.
- Eighth, pay special attention to cohesion … kids get lost in synonyms, pronouns, etc.
Read the complete blog HERE.
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Focus On: The Instructional Cycle in Virtual Learning - Engaging Students Virtually and Beyond ...
The million-dollar question in education could most certainly be: how do we keep students engaged? To add complexity to a deeply complex issue, flash forward to the 2020 version of that question: how do we keep students engaged virtually?
Below is an excerpt from The Distance Learning Playbook – (The Main Idea 2020)
“In the rush to create virtual classrooms, we focused on the tools rather than the learning and engagement. The authors advise that we now ask ourselves: What do students need to be able to do (online or in school) to be successful learners? Learners need to perform four main functions: 1) find and evaluate information efficiently, 2) use information accurately and ethically, 3) create information to inform their learning, and 4) share information responsibly with others. Students can perform these functions via traditional paper and pencil or through a shared online tool."
(Click HERE to access the full article, The Distance Learning Playbook, Corwin. The Main Idea 2020)
Additionally, I encourage you to continue to visit our learning from last week, around the concept of: Checking for Understanding... Click HERE to access part 1 of the digital series: The Instructional Cycle in Virtual Learning – Check for Understanding.
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Curriculum Corner: Science, Secondary with Dr. Valentina Bumbu
Science Assessments
Assessment SMART Goal for 6-12 Science: Schools will implement SLPS 6-8 Science Curriculum with fidelity by applying the learnings from professional development and on-going support on planning and pacing, to achieve an average proficiency at the same level or better than the district average or 20% growth as measured by common formative and summative assessment by the end of 2020-2021 school year.
Assessment Reminder: Common Summative Assessment for quarter 1 is fast approaching and is scheduled for the week of Oct. 12-16 in Scantron. Data on CSA and quarterly grades are due in the tracker one week after administering the CSA.
Assessment Prep Tips: To prepare students for 3-dimensional assessment, use the pool of formative questions and proficiency scale for each standard hyperlinked into your respective grade/subject curriculum plan.
Science PD Announcements
Coming up Booster Sessions: Virtual Science Teaching: What? So What? Now What? October 13, 3:30pm in Teams
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Curriculum Corner: Social Studies with Dr. Glenn Barnes
SMART Goals For Social Studies:
1) Elementary: Schools will implement the SLPS Elementary Social Studies Curriculum with fidelity for 30 minutes daily as evidenced by 100% of students scoring greater than 75% or above on quarterly assessments in the social studies units by the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
2) Secondary: Schools will implement the SLPS Secondary Social Studies Curriculum with fidelity through on-going support with planning, pacing, and intervention to increase the number of students in grades 9-12 averaging a minimum of 3% growth between common formative / summative assessments in Government by the end of the 2020-2021 school year.
Assessment Reminders
1) The CSA for 1st Quarter will take place the week of Oct. 12-16.
2) Elementary: The Engaging scenario at the end of the grade level units is the CSA. This is a performance based assessment and will require time for students to complete and for you to score. Use the proficiency scales to score, as they are aligned to the priority standards being assessed. Also, be reminded that at the start of each unit, the pre-assessment is the CFA. Be sure to keep track of your data on this!
2) Secondary: Government will need the CSA to be scored on some components, so scoring guides will be included in the assessment for the teacher of record. Grades 6-8, I will be sending you an assessment next week to use as a summative assessment.
3) All: Be reminded that CFAs are to see what students know prior to learning. CSAs assess learning over time. You want to see growth between assessments.
Assessment Prep Tips
1) Be sure to keep the standards as your focus and assess them. Use the exit slips and create questions and opportunities which reflect the requirements of proficiency.
2) It specifications also hold quality information in showing what a student needs to know and be able to do.
3) Focus on pushing follow up questions with higher DOK levels. Don’t let students answer a simple softball question, but push them to explain their thinking. This will help you address misconceptions or misinformation.
PD Reminders
General Announcements
1) Thank you to the 75 people who came out on 9/28 to learn about Kids Voting! Every school was represented by a delegate, too. Kids Voting is an opportunity to educate our students on the candidates and issues in the upcoming election in a non-partisan way. Students will then participate in a mock election in October/November along with students from around the area. Thank you for educating our kids on these important issues and encouraging them to participate in the democratic process.
2) As we enter the days and weeks leading up to the general election, I am requesting teachers to be aware of their language being used in the classroom as it relates to the candidates. One thing that we must be cognizant about is that we need to be neutral on conveying personal political ideas to our students. While we may have defined beliefs about candidates and issues, we need to make sure our bias does not come out. If students share information with you, push them with follow up questions like, “Where did you hear that? Or, why do you believe that?” We need to be neutral arbiters in getting kids to think critically and be above the fray created by far too many adults. We have to put the ball into their hands and allow them to offer up solutions for the future without having our personal bias getting in the way.
3) Finally …The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. If you have a student who will be 18 by Nov. 3, please direct them HERE, so they can register.
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Curriculum Corner: ELA, Secondary with Judine Keplar
Weekly Updates
Assessment: Scantron Diagnostic (Performance Series) for Reading and Language Arts (Sept. 18 – Oct. 15)
Assessment Tips: Did you know that Khan Academy now has ELA modules? You can access leveled ELA resources for grades 2-9 here: www.khanacademy.org/ela. Reading, vocabulary and grammar are covered!
PD Booster Sessions: No sessions for the week of Oct. 5-9.
General Announcements: Access the SLPS ELA District-Wide Tracker here! Reach out to Judine Keplar if you need support with the tracker.
SMART Goal Reminder: By the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, 70% of students in grades 6-12 will meet their performance growth target (established by their ELA teacher) as measured by a comparison of their scores on ELA common formative assessments (CFAs) and common summative assessments (CSAs) that integrate high priority standards (RI.1.A/RL.1.A, RI.1.B/RL.1.B, RI.1.D/RL.1.D, RI.2.A/RL.2.A, RI.2.B/RL.2.B, W.1.A).
Important Links
This workbook is updated regularly, so be sure to check back frequently for new resources!
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Curriculum Corner: K-12 Math with Zehra Kahn
Current Smart Goal: Strengthen implementation of Mathematics Curriculum with emphasis on blended learning model, SLPS Grades K-12 students will demonstrate an average proficiency at the same level or better than the district average as measured by CSA assessment by the end of school year 2020-2021.
Upcoming Assessment: Common Summative Assessment for quarter 1 is scheduled for the week of Oct. 12-16 in Scantron.
Assessment Preparation Tips: Please use quick check questions in enVision2.0 (elementary) and exit ticket database questions for each standard to prepare students for CSA1.
Weekly open office hours for math lesson planning and curriculum support: If you have any questions or concerns you can always join me from 7-8am every Wednesday (K-5) , Thursday (6-8) and Friday (9-12).
Math Booster Sessions (3:30-4:30pm)
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Curriculum Corner: Science, Elementary with Carrie Launius
The National Science Teaching Association offers free virtual lesson to teachers. They have them classified into groups – Elementary, Middle, High School and At Home. The lessons are standard based and blend in with the SLPS curriculum.
To see the lessons or share with families, click HERE.
Weekly Reminders
- Current SMART goal: Schools will implement the SLPS Elementary Science Curriculum with fidelity for 30 minutes daily in grades K-2 and 45 minutes daily in 3-5 to increase the number of students scoring above 70% on the district assessments
- mySci PD for schools in the grant Saturday, 10/10 from 8:30-11:30am
- Tuesdays with Carrie: 7-8am every Tuesday for support.
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Curriculum Corner: Performing Arts with Kaye Harrelson
SMART Goals for Performing Arts in the 2020-2021 school year
100% of performing arts teachers will integrate instruction with objectives in the Respond, Create and Connect strands of the Missouri Fine Arts Standards.
Weekly Booster-Open Office Hours for Lesson Planning, Content Support and Q/A
Reminders
Add a smile to your face online. Really! If you don't project interest and energy, you'll lose your students before getting started. Watch your videos for 10 minutes to see if you would tune in, or tune out.
Use the Performing Arts Teams groups to communicate with each other and then blatantly STEAL those good ideas! Not only is it acceptable, it is recommended!!
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Curriculum Corner: ELA, Elementary with Dr. Esther Palsenberger
CFA/CSA Smart Goal: Schools will implement the SLPS English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum with on-going assessment using Common Formative Assessments focusing on high priority standards. By the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, 70% of students in grades K-5 will meet their performance growth target (established by the teacher) as measured by a comparison of their quarterly scores on the ELA common formative assessments (CFSs) that integrate high priority standards identified within the current curriculum plan.
Assessment Reminders: The District-Wide Writing Performance Task is quickly approaching. The due date for all grades K-5 is Oct. 15, 2020. You can find the writing prompt and rubric in the Curriculum Plan within the Elementary Teachers Teams page. The Writing Performance Task will assess students based on the writing standards found within the pacing guide during the 1st quarter.
Assessment Prep Tips: Be sure to read the writing prompt and review the scoring guide with your students. Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers have a script which is also located within the curriculum plan.
Classroom Visit Highlights: Ms. Cox / Ms. Steward at Mullanphy - The ELA lesson was implemented with the same expectations as if the students were sitting in the classroom setting. The flow and pace of the lesson provided enough time for students to stay engaged and focused. The team of teachers worked well together. It was a pleasure to see the love of teaching and learning taking place at Mullanphy!
Ms Williams at Woerner - The respect Ms. Williams gives to each of her students shows the strength of her relationship with her students. The students felt safe and comfortable throughout the lesson. She kept high expectations throughout the lesson and followed through with the consequences. She provided constructive specific feedback to her students on their work. It was a joy to hear the great poems that students created based on specific criteria.
Upcoming PD opportunities:
- Oct. 6 - Writing Performance (K-2) 3:15-4:15pm, LINK
- Oct 7 - Writing Performance (3-5) 3:15-4:15pm, LINK
- Oct 7 - Open Forum, 7-8am, LINK
General Announcements:
Don't forget to schedule your virtual classroom visits using the online calendar. Every elementary school needs to sign up every month for a minimum of 2 classroom visits. You can also include any PD and PLC meetings for your building.
Any questions? Contact Dr. Palsenberger: email
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
- Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, K-12 Math, 314-532-3574
- J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
- Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science, 573-544-6835
- Dr. Glenn Barnes, Social Studies, 314-934-5267
- John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
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Resource Reminders
TECH TIPS:
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES:
FOR STAFF:
FOR STUDENTS:
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Miss an Issue?
Past issues are uploaded on a regular basis.
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