December 18, 2023
Ron Gallagher
ChatGPT prompt of the month:
AI updates
Experts are calling ChatGPT the MySpace of technology
Google released Gemini, which is comparable to ChatGPT 4V
Districts are using it with teachers and students 13+
No new policies, blended in with existing policies
Teacher Intern Certification
PVAAS Updates
Digging Deeper Guides have been updated to include the essential practices and have expanded to Grades K-2 Math & ELA
Diagnostics walk through
FRCPP
Comp Planning
Educator Effectiveness Annual Report will be released on December 20th and is due on February 28th.
Check the Master List here.
All Phase 2 Schools Comp Plan are due on March 31, 2024
School Improvement
TSI schools have been notified as of December 14th.
This is a 1 year designation and a plan will need to be created in FRCPP school plan.
Can join us in the ATSI meetings starting January 29th at 9:00 for support on writing your school plan.
Exit notifications for ATSI are forthcoming.
Policy
HB 1507: Would allow local school leaders to decide whether the SY should be 180 days OR 990 secondary/900 elementary hours.
Passed House and Senate, awaiting Governor approval.
HB 301 - ACT 33 of 2023
Renews classroom monitors till June 2026
Money available for student teachers($15000) and mentor teachers ($2500) a grant
Personal Finance
Curriculum Contracts
Contract days
Esports
A one day event is being planned at Waynesburg University on January 12th. Please let your Esports coaches save this date. More info coming this week.
Science Adventure School
Alyssa Moore
PA STEELS Standards Updates
The Western PA Intermediate Units Welcome You to Register for the 2024 Western PA Environmental Education Summit!
June 12, 2024, 9am-2pm
Grove City College
Remake Learning Updates
In case you have not heard:
Remake Learning has launched a new website and logo!
We are asking everyone to create a new profile. Join here! You can create one for yourself as well as your district.
Why Join Remake Learning?- This free, peer educator network helps members gain access to a supportive infrastructure of resources and services to enhance their work. By joining, you will have the opportunity to convene with other network members through events, apply for available grant opportunities, share resources and stories, and more.
Are you doing exciting things within your school? Are you interested in showcasing through a Lunch & Learn?
Contact alyssa@remakelearning.org or alyssa.moore@iu1.org to discuss setting something up on the calendar.
Remake Learning Days
May 2-22, 2024
Mini Grant Funding is available! Form to apply coming soon
Submit your event by January 31, 2024!
RLD2024 RLDSWPA Events Submission for IU1.pdfMath, Teresa Brown & Sam Taylor
Upcoming Math Professional Development
Join us in welcoming the PDE Math Content Advisor, Kevin Mauro, into our IU1 for a training in supporting your students' constructed responses on the PSSA and Algebra Keystone.
This session is a rescheduled session from the December session. All teachers who were previously registered are still registered for this event. Please reach out to Sarah.Collins@IU1.org if registered teachers are no longer able to attend.
New registrants welcome!
Save the date: Workshop, Topic TBD, Feb. 15
Don't Fear the Math Wars!
High quality math instruction isn't about utilizing an entirely problem-based or all procedural-focused methodology; it's about balance! Check out this post from NCTM president, Kevin Dykema. (2024 PCTM Conference keystone speaker!)
Jordan Lozosky-Social Studies
Eastern Region
Teaching with Primary Sources Leadership Institute
Thursdays
January 25th – February 29th
5:30 - 6:30 pm ET
Free
Participants earn up to 25 CEU hours for course completion, with an option to earn ten more afterward.
This course focuses on:
Selecting primary sources from www.loc.gov and utilizing them in day-to-day instruction;
Applying knowledge of TPS materials and methods to your work in peer coaching and professional development presentations;
Adapting and delivering TPS professional development and creating effective coaching relationships that meet the needs of adult learners;
Providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and aspirations to use Library of Congress TPS content in various educational settings;
Using a variety of coaching techniques to support educators in the use of Library of Congress primary sources and TPS strategies.
TPS Leadership Institute participants complete one to two hours of independent learning activities in preparation for each week’s one-hour live web conference.
Already registered? Invite a colleague to attend!
The Bradford House Historical Association is again sponsoring a Poster Contest on a topic of Western Pennsylvania history, 1750 – 1850, open to all middle and high school students (public, parochial, cyber and home-schooled) who reside in Washington, Greene, Allegheny, Fayette, and Westmoreland Counties.
Students are required to construct a presentation on a standard size trifold display board, register online during January and February, and deliver the project to the Bradford House, 175 South Main Street, Washington PA by March 15, 2024. For complete rules, hints for developing a project, a list of possible topics and a works cited guide, go to www.bradfordhouse.org/learn/poster-contest .
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries in each division: Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12).
An outreach program (either virtual or in person) to introduce teachers and students to the contest requirements is available. Research assistance is also available. Bradford House maintains a small reference library relating to the Whiskey Rebellion and 18th century living.
Winning projects will be displayed at the annual Symposium on 18th Century Life and Customs in Western Pennsylvania, An Evening with Lewis & Clark, on Friday, April 5, 2024. Sponsoring teachers of submitted entries will receive a free ticket to the Symposium.
Email education@bradfordhouse.org for more information.
C70 Youth Civics Programs.pdf
Make sure to check out my IU1 Social Studies site for more information and resources!
If you are seeking additional resources or any information related to enhancing your existing social studies curriculum, please contact:
Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist
Phone: 724-938-3241 ext. #405
Email: jordan.lozosky@iu1org
Jordan Lozosky-Gifted , Induction & Updates
Gifted Updates
To Register for the Gifted Email listserv - https://forms.gle/j63SgtjfGTcUALgLA
Regular Ed Teacher slide deck - https://docs.google.com/presentation/u/2/d/1xBXFG6_psTif6KoCcelJ5GtkKxrd3nEvIp8KVb63gpk/copy (It will force them to make a copy. That way they can make changes to the slides.)
Gifted Networking - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gifted-networking-with-the-allegheny-intermediate-unit-tickets-708761844757?aff=oddtdtcreator
February 20, 10am-11am (Virtual)
March 20, 10am-11am (Virtual)
District Induction Schedule 2023-24.pdf2023-24 Induction Schedule
*Participants must register on the hyperlinks on the flyer via Frontline.
**NEW SESSIONS BEGINNING JANUARY 8TH, 2024!!