January 23, 2024
Jenny Lent
We welcome your district to join us for our 2024 Student Showcase being held during the Annual IU1 Convention on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The showcase will begin at 1:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn 1000 Corporate Drive, Canonsburg, PA 15317. The State of the IU1 dinner for District Board Members and Superintendents will begin at 6:00 PM, further information regarding the dinner will be sent in the upcoming month.
If your district is interested in participating in the 2024 Student Showcase, please register as soon as possible by using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/1BeSEDTm1f?origin=lprLink.
Fusion Update
Credit Recovery offerings through Fusion include new 8-week credit recovery courses through Imagine Learning that can be registered for at any time during the year!
Working on a partnership with a new organization to add K-12 online classes for technology subjects as well as technology certificates to Fusion offerings
Working on a partnership with Edmentum for course offerings as well
Brownsville presented with Lisa Steratore at TRETC the impact that Imagine Learning Purpose Prep has had on their students. If interested in hearing more, please reach out to Lisa Steratore.
Potential Teacher Staffing Issues and solutions such as Fusion (Chartiers Houston Example)
AI in K-12
IU1 preparing to offer an AI Innovators group once a week for 8 weeks in February and March to discuss how to integrate AI into education and so that staff can share how they are currently utilizing AI in their classrooms. More information will be released soon!
EdWeek Article: Most Teachers are NOT Using AI
PDE Data Summit - A World of Opportunity: See Where Data Can Take You!
March 11-13, 2024
Hershey Lodge
SEDTA - State Ed Tech Trends Report
Provides AI tools and resources specific to educators
Keystone Technology Innovators (KTI) Nominations open now until February 10, 2024
The list of past keystones AND list of currently nominated 2024 Keystones is available on the website: https://sites.google.com/paect.org/keystonespa/past-keystones (Scott Snyder would like to emphasize that past nominated folks who have NOT attended a Summit do not need to be nominated again and may contact ktichair@paect.org to learn how to apply for Summit if now interested)
Ron Gallagher
ChatGPT prompt of the month:
Unleash Magic AI: A one hour virtual meeting every Thursday in February from 2:30-3:30. No registration needed. Open to all teachers and admin.
Discussion topic:
With the change from districts choosing between the 180 days OR 900 Elem/990 Secondary hours, has any districts been discussing different approaches to the school day/year?
Credit and seat hours
How do districts support and provide PD for school nurses? Google Doc
PA School Code Changes 2023
PVAAS Updates
PVAAS Webinars
SY 23-24 Roster Verification Phase Dates
Preview: Thursday April 18, 2024 - Wednesday May 1, 2024
Teacher Verification: Thursday May 2, 2024 - Wednesday May 15, 2024
School Verification: Thursday May 16,2024 - Wednesday May 29, 2024
LEA Verification: Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Friday June 21, 2024
Note: Phases will now open on Thursdays with a longer 2-week Preview phase!
PDE Certifications
PDE Webinar on Emergency Permits and Intern Certifications, Jan. 5, 2024 - Dr. Carissa Pokorny-Golden
PSSA/Keystone Updates
Comp Planning/FRCCP
There has been 2 updates to the comp plan if you are a school with a designated school. A required meeting was sent out to the state. The first update is under the Set section of designated schools. All district designated schools need to be listed in your comp plan. The priority challenges from the school plan will need to be copy and pasted to the comp plan. The second update is in the Go section under the Action Plan. A technical assistant plan will need to be created for each challenge in your comp plan.
Local User Admin can access the expenditure table in the Admin tab in FRCPP
K12 Guidance Plan
Bottom of FRCPP - Open Office Hours
School Improvement
All 2018 ATSI designated schools have been updated on their exit criterias.
The 2023 ESSA report card should be available on January 22. Link is in the FRPAI.
Science
Grade 4 to Grade 5 PSSA Science is moving forward. The state is applying for a Federal accountability waiver for the 2024-2025 Grade 5 and Grade 8 Science.
PDE Questions for panelists
- Dual Enrollment/ AP Question (last update 1/9/24)
Can you please clarify whether a dual enrollment course must be paid for by the school entity in order to count for ADM? Additionally, an LEA has asked about coding a course (PIMS) that some students are receiving AP credit and some are receiving Dual Enrollment. Based on the new PIMS reporting for dual enrollment, is there any way for a course to be both or must the LEA create two separate scheduled courses. As an example, students are sitting in an AP Biology course in which some will receive dual enrollment credits and some will sit for the AP exam. A course cannot be reported in PIMS as both AP and Dual Enrollment. A classroom that is covering both requirements must be reported as 2 different courses. The ability to report students that are taking a DE course as either receiving or not receiving credit removed the requirement to report a 3rd course for that classroom to cover students that were not taking it as AP or receiving credit. (A. Rose 1/11/24)
Dual Enrollment Grant money started to be sent out on January 10.
Equity and Engagement
Math, Teresa Brown & Sam Taylor
Math Workshop - JMES.mp4Upcoming Math Professional Development
Rescheduled!
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!
Coming Soon!
Just opened! This day-long session will dig into the nuance of place value to support teachers' knowledge of both mathematics content and instructional pedagogy.
Register today!
Secondary teachers, rejoice!
Professional development just for grades 6+ In this 2 part session, participants will break down the 8 standards for mathematical practice and the instructional practices that support them.
Tate for part 2 will be announced soon.
Teachers, get paid to learn!
During this PD, you will focus on anticipating student thinking, looking at students’ problem-solving practices in meaningful ways using Noticing and Wondering, and providing feedback that encourages further engagement with problem solving. Student thinking is valuable and interesting, so let’s practice engaging more deeply with it. More information can be found on their website (linked below).
PCTM State Conference
Join math teachers from across the state in three days of professional development and networking!
This year's keynote speaker is Kevein Dykema, the NCTM president!
Social Studies, Jordan Lozosky
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!
Bradford House & Whiskey Rebellion Professional Development Day March 12, 2024.pdfTarget Audience: K-12 Social Studies Teachers
The day will focus on an In-Depth Look Into the Local History of the Whiskey Rebellion. History lessons, teacher resources, and other classroom "take-aways" will be provided. Teachers will gain a deeper understanding of local history and how to incorporate it into their teaching.
When: Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (9:30am-2:30pm)
Cost: $15/per teacher. Lunch and 5 ACT 48 Hours provided
Registration Link:
Bradford House & Whiskey Rebellion Professional Development Day for Social Studies Teachers K-12
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).
Online registration is open now through Feb. 28 for the annual Bradford House Museum Poster Contests, open to all middle and high school students (public, parochial, cyber, and home-schooled) who reside in Washington, Greene, Allegheny, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties, on a topic of Western Pennsylvania history, 1750 – 1850. For complete rules and the registration information, go to www.bradfordhouse.org/poster-contest/
Winning projects be displayed at the Symposium on 18th Century Life and Customs in Western Pennsylvania, An Evening with Lewis & Clark, on April 5, 2024. All entrants receive 2 free symposium tickets.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries in each division: Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12). Prizes are generously sponsored by Betsy and Bill West, Northwood Realty Services.
Email questions to education@bradfordhouse.org.
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
Gifted & Induction Updates, Jordan Lozosky
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)
New gifted decision Hearing Officer Decision 28616-23-24.pdfNew Gifted Due Process Decision
Please see the document due process decision that is involving a gifted student.
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!!
Sarah D'Urzo - https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/innovationanddesign/home
THE LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® METHOD
The purpose of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is to change “lean backward meetings” to “lean forward meetings,” where the result is more participation, more insights surfaced, more engagement and, ultimately, more commitment and faster implementations.
The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method (LSP) is a facilitated thinking, communication and problem solving technique for use with organisations, teams and individuals. It draws on extensive research from the fields of business, organizational development, psychology and learning, and is based on the concept of “hand knowledge.”
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® is based on the belief that:
People naturally want to contribute, be part of something bigger and take ownership
Allowing each member to contribute and speak out results in a more sustainable business
All too often, teams work sub optimally leaving knowledge untapped in team members
We live in a world which can best be described as complex and adaptive
Learn more at: https://www.rasmussenconsulting.dk/the-purpose or https://seriousplay.training/lego-serious-play/
IU1 offers workshops in the use of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® materials and methodology, contact
Sarah D'Urzo
Certified facilitator of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® method and materials
sarah.durzo@iu1.org
Student Scholarships & Opportunities
Range Resources 2024 Scholarship: Deadline April 5, 2024
A $2,000.00 scholarship opportunity to high school seniors in Washington County and Beaver County (please see the list of applicable schools below).
These seniors exemplify the spirit learning through their academics, leadership skills, career goals, volunteerism or civic-mindedness, and extra-curricular activities. Scholarships will be awarded to 2 students from each of the applicable districts. Scholarships will be awarded to the following applicants:
1 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a trade/technical degree (two or four year degree)
1 scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a college/university degree (four year degree)
Applicants must submit at least one reference from a non-relative, example: teacher, coach, co-worker, ect. this should include the reference's name, title, and contact information and a brief description on why you should receive this scholarship.
Apply at: https://forms.gle/E98YasgqDQJ129Dp6. No late applications will be accepted.
Applicable schools: - Avella - Bentworth - Burgettstown - Canon-McMillan - Chartiers-Houston -
Fort Cherry - Hopewell (Beaver County) - McGuffey - Ringgold - South Side Area (Beaver) - Trinity - Washington - Western Area Career and Tech
EQT Foundation’s Energize Your Education Scholarship: Deadline to apply is March 31, 2024
The program will award 15 $10,000 scholarships to graduating high school students looking to pursue a degree in a field that is utilized in the oil and gas industry, such as computer science or information technology; civil, chemical or petroleum engineering; energy or land management; environmental science; geology; safety science; or welding. The scholarships can be used at two- or four-year educational institutions.
Eligible students must be a current high school senior with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and live in one of the following counties where EQT Corporation has business operations:
Pennsylvania - Allegheny, Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Fayette, Greene, Lycoming, Tioga, Washington, Westmoreland
West Virginia - Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel
Ohio - Belmont
Students will be evaluated based on academic history, involvement in extracurricular activities, work experience, and essay response.
Additional information and the scholarship application can be found at https://eqtscholarships.versaic.com.
Flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/11aoMiaD0VyU-1fpUzUTjSPiRtHi7M7fg/view?usp=drive_link
25th Annual Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship: Applications Due March 1.
Ten students will be awarded $1,500 each! Students must be applying to or enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program full-time or enrolled at least part-time in a graduate program at a college, university, or educational institution during the fall semester of 2024 to be eligible. Each applicant will be asked to submit an essay under 250 words in length that explains their vision of the credit union of the future!
Remake Learning Days 2024
Get ready for Remake Learning Days 2024 coming May 2 - 22! The PA Department of Education joins us in expanding this successful, innovative learning festival statewide. Get started today and also share this opportunity with other event hosts!
Submit your event today at: https://remakelearningdays.org/southwesternpa/
Upcoming Student Opportunities
PA Media and Design Regional Competition: virtual
The PA Media and Design Competition, formerly the PA Computer Fair, is an annual event that highlights Pennsylvania students’ application skills, creativity and knowledge. Students are able to unleash their creativity, learn how to convey information more dynamically, and enhance the learning process.
For more information on the competition, categories, go to www.mediadesigncompetition.org.
PROJECTS DUE March 6, 2024
AWARD CEREMONY: March 8, 2024
LOCATION: Virtual
REGISTRATION:
Middle School: https://mediadesigncompetition.org/?page_id=1505
High School: https://mediadesigncompetition.org/?page_id=1501
STEM Design Challenge featuring K'Nex
Join us for IU1's Regional K'Nex Challenge Competition on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at PennWest California's Convocation Center from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Teams will have two hours to complete the challenge and then present their finished challenge.
Each school is limited to a maximum of two teams per school per grade level due to space (openings may become available for more teams after initial registration).
Learn more and register at: https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/stem-design-challenge/home
2024 IU1 Camp Tech:
Camp Tech is a summer camp for students entering grades 3-8 in the fall of 2024. Students will explore science, technology, engineering, math, computer science and more with new and innovative technology! This summer there will be both virtual and a face to face option available for students!
Camp Tech will be held at W&J College from July 15-19, 2024.
More information to come! Registration opens on March 18, 2024 at 9:00AM.