Ron Gallagher - Curriculum Supervisor

IU1 Curriculum Department

Curriculum Department Resources

• Menu of services  link will send you to the information page that shares all of the trainings that are available

• IU1 PD HUB  link takes you to the IU1 registration page

Cursive Writing Survey 

Cursive Writing Google Form Results

• Use this link to access the 22 responses from IU1 districts

Save the Dates 

Western PA SCL Summit Registration (June 17,2026)

• Join us for the PA Student-Centered Learning Summit on June 17, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)!

• We are excited to welcome educators, administrators, and partners from across Pennsylvania to a day of collaboration, innovation, and exploration focused on student-centered learning. 

• Register now for Western PA SCL Summit to take part in interactive sessions, connect with peers, and discover impactful strategies to support meaningful learning experiences for all students.

PL Working Group Site Visit and Workshop (April 30, 2026)

• PL Working Group site visit will be on April 30 at Baldwin High School

• Please join the Personalized Learning Working Group for a high-impact, in-person experience focused on how Baldwin-Whitehall is leveraging its Journey of a Highlander competencies, flexible scheduling, and professional learning time to advance personalized, learner-centered systems.

• Use this link to reserve your spot at Baldwin High School

GBA and IU1 Youth Conference (May 18, 2026)

• IU1 along with Green Building Initiative will be hosting a Youth Conference focused on [sustainability and resilience]. This will be held at the trolley museum.

• If you are interested, please register by May 1st, using the link here.

Carrie Rowe and Amy Lena Updates

Updates from the Regional III Principal Meeting

• There will be new guidance coming out about the contact information with in your SIS.

• Who is your Act 1 or educator instability contact?  Mandatory for every school building.  This is for students that have moved due to homelessness or has a court order.

• 1. ACT 1 allows schools to accept credits that may have not been fully completed.

  2. Must have a graduation plan in place.  

• General Science certification can teach Biology, Chemistry, or Physics. This certification is not eligible for AP or College in the classroom courses.  

• PDE is creating micro courses for ACT 45

Artificial Intelligence

• Use this link to access the Adobe Student Spaces information

PVAAS Updates

Roster Verification Resources

• Use this link to access the slide deck of updates

• Use this link to access the RV Checklist

• Use this link to access RV Key Concepts & Topics 

• Important Dates

  • LEA Preview Phase - April 16 - 29

  • Teacher Verification Phase - April 30 - May 13

  • School Administrator Verification Phase - May 14 - 27

  • LEA Verification Phase - May 28 - June 17

• How to Build PVAAS Rosters Manually is a step-by-step guide for adding teachers, rosters, and students.

Roster Verification  Scenarios

• Use this link to access scenarios starting on page 31

Local Assessments and PVAAS

• • Data sharing partnerships with PVAAS

  • Use this link to connect to all the vendors that have data sharing agreements with PVAAS in place

Personal Finance

Personal Finance Toolkit

• Use this link to access the personal finance toolkit

  • Resources updated

  • HS Personal Finance Resources

  • Resources for other grade spans are coming soon.

  • Three courses will be launched in the SAS PD Center (Act 48) to support educators' implementation efforts.

PDE SAS Updates

Kevin Mauro SAS Updates

• SAS Updates link to the information provided by Kevin Mauro

• Listening session this Fall to figure out whether to open up the Math Standards

Online Assessment 

Online Assessment Updates

• Online Assessment Updates

  • Summer correction opportunity

DRC to Pearson

• On April 9 Pearson was selected to provide PA state assessments after the expiration of DRC’s current contract for up to five years, starting with the 2027-28 school year. 

• Use the Hot Off the Presses!  to see the entire email.

CDT/Firefly Updates

• Use this link to access updates on the Firefly 

• PA Firefly Reporting User Guide (PDF)

• Group Progress Report now operational in Firefly

Use this ACT 45 REGISTRATION link to register the information for State upload.

Jordan Lozosky- Curriculum Specialist (Social Studies, Gifted, Induction)

Classrooms Without Borders Remaining Sessions for the 2025-26 School Year:

Below are the two remaining sessions and the registration links:

• Use this Link to Register for the April 17, 2026 When Democracies Falter: Jim Crow, Nazi Germany, and the Educator’s Call Session  Hosted by Classrooms Without Borders. In an era of rising polarization and threats to democratic values, educators are essential defenders of truth and justice. This session aligns with Pennsylvania Acts 70 and 35, examining the parallels between Nazi antisemitism and Jim Crow racism. Participants will use case studies and primary sources to help students analyze the fragility of democracy and the urgent need to stand against hate.

• Use this Link to Register for the May 18, 2026  Memory and Meaning: Teaching the Holocaust in Today’s Classroom Session Featuring Emily Loeb, Director of Programs & Education, Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh. In recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this session provides updated resources, reflective practices, and age-appropriate strategies for teaching Holocaust history in modern classrooms.

American Battlefield Trust Field Trip Opportunity:

• Use this Link to Apply for the American Battlefield Trust History Field Trip Grant The American Battlefield History Field Trip Grant Program is designed to help offset the cost of K-12 field trips to sites related to the Revolutionary War, War or 1812, and the American Civil War. Approved applicants can receive up to $3,000 in funding for their field trip. Funds can be applied to transportation to and from the site(s), guide fees, and admissions to the historic sites. We do not provide funding for first-class accommodations, souvenirs, or overnight stays/accommodations. 

America's 250th Anniversary Contest:

• Use this Link to Access the Daily Courier's "America 250th Anniversary Essay Contest Informational Flyer"  In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, The Daily Courier invites students to participate in a community essay contest celebrating the ideals of America’s founding. Essay Divisions (One Winner in Each Grade Level) 

Law Day Student Contests & Resources for Young Adults:

• Use this Link to Access the Washington County Bar Association's Student Contests Flyer

• Use this Link to Access the Time to Adult Turning 18: Legal Issues in Real World Explanation Handout

• Use this Link to Access the Time to Adult Turning 18: Legal Issues in Real World Informational Packet for Students

Social Studies Curriculum Support from IU1:

• Use this Link to Access Jordan Lozosky's Social Studies Curriculum Support Google Site  If you are are seeking additional resources or any information related to enhancing your existing social studies curriculum please contact Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist at 724-938-3241 ext. 405 or by emailing him at jordan.lozosky@iu1.org 

Gifted Updates:

• Use this Link to Register For the IU1 Gifted Email Listerv  This is intended to create email lists for various interests/grade levels regarding gifted education and student opportunities.  Please feel free to forward to colleagues that might want to be included.      

• Use this Link to Access the Regular Education Teacher Slide Deck for Assistance with Gifted Support

Induction Updates:

• 2026-27 Induction Schedule will be Available by the May 2026 CCC Meeting

Meghan McAnulty and Emily Hughes - Science and STEM

Curriculum Writing at the IU

11th Grade Curriculum Writing wrapping up

Eleventh‑grade teachers from participating districts will complete the curriculum writing process this week. Curriculum is being intentionally developed for each district and aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. The work emphasizes high‑interest text sets and meaningful stories across a wide range of genres to build background knowledge and strengthen student engagement and comprehension.

Scientifically based best practices serve as the foundation of the curriculum. Instructional components such as mentor sentences, robust vocabulary instruction, varied levels of questioning, and differentiated strategies are thoughtfully embedded, well scaffolded, and shared to support effective, high‑quality instruction.

Friday, April 24 will be the administration meeting to review the 11th grade completed currciulum.  There will be a morning session starting at 8:30 and an afternoon session starting at 12 noon.  Emails have been sent.

ELA Curriculum Writing for Grades 3-6 For 2026-27 School Year

Next year the IU will be supporting comprehensive curriculum writing for grades 3-6 in ELA.  The calendar of writing sessions and professional development opportunities  

Below are NINE(9) upcoming opportunities for both students and educators across our region. These experiences are designed to support creativity, collaboration, and hands-on learning in a variety of engaging ways.

1. Brick Academy Summer Camp: Students in grades 2-7, will build creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills in a supportive, engaging environment. Registration is open.

   1. Register for Brick Academy Summer Camp at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf257PHBfLV3_Zc--1fwxuiepz7yhEibTPXfj9Yw5x7bS5kuw/viewform?pli=1
      
      

2. STEAM Competition: Trinity High School is hosting a STEAM Competition next year April 12th, 2027. Anyone interested please reach to Nicole Welsh at nwelsh@trinityhillers.net.
   
   

3. ONE X ONE Event:  a day of brick-based play, learning and community hosted by Baseplate (CMU) at the Robotics Innovation Center on Monday, May 4th from 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

   1. This event is our opportunity to showcase the work we've been doing across the LEGO spectrum from existing K-12 partnerships to secret behind-closed-door collaborative stuff as well as work with external partners across the nation and the world. Please consider joining us for this drop-in, drop-out friendly afternoon of fun and learning at the RIC.

   2. Register today and See all the info and RSVP for the ONE X ONE Event using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1ONauaEm_XUW7pdnEGsRJia-sSyJdnMfEJYg0y5ZY6t54Ew/viewform
      
      

4. Care For Education's Six Bricks curriculum and training:  You are invited to participate in an afternoon professional development session happening at Fluxspace in Pittsburgh's North Side on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 5th from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

   1. In celebration of 20 years of Remake Learning, we are offering a special price of $60 for this training session. Please email Anthony Palyszeski at apalysze@andrew.cmu.edu for more information.
      
      

5. Brick-by-Brick Program Advanced Facilitator Training: Wednesday, May 6th hosted at the Posner Center for Special Collections on Carnegie Mellon University's main campus.

   1. In honor of the Entertainment Technology Center's 25th anniversary, CMU is offering a 25% discount on enrollment for this all-day, one-day, in-person training, lowering the price to $300 per participant. Please email Anthony Palyszeski at apalysze@andrew.cmu.edu for more information.
      
      

6. Civic Futures Series:  A new series from the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh exploring how democratic societies adapt, respond, and evolve in the face of global change.

   1. WHEN: Tuesday, May 12th, Doors at 6:00PM | Program at 7:00PM

   2. WHERE: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, 4141 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 

   3. Register and learn more about the Civic Futures Event at https://worldpittsburgh.networkforgood.com/events/99398-civic-futures-democracy-in-a-changing-world?hid=NTczMTY3ODA=&utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_4595322
      
      

7. Bots IQ Open House: Join BotsIQ for their first ever Apprenticeship Open House. Guests can tour our newly expanded BotsIQ Training & Education Center, attend presentations about the BotsIQ Robotics Technician Pre-Apprenticeship or the Pittsburgh Chapter NTMA's Machinist Apprenticeship, enjoy demonstrations and activities, and more.

   1. When: Tuesday, April 28th | 10AM - 7PM

   2. Where: BotsIQ Training & Education Center (100 S Jackson Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202)

   3. Registration is required, and you can sign up for the Bots IQ Open House using this link: https://botsiqpa.org/events/apprenticeship-open-house/
      
      

8. Eradicate Hate Student Summit: An annual opportunity for students and teachers to convene in September at the Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh to rekindle the Stronger Than Hate movement in remembrance of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting at the Tree of Life.  Eradicate Hate's mission is to end all forms of hate, but we realize this must be done in school systems by promoting kindness, love, healing, positive mental health, school safety, and the celebration of culture and unity. 

   1. For that reason, each participating high school (last year, 34 schools came) receives a $1,000 school grant that students can use on any program, initiative, or event that helps to create safer kinder spaces in the spirit of Eradicate Hate.

   2. Looking for schools in Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties to apply. Event includes subsidized transportation (as a reimbursement), and all participating students and teachers will receive free breakfast and lunch, in addition to a $1,000 school grant.  Each school can bring up to 10 students and 2 chaperones.  Limited spots available for our counties, first come first serve. 

   3. Apply or register for the summit at: https://ehss.configio.com/

   4. Contact Nicholas Haberman at nicholas.haberman@aiu3.net for more information.
      
      

9. Range Resources School District Enrichment Funding: Funding is available for your school through our School District Enrichment Fund. We invite you to apply for up to $5,000 for educational programming for the 2026-27 school year.

   1. The deadline to apply is May 1. You can access information and the application for the Range Resources School District Enrichment Fund at: https://www.wccf.net/news/range-resources-school-district-enrichment-fund-grants-available-at-wccf