Embedded Files
Ron Gallagher
IU1 Curriculum Department
IU1 Curriculum Department
Buy 9 full PD days and get one free.
IU1 STEM Pathways
IU1 STEM Pathways
2026-2027 OpenSciEd Pricing for Kits and Professional Development
Save the Dates
Save the Dates
Legislation Day at IU1. Friday, February 20, 2026 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
District Data Clinic: Connecting Data, Instruction, and Opportunity
PA School Code Updates
PA School Code Updates
Implementation Guide for PA School Code
Legal Updates for Education Leaders Feb 26 and April 9 at 12:00 PAIU - Professional Learning (Fee on Registration)
School Safety and Security Conference, March 12-13, 2026 at the Penn Stater (Info and registration)
Family Engagement
Family Engagement
IU1 is working to host a Family Engagement session by the end of March or early April.
CP Tip Jar
CP Tip Jar
Upcoming Due Dates
Educator Effectiveness Annual Report: February 28
Comprehensive Plans and State Reports (Phase 1): March 31
K-12 Guidance Plan (Phase 3): March 31
PVAAS Updates
PVAAS Updates
Roster Verification
PIMS Staff Student Subtest:
Submission Deadline:
March 2, 2026 - by Noon
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
Brian Gasper Updates
Brian Gasper Updates
STEELS Item Samplers should be released in the next couple of weeks on the OTT in DRC. Not sure if Math and ELA will be released.
WIDA window extension due to snow to one more week (March 3rd) as communicated with field
New Bill on the table to teach cursive writing.
TCM Cursive Resources for Pennsylvania Schools:
180 Days of Cursive: Beginning
Build foundational cursive skills through daily practice that strengthens muscle memory and handwriting fluency.180 Days of Cursive: Advanced
Ideal for grades 4–5 or students needing more challenge; reinforces legibility, speed, and application of cursive skills.Using Cursive Today
Practical application lessons that connect cursive writing to real‑world tasks, perfectly aligned with Pennsylvania's emphasis on relevance and functional skill‑building.
Cell Phone Bill is gaining traction across the state.
CDT/Firefly Updates
CDT/Firefly Updates
Counts
CDT and Firefly remembers how you did on the previous test to start the next session.
CDT Skills Pamphlet for STEELS will be updated soon.
Longitudal Data coming on 2/25/26
Group Progress Report coming to Firefly at the end of the month in March.
STEELS 2025-26 Item Samplers coming to OTT very soon.
Firefly Demo DRC
Accessibility
Accessibility
New Career Standards and Work (CEW) Standards
New Career Standards and Work (CEW) Standards
Due to demand, there will be a repeat webinar on Friday, 2/20/26, from 10 am to 11:15 am. You will need to register with a NEW link at the PaTTAN website here: https://learn.pattan.net/aspx/public/search/showcourse.aspx?coursenum=3621&cid=21&pcid=0
Online Assessment Webinar
Online Assessment Webinar
PA STEELS
PA STEELS
We are excited to announce the return of the Statewide STEELS Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for the 2025-2026 school year.
This year, we are offering two distinct tracks. Please review the dates and times below.
2025-2026 PLC Schedule
STEELS Teacher PLC Sessions
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
March 19, 2026
May 27, 2026
STEELS Administrator PLC Sessions
Time: 8:30 am - 10:00 am
April 8, 2026
June 4, 2026
How to Join
PLC Sessions are FREE for all attendees and will be held virtually via Zoom. To receive meeting links and communications, all attendees must register at the link below. A unique Zoom link will be sent to registrants approximately one week before each session.
Register Here: https://forms.gle/ZgEY8VciVGsogRVp9
College Board AP
College Board AP
P2C Webinar
P2C Webinar
Connecting Learning to Earning: Using P2C Math, Career Explorer, and the IU1 Labor Market Navigator
📅 February 26 | 2:00–2:45 PM EST.
Online Learning Symposium
Online Learning Symposium
Quarterbacks of Life
Quarterbacks of Life
Dave Dunham and Tracey Czajkowski - ELA Curriculum Specialists
Currciulum Writing at the IU
9th Grade ELA Curriculum is finished.
One is the BEST professional expereinces that I have had. Districts shared text ideas, instructional practices and materials. It truly was an amazing group of people.
10th Grade Curriculum Writing
Tenth‑grade teachers from participating districts are actively engaging in the curriculum writing process. Curriculum is being intentionally developed for each district and aligned to the Pennsylvania Academic Standards, including Anchors and Eligible Content. 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.
March 2 - Read Across America Day
Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on March 2nd. It is the nation's largest literacy event created by the National Education Association in 1998.
Instructional Ideas to Try:
Encourage teachers, staff, and admininstration to share their favorite childhood books.
Have middle and high school students read to the elementary students.
Have students share their favorite childhood text with a classmate and summarize that text.
Rewrite a non rhyming text in a rhyme.
Using a Dr. Suess text have each student identify 3-5 words and find synonyms, antonyms, examples and non examples of each word.
Read a non fiction text that addresses an underlying message from Dr.Suess. For example:
Green Eggs and Ham - Resistance to change can be irrational.
The Lorax - Industrial progress without responsibility destroys communities.
Yertle the Turtle - Abuse of power leads to downfall.
Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist (Social Studies Updates)
250th America Essay Contest (1 Page Flyer).pdfIn 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)
ESSAY TOPICS
Grades 5-8: How can young people can help protect American ideals?
Grades 9-12: Interpreting the Founders’ Vision 250 years later
Submission Deadline:
May 18th , 2026
Submit Essays To:
The Daily Courier Email: cwhipkey@dailycourier.com or rabramowitz@dailycourier.com
Mail or Drop Off:
127 W. Apple St., Connellsville, PA One winner will be selected in each grade level. Monetary prizes will be awarded!
Classrooms Without Borders 2025-26 IU1 Sessions (with makeup day in May).pdfWe are pleased to offer the following sessions for the IU1 professional development calendar. These offerings are designed to engage educators in meaningful, inquiry-based learning that integrates historical understanding with practical classroom strategies.
*All sessions will be held at IU1 Central Office (One Intermediate Unit Drive, Coal Center, PA 15423) from 9am-3pm*
*Meets Act 70 School Requirement
***Next Session will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026. ***
Also: May 18th, 2026 is the makeup session for the cancellation of the January session. (Rescheduled due to inclement weather) Memory and Meaning: Teaching the Holocaust in Today’s Classroom Featuring Emily Loeb, Director of Programs & Education, Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.
**$$ Grant stipend for schools for upcoming sessions $$**
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. (Please visit our History Field Trip Grant Program page for more information).
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@iu1.org
Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist (Gifted. Induction, & Other Updates)
Gifted Updates
Gifted Updates
NEW!! To Register for the Gifted Email listserv - IU1 Gifted Listserv Sign-Up Link
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.
Regular Ed Teacher slide deck -Slide Deck Link (it will force them to make a copy. That way they can make changes to the slides.)
Where? Allegheny Intermediate Unit
When? March 12th from 8am to 3:30pm
Join educators, administrators, and leaders from across Western Pennsylvania for a full day of professional learning dedicated to advancing gifted education. The Western PA Gifted Regional Day offers engaging keynote sessions, practical workshops, and collaborative networking opportunities designed to strengthen our shared commitment to meeting the needs of gifted learners.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Labels: Cultivating Talent in Every Learner,” emphasizes moving past identification alone to embrace the development of potential in diverse and dynamic ways. Sessions will highlight effective instructional strategies, equity and access considerations, social-emotional learning supports, and innovative practices that help gifted students thrive.
Whether you are new to gifted education or an experienced practitioner, this conference provides the tools, inspiration, and connections needed to support the growth of gifted learners across all grade levels.
IU1 Induction 2025-26 Schedule and Registration Links.pdf2025-26 Induction Schedule
2025-26 Induction Schedule
*Participants must register on the hyperlinks on the flyer through Learning Stream.
Directions to Create IU1 PD Hub Accounts
HPE Flyer March 24 2026 Training.pdfHealth & Physical Education Training at IU1
Health & Physical Education Training at IU1
Teachers will be able to collaborate with fellow educators in planning and practicing the outcomes in a mini lesson setting. Teachers will gain access to ideas of how to include activities in both health and physical education classes. Teachers will leave the training with experience in implementing both health literacy skills and physical literacy components in their classes.
Date: March 24, 2026
Time: 9:00 am-2:00 pm
Lunch: (On Your Own)
Facilitator: PDE and SHAPE PA (Nick Slotterback)
(You Must Register for Act 48 & Attendance Records)
Face-to-Face & Virtual Training Event
Location: Intermediate Unit 1 Face-to-Face or Join Us Via Zoom
Zoom Link: Will Be Emailed the Day Before the Event
Contact Information: jordan.lozosky@iu1.org
Morgan North, Career Readiness Coordinator
Morgan North, Career Readiness Coordinator
STEM Business & Educator Roundtable Discussions
STEM Business & Educator Roundtable Discussions
Meeting Dates:
Meeting Dates:
Thursday, March 5th 2026 - WA,GR, FA
Thursday, March 5th 2026 - WA,GR, FA
Link to Register: March 5th - Registration
This virtual session seeks to co-design and identify meaningful student experiences that address priority needs and workforce gaps by sharing insights on emerging industry trends to ensure STEM programs remain relevant and aligned with PA STEELS Standards.
Emily Hughes, STEM Coordinator
Emily Hughes, STEM Coordinator
Western PA EL&S Summit 2026.pdf2026 Western PA Environmental Literacy Summit
2026 Western PA Environmental Literacy Summit
IU1 Watershed Conservation Field Day
ABOUT: Students will complete hands on watershed conservation tasks, led by industry experts, such as water quality testing and macroinvertebrate sampling. Students will also tackle a watershed conservation escape room, a holistic STEM challenge that applies mathematics skills in the work performed by the professionals at CEC Inc. Some funding is available for schools to attend.
WHEN: April 13 - 17, 2026; Select your top choice from the list of dates on the form, it is not guaranteed but we will try our best to accommodate your request.
LOCATION: PennWest California - SAI Farm (377 E Malden Dr, Coal Center, PA 15423)
TIME: 9:00AM to 1:00PM
WHO: High School Students interested in Environmental Science
Students are invited to attend event in a team of 5 HIGH SCHOOL students. Limited to one team per school district, unless additional space becomes available. (If you have Middle School students interested please contact us.)
REGISTER: https://forms.gle/Qnffgb6UocHAUCpV8
CONTACT: Teresa Brown, teresa.brown@iu1.org
Learn more at: https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/innovationanddesign/student-programs
Remake Learning Days 2026 - $250 in support funding for 10 schools contact me by Friday, Feb. 20th (sarah.durzo@iu1.org)
Remake Learning Days brings together schools, arts organizations, libraries, museums, community spaces, and more to host engaging experiences where kids and caregivers learn together. This year also marks 10 years of Remake Learning Days in SWPA, which makes it an especially exciting moment to participate.
This year, RLD is spotlighting Southwestern Pennsylvania’s incredible learning assets through a few exciting themes:
Emerging Industries – Families explore AI, robotics, climate tech, and space through hands-on workshops, real tools, and industry mentors.
Shining a Spotlight on Careers – Kids “try on” futures through playful career exploration with trades, healthcare, aviation, culinary arts, and more.
Outdoor Learning – Parks, rivers, farms, and green spaces become classrooms for nature-based discovery and adventure.
Sites of Everyday Learning – Laundromats, firehouses, restaurants, and neighborhoods transform into unexpected learning spaces.
Creative Industries – Youth create films, podcasts, zines, music, and art alongside Pittsburgh’s vibrant creative community.
I’m supporting outreach as an intermediary partner, and I can offer up to $250 in support funding to help cover supplies or event costs for events I recruit. Based on your work, I think there’s a great opportunity to showcase your work through a simple, joyful experience.
If you’re interested:
Learn more at remakelearningdays.org
Submit an event (the process is quick and organizations can submit multiple events) Please let me know by Feb. 13, 2026 if you will be submitting an event so that I can get you your funds.
I’m happy to chat or help you brainstorm an idea, or join one of RLD Virtual Office Hours if that’s helpful. Hope you’ll consider being part of Remake Learning Days 2026!
2026 Engineering Week
ABOUT: Join us on February 24 or February 26, 2026 (or both!), from 1:30–2:00 PM, for an engaging, student-friendly session that introduces young learners to engineering concepts through interactive activities and real-world connections. This experience is a great way to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving during Engineering Week. Students will also hear from EQT engineers, who will connect classroom learning to real-world engineering work and careers.
Event Details:
• Who: Students in Grades 2–6
• What: Free Engineering Week virtual experience
• When: February 24 or February 26, 2026
• Time: 1:30–2:00 PM
• Cost: FreeRegister today at: https://forms.gle/kLTLSWHG4b3x2Dyf8
Teachers are welcome to register a class, multiple classes, or individual students. Additional details, including the virtual link and session outline, will be shared after registration.
Camp Tech 2026
ABOUT: Camp Tech is a summer camp for students entering grades 3-8 in the fall of 2026. Students will explore science, technology, engineering, math, computer science and more with new and innovative technology! Students will rotate through 4 sessions each day, beginning at 9:00AM and ending at 2:00PM. Sessions fill quickly and space is limited to 48 participants at each site. Make sure to register early! Students are asked to bring a bagged lunch.
COST: $200 per student, $165 for each additional student within the same house hold.
Learn more at: https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/iu1camptech/home
LEGO Six Bricks Education NEW Initiative from CMUs Project Baseplate
ABOUT: This basic set of six different coloured DUPLO 2x4-stud bricks is used to encourage children to construct and (more importantly) to deconstruct ideas and concepts whilst working on and developing their perceptual skills. Six Bricks activities help to develop core learning skills – self-regulation; curiosity; creativity & playfulness – the foundation for all later learning, as children solve problems, understand themselves, others and the world around them.The idea of using Six Bricks is based on a belief that children need to be exposed to perceptual (obtaining information from senses)-motor (learning to move with control and efficiency) experiences, which require them to use their brain and body together.
CONTACT: interested in getting your teachers trained contact John Balash, CMU Project Baseplate lead at jbalash@andrew.cmu.edu
Learn more at: https://www.carefored.co.za/ or https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/innovationanddesign/project-baseplate
discoverED Statewide Design Challenge
ABOUT: Remake Learning Days is excited to invite your school district to participate in discoverED, a free statewide design challenge launching Remake Learning Days 2026 across Pennsylvania! On May 5, 2026, first, second, and third-grade classrooms will virtually “swap schools” for an afternoon of connection, creativity, and collaboration as students design, build, and iterate their very own hoop gliders. Participating schools will receive all supplies free of charge, shipped directly to their buildings, and will connect with partner classrooms in April for a fun virtual icebreaker before the big design day.
KEY DATES INCLUDE:
Interest Form closes March 21
Materials Request Form open March 24 – April 4
Virtual Icebreakers held April 13, 14, or 17
Supplies delivered April 13 – 24
The official challenge on May 5 during Remake Learning Days (May 1–23).
School districts can register their interest here: https://bit.ly/discoverED2026InterestForm
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