November 18, 2020
Jenny Lent
Speaker: Scott Deitz (sdietz@catalystconnection.org) - Catalyst Connection; discussing manufacturing career curriculum and opportunities
New Secretary of Education now in place - Dr. Noe Ortega; Not expecting any substantial shifts in department policy and goals
Navigating the Roadmap with PDE - Recordings on the PDE YouTube Channel; We can also customize PD for you based on your needs with any tools on the Roadmap
Equity Resources added to new page on the CCC site!
ELD Curriculum Development materials - English language development (ELD) means instruction designed specifically for English language learners to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.
IU1 is offering a professional development series entitled The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching. As the teachers scramble during closures to deliver emergency instruction to students online, administrators are focusing on supporting best practices for this unique situation, which includes how to observe staff online. Join staff from IU1 as they examine the Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching Guide provided by the Danielson Group. This guide provides recommendations to educators for meeting student needs during the pandemic by focusing on 8 of the 22 domains. The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching makes connections between the Danielson Framework and knowing/valuing your students, building responsive learning environments, and engaging students in learning. This series will support administrators with supporting teachers in these best practices for remote teaching. The session times and dates are listed below:
12/2/20 (11:00-12:00) Day 1 will focus on "Knowing and Valuing Your Students and their Context: 1B and 4C”
12/9/20 (11:00-12:00) Day 2 will focus on "Building Responsive Learning Environments: 2A, 2C, and 3D”
12/16/20 (11:00-12:00) Day 3 will focus on "Engaging Students in Learning: 1E, 3B, and 3C”
Please click the links below to register. You can register for all three sessions at once for a total of $35 or you can also register for an individual session for $15/session.
The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching Series – use this link to register for all three days at once and receive a discount! $35 total for all three sessions!
The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching Series: Day 1 - use this link to register for Day 1 only
The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching Series: Day 2 – use this link to register for Day 2 only
The Danielson Framework for Remote Teaching Series: Day 3 – use this link to register for Day 3 only
Assessment - The opt out regulations are still in effect - religious reason is the only opt out allowed by law; other opt outs are counted as refusal (both will still count against participation rates and proficiency); the only opt outs that do NOT count against a districts are medical exemptions, 1st year ELs, and a student who moves into the state but already took an equivalent test in their home state
Testing waiver for federal accountability for students from 2019 if they meet the following 2 criteria:
They were enrolled in a trigger course in 2019-20
They were a first time test taker in 2019-20
PDE will provide schools with a list of students that are included in the 2019-20 waiver for district review - likely January
PDE is anticipating an accountability waiver to be released for spring 2021 testing (Must test in Winter window as there is no waiver for this window!); most likely the spring accountability waiver will address school identification (ATSI, CSI) and ESSA report card data
Winter Assessment - Opportunity to Learn survey embedded in test; also need begin thinking about how you will test fully remote students
SB1216 passed the Senate and was sent to the house for concurrence. There is a lot packed into this bill. Review the quick summary provided by PARRS here.
Voluntary PA Initiative - to connect to your community and support long-term care facilities: PA Pen Pal Project
PBS/WQED SOS content - Welcome to WQED SOS! This site is a resource for you and the students of your community. Students with internet access can watch the lessons and print the activity packets from home using this website. Students without connectivity have been directed to contact their school district to have their packets printed, and can watch the lessons on air (WQED Showcase Channel- 13.4 over-the-air). Each grade level cluster has a packet for 10 days of lessons, including reading material, resources, and assignments. Additionally, all lessons have been matched to PA Learning Standards, and are here for your reference. WQED Education designed these lessons to be used in a number of ways. If there is a student who is unable to attend school, or students who choose to study virtually, or in the case of a school, district, or regional shutdown, these ten days of lessons are here as a support. Also, if a teacher is unable to teach, these lessons can easily be used by a substitute teacher or until the teacher returns.
Winter Keystones Letter - PSTAT training for 2021 is available and the accommodations manual is posted; No release yet for Getting Ready presentation
Safe Schools Conference - December 8-10; This annual event brings together representatives from schools, community agencies, mental health organizations and law enforcement to work towards ensuring safe environments where children can learn and teachers can teach. It is a high quality professional development opportunity for school administrators, student support personnel, teachers, school nurses, SAP team members, school resource officers, local law enforcement and community partners.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education 2021 Data Summit planning is well under way. Click here to register for this FREE conference! We have valuable breakout sessions and notable Keynote speakers. Due to COVID 19, we made the decision to move our conference to a virtual platform in 2021. Everyone’s health and safety is our top priority. Anyone involved in education data or decision making – from Kindergarten through Postsecondary – should attend. Superintendents, school administrators, business managers, Career and Technology Centers and Local Education Agency data and technology staff – including PIMS administrators, child accounting coordinators, curriculum directors, special education data managers, special education directors, assessment coordinators, and IT/technical staff and directors will all find workshops to enhance their skills and knowledge. If you interact with or rely on education data in anyway, then this conference is for you. An agenda will be available in the next couple of months
Topic Strands
PIMS Collections and PIMS Administrator
Online/Virtual Learning & Cybersecurity
Equity & Inclusion
Data Use & Visualization
Data Teams & Data Quality
Special Education
Tech Skills
PDE is excited to announce a Distance Learning Series in collaboration with Penn State Study Council and Penn State World Campus. The series takes a systems approach to building and refining a comprehensive distance learning pathway in Local Education Agencies. It is encouraged to sign up for the series in teams a five that include LEA level administrators, special education directors, curriculum coordinators, and educators. Folks may also engage in each webinar as a stand alone experience depending on where an an LEA is at along the continuum of building and refining their distance learning system. Each webinar will highlight and release a distance learning tool for LEAs. Follow the flyer link to register for the series as a team or register for each individual presentations.
Virtual Career Readiness Boot Camp Training The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is pleased to announce a virtual train-the-trainer boot camp (Act 48) designed to assist districts in meeting the statewide postsecondary attainment 2025 goal of 60 percent of Pennsylvanians with a postsecondary credential, certificate, or degree. This professional development session was offered at PA Intermediate Units during the fall of 2019 and is now returning to Career Readiness Region 2 in a synchronous online format over the course of two days (2 1/2-hour sessions each day). Both 2 ½ hour sessions will be facilitated by the PDE Career Readiness State Training (CRST) Liaison from Region 2, Lori Ceremuga and will include the following:
The goal of this training is the development of an action plan that utilizes stakeholder and workforce partnerships to expand the classroom to career connections and build school wide momentum for career readiness.
Part 1: November 10, 2020—1 p.m.—3:30 p.m. Topics Covered: Career Readiness and Workforce in PA (includes standards), Industry-Based Learning, and Stakeholder and Workforce Partnerships; Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bviu-virtual-career-readiness-boot-camp-training-day-1-tickets-127220996425
Part 2: November 19, 2020—9 a.m.—11:30 a.m. Topics Covered: Classroom and Workforce Alignment and Career Readiness Resources and Updates; Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bviu-virtual-career-readiness-boot-camp-training-day-2-tickets-127226817837
Craig Hummell
PA Future Ready Comprehensive Planning Portal
11/20/2020 - Comprehensive Planning S'mores "Tip Jar"
11/10/2020 Letter to Phase 3 Comprehensive Planning District Extension - P3 Due March 30, 2022
Phase 3 Districts Include: Albert Gallatin Area SD, Bentworth SD, Burgettstown Area SD, Canon-McMillan SD, Frazier SD, Intermediate Unit 1, Laurel Highlands SD, McGuffey SD, Ringgold SD, Uniontown Area SD
Phase 2 – Extension granted earlier this year - now due November 30, 2021 (FRCPP).
Phase 2 Districts Include: Charleroi SD, Chartiers-Houston SD, Fayette County AVTS, Fort Cherry SD, Greene County CTC, Mon Valley CTC, Peters Township SD, Trinity Area SD, Washington SD, Western Area CTC
Phase 1 - Due by June 30, 2020 - Next submission will be due November 30, 2022
Phase 1 Districts Include: Avella Area SD, Bethlehem Center SD, Brownsville Area SD, California Area SD, Carmichaels Area SD, Central Greene SD, Connellsville Area Career & Technical Center, Connellsville Area SD, Jefferson-Morgan SD, Southeastern Greene SD
Other Future Ready Comprehensive Planning Portal Links:
Full Phase 1-3 Configuration List
Tips and Tricks for Uploading to the FRCPP
FRCPP Training Materials and Screencasts
Highlights of Information from Training:
State assessments - Updated 11.5 & 11.18.2020
Winter keystone window extended - no provision for home testing, no cancellation of state assessments
Opt out - Leniency for parents coming into the building - parents can send an email saying they are not comfortable coming into the building. Schools can send an email to parents saying they do not allow people to come in
The opt out regulations are still in effect - religious is the only opt out allowed by law others are counted as refusal (both will still count against participation rates and proficiency)
Students have the waiver for federal accountability if they meet the following 2 criteria the waiver remains for that student.
They were in the trigger course in 2019-20
They were a first time test taker in 2019-20
Accountability waiver information will be coming out not sure when. There are two new waivers
Specific to school identification
Possible waiver regarding ESSA report card and data
PDE will provide schools with a list of students that are included in the 2019-20 waiver - likely January
The Keystone Exam Waiver - PDE Webpage - Impact on Federal Accountability, Impacts on State Graduation Requirements, 2020-2021 Administration
2020-21 Keystone Administration (from the PDE website)
Students enrolled in a Keystone Exam trigger course for the 2020-21 school year will be required to take an end-of-course Keystone Exam in the Winter, Spring, or Summer windows of the 2020-21 school year.
2. Only students whose parent/guardian follows the procedures set forth in 22 Pa. Code § 4.4(d)(4) (related to religious opt-outs) may opt-out of Keystone Exams during the 2020-21 school year. This 2020-21 cohort's data, including participation data, will factor into federal accountability and state reporting, graduation, and other local policy decisions.
A student who is registered in the identified Keystone trigger course in the 2019-20 school year is exempt from accountability calculations (proficiency, participation, AMD) regardless of when (or if) they take the exam.
Again - These students are not required to take the test, but an opportunity to test at least once must be offered (can be for purposes of graduation or other local requirements - remember scores are "banked" until a student is in 11th grade, and therefore students who take assessment in 6-8 must be considered...)
The students ARE still under Act 158 Graduation requirements, and would have to take a voluntary re-take or graduate under the other 3 Pathways
A list of students who meet the waiver requirement will be sent to schools by PDE in January. Mr. Campbell suggested 11.18.2020 that schools move past the concept of a test waiver and hope for an accountability waiver.
However, he also stated that at some point, states and schools need achievement data that may have a substantial impact on schools.
Act 158 - From Mr. Campbell:
Do we do this now or push off in case 1216 passes. Feedback from PAIUCC is that many of our districts want the information to make sure they can start planning - concern is that if 1216 doesn’t pass schools are not ready to make plans for students to graduate.
Career Readiness -
Question regarding career readiness indicators. Does last year count? Do current 5th graders and 8th graders and 11 graders need, at the end of the year the number of tasks completed as specified or will last year not count?
https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/Career-Readiness-FAQ.aspx
"If students are unable to collect the required number of artifacts for their grade band during the COVID-19 closures, students can compensate with additional submissions during the 2020-21 school year."
Given that students may not have completed the required grade-band evidence due to COVID-19 closure in March, students may still "make up" the evidence they missed for that grade band in 2020/21.
Specific to grade 4, students can make-up one of the two artifacts for the Grade K-3 grade band requirement in the 2020/21 academic year. Keep in mind the student is still responsible for the additional two pieces for the grade 4 grade band. If you have this need, I would recommend completing the previous need in the K-3 grade-band in the first quarter to keep grade-band relevance.
That language was provided by Laura Fidirici through the Regional liaisons.
Other Items:
11/23/2020: Ch 339 Plans -
K-12 Guidance Plans:
Questions regarding K-12 Guidance Plans (K12GP), as required by Chapter 339 Career and Technical Education Standards, should be forwarded to the Bureau of Career and Technical Education (BCTE).
Since Chapter 339 was adopted, guidance plans have been required by schools that offer PDE-approved career and technical education (CTE) programs or send students to a career and technical center (CTC). Tools that align with the regulation (link below) were developed and posted to the PDE website (link below), including a rubric that lists topics to be covered in a K12GP. The regulation does not specify a K12GP revision timeline; however, as significant changes occur, it is expected the K12GP will be updated, approved by the local school board and submitted to PDE.
PDE K12GP
https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/PACareerStandards/Resources/Pages/339CounselingPlan.aspx
Title 22 Pa. Code Chapter 339 Career and Technical Education Standards, see § § 339.31-339.32
11/12/2020: Introduction to the Evidence Resource Center Powerpoint
11/30/2020: A-TSI School Quarterly Monitoring Reports in the FRCPP
Senate Bill 1216 Update - 11.19.2020
Keystone Exams: The language delays implementation of the Keystones as a graduation requirement or as a benchmark for the need for a project-based assessment until the 2022-23 school year.
It also makes clear that during the 2019-20 school year and any school year in which federal testing and accountability requirements are waived, students that completed a Keystone exam-related course are not required to take the Keystone exam and shall be deemed proficient as long as the student has successfully completed the local grade-based requirements associated with the content area.
NIMS/NOCTI Exams: The Secretary may waive the NIMS assessment or NOCTI exam on a school-wide or individual program basis pursuant to the recommendations of the directors of CTC programs.
Educator Evaluations: The language requires the Secretary to waive the requirement to include performance data in professional employee evaluations. 2020-21
Testing Waiver: The language allows PDE to apply for a federal waiver from testing and accountability requirements for 2020-21 if the opportunity is offered.
12/9/2020 Correspondence from Brian Campbell with explanations - still no final initial guidance!
I understand that for students graduating in 2021 and 2022 the state requirements remain as they have been, i.e. there are no state graduation requirements for the keystones so this is governed by local policy decisions. Correct. So what about the class of 2023 and beyond? My reading is that they will need at a minimum to graduate by way of one of the five pathways outlined in Act 158. Correct.(One of the 5 pathways, IEP goals, or 5% SI waiver) Local policies can add extra requirements beyond the state minimum. Correct. Also if a student is a part of the 2019-20 waiver cohort and is graduating in the class of 2023 and beyond then, for state graduation requirements they are considered to be proficient on the keystones for which they received a waiver. (Provided they passed the course). Correct. It is important to remember the PROFICIENT is for the purpose of graduation requirements and is not assigned a numerical score. Some students may want to retest achieve an actual numerical score or an Advanced for the Composite Pathway or local requirements.
JoBeth McKee & Dave Dunham
English Language Arts
District/School Contracts
Contracted ELA professional development services are available for online Zoom sessions with your teaching staff. Topics can be tailored to your district or school’s individual needs, and may include any the following sessions:
Data review:
PVAAS
Keystone
PSSA
District generated reports
ELA Standards:
Priority Standards Analysis
Academic Standards Analysis
Gap Analysis:
Priority/Focus Standards
ELA Academic Standards
Online Resources:
Digital libraries (Overdrive, EPIC!, Common Lit)
Online instructional strategies
General online ELA resources
Reading Comprehension:
Early elementary
Elementary
Middle and High
Writing:
Five paragraph essay form
Text-dependent analysis
Creative writing
The writing process
Young Adult Literature:
Middle School
High School
Curriculum:
Development
Alignment
Audit
Individual Staff Support:
Non-evaluative collaborative teacher reflection
Discounted contracts can be 10+ hour sessions where Zoom sessions are held in one-hour segments over a prescribed period of time, or 10+ day Zoom sessions held over a number of weeks. Contact Jo Beth McKee at jobeth.mckee@iu1.org or Dave Dunham at David.dunham@iu1.org for a literacy or ELA contract designed for your needs and Jenny Lent at jenny.lent@iu1.org for pricing.
Dave Dunham
Rob Baier
2020-2021 Priority Standards Crosswalks
If your teachers have been working with me, we have been doing these for the last 2 years!
If you would like for your teachers to work on these with me, please send me an email: robert.baier@iu1.org
Math Visuals
Math Visuals was created as a resource for fellow math educators, and seeks to:
uncover patterns that are foundational to Elementary Math
give multiple access points to engage everyone in discussion
inspire educators and students to invent their own visualizations of math concepts
Alyssa Moore
PA Science Standards Update
PDE Science Standards Landing Page- check out this page to learn about the process for updating the PA Science Standards, view the proposed recommendations, view the State Board of Education Action Items, and view members of the Content and Steering Committees.
Next step: The Board will accept public comment on the proposed regulation upon its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Interested stakeholders will be notified electronically when the public comment period opens. Requests to be added to the notification list should be submitted to ra-stateboardofed@pa.gov.
The approval process for the regulations is depicted in this graphic.
CSinPA K-8 Virtual Pathway
IU1 is looking to recruit a spring cohort of educators to participate in the CS in PA K-8 Virtual Pathway- click here for more information
Google Form to express interest/ stay updated on new information about this opportunity
Save the Date!
7-8pm, Family Code Night will be broadcasted across all PBS Stations!
This hour-long special will encourage children, ages kindergarten through fifth grade, and their families to get excited about computer science together! Computer science is an exciting and growing field that impacts the world in countless ways. A large part of computer science is computer coding. If you don’t know much about computer coding, you will not want to miss this special. Children and their families will not only learn about coding and the exciting careers that depend on it, they’ll also be invited to participate in hands-on activities that will help to introduce the basic principles of coding. The best part? No computer or special materials will be required. Tune in to your PA PBS station on Thursday December 10 at 7pm.
Sarah Durzo
STUDENT OUTREACH FLYER.pdfGovernors STEM Competition
Join us virtually on February 10, 2021 from 12:00PM to 1:00PM for the Regional Governor's STEM Competition Award Ceremony. Teams of up to five high school students from Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties are tasked with the challenge of using their STEM skills and knowledge to solve a problem in their community. Students final project submissions are due by February 1, 2021 no later than 4:00PM. Individual Presentation date is TBD but will be held between Feb.1 and Feb. 10
Register today at: http://bit.ly/GovernorsSTEMCompetition
For more information on the Governor’s STEM Challenge go to https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/STEM/Pages/default.aspx for forms, competition information and contact.
Media and Design Competition
Join us virtually for the PA Media and Design Regional Competition award ceremony on March 10, 2021 from 12:00PM - 1:00PM. 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. Student project submissions are due by March 1, 2021 no later than 4:00PM.
For more information on the competition, categories, and to register your teams or students projects go to www.mediadesigncompetition.org.
STEM Design Challenge
The STEM Design Challenge is a competition for students in grades 4-8 where they build a project out of K’Nex pieces. Teams in grades 4-5 and grades 6-8 will only be able to use only K’Nex pieces. Student final project submissions are due March 22, 2021 no later than 4:00PM.
The competition this year will be ALL virtual. There is no team limit this year as the competition is virtual. If you have more than two teams, please complete the form again until you have registered all teams.
Teams will have from November 1, 2020 to March 22, 2021 to submit their projects, information on the submission process will be released after registration closes. We invite you to save the date for the IU1's Regional Virtual Award Ceremony for the STEM Design Challenge featuring K'Nex on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 for a virtual award ceremony from 11:30AM - 12:30PM.
Deadline to register is Friday, December 11, 2020. Registration Link: https://forms.gle/UbaNGj9zMtuXnFyH8