Embedded Files
Ron Gallagher
IU1 Curriculum Department
Save the Date
2025 Western PAIUCC Leadership Summit - ACT 45 Hours will be provided
P2C Pilot
ELA Updates
FRCPP/Comp Plan
The Tip Jar is moving to SAS Communities.
In order to access the Tip Jar, you will need to have a SAS account and then join the FRCPP Tip Jar Community.
If you need to create a SAS account, follow the directions outlined here.
To join the FRCPP Tip Jar Community, please follow the directions outlined here.
Educator Effectiveness Report - Due Feb. 28
Online Testing
TEI's will only be field questions for this year.
Grade 5,8 Science assessment scores accountability has been waived. Participation is still at the 95% threshold.
Default for test setup was set at ONLINE. Not required this year.
Students NEED time to practice the problems ahead of time. Teachers have the ability to jump to any question to model or have students practice.
PSSA Mathematics and Keystone Algebra Online Tools Training Sessions (link to register)
PA DESMOS Calculator - practice
Fusion Updates
PVAAS Updates
December Release (Phase III of PVAAS Releases)
PEERS pre-population for SY24-25
This means LEAs can begin to confirm educators, open and complete semi-annual TPE evaluations.
SY23-24 remains open. Educator Effectiveness Annual Report (EEAR) due to PDE in FRCPP by the end of February.
PIMS Teacher-Student Linkage Collection (due January 10)
Update teacher-student linkages for easy access to class lists. Districts can submit student data for the first time or update student data from their fall submission.
This student data be used to help create:
Projections to support monitoring progress toward proficiency and advanced levels of performance
Data to support course recommendations
Data to support creating the school-wide schedule
Roster Verification SY24-25: Can you believe it’s time to start talking about it?
Important Dates:
Preview: Thursday April 17, 2025 - Wednesday April 30, 2025
Teacher Verification: Thursday May 1, 2025 - Wednesday May 14, 2025
School Verification: Thursday May 15,2025 - Wednesday May 28, 2025
LEA Verification: Thursday, May 29, 2025 - Friday June 20, 2025SY24-25 RV Key Concepts document will be updated in time for the January webinar (this document highlights frequently asked questions/topics on roster verification)
Upcoming Professional Learning on PVAAS Learning
The PVAAS Statewide Team for PDE announces upcoming webinars and resources to support data-informed decision making for your work at the LEA/district, grade/subject, classroom, and student levels. Here is a list of upcoming professional learning opportunities.
CDT Updates
Change in Date Ranges
There is no more auto-fill when putting in date range for CDTs. Teachers will have to manually fill in date ranges windows to pull test data.
Tip: Put a Start date a few days before the CDTs were given and put an End date a few days after the CDTs were given. Do not just put the Start and End date the actual day kids took that round of CDTs.
Sign Up for IU1 CDT Trainings
ACT 45 Updates
ACT 55 training counts as ACT 45 hours
Common Ground
The framework is not required; has been refreshed (Trauma, Mental Health, and Digital Learning).
Forthcoming information and School Code requiring professional development in the PD plan and induction plan in Comp Plan.
It's about knowing your kids and help meeting the needs of YOUR district.
SAS Updates
PA Firefly Resources
Firefly Scores
Students are given an overall score as well as a score for each category. Based on the score, students receive classifications of Support Needed, Near Target, or Prepared for their overall school as well as each category.
Categories are aligned with the Reporting Categories for the PSSA/Keystone exam students they are taking in that grade level.
Firefly Reports
Firefly offers individual two types of reports currently: Individual Results and Batch Downloads
Individual Results are similar to what you would see in CDT. There are columns with name, school session, categories, scores, etc. which can be filtered based on need.
Batch Downloads allows you to access scores to a group of students and print them, if needed.
Up and running till April 18th (Over 120,000 users)
Teacher Learning Pathways- a visit to Cornell School District (9:00 AM on January 31st, 2025)
Attention school leaders. Does this scenario sound familiar to you? You are working hard to check off the many tasks on your to-do list. You check the calendar and are reminded of the upcoming professional development time for staff that you are responsible for providing. You tell yourself that you will carve out time to develop a well thought out plan for PD that will really help grow your staff. Unfortunately, items on that to-do list continue to pile up. The next thing you know, the PD you are supposed to give is the next day and you haven’t even had a chance to think about it!
Research shows that professional development must be thoroughly planned to be effective. It also states that “one and done” PD, where a topic is covered one time and then never spoken of again, does not grow teacher practice. The problem is that school leaders are often pulled in so many directions that they do not have the time to develop the impactful PD sessions that they wish they could.
Join us on January 31st for a trip to the Cornell School District, where they have reimagined what professional learning and education can be by providing innovative learning experiences based on the needs of their teachers. At Cornell, teachers are given the opportunity to CHOOSE the topics they want to have professional development on by selecting from a list of learning pathways. Once a teacher selects a pathway, they receive professional development on it in multiple sessions throughout the course of the year from an expert in that area. Giving teachers the agency to choose the area they want to grow in has boosted their self-efficacy. Providing sustained PD over time has led to a true change in teacher practice. This trip will allow building leaders to see Cornell’s learning pathways in action and begin to develop a plan for implementing learning pathways within their own schools. Please fill out this form if you are interested in attending on January 31st, and we will follow up with more specific details. Lunch will be provided. A closer look at Cornell’s learning pathways can be found on slides 17-31 on the following presentation.
PA Student Centered Learning Network
Student-centered learning is an educational philosophy that designs equitable and meaningful learning experiences tailored to students' unique needs and promotes ownership in their learning. The PA Student Centered Learning Network is a statewide cohort that organizes events where educators state can share innovative practices in student centered learning. In addition to the opportunity to visit Cornell, other site visits through the PA-Student Centered Learning are occurring across the state, which can be found here:
Math
How can we better support you??
How can we better support you??
We've noticed that IU1 workshops are not beneficial for meeting teachers' PD needs.
Let's chat! How can we serve you better?
(Please complete this form or share with your teachers)
Sign up to recieve our montly newsletter to keep you up to date on trainings and events!
Social Studies-Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist
Holocaust Workshop Flyer 3 13 25 with Link.pdfThis is a 2 hour workshop held virtually on March 13, 2025 from 9am-11am and participants will receive act 48 hours.
What did the average American know about the Holocaust as
it was occurring and what was the response? This program
uses content from The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken
Burns, Lynn Novick & Sarah Botstein, to examine how the
American people and our leaders responded to one of the
greatest humanitarian disasters of the twentieth century, and
how this catastrophe challenged our identity as a nation of
immigrants and the very ideals of our democracy.
What You Will Learn:
Benefits of teaching with primary sources
Teaching methods that promote inquiry
Basics of copyright law and rules governing fair use
Best practices for TPS professional development and instructional coaching
What You Will Do:
Use a variety of strategies to search the Library of Congress
Join a professional network of educators dedicated to TPS
Create an album of primary sources that you can use with your learners
Explore online apps and tools for teaching with primary sources
January 30 – March 6
Live Zoom meetings on Thursdays from 5:30p to 6:30p ET
Earn up to 25 continuing education hours
FREE
For More Information or to Register: TPS Leadership Institute (TLI)
Register Now for Pittsburgh National History Day!
📍 Heinz History Center | March 15-16 | 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
It’s time to register your students for Pittsburgh’s National History Day competition at the Heinz History Center on Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16.
National History Day (NHD) draws upon a unique historical theme each year and encourages middle school and high school students to research history in exciting and creative ways. This year, participants will explore the theme, “Rights & Responsibilities in History.”
On competition days, students will bring their work to the History Center and present projects in one of five categories: exhibits, documentaries, websites, performances, or historical papers.
Don’t miss out on the chance to make history with your students, click here to register today!
Bradford House Poster Contest for Students
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. Projects are due in mid-March. For complete rules and the registration information, go to
https://www.bradfordhouse.org/learn/poster-contest
Projects are due in mid-March.
Winning projects will be displayed at the Symposium on 18th Century Life and Customs in Western Pennsylvania, An Evening with George Washington, on April 4, 2025. All entrants receive 2 free symposium tickets. Sponsoring teachers will also receive a free ticket.
This is a great extra credit project for your students. BHHA offers an in-person or online presentation about how to develop an entry.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries in each division: Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12).
Email questions to education@bradfordhouse.org
Induction & Gifted Updates-Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist
District Induction Schedule 2024-25.pdf*Participants must register on the hyperlinks on the flyer via Frontline.
IU1 Gifted Boot Camp
IU1 Gifted Boot Camp
Friday, February 21st
Friday, February 21st
9am-2pm
9am-2pm
(Offered Only Virtually via Zoom)
(Offered Only Virtually via Zoom)
This daylong workshop is for the new gifted coordinator, teacher, administrator, or anyone in your district that wants to learn more about Gifted Education and GIEPs.
Topics will include an overview of PA's definition of gifted education, Chapter 16 and a review of the forms that support gifted education.
Click Here To Register for the Gifted Email Listserv
Regular Ed Teacher Slide Deck (It will force them to make a copy. That way they can make changes to the slides.)
New Information
There will now be GIEP clinics for case managers/gifted teachers 4 times a year (virtually) .
This is an excellent opportunity for them to review the needed components of the GIEP and ask some questions of both of us and their colleagues across the state.
If any of you would like to join for your own learning, the dates for those are below and the attached flyer has sign up links. We ask that teachers only attend one per year, but admin can join any/all as needed.
You can register for them by clicking here.
October 10 @ 9:00am
December 3 @ 9:00am
February 19 @ 9:00am
April 2 @ 9:00am
Additionally...
The PA Gifted Consortium is also leading statewide administrator meetings where district administrators can join us for some learning as well as some Q&A sessions.
You can register for these sessions by clicking here.
Below are the dates:
October 17 from 10:00am-11:30am Virtually
March 13 from 10:00am-11:30am Virtually
Also, A few opportunities have come through lately that we would like to share with you. Please feel free to share with any of your colleagues and teachers:
Professionals Learning and Understanding Gifted course - Offered by PAGE, this cohort starts on February 3 and ends at the NAGC conference in Pittsburgh.
Strategies for Defusing and Preventing Challenging Behavior - Offered by PaTTAN, this training aims to provide in-the-moment regulation activities an educator can utilize when a student's behavior escalates, as well as long term strategies an educator can use to increase the odds of helping students maintain a regulated state (March 3rd is the training date)
NAGC is coming to Pittsburgh! - The call for proposals is currently open until February 2. Let's show them how awesome Pennsylvania is! (Fall 2025)
Career Readiness--Elizabeth Meerdo
Moonshot Museum
Moonshot Museum addresses careers in space virtually. Below are two Zoom registration links for upcoming Moonshot Museum sessions hosted on Streamable Learning.
Apr 3, 9:10 A.M. Moonshot presents Earth Quest Grades 5-8 https://streamablelearning.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xf8uZpvfTZuFQ9EEw1sDxg
Apr 14 1:10 P.M. Moonshot presents Cosmic Careers II: Mission to Planet Earth Grades 9-12
https://streamablelearning.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_59QzsCkTSIu4mZ_JZfBd9A
BotsIQ Girls Exploring Engineering Day
A free career exploration event for girls in grades 7-12.
This is a great opportunity to explore career options and hear from industry professionals! We would love to have the opportunity to meet your girls and enjoy a jam-packed day where we will network, discuss, create, and learn together.
WHEN/WHERE:
February 19, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Commonwealth Charter Academy
162 East Bridge Street, Homestead, PA 15120
Lunch will be provided.
For more information or if you have questions, please contact Suzanne Gloekler at gloekler@botsiqpa.com.
Registration is required: Girls Exploring Engineering Day Registration Link
Check out our Career Readiness Offerings Below--Now Booking for May 2025!
Email: Elizabeth.Meerdo@iu1.org
ELA Curriculum Specialists - Tracey Czajkowski and Dave Dunham
Day 3 for TDA Training complete
Thank you to Brownsville SD for hosting!
Teachers from eight districts completed the third day of TDA roll out training. Day three's emphasis was writing analysis for high quality text evidence as well as putting the complete TDA together. Written analysis comes from generalizations, inferencing, drawing conclusions, and elaboration. Based on the roll out schedule, February and March are used for putting the TDA essay together based on the roll out steps covered for Text Dependent Analysis essay writing.
Looking ahead to 25-26:
We will be offering this three day workshop again next year as well as a separate training for a day of only analysis writing. This separate training is based on the feedback from attendees over the past two years that need additional instructional ideas and supports for this type of writing.
Comprehensive Curriculum Writing
Several districts have already invested days and money in creating a comprehensive, scaffolded ELA curriculum for grade K-12. These curricula are aligned with PA Academic Standards, Anchors, and Eligible Content while providing scientifically based best practices in all areas of literacy. More districts are interested in starting this comprehensive process next year. Due to the demand and number of days that this takes, we are not able to accommodate everyone.
We are considering offering curriculum writing days at the IU's central office in 25-26 to facilitate as many districts as possible. This process would be run with five days devoted to each grade level to create a comprehensive ELA curriculum that includes the strands reading nonfiction, reading literature, foundational skills, grammar, writing and speaking and listening. If your district is interested in this endeavor, please contact Tracey at tracey.czajkowski@iu1.org; so we can plan accordingly.
The 2025 Ag Literacy Week will take place March 17-21, 2025.
The 2025 Ag Literacy Week will take place March 17-21, 2025.
Attendees will be among the first to know about current research findings, critical news, and leading practices in K-8 literacy education that go beyond theory to actual practice.
Black History Month Literary Activities/Ideas
Black History Month Literary Activities/Ideas
February 1:
February 1:
Kick off Library Lovers’ Month and Black History Month by highlighting books by Black authors like Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña or The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander.
February 2:
February 2:
World Read Aloud Day: Read aloud a picture book or poem by a Black author, such as Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, and discuss the story’s message.
February 3:
February 3:
Introduce “Word of the Day” with Black History connections. Start with “freedom” and explore its meaning in different contexts.
February 4:
February 4:
Explore storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. Read an Anansi tale and discuss its lessons.
February 5:
February 5:
Write acrostic poems using the word "DREAM" in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
February 6:
February 6:
Highlight the Harlem Renaissance. Share a poem by Langston Hughes, such as “Dreams,” and have students create illustrations inspired by it.
February 7:
February 7:
Host a “Mystery Book” day with works by Black authors. Include books like Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry or Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes.
February 8:
February 8:
Celebrate a Black author like Jacqueline Woodson by reading a passage from Each Kindness or The Day You Begin.
February 9:
February 9:
Read Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, about astronaut Mae Jemison. Have students imagine their dream careers and write about them.
February 10:
February 10:
Write a collaborative classroom story inspired by a historical figure like Harriet Tubman or Ruby Bridges.
February 11:
February 11:
Introduce “Book vs. Real Life.” Read a historical fiction book like Rosa by Nikki Giovanni and compare it to real-life events.
February 12:
February 12:
Create bookmarks featuring inspirational quotes from Black leaders and authors, such as Maya Angelou or Amanda Gorman.
February 13:
February 13:
Write Valentine’s cards celebrating love and unity inspired by books like I Am Enough by Grace Byers.
February 14:
February 14:
Library Lovers’ Day: Highlight books celebrating Black joy and family, like Saturday by Oge Mora.
February 15:
February 15:
Explore African American inventors and write about how their creations changed the world. Pair this with a nonfiction book, such as Hidden Figures (young readers edition).
February 16:
February 16:
Celebrate Toni Morrison’s Birthday by sharing her contributions to literature. For younger students, explore her picture book The Big Box.
February 17:
February 17:
Random Acts of Kindness Day: Write uplifting notes or letters to local community heroes, inspired by the themes of kindness in Last Stop on Market Street.
February 18:
February 18:
Rewrite the ending of a story about Black history, imagining different outcomes or celebrating achievements.
February 19:
February 19:
Read a nonfiction text about the Civil Rights Movement, like March On! by Christine King Farris, and discuss the importance of standing up for justice.
February 20:
February 20:
Celebrate African American musicians. Read Before John Was a Jazz Giant by Carole Boston Weatherford and discuss how music tells stories.
February 21:
February 21:
Write poems inspired by Amanda Gorman’s Change Sings. Encourage students to envision positive changes in their communities.
February 22:
February 22:
Celebrate picture books by Black illustrators like Kadir Nelson (Heart and Soul). Discuss how art tells stories.
February 23:
February 23:
Introduce a new genre with books like What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? by Chris Barton, about Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.
February 24:
February 24:
Host a “Book Talk” day featuring biographies of Black heroes like Who Was Aretha Franklin? or Mae Jemison.
February 25:
February 25:
Share an excerpt from The Watsons Go to Birmingham–1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis. Discuss how historical fiction connects readers to history.
February 26:
February 26:
Highlight Black women authors. Read Brave Ballerina by Michelle Meadows, about Janet Collins, and discuss dreams and perseverance.
February 27:
February 27:
Write letters to Black historical figures thanking them for their contributions, like Rosa Parks or George Washington Carver.
February 28:
February 28:
National Essay Day: Reflect on the impact of a Black author or leader and write a short essay about how their story inspires you.
Science- Alyssa Moore
STEM and Computer Science Landscape Report
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is seeking information from each Intermediate Unit region to generate a landscape report on behalf of the American Institute for Research (AIR). They are seeking information to help AIR engage with students to gather their perspectives and elevate student voices.
Please fill out this form to inform us about your STEM/ CS related events and/ or competitions happening in your district.
Please complete by January 31, 2025.
Bringing MWEE to Life!
Join us for a FREE, Meaningful Watershed Education Experience Workshop!
This immersive workshop prepares 3rd-12th grade teachers with tools to implement an inquiry-based experience for students aligned to the "ELS" of PA STEELS.
Open to the first 15 teachers who register from IU1. Teachers who attend have the opportunity to receive funding to support a project for implementation for their classroom!
Register HERE!
The SW PA Environmental Literacy Network is proud to announce the second annual environmental education summit themed "Learning Without Walls".
Save the Date and share with teachers to attend this event where we will bring formal and informal educators and partners from southwestern PA and contiguous WV communities together. There will be sessions and exhibitors with a focus on the "ELS" of PA STEELS, outdoor learning, and an emphasis on strategic partnerships.
June 10th-11th at Waynesburg University!
Remake Learning
Re-join the network!
https://remakelearning.org/join-in/
If you or your district was once on the member directory, you will need to re-join to continue to get the newsletters and resources that the network has to offer!
Rural Schools Collaborative-
Teacher Highlight
Do you have a teacher who deserves recognition for exciting work or programs that they facilitate? I would love to highlight them. Please email me at alyssa.moore@iu1.org or alyssa@remakelearning.org to connect around this teacher.
Remake Learning Days is Celebrating 10 years!
Southwestern PA Festivals run from May 1 to May 23, 2025.
Want to get involved? Here are your first steps:
1. VISIT REMAKELEARNINGDAYS.ORG
Check out the new and improved RLD website!
2. SUBMIT YOUR RLD EVENT
This month of January, submit your family-friendly learning event to the website. The event submission process has been updated making it easier for one organization and event host to submit multiple RLD events.
3. APPLY FOR AN EVENT HOST AWARD BY JANUARY 24th
Once you have submitted your RLD event to the website, apply for a $150, $250, or $500 event host award to support your event.
4. CONSIDER BEING A RLD AMBASSADOR- The Remake Learning Days Ambassador Program is an opportunity for parents & teachers to increase awareness, enthusiasm, and attendance during Remake Learning Days (RLD). RLD Ambassadors will cover two Remake Learning Days events taking place in your region. “Coverage” of an event includes the creation of an event promo, attendance of the event, and an event review. Ambassadors are eligible for a honorarium of up to $250.
No prior experience is necessary! Apply by February 14, 2025, to be considered as a RLD Ambassador.
5. SHARE THE RLD YOUTH AMBASSADOR PROGRAM WITH YOUR HS STUDENTS-
Do you know a 9th-12th grader interested in marketing, social media content creation, event promos, or looking to build their communication skills, creativity, and connection with their community? Read more below about an exciting opportunity.
Do you know a 9th-12th grader interested in marketing, social media content creation, event promos, or looking to build their communication skills, creativity, and connection with their community? Read more below about an exciting opportunity.
In partnership with Saturday Light Brigade, the Remake Learning Days Youth Ambassador Program is an opportunity for youth to increase awareness, enthusiasm, and attendance during Remake Learning Days (RLD).
In partnership with Saturday Light Brigade, the Remake Learning Days Youth Ambassador Program is an opportunity for youth to increase awareness, enthusiasm, and attendance during Remake Learning Days (RLD).
Youth Ambassadors will cover two Remake Learning Days events taking place in their region. “Coverage” of an event includes the creation of an event promo, attendance of the event, and an event review. We are looking for 100 Youth Ambassadors for the 2025 RLD Across PA festivals. Ambassadors are eligible for a honorarium of up to $250.
RLD Youth Ambassadors will receive expert guidance from SLB Radio in the form of virtual training and check-in sessions, as well as a digital toolkit with self-help resources. Successful Youth Ambassadors will think creatively and act independently as they create their promos and reviews. Key to this success is communication: students should be ready and able to stay in touch via email in order to communicate their needs and provide feedback.
No prior experience is necessary! All students in grades 9 – 12 are welcome to apply. Simply fill out the form below. Applications close on February 14.
Student Competitions
Range Resources STEM Challenge
STEM Design Challenge featuring K'Nex
Student Scholarships
Range Resources - 2 per school (see school list if your school is applicable) $2,000 per student
EQT Foundation - $10,000
Workshops
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: IU1 Campus at McMurray
Audience: K-12 Educators, Social Workers, Psychologists, Special Education
Presenter: Sarah D'Urzo and John Balash, CMU
Intro to Canva in the Classroom (link coming soon)
Intro to Canva in the Classroom (link coming soon)
Date: March 14, 2025
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: Avella HS
Audience: K-12 Educators
Presenter: Sarah D'Urzo
Date: March 21, 2025
Time: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: IU1 Campus at Waynesburg
Audience: K-12 Educators
Presenter: John Kopp and Sarah D'Urzo
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