IU1 Curriculum Department

• Menu of services

25-26 CCC Dates

• 2025-2026 IU1 CCC Meeting Dates

• 2025-2026 IU1 District Principal Meeting Dates

Discussion

• Online testing reflection

Save the Date

• IU1 PD Hub

• 2025 IU1 Leadership Summit

  • School Leader Summit Site

AI Resources

• Save the Date (Aug 5-6)

• The Office of the President has issued an executive order, Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education For American Youth, this week to create a national strategy for integrating AI into American education. The order creates a White House Task Force on AI Education, launches a Presidential AI Challenge, and mandates federal support for AI curriculum, educator training, and apprenticeships. 

FRCPP/Comp Plan

• The April edition of the FRCPP Tip Jar 

• Schoolwide plans (CSI,ATSI,TSI, and Title 1) and Comp Plan (Phase 1) applications are now open.

• Next year: Check the Master List here. 

  • Phase 1 - Comp Plans (March 31, 2026)

  • Phase 2 - Special Education Plan (May 1, 2026)

  • Phase 3 - K12 Guidance Plan 339 (March 31, 2026)

FRCPP OFFICE HOURS:  

• Beginning February 5th, open office hours for FRCPP support will be held from 2:30 - 3:30 pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month via Teams.

• To join a session, click here.  (No registration required.)

• FRCPP Plan Approval and Signature Requirements

Online Testing

• PDE is in the process of working on a better solution to the uploading and rostering of students on all platforms, including CDT, Firefly, PSSA, and Keystone online assessments. This enhancement will most likely take place for the 2026-2027 SY.

• Accommodations for Firefly will start next year.

• The whole process will be similar to the WIDA testing.

Act 45 Updates

• You should start noticing ACT 45 hours being posted to your PERMS account

PA Student-Centered Learning Network

• Join us for the upcoming PA Student-Centered Learning (PA-SCL) Network Meeting! This statewide initiative brings together educators and leaders working to advance student-centered practices across Pennsylvania, providing collaboration, inspiration, and practical tools to support student-centered learning. 

• PA-SCL OER Commons Resource Hub

• Register here

PVAAS 

New Look for PVAAS Teacher Value-Added Data

• Old Look vs. New Look

• Updates

  • Administrators can see more than one teacher at a time

  • Teachers can now see multiple subjects and/or grades in the same view

  • Can also see: Effect size, Enter/Exit Achievement

Grow with PVAAS this summer

• Unlocking the Power of PVAAS Reports: A 101 Overview Webinar
  July 10, 2025: 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. & July 15, 2025: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

• In this interactive and collaborative session, LEA/district and school leaders will explore the foundational aspects of PVAAS reporting to expand their knowledge and use of the major reports.  

• Register for Unlocking the Power of PVAAS Reports: A 101 Overview Webinar

• PEERS Refresh: A Hands-On Tour of What’s New This Summer
  July 15, 2025: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. & July 23, 2025: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

• Explore the updated PEERS tool in a relaxed, hands-on session where you can follow along, see what’s new, and ask questions!

• Register for PEERS Refresh: A Hands-On Tour of What’s New This Summer

• PVAAS Teacher Growth Data Has a New Look!
  July 23, 2025: 2:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. & July 29, 2025: 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 a.m.

• Join us as we unveil the latest enhancements to PVAAS teacher-specific growth data, now seamlessly integrated into the familiar LEA/district- and school-level reporting.

• Register for PVAAS Teacher Growth Data Has a New Look!

PVAAS State Team Visit to IU1

• Monday, November 24th, 9-11:30

• Coming to new IU1 PD Hub in JUly

CDTs/Firefly

• Firefly Science will release for the 25-26 SY.

• Biology will have the same 4 reporting categories as the Keystone.  CDT's will have 5.

• Only Grade 5 and 8 should take the Firefly assessment.

PDESAS eBlasts 

• Science

• ELA

• School Counselor

• Math

PDE STEELS

• Assessment Center

PAIMS

PAIMS Consortium Pricing Agreement Update / Reminder

• Review documentation to see if it’s possible a district/ building is over paying when Consortium pricing is available.

Esports

We are very excited to be hosting the 2025 Spring Showdown tournament on May 27th! Once again, this event is being cosponsored by TEC and IU1.  The tournament will be open to Rocket League and Super Smash Bros. teams. The Smash tournament will be held in our new console gaming arena!  It is under construction right now but will be complete in time for the tournament!  This will be an in-person event and will be open to the first eight teams to register. If you would like to participate in one or both games, please complete this registration form as soon as possible. Once you have sent in a registration form, you will also need to have your players complete an individual player registration form which will be provided to you at a later date. We hope to see you here!

Registration – https://shorturl.at/WHfbV

Rocket League Rules:

• Double elimination tournament

• Teams consist of 3 players, no subs

• Matches are Best of 5 (5 minute games)

• Finals (time permitting) are Best of 7 (5 minute games); otherwise it will be Best of 5

Super Smash Bros. Rules:

• Double elimination tournament

• Teams consist of 4 players, no subs

• Matches consist of 4 games / first player to take 3 stocks wins the game / each team rotates to the next player

• First team to win 3 games wins the match

• If there is a tie at the end of four games, another 3-stock game will be added – coaches will choose the player

• Finals (time permitting) will be best of 3 matches; otherwise it will be same as above

Act 45 Registration

Middle & High School Educators: Join the Student Sustainability Design Challenge

The Consortium for Public Education is inviting IU1 educators to participate in their Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC)—a free, project-based learning experience for middle and high school students to tackle real-world community challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This flexible program is open to all subject areas, clubs, and advisories—anywhere students and an educator are ready to explore big ideas through project-based learning. 

Student Sustainability Design Challenge Flyer  

To learn more, please join a free informational webinar on Tuesday, May 27 at 10:00–10:45 a.m.  You'll learn about program components, timelines, training, and educator support.

• Register here (even if you can’t attend live—you’ll receive the recording!)

Due to the popularity of the program, it is expanding to two locations for the 2025-26 school year. 

Choose the location that works best for you and your students.

• SSDC Central (with program events primarily in Allegheny County)

• SSDC South (with program events primarily in Washington County)

This is a powerful way to engage students in authentic, interdisciplinary learning with real impact. 

Questions? Please contact:

Candice Murrell, Director of Professional and Student Learning: (412) 678-9215 or cmurrell@tcfpe.org 

Simcoach Games 2025 Summer Apprenticeship in Game Design and Development--Now Accepting Candidates Age 15!

This program is a registered pre-apprenticeship in Pennsylvania and an employment opportunity with Simcoach Games starting on June 9, 2025 and ending on July 18, 2025. 

Interested candidates can apply via the Google Form below. Offers are being made quickly, so please do pass this along to anyone interested!

Learn More: 

Visit the Simcoach Games website for information and watch videos to hear from Summer apprentices: https://www.simcoachapprenticeship.com/ 

*The 2025 application link is also at the top of the home page.*

 Ready to Apply?

Complete our application form: Summer Apprenticeship 2025 Application

Questions can be directed to apprenticeship@simcoachgames.com 

Now Scheduling Career Readiness Sessions for 2025-2026! 

To learn more about our two most popular sessions, please visit the links below:

BotsIQ MFGexplore Program Information (Kindergarten-12th) 

BotsIQ MFGexplore Flyer 

Transfr Virtual Reality Information (Grades 6-12)

Please contact Elizabeth Meerdo at elizabeth.meerdo@iu1.org to get your district scheduled! Dates fill up quickly--especially in the fall and in March! 

NEW for 2025-2026:

BotsIQ RoboRecharge (Grades 6-12):

BotsIQ and the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute present RoboRecharge, a pitch contest that brings together robotics and entrepreneurship.  

The goal of RoboRecharge is for students to learn how to solve open-ended, complex problems in new and creative ways. Students work in small groups to identify a problem, conceptualize a robotic solution, build a business model, and create and pitch their presentation to a panel of industry professionals.  This project-based learning program is great for all classrooms, including business, English/Language Arts, public speaking, and social studies.

BotsIQ RoboRecharge Program Flyer and Booking Information 

BotsIQ Cobot Challenge (Grades 6-12):

A “cobot” is a shortened term for “collaborative robot.” Cobots are a form of robotic automation and are designed to safely work alongside and collaborate with humans in a shared workspace. Cobots are found in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, and support many applications.

Using LEGOs, middle school students work in pairs to assemble and program a cobot arm to complete challenges.  The BotsIQ Cobot Challenge introduces students to in-demand technical skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science and programming, and 21st century skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and teamwork. 

To book a Cobot Challenge session, please email Suzanne Gloekler at gloekler@botsiqpa.com. 

Gifted Support-Immediate Support Resource for Gifted Educators

Virtual IU1 PA STEELS Administrator PLC Sessions

Save the date for these upcoming PLC Sessions:

• Monday, June 9, 10:30 am-11:30 am

• Monday, August 4, 9:30 am-10:30 am

Subscribe to Alyssa's Rural Newsletter (6x a year)

Newsletter Subscription Sign Up

May is for Remake Learning Days! 🌼  

Celebrating 10 years in 2025, Remake Learning Days (RLD) is an innovative learning festival for youth and families! Taking root in regions across the world, thousands of hands-on learning events are designed for kids of all ages at libraries, schools, tech centers, parks, museums, play spaces, community centers and more. Help your kids discover their spark for learning! 

There is still time to check out these events in the IU1 region!

• May 22, 2025- Cultural Dance Celebration- East End United Community Center

• May 22, 2025- Falcon Friends and Family Fun Night- Brownsville Area High School

• May 23, 2025- Pollinate Possibilities: Bees, Science, and Sustainability- California Area School District

Check out these upcoming events:

Student Sustainability Design Challenge (SSDC) Info Session for Educators

Join the Consortium for Public Education for a 45 minute webinar to learn more about the SSDC, a free, project-based opportunity for middle and high school teams to tackle real-work community challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Hosted by: Consortium for Public Education

Learn more and Register Here

2025 Personalized Learning Summit

• June 17, 2025 from 8:30am-3:30pm

• Join the Personalized Learning Working Group for the 2025 Personalized Learning Summit!  Educators, leaders, and community partners will have a chance to connect with innovative peers from across the region and immerse in relevant components of personalization. 

• Hosted by Remake Learning at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E Waterfront Dr, Homestead PA 15120

• Register here!

Online Course: 2025 Leadership Through Design: Enhancing Student Growth and Achievement

Hosted by: Consortium for Public Education

• An impactful and engaging education system puts people first – students, parents, teachers, community members. Human-Centered Design (HCD) provides the toolbox and mindset to ensure a system stays agile and responsive to current and future stakeholders.

This course will introduce school leaders to design thinking and, more specifically, Human-Centered Design. Design thinking encompasses five phases of design: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

Throughout this virtual course, participants will learn about and apply each phase of the design cycle to a challenge within their school system that will foster student growth and achievement.

25 hours of Act 45 credit will be awarded to school leaders who complete the course. 

• June 17, 2025 - July 30, 2025

• $360

• Learn more here.

Engagement. Assessment. Purpose. Reignite your Passion for Teaching! Stay tuned for Registration and more details. For additional information contact Dave Dunham at david.dunham@iu1.org

Check out the new IU1 ELA site — LitLinks!
Your one-stop hub for K–12 English Language Arts resources.

Explore it here: https://sites.google.com/iu1.org/litlinks/home

Please click on the monthly Math Newsletter for all of our math updates.

Sign up for the Math Monthly newsletter here.