Embedded Files
Ron Gallagher
IU1 Curriculum Department
Discussion topics
Personal Finance discussion
AI Updates
Magic School AI Enterprise
Cost is $5 times enrollment
IU1 can support the PD and implementation of this program
Next Magic Tools training Nov 12
Online Assessments
The PSSA Science field test can be administered online. The enrollment system will default to online enrollment for 2025 Science. ELA and Mathematics enrollments will be based on 2024 tested counts.
Firefly
ACT 45 Updates
Principal Induction - The state will be sending an email that the Principal Association will be the new provider for Principal Induction. If you are in year 4 or 5, you will have preferential treatment for these courses. Courses for Induction will be between 2-4 hours. It will only take 1 year to complete. Courses should start back up in January.
ACT 13 Updates
Building level scores should be released the first week of November.
3 year rolling average will take place in current PVAAS release.
Every principal will need an ACT 13 course in the first 6 months. All other principals need a refresher Act 13 update every 7 years.
Personal Finance
Standards were approved on September 12th.
Q&A Session on October 18th at 9:00.
Summary
ACT 55 Resources
PVAAS Updates
3 Year Rolling Average
Upcoming IU1 Trainings on PVAAS
11/18/24 Registration Link
CDT Updates
Science will have TEI's built in
Upcoming IU1 Trainings on CDT's:
Analyzing Results and Determining Next Steps (9 - 11:30)
10/23/24 Registration Link
11/14/24 Registration Link
PDE Updates
PA Steels Updates
The Science waiver does not waive students from taking the test. It only waives accountability. STEELS standards are live in the 25-26 SY. STEELS Assessment toolkit, Communications toolkit are close to being released. Additionally, a Safety Guide is close to being released.
Structured Literacy must be embedded into the district comp plan every three years.
There may be some Structured Literacy changes coming soon.
Comp Planning/FRCPP
CP Tip Jar - Moving to PDESAS
Comp Plan Google Site will be updated in FRCPP (Demo)
Esports
Waynesburg will be hosting a Christmas Classic tournament on December 17th at our Esports Arena on our campus. This tournament will feature Rocket League AND Super Smash Bros. We are looking for high schools to participate in this in-person tournament for one or both of the games. I know that this is two months out, but I also know that many times you need admin or board approval for travel. So, I want to give you plenty of time.
The tournament format will feature four players for Rocket League (3 starters, 1 sub) and five players for Smash (4 starters, 1 sub). The Rocket League tournament will be a double elimination tournament featuring BO5 matches and the finals being BO7. The Smash tournament will be crews format, double elimination with BO3 matches.
More information will be coming and a registration page will be sent out shortly. In the meantime, if your team or teams are interested in coming, please email me ASAP as we only have a limited number of team slots available. The tournament is being co-sponsored by The Esport Company and IU1.
CPE
The WVDE/WVU STEAM Technical Assistance Center (STEAM TAC)
Jenny Lent
We are excited to announce that the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference (PETE&C) is now accepting nominations for our prestigious Dream Awards, honoring exceptional contributors in the field of educational technology. This is your chance to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals making a significant impact in our community.
Award Categories:
Technology Student of the Year:
Open to students in grades 6-12 doing unique or outstanding work promoting or participating in educational technology endeavors.
Application requirements: Educational background, noteworthy achievements, two recommendations, school transcripts, and an essay.
Technology Innovator of the Year:
Open to individuals doing unique or outstanding work in innovating in educational technology.
Application requirements: Educational and innovative background, noteworthy achievements, two recommendations, a résumé or CV, and an essay.
Technology Administrator of the Year:
Open to administrators encouraging or facilitating innovation and/or leadership in using technology within school entities.
Application requirements: Educational background, noteworthy technology innovation and/or leadership achievements, two recommendations, a résumé or CV, and an essay.
Nomination Process: We encourage you to nominate someone deserving or consider self-nominating by November 1, 2024. To submit a nomination, please complete the application form and provide supporting documents.
Why Nominate? Recognizing the efforts of outstanding individuals not only honors their hard work but inspires others to strive for excellence in educational technology. There is an award for everyone at PETE&C, and your nomination can make a difference!
For more information and to access the nomination forms, please visit our website https://www.peteandc.org/awards.cfm.
Upcoming AI & Math PD + events
24 Challenge Tournament
24 Challenge Tournament
Join us for IU1's Regional 24 Challenge Tournament on Nov. 6, 2024 at IU1 Central Office from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Students in Grades 4 and 5 are eligible to participate in this event and will compete as individual representatives of their school. The tournament will include four elimination rounds to determine a final champion.
Each school is limited to a maximum of four students due to space. There will be a waitlist for additional students. One teacher must remain present for the duration of the tournament.
Deadline to register is October 30, 2024
Generative AI 101
Unlock the mysteries of Generative AI in this engaging 5-hour workshop designed for K-12 school staff. Dive into the fundamentals of large language models, artificial intelligence, and basic prompting through hands-on activities. Participants will explore the capabilities and ethical considerations of AI, learn how to generate text using interactive prompts, and discover practical applications for enhancing teaching and learning experiences. By the end of the session, attendees will have gained a deeper understanding of Generative AI and its potential impact on education. (And yes - aside from this sentence, this entire description and title were totally AI generated; let’s learn how to maximize AI so that we can spend our time where it matters most!)
Facilitator: Teresa Brown
Prioritizing Place Value
Do your students struggle with operations in base 10? Join fellow elementary math teachers in exploring true number sense from Kindergarten to 5th Grade. In this all day session we’ll discuss: What is a base-10 system? Explore the fascinating underpinnings of our number system. Gain insights into how understanding this system enhances overall number sense, laying a solid foundation for mathematical success. Why do students struggle with place value? Dive into the reasons behind the challenges students often encounter in comprehending place value. Identify common stumbling blocks and discuss effective strategies to overcome them. How do we teach place value for understanding? Acquire a toolkit of proven instructional routines that actively support students in grasping the nuances of place value. Assess and enhance your existing teaching resources. Learn how to evaluate materials effectively and amplify their impact, ensuring that your teaching methods align seamlessly with the needs of your students.
Facilitator: Teresa Brown
Generative AI 102: Digging Deeper in the Content Areas
Explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in various content areas during this interactive workshop. From math and science to social studies and the arts, discover how AI can enhance content creation and engagement. Engage in hands-on activities tailored to each subject and leave with practical strategies for integrating Generative AI into your curriculum.
Teachers and administrators attending this session should already have at least some knowledge about large language models, artificial intelligence, and generative text prompting via Chat GPT or similar platforms. Attendance at a previous IU1 Generative AI training (or similar) is highly recommended
Facilitator: Teresa
The Art of Subitizing: What should students "just know" in math?
The Science of Reading has made waves in the ELA community leaving many asking the question, “What’s the equivalent in math? and “What foundations should our kids just know?”
In this session, we’ll build the foundation for students’ mathematical reasoning that begins in grades K-1, and practice instructional routines to develop automaticity without robbing students of much needed number sense. Although this session is geared toward the earliest phases of number sense development (grades K-2), subitizing is a necessary skill for all elementary grade levels and applies to basic fact mastery with addition/subtraction as well as multiplication/division.
Facilitator: Teresa
AI Magic Tools for Teachers
AI Magic Tools for Teachers
Are you frustrated with the amount of time you’re spending writing lesson plans, creating instructional materials, differentiating resources, grading, and all of the other time-consuming paperwork that takes time away from what matters most - teaching our kids?
In this session, we’re breaking down the basics of generative AI, including a special emphasize on the tools and resources available through Magic School AI for teachers of any subject and grade level. We’ll use Magic School AI to support lesson planning, content creation & differentiation, question development, and more. (And if it sounds too good to be true… it isn’t! It’s *magic!*)
While Magic School is free for teachers, a few lucky attendees will leave the session with a free one-year license to access Magic School Plus which includes access to premium features!
Facilitator: Teresa
Preparing for Online Testing: Exploring and Creating Technology Enhanced Items
This session gives a look into the DRC online testing portal used for PSSA exams, Keystone exams, CDTs, and the Firefly benchmarks in Grades 3-12 Math, ELA, and Science. Teachers will learn about various testing tools that exist in the DRC portal, including technology enhanced items (TEIs) and open ended response questions. The session will not only focus on teachers learning the tools, but also designing their own TEI style questions using Google applications that can be integrated into instruction. This workshop is designed to be both informative and practical, so come prepared to collaborate, create, and walk away with resources ready for the classroom!
Facilitators: Nov. 14. Teresa Brown Nov. 21 Sam Taylor
Evidenced-based PD that's practice, applicable, AND engaging!
Professional development is most effective when it is:
1) Ongoing
2) Immediately relevant in class settings and...
3) Continually supported by administration
Teachers who have attended Teresa's Word Problems, Unwrapped workshop (either at IU1 or district) will benefit from a refresher of schema-based instruction and attack strategy implementation offered in PaTTAN's free asynchronous course. The course started 10/10, but since it's asychronous, it's not too late to register!
Social Studies (Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist)
Now offers free field trips for any School-wide Title 1 Districts!
If interested for more information, please contact Melissa Tran at mgtran@heinzhistorycenter.org
HHC Educator Open House 2024.pdfHeinz History Center Educators Open October 23rd (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Heinz History Center Educators Open October 23rd (5:30pm-8:30pm)
Excellent PBS Learning Resources for students grades 6-12!
Students are guided through an inquiry-based assessment of the Electoral College that will deepen their understanding of the electoral process and inspire more informed civic engagement. They will learn the history behind the creation of the Electoral College, explore its pros and cons, and discuss how it shapes our modern political system.
Free Asynchronous Course!
Make sure to check out my IU1 Social Studies site for more information and resources!
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
Induction, Gifted Education, HPE Updates, Etc. (Jordan Lozosky, Curriculum Specialist)
District Induction Schedule 2024-25.pdf*Participants must register on the hyperlinks on the flyer via Frontline.
**District Participation Form Linked Here**
To Register for the Gifted Email listserv - https://forms.gle/j63SgtjfGTcUALgLA
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 help us host them or just 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 you can come to as many as you would like.
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
IU1 Gifted Boot Camp!
IU1 Gifted Boot Camp!
Thursday, December 19, 2024 9am-2pm
Thursday, December 19, 2024 9am-2pm
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.
Date: November 14, 2024
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Lunch (On Your Own)
Facilitator: PDE and SHAPE PA
Location: Intermediate Unit 1 Face-to-Face or Join Us Via Zoom
Cost $0/Free
Description:
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.
· Registration Link:
Health and Physical Education Training
(You Must Register for Act 48 & Attendance Records)
FREE Face-to-Face & Virtual Training Event offered here at IU1 11/14/2024
Zoom Link: https://iu1-org.zoom.us/j/84680011860
Contact Information: jordan.lozosky@iu1.org
Career Readiness (Elizabeth Meerdo, Career Readiness Coordinator)
CCBC--Washington County College Center, McMurray Information:
Lia Hazelwood from CCBC has created a calendar with a few open dates each month for her to visit your school and to share about CCBC's College Here and Now High School Pathways.
You can choose for her to meet with your counseling department or a group of teachers to share information on CCBC's High School Academies. Also, Lia can present to a classroom of students about CCBC's high school programs, and she can provide an interactive activity for students about a specific Academy or degree program offered at CCBC.
Lia can also meet to discuss dual enrollment and college in high school opportunities. When filling in the calendar meeting request, please share which of these options you would find most beneficial for that day inside of the box titled, “Please share anything that will help prepare for our meeting.”
To schedule a date for a visit with Lia Hazelwood, click HERE! (her email address is Lia.Hazelwood @ccbc.edu if her calendar link is not working)
Below are PDFs on the new teacher qualifications for CCBC's College in High School program along with a PDF that shares course offerings that CCBC currently has with its high school partners. Lia would love to have the opportunity to explore possible college in high school options with your school and students.
CCBC College in High School Teacher Qualifications
CCBC College in High School Course Offerings
Upcoming CCBC Fall Event for Students:
CCBC--Washington College Center Open House/Showcase will be held on Thursday, November 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 625 East McMurray Road, McMurray; Door 13 in the back of the building--follow the signs.
Associate degrees, personal enrichment classes, workforce certifications, micro-credentials, high school academies, dual enrollment, and College in High School offerings will be discussed.
Explore and learn about the course offerings and programs that CCBC will offer at the new Washington County site. Drop in to get program and enrollment information and meet the deans, Champions, and faculty! Anyone in the community who is interested in learning about what CCBC has to offer, from high schoolers to adult learners, are welcome to attend.
Please drop in at any time between 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to meet and greet the faculty, tour the classrooms, hear about Program Pathways, and check out their Washington County location! Sophomores and juniors come and meet the High School Academy team and hear about CCBC's High School Academies.
RSVP HERE for the CCBC Washington College Center Open House/Showcase
Open House/Showcase Information for CCBC Washington College Center
Any questions about CCBC? Email Lia Hazelwood at: Lia.Hazelwood@ccbc.edu
Build-On 2024: Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania
Over 30 construction union locals offering hands-on demonstrations and apprentice and career information
WHEN: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1st
TIME: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER 1000 Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WHO: STUDENTS (Grades 5-12)
Meet with regional building trade unions and industry partners who are seeking career minded individuals.
Speak with apprentices, training directors, recruiters, and others who can provide greater insight into all of these well-paying, sustainable careers.
Learn about educational pathways through no-cost apprenticeship programs, endorsed pre-apprenticeship programs as well as two-year degree programs offered by area community colleges. Discover how these programs can work, stand-alone or in concert, to build a sustainable, lucrative, and satisfying career.
Students will unquestionably leave with a better understanding of what careers in the construction and allied industries have to offer.
To register, click HERE
The Builders Guild of Western Pennsylvania is a unique labor/management initiative of the building and construction trade unions of Western Pennsylvania and local professional contractor associations.
St. Vincent College Flexible Futures Through the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
November 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the campus of St. Vincent College (300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650)
Lunch will be provided and campus tours available.
Sessions will explore opportunities in the arts, humanities, and social sciences and help you learn about how these fields can help you build skills that prepare you for an enriched life and a range of possible careers. Students will be able to select from activities including creative writing and publishing, education through creation, approaches to mental health, philosophical and historical reasoning, digital arts, crafting, Chinese calligraphy, and more. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with our music and theater programs.
Participate in hands-on sessions related to:
mental health
AI and professional writing
letterpress publishing
philosophical and historical reasoning
arts and entrepreneurship
education through creation
digital arts and more!
Teachers who would like to bring a group of students are welcome to have them register individually or to work with Rachel Rhoads (rachel.rhoads@stvincent.edu) to register the group.
Exploring Flexible Futures Through the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Flyer (REGISTRATION LINK IS ON FLYER)
Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy
Join Catalyst Connection and The Consortium for Public Education for a professional learning experience called Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy! During this unique experience you will learn how the manufacturing industry is using emerging Industry 4.0 technologies to revolutionize the way they manufacture, improve and distribute their products. After attending this experience, you will know how you can take the knowledge you gained back into your classroom to expose today’s learners of these high-demand and high-paying career pathways.
What to expect during the experience:
Learn about a variety of emerging technologies and create a plan of action for taking the knowledge into your classroom and district.
Join a peer network community of fellow educators for collaboration opportunities both short-term and long-term.
Network with resource providers, partner organizations, and manufacturing industry representatives.
Attend the academy with another teacher from your district to cross collaborate (this is not a requirement, but it's highly recommended!).
Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy Flyer
Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy Sessions:
1-Day Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy General Session
November 13, 2024
8 a.m.-3 p.m.
@ Butler County Community College
107 College Dr, Butler, PA 16002
Register Here for the November 13 Session
1-Day Industry 4.0 Teacher Academy General Session
December 11th, 2024
8 a.m.-3 p.m.
@ Westmoreland County Community College Advanced Technology Center
1001 Technology Dr, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666
Register Here for the December 11 Session
UPMC Pathways for Students
UPMC Pathways for Students
UPMC’s Pathways for Students Educational Career Event will be held on Wednesday, December 4th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium. Lunch will be provided, and transportation assistance is available upon request. This event is for high school students.
Give your students the opportunity to learn about more than 40 career areas with one of the region's largest employers, UPMC. With engaging hands-on displays from departments such as:
Nursing
Patient Care
Labs
Imaging
Sports Medicine
Emergency Medicine
Nutrition
Behavioral Health
Respiratory
Construction
Pharmacy
Legal
Marketing
Human Resources
Analytics
"We are so excited to bring you an opportunity for your students to connect with representatives from 40+ career areas for the region’s largest employer. We will have representatives bringing hands-on, engaging displays for your students to interact with from a variety of job fields: everything from Nursing, Therapy, and Labs to Legal, HR, Actuary and Finance. We will truly have a career area for every student interest. UPMC is lucky to have employees who love their jobs, and we are thrilled to give your students a chance to connect with employees and gain inspiration for their career journey."
To register: UPMC Pathways for Students Registration
For transportation assistance, please reach out to Gina Barrett with the Consortium for Public Education at gbarrett@tcfpe.org
CNX Mentorship Academy
CNX Mentorship Academy
The Mentorship Academy is an initiative of CNX Foundation and part of CNX’s commitment to investing in its local community. Designed for high school students who do not plan to immediately attend a four-year college, the Academy is focused on providing urban and rural youth from historically marginalized Appalachian communities with greater opportunities—helping provide these young adults a bridge to family-sustaining careers. Following the mentorship program, students will have developed new relationships with peers and business leaders across western Pennsylvania, a new excitement for the region’s career opportunities and an understanding of how to pursue those careers.
Interested in joining the 2024-2025 class? The application period is now open. Please use the link below to apply and for more information:
https://www.cnx.com/about-us/the_mentorship-academy
IU1 Career Readiness Services
Elementary Career Readiness Program Flyer
Secondary Career Readiness Program Flyer
To request a visit, click HERE
ELA
Dr. Tracey Czaijkowski
&
Mr. Dave Dunham
Science (Alyssa Moore-Curriculum Specialist)
Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences- Applications Open! Deadline to apply: January 31, 2025
The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences is a 5-week academic residency program for rising high school seniors in Pennsylvania. Students live on campus at Carnegie Mellon University while taking courses in math, physical and natural sciences, and computer science from university professors. Students are challenged in lectures, labs, and research projects. The program is funded through charitable donations, grants, and sponsorships. It completely free for the students – there is no tuition, and room and board are provided. For many, PGSS is a life-changing experience where they form lifelong friendships and lay the foundation for their future careers. The 2025 Program will run from June 22 – July 26.
Remake Learning
Remake Learning Assembly- Read the Story Recap Here
Student Competition: Powering Pittsburgh
REGISTRATION OPEN: https://forms.gle/J1S3rAAkPF7HEyEL6
About: Teams of students can compete in the Powering Pittsburgh Competition for a Pittsburgh Steelers Prizes and a monetary donation to your school (this off of past competition awards and are subject to change for the 2024 competition)! Students in 9th - 12th grade in Allegheny, Beaver, and Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties are eligible to participate.
At the final competition at Acrisure Stadium, the winning team will be awarded $3,000 for their school’s STEM programming along with the ability to attend a December Steelers game!
PROJECT DUE DATE : October 22, 2024
IU1 Regional Competition is held virtually.
Teams will be notified of their placement by Friday, October 25, 2024
Final Competition will be held in person at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2024.
Innovation Grants: learn more on the Innovation and Design Site, click link above.
Application Open: https://forms.gle/P2HfpmjZxA5vnshQ8
There are two options to apply for a grant the IU1 Innovation Grant and the IU1 Stand Out Innovator Grant, see below to see which you can apply for:
Innovation Grant: any school in the above mentioned counties can apply for a grant of up to $5,000.00.
Stand Out Innovator Grant: The goal is to replicate successful projects in other schools throughout our region. Schools must have received and successfully completed an Innovation Grant in the past. Mentee School will receive $5,000/Mentor School will receive $2,500
Proposals must be submitted electronically and received by Friday, November 15, 2024.
Fab Lab Workshops: Registration will open soon!
November 25, 2024: 3D Printing at the IU1 McMurray Campus - 9:00AM to 3:00PM
January 17, 2024: Metal Work at Trinity High School - 9:00AM to 3:00PM
March TBD
May TBD
PAIC_Flyer_24-25flyer.pdfVirtual PA Invention Convention
Virtual PA Invention Convention
The Pennsylvania Invention Convention is calling upon all K-12 students across the state to participate in a remarkable event that celebrates their ingenuity and problem-solving abilities.
Key Highlights
Skills Emphasis: The competition is designed to highlight key skills such as creativity, critical thinking, innovation, teamwork, and communication.
Inclusive Participation: Every K-12 student in Pennsylvania is invited to be part of this inspiring event, regardless of their educational background (Public, Non-Public, Parochial, Charter, and Home Schooled).
No Registration Fee: We believe in equal opportunities for all students, which is why there's no registration fee to participate.
Important Dates: Materials will be due virtually by December 6. The eagerly awaited state finals are scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, and will be hosted at PETE&C in Hershey.
For more details and to submit materials in November, please visit https://www.pennsylvaniainventionconvention.com/ (*New site*)
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