English-Language Arts

UPCOMING Literacy Training:


DATES:

Feb. 15: Andover District Office: Andover, KS 1:00-3:30PM

Feb 16:  SW Plains Regional Service Center: Register through SW Plains

Feb 19:  Smoky Hills Education Service Center: Register through Smoky Hills

Feb 20:  Greenbush at Girard:  Register through Greenbush: Girard

Feb 22:  KSDE, room #509: Topeka, KS 1:00-3:30PM


2025 assessment & 2023 standards 

Created for English teachers and curriculum leaders interested in assessment and standards changes.



Overview:

In the spring of 2025, a new ELA assessment will require text complexity and understanding of the standards.  K-2 standards were revised to reflect reflect LETRS training.  Furthermore, standards 2, 3, 5, and 6 were revised with language and depth of knowledge demands.  Finally, standard 9 was included in the assessment.  Come learn with us to determine possible changes in teaching!

 

Key Takeaways



Ap seminar: english 10 Experience workshop

The purpose of this workshop is to gain an in-depth understanding of AP Seminar and to consider approaches to implementing AP Seminar into English sequences. Participants will delve into the skills assessed in AP Seminar, explore how the course framework aligns with state standards for English Language Arts (ELA), and examine instructional tools available to support planning for English 10: AP Seminar. The session will provide the opportunity to explore past exam questions, scoring guidelines, and sample student responses. The session will conclude with participants engaging in an AP Seminar-style lesson and collaborating in groups to brainstorm ideas on how to pair skill instruction with English 10 content.

Facilitators: Chris DeLuca, Renata Elway, & Fredrick Willis

Dates:


inferences:  reading & thinking voices


The teaching of inferences usually focuses on WHAT THE AUTHOR SAYS + STUDENT KNOWLEDGE = INFERENCE.  Unfortunately, inferencing is a more elaborated process.  Start with Jennifer Hansen and the difference between the reading voice versus the thinking voice to give your students more structure in developing inferences.  This will be the first of three two-part sessions.  

Facilitator:  Jennifer Hansen

Dates:  January 23 & 24

Time:  6:00-7:30 PM ONLINE

the reading comprehension blueprint

Comprehension is a primary ingredient of reading success—but most educators aren't taught how to deliver structured comprehension instruction. Meticulously researched and masterfully organized, this book offers a clear blueprint for understanding the complexities of reading comprehension and delivering high-quality, evidence-based instruction that helps students construct meaning from challenging texts.  ONLY 40 books will be given away to participants.  ALL OTHERS will have to purchase books to attend.  THere isn't a cost to the book study except usage or purchase of a book.The cost of the text-dependent book study is the cost of the book.  Those currently registered have a copy of the book. 25 copies remain.

Facilitators: LuAnn Fox & Amanda Witty

Dates: February 1 - March 7,  2024

Time: 6:00-7:30PM

PDC POINTS:  

Do you know that any KSDE ELA training allows for knowledge points?  They do!  Whether it's asynchronous PD, online, or in-person, all should be turned into your PDC committee for inclusion.  Then, be sure to apply what you've learned to boost those points.   Be sure to note the hours given for knowledge points on KSDE training.  A certificate will be provided upon request to present to your PDC committee.  Join us for learning about the standards, pedagogy, and structured literacy.  

researchers warn of too much screen time

Teachers and researchers, including neurobiologist Tzipi Horowitz-Kraus and literacy expert Maryanne Wolf, are concerned about the effect of early exposure to electronic devices on students' reading stamina and cognitive development. Findings suggest the distractibility and overstimulation caused by screens may hinder the neural connections crucial for literacy -- potentially affecting a student's ability to engage in sustained reading and comprehend complex texts.  Read more . . .

 Is Too Much Screen Time, Too Early, Hindering Reading Comprehension? (edweek.org)  .

write a proposal for 2024 summer academies

Good afternoon

We hope this finds you well. As you may be aware KSDE is excited to host their Summer Academy at Wichita Northwest High School, June 10-12. We are currently looking for presenters interested in sharing best practices. Sessions will be approximately 75 minutes and we hope to have approximately 65 sessions for participants to select from. This conference is teacher and practitioner focused.

 

We would be honored if you, or your team would consider submitting a proposal. Our conference strands will match the four fundamentals of; High Quality Instruction, Standards Alignment, Structured Literacy and Balanced Assessment Systems.

 

Here is a link to the proposal with additional details : https://ksde.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6sqg1nWkI64N0Tc 

 

Proposals recieved prior to February 2nd will recieve priority consideration.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions or if we can help in any way!

Thank you for considering!