ESC-20 Curriculum Update
October 2017
ESC-20 Curriculum Updates
TEA Updates
ESC-20 Professional Development Opportunities
Professional Growth Opportunities & Resources
Administration and Leadership
· Districts that need materials, either because of enrollment of students displaced by the hurricane or property damage, can create a needs list in EMAT to inform potential donors of specific needs. Districts and other entities that wish to donate materials can do so in one of two ways: within EMAT or by emailing TEA. To learn more access TEA Hurricane Harvey Instructional Materials Assistance. TEA also released information to districts affected by Hurricane Harvey. One outlines instructions for campuses who are operating over capacity due to Hurricane Harvey and the other contains information regarding federal funding.
· In an effort to provide guidance to school districts and charter schools on the procurement process with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), TEA has put together information that will assist schools in the initial steps that should be taken for seeking FEMA assistance for schools affected by Hurricane Harvey.
· A new TSDS PEIMS hurricane crisis code has been released for those individuals displaced resulting from Hurricane Irma (Crisis Code of 06). Please make sure to code students at your district who have been displaced from either hurricane appropriately (Harvey Crisis Code 05 or Irma Crisis Code 06). The 17-18 Fall PEIMS Snapshot will remain as October 27, 2017.
Federal and State Programs
· A district or charter school that does not have the appropriately certified teachers to serve ELLs in accordance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §89.1205 must apply to Texas Education Agency (TEA) for a bilingual exception and/or ESL waiver.
All applications are due on or before November 1, 2017, and must be submitted to the TEA as an email attachment to: BilingualExceptions_ESLWaivers@tea.texas.gov.
· Under ESSA, all districts receiving Title I funding will be required to submit an Equity Plan to better understand and address the challenges they face in providing equitable access to excellent teachers for low-income and minority students. Submissions for Texas Equity Plans will be from September 1st to November 1st of 2017 via iSAM.
Accountability and Assessments
· The 2017 PBMAS results are now publicly available. Masked district results are available at this URL: https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/pbm/distrpts.html. Masked data downloads are available using this link: https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/pbm/download.html.
· The TEA Student/Parent Portal Access, from the Division of Academics, has launched. This portal will provide instructional resources to students and parents.
. A-F Accountability Gathering Stakeholders Input Meetings will be on October 13, 2017 (School Progress Domain) and October 26, 2017 (Closing the Gaps Domain). These meetings will be held at the ESC-20 Conference Center from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Curriculum and Instruction
· The adopted amendments to streamline the Science TEKS have been posted on the TEA website under the heading Adopted State Board of Education Rules-Not Yet Effective under adopted State Board of Education rules.
· TEA is extending the due date for the 2017–2018 Perkins Reserve Competitive Grant to October 26, 2017.
· TEA will host 2 CTE Teacher mentor trainings: October 26, 2017 and November 16, 2017.
· The deadline for enrollment in the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN) online courses is October 15, 2017. TXVSN statewide course catalog provided TEA-approved high school. Advanced Placement ®, and dual credit online courses.
· Texas Education Agency (TEA) is conducting a survey of educators regarding the scope of the social studies TEKS for kindergarten- grade 5 and grades 6-8/high school courses. The results of the survey will inform the recommendations of the social studies TEKS work groups. Social studies educators are encouraged to complete a survey by October 06, 2017.
· TEA will administer the Teacher Training Reimbursement (TTR) program for approved educator trainings that took place during the 2016-2017 school year. The application is due to TEA no later than Tuesday, October 24, 2017
· OpenStax (Rice University) open-source instructional materials are available and include several AP class materials.
· ESC-20 will host an Executive Leadership Summit sponsored by Texas Instruments, Inc. on November 13, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. You may RSVP via the following link: education.ti.com/summit to confirm your participation.
· Join Jose Martin on October 12, 2017 for Exploration and Utilization of §504 Forms. This session will address §504 compliance in public schools from a common-sense perspective guided by the §504 regulations and OCR decisions, while dispelling common misconceptions about the law.
· Texas Reads One Book Offers Fall Special: An LEA may pre-register before October 31 for the spring 2018 Texas Reads One Book program, a literacy initiative sponsored by TASA. You LEA will get two books for one low price! It also gives you the opportunity to conduct your own custom One District, One Book fall or winter reading event — a smart move, as Read to Them, the organization behind Texas Reads One Book, reports that reading multiple books boosts the program’s power by cementing the reading habit among families and promoting a culture of literacy. The 2018 Texas Reads One Book program kicks off April 16 and will feature the book, The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Learn more about the fall sign-up special.
English Language Arts
Champions of Literacy ESC-20 will welcome renowned authors to our Champions of Literacy series. Our first authors to present were Kylene Beers and Robert Probst. ESC-20 will host an additional 4 national speakers throughout the year. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Writer’s Workshop: Persuasive, Grades 6–12 (2-DAY Session) Session#44397
In this two day session, participants will immerse themselves in the writing process through model text, prewriting, drafting, revising, and publishing in the persuasive genre. Through this process, teachers will learn scaffolds to help struggling readers and writers strengthen their skills. Using student samples, rubrics, and other resources, teachers will gain research-based strategies in persuasive writing that will enhance student achievement.
Building Blocks: The Foundation of Reading Comprehension for the Young Learner, Grades K–2 Session#44400
This course will provide an overview of the expectations of reading comprehension for the young learner, successful hands-on strategies and manipulatives to prepare students for early learning and beyond, and specific techniques in questioning
Math
Engaging in Mathematics Through the Process Standards Session # 44721
Join us on October 05, 2017 to learn how the Process Standards elevate math instruction. Learn about the depth and complexity of the Process Standards and how you can amp up instruction by integrating them to make your students have a richer, deeper, and more fun experience with math!
Making Math Vocabulary Meaningful for English Language Learners in the Elementary Classroom Session# 43958
Join us on October 10, 2017 to learn the importance of teaching and developing Math Vocabulary in Elementary classrooms. Participants will gain an understanding of necessary considerations and linguistic accommodations for teaching math content and vocabulary to English language learners. Along with Marzano’s Six-Step Process, a sheltered instruction approach will be used in this workshop to discuss activities, technology, and the use of word walls. Participants will be given the opportunity to reflect on opportunities to incorporate a variety of strategies and techniques to support ELLs in making math vocabulary meaningful.
Using Guided Math to Differentiate Instruction: Grades K – 2 Session# 46498
This session will guide participants on how to effectively use guided math groups to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Ideas and strategies for getting started that are easy to implement will be shared.
Using Guided Math to Differentiate Instruction: Grades 3 – 5 Session# 44566
This session will guide participants on how to effectively use guided math groups to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. Ideas and strategies for getting started that are easy to implement will be shared.
Science
G/T 6 hr. Update: Nurturing Giftedness in the Science Classroom K-5
(Workshop #44298)
Join us on October 19 to learn creative strategies to differentiate instruction for all students but specifically target the G/T students. This workshop awards 6 hours of G/T credit.
Content Instruction & Authentic Science Writing: The Bridge to TELPAS
(Workshop #45700)
In this 2-day series, 8:30-11:30 on October 24 and February 8, discover how to implement effective, consistent, and authentic writing through a science content lens.
Progress for All through Differentiation in Science (Workshop #46857)
Attend this session on October 26 to experience differentiated instruction through the eyes of diverse learners.
Struggling Learners in Elementary Science (Workshop #44642)
Learn strategies on October 30 that assist struggling learners in grades 1-5 through differentiated instruction using process skills and science concepts.
Bonding ELAR and Science: Developing a Common Language through CERs and Figure 19 (Workshop #43495)
Come as a ELAR - Science Team on November 1 to experience the blending of Science and ELAR through the lens of Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning, and Figure 19. This session is appropriate for 6-12 English - Science teacher pairs.
Struggling Learners in Secondary Science (Workshop #44643)
Learn strategies on November 15 that assist struggling learners in grade 6-12 through differentiated instruction using process skills and science concepts.
Integrating Math & Science TEKS (Workshop #45394)
Attend the session on November 29 to determine areas of alignment and divergence as well as similar terminologies within Grade 5-8 Math and Science TEKS.
Social Studies
Based on Marcia L. Tate’s book “Social Studies Worksheets Don’t Grow Dendrites,” we’ll look at 20 instructional strategies that will strengthen your instruction and incorporate our Social Studies process skills. Join us for an engaging day and leave with activities ready to implement!
Social Studies and the English Language Learner Session#45281
Participants will learn about how the English Language Learner benefits from sheltered instruction in the secondary Social Studies classroom. Implementation of the TEKS and ELPS will be modeled and discussed. This training offers specific strategies for Social Studies teachers to use in meeting the linguistic, cognitive, and effective needs of English Language Learners; thus,
Bilingual/ESL
CULTIVATE A LOVE OF READING Session# 48249
Join us on November 03, 2017 to extend your learning in a special institute within the WORLD Language Conference. Building on the work of Kylene Beers and Robert Probst, we will be presenting strategies to help struggling readers access and create meaning with authentic text.
lead4ward
Fractions (Grades 2-5) Session#44303
Is the sum of all your parts not equaling the whole when it comes to the Fractions strand of Mathematics? Fractions can be very complex for young learners until they understand the value of a “whole” and experience the “parts of the whole” through a variety of concrete representations. Spend a day experiencing the verticality of Fractions in the elementary curriculum.
Intentional Intervention Session#44304
Campuses accommodate a wide range of student abilities in their classrooms. As students struggle with learning, teachers and PLCs need structures and strategies to meet the unique learning needs of particular students. In this class, campus/district leaders and teacher leaders learn how to leverage local assessment, classroom evidence, and/or STAAR data to strategically plan for intervention that supports all students.
Professional Growth Opportunities
Humanities Texas Fall Teacher Workshops
Over the next few months, Humanities Texas will hold a series of FREE professional development workshops for Texas social studies and language arts teachers. Apply now!
• Understanding Congress: On October 12, 2017, Humanities Texas will hold a one-day teacher workshop in Austin focusing on Congress. Topics to be addressed include the U.S. House of Representatives, milestones in U.S. Senate history and the contemporary Senate, and teaching the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
• Teaching the U.S. Constitution: On October 18–20 2017, Humanities Texas will hold three one-day workshops in Harlingen, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio focusing on teaching the U.S. Constitution. Topics to be addressed include the Articles of Confederation, compromises made in adopting the Constitution, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates on the Constitution's ratification, and the Bill of Rights.
• Teaching Texas Literature: On November 30 and December 1, 2017, Humanities Texas will hold one-day teacher workshops in Dallas and San Antonio on teaching critical reading and writing skills, focusing on works from the Texas literary tradition.
Teachers at all workshops will receive books and other instructional materials and be trained in the examination and interpretation of primary sources. Content at all of our fall workshops will be aligned with the TEKS. For details on eligibility, substitute and travel reimbursements, and venues or to apply online, visit the Upcoming Institutes page on the Humanities Texas website.
For more information about these programs or the other programs and resources that Humanities Texas provides to Texas teachers, please contact Eric Lupfer at 512.440.1991.
STEMsation X Conference sponsored by ATE-RC/UTSA and NYAR
The National Youth-At-Risk West Conference, organized by the Georgia Southern University will take place from 26th October to 28th October 2017 at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, United States Of America. The conference will cover areas like greater impact on the trajectory of an organization that its climate and culture.
Texas OnCourse
· Texas OnCourse, a comprehensive digital resource for college and career advising, is now available for all Texas educators.
The Texas OnCourse Academy, a vital learning platform for college and career advising, transforms educators into the go-to source for the most current and accurate post high-school planning materials for the entire school community.
Cybersecurity Tips and Tools
· An August TEA TAA informed districts, charter schools, and ESCs of a webinar series led by TEA’s Chief Information Security Officer, Frosty Walker, in collaboration with the Data Security Advisory Committee to provide insight into the Cybersecurity Tips and Tools. The remaining webinars will be held October 11 and November 8. Get the details.
Science Field Experiences
Visit the Science Mill website to learn more and to make an online field trip reservation. Please contact their education staff at fieldtrips@sciencemill.org if you have any questions
Something to Think About...
Kindergarten Teachers Boost Their Students’ Vocabularies
In this Elementary School Journal article, Sabina Rak Neugebauer (Temple University), Pela Gámez (Loyola University/Chicago), Michael Coyne and Betsy McCoach (University of Connecticut), Ingrid Cólon (University of the District of Columbia), and Sharon Ware (University of Saint Joseph) report on their study of vocabulary learning in urban kindergarten classes. “Research and practice focused on improving students’ vocabulary,” say the authors, “indicates that to sufficiently boost students’ work knowledge, instruction must not only improve students’ knowledge of words taught in the curriculum but also increase students’ strategies and enthusiasm for learning new words in naturally occurring contexts.”
And what will make that happen? Through close observation of a number of kindergarten teachers and measuring vocabulary gains in their students, the authors concluded that the key factor is word consciousness – metacognition about words, motivation to learn words, and deep and lasting interest in words. The teachers who most successfully fostered word consciousness in their students did the following:
- Praised and reinforced students’ use of new and interesting words;
- Affirmed students’ recognition of word meanings;
- Helped students make personal connections to words.
These practices engage students, make them feel recognized and appreciated, build relationships, and increase interest in and enthusiasm for words. Some examples:
- In response to a student’s “Good morning,” the teacher says, “Salutations, and greetings!”
- When a student enthuses about how enormous her new birthday present is, the teacher says, “Enormous is the perfect word to describe your huge new blocks!”
“Promoting Word Consciousness to Close the Vocabulary Gap in Young Word Learners” by Sabina Rak Neugebauer, Pela Gámez, Michael Coyne, Ingrid Cólon, Betsy McCoach, and Sharon Ware in The Elementary School Journal, September 2017 (Vol. 118, #1, p. 28-54),
http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/692986; Neugebauer can be reached at sabina.neugebauer@temple.edu
ESC-20 Instructional Services Component
Email: janna.poth@esc20.net
Website: http://www.esc20.net/
Location: 1314 Hines Avenue, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-370-5200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESCRegion20/
Twitter: @ESCRegion20