CFISD PL Update Teacher Edition
JANUARY 2024
This Month's Top 3
Greetings,
We are pleased to provide you with the PL Monthly Update for January! As you scan the update, be sure to check out this month’s TOP 3:
#1: How to Access our PL Monthly Updates (present and past)
You are just a few clicks away from easy access to PL Monthly Updates – present and past. Rather than dig through old emails, consider adding the current PL Monthly Update to your favorites by bookmarking it. To do so, click the star icon to the right of the web address above. To access past PL Monthly Updates, scroll down to the bottom of this page and click the PL MONTHLY UPDATES button.
#2: CF-TESS Mid-Year Goal Reflection
As we approach the end of the semester, we pause to look back and reflect on the learning and growth that has occurred since the beginning of the school year. CF-TESS provides a formal opportunity for teachers to reflect on their goals. Engaging in reflection helps set the tone for the upcoming semester and provides positive reinforcement for all that was accomplished. Scroll down to review the process.
#3: Spring Quantum Learning Sessions
We will kick off our spring line-up of Quantum Learning Excellence in Teaching course offerings on January 13th! Quantum Learning offers proven methods, grounded in research from the neuro- and cognitive sciences, which assist educators in orchestrating cognitive-rich environments and experiences that equip their students for academic and personal success. Session details are provided below.
As always, we welcome your continued feedback. If you have ideas that we might consider for further refinement of PL Updates, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Take care,
Glenda, Torine, Tonya, Belinda, and Pat
CF-TESS: MID-YEAR
By the end of the 1st Marking Period
PHASE 2: MONITOR & ADJUST GOALS - DECEMBER/JANUARY
CF-TESS provides an opportunity for teachers to reflect on their goals. As an appraiser, you will want to support the teachers you appraise as they engage in this reflective process.
Before the end of January, each teacher has the opportunity to do the following:
- Revisit their personal professional goal (PPG) and goal for student growth (GSG) that was set at the beginning of the school year for reflection and assessment of progress made toward the goal;
- Monitor and adjust the goal for student growth
To document the Mid-Year Goal Reflection process in CFPGS, the teacher will complete the Monitor and Adjust Goals activity located in the Phase 2: Monitor and Adjust Goals container.
PRO-TIP: A help guide for teachers for completing the Monitor and Adjust
Goals activity is posted behind the Resources tab in CFPGS under My Appraisal Resources.
VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS: UH COHORT OPPORTUNITY FOR M.Ed. IN ADMINISTRATION
The Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Houston and CFISD have again partnered to offer you an opportunity to participate in a Fall 2024 M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision Cy-Fair Cohort.
The cohort model is based on the collective work of higher education students that progress through an academic program together. Cohorts benefit students by providing educational and logistical support to complete program requirements in a timely fashion and, in this case, at a district facility. If you desire to seek an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision, which includes a pathway to principal certification in Texas, please consider attending one of the available virtual information sessions as detailed below:
You’re invited to join us (via Zoom) at one of the virtual information sessions hot-linked below. Registration is not required:
Fall 2024 Cy-Fair M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision Cohort details:
- The 5-semester cohort program would begin in August 2024.
- The program includes 30-course hours (10 courses), all principal internship requirements, and preparation for the two Texas principal certification exams.
- Candidates take two evening courses each semester.
- Courses are taught by UH faculty as well as CFISD practitioners.
- Courses are provided in a hybrid delivery model (50 % online and 50% face-to-face at CFISD district facilities).
- The program will need between 15-20 students to make this a viable cohort.
GRE Waiver:
- Fall 2024 applicants may waive the GRE requirement provided they have an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4-point scale) OR a master’s degree/terminal degree
Application and selection process:
- Potential candidates will complete the UH application. To apply for this program through UH, please visit Graduate Admissions.
- Upon application submission, potential candidates will participate in interviews with representatives from UH and CFISD.
- UH applications will be due April 15, 2024.
To apply, go to: Admissions/Apply Now.
Current financial aid, tuition, and fees (including a tuition calculator) information are posted on the UH website.
The College of Education offers a robust selection of scholarships to support the educational pursuits of our students. Visit the College website for more information.
Email coecomm@uh.edu with any questions. Hope to see you at one of the virtual information sessions!
SPRING LINE-UP OF QUANTUM LEARNING
We are kicking off our spring line-up of Quantum Learning Excellence in Teaching sessions on January 13. Don't miss out sign up TODAY!
In Essentials, a two-day course, teachers discover what neuroscience reveals about the development of conceptual understanding and the impact of social-emotional factors on learning, gain a clear understanding of the Quantum Learning System, and practice applying new techniques in a supportive environment.
In Classroom Culture & Management, a two-day course, participants dive into the Quantum Learning System as they explore the prerequisites for an engaging, focused, and cognitive-rich classroom culture -- one built on a sense of safety, support, and belonging.
In Design & Delivery for Learning, a two-day course, participants use Quantum Learning’s Delivery Cycle and Design Guide to create the most effective lesson structure so standards become relevant to students.
Participants will earn 14 off-contract professional development hours for participation in each 2-day learning opportunity, as well as 2 hours of GT credit. Please note that you will need to attend both days of training in order to receive the 2 hours of GT credit. Consider joining us for these powerful days of learning.
E-BOOK LIBRARY IN CFPGS
You are just a couple of clicks away from 24/7 access to dozens of professional books in a digital format. Simply log into CFPGS and click on the E-Books tab from the top navigation bar.
Check out the newest E-Books available now!
Classroom Assessment Essentials
Susan M. Brookhart
Classroom assessment is a vital part of teaching. It helps make student learning—or a lack thereof—visible so that teachers can adjust teaching practices and better support learners. But designing and implementing reliable assessments is a complex process. In this comprehensive book by assessment expert Susan M. Brookhart, you will learn the foundational concepts and practical skills necessary to be successful with classroom assessment.
Why are We Still Doing That?
Pérsida Himmele and William Himmele
Old habits die hard, particularly when they are part of the unexamined norms of schooling. In Why Are We Still Doing That?, the best-selling authors of Total Participation Techniques lead a teacher-positive, empathetic inquiry into 16 common educational practices that can undermine student learning.
Spring 2024 - CTE
In an effort to ensure all professional development credits earned toward Campus Time Equivalency (CTE) are accurately reflected on teacher transcripts, the Office of Professional Learning is in the process of reconciling CTE credits for teachers who did not earn the required CTE credits and who have not yet reconciled these credits.
LOOKING AHEAD
Mid-February, the principal/DI will receive an email with an electronic list of teachers who did not fulfill their CTE requirement and have not yet reconciled the credits. Additionally, individual teachers indicated on the list will receive electronic notification directly from ProfessionalLearning@cfisd.net regarding their current CTE credit status and the options available for reconciling CTE credits.
If you receive an email, resolve any discrepancies by either 1.) converting eligible off-contract credits; and/or 2.) submitting an absence through your building-level designee.
A note regarding missing DTE credits:
Our office will conclude the reconciliation process for District Time Equivalency (DTE) in late January.
AVAILABLE 24/7 VIA MY LEARNING
If you are a recent hire, welcome to Cy-Fair! We will work with you to ensure you are supported in the various onboarding activities.
Compliance-related Courses
(completed within 6 weeks of hire date)
To educate employees on the various health, safety, social, and ethical issues that might arise on the job, the district requires that all employees complete a series of compliance-related courses. As compared to previous school years, the structure, format, and types of courses offered for the current school year may differ from previous years. Changes are based on district requirements, current legislation, and state and federal law.
Based on audience, employees complete the following compliance-related courses.
Employees launch each course through My Learning in the Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS). The courses are available 24/7 via the Internet. Employees are pre-registered (with some exceptions) for required courses.
Our office will enroll recently hired individuals in compliance-related courses weekly.
PRO-TIP: A help guide for accessing and completing compliance-related courses is posted on your CFPGS Homepage under Resources for My Learning.
Supporting New Teachers in January
Lead Mentors at every campus are equipped with proven strategies for mentoring novice teachers as well as preparing campus mentors to meet the needs of novice teachers during the Phases of First Year Teaching. Each new teacher is paired with a mentor and meets on a regular basis while developing relationships that involve trust, open communication, and collaboration.
Mentoring is a partnership created to help support new teachers by providing an experienced teacher to discuss topics confidentially and provide guidance. Below are a few suggested items mentors can do/share to support mentees on their campuses during January:
- Establish times for mentor/mentee meetings for the second semester
- Discuss common assessment practices, including testing procedures and testing ethics
- Reflect on the highs and lows of the first semester
- Discuss any changes the mentee might light to make concerning routines and procedures
- Verify that your mentee has all necessary resources and materials for the second half of the school year
- Discuss strategies for working with struggling learners and make a plan for ensuring the success of all students
- Discuss strategies and ideas for strengthening home/school connections (i.e., postcards home, email, newsletters, etc.); remind your mentee that these strategies can be used to acknowledge something a student is doing right or well, not always to correct behavioral concerns
- Discuss the appraisal process (mid-year goal reflection)
UPCOMING SHARE SESSION
Lead Mentor share sessions are scheduled throughout the year to provide them with crucial information for their role. The following share session will be held on January 10, 2024, via Zoom from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Lead Mentors should register for section #52816 in My Learning.
CHECK OUT OUR NEW TEACHER INDUCTION WEBPAGE
You are just a click away from additional resources to support Lead Mentors, Mentors, and New Teachers. Simply click HERE.
Feel free to reach out to tonya.dixon@cfisd.net with questions or concerns.
Supporting Professional Learning at the Campus-level
Professional Learning Liaisons are specifically chosen at each campus to serve in the role based on their knowledge and willingness to help others grow. As the school year begins, PLLs help monitor staff’s progress in completing the beginning of the year Compliance Courses. In addition, PLLs assist staff with accessing professional development transcripts and records and share information about professional development opportunities.
UPCOMING SHARE SESSION
The next Professional Learning Liaison Share Session will be held on January 11th from 5:00-6:00 via Zoom. PLLs are reminded to register for session #52813.
Feel free to reach out to torine.champion@cfisd.net with questions or concerns.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Because we know that you continuously seek opportunities to grow, we encourage you to explore two available resources that are just a couple of clicks away.
- Leadership Development Resources – visit here to find information regarding the district’s Leadership Institute Series
- Graduate Resources – this one-stop-shop provides various graduate programs for those seeking principal certification and/or a M.Ed., Ed.D., or Ph.D.
POINTS ON PROFESSIONALISM
If you’ve ever had the experience of preparing for a party based on the number of guests who respond that they will attend, and then on the day of the party, only a fraction of the guest list attends, you know how frustrating (and expensive) that experience can be. It isn’t that different from a professional development session. Last-minute meetings, sick kids, your best friend calls with concert tickets - whatever the case, things come up. However, because instructors use the enrollee count to order materials and food, it is important to take a moment to cancel your registration in My Learning via the Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS). This not only prevents the waste of unused materials and time -- it is also the professional thing to do.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The professional learning department is committed to providing support, building capacity, and cultivating talent by partnering with departments across the district to provide research-based professional development that can translate into improved student achievement and overall school effectiveness.
The team offers educators a continuum of support services through multiple professional learning opportunities. From new teacher induction and mentoring to the teacher appraisal process, leadership development, and Quantum Learning, the Professional Learning staff strives to provide high-quality, job-embedded professional learning for all stages of professional growth. The essential functions of the department are as follows:
- Cypress-Fairbanks Professional Growth System (CFPGS)
- New Teacher Induction and Mentoring
- Teacher Appraisal Process
- Graduate Cohorts and Resources
- Districtwide Professional Development
STAFF DIRECTORY
Director for Professional Learning
281-517-6008
Torine Champion, Ed. D.
Coordinator for Professional Learning
281-897-4032
Tonya Dixon, M.Ed.
Professional Learning Specialist
281-517-6589
Belinda Sepulveda
Secretary to Director for Professional Learning
281-897-4069
Pat Bice
Secretary for Professional Learning
281-517-2118