CIU 20 Leadership News
February 2016
New Resources in the CIU 20 IMS Library!!
Getting ready for the 2nd Annual CIU 20 Regional 24 Challenge® Math Tournament?
CIU 20 is pleased to announce that 3 boxes of Single Digit Cards, 3 boxes of Double Digit Cards, and 3 boxes of Variable Cards have recently been added to the Instructional Media Services Library (IMS). The cards arrived just in time for our teachers to borrow and practice math before the May, 2016 Tournament!
To borrow these cards, or other instructional resources from IMS Library, just complete the form which can be assessed from the website on the Educational Technology Resource page. Please feel free to contact
Title I Coordinators Meet and Discuss
Two New Professional Development Opportunities
English Language Orthography for English Language Learners: Spelling
Date: April 27, 2016 Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: Colonial IU 20, Central Office
Description: During this workshop, participants will be introduced to research-based practices in spelling instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs). By learning English spelling, English language learners will be able to improve their reading and writing skills. Specifically, teaching spelling raises ELL’s awareness of English language patterns and conventions in word families. Participants will learn the orthography on English and how it indicates the semantic and syntactic meaning of words, how spelling can improve ELL’s reading, and best practices for teaching spelling. These practices will help teachers select spelling patterns and to identify specific methods to teach these learners.
Instructional Planning for Common Core Standards for English Language Learners
Date: March 14, 2016 Time: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: Colonial IU 20, Central Office
Description: During this workshop, teachers will practice using the Pennsylvania Standards Aligned System (SAS) and English Language Learner (ELL) Overlay to design effective lesson planning for ELLs. Students learning English need differentiated instruction to receive the maximum benefit from rigorous PA Core Standard lessons in inclusive classrooms, especially in the content areas. The PA Core Standards require schools to reach all students with a high level of rigor and depth of knowledge. An outcome of this workshop will be that teachers will be able to select among research validated instructional practices for ELLS to write lessons that address the needs of students whose English language skills are developing.
Please register for one or both events at www.cpetracker.org
Governor Wolf Signs SB 880 to Delay Keystone Exams Until 2018-2019 School Year
Senate Bill 880 places a two-year moratorium on using the Keystone Exams as a state graduation requirement. PDE is tasked with finding alternatives in addition to the Keystone Exams as a requirement for graduation. Once more information is received, we will pass it along. Read more:
Are you ready to roster? Webinar for New Administrators
PVAAS Roster Verification is critical, as school year 2015-16 PVAAS teacher specific data counts toward the PVAAS three-year rolling average (the score used on an educator’s final rating form). This three-hour session will provide a comprehensive overview of the PVAAS Roster Verification process for new administrators, including timelines and the roles/responsibilities of teachers, principals, and district administrators.
Participants will receive a live guided review of the web-based Roster Verification system. A variety of resources and supports for LEAs to use during the PVAAS Roster Verification process will be shared. Time will be allotted for questions.
Link to Join: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8050252871353910786
Session will be recorded. Access recording within 48 hours of the live session at http://tinyurl.com/PVAAS-Webinars-1516
Thursday, Feb 18, 2016, 08:30 AM
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Flowchart for Principals on Using PVAAS Reports with Teachers
Governor's Regional STEM Competition Held at CIU 20
On February 3, 2016 teams from five regional high schools competed at the Governor's Regional STEM Competition at the CIU 20 Central Office. Teams were challenged to research, design and present a device/project that is capable of improving the quality of life better for residents of Pennsylvania. Equipped with a stipend from the state, teams designed and built a prototype of their device/project that met a series of practical tasks that were translated into real world needs.
Students also engaged with their local community to learn about STEM-related careers and the skills needed for success. Prior to the competition day, teams submitted a project proposal detailing their
thought process and partnership with a local STEM business. In order to further test communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills, teams were presented with a “project in a box” on competition day. The task involved designing a paper airplane to transport an egg.
To culminate the experience, students presented their findings and explained the practical applications of their device to a panel of judges. Our regional panel of judges included representatives from DeSales University, Discovery Education, Olympus, Burkavage Design Associates and Gravity Arts Lab.
A summary of projects is as follows:
Bethlehem Area Vocational - Technical School: An ergonomic hand-held vacuum designed for yard clean-up.
Delaware Valley High School: An automated car window system that protects vehicles from water damage and promotes safety of children.
Liberty High School: A energy efficient, motorized wheelchair that protects users from the elements.
Monroe Career & Technical Institute: Turbines that harness wasted wind energy along Pennsylvania’s highways.
Saucon Valley High School: An eyedropper that accommodates individuals who have trouble using standard eye droppers.
All five teams received praise from the judges, with Monroe Career & Technical Institute taking home the top prize. Delaware Valley High School placed second, and Liberty High School placed third. MCTI will represent our region at state competition, held on May 20, 2016 at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster, PA.
CVP - Summer School and Accelerated Course Options
Looking for Summer School options for your students that include Credit Recovery or Accelerated Programs? Start planning now with the Colonial Virtual Program (CVP) to provide students virtual options to regain lost credit through credit recovery or earn first time credits through accelerated full course programs.
Colonial Virtual Program - Partnership in Online Learning
Join us in providing online options for your students! The Colonial Virtual Program (CVP) is building partnerships with schools and districts to provide online learning solutions during the school year and throughout the summer. CVP’s comprehensive online learning program provides effective, flexible solutions ranging from single courses to part and full-time cyber options that support school and district needs.
As we move into the second half of the school year, planning to provide options for your students is at the forefront. Consider options that will benefit your schools and students:
Elective Courses ** AP Courses ** Half & Full Credit Courses ** Alternative Programs ** Homebound Options ** Hybrid/Blended Learning ** Prep & Remediation Courses ** Curriculum Supplements ** Site Licenses ** Summer School ** Accelerated Learning ** Summer Bridges Program ** Enrichment ** Dual Enrollment
Colonial Virtual Program, in partnership with our schools and districts, provides ongoing support in the development, implementation and management of cyber programs for students. If you would like more information contact Renee Harris, Online Teaching and Learning Consultant at 610-515-6566 or rharris@ciu20.org
CIU 20: Dedicated to your children and the people who serve them.
Director of Professional Learning and Curriculum
Division Of Administrative and Professional Services
twitter @ColonialIU20 @michellebozzini
Contributors:
Denise Kaminski
Asst Director of Professional Learning and Curriculum
Heather Brown
Asst Director of Professional Learning and Educational Technology
Renee Harris
Online Teaching and Learning Consultant
Susan Kandianis, Ed.D.
Educational Technology Coordinator
Todd Van Nortwick
Supervisor of Professional Learning and Auxiliary Services
Julie Eates
Coordinator of Professional Development