Secondary Instructional Updates
Newsletter Issue 3 ~ March 2024/Vol.1
Message from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Frances Baez
I want to express my sincere gratitude for your commitment to our students. Your dedication to their learning and well-being is truly inspiring.
The upcoming months hold exciting opportunities for continued professional growth and collaborative learning. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where you can continuously refine your teaching practices and collaborate with colleagues. The Division of Instruction offers professional development designed to equip you with the tools and resources needed to empower your students and ensure their success.
In this newsletter, you'll find details about upcoming professional development opportunities and valuable resources for students, families, and staff. We are fortunate to have such passionate and dedicated educators, and I look forward to collaborating with all of you throughout the semester.
Thank you!
Dr. Frances Baez, Chief Academic Officer
Division of Instruction
Contact Information
Email: instruction@lausd.net
Website:https://www.lausd.org/instruction
Telephone: 213-241-4822
Follow us on social media!
- X- @LAUSD_Achieve
- Instagram- @instructionla
- FB- LASchools DOI
Inspirational Quote
Spelling Bee Results
The Los Angeles Unified School District students, grades 4 to 8, are participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Our schools recently held local spelling bee competitions and the winners progressed to their regional competitions. The Spelling Bee competitions tested vocabulary knowledge, phonemic awareness, memory retention, public speaking, focus, study, determination, and stamina. While spelling accuracy is the core focus, these additional skills developed through participation contribute significantly to student learning and success.
We applaud our students, parents, teachers, and administrators, who participated and ensured our students would have a fun and excellent learning experience.
Congratulations to our students who are successfully advancing to the Los Angeles County Spelling Bee and California State Spelling Bee (grades 4-6) competitions. The winner of the LACOE Spelling Bee will advance to the Scripps National Bee competition. We are proud of you!
Dates of competitions:
Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Regional Spelling Bee - March 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., Almansor Court Golf Course, Alhambra, CA
California State Spelling Bee - May 11, 2024, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stockton, CA
Scripps Bee Week - May 26-June 1, 2024, National Harbor, Maryland
Instructional Updates and Resources
Awards
California Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) Award Application is Now Open!
Schools may apply to be recognized by the California Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). The application window is open through May 10, 2024. To learn more about PBIS and the application process, click here to visit their website.
California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards - Apply on April 1, 2024
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards application window opens April 1, 2024, and closes on June 28, 2024.
CSBA promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards throughout California.
Click here to visit their website and learn more about the application process.
MOY i-Ready Diagnostic- NOW WHAT?
Engage in a PDSA cycle using the CA CCSS Performance Report (K-12) to analyze progress on grade-level standards. Create your action plan using the Planning Using the Standards Performance (Class) Report.
Identify the priority standards previously taught at the beginning of the year using your math and reading instructional program scope and sequence.
Re-engage students with previously taught priority standards by assigning i-Ready Focus Lessons to students in their MyPath Personalized Instruction. Use i-Ready Reading Focus Lesson List (i-readycentral.com) for reading lessons, and i-Ready Mathematics Focus Lesson List 13.4 National (i-readycentral.com) for math lessons.
Monitor Personalized Instruction by using Personalized Instruction by Lessons Report and Personalized Instruction Summary
Resources to Support:
PDSA i-Ready Focus Standards Guidance 2024 FAQs- Personalized Instruction
FAQ- How do I use Focus Lesson list?
What should I know about Teacher-Assigned Lessons so I can effectively use them? How do I add Teacher-Assigned Lessons?
Deliver Differentiated Instruction
Six Things to Do to Maximize Personalized Instruction Data chats
K-8 Data Chat Pack Secondary Data Chat Pack
For more information, contact Maricela Sanchez, Elementary Executive Director, msanch27@lausd.net.
Outdoor and Environmental Education Program
- Beyond the Bell’s Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) Program offers immersive nature-based experiences for TK-12 students.
- Overnight science camps are available at Point Fermin and Clear Creek.
- The Day of Discovery Program offers field study opportunities at partner sites such as USS Iowa, Cabrillo Aquarium, and LA Zoo.
- The Skyhook Eco Van program visits schools and provides hands-on science investigations led by Naturalists.
Ignite Curiosity this March with the Discovery Education Newsletter!
Discover excellent resources and lessons in your March 2024 newsletter!
We’re bringing you a treasure trove of ready-to-use resources and engaging lessons to celebrate Women's History Month, Pi Day, Music in Our Schools, Nutrition Month, Read Across America Day, and much more!
Engage students with relevant lessons and resources that support teaching and learning across all grade levels. Together, let’s ignite curiosity and empower students to make a difference!
Equitable School Performance Office and Data Champion Initiative (ESPO-DCI) March Newsletter
ESPO-DCI is pleased to announce informative sessions focused on distributive data leadership, tailored to leverage data for targeted student subgroups and performance levels. For a comprehensive schedule of our upcoming sessions, kindly refer to MyPLN. We look forward to your participation in these valuable learning opportunities.
Supporting Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycles through Schoology
Strengthen your continuous improvement journey with Schoology! We understand the importance of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle in driving effective learning, and Schoology offers a wealth of resources to support each stage. For additional information, contact Leigh Ann Orr, Coordinator, at leighann.orr@lausd.net.
LAUSD Students and Employees Can Access Digital Books for Free!
- The LAUSD Learning Library on Sora is a collection of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and magazines available for all LAUSD students and employees. There is content for all grade levels UTK–12.
- The LAUSD Learning Library is a valuable resource for all readers. Teacher librarians curated each grade-level collection available in various formats to engage your students.
- You can access Sora via the waffle in Schoology PLS_Job_Aid_Sora.docx or https://soraapp.com/library/lausd.
- Watch this video to understand how to use Sora! Click this link for the Spanish SORA video.
- Happy Reading!
CTE-Linked Learing Student Showcase
The CTE-Linked Learning Student Showcase will be taking place on Wednesday, April 17 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this event is to promote CTE-Linked Learning programs to middle school students, parents, businesses, and industry partners to grow awareness and expand CTE Linked Learning participants in LAUSD. Another goal of this event is to collaborate with industry leaders in getting guidance on important core competencies and training that our students would need to develop to enter the current and future workforce.
Social Emotional Learning ~ SEL
2024 Annual SEL Symposium "Igniting the Joy in Learning through SEL"
We want all educators to join us for a day of collaboration and learning at the annual SEL symposium. We also seek presenters to lead workshops in breakout rooms at an all-day SEL Symposium at East LA College.
- Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
- Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Location: East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754
Each 75-minute breakout room will be an engaging and interactive exploration of ideas, strategies, and sharing of SEL best practices that ignite a joy of learning for students, parents/caregivers, educators, and school communities.
Please consider submitting a proposal of a SEL best practice you implement in the classroom or at your school site. The deadline to submit proposals is Sunday, March 17, 2024. For additional information, contact Susan Ward Roncalli, SEL Advisor, at sroncall@lausd.net.
Unlock the power of SEL: Resources to spark student growth and classroom well-being!
Dive into our diverse SEL curricula and discover a wealth of activities, strategies, and frameworks designed to:
- Increase growth across all learners: Our resources cater to various grade levels and learning styles, ensuring every student benefits from the power of SEL.
- Boost social-emotional competencies: Build student confidence, communication skills, and resilience with targeted activities for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Remember, with the right SEL resources and strategies, you can unlock a world of possibilities for your students.
For additional information, visit the website or contact Debra Schneider-Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Mindful Practices Linked to Improving Reading and Fluency
Did you know mindful practices are linked to improving reading fluency? The SEL Unit would like to remind you that all schools (TK-12) have access to Inner Explorer, an audio-guided mindfulness platform designed to support mental health and well-being in schools. Explore these resources to help increase mindful practices in your school community. Click here for additional resources.
Tutoring Services
On-Demand Tutoring for All Students
Second Semester Tutoring Courses and Transportation
Please ensure students have been rostered into new courses for the second semester, and that transportation has been requested for those who ride the bus home from tutoring. For additional information, contact Rain Owens, Coordinator, at rain.owens@lausd.net.
Home-Based Virtual Tutoring Now Available
Please share with your parents that Home-Based Virtual Tutoring is now available for eligible students. Tutoring is available for English Language Arts and/or mathematics. Visit the Tutoring Services website for more information. Parents can log on to the Student Enrollment Portal, select Enrichment & Other Programs, to check eligibility and sign up eligible children for tutoring support at home. For more information, please visit the Tutoring Services website.
Professional Development and Opportunities
Digital Citizenship in the Age of AI Schoology Course
To proactively equip all students 13 years of age and older with the skills needed for the responsible use of generative AI in their learning journey, we have introduced a mandatory course titled "Digital Citizenship in the Age of AI". The course for students 13 years of age and older can be found in the L.A. Unified Educator Group in Schoology under resources in the Digital Citizenship folder. Teachers can facilitate this course during Advisory, Homeroom, or any other instructional setting as the school principal determines. Visit the IT website for additional information.
Save the Date - Computer Science Conference: #CS4LAUSD - May 18, 2024
For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Empower Yourself as a Computer Science (CS) Educator
Join a Secondary Computer Science Cohort, a no-cost professional development program to transform your teaching practice!
- Intensive 5-day summer workshop: Immerse yourself in engaging learning (June 12-14 & 17-18, 2024)
- Quarterly follow-up sessions
- Dive into courses like Computer Science Discoveries, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and more.
Click here to complete the interest form.
Level Up Los Angeles Esports Competition with Minecraft Education
In partnership with Microsoft, LAUSD is launching a two-level esports competition with Minecraft Education.
- Level 2: Region Rumble Esports Tournament - open to all PK-12 students
- Students will identify a climate emergency and build an innovative solution for their community that can improve how people adjust to climate change.
ITI Leadership Exchange
The Instructional Technology Initiative Leadership Exchange is a cohesive instructional technology cohort experience. This program empowers schools to assess their unique educational needs, paving the way for the integration of cutting-edge technologies that enrich student learning and involvement. By working together, participants will identify their school's current needs, create a roadmap for the integration of educational technologies, and cultivate a continuous cycle of improvement with instructional technology. Complete the Leadership Exchange Interest Form to participate. For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
AI 101 for Teachers
Discover the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education with code.org’s foundational online learning series for teachers and unleash the potential of AI in education! Join code.org for a free online series to demystify artificial intelligence, learn responsible integration, tackle bias, and revolutionize student learning outcomes.
ITI Professional Learning Opportunities
Calling all educators! Are you ready to level up your skills and embrace the future of education? The 2023-2024 ITI Professional Learning Catalog is now open for registration on MyPLN. Get ready to dive into cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity Education, Digital Citizenship, ISTE Student Standards Suite, and computer science. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your teaching toolkit and empower your students! Click on the flyer to access the catalog. For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Action Seminars for Secondary Schools
Empower your leadership team to prioritize evidence-based literacy instruction in secondary classrooms through professional development on the science of reading. For more information, click on the flyer or contact Alyssa Avila, Secondary ELA Coordinator, at alyssa.avila@lausd.net
Secondary ELA Academic Course Extension (ACE)
This professional learning is designed for secondary ELA (6th – 12th grades) to support academic course extension opportunities for students. Participants will develop an understanding of ACE, learn to implement ACE using the Division of Instruction-created materials, and access instructional materials to implement.
It is a self-paced, two-hour, asynchronous PD accessible via Schoology. Upon successful completion, the A-G office will compensate at the training rate (outside of contractual hours). For more information, contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net.
School Requested Science Curriculum Professional Development
Secondary schools can request science professional development on their adopted curriculum. Schools have a menu of options, or they could request customized support. The professional development could be in person or virtual. Click here for more details. For additional information, contact Ayham Dahi, Coordinator, at ayham.dahi@lausd.net.
New Science Teacher Institute
New Science Teachers with 1- 5 years of experience are invited to participate in the New Science Teacher Institute at Eagle Rock High School. A lead teacher will guide new teachers in planning instructional units to support all students' learning. For additional information, contact Ayham Dahi, Coordinator, at ayham.dahi@lausd.net.
Science Department Chair Convening
Secondary Science Department Chairs, or Chairs Designees, are invited to join us for the fourth and final session on Saturday, April 6, 2024.
Science leaders will dive into the science and engineering practices for meaningful sense-making and to ensure success on CAST. Phenomena-based instruction, science discourse, and STEM identity are the topics of the other three sessions. The goal is to build the leads' capacity to take their learning back to school. For additional information, contact Ayham Dahi, Coordinator, at ayham.dahi@lausd.net.
English Language Arts and Mathematics: Supporting Proficiency for all Students
Secondary ELA Intervention Supports: Accelerate to Proficiency
Please join us for a 3-hour, asynchronous, self-paced professional development opportunity for grades 6-12 ELA teachers. Learn instructional practices to accelerate student learning and grade-level proficiency during and outside of the regularly scheduled ELA period. Compensation is available at the training rate. Click on the flyer for more information.
A-G Home Page and Resources
Visit the A-G webpage for Family and Student Resources, Educator Professional Development Opportunities, Guides, and Materials.
Secondary Mathematics Intervention Supports: Accelerate to Proficiency
Please join us for a 3-hour, asynchronous, self-paced professional development opportunity for math teachers grades 6-12. Learn instructional practices to accelerate student learning and grade-level proficiency during and outside of the regularly scheduled math period. Compensation is available at the training rate. Click on the flyer for more information.
Performance Assessment Student Support (PASS) Credit Recovery
Join us for a professional development opportunity designed for high school ELA and math educators planning to implement PASS for credit recovery.
Participants will understand the PASS program and structure, explore best practices for classroom delivery, and learn how PASS supports students’ SEL competencies during credit recovery. Educators who complete the PD will be provided access to the PASS Math and ELA Schoology groups.
This self-paced, two-hours, asynchronous session is accessible via Schoology. Upon successful completion, compensation is available at training rate (outside of contractual hours). For additional information, click on the flyer or contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net.
Grant, Scholarships and Competition Opportunities
California Grant Watch Website
The California Grant Watch website lists grants for public school teachers for the improvement of education, innovative teaching strategies, and professional development opportunities.
Grant Writing Modules
The Division of Instruction has three online modules focused on Grant Writing. Each module is between 8-15 minutes in length. Module 1: A Grant Writing Guide; Module 2: Grant Application Process; Module 3: Key Components of a Grant Proposal. To access the modules, go to MyPLN, under the learning drop-down menu, select Search LAUSD Catalog, and enter keyword Grants in the Global Search. Click on the module you wish to view.
Observances and Commemorative Events
Click on the links below for activities and resources.
Months
American Red Cross Month
American Red Cross Awareness Month
Middle Level Education Month
Association for Middle Level Education
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Music In Our Schools/Arts Education Month
National Association for Music Education
National Nutrition Month
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
School Social Worker Month
National Association of Social Workers
School Social Work Association of America
Women’s History Month
National Women’s History Project
Days
Read Across America (March 2)
International Women’s Day (March 8)
Pi Day (March 14)
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Cesar E. Chavez (March 31)