Secondary English Weekly #25
VOLUME THREE, ISSUE TWENTY-FIVE /March 29-April 9, 2021
EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK AND SPRING BREAK
- StudySync Webinar: Create a Custom Unit for Poetry Month 4-4:30pm Register
- Thurber House Adult Writing Class: Creativity and Healing (Part Two), 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Register
- Barnes & Noble Conversation with Barack Obama and Isabel Wilkerson 7 PM Register
Tuesday, March 30th
- StudySync Webinar: Enhance Social Studies & Science with SyncBlasts, 4-4:30 PM Register
Thurber House: Young Writers' Studio (Grades 9-12) 6:30-8:30pm Register
- Author Event: Angus Fletcher (Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature) March 30, 7pm Get Tickets
- StudySync Webinar How Administrators Can Best Utilize StudySync 1-1:45PM Register
- Just Drive PSA Contest: School Application Due Submit an application
- STUDYSYNC ASK-AN-EXPERT CCS-ONLY SESSION: 3:30-4:00 PM CCS-only Ask-an-Expert Sessions Zoom Link (ID: 985 4912 8122; Passcode: 399075)
- StudySync Webinar: Remote or Hybrid Lesson Planning with StudySync 4-4:30 PM — Register
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Monday, April 5th
- Thurber House Adult Writing Class: How to Improve Funny Writing with Smart Editing, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Register
Tuesday, April 6th
- StudySync Webinar Enhance Social Studies & Science with SyncBlasts, 7-7:30 PM Register
- Author Event: Melissa Febos (Girlhood) April 7, 7pm Get Tickets
- StudySync Webinar: Solutions for Summer Learning 7-7:30 PM — Register
Friday, April 9th
- Ohio Teacher of the Year: Nomination Due
TEXTS ADDED TO STUDYSYNC IN 2020
FREE NOVELS FOR YOUR CLASSROOM LIBRARY-PICK UP AT SOUTHLAND CENTER
UNIQUE TOOL FOR CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS AND DEBATES-KIALO
Kialo Edu is a custom version of Kialo (kialo.com), the world’s largest argument mapping and debate site, specifically designed for classroom use. Its clear, visually compelling format makes it easy to follow the logical structure of a discussion and facilitates thoughtful collaboration and critical thinking. Kialo’s mission is to promote well-reasoned discussion online, and to that end, Kialo is free for educators to use. With Kialo, discussions and debates are clearly visualized as an interactive tree of pro and con arguments. At the top of every discussion is the thesis, which is supported or challenged by pro and conclaims. Each one of these claims can in turn branch into subsequent claims that support or challenge them. Think about how you could use this to help students prepare for an argument essay you have assigned them in StudySync or a debate they are doing in Speech class.
-Get to know Kialo with this brief video: Kialo Edu - The tool to teach critical thinking and rational debate.
FREE ONLINE EVENT WITH BARACK OBAMA AND ISABEL WILKERSON
Barnes & Noble is honored to welcome Barack Obama for a virtual event to discuss his bestselling autobiography, A PROMISED LAND, a riveting, deeply personal account of history in the making—from the president who inspired us to believe in the power of democracy.
He'll be in conversation with Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of the critically acclaimed #1 New York Times bestseller, CASTE: The Origins of Our Discontents.
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Event Details:
- This is a free, pre-recorded event that will air on Vimeo on Monday, March 29 at 7 PM. It will not air on the Eventbrite site.
- Registration is required to attend. A link to access the event will be sent to the email that you used for registration on the day of the event.
- REGISTER HERE
BONNIE CHAMBERS GRANT
Recognizing the extraordinary challenges teachers face, the Bonnie Chambers Grant Committee will award a one-time $2,000.00 grant to purchase books for K-6 students in an Ohio public school building.
This Bonnie Chambers Grant is designed to help teachers who strongly promote the use of quality literature in their classrooms. Teachers will use the grant money to select and purchase their own book choices (fiction or non-fiction) dealing with understanding and coping with COVID, racism and equality issues, and/or mental health issues for children and their families.
Application Criteria
- This grant is open to any* Ohio public school teacher(s) in grades K-6 who demonstrates a need for money in the purchasing of classroom books for their elementary building.
- If a group of teachers apply, one teacher will apply on behalf of the building and serve as the contact teacher.
- Need can be demonstrated through free-lunch ratios, recent school-levy results, extraordinary events, etc.
Applications for the 2021 Bonnie Chambers Grants are available and due by December 31, 2021. Visit the Bonnie Chambers Grant page for more information: https://www.octela.org/awards/bonnie-chambers/
*No standing OCTELA Executive Board member may apply for or benefit from this grant.
Application Materials
SPRING FEVER-SOME PLACES YOU COULD VISIT OVER SPRING BREAK
-Check out See Ohio First, Ohio Humanities' heritage tourism hub, for information about historical sites, curated trails, and tours across Ohio. Visitors to the website can search for cultural and historical sites by region, location, interest, theme, or travel dates. Audio guides narrate interactive driving tours around the state, allowing listeners to deeply explore the stories of Ohio culture and heritage.
-Check out this Ohio Women in History Road Trip for a few destinations that honor the women that have paved the way for modern times.
Plan to enjoy some fresh air and discover something new!
ASCD EMPOWERED AND CONNECTED CONFERENCE
Join ASCD for the 2021 Annual Conference: Empowered and Connected from June 23–25, and be inspired by these speakers.
Vijay Gupta, who shares his vision for transformative community engagement in the form of musical keynote lectures, is an esteemed musician and thought leader serving to create spaces of belonging, healing, and wholeness through music.
Ruby Bridges, born in Mississippi the same year the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision ordering the integration of public schools, is a civil rights activist who, at the age of six, was the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans.
Mari Copeny, whose activism has led her to meet President Obama, President Bill Clinton, and a host of other politicians, gives voice to the unheard hardships of Americans trapped by a collapsing and toxic infrastructure.
THURBER HOUSE ONLINE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOPS AND MASTER CLASSES
THURBER HOUSE ONLINE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOPS AND MASTER CLASSES
Thurber House Online Adult Writing Workshops and Master Classes cover a variety of topics and are designed for adults (18+) of all levels of writing experience.
Click to Register for Any of the Sessions Below
How to Improve Funny Writing with Smart Editing, Monday, April 5 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Brooke Preston No matter your writing wheelhouse, a sharp punchline, a witty character, or an uproarious scene can inject life and balance into your work. Brooke Preston (writer and faculty member at The Second City) will cover the rules of humor and satire writing, including practical tips and exercises to evolve funny ideas into fleshed-out characters, jokes, or scenes that strike the right tone for your writing project. Learn More
Go Rogue! Travel Writing & Point of View, Thursday, April 8 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews This class is devoted to writing for the heck of it. Expect to be challenged and entertained with brand new activities and unexpected prompts. It’s a Rogue class, so you never know what to expect! This spring, Go Rogue! is a four-part series. Each week will focus on a different genre, so you can pick and choose your favorites—or sign up for all four and challenge yourself! Learn More
Recording the Pandemic: Your Personal Story, Monday, April 12 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Niki Gnezda Our ancestors had memories of the 1918 Flu Epidemic that they never shared with us. Instructor Niki Gnezda’s own grandma lost three children, and there are so many questions she wishes she could have asked her. We can memorialize our experiences of this pandemic for future generations. Niki will inspire and guide you as you record history about what this year has been like for you. Learn More
On Writing—from Crisis to Catharsis, Monday, April 19 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder Are you struggling to create during this pandemic? In this session, we’ll create some “play” by mimicking vignettes from short stories, memoirs, and novels. By the end of this workshop, geared toward writers at any stage, you’ll have written more than a few fun drafts to find that release — and tinker with beyond this class. All that’s required is a sense of humor and a willingness to “play.” Learn More
Go Rogue! Horror Writing & Creating Tension, Thursday, April 22 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews This class is devoted to writing for the heck of it. Expect to be challenged and entertained with brand new activities and unexpected prompts. It’s a Rogue class, so you never know what to expect! This spring, Go Rogue! is a four-part series. Each week will focus on a different genre, so you can pick and choose your favorites—or sign up for all four and challenge yourself! Learn More
Starting Again After Writing Burnout, Monday, April 26 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Brooke Preston Whether from an illness, rejection, new parenthood, or (ahem!) a global pandemic, almost every writer is occasionally unable to generate the energy to put their best words on paper. Too often, we attribute this to "writer's block" without examining the larger rhythms, reasons, and responses. In this workshop, we'll explore these seasons when life leads us away from creative pursuits, and how we can adapt, improve, and even benefit from them. Learn More
Mining Memories, Making Stories, Monday, May 3 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder Do you have an interesting memory to share, but struggle with how to tell it? This session, geared toward writers at any level, will help you transform your memories to the page with hands-on writing exercises. We’ll learn and apply techniques for writing the short memoir, including how to “unpack” transformative moments about a person, place, or thing. You’ll leave this workshop with at least three drafts. Learn More
Go Rogue! Poetry Writing & the Power of the Specific, Thursday, May 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews This class is devoted to writing for the heck of it. Expect to be challenged and entertained with brand new activities and unexpected prompts. It’s a Rogue class, so you never know what to expect! This spring, Go Rogue! is a four-part series. Each week will focus on a different genre, so you can pick and choose your favorites—or sign up for all four and challenge yourself! Learn More
Making Memories: Infuse Your Fiction and Nonfiction with Context, Monday, May 10 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Tracy Lawson The cultural influence of our ancestors fades with each successive generation, and we sometimes need additional information to fully understand a story set in another place and time. Author Tracy Lawson will share research and interpretation tips that will give you a deeper contextual understanding of time and place so what you write about the past will never feel stodgy or dated. Learn More
Commit to Submit!, Monday, May 17 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder In this class, you'll learn how to conduct a targeted search of where to publish your work, tips for organizing that process, an overview of the protocols for submitting your work (including links to drafting query letters), and ways to find agents (primarily fiction/novel) and non-agented, small independent presses. Please note: This session does not focus on how to self-publish your work. Learn More
Go Rogue! Short Story Writing & Setting the Scene, Thursday, May 20 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews This class is devoted to writing for the heck of it. Expect to be challenged and entertained with brand new activities and unexpected prompts. It’s a Rogue class, so you never know what to expect! This spring, Go Rogue! is a four-part series. Each week will focus on a different genre, so you can pick and choose your favorites—or sign up for all four and challenge yourself! Learn More
Poetry Boot Camp, Monday, May 24 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Scott Woods What is your poetry capable of under pressure? Are there missed opportunities in the nooks and crannies of your poems? Like a real boot camp, this session takes poems through the paces, running them through obstacles and challenges, and taking the work through the ringer in a series of exercises. Bring a poem (or create it in session) and watch it transform! Learn More
RETURNING BORROWED NOVELS TO THE CURRICULUM OFFICE
APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH!
STUDYSYNC'S LIBRARY HAS MANY POEMS TO EXPLORE IN YOUR CLASSROOMS
- A Quick Search of the StudySync Library (filtered for POETRY) will bring up 247 texts. Think about how you can celebrate National Poetry Month using StudySync in your classroom.
- Join a StudySync Webinar on Monday, March 29th from 4-4:30pm or Tuesday, April 6th from 4-4:30pm to learn how to Create a Custom Unit in StudySync for National Poetry Month.
TEACHINGBOOKS POETRY RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some Poetry Resource Highlights from TeachingBooks.
NCTE POETRY RESOURCES
Celebrate National Poetry Month during April with NCTE resources: https://ncte.org/resources/poetry/
ACADEMY OF AMERICAN POETS
Each April, the Academy offers activities, initiatives, and resources so that anyone can join in online and at home and—hopefully—find comfort, resilience, and connection throughout the month of April and beyond:
- Order and display the official 2021 National Poetry Month poster
- Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month online and at home
- Read about 30 ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in the virtual classroom
- Join the Academy of American Poets for its first-ever virtual Poetry & the Creative Mind gala on April 29
- Find virtual poetry readings and events on our Poetry Near You calendar, and add your own online events
- Participate in the 2021 Dear Poet Project by April 30
- Sign up for Poem-a-Day and enjoy a free daily poem in your inbox
- Follow the thousands of celebrations taking place on social media with the official hashtag #NationalPoetryMonth and follow the Academy of American Poets on Twitter @POETSorg
- Share a #pocketpoem on Poem in Your Pocket Day on April 29
SIJO TEACHER WORKSHOP OFFERED BY EAST ASIAN STUDIES CENTER AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
The East Asian Studies Center at The Ohio State University is excited to announce a new self-paced, asynchronous workshop, SIJO (Korean Poetry) for teachers and the Ohio Sijo Student Competition for K-12 students. If students are new to SIJO there are materials available to help them learn about and write Sijo poetry. (See "Student Opportunities" section for more information about the student contest.)
Feb – May 1, 2021: “Sijo (Korean Poetry) Workshop”
- Who: Any educator in any state (pre-service and in-service teachers, librarians, administrators, others)
- Where: Online
- When: Self-paced, asynchronous (2 contact hours), Deadline May 1, 2021
- What: Teachers will learn about the history and structure of Sijo (Korean Poetry) and how to teach it to their students through online lectures, presentations, examples, and teaching materials. Information about the 2021 Ohio Sijo Competition will be included as well.
- Website: Sijo Teacher Workshop
- Registration (required): online link
- Flyer: Sijo Teacher Workshop 2021
SIJO STUDENT COMPETITION OFFERED BY EAST ASIAN STUDIES CENTER AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
The East Asian Studies Center at The Ohio State University is excited to announce the Ohio Sijo Student Competition for K-12 students and a new self-paced, asynchronous workshop, SIJO (Korean Poetry) for teachers. If students are new to SIJO there are materials available to help them learn about and write Sijo poetry. (See "Teacher Opportunities" section for more information on the teacher self-paced workshop.)
Feb – May 1, 2021: “Ohio Sijo (Korean Poetry) Student Competition”
- Who: Any K-12 student in Ohio
- Where: Online submission
- When: Deadline May 1, 2021
- What: Students will learn about Sijo (Korean Poetry) and create their own original Sijo for submission. Prizes for 1st ($250) and 2nd ($150) place in two divisions (high school and elementary/middle school). Teachers of place winners will receive $100 of Korea-related materials.
- Sijo Introduction: Online Materials
- Website: Ohio Sijo Student Competition
- Online submission (required): online link
- Flyer: Ohio Sijo Student Competition
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OSUEASC
- From Finding Error to Finding Wonder: A Shift in Grammar Instruction
- “Miss, It’s All Coming Together!”: Discovering the Power of Patterns in a Novel
- A New Analytical Framework for Teaching Propaganda in Print and Nonprint Text
- Using Crossover Literature in the ELA Middle Grades Classroom
- Honor as Power: The Practical Keys to Antiracist Teaching
Q&A: Nikole Hannah-Jones on the 1619 Project and School Equity
- High-Quality Curriculum as a Transformation Tool for Equity
- Passage of Ohio House Bill 67
- Studies: Physical books aid reading comprehension
- Remote learning to remain popular option after pandemic
MONTHLY CCS ENGLISH COURSE MEETINGS
The next course meeting day is TUESDAY, April 13th. If you have ever wanted to talk to other English teachers in the district about teaching ideas for the course(s) you instruct, now is your chance to join a Zoom session to
- see how they are making the most of our adopted resources (e. g. StudySync) to maximize student learning,
- show teaching ideas that have worked well this year,
- ask other colleagues how they are handling something you want to try, etc.
There is no set agenda for these meetings, so bring your ideas to share. The district will plan to have some Course Meetings every second, Tuesday. The remaining dates are 4/13 and 5/11. We may not be able to have every course, every month due to the available number of hosting Zoom rooms, but we will offer as many as we can. You will be able to find the ones available for each date in this newsletter the week of the meetings.
SIJO TEACHER WORKSHOP OFFERED BY EAST ASIAN STUDIES CENTER AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
The East Asian Studies Center at The Ohio State University is excited to announce a new self-paced, asynchronous workshop, SIJO (Korean Poetry) for teachers and the Ohio Sijo Student Competition for K-12 students. If students are new to SIJO there are materials available to help them learn about and write Sijo poetry. (See "Student Opportunities" section for more information about the student contest.)
Feb – May 1, 2021: “Sijo (Korean Poetry) Workshop”
- Who: Any educator in any state (pre-service and in-service teachers, librarians, administrators, others)
- Where: Online
- When: Self-paced, asynchronous (2 contact hours), Deadline May 1, 2021
- What: Teachers will learn about the history and structure of Sijo (Korean Poetry) and how to teach it to their students through online lectures, presentations, examples, and teaching materials. Information about the 2021 Ohio Sijo Competition will be included as well.
- Website: Sijo Teacher Workshop
- Registration (required): online link
- Flyer: Sijo Teacher Workshop 2021
THURBER HOUSE ONLINE ADULT WRITING WORKSHOPS AND MASTER CLASSES
Thurber House Online Adult Writing Workshops and Master Classes cover a variety of topics and are designed for adults (18+) of all levels of writing experience.
Click to Register for Any of the Sessions Below
- Creativity and Healing (Part Two), Monday, March 29 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Niki Gnezda Learn More
- How to Improve Funny Writing with Smart Editing, Monday, April 5 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Brooke Preston Learn More
- Go Rogue! Travel Writing & Point of View, Thursday, April 8 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews Learn More
- Recording the Pandemic: Your Personal Story, Monday, April 12 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Niki Gnezda Learn More
- On Writing—from Crisis to Catharsis, Monday, April 19 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder Learn More
- Go Rogue! Horror Writing & Creating Tension, Thursday, April 22 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews Learn More
- Starting Again After Writing Burnout, Monday, April 26 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Brooke Preston Learn More
- Mining Memories, Making Stories, Monday, May 3 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder Learn More
- Go Rogue! Poetry Writing & the Power of the Specific, Thursday, May 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews Learn More
- Making Memories: Infuse Your Fiction and Nonfiction with Context, Monday, May 10 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Tracy Lawson Learn More
- Commit to Submit!, Monday, May 17 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Lisa Lopez Snyder Learn More
- Go Rogue! Short Story Writing & Setting the Scene, Thursday, May 20 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm, Instructor: Katherine Matthews Learn More
- Poetry Boot Camp, Monday, May 24 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Instructor: Scott Woods Learn More
OHIO PUBLIC RADIO/TV SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CLASSROOMS
Andy Chow with Ohio Public Radio/TV would like to start a speaking/outreach program where he and his colleague talk to high school students about the career possibilities in journalism and broadcasting. They would visit your classes (virtually) to talk about the careers and answer any questions. If you are interested in this, please reach out to Andy at achow@statehousenews.org.
OCTELA 2021-RECORDED SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ATTENDEES/MEMBERS
The Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts sessions from OCTELA 21 are available at their site for members of OCTELA who registered for the conference. Visit the CONFERENCE PORTAL to access the recordings.
OHIO LITERACY ACADEMY 2021-RECORDED SESSIONS NOW AVAILABLE
The Ohio Department of Education is offering all content from the Ohio Literacy Academy 2021 to all Ohio educators. Visit the Ohio Literacy Academy 2021 page to learn more about the content offerings, access videos, see the viewing guides, and take note of further content to be added in March and May. This Vimeo site: Ohio Literacy Academy 2021 on-demand videos has over 35 sessions that you can view. Districts, schools, and early childhood education programs are encouraged to use these resources as part of a comprehensive professional learning plan. Here are the sessions that were included in the 6-12 and multi-age bands:
- Writing Development Viewing Guide and Video Links; Presentation Slides
- Reading Intervention for Older Students Viewing Guide and Video Links; Presentation Slides
- Building a Literacy Culture Viewing Guide and Video Links; Presentation Slides
- Supporting ALL Learners to Build Literacy Skills in the Content Area Classroom Viewing Guide and Video Links; Presentation Slides
- Culturally Responsive Practices and Text Sets Viewing Guide and Video Links; Presentation Slides
BOOKS AUTHOR EVENTS
Here is the line-up for the upcoming author events at Gramercy Books on Main Street in Bexley.
- Angus Fletcher (Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature) March 30, 7pm Get Tickets
- Melissa Febos (Girlhood) April 7, 7pm Get Tickets
- Judy Batalion (The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos) April 14, 7pm Get Tickets
- Katilyn Greenidge (Libertie) April 28, 7pm Get Tickets
- Kale Williams (The Loneliest Polar Bear: A True Story of Survival and Peril on the Edge of a Warming World) May 13, 7pm Get Tickets
- Paula McLain (The Paris Wife) May 20, 7pm Get Tickets
THE COLUMBUS METROPOLITAN LIBRARY'S CARNEGIE AUTHOR SERIES: AUTHOR TALKS
Here is the rest of the supurb line-up for this season.
- Hanif Abdurraqib (They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us), June 13, 2pm
- Lisa Wingate (Before We Were Yours), August 29, 2pm
- Wil Haygood (Tigerland), October 7, 7pm; Remember this is the book about East High School. You could plan to read it at the beginning of next school year and have your students attend his author talk.
- Brit Bennett (The Vanishing Half) December 5, 2pm
OHIO TEACHER OF THE YEAR: NOMINATIONS OPEN
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers and celebrates their effective, inspiring work both inside and outside of the classroom. The Department currently is accepting nominations for this prestigious honor. Submit nominations by April 9.
TEACHING IN TAIWAN PROGRAM
Through a memorandum of understanding with Taiwan’s Ministry of Education, the Ohio Department of Education and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Chicago invite Ohio English language arts, English as a second language and world language teachers to apply to the Teaching English in Taiwan Program. The program seeks new, experienced, and recently retired teachers who hold current Ohio licensure. Educators selected to work in Taiwan will teach English to elementary or middle school students for one academic year. Teaching contracts are from 10 to 11 months, depending on the placement.
Teaching English in Taiwan Program applications due by April 23
UPCOMING VIRTUAL MEETUPS FROM ODE AND ESC: ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
The Department of Education is partnering with the ESC of Central Ohio to continue the Reading Interventions in the Digital Environment learning series. Please be sure to register early for these sessions as they fill up quickly. Visit the Resources page to find the schedule and links for other upcoming English Language Arts and Literacy Virtual Meetups and additional resources.
- Reading Interventions in the Digital Environment (Middle & High School) Michelle Elia will spotlight the best strategies and resources to use when providing literacy intervention in a virtual environment to students in middle and high school on April 21, 3:45 - 5 p.m.Registration for this event is open until April 20. Registrants will receive a ZOOM link the morning of the session.
- Reading Interventions in the Digital Environment - Intensive Decoding (PreK-8) Michelle Elia will spotlight the best strategies and resources to use when providing intensive literacy interventions in a small group virtual setting that are designed to help students improve their decoding skills on May 19, 3:45 - 5 p.m. This special edition of the Reading Interventions in the Digital Environment series was created especially for educators supporting students in grades PreK-8 who are having difficulty mastering decoding. Registration for this event is open until May 18. Registrants will receive a ZOOM link the morning of the session.
CORWIN'S MONDAY FREE WEBINAR SERIES
-Highlighted Session Learning Happens When Students Question Monday, May 10, 2021 - 3:30pm, Presented by Jackie Walsh
UNBOUND ED SUMMER VIRTUAL SUMMIT
You’ve been on the frontlines for a year, protecting the growth and development of our future generations. And yet, as we begin to see glimpses of normalcy, we’re reminded our work to rebuild with equity continues. You are invited to join UnBound Ed this summer for a two-day professional development event where expert facilitators guide you to produce meaningful, engaging in-person and virtual classroom experiences. You have your choice of dates: June 15-16, June 23-24, June 29-30, July 28-29, or August 3-4. The Summit runs from 11am-5:30pm each day. Visit the registration page for more on the learning pathways, early registration pricing, and schedule, including the full keynote lineup featuring Dr. Alfred Tatum on day two. Register Now. Day 1 Keynote: Lacey Robinson President & CEO, UnboundEd; Day 2 Keynote: Dr. Alfred Tatum Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, Metropolitan State University of Denver.
DBQ SUMMER BOOTCAMP
DBQ is currently a supplemental resource for secondary ELA. This summer DBQ Project will offer opportunities for dynamic teachers to become official DBQ Lead Teachers! This PDF has all the information as well as the registration links. There are several dates for you to choose from: June 22-25, July 13-16, July 20-23, or August 3-6. CCS will be limited 10 teachers that either teach social studies or English. The cost is free. The commitment is 4 days, 3 hour "live" sessions followed by one hour of independent coursework required each afternoon.
CORWIN VIRTUAL READING COMPREHENSION SUMMER INSTITUTE
Join Doug Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Nicole Law at the Virtual Reading Comprehension Institute on June 21-25, 2021 from 12-4 PM for a deep dive into evidence-based reading instruction that provides a structured framework developed to teach the foundational skills of reading while developing the motivation and critical reasoning students need to become lifelong readers. Here is the lineup of sessions:
- What Does It Mean to Comprehend a Text?
- What Instructional Strategies Promote Students’ Comprehension of Text?
- What Should Be the Next Steps for Students Who Struggle to Comprehend?
- Writers Read Better
- Writers Read Better Part 2
Cost: $299. Learn More/Register Here.
THE EAST ASIAN STUDIES CENTER AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY is pleased to offer free opportunities for K-12 teachers in Summer 2021. These seminars fill quickly, so register early.
JULY 12-23, 2021: NCTA “The Journey of East Asia: Adventures Through Stories, Games, and Maps”
- Website: http://easc.osu.edu/ncta
- Applications received by April 30, 2020 (or when filled) will be given priority
- Application link: online link
- Flyer: NCTA-Ohio-2021-Flyer.pdf
JUNE 7-18, 2021: Global Teacher Seminar: “Global Social Justice, Activism, and Protests”
- Application Deadline: April 2021 (or when filled)
- Application Link: Application Link
- Fyler: Global Teacher Seminar 2021 Flyer
- Website: https://easc.osu.edu/events/global-teacher-seminar-2021
AMLE INSTITUTE FOR MIDDLE LEVEL LEADERSHIP
AMLE will host an Institute for Middle Level Leadership July 11-14 at Renaissance Orlando at Sea World in Florida. In addition to providing unparalleled training for middle school leaders and teams, the Institute will also be an opportunity for educators to reflect and grow from this past year’s challenges and look to the future. Registration is open! Space will be limited due to social distancing, to save your spot get your name on the list today. Reserve your Spot.
In addition to providing world-class faculty who will provide personalized coaching on the most pressing topics in middle school education, this Institute will be a unique opportunity for attendees to receive in-depth training on AMLE’s newly updated foundational text, The Successful Middle School: This We Believe.
BULK BOOKSTORE GIVEAWAY
HERE is the contest to win $500 in Books.
HERE is the grant opportunity to win $1,000 in Books
Save $20 NOW at https://bulkbookstore.com - Use code SPRING2021 ($350 min. order, expires 04/30/2021)
AMLE STORE CUPON
Use MLEM21 at checkout for 20% off AMLE store where shipping is always free for AMLE members. During the entire month of March all orders will receive a bonus FREE copy of The Successful Middle School: This We Believe.
TEACHINGBOOKS BLOG-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS
HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways for March 2021.
WE ARE TEACHERS-CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS
HERE are the highlighted contests and giveaways.
STUDYSYNC'S ANNUAL MEDIA CONTEST
Invite students to film StudySyncTV-style videos, record podcasts, create posters, and enter StudySync's media contest by May 4th! The top entry will earn $500 toward their classroom. This month, get the behind-the-scenes formula for success and a sample script from StudySync's Director + Scriptwriter. Pass the mic and let your students be heard!
- STUDENT TIPS: SO YOU WANNA WRITE A CONCEPT DEFINITION SCRIPT.Calling all creative writers! StudySync’s Senior Writer shares tips and ideas for students interested in writing a concept definition video for the Media Contest.Write a Script
- LEARN MORE Take a Tour of the many instructional media that are available.
- ESSENTIAL DETAILS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW. From entry rules and prizes to a list of submission categories, find everything you need to know about the contest here. Contest Details
SIJO STUDENT COMPETITION OFFERED BY EAST ASIAN STUDIES CENTER AT THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
The East Asian Studies Center at The Ohio State University is excited to announce the Ohio Sijo Student Competition for K-12 students and a new self-paced, asynchronous workshop, SIJO (Korean Poetry) for teachers. If students are new to SIJO there are materials available to help them learn about and write Sijo poetry. (See "Teacher Opportunities" section for more information on the teacher self-paced workshop.)
Feb – May 1, 2021: “Ohio Sijo (Korean Poetry) Student Competition”
- Who: Any K-12 student in Ohio
- Where: Online submission
- When: Deadline May 1, 2021
- What: Students will learn about Sijo (Korean Poetry) and create their own original Sijo for submission. Prizes for 1st ($250) and 2nd ($150) place in two divisions (high school and elementary/middle school). Teachers of place winners will receive $100 of Korea-related materials.
- Sijo Introduction: Online Materials
- Website: Ohio Sijo Student Competition
- Online submission (required): online link
- Flyer: Ohio Sijo Student Competition
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OSUEASC
THURBER HOUSE'S YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Students in 9th–12th grade who love writing stories, crafting new worlds, and building never-before-seen characters, should sign up for Thurber House's Young Writers' Studio! Young Writers' Studio will be held online on Zoom until it's safe to meet in person. They meet every other week with author and English professor Robert Loss. They kick off the first hour with quality writing prompts and activities. They wrap up the last hour with the chance to workshop pieces that you or others share. It's a safe, low-key, fun way to enjoy writing and meet others!
Click Here to Learn More; Click Here to Register
Winter/Spring 2021 Schedule (6:30-8:30pm on Select Tuesdays)
- Tuesday, March 30
- Tuesday, April 13
- Tuesday, April 27
A limited number of scholarships are available for this program. Email megbrown@thurberhouse.org for more information.
JUST DRIVE PSA CONTEST
Impact Teen Drivers invites young people to create original works showcasing their SOLUTIONS or STRATEGIES to fix the very real problem of distracted driving. Thanks to the generous support from NJM Insurance Group, students aged 14-22 can enter a 30-second PSA into the individual category and win up to $5,000 in the form of an educational grant!
In addition to the individual category, teachers and advisors who participate in a distracted driving social media campaign with their students can win up to $10,000 for their classroom/school.
- SCHOOL APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 31ST (FIRST 20 SCHOOLS ENTERED GET A $500 EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE GRANT)
- STUDENT CONTEST CLOSES: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 AT 5:00 P.M. (ET)
- ONLINE VOTING OPENS: THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021 AT 10:00 A.M. (ET)
- ONLINE VOTING CLOSES: THURSDAY, APRIL 22, 2021 AT 5:00 P.M. (ET)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR SCHOOL PRESENTATION
HUMANITIES STUDENT/CLASS SUBMISSIONS
Through the National Humanities Center’s Humanities Moments project, users submit short videos and essays recalling how an encounter with the humanities, whether through a book, film, document, performance, or something else, profoundly affected their lives.
THURBER HOUSE SUMMER WRITING CAMP FOR GRADES 6-9
CCS students are encouraged to work with artists, teachers, and professional authors over five days filled with fun activities designed to develop every young writer’s talent at one of the Thurber Summer Writing Camps. This year, they're offering two options to enjoy camp: virtual OR in-person. The in-person and virtual camps are almost identical in activities, so students should only register for one week either for in-person or online.- ✎ In-person camps will be held at Thurber Center, 91 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215, from 9:00 am–12:00 pm. For parking and accessibility information, click here.
- ✎ Virtual camps will be held on Zoom from 1:00 pm–4:00 pm Eastern Time. You don't have to be in Ohio during the time of the camp to join the virtual camps.
RISING 4TH–6TH GRADERS July 12–16, July 19–23, July 26–30, OR Aug. 2–6
- In-person camp (Thurber Center): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
- Virtual camp (Zoom): 1:00–4:00 pm Eastern Time
- They've packed your week full of so many writing adventures that you might get writer's cramp! They have mysteries for you to solve, new poetry styles for you to try, ghost stories to write, fairy tales to rewrite, and more. Tuition: $175
RISING 7TH–9TH GRADERS June 7–11, June 14–18, June 21–25, OR June 28–July 2
- In-person camp (Thurber Center): 9:00 am–12:00 pm
- Virtual camp (Zoom): 1:00–4:00 pm Eastern Time
- Writer's block? Not this week. You will learn how to get inspiration from everything, from creepy photos to letters to poems to music to personal experience and more. Not only will you have fun writing, but you'll learn all the tools to fight writer's block! Tuition: $175
What are the secondary english curriculum resources?
Here is the CCS Adopted, Supplemental, and Intervention Resources List that contains all of the resources available to secondary English teachers.
- The Tier I Instructional Resources are StudySync (English 6-12) and the Bedford Texts/Launchpad (Honors and AP English).
- The Tier II Intervention Resource is Achieve3000
- The Supplemental Resources (in general) are TeachingBooks and DBQ.
You can see more about StudySync, Bedford, TeachingBooks, and DBQ below in this same section of the newsletter. This information will remain here all year for your convenience.
Visit the ELA 6-12 Webpage for all Secondary English Curriculum/Resources. You will find your COURSE FOLDERS on the Curriculum/Instructional Resources Quick Links for your Grade Level. The COURSE FOLDERS have everything you need for your courses including Curriculum Maps, Standard docs, digital novels, adopted resource trainings/tutorials, Course Intros, etc.
- Curriculum/Instructional Resources 6-8 (Quick Link on site for Middle School)
- Curriculum/Instructional Resources 9-12 (Quick Link on site for High School)
NOTE: To access many curricular and district, you must be logged into Google using your CCS credentials and not a personal account.
Content Priorities-What Matters Most in English Under the Constraints of Remote/Pandemic Teaching and Learning
Priority I: Essential Practice
significant instructional time with ELA disciplines: reading, writing, discussion
strategies/scaffolds for comprehension and composition that transfer across texts/contexts
Priority 2: Standard Alignment
questioning/activities/lessons/assessments that apply standard knowledge and skills to ELA disciplines: reading, writing, discussion
- heavier focus on targeted standards from OST
- awareness of PreAP/AP standards (Honors & AP)
Priority 3: Adopted Resource
use of StudySync (English 6-12) for integrated, on-grade-level, scaffolded lessons that inherently include Priorities 1 and 2
- use of Bedford texts/Launchpad (Honors & AP) for foundational, skill, and theme/topic lessons that that inherently include Priorities 1 and 2
-In general, the first priority focuses on the essential practices for your classroom time. The second priority lists the standards that you should focus on the most for questions, activities, lessons, and assessments using the grade-level, complex texts from your essential practice in priority one. It may be that those priority standards become your narrowed focus for the rest of the year. The third priority shows you how the adopted resources inherently meet priorities one and two. It should be noted that in StudySync, you teach all of the standards listed in priority two in the first four CORE ELA units for your grade level. It may be that you try to do just those four units instead of six this school year due to our slower pace caused by remote learning.
-Below are the slides with the priorities detailed including which standards are the most important for preparing a student to be college and career ready and to do well on the OST. You will find resource links from the CCS ELA 6-12 Webpage and our adopted resources for meeting the priorities. You will find research behind each of the priorities and why they are the most important for a narrowed focus. You will want to read through each carefully as they each contain several items of information.
CONTENT PRIORITY SLIDES FOR SECONDARY ENGLISH
Content Priorities English 9-12
Content Priorities Honors 9-10/AP 11-12
-You can also find the Content Priority Slides on the ELA 6-12 Webpage in the "CCS ELA GUIDING DOCUMENTS" section of the Curriculum/Instructional Resources 6-8 and the Curriculum/Instructional Resources 9-12 Quick Link pages.
STUDYSYNC ACCESS
-Your classes are marked with X and Y. The X classes were for first semester and the Y classes are for second semester. If you want to change the names of your classes in StudySync, follow this guide:
StudySync-How to Change Course Names
-Here is information about linking StudySync to Google Classroom.
- Webinar: StudySync Google Integrations
- Teachers: Linking Your Account with Google Classroom
- Students: Linking Your Account with Google Classroom
-Here is the demo code for StudySync in case you have a student teacher, building coach, or admin that wants to see the platform and they do not have a class aligned in Clever/IC.
- DEMO: my.mheducation.com
- UN: studysync2021
- PW: MHEela21
STUDYSYNC SUPPORT
Help Center
Finding the Help Center in StudySync (video)
-Remember, if you have a question that deals with CCS infrastructure as it relates to StudySync (Clever, rostering, IC, etc.), those questions would be for Tim Wangler.
Tutorials, Trainings, and Webinars
- Tutorials (Some of the most popular tutorials)
- NEW Teacher Video FeedbacK Tool
- Trainings (Recorded CCS StudySync trainings from July -February)
- Weekly FREE Webinars Several Available Each Week
Solutions for Summer Learning Four Sessions Available
- For the latest information at StudySync, sign up for the SyncUP monthly newsletter. Opt-in here: studysync.com/subscribe
Ask-an-Expert Sessions
- CCS-only Ask-an-Expert Sessions Zoom Link (ID: 985 4912 8122; Passcode: 399075) (Every Thursday at 3:30PM)
- Ask-an-Expert Series from McGraw Hill & StudySync
Remote/Hybrid Teaching Documents
- Hybrid Help from StudySync Help Center
- StudySync_ Asynchronous v. Synchronous–First Read
- StudySync_ Asynchronous v. Synchronous–Skill Lesson
- StudySync_ Asynchronous v. Synchronous–Close Read
- StudySync_ Asynchronous v. Synchronous–Blast
Resources/Bit.ly Links from StudySync Training Presenters
Teacher Resources from StudySync: https://bit.ly/3iZJigI
Administration Resources from StudySync: https://bit.ly/3jsuLua
Here are the finalized/updated support emails/numbers for McGraw Hill.
Teacher Support McGraw Hill
- Phone: 614.328.4805
- Email: CbusTeacherSupport@mheducation.com
Administrator Support McGraw Hill
- Phone: 614.328.4811
- Email: CbusAdministratorSupport@mheducation.com
- Phone: 800.437.3715
- Email: epgtech@mheducation.com
studysync usage
BEDFORD/LAUNCHPAD access and support
Access
To get to Launchpad through Clever http://clever.com/in/columbuscity, click the Launchpad icon and click on the name of class/textbook. Student texts were sent to the buildings. All students have a hardback text, Honors students should also have a workbook. If you experienced problems with Launchpad since the change to second semester, those should be fixed now. Reach out to Tim Wangler if you encounter any other issues.
Support
HELP CENTER FORM: https://macmillan.force.com/bfwhighschool/s/Trainings and Tutorials
Bedford Overviews, Slideshows, Trainings, and Tutorials
AP Professional Development Online Workshops
Learn More about these online workshops. Register Here.
Updated AP Course Pacing Guides (Due to Pandemic)
TeachingBooks Access and Support
You AND your students access TeachingBooks via the Clever icon or http://clever.com/in/columbuscity. Click on the TeachingBooks icon.
UPCOMING PD (20-Minute Webinars)
- Engage and Excite Readers with TeachingBooks : April 14, 2021 11AM
- Storytime Activities from TeachingBooks : April 28, 2021 11AM
- Hidden Treasures for Learning Centers - TeachingBooks : May 12, 2021 11AM
- TeachingBooks Conversation Starters for SEL : May 26, 2021 11AM
TUTORIALS/TRAININGS
-TeachingBooks is the tool that houses the lists of books we have in the warehouse and in the Secondary English Curriculum Office. Use this TeachingBooks Tutorial to learn how to access the CCS book lists.
- TeachingBooks also is a place to get additional novel and author resources. These Overview videos/trainings from TeachingBooks can help you understand the resources: Introduction video I Slide Presentation and Training Script.
-October 16th PD Session for CCS: Virtual and Blending Learning Recording
-February 3rd PD Session for CCS: Booklists, Virtual Ideas, and More on TeachingBooks
DBQ Literature Mini-Qs: Supplemental Resource access and support
--Access Live and Self-Paced PD for DBQ Here.
- Open Self-Paced Courses: asynchronous course with a run time around 5 hours that aims to familiarize teachers with The DBQ Project Method.
- Open Virtual Workshops: live workshops with a DBQ Project Professional Development Lead. 2 hours long, these workshops are built to help teachers with DBQ Project material and DBQ Online with a specific focus on remote and hybrid-learning needs.
--Here is a Smore for DBQ Online Educator Support.
--Here is a Smore for DBQ Online Student Support
--Check out the newest addition to the DBQ Platform, Unit Trailers, with this sample for
How Does The Great Gatsby Reflect America in the Twenties?
DBQ SUMMER BOOTCAMP
DBQ is currently a supplemental resource for secondary ELA. This summer DBQ Project will offer opportunities for dynamic teachers to become official DBQ Lead Teachers! This PDF has all the information as well as the registration links. There are several dates for you to choose from: June 22-25, July 13-16, July 20-23, or August 3-6. CCS will be limited 10 teachers that either teach social studies or English. The cost is free. The commitment is 4 days, 3 hour "live" sessions followed by one hour of independent coursework required each afternoon.
Song of the Week-HEAT WAVES FOR YOUR SPRING BREAK!
did you miss earlier issues of the secondary english weekly newsletter?
Each week, this Secondary English Weekly Newsletter will be linked in an email sent to ELA and ELA-related teachers in Grades 6-12 and posted on the CCS English Language Arts 6-12 Page (https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12). It will contain all of the latest information that could prove useful to you and your students. If you know of anyone who needs to be added to the mailing list, please send their name(s) to cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh. Happy Educating!
- March 22-26, Issue 24
- March 15-19, Issue 23
- March 8-12, Issue 22
- March 1-5, Issue 21
- February 22-26, Issue 20
- February 15-19, Issue 19
- February 8-12, Issue 18
- February 1-5, Issue 17
- January 25-29, Issue 16
- January 18-22, Issue 15
- January 11-15, Issue 14
- January 4-8, Issue 13
- December 14-18, Issue 12
- December 7-11, Issue 11
- November 9-13, Issue 10
- November 2-6, Issue 9
- October 26-30, Issue 8
- October 19-23, Issue 7
- October 12-16, Issue 6
- October 5-9, Issue 5
- September 28-October 2, Issue 4
- September 21-25, Issue 3
- September 14-18, Issue 2
- September 7-11, Issue 1
Carla Mae Phillips
Southland Center, Suite 125
Email: cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA
Phone: (380) 997-0463