ACADEMIC UPDATE
Every Student, Every Teacher, Every Day
January 9, 2023
Did you know?
Beginning with the spring 2023 STAAR administration, students who test online will interact with a variety of new question types in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions (Texas Education Agency). The following indicates a new question type:
DRAG AND DROP
STUDENT EVALUATES A GIVEN NUMBER OF OPTIONS (WORDS, NUMBERS, SYMBOLS, ETC.) AND CHOOSES WHICH RESPONSE(S) TO DRAG TO A GIVEN AREA (DIAGRAM, MAP, CHART, ETC.)
Could appear for the following subject area and grade level:
- MATH--Grades 3-8
- SCIENCE--Grades 5, 8, EOC
- SOCIAL STUDIES--Grades 8, EOC
How to Create DRAG AND DROP Questions in Schoology?
SHOUT OUT to the CTE Advisory Board Program Grant Winners
The Career and Technology Education Advisory Board received program grant applications from CTE staff across the district. After careful review and evaluation, the program grant committee awarded $10,000 to enhance CTE programs. Congratulations to the following CTE staff:
* Marcus Ford (CTE Academy Specialist-Westfield) received $1140 to provide the Law Enforcement pathway practicum students with a real life experience in forensic investigations at the ESCAPE room.
* Steven Herbert (Health Science teacher-Wunsche) received $1710 to purchase a Birthing Simulator for the EMT pathway students.
* Jessica Graham (Ag teacher-Wunsche) received $2570 to purchase Apple iPads and protectors for the Veterinary Science students to utilize technology in the same manner as veterinary offices.
* Eudora O'Brien (CTE Program Specialist) received $2500 to purchase a Mobile Welder that the Applied Agricultural Engineering pathway students will use to weld outside of the welding booths. The students will be able to assist with welding projects at the Ag barns across the district.
* Austin Hayward (CTE Compliance Coordinator) received $2081 to purchase Industry Based Certification study materials and exam vouchers for CTE teachers. This will enable CTE teachers to better prepare their students for the state IBC exams.
Thank you to the CTE Advisory Board!!!
January 18, 2023 | 2nd Annual Rising Writer's Expo
The Rising Writers’ district wide writing expo offers an equitable opportunity for any Spring ISD student, Prek - 12th grade, to produce authentic writing that expresses themselves. The Spring ISD second annual Rising Writer’s topic is: Tell Your Story. In her song titled Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, we listen to the lyrics that state “I’m just beginning, the pen is in my hand…” This event is designed to inspire and engage any student with an opportunity to tell their story in their own genre. The ultimate goal is to support growth and make connections in the areas of literacy: listening, speaking, reading, writing and thinking.
We are looking forward to our 2nd Annual Rising Writers Expo, and encourage campus principals, assistant superintendents, board members, and community at large to attend our districts event. This year we will welcome back RJ from Spring HS, and welcome in person Da'Vion Westfield HS Valedictorian 2021, both to encourage our writers.
This years event will be held on January 18, 2023, at Dekaney High School, from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
New Science Teachers Professional Learning Opportunity from RICE
January - February FREE Texas Leadership Initiative for Inquiry Science Teaching (TLIIST) workshop series. The series consists of six sessions, two in-person & four virtual. Sessions are facilitated by experienced master science teachers.
Space is limited. Learn more and register HERE.
The series will help new science teachers build their confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed.
February 8, 2023 | Reaching for the STAARS
8th Grade- This institute includes a session designed to address TEKS for teaching the Civil War and a session on resources and strategies to teach and review for the state assessment.
High School US -This institute includes a session designed to address TEKS for teaching the 1970’s to the present and a session on resources and strategies to teach and review for the state assessment.
Working with consultants, participants will learn and receive valuable content, methods, and resources. Content presentations are reinforced with practical activities which will be made available to all participants.
SME Education Foundation Scholarship
Greetings from the SME Education Foundation!
The SME Education Foundation awards millions of dollars annually to students pursuing manufacturing or engineering-related degrees, at community colleges or 4-year universities.
The Education Foundation offers scholarships for all students including women, minorities, and those with financial need. By completing one application, students are considered for all Foundation scholarships!
Minimum Criteria:
• Must be a permanent resident or citizen of the United States or Canada.
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be pursuing associates, bachelors, or graduate degree.
• Open to high school seniors or current college students.
• Students can be part time or full time to be eligible.
• Must be attending University or Community College in United States or Canada.
To learn more about the Foundation’s scholarship opportunities visit here.
New Teacher and Mentor Professional Learning Series
January 11th, Remote Session
- February 25th, In-person Session
- March 22nd, Remote Session
- April 12th, In-person Session
5:00-6:00 PM
Register in Strive. Participants that register in Strive will be emailed Zoom link prior to the session.
February 16th, In-person Session
- April 18th, Remote Session
For more information, please contact
Tiffany Weston, tiffanyw@springisd.org
Multilingual Department Professional Development Opportunities
Multilingual WOW Wednesdays
Please see attached flyer for more information.
Multilingual Summit K12 Professional Learning Series 2022-2023
Curriculum and Instruction Department Professional Development Opportunities
Middle School Teacher Curriculum Sneak Peeks
MS Coaches Collaborative
High School Curriculum Sneak Peeks
Do you serve Gifted and Talented Scholars? Check out all the professional development opportunities!
Kindergarten-2nd Grade G/T Teachers and DLCs
Registration can be accessed via Strive.
For more information contact Christin Kimball, ckimball@springisd.org
3rd-5th Grade G/T Teachers and DLCs
The Third Quarter's session will focus on all the instructional components of the service design with a focus on Spring G/T expectations, Spring G/T Expo, using D/C Quick, Quality, Questions, and newly identified student services in Renzulli Learning. The session will close with a depth and complexity make and take.
For more information contact, Kaitlen Getz, kgetz@sprinisd.org
5th Grade Math Acceleration Plan
For more information contact Kaitlen Getz, kgetz@sprinisd.org
Performing and Visual Arts: Mandatory District Training Dates and Times for Teachers
Attached is the district-wide PLC calendar for the 2022-2023 school year for all Performing and Visual Arts teachers, directors, and coaches. All trainings are scheduled before or after the school day (or during conference time in the case of high school band) to eliminate the need for substitute teachers. Every effort has been made to avoid pulling staff members from instruction.
Additional PD Opportunities
Jason Learning's Launches their First Self-Paced Online Courses: JASON OVERVIEW
Go to https://lms.jason.org/
Select the course you would like to enroll in from the list.
Login or Create a new account if you do not already have one.
Confirm your email.
You should see enrollment options. Enter the Self Enrollment Key that corresponds to the course you are enrolling in from the course list on the next page:
- JASON Overview - Let's Get Started | Enrollment Key 12142021
For more information on JASON professional development opportunities click HERE.
Professional Development Opportunity through Project MOOPIL
Massive Open Online Professional Individualized Learning
For more information on their 30-60 minute courses please click on the flyer or visit Project MOOPIL's website.
Monday | January 9, 2023
Tuesday | January 10, 2023
Audience: High School Science Instructional Coaches
Time: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Session: Multilingual SIOP Component 7 Lesson Delivery
Audience: Teachers serving EL/EB students
Time: 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Session: Multilingual Terrific Tuesdays! ELPS Flipbook Session 1
Audience: Teachers Grades 6-12 serving EL/EB students
Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Session: Advanced Academics Interdisciplinary Studies Cohort
Audience: ONLY Middle School Teachers teaching the course
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday | January 11, 2023
Session: HS Science Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-EOC Session
Audience: High School Science EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: HS Math Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-EOC Session
Audience: High School Math EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: HS Social Studies Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-EOC Session
Audience: High School Social Studies EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: Special Education: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Blended Learning Course
Audience: Special Education Teachers
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Session: Building STAAR 2.0 Assessments Using Edulastic - New Teacher Professional Learning Series
Audience: New Teachers
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Session: How to Create New STAAR 2.0 Question Types Using Eduphoria - New Teacher Professional Learning Series
Audience: New Teachers
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Session: How to Create New STAAR 2.0 Question Types Using Schoology - New Teacher Professional Learning Series
Audience: New Teachers
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Thursday | January 12, 2023
Session: CPR Course
Audience: Staff Required to hold current CPR certificate
Time:
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Session: HS English Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-EOC Session
Audience: High School English EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: HS Science Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-NON-EOC Session
Audience: High School Science NON-EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: HS Social Studies Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-NON-EOC Session
Audience: High School Social Studies NON-EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: HS Math Curriculum Professional Learning for Teachers-NON-EOC Session
Audience: High School Math NON-EOC Teachers
Time: 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Session: Differentiating for the G/T Learner: 2022-2023 ELEMENTARY Gifted and Talented Coordinator Meeting
Audience: G/T Campus Coordinators
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Session: Advanced Academics: Middle School G/T Coordinators' Meeting
Audience: Advanced Academics MS Campus Coordinators
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM