The intent and purpose of the Special Populations Conference are to provide technical assistance and agency-to-agency sharing (LEA, ISD, program) around the following topics: program administration; data reporting, instructional and support practices; evaluation; and unique program activities for each of the special population groups as well as opportunities for networking, inter- and intra- program coordination, and advocacy. The conference seeks to support capacity building and program refinement to improve systems, support teachers and administrators, and ultimately have a positive impact on outcomes for students.

October 24 · 8:30am - October 26 · 3:15pm EDT

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

For more information and to register, click HERE.

The Program for International Student Assessment — a test of how 15-year-olds in the United States compare academically to their peers around the world — will for the first time test students’ ability to engage in self-regulated learning while using digital tools in its 2025 assessment. To learn more, click here to access the update.

In an effort to more vigorously expand our book rationale database, NCTE is announcing a new members-only opportunity for educators to get involved in this work: the This Story Matters Teacher Corps. This project, made possible by private donations, will help NCTE to increase the size and functionality of the database through collaboration with members of the Corps and NCTE staff. As a Teacher Corps member, you will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of book rationales and learn how to create them more effectively.

All students have the right to materials and educational experiences that promote open inquiry, critical thinking, diversity in thought and expression, and respect for others. Through the NCTE Intellectual Freedom Center, our organization has created and collected peer-reviewed book rationales for decades to aid all NCTE members in the face of book challenges.

This opportunity is open to all NCTE member literacy educators, and we encourage K–12 teachers to apply. A stipend of $1,500 will be provided to each Corps member.

Responsibilities will include:

• Writing eight new rationales and reviewing additional rationales

• Collaborating during monthly one-hour meetings with fellow members and NCTE staff

• Reading or re-reading titles of books under consideration

• Recommending additional ways to increase database functionality

Having a passion for and commitment to texts and students is at the core of this opportunity, requiring deep thinking and dedicated time for the Corps. Work will begin November 1, 2023, and conclude July 31, 2024. Apply for this opportunity by September 30, 2023.

In accordance with state and federal law, Oakland Schools does not discriminate, nor permit discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy or parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, in its educational programs and activities, employment, or enrollment. The District also provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.

For questions or complaints regarding unlawful discrimination or harassment, employees should contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Personnel Management and Labor Relations at (248) 209-2429 or HR@oakland.k12.mi.us. Students and others should contact the Civil Rights/Title IX Coordinator at (248) 209-2590 or Jacqueline.Zablocki@oakland.k12.mi.us.