KCS C&I Update | October
Resources to Support Teaching & Learning in KCS
Canvas Updates
Canvas Release Notes:
- Sept. 19, 2020 Full Release Notes
- Quick Video on New Analytics in Course View
- Grade Passback Update - we are continuing to work with Canvas & Aspen engineers to test grade syncing, identify issues, and move forward in the process. There has been a lot of progress made, however this feature is not functioning at this time. We are hopeful in the coming weeks, to be able to communicate we are ready to utilize this feature. Until then, continue to urge families to create an Observer Account (instructions here) so they may access progress information for their student(s).
Continuing Canvas Communication:
- What is expected of me in Canvas? Click Here to see previous Newsletter!
- What is the timeline of implementation?
There are multiple focuses of support throughout the 2020-21 school year:
July-August - Build content in Canvas to support 1-2 weeks of full virtual learning. Complete!
August-September - Support & refine practices and continue to build content for virtual learning. In-process!
September-October - Refine practices for virtual learning and begin transitioning to practices that support blended learning. Beginning!
October-December - Support & refine practices for both virtual and blended learning. Next Step!
January-May - Begin building model course content in Canvas to support a KCS Virtual Curriculum.
Be sure to check out the Professional Learning section below to see what support is being offered this month to support Blended Learning!
Returning to Face-to-Face Instruction - Digital Learning FAQ's
1. Now that we are Face-to-Face, do I need to continue building digital content?
- Yes, not only does our instruction need to be flexible enough to serve students in our classrooms and remote, but we can provide enhanced and equitable opportunities by partnering digital tools with effective instructional strategies.
2. How can I keep from doing twice the work?
- The quick answer is incorporate Blended Learning strategies, which employ the videos & digital content into our face-to-face instruction to simplify our work, and enhance learning.
- Dive into this webpage for more info, and then check out the Professional Learning section below for Blended Learning support!
Personalization Resources
What does Personalization look like?
Personalized learning is not about programs and technology, it is about supporting students in moving towards mastery at their pace. Although technology can and does enable personalized pathways, the power of meaningful learning occurs when the student is offered choices and opportunities to learn in ways that meet their needs. With personalized learning, students demonstrate mastery of content in a competency-based system, but they are highly involved in setting goals connected to those competencies. Instead of students working at their own pace on completely self-imposed goals, they are involved in the planning and learning process as agents in that learning.
Experiences that change how kids learn come from teachers who know their learners and design experiences to meet their needs based on the desired learning objectives. Foundational knowledge and skills need to be developed, but we also need to balance these foundational skills we want all students to attain while allowing for authentic application of those skills and content.
For more information:
Professional Learning
Previous Professional Learning Resources
- Canvas Nuts & Bolts - 8/27/2020
- Enhance Learning with Google Assignments - 9/10/2020
- Create High Quality Instructional Video - 9/15/2020
- Refining Canvas (RCL) - 9/22/2020
Upcoming Professional Learning Sessions
- 10/6/2020 - Math RTI - Do the Math - Instructional Asst. 9:00 & 12:30 - Teachers 3:45
- 10/8/2020 - Using Canvas in Face-to-Face Instruction - (Virtual) 3:45-5:00
- 10/15/2020 - CanvasCon (Virtual) - Register Here
- 10/19/2020 - In-service Day - upcoming communication for all available sessions
- 10/22/2020 - Middle School Math Virtual Book Study - 3:30-4:00
- 10/29/2020 - Grade 3-5 Writing Session - 3:45-5:00
- 10/29/2020 - Blended Learning: The What, Why, & How - (Virtual) 3:45-5:15
Curriculum Updates
Check out the first two sections of a series of literacy articles from Literacy Today. The authors explore early literacy instruction through remote learning. There are pieces of these articles that can provide insight to many grade levels navigating new technologies and instructional strategies.
Encourage students to read and set a goal for reading! Click below to find award winning book suggestions for 2020.
Mathematics Updates:
What is mathematical fluency? Some definitions focus on speed while others focus on accuracy. NCTM Principles and Standards for Mathematics states, "Computational fluency refers to having efficient and accurate methods for computing. Students exhibit computational fluency when they demonstrate flexibility in the computational methods they choose, understand and can explain these methods, and produce accurate answers efficiently." Accuracy, efficiency, appropriate strategy use, and flexibility are all components of fluency. Learn more about procedural fluency and how we can help students develop it by reading the NCTM position paper on procedural fluency in mathematics.
Contact Us!
Dr. Dwain Arnold, Chief Academic Officer - Elementary
Dr. Brian Cinnamon, Chief Academic Officer - Secondary
Christian Horner, Innovative Learning Coordinator
Emily Helphinstine; Literacy Coordinator
Pam Stidham; Math Coordinator
KCS Curriculum & Instruction
Email: info@k12k.com
Website: https://www.k12k.com/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=345708&type=d&pREC_ID=753891
Location: 400 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, TN, USA
Phone: (423) 378-2100
Twitter: @KCS_District