New NCDPI Course Code Manual

The NCDPI Course Code Committee, which comprises staff from across the agency, has developed a new comprehensive resource for the field, the NCDPI Course Code Manual. This manual, loaded with detailed course information, combines the Course Code Guidance document with many of the other available resources regarding course codes. 

The NCDPI Course Code Manual includes guidance on the following topics:

• Course Code Related Policies
• Course Code Digits 
• Accountability 
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• Arts Education Course Manual
• Cambridge Assessment International Education (CIE) 
• Career and College Promise (CCP) Course Code Guidance
• Career and College Ready Graduate (CCRG)
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) Course Coding
• Course Code Master List 
• Generic Course Code Scheduling
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Local Course Titles and Identifying Exceptional Children
• Math Options Charts 
• Occupational Course of Study (OCS) Guidelines & Resources
• SBE Policies for Course Coding

The NCDPI Course Code Manual has been published to the NCDPI website for your convenience at https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/homebase/course-code-manual.  If you have questions or comments regarding any information in the NCDPI Course Code Manual, please contact the Home Base Team at home_base@dpi.nc.gov.

From "English Learner" to "Multilingual Learner"

View the Signed Letter to NC Educators

Dear Educators:

As part of its asset-based belief system, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) will now begin using “Multilingual Learner” (ML) when referring to students who use other languages in addition to English. This shift in language takes an asset-based approach to: 1) avoid labeling students in terms of the language they do not yet know; 2) acknowledge that students’ first languages and cultures are a strength;  and 3) reiterate the importance of literacy and proficiency in multiple languages.

ML includes students who are commonly referred to as: English language learners (ELLs), newcomers, students with interrupted formal schooling (SIFE), long-term English learners (L-TELs), English learners with disabilities, gifted and talented English learners, and students with English as an additional language (EAL) (WIDA 2020). 

We recognize that, in the field of K-12 education, various terms are used to describe MLs. For policy & legislation purposes, NCDPI will maintain the term “English Learners.” For all other purposes, NCDPI will begin to use the term “Multilingual Learner.” 

While shifting to this language is a local decision, we hope Public School Units (PSUs) will join NCDPI in using this asset-based and inclusive term.

Thank you for all you do for our multilingual learners in North Carolina. 

For questions, please contact Dr. Stacy Daniel, ELA and Languages Section Chief at stacy.daniel@dpi.nc.gov or 984-236-2829.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mary Hemphill-Joseph

Director, Division of Academic Standards 

References

WIDA. WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework, 2020 Edition: Kindergarten–Grade 12. Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2020.

The National Humanities Center: Teacher Advisory Council

Join our network of humanities educators from around the country and take advantage of new opportunities for professional growth and teacher leadership.

The Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) supports the Education Programs of the National Humanities Center for a one-year term of service (August 1, 2022–July 31, 2023). Chosen to represent multiple disciplines in the humanities, these educators accept an active role in the development, evaluation, and promotion of NHC materials and projects. TAC members are compensated with a modest stipend, have access to consultant opportunities on special projects, and attend an orientation at the Center.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. ET, April 29, 2022. For more information and to apply, please visit the link below.

Learn more

Objects and Ritual in Japanese History

April 26- May 24th

This five-week online course will use objects from art, industry, technology, and war to consider the richness of the Japanese past. From court ceremonies to samurai rituals on the battlefield, from daily gift exchanges to Buddhist mortuary markers, Japanese communities have expressed their dreams, fears, power, and imagination using material culture and rituals focusing on objects. Join us to explore Japan’s history through the study of things. 

• 3 Continuing Education Units

Application deadline: Thursday, April 21, 2022 For more information and to register, click here!

NCCEE: Economics and Personal Finance
Summer Institutes

Registration for the NC Council on Economic Education (NCCEE): Economics and Personal Finance  Summer Institutes is now available. For a preview of the session dates, whether in person or virtual, please visit www.nccee.org/events.

40 hours of professional development for high school teachers of the Economics and Personal Finance course

• $500 Stipend for first-time attendees
• Lodging may be covered for some
• Breakfast and lunch daily
• Access to thousands of lesson plans, games, simulations and more.
• It may be possible for teachers who previously attended virtually to attend a second time in person. However, a second stipend will NOT be available.
  
  
  For details contact Sandy Wheat or Stephanie Cales.

Free, Graduate-Level American History Courses For High School Students

The Gilder Lehrman Institute's new History U Program lets high schools students explore American history with top scholars, via modified versions of our MA in American History courses.

Each History U course includes

• Video lectures by an acclaimed historian
• Primary sources and in-depth readings
• Short quizzes to review your knowledge
• A certificate of completion for the course

In addition, taking a History U course can enhance college applications, supplement classroom learning, and allow students to explore their own love of history!

Learn more: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/programs-and-events/history-u

Become a Notable Social Studies Trade Book Reviewer

The "Notables" contain 100-200 titles selected from as many as 800 books submitted by publishers each year. The list is published annually in the May/June issue of Social Education. See previous Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Lists.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be a teacher, social studies/literature specialist, or librarian/media specialist in any educational setting—kindergarten through university level.
• Applicants must be current members of NCSS.
• Applicants must be available to serve for a three-year term.
• Applicants must be able to read approximately 125 books between July and December. (Committee members may keep the books they receive!)
• Applicants must be available to attend a one-day virtual/online selection meeting in January 2023.
• Each committee member is expected to write one-fifteenth of the annotations of the selected titles each year.

Applications are due Friday, April 15, 2022

Fourth Circuit Sponsors 2022 High School Essay Contest

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit is seeking submissions for its 2022 essay contest. Students are invited to consider and share their thoughts on the following: "Fifty years ago, on March 22, 1972, Congress sent the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) to the states for ratification, but only 35 of the 38 required states voted to ratify by the deadline. Is the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause sufficient to secure the rights of all citizens, or is the ERA necessary to promote gender equality?"

The essay contest is open to all students currently in grades 9-12 from Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Essays are limited to 1,000 words. Students have the opportunity to win one of three cash prizes: first place, $2,000; second place, $1,500; and third place, $1,000. Essay and contest entry form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022.

To complete the contest entry form and for more information, visit: https://www.ca4.uscourts.gov/information-for/educational-outreach/essay-contest-2022 

For questions, contact the Fourth Circuit Clerk’s Office at (804) 916-2706 or essaycontest@ca4.uscourts.gov.

Please Note: Prior award winners as well as children, grandchildren, stepchildren, and members of the household of a federal judge or federal judiciary employee are excluded from the competition.

2022 Essay Contest Flyer

The Global Educator Digital Badge

Words of Wisdom from Global Educator Digital Badge Earners

The Global Educator Digital Badge (GEDB) provides an opportunity for educators to focus their professional development on developing their own global context and understanding of how to integrate global education throughout curricula. It also provides the opportunity to build global competency in students. 

Some educators, who have earned the NCDPI Global Educator Digital Badge (GEDB), have shared their thoughts on the benefits of getting the badge and how it has impacted their teaching. 

Be sure to view a video of the GEDB Recipients sharing their words of wisdom.   

For more information on the Badge (SBE Policy, FAQs, Process Flyer, Implementation Guide, MOA), please visit the website or contact NCGlobalEducation@dpi.nc.gov.