VDOE TeacherDirect September 4, 2019

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Virginia Department of Education

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September 4, 2019

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Headlines

2019 Mathematics Institutes
The K-12 Developing Deeper Learning through Rich Mathematical Tasks to be held in October/November were announced through a superintendent's email on August 26. The Institute will provide teachers and mathematics leaders with PD focused on effective mathematics instruction with particular emphasis on the implementation of rich mathematical tasks to support deeper learning opportunities for students and to strengthen locally-designed curricula. Each division superintendent or designee will select a division-level contact who will identify and register up to eight team members. For additional information, email mathematics@doe.virginia.gov.

2019 History and Social Science Deeper Learning Conference Registration is Now Open!
Register today! This professional development will focus on engaging instruction that aligns to the 2015 HSS Standards and Curriculum Framework. Elementary sessions include support for literacy instruction and the development of performance tasks and assessments. Secondary sessions will focus on pedagogical practices for the use of information sources, reading and writing, the development performance tasks and assessments, and ways to integrate the Standards for a more comprehensive approach to instruction.  Questions about registration, email Nancy Rakes. Questions about the conference, email Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator or Brandi McCracken, Elementary HSS Specialist or Taylor Snow, English/HSS Specialist. 

Advancing Computer Science Education Grant Request for Proposals 
VDOE is offering grants for school divisions to promote the advancement of computer science education and workforce development. This is an opportunity for school divisions, alongside partner organizations, to explore innovative approaches to expand computer science opportunities inclusive to all students.

Check out the Newly Created VDOE Desmos Activities Log!
Many of the existing Desmos-created activities, as well as activities created by Virginia educators, have been reviewed and aligned to the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning and included on the Virginia Department of Education Desmos Activity Log.  This log, an Excel spreadsheet, contains a tab for each grade-level/mathematics course from Grade 2 through Algebra II.  Each grade level sheet includes a list of SOL-aligned activities with a brief description and direct link to the activity on the Desmos website.

Instructional Resources for September 11
The following are a few websites offering resources and lessons for teaching September 11.  

North TIER Online Professional Development Offerings
North TIER runs online professional development courses created for Virginia educators by Virginia educators. Registration for the fall session runs now through September 20 and courses begin September 23. Optional graduate credit is offered through Colorado State University. Additional information regarding the summer session may be found on this North TIER website.

2019 English Deeper Learning Conference Registration is Now Open!
This Conference will provide professional development that focuses on continued implementation of engaging instruction that aligns to the 2017 English Standards and Curriculum Framework. Elementary sessions include support for grades 3-5 literacy instruction, the development of grade 5 writing local assessments, and planning for instruction of K-3 students with UVA PALS. PALS will hold their annual division representatives meeting at each location. Secondary sessions will focus on pedagogical practices for middle school reading and writing, the development and scoring of local performance assessments to verify credits in writing, and integrating the Standards for a more comprehensive approach to instruction. Register today! Questions about registration, email Nancy Rakes. Questions about the conference, email Jill Nogueras, English Coordinator or Carmen Kurek, Elementary English and Reading Specialist.

8th Annual VACMS- October 4
The Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists Conference, Coaching: Purposeful Planning for Visible Impact, will be held at the University of Mary Washington, Stafford Campus.  The conference strands include Coaching for Effective Teaching:Enhance instruction and Enhancing Math Leaders' Skills. Register today!

Virginia Museum of History and Culture Online Course
This free online course, Primarily Virginia, is designed for teachers to explore Virginia's past by examining objects and primary sources. Upon completion of the course, participating teachers will be eligible for recertification points and will receive a VMHC membership. Please register by September 16.

VASCD Professional Development Opportunities

  • Like Peanut Butter and Jelly- Uniting the 5Cs and the SOLs to Design Meaningful Learning: September 26 at Blue Ridge Community College. Participants will learn an intentional planning process that will help students develop the 5 Cs and master SOL content at the same time.  VASCD Members use discount code MEMBER2019 to receive a discount.
  • Connecting the Dots Between Creative Expression and Academic Learning: October 10 at Marriott at City Center Newport News. How can students simultaneously strengthen their creative problem-solving skills and their academic learning? Join ASCD Author Ron Beghetto to learn how big changes can result from slight adjustments to your existing practice. VASCD Members use discount code MEMBER2019 to receive a discount.
  • VASCD Annual Conference 2019: Learning Begins with Culture: December 3 in Williamsburg. Pre-Conference December 4-5– Annual Conference. Keynote Speakers: Ravi Hutheesing, Tyrone Howard, Steve Constantino, Linda Cliatt-Wayman

Superintendent's Memo of Interest to Teachers