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Share TeacherDirect with Your Peers!
Encourage your peers to stay current with VDOE news and opportunities. Share this email with your peers so they can sign up for TeacherDirect and receive weekly updates with the latest information in 2021!
VDOE High Quality Instructional Materials Teacher Survey
In this survey, VDOE is seeking teacher feedback on current practices for identifying and selecting physical and/or electronic textbooks and other High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) for instructional use in classrooms. In addition, the survey will seek feedback on the characteristics of HQIM for development of statewide rubrics. Complete the survey today!
Virginia Early Childhood Family Survey
UVA, VDOE, and VECF want to learn about Virginia families’ experiences with the care and/or education for their young children (birth through kindergarten) this year. Help us get the word out to families! Share the flyer with families and/or take the Virginia Survey of Families with Young Children today!
PALS Data Use Professional Learning Module 2 Released!
In Module 2: Using PALS Data to Support All Students, details of how to use PALS data to determine children’s risk for later reading difficulty and to identify which children need more explicit instructional support are shared. Although remote data is not specifically discussed, the key messages is applicable to both testing scenarios. To view Module 2, login to PALS, then go to the Professional Learning tab_ Modules_ Using PALS Data More Fully Across the Year series_ Module 2. More information on remote testing coming in 2021.
Library of Virginia Student Contest
High school students in Virginia are invited to honor outstanding African Americans by participating in Dominion Energy and the Library of Virginia’s Strong Men & Women in Virginia History student contest. This year’s contest is built around the inquiry process of project-based learning and is designed to hit grade-specific standards through a multidisciplinary approach. Four winning projects will be chosen. Submit your project by December 31 for a chance to win an Apple MacBook Air and $1,000 for your school!
VDOE Science Module Developers Needed
VDOE is seeking developers of virtual resources to support a new model for statewide science professional development. The new Science Learning Collaborations model will include synchronous and asynchronous training implemented by division-level coaches using differentiated virtual modules that emphasizes the 2018 Science SOL. See Superintendent's Memo 318-20 for details and information on how to apply.
Virginia Geographic Alliance Competition
VGA is proud to announce their 2021 Virginia Map Competition: What's in my Watershed? Entries will be judged in two divisions: Grades 4-8 and Grades 9-12. Possible topics include geological characteristics, flora and fauna, economic activities, environmental issues, and more! The geographic focus of the student-created products must focus on the theme and be located within Virginia. Schools must register by March 5. See VGA's 2021 Virginia Map Competition brochure for more information.
Shenandoah Valley Writing Project Leadership Institute
Applications are now being accepted for the SVWP 2021 Invitational Leadership Institute. This year's online Institute is accepting applications from across the state. Kindergarten to University participants in any discipline receive 6 graduate credits and are immersed in their own writing, examine issues in the teaching of writing and writing to learn, participate and lead demonstrations of effective practices, and more. Check it out today!
Catalyzing Change in K-12 Mathematics Book Talks
VDOE and the Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialists are excited to partner in offering Catalyzing Change in K-12 Mathematics Book Talks beginning in February. The sessions will provide an opportunity for mathematics teachers, specialists and coaches from across the Commonwealth to engage in critical conversations around the need for change in mathematics education in Virginia. Participants will be provided an e-book to read and will participate in 1 hour virtual sessions to be held at 4 p.m. on February 4 , 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22. Space is limited. Please complete the Google Form to indicate your interest in participating.
2021 Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition
The Holocaust Commission invites middle and high school students in grades 6-12 to participate in the competition named in honor of Nobel Laureate and Holocaust Survivor, Elie Wiesel. This year, all writing and multimedia competition entries must be received by January 29 at 4 p.m. All Visual arts entries must be uploaded by February 5 at 4 p.m. More information is available from the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Embracing the Core of Innovative Teaching and Learning to Thrive in Any Learning Space
In this course for VASCD and Illinois ASCD, George Couros will discuss the importance of changing pedagogies while identifying the “core” values to focus on to ensure communities find success. The sessions will focus on the core elements of Building Relationships, Learner-Driven Practice, Empowering Learners, and Becoming Master Learners. Four session course dates: January 19, January 25, February 4, February 11. Register today or find out more information from VASCD.
Facilitating Powerful Conversations in Virtual Spaces-January 27
Coaching in a virtual space looks and feels much different than when we are physically together. Identify the characteristics of powerful conversations, including advancement of an agenda, shared learning, and a stronger relationship. Examine how the principles of great listening manifest in virtual spaces. Explore the five primary types of powerful conversations and practice facilitating conversations that actualize strategy. Register today or find out more information from VASCD.
Guidelines for the Provision of Behavior Analysis in Public Schools
The 2020 General Assembly of Virginia enrolled House Bill 1722 adding a section numbered 22.1-273.3 to the Code of Virginia requiring, “the Department of Education to develop guidance and resources relating to the provision of applied behavior analysis services (ABA services) in public schools for students who are in need of such services.” On November 16 VDOE published Guidelines for the Provision of Behavior Analysis in Public Schools. See Superintendent's Memo 321-20 for details.
GMU School of Education Webinar Series
George Mason University is hosting a series of free webinars for Virginia Teachers on various topics to support instruction. Click on the session links for more information:
Jan. 7: Creating and Maintaining a Community of Learners at a Distance
Jan. 12:Math Routines and Rich Tasks for Distance Learning
Jan. 13:Engaging in Authentic Community-based Mathematics Modeling Tasks for Grades K-8: Leveraging Students' Multiple Knowledge Bases
Jan. 13:Five Tips for Better Digital Classroom Accessibility
Jan. 14:Rethink Your Coaching Practice to Equitably Lead Mathematics (Virtually) Anywhere
Jan. 14: Teaching for Global Competence Using Global Thinking Routines
Dream Project Scholarship-Due February 1
The Dream Project Scholarship is awarded to talented immigrant students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Additional information and applications can be found on the website.
2020-2021 School Year Emergency Guidelines Information
VDOE has provided new information to school divisions on the Update to the Emergency Guidelines for Locally Awarded Verified Credits for Students Impacted by Ongoing Pandemic Conditions, the Emergency Guidelines for the Use of Local Performance Assessments to Verify Credits in Writing for the 2020-2021 School Year and the Emergency Guidelines for the Use of Local Alternative Assessments in Lieu of the Virginia Studies, Civics and Economics, and Grade 8 Writing Standards of Learning Tests for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Teacher Institute-Due April 30
This free institute is for upper elementary and middle school teachers from July 12 – 15 at Jamestown Settlement, Williamsburg. The focus will be on 17th century Virginia history and cultures that converged at Jamestown. Participants will explore primary sources and collaborate with fellow teachers to develop lessons and performance tasks to use in the classroom. Earn professional development credits. Applications and accompanying materials due April 30.
COVID-19 & Virginia Public Schools
VDOE has been working closely with the Governor’s Office, the Virginia Department of Health, and other state agencies to ensure our schools and communities have the most up-to-date information and resources. An updated FAQs on the impact of Virginia's new mask mandate and gathering limits on Virginia schools is available. Visit COVID-19 & Virginia Public Schools for access to the latest information.
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