VDOE TeacherDirect July 10, 2024

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July 10, 2024

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Virginia’s Learning Loss Recovery Efforts Recognized in National Report! The Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University and The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University have highlighted Virginia’s efforts in addressing learning loss recovery and expanding tutoring programs throughout the Commonwealth. The national report released highlights Virginia’s focused, evidence-based academic recovery efforts, specifically the Commonwealth’s expansive high-intensity academic tutoring programs.  Learn more about Virginia's learning loss recovery efforts and the report from VDOE!

Headlines

New Mathematics Resources Released
The new VDOE Mathematics Instructional Guides include three sections: Understanding the Standard, Skills in Practice, and Concepts and Connections. A Mathematics Instructional Guide FAQ Document (Word | PDF) has been developed to provide information about the purpose, structure, intended audience, and use of the Guides. A supplement to the Mathematics Instructional Guides, the Concepts and Connections Articulation Guide (Word | PDF) provides support in identifying concepts aligned Standards that articulate across grade levels or courses.

Call for Proposals: PreK-12 School Innovation Planning Grant
Individual school divisions or consortia school divisions are eligible to submit proposals meeting the intent of the grant. Proposals may target one or more schools in each participating school division. The 2024 Appropriation Act has provided funding for up to five competitive planning grants to be awarded in fiscal year 2025, each not to exceed $50,000. Full details about this year’s application process and submission details can be found in the PreK-12 School Innovation Grant Call for Proposals. Interested applicants must apply by 4 p.m. on July 16.

Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety
VDOE has announced the adoption of a comprehensive model policy aimed at enhancing internet safety for students and teachers across the Commonwealth. This initiative aligns with Virginia Code § 22.1-24.1 and reflects our commitment to safeguarding children in the digital age. The Internet Safety Advisory Council, established by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, has developed a Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety. Read more from VDOE today!

ALL In with Lexia
Lexia is a partner with VDOE in helping fulfill the Commonwealth’s priority to accelerate literacy growth for students in grades 3-8 through the ALL In Tutoring Initiative and the Learning Acceleration Grant. Resources include:
-Updated Core5 or PowerUp professional learning session are available. 
-Review Lexia information sessions with families to support your school community. 
-Resources are available for support with rostering or the VATutoring code.

Teach-a-LCTL Resource Guides
The National Less Commonly Taught Languages Resource Center prepared a guide that combines scholarship on community language education, Heritage Language learners, and literacies-based approaches to language learning. The guide contains sample lesson plans on five themes: music; sports and movement; clothing; expressions and emotions; and food. The Guides provide additional educational and organizational resources. Learn more and access the Teach-a-LCTL Resource Guide.

ASM Materials Camp for Teachers
The American Society for Metals is offering several free virtual and in-person workshops that are designed to introduce teachers to methods that make math and core science principles more enticing and relevant to their middle and high school students. The in-person camp will be held in Virginia Beach July 22-26 with free lodging provided. See ASM for several virtual offerings.

Classroom-to-Classroom Virtual Exchange 
Upcoming free training for teachers starts in late July for the 2024-2025 school year. Classes are paired based on class time and desired language for participation (Spanish only, English only, or a combination) so the exchange with Mexico or Colombia can take place during the school day. The training prepares teachers to lead the live discussions about the content and to navigate a virtual exchange. Support and resources, except internet and student devices, will be provided.

LEGO Education Professional Development Webinar-July 24
Learn how LEGO Education's robust professional development resources can enhance STEAM and computer science instruction. Discover strategies to integrate hands-on learning with LEGO solutions, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students. Participants can learn how to build capacity and confidence in teaching STEAM and CS while having fun!  

NLRC Launches VIVID Project for LCTL Educators
The National Less Commonly Taught Languages Resource Center is accepting applications from LCTL educators to join the ViVID Project as a fellow and participate in reflective teaching and peer mentoring through video-based feedback. All participants will receive a $1,000 stipend for the nine-month program. Learn more or apply by July 15 to be one of the ten educators in the cohort.

VASTA Stringspiration
The Virginia String Teachers Association will be holding the second annual Summer Stringspiration. It will be held on August 3 at Cox High School in Virginia Beach from 9:30 a.m.-5:30p.m. Register or email Angela Ammerman for more information.

Virginia Children's Engineering STEM Institute
This regional offering will be held on September 21 at King's Fork Middle School, Suffolk.  Teachers and administrators will have the opportunity for networking and learn more about STEM in breakout sessions. This is the first of several regional events. Join to learn more!

2024 VATESOL Conference
Registration is now open and the Conference theme is The Future of Multilingual Education: Innovative Approaches for Supporting Multiliteracies. Attendees can build partnerships for language, content, and community. Join your peers at the Richmond Downtown Marriott on Sept. 27-28.


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS


PK-8 Mathematics Specialist Program
Old Dominion University is recruiting for the online PK-8 Mathematics Specialist Program. Candidates are licensed teachers with three or more years of successful mathematics teaching interested in deepening their math understanding. There are two options: MSED option (30 credits); or a Post B.A. Endorsement non-degree option (21 credits). Space is limited so apply today. 

Gifted Education Add-On Endorsement        
Longwood University offers the coursework you need to add a number of endorsements to your teaching license. With their Gifted Add-On Endorsement teachers acquire the skills and expertise necessary to teach and support students with diverse learning needs at a discounted tuition rate. For more information, email or call 434-395-2380. 

Reading Specialist Endorsement
Averett University is now accepting Fall 2024 applications for our Reading Specialist Endorsement Programs, M.Ed., and Certificate. Additional programs are available. Join one of the upcoming virtual information session.

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