As we draw near to the last nine weeks grading period, state assessments and student mastery of grade/course level content become a major topic of conversation and planning. This month's newsletter includes several resources focused on state assessments.

The link below is a practice site that allows you and your students to see what online testing is like. The purpose of the site is to let students experience the functionality of the online testing platform. To access the site, click here.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

HS: Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics

Formative assessment strategies which can be used before and throughout an instructional cycle for the purpose of informing instruction and promoting learning will be explored. Emphasis will be on eliciting students' ideas about core concepts in mathematics to gather evidence about student understanding. This session will be held in the Northgate High School media center from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Participants will need to bring Chromebooks to the session.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

K-2: Implementing Standards for Mathematical Practice

Our Georgia Standards of Excellence for mathematics contain two sets of standards: content standards and process standards. This session focuses on the latter set by looking at ways to intentionally include the practices in teaching and learning. Register by 4 p.m. on March 19, 2018, at https://goo.gl/forms/P6r4vcT7a6z9Zkqg1 to receive a link to join session.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

3-5: Implementing Standards for Mathematical Practice

Our Georgia Standards of Excellence for mathematics contain two sets of standards: content standards and process standards. This session focuses on the latter set by looking at ways to intentionally include the practices in teaching and learning. Register by 4 p.m. on March 21, 2018, at https://goo.gl/forms/mX0iUYTeq5SBwerA3 to receive a link to join session.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

HS: Planning for 2018-2019

High school principals will select teacher representatives to participate in this session focused on planning for the 2018-2019 school year. Participants will meet from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm in SD2 at Werz. Each participant must be sure to have access to course materials and bring either a Chromebook or a laptop.

March 1- 3D Science Myths & Misconceptions

West GA RESA 11am-2pm

This class is designed for science teacher leaders like department chairs and mentor teachers. The focus is on the myths and misconceptions of implementing the new GSE in Science. Register here

March 3- Elementary Science Olympiad

Arnall Middle School 9am-2:30pm

Interested in starting a Science Olympiad team at your school? There is no better way to learn than to see the students in action! Come see the 16 teams compete for science gold!

March 6- ECHS Science ALD

East Coweta High School- All Day

This session will provide insight into the new Achievement Level Descriptor (ALD) documents provided by the DOE and the connection between the ALDs and the Milestones. This session is for biology and physical science teachers specifically during their planning period.

March 7- Northgate Science ALD

Northgate High School- All Day

This session will provide insight into the new Achievement Level Descriptor (ALD) documents provided by the DOE and the connection between the ALDs and the Milestones. This session is for biology and physical science teachers specifically during their planning period.

March 15-17- National Science Teachers Association National Conference

Atlanta World Congress Center

More than 7000 science educators from across the world will descend on Atlanta with "Science on My Mind". Conference strands include: comprehending the role of literacy in Science, imagining science as the foundation for STEM, reflecting on access for all students, and focusing on evidence of 3D learning. My sessions include connecting literature and STEM as well as resources for 3D learning. Register here.

March 20- Coweta Innovation Expo Shark Tank

CEC Video Broadcast Studio

These are the finals of the 2018 edition of the Coweta Innovation Expo. Our finalist were selected from a field of more than 250 students. Learn more about the competition here: https://cowetainnovationexpo.weebly.com/

March 29- Welch Elementary STEAM Night

Welch Elementary- 6:30pm

Interested in hosting a STEAM Night at your school? Come see Welch Elementary's approach to engaging their students, parents, and community in an exciting event for all grade levels.

Check out the website below. The site contains numerous resources, videos and instructional ideas for classroom use.

Thursday, March 8th - 8:30 - 3:30pm

Second grade Professional Learning Day

Grade level representatives will participate in Phonics, Reading with focus on Mentor Text, Writing, and Literacy mini-sessions. The team will revise the pacing guide for English Language Arts and Social Studies.

Assessment Item Development Day 2 - 8am to 4pm - Werz Central Office - PLC

3/12 Elementary representatives

3/13 Middle School and High School representatives

March 6, 2018 - 8am to 3pm- Werz Central Office - PLC

The GSE Grade 8: Economics in Georgia History

March 8 & 9, 2018 - 8am to 5pm - Werz Central Office

FBA/BIB Training

March 9, 2018 - 8am to 5pm - Werz Central Office - SD2

Mindset Training is verbal de-escalation and restraint training. March training will be re-certifications for staff that has already been certified. The training will be from 8:00-12:00 and 12:30-4:00.

March 15, 2018 - 8am to 3:30pm - Werz Central Office - PLC

Teaching the GSE: High School Economics

March 20, 2018 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm - Werz Central Office - CCR

Psych Meeting

March 23, 2018 - 8:30am to 12pm - Werz Central Office - PLC

Guidance/Counselors Meeting

March 23, 2018 - 2pm to 5pm - Werz Central Office - PLC

Speech Meeting