Educational Services Newsletter
by Dr. Jessica Glantz Kiernan, October SUESD Update 25-26
Greetings SUESD Partners!
This month we proudly celebrate both LGTBQ+ History and Hispanic/Latine Heritage! š
Included in this issue, are some amazing new resources and professional learning opportunities for you. We encourage you to also share your amazing practices, ideas, and insights with us, so that we can, in turn, share them more broadly.
Enjoy and thank you for all you do!
Jessica and Tristan
Your Ed Services Team
Resources for Developing Strengths-based Hispanic/Latine Heritage Lessons
National Museum of the American Latino (Smithsonian): The museum offers extensive online resources and lesson plans, including digital materials for its gallery tours and bilingual learning aids.
- PBS LearningMedia: This platform provides a collection of videos and lesson plans for all grade levels that cover various aspects of Latino history and culture, including the Latino Americans documentary series.
- Teaching for Justice: This organization provides classroom resources for Hispanic Heritage Month and year-round learning. Their content covers topics ranging from identity and language to social justice issues.
- UnidosUS: This resource offers lesson plans for teaching U.S. history that is inclusive of Latino contributions, focusing on topics like immigration, civil rights, and prominent figures.
- Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History: This institute features lesson plans on influential Latinos and Latinas, examining their challenges and achievements during the 20th century.
LGBTQ+ Resources for Educators
Inclusive LGBTQ+ Literature and Podcasts
Bibliographies ā Books to Engage Students
LGBTQ Literature Compilation: Literature Subject Index ā Letters A-B, C-E, F-L, M-Z
Using Childrenās Literature to Address Bullying (see righthand side for curriculum links): Sections include ā
- Using Childrenās Literature to Increase Empathy and Help Students Cope with Bullying
- Annotated Bibliography of Childrenās Fiction on Bullying
- Being an Ally
- āThe Skin Iām Inā (grades 8 and up)
- Video: āMaking History: The FAIR Education Actā Our Family Coalition, San Francisco, 2017 (10 Minutes)
- Video: āDonāt Erase My Historyā Frameline, San Francisco, 2015 (30 minutes)
- Video: āTransgender Basicsā Gender Identity Project New York City, 2009 (20 minutes)
- Webinar: Webinars about LGBT History. Rob Darrow, Santa Cruz, 2017
- Podcast: Making Gay History Podcast Eric Marcus, New York, 2016-2019
- Podcast: History is Gay Podcast Leigh and Gretchen, 2018-2019
- App: QUIST App About Queer History
Dates to Remember
- This is Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month and LGBTQ+ History Month!
- October 13th is Indigenous Peoples Day, and is also a non-student/non-work day for Certificated Staff Members.
- October 14th is our next full professional development day.
Zwiers: Math Constructive Conversations (a Tool for Educators & Students) -Love!
Newly Added and Free Lesson Planning, Curriculum, and/or Classroom Management Resources
Are you looking for more high-quality, standards-aligned lessons to inspire your classroom?
Our guidebooks have got you covered! These curated resources offer lessons crafted with English Language Development (ELD) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) scaffolding to support all learners. Whether youāre teaching Science, History, Math, English Language Arts (ELA), or Career and Technical Education (CTE), thereās something for everyone. Each guidebook includes lesson plans, educator highlights, demo videos, podcasts, and access to free curriculum.
Guidebook Links
MTSS Tier 1 High Impact Instructional Strategy Toolkit for You!
CLICK HERE to access it!
MATH- Want to Know about CGI- or Just Get a Refresher?
Cognitively Guided instruction, or CGI, is a framework that helps teachers to understand how childrenās mathematical ideas develop and provides an opportunity to build on the childās own thinking and understanding. CGI is not a curriculum.
Here are some videos of CGI in action with teachers:
Supporting Teachers in CGI, Part 1
Supporting Teachers in CGI, Part 2
Multiplication and Division and CGI
More CGI Math Resources and Links:
Here is also a link to the Counting Collections Video
I have also attached the early math Number Talks Classroom videos.
Here is a direct link to the Number Talks Video:
Mental Health and Wellness
Our school communities play a crucial, and expanding, role in providing and facilitating support services for students. We must continue to prioritize mental health and wellness in our schools to increase awareness of mental health issues, reduce the stigma associated with discussing mental health, and ultimately reduce the number of student suicides.
Whatever your role in our school community, I urge you to review the resources below and recommit to increasing awareness and understanding of suicide prevention:
Santa Cruz County 24-Hour Multilingual Suicide Crisis Line: 9-8-8
TrevorLifeLine - 24 hour hotline for LGBTQ+ youth in crisis: 1-866-488-7386
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Navigating a Mental Health Crisis One Pager
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Santa Cruz County Schools Student & Family Behavioral Health Supports Resource List
Want Evidence-Based Practices for Improving Upper Grades Literacy?
Student "I Can" Statements - Student Reflections of Their Own Progress in Grade Level Standards
Try this great tool with the students in your class!
Welcoming Routines
Connecting with Students
Ignite the Learning
ESTABLISH A STRONG SEL FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING
USE THESE RULER TOOLS, STARTING WITH BUILDING YOUR CLASSROOM CHARTER
Clearinghouse of Great Strategies and Lessons for Educators Curated by the U.S. Dept of Education
A practice guide is a publication that presents recommendations for educators to address challenges in their classrooms and schools. They are based on reviews of research, the experiences of practitioners, and the expert opinions of a panel of nationally recognized experts.
To search by Topic or Keyword, use the Practice Guide Search.
Common Sense Media: Digital Well-being Lessons for Grades K-12
Mathematical Mindsets
UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING ENSURES LEARNING FOR ALL
Best All-Purpose Teaching Podcasts!
The University of San Diego has rounded up some of the most popular education podcasts out there today, ranked in no particular order. Below are just a few.
The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast: This podcast is hosted by Jennifer Gonzalez, educator and creator of the popular web platform of the same name. The Cult of Pedagogy website is known for providing a variety of resources, tools, and insights to help educators enhance their teaching practices. For each episode, Gonzalez interviews educators, students, caregivers, and administrators about the psychological and social dynamics of school, trade secrets, and āother juicy things youāll never learn in a textbook.ā
Letās K12 Better: At the start of COVID-19 lockdowns, Amber Coleman-Mortley sat her kids down at their kitchen table and started a podcast. Together, they tackled the hottest issues Kā12 educators and students face today, including civil discourse, reclaiming history lessons, and what it means to be a āgeekā in the modern classroom. While the family is no longer producing new episodes, the topics remain as pertinent as ever, and the kidsā perspective provides an extra-relevant lens.
The Creative Classroom with John Spencer: A major proponent of creativity and project-based learning, professor of education John Spencer brings podcast listeners into his world through well-researched explorations of human learning, thoughtful musings on what it means to be a teacher, interviews with other educators, and more. Many of his episodes are based on his own articles, but he does open the mic up to other voices on occasion.
The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast: No time to get hooked on a new podcast? No problem! Vicki Davis understands how jam-packed a teacherās schedule is, so she offers up bite-sized podcast episodes that can be completed in the time it takes to refill your coffee mug. Inspiration, reflection, and commiseration never sounded this fun.
The Shake Up Learning Show: Learning coach, speaker, author, and former middle school teacher Kasey Bell produces this weekly podcast all about using technology in the classroom. From incorporating Google Earth into geography lessons to creating lesson templates with Canva, Kasey and her guests offer up a plethora of ideas and inspiration to get your edtech wheels turning.
Teachers on Fire: Host Tim Cavey interviews fellow educators who are āon fireā in their profession ā innovating, experimenting, and learning (and sometimes failing) alongside their students every day in order to become better teachers. Every episode offers practical tips on topics such as managing anxiety, regulating your emotions in the classroom, and fostering excitement for learning. Cavey also maintains a YouTube channel where he posts helpful edtech tutorials for capturing studentsā attention and imaginations.
The Learning Scientists: This education podcast is a little bit different in that itās produced by scientists, not teachers. In each episode, the hosts examine a different aspect of human learning cognition, with the goal of helping educators, students, caregivers, and administrators identify and develop better teaching and learning habits.
Professional Learning and Teaching
Equity and Value
Influencing Care and Wellness
WANT TO TAKE ACTION?
Interweaving personal anecdotes, interviews, and shocking revelations, in WHO WE ARE ā A Chronicle of Racism in America, criminal defense/civil rights lawyer Jeffery Robinson draws a thorough timeline of anti-Black racism in the United States, from slavery to the modern myth of a post-racial America. Website- https://thewhoweareproject.org/ Documentary on Netflix
ED Change.org is a site that has published classroom activities for teachers who want to build equitable and just classroom experiences. You can view them here-> http://www.edchange.org/multicultural/activityarch.html
Want to learn more about being a threat to inequity? There is a free learning module here.
Curated Books about Human Rights
There are some really great opportunities and resources to view if you have a moment to check them out.
Who Is Viewing Our District Newsletter?
About Us
Ms. Tristan Bettge, Administrative Assistant
Website: https://www.suesd.org/curriculum-instruction
Location: 620 Monterey Avenue, Capitola, CA, USA
Phone: 831-464-5630
Archived Updates
Previous Newsletter Updates by Month
To make families feel part of the goals and growth conversations you have with your students, you may share the following links to increase their understanding of what these reports mean.
Family Resource: Understanding Your Studentās i-Ready Diagnostic Results
Other assessments and artifacts of student work always help families see what their child is able to do in a classroom setting.
Some families may not be aware of what is considered typical development for their childās age. Here is a useful resource to share: Ages and Stages of Development Info to Share with Your Students' Parents.
There are also times when a conversation may lead to something akin to parenting support. Common topics often include screen time, social media, devices, online safety, etc. Common Sense Media has a parent section for just these types of guidelines.
Families always want to know if their child is happy, has friends, and/or is or is not behind academically. The first two may be easier to answer than the latter, but a good place to begin is the standards for the childās grade level (i.e. where they should be academically by the end of the school year). While the full book of standards is not always an easy read for families, the modified āI Canā statements by grades for K-5 are a great entry point. Links to those can be found HERE and shared.
Some families inquire about student or family wellness. While we have amazing in-district support, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education has several additional county-wide resources, which have been curated and can be found here.
If families have some broad questions about schools, adopted curriculum, state testing, CA Data Dashboard, the SUESD plans for student achievement, English Development, SEL, etc. You can share this link.
There are also a few good books about raising strong, resilient children you may choose to share.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Childās Developing Mind by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go so Their Children Can Succeed by Jessica Lahey
Raising Human Beings: Creating a Collaborative Relationship with Your Child by Ross Greene, PhD
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel, Ph.D.
We hope these offerings and tools can help you connect families to some useful resources.
Understanding womenās history is integral to understanding the American experience. Although often underrepresented in recorded histories, women helped build the United States of America of today and women will help shape the United States of America of the future. Explore and learn more about objects and resources from the National Museum of American History that can shed light on women's experiences and contributions to the American story. CLICK HERE for videos, research materials, interviews, podcasts, lessons for educators.
Another great resource is The National Women's History Museum. They offer online exhibits of women throughout history (past and present). From NASA to Civil Rights to Athletics women's storied are amplified through these telling and moving exhibits.
From raising families to leading armies, women such as Catherine the Great, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen Amanirenas, Queen Elizabeth I, Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin and countless others have played a vital role in history. Some of these women, as well as so many others have stories to hear. These stories can be found HERE.
The Remedial Herstory Podcast by Kelsie Eckert and Brooke Sullivan is a podcast that explores what happened to the women in history. Kelsie and Brooke explore historical topics they find fascinating, pedagogies, and important issues effecting women and girls. Teachers can find dozens of lesson plans, learning materials, films, and articles about women in history on their website LINKED HERE.
Join the Santa Cruz Public Libraries in celebrating Women's History Month by paying tribute to the stories of remarkable women who have left an indelible mark on our community and beyond. Below are some local events, or you can CLICK HERE for their suggested book titles for all ages.
Film Screening and Discussion of Apart: Lifting the Voices of Justice Involved Women
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 | 2:30-4:30 pm | Capitola Branch Library
In celebration of Women's History Month, we will lift up the voices of justice involved women with lived experience of parenting during incarceration through a film screening and discussion. Moderated by Stacey Palau, Chief Executive of New Life Community Resources. Registration is required. Please visit this link to register.
HERstory Celebration - Celebrating Women: Past, Present & Future
Thursday, March 28th, 2024 | 5:30-8:00 pm | Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Visit this link for more information.
For all the readers out there, The Carnegie Library has curated a list of 31 Non-fiction Books that focus on women's achievements throughout history from Renaissance to Voting Rights. CLICK HERE to see their list.
------------------------------------------------
News from the Santa Cruz County Office of Education:
Information about many of the outstanding programs in our county can be found in the COEās recently released Annual Report. There will be many opportunities to connect about this work as our partners update the COEās strategic plan over the coming year.
Toward the vision of Santa Cruz County being a model of safety and inclusiveness for LGBTQ students, our ongoing support includes:
- The county LGBTQ task force composed of representatives from all school districts, charter schools and independent schools in Santa Cruz County meets quarterly to identify the ongoing needs of our LGBTQ students.
- Every department within the County Office is continually identifying ways we can make all of our schools more safe, supportive and inclusive for all students. Finally, we have developed a plan to guide schools and school districts in ways to make all schools safer and more inclusive for LGBTQ students and their families.
------------------------------------------------
Santa Cruz Public Library LGBTQ+ Book List.
- View the LGBTQ+ book list here from the Santa Cruz Public Library and check one out to read today.
------------------------------------------------
Black History Month was in February and is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. This yearās theme was art as a platform for social justice.
Take action and make your voice heard with the Smithsonian on behalf of Black History Month. Join them in uplifting the humanity, innovation, and vision of African American artists. Throughout February, you could take a journey organized around five weekly focus areas that celebrate the Black people who have used art as their platform for social justice.
Week 1, Feb. 1-4: Literature and Poetry
Week 2, Feb. 5-11: Performing Arts
Week 3, Feb. 12-18: Visual Arts
Week 4, Feb. 19-25: Music
Week 5, Feb. 26-29: Digital Arts
Social justice has historically developed visual and literary arts to capture the spirit and platforms of resistance, and to disseminate those messages to audiences outside of mainstream methods.
Art as a platform for social justice was seeded in the soil of abolitionist treatise from Phillis Wheatley, tilled through the performances of Sweet Honey in the Rock and 1980s breakdancers, pruned by the commentary shears of James Baldwin, watered in the paintings and photographs of Elizabeth Catlett and Gordon Parks, and harvested within the futuristic tales of Octavia Butler.
āThe National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates Black achievement year-round, but we look forward to taking time in February to explore art as a platform for understanding history, struggle, social justice, and triumph,ā said Kevin Young, NMAAHCās Andrew W. Mellon Director. āIn doing that, we will put the spotlight on paintings, sculpture, photographs, and fiber works that were made to mobilize people to create a better world by harnessing the power of protest, defiance, and resilience.ā
More well-recognized organizations offerings around Black History:
Black History Month for Teachers from BlackHistory.gov
Black History Month Slide Deck from We Are Teachers
Library of Congress Resources for Teachers
Artists to Know from the National Gallery of Art
40 Recommended Books for Black History Month
Locally, every February the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month. As we welcome this new month, they want to honor and highlight the many contributions of African Americans to the United States through many fun and educational activities. You can also click on Books for kids in the SCPL collection
Want to Know about the Race, Equity, and Inclusion Center? CLICK HERE
We are excited to share a wonderful opportunity for educators across the county to engage in Anti Bias, Anti Racism (ABAR) training for teachers, coaches and instructional aides facilitated by Melissa Roberts and Marvilyn Quiroz!
This workshop is designed to create a supportive space for teachers to make plans for engaging, and acting in responding to bias, racism, and prejudice in the classroom in order to foster the safety, engagement, and social emotional wellness of their students. Here's a link to more information.
CAASPP is just around the corner. For teacher tips and tools click here.
Did you know that on November 8, 2022, California voters approved Proposition 28: The Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act? The measure required the state to establish a new, ongoing program supporting arts instruction in schools beginning in 2023ā24.
The legislation allocates 1 percent of the kindergarten through grade twelve (Kā12) portion of the Proposition 98 funding guarantee provided in the prior fiscal year, excluding funding appropriated for the AMS education program. Local educational agencies (LEAs) with 500 or more students are required to ensure that at least 80 percent of AMS funds to be expended are used to employ certificated or classified employees to provide arts education program instruction. The remaining funds must be used for training, supplies and materials, and arts educational partnership programs, with no more than 1 percent of funds received to be used for an LEAās administrative expenses. The full text of the statute is available here: Chapter 5.1 of Part 6 of Division 1 of Title 1 of the Education Code (Section 8820 et seq.).
As we work to engage educational partners in work and planning, you may want to look at some California Department of Education Prop 28 FAQs found here-> FAQs .
Best wishes for health and happiness,
Jessica
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 2023
Transitional Kindergarten writing, SEL, and math curriculum has been ordered and is currently on its way to each of our TK educators and students. Thanks to the TK team for their partnership and proactive approach to considering new classroom curriculum.
Next week a few of our curriculum sub-committees will be meeting. Next Monday TK and K sub-committee will meet, on Tuesday the Stewardship Team will meet, and on Thursday phase 3 of the Literacy Team will meet with a focus on upper elementary grades.
The calendar committee has also worked to create options for the 2024-2025 school year, and we hope to have those finalized by the end of the month.
DLI teachers, principal, and Ed Services have been meeting to create a well-thought-out report card that will meet the interests of this unique educational structure. It has been a wonderful way to think about and talk about what parents want and need to know about how their children are developing in multi-lingualism.
An idea put forth by one of our colleagues is to engage in a community tile and beautification project in the city of Capitola. In collaboration, we drafted a proposal that was then approved by the city. These tiles will be created by each school through an ELOP opportunity. If you are interested in knowing more about the project or are interested in teaching for this ELOP and city beautification team, please contact me. More information about the particulars of this project will come soon.
Discover classroom resources you can use today. In the link below you will find educator-created lessons, activities, strategies, and professional development to help tailor instruction and boost learning. Click HERE-> Smarter Balanced Tools for Teachers
The COE is excited to announce the launch of the Green Classroom Challenge! This simple program aims to empower students to incorporate environmentally responsible actions into their school day. Educators are invited to join the challenge and help spread sustainable action across your school. Help us in our goal to make Every Classroom a Green Classroom. Together our actions can create great change!
Updates for Winter 2022
Operation Gratitude includes handwritten letters in every Care Package sent to Military and First Responders. In these unprecedented times, our heroes need our unwavering support. Taking the time to put pen to paper and share your heartfelt thoughts can be what motivates a First Responder or a service member.
Educators, students, and families can visit any branch library to write a letter with our supplies, or bring a letter you wrote at home between now and January 3rd. They'll forward these to ensure your letter is included with a care package on the way to one of our active duty service members.
The U.S. and the Holocaust Screening and Discussion- Attendees are encouraged to watch the entire 3-part documentary, which will air on local PBS Station KQED at 9 p.m. on January 6, 13, and 20 and also will be available to stream on the PBS website starting on January 6. At the event on January 26th, we will watch a 40-minute screener from the series provided by PBS Books and discuss lessons learned for the future.
The event will be at the Capitola Branch Library 7 - 8:30 PM
Looking for a winter adventure over the break? California fourth graders and their families can get into 19 marvelous state parks throughout the Golden State for free. Visit the California State Parks Facebook page. Read more and apply on the California State Parks Adventure Pass web page.
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading is hosting an early math and early literacy webinar on Wednesday, December 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. This event, titled "Developing Math Joy and Identity Through Literature,ā will explore books from the Mathical Book Prize list, in the company of authors, educators, and early childhood experts. Come explore children's books that will make you think about math in a whole new way. Register via Zoom for the Early Math and Early Literacy webinar.
Are you a credentialed teacher thinking about the next steps in the professional career continuum? Ready for a new challenge to elevate your teaching? Your experience in the classroom puts you on the path to National Board Certification. Review the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Get Started web page to verify you meet the NBPTS eligibility requirements. Visit the CDE CA NBPTS Candidate Subsidy Program Information web page to read more about the program, and apply by January 3, 2023.
Here is a link to the recording of the Early Math PD session hosted by Gennie Gorback through the COE- It's a great resource for TK-1:
Passcode: 4EarlyMathFun!
Expires: January 6, 2023
Welcome to Indigenous History Month. Throughout November, resources like Inquiry Sets, picture books, and lesson plans will highlight many ways to incorporate Indigenous history and current topics into TK-12th grade classrooms. Notice the prominence of Indigenous voices, and the way that scholarship is informing classroom instruction through a focus on themes like agency, resistance, and persistence. Check out the Monthly Highlights page to access the collection of lessons and resources.
Check out these CCEE Resources to Support Relationships, Belongingness, and Connectedness
Developing Social & Emotional Skills Through Positive Relationships
Research shows that teachers have the biggest impact on student achievement. Relationships are the foundation for the development of the cognitive, social, and emotional skills and competencies that students need to be successful within the classroom and beyond. This learning path developed in partnership with International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) is designed to help educators understand the critical nature of these relationships and the impact they have on student learning.
Audience: Teachers
Lifting Our Voices
CCEE in partnership with California Association of African-American Superintendents & Administrators (CAAASA) has developed a learning path to support School Re-Engagement: In-Person and Hybrid Learning. You will hear from education leaders, researchers, teachers, students, parents, and even a grandparent, all focused on the challenges of re-engaging in education. Click here to launch the learning path.
Audience: Teachers, Instructional Coaches
Positive and Caring Relationships with Teachers are Critical to Student Success
When teachers make an intentional effort to get to know each of their students, it can foster in students a sense of belonging and connection to schoolāwhich can then build a foundation for academic success. To learn more read Education Northwestās blog on Positive and Caring Relationships with Teachers are Critical to Student Success.
Audience: Teachers
A Bright Spot for Students and Educators in California
In the summer of 2021, schools and their community partners came together to reopen campuses to help students re-engage with school and rediscover the joy of learning. PCY in partnership with CCEE has published a Summer 2021 Report and video that provides the landscape of California's 2021 publicly funded summer learning programs, including the trends, best practices, challenges, and innovative ideas displayed in school communities across the state.
Want to assist students in early intervention strategies in math?
- This clearinghouse resource provides research-based instructional practice recommendations to support interventions in six focus areas. It can help teachers to tailor their instructional approaches and/or intervention programs to meet the needs of their students.
SVMI Math Session #3 Thursday, December 7, 3:30-5:30 Zoom. Open to all educators, including those who were not able to attend the first two. Click here to register.
Session #3: 12/7/21
Session #4: 1/27/22
Session #5: 2/15/22
The focus will be on strategies to build and sustain community in a mathematically powerful classroom. Also, SC County Educators have password-protected access to SVMIās Problems of the Month, Performance Tasks, and other resources! Please contact Math Coordinator Kevin Drinkard kdrinkard@santacruzcoe.org for password access.
Did you know that there are Health Frameworks and Standards for students in all grades? While the framework is over 700 pages, chapters 3-5 relate to grades TK-8. Linked here are educator links to grade-appropriate lessons, standards guides, posters, etc.
Also, if you are interested, this is the CDE's most recent Schedule for Curriculum Framework Development and Adoptions of
K-8 Instructional Materials. Enjoy!
________________________________________________________
Updates for October 2021
Greetings Team and welcome back to our Ed Services Monthly!
As you may know, SUESDās DLT is working toward a Distributed Leadership Model
It equates with shared, collective, and extended leadership practice that builds the capacity for change and improvement. Distributed leadership means mobilizing leadership expertise at all levels in the school community in order to generate more opportunities for change and to build the capacity for improvement. The emphasis is upon interdependent interaction and practice rather than individual and independent actions associated with those with formal leadership roles or responsibilities.
During our September 22nd meeting we reignited collaboration around timely topics for our professional learning. This team's rich discussions were relevant and responsive. We will continue this work to develop and fine-tune a plan for our future work together, and this will include all of you. Thank you to the DLT for their amazingly thoughtful work!
A few timely topics of interest:
-Infinite Campus has completed the progress reports, so when you are ready to begin, you can.
-Readers and Writers Workshop Training for new teachers will begin in October, please contact Erica Akin, our premiere trainer, if you are interested.
The Imperial County SELPA is offering "Improving Outcomes for ELs with Disabilities". Registration is open for each of the 2021-2022 PD offerings. These PD events will be hosted in person in Imperial County and live via Zoom. Below is a list of PD offerings for September & Octoberā¦as always, all events are free to SELPA staff & staff from each of your respective LEAsā¦all are welcome to attend. Evaluation of Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Populations: A nondiscriminatory assessment framework or all practitioners; Follow-up: Evaluation of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations: A nondiscriminatory assessment framework for all practitioners - Q&A Session with Dr. Ortiz; Improving Outcomes for ELs with Disabilities: A focus on each section of the CA Practitionersā Guide for Educating English Learners with Disabilities.
Enrollment is now open for the EL RISE Trainings including a English Learner Master Plan Institute, an Elementary English Learner Roadmap Teacher Strand, a Dual Language English Learner Roadmap Teacher Strand, a Secondary English Learner Roadmap Teacher Strand and Communities of Practice to support implementation. Details on our Professional Learning Plan site.
A Pathway to Equitable Math Instruction is an integrated approach to mathematics that centers Black, Latinx, and Multilingual students in grades 6-8, addresses barriers to math equity, and aligns instruction to grade-level priority standards. The Pathway offers guidance and resources for educators to use now as they plan their curriculum, while also offering opportunities for ongoing self-reflection as they seek to develop an anti-racist math practice. The toolkit āstridesā serve as multiple on-ramps for educators as they navigate the individual and collective journey from equity to anti-racism. Click here for more.
Note: All Santa Cruz Educators are welcome to book a 30-minute office hour with SCCOE Math Coordinator Kevin Drinkard, or by appointment @kdrinkard@santacruzcoe.org
Here you'll find lesson plans, activities, and video tutorials in visual arts, dance, music, and theater our talented Mariposa Arts, SPECTRA, and Artist Teacher Partnership teaching artists. We hope that these pages engage you, students, and families to learn in and through the arts at home until we can be together again in the classroom. The Santa Cruz Arts Council asks that you enjoy taking a look!
Suggested Educator Reads:
Books That Represent
Suggested Audience: All educators and community members
This website is the result of a local studentās Capstone Project designed to address the representation and equity issues within the publishing industry. It contains a database of over 100 children's books with inclusive topics, representational characters, and largely #OwnVoices authors. The books are sorted alphabetically by Lexile Level and Amazon's Grade Recommendations. See the creator of the website, student Sophia Wright, '21, Pacific Collegiate School, describe her inspiration and process for this project in this video introduction. To find more resources, visit the Santa Cruz COEās Initiative for Racial Equity and Justice website.
Playbook for Accelerating Learning
Suggested Audience: All Educators
The CCEE has recently published a Playbook for Accelerating Learning designed to support instructional leaders in the process of developing strategic plans to fill in learning gaps caused by the instructional interruption. The Playbook supports a shift from Remediation to Acceleration by utilizing grade-level materials and strategically filling in learning gaps. The Playbook provides users with curated tips, video resources, and step-by-step guides/checklists to support a program that utilizes grade-level materials. By presenting various models leaders can consider the options that will best meet the unique needs of their students. The resources are divided into 9 sections: Models, Planning, Prioritization, Scope and Sequence, Assessment, Foundational Reading, Refine & Support, Implementation, Beyond the School Day.
Early Reading Accelerators Quick Start Guide
Suggested Audience: teachers, reading specialists, instructional leaders, instructional coaches
Recommended by the CCEE, this guide from Student Achievement Partners, Early Reading Accelerators Quick Start Guide emphasizes two critical pieces of early reading instruction, Foundational Skills + Knowledge & Vocabulary. It provides some of the best practices and considerations for supporting the implantation of the Early Reading Accelerators.
At any time, you can call me, email, or stop me if you see me, with any thoughts, ideas, or questions.
September 2021
Congratulations for opening schools with such open arms to our students, who have longed so much to be with their friends and school communities!
So much happens at the beginning of each school year, so we are again so sorry to have had to roll out two digital platforms from the start. As a teacher, I begrudged every moment taken away from my classroom preparation, so I understand the frustrations of the timing of transitions to both a new SIS and a new diagnostic assessment during this already busy time.
Though you likely already received all of this information from your siteās administrator, we wanted to put a few things on your radar as you begin to make your plans for the year, including signing up for adjunct and stipended duties.
District Leadership Team (DLT):
As you know, in the Fall and Winter of 2019, we extended our DLT to include all schools, grades, and content specialties. Over the past year and a half, school closures and distance learning (DL) changed the landscape of our time together. In 2019-2020 and into 2020-2021 our DLT was nearly 50 members strong. Last year, our final meeting was planned the same day as Don's passing, which was first and foremost on staff's minds. This year we are looking toward a strong year of DLT leadership and planning. As you can likely guess, the DLT will meet from 3:15-4:15 due to reduced access to subs. For now, we will meet virtually to help to eliminate travel time. Our meeting dates so far are scheduled for 9/22, 10/27, and 2/16.
Science and Tech Leads:
There are two stipended lead roles this year. The Science lead role is linked here. The Tech lead role is linked here.
Early Release Fridays:
Each year a schedule is created to include staff meetings, grade/department collaboration meetings, site-based PD, and DO led PD time on early release Fridays. Each month will include each of these four. Attached here is the list of those dates. Staff meetings, grade/ department meetings, and site-based PDs are up to each site to define and organize. District-led early release Fridays are determined mostly by the interest expressed. This year, the topics for those days align with the staff and stakeholder data collected which drove the LCAPās goals for the year ahead and include, social and linguistic justice, equitable access, and affirming outcomes for students. As we continue our work for the year, we may need to make shifts depending on the new world ahead of us.
Professional Development:
As noted above, your sites will define your schoolās site-based plans. Other Full-day PDs will look like those we planned prior to the onset of distance learning, with embedded choice sessions and collaboration. As our DLT meets, we will continue to match staff voice to PD choices. The single exception is one PD day when elementary schools will be supported by FOSS trainers to dig into the science curriculum our pilot team worked so hard to finalize a year ago. That day will also be supported by our local EL TOSA to bridge science with language-embedded practices. And of course, if a team requests a specific kind of PD that we can help facilitate, we absolutely will. At the middle school already this year we are working to facilitate two of these.
September 2020 Updates
Through the ever-evolving tides of change in the world, we must maintain flexibility, while continuing to follow through with our commitment to continuous support and growth. To these ends, there are a few areas in which our continued and collaborative work is essential.
Our SUESD District Leadership Team (DLT) has demonstrated ongoing care and commitment to students and colleagues, even into the summer months in preparation for the start of this school year. Our August PD offerings and SEL-based student check-in lesson were among their dedicated work efforts. As this kind of work is what makes this district such an amazing place to practice our art of teaching, it takes true and collegial teams working toward a common purpose. This year we will be continuing to refine and grow our DLT commitments and process to better serve us all. In the coming days, we will begin to establish this 2020-2021 team. This year's team will focus on topics and content developed through your input and our collective interests. An interest and input survey regarding development and growth will be produced and sent as this team begins this year's important work.
We look ahead to days when a clearer future path for our world exists, but until then it will be our goal to set as clear of a path as is possible to ensure we all have what we need to be and feel successful.
Coming soon...
More Training and Collaboration Opportunities
Adoption Updates
English Learner Support Updates
Engagement Strategies
_________________
October Updates
Building professional growth and collective capacity is essential in any organization, but nowhere more true than in the work of an educator. While this resource is intended to provide you a pathway for some new information, research, resources, we also need social interaction and validation. PD days are one way we attempt to meet this important need.
Thanks to all of you who responded to our most recent PD and Collaboration Google Form. It proved to be extraordinarily helpful as we move our work forward. We hope you will find our PD day applicable and relevant. In it, you will find student-focused and adult-focused options, including, English Learner support, engagement with a lens on Trauma-Informed Care, and more. Click here for the October 12, 2020 Professional Development and Collaboration Day Agenda.
In addition, I am happy to report our district's DLT will reconvene at the end of this month and include representative members from each school site and each grade level. It is a goal that this team includes your voices through input and inquiry cycles in efforts to increase transparency, support, new understanding, and collective efficacy.
Training of newly purchased instructional materials for SEPUP at the middle school level has begun, and National Geographic at the middle school level is now underway. FOSS instructional materials at the elementary level will be the next planned new materials training to be planned and will be led by members of our science teams, with attention to possible implications of virtual learning. Excitedly, instructional materials intended for use by English Learners and EL Specialists through Imagine Learning, a digital environment, are being purchased across the district currently, and will include EL team training through ILE.
It has also been the work of the Educational Services Department these past few months to meet various, but important state accountability requirements through a series of mandatory reports and plans. if you are interested in taking a look, please click the links below.
Learning Continuity and Attendance Plan
Multiphase Distance Learning Plan: Volume II
COVID 19 Operations Written Report
-----------------------------------------------
November/December Update
I am happy to report our district's DLT reconvened at the end of October. Our team includes representative members from each school site and each grade level. It is a goal that this team includes your voices through input and inquiry cycles in efforts to increase transparency, support, new understanding, and collective efficacy.
To these ends, our DLT meeting focused primarily on the current county health status and a shift to hybrid teaching and learning following the winter break. Our superintendent continued this discussion into additional staff and family forums, including another round of surveys for data gathering purposes. And while there is a long way to go, we are all making nice first steps with our middle school and elementary think tanks. Attached here is the SCCOE COVID 19 Guidance Document.
Our elementary report card sub-committee and ed-tech teams have also met to discuss adjustments to the mid-year report card. These adjustments were finalized on December 1st- Thank you team!
It was also great to see so many SUESD staff at the Pear Deck Trial training on the 5th of last month. Whether you attended this training or not you can join in on the district's trial. Additional links to training and tutorials are below. Enjoy!
I am also pleased to share a new link with all of you: BAY SCI Science Resources and PD for Teaching Science Virtually. It is a great new access point for promoting science in a Distance Learning Environment.
For those of you who do not know, at the request of our EL specialist and intervention team, we researched and have purchased ILE for our English Learners. ILE (Imagine Language & Literacy) is an adaptive learning solution that accelerates reading and language proficiency for students in grades PreKā6. Designed to supplement core literacy instruction, Imagine Language & Literacy provides instruction and practice in all four domains of literacyāreading, writing, listening, and speaking.
As you know our county's districts are transitioning to new Student Informations Systems (SIS). This process takes a lot of work- building the framework and foundations take a lot of time before we can even begin transitioning the data from our existing system to Infinite Campus (IC). Our transition team of Cory, Christina, George, and I have already met twice with IC to make this transition as successful as possible for all.
Also, on December 9, 2020 ā 3-4 p.m. You can learn about successful approaches to standards-based environmental literacy curriculum that reflects ongoing updates to Californiaās content frameworks. Explore a variety of proven professional learning and collaborative approaches that county offices of education and school districts have used to help teachers deliver solutions-oriented, integrated curriculum for in-person and distance learning formats. Click here to register.
There is another way to put your students' creativity to work in a new Seymour Center Engineering Design Challenge to solve two plastic pollution problems. This learning activity targets NGSS Engineering Design standard K-2-ETS1-2 but is easily adapted to other grade levels.
ā3-Act Tasks in Distance Learningā PD is being hosted by our county Math and Science Teachers K-8, Instructional Coaches on December 7, 3:30-4:45 PM via Zoom. 3-Act Tasks are whole-group tasks consisting of three distinct parts: Act One - an engaging and perplexing situation; Act Two - an informational and solution-seeking session; Act Three - a solution discussion and reveal. 3-Act Tasks are especially powerful at building student agency, ownership, and identity as ādoersā of math and science. Click here to register.
November was Novel Writing Month! Writing a novel is not just for adults. Check out NaNoWriMo for Young Writers. Kids stories matter!
SVMI is hosting āBuilding and Sustaining Community is a Mathmateically Powerful Virtual Classroomā Participants will deepen their understanding of the Five Dimensions of Mathematically Powerful Classrooms to create and nurture a classroom culture that fosters mathematics discourse to deepen conceptual understanding while integrating SVMI tools & resources. Each month the sessions will address content to support distance learning and share high-quality virtual lessons. Please RSVP at this link bit.ly/SVMIcalendar (Case Sensitive)
Small-Group Cohorts are up and running with the support of our terrific classified team! Seeing kids back on campus is a joy to see!
ELPAC assessments are now concluded. Our EL specialists have done an amazing job completing this important and daunting task. Thank you!
---------------------------------------------
January February Updates
Peardeck is now available to all SUESD teachers. If you have not yet begun your Peardeck journey, please let your site administrator know, and we can get you started! Thank you to the Peardeck Pilot Team for their meaningful feedback and engagement!
Thank you also to your teamsā collaboration and PD at the onset of our return to school in January! We hope the time set aside was helpful and worthwhile.
Now, for some new offeringsā¦.
This is a podcast from the Leading Equity Center. The speaker is Dr. Muhammed Khalifa. Check it out at this link: leading equity center. how to be a culturally responsive leader.
For more great Equity Podcasts click here.
Also, are you interested in a āFree Teachers College Reading/Writing Project Parent & Caregiver Workshopā?
Join expert Teachers College Reading and Writing Project staff at our upcoming workshop day for parents and caregivers of students in grades K-8. Learn more about ways to support your childās literacy education at home, what or how they are learning in school, how to best engage in home literacy projects, and more.
These days are typically 2-3 hours long, composed of a series of 15-minute small-group presentations. Parents and caregivers can choose the workshops that match their needs and are free to come for one workshop or many. Register here.
Are you interested in āDesigning for Literacy Development in the Hybrid Classroom Webinar Series from the CDEā? (See recorded webinars below.)
Session #1: Becoming Expert Readers and Writers (was on December 14, 2020, 3 to 4 p.m.)
Having a clear vision of what successful readers and writers do is essential to designing educational experiences to get them there. In this session, we will use the concept of an expert learner to craft a vision of what we are trying to achieve in our classroom. Use this session to set goals for your own practice and choose a place to start in supporting learners to become expert learners. Webinar recording available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgJU5phsIr8&feature=youtu.be.
Session #2: Accessibility in Hybrid Literacy (Was on January 11, 2021, 3 to 4 p.m.)
The first essential building block to an effective literacy approach is to consider the accessibility of the experience. Modeling and practicing tools to make language accessible will increase learnersā ability to focus on new learning. Use this session to experience tools and resources that make literacy instruction more accessible for all learners. Webinar recording available at https://youtu.be/lf5WEuPT3xk.
The COE will be sponsoring virtual parent nights to support families. The Goal: Inspire and support parents to see that learning can happen anytime, anywhere. Februaryās parent night will be focused on math. A Spanish interpreter will be present. February 22, 2021 from 6:00-7:15 pm
More about the SCCOE Parent Series can be found here. Pass along to your families.
Lessons and Resources About Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement Beyond āI have a dream.ā Many of the resources are also featured on the Zinn Education Project website. Civil Rights Teaching
Four sessions, led by SEALto support teachers in designing responsive ELD lessons that build upon studentsā knowledge across the disciplines. Teachers will expand their understanding of backward planning to identify English Learnersā strengths and needs to provide targeted language instruction using language functions, graphic organizers, differentiated frames, language transfer strategies, and formative assessment strategies to ensure students to effectively engage with complex texts and tasks. Our team started their work with EL Rise on January 13! More information here.
A new video series from CDE shows paired Designated and Integrated ELD classroom instruction at different grade spans and in ELA, math and science. Includes an administrators guide to support use for professional learning. A webinar series on the videos will also be offered beginning January 19. Link to Webinar Series Info Here.
Would you like to explore an integrated approach to teaching environmental literacy? Did you know that the Science and History-Social Science Frameworks overlap? Do you want to empower your students to connect with community partners and take civic action for climate justice? January 21 and February 18--two virtual sessions on environmental literacy and climate justice put on in partnership with Region 5ās History-Social Science Content, Literacy, Inquiry, and Citizenship (CLIC) Projectās Community of Practice. All are welcome including K-16 educators, administrators, paraprofessionals. Register here. Learn More Here
January 26 or January 28, 3:30-5:30 on Zoom. High quality math-focused Professional Development, open to all educators in Santa Cruz County. Sign up ASAP for the grade band that interests you: TK-1, Gr 2-3, Gr 4-5, Middle School, High School
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond recently announced the release of the new CDE publication, Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students. The publication is designed to support local educational agencies (LEAs) to implement the English Learner Roadmap Policy in schools and improve instruction for both English learners and other students learning multiple languages. The CDE Multilingual Support Division led the development of this publication with assistance from well-known and respected experts within their fields. The publication demonstrates how LEAs have implemented research-based practices that positively impact multilingual and English learner students as it relates to social emotional learning, early learning and care, integrated and designated English language development, multilingual education, systems improvement, teacher development, and parent engagement. Guide Improving Education for Multi-lingual and English Learners (pdf)
Want to connect your students to marine science, exploration, and engineering? Experience five new virtual programs for grades 2nd-12th. Programs can be live (synchronous) or pre-recorded, (asynchronous). More info here.
Back Pocket Learning is a searchable collection of simple, nature and garden-related activities that work well in a remote learning context. Many activities have videos to show students, with some videos available in Spanish as well as English. Lifelab.org
Our Student Services Teams have been administering special education assessments for several weeks now, and have done an amazing job!
As we move toward different color levels in our county, please know that in all of this uncertainty is you- an awesome educator! You are deeply appreciated!
March - May 2021 Updates
As you are likely aware, CAASPP and ELPAC are still "on the table" at this point, though there has been some discussion about pushing out the timeline, using local data, and that data sufficiency. I will provide updates as they come through.
Re-opening teams have met at each level to refine the re-opening plans. We hope that some of the recent FaQs, especially at the elementary level, have been helpful. We do expect plans to evolve as we learn through the process of bringing more children back to school.
This is LCAP time again, yet in such a different year, stakeholder engagement, data dives, and goal-setting may look a little different than in years past. If you are interested in participating in the LCAP planning, please let me know by emailing me by March 15th.
Summer school planning is also underway. Our first planning team met at the end of February, and will continue to meet and plan through May. If you want to join our team, but have not yet inquired, we'd love to add you. Please let me know, by email, if you are interested.
An EL Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) Pilot is coming soon to NBMS! Our team will keep you posted in the upcoming newsletter!
Now, for good PDs, resources, etc....
Free Materials
Need help finding books to put into the hands of readers? Check out these resources and bring print and online books to qualifying schools and students. NEA- Support Your Readers: Free Resources
Learn It: Quick Modules to Improve Practice series
Suggested Audience: K-3 teachers, reading specialists, RTI coordinators
This set of modules offered by the LA COE focuses on teaching the 6 syllable types in early reading instruction, K-3. Click here to access all modules.
Want to build community in a socially distanced classroom? Click here for "Quick Tips" from the SC COE.
The 14th Annual STEAM Conference from UCSCās Monterey Bay Area Mathematics Project & Monterey Bay Science Project is March 6th!
Interactive Virtual Math and Science Conference-click the EVENT INFORMATION button below to view session descriptions and presenter bios. A range of dynamic, fun and interactive sessions focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. FREE Conference. 1 Unit from UOP available for $80.
Saturday, March 6, 2021- 9:00 am to 3:30 pm -> Registration link here.
New Distance Learning Lessons Are Available from Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History!
Museum Exhibit Lessons (2nd grade)
Over the course of three lessons, students deepen their observation-making abilities, learn about how to properly collect natural specimens, and create their own miniature museum exhibit. This project-based sequence will teach students how to interpret their findings and distinguish natural objects from one another based on their physical properties.
Nature Detectives Lesson Sequence (4th grade)
This four-part lesson sequence centers around the natural history of Pogonip open space, and how humans have used resources and affected the area throughout history, from Indigenous times to the present day. Students make observations, share predictions, and learn about how animals and plants can be affected by the actions of people. Go to the Learn More link to access lessons and information. Click here to access lessons.
Visit Farm Discovery Virtual Field Trip and Distance Learning Support Programs!
Classes visit the farm virtually to meet animals, explore many different fruits and vegetables, and participate in a 5E lesson sequence about omnivores. Activities include observing chickens through video, making your own food web and doing an omnivore kitchen hunt.
ā¢ For more information contact Lucie at education@farmdiscovery.org or Click here to access their webpage.
Science and Environmental Literacy Teacher Collaborative: Santa Cruz County Office of Education hosts this monthly virtual gathering the first Thursday of each month from 4pm - 5pm. All teachers and community-based environmental education partners are welcome. Topics will be completely driven by participantsā current needs, ideas, and concerns around science and environmental literacy.
Talking About Race, Privilege, Gender and Sexual Orientation in the Elementary Classroom (FREE Pre-Conference Session) on March 4th.
Teachers want to teach about race, gender, privilege and sexual orientation, but are not sure how to do so. This diverse panel representing African American, Japanese, LatinX, LGBTQ and Muslim cultures will share their personal stories and then, strategies to apply in teaching in the elementary school classroom. Presented by Rob Darrow. See information here.
The California Math Framework
The California Math Framework is being revised, and educators are invited to preview and comment on all chapters. Dig in and Discuss the Revised Framework with Santa Cruz County Educators: Wed. March 3, 4:00-5:15 Register HERE. The Santa Clara COE is offering Framework Fireside Chats by chapter, and all are invited
The Monterey Bay World Language Project: Powerful Assessment Practices Training is Here!
A three-session training on Powerful Assessment Practices: Feedback and Grading that Fosters Student Investment. This training will explore key insights into how to effectively and efficiently engage formative feedback practices., explore grading and reporting practices that focus on communicating learning and fostering hope and efficacy and tie assessment evidence to standards to increase the quality and validity of grades.
Click here to access the flyer.
Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students: From Research to Practice (Publication and Webinar Series)
A new CDE publication, Improving Education for Multilingual and English Learner Students: Research to Practice. The webinar series is designed to engage the field and support educators in incorporating the publication in professional learning settings. Accompanying webinars for each chapter with chapter authors presenting. Click here for webinar links.
Formative Assessment
The CDE has added formative assessment lessons for grade K-5 to the Tools for Teachers. Learn more here.
Tools to Support Science Distance Learning
The CISC Science subcommittee has developed a suite of tools to support science distance learning. The tools focus on supporting families, instruction, and professional development to implement the NGSS in a distance learning environment. Click here to access flyer with embedded resources!
Cal Water H2O Challenge's Classroom Challenge is a project-based, environmentally-focused competition for classrooms, grades 4-6. Brought to you in conjunction with DoGoodery, the WestEd K-12 Alliance, and Cal Water, and in partnership with the California Association of Science Educators, the Classroom Challenge is aligned with Common Core State Standards and complementary to the Next Generation Science Standards. Click here to access challenge details.
Explore Google Arts & Culture Art as Activism.
Explore this website for lots of resources for the Arts and Art as Activism.
Arts Council Santa Cruz: Virtual Classroom in All Art Forms
Click here for Arts at Home Resources!
--------------------------------------------------------------
Greetings and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
We are happy to see our students, staff, and families returning to our amazing schools this year. And it's wonderful to see some new faces too. Two of whom I have had the honor of spending some time with over the past few weeks are our new site leaders, Carlo Albano and Nicole Killian. They are smart, passionate, and caring- which is perfect for the new roles they are entering here at SUESD, respectively at Santa Cruz Gardens and Main Street.
Also during the spring and summer months, Ed Services, teacher leaders, and site administrators worked on a variety of projects to support teaching and learning here in our amazing district. All projects were intentionally designed to create even stronger systems of articulation and practical support. Some of these projects included an Elementary Foundational Literacy Plan- Phase I, a Social Studies Bridge Plan, an Elementary Grades Physical Education Support Program Acquisition, a middle school adjustment to the assessment matrix, and a Middle School Math-focused solution, inclusive of curriculum and training. Over the course of the summer months, we continued this work by engaging in professional learning and planning. Professional learning and planning will continue to spiral and build throughout the year- and beyond.
A link to each draft plan can be found below.
Elementary Foundational Literacy Plan- Phase I (also, you can click HERE for all free UFLI decodables.)
Elementary Grades Physical Education Support Program Acquisition
Middle School Math-focused PILOT solution, inclusive of curriculum and training
If you want to explore CA's new math framework, check out these
Slides and Recordings. You can also review the Chapters of the Mathematics Framework here.
In addition, a multi-school MTSS team met in Anaheim for the CA MTSS Conference. It was an amazing experience in and out of the sessions. One I really connected with was about nature imagery and patterns improving attention and memory. Even passive exposure to nature ā like looking at photographs of natural imagery ā can improve studentsā attention and memory. When students are indoors, a whole host of visual stimuli draws their attention, which fatigues the brain and can lead to distraction. Natural imagery, on the other hand, allows the brain to recharge. Having access to these mini brain-breaks improves studentsā ability to focus and learn. Some classrooms can also offer nature-themed calming spaces, where students can go to de-stress before returning to the classroom.
Linked here are some more of the conference topics. Enjoy!
Thank you for all you do, and we look forward to a great year to come!
I hope the resources shared are of interest to you or a member of your team. If you find something you like, pass it along.
Thank you for all you do!
Student, family, and teacher conferences are all underway, and we hope they are both positive and productive. From there we will slide into our 10/9 professional learning day, which has been designed with full group, choice, collaboration, and planning sessions. October holds so much in store. Take a look!
Here is a lesson plan for teaching about the important "how" and "why" of Land Acknowledgment. The ground we stand on has a true story, and we can let it be heard.
If you are interested in childrenās booklists, you can click here to connect to #ownvoices. The #ownvoices movement calls for more books that are about marginalized people to be written by authors who share that same identity. Reading #ownvoices childrenās books about American Indians and First Nations peoples is critical. Why? For one, too often non-Native voices have perpetuated inaccurate information and racist stereotypes. At #ownvoices youāll find everything from stories about kids just being kids, to folktale re-tellings, to stories of resistance against injustice.
Would you like to know more about the Impact of Words and Tips for Using Appropriate Terminology: Am I Using the Right Word? Access a great resource to help further this conversation HERE.
Last, here is a resource that I really like. It is called essential understandings. It is a framework that offers new possibilities for creating student learning experiences. Building on the ten themes of the National Council for Social Studies' national curriculum standards, the NMAI's Essential Understandings reveal key concepts about the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary lives of Native Peoples. These concepts reflect a multitude of untold stories about American Indians that can deepen and expand your teaching of history, geography, civics, economics, science, engineering, and other subject areas.
As you also know October is National Anti-bullying Month. There are a variety of amazing resources, however below is a link to some local resources we think you will love!
Safe Schools Project- Resources on Bullying Through this link you will find:
- Inclusive Sex Education: A Comprehensive Sex Education Guide for Teachers
- LGBT History Curriculum Guide: 11th Grade
- LGBT History Curriculum Guide: 8th Grade
- Guide for Starting the Conversation / LGBTQ Cultural Proficiency
- LGBTQ Cultural Proficiency Assessment
- Guide for Teachers: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students, A Primer
- Inclusive Language to Use
- Policies and Practices for Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
- LGBTQ+ School Climate Index for Schools
- Safe Schools Project Quick History Lessons for LGBTQ+ Student Clubs
- Other resources (websites, lesson plans, podcasts, books, etc.)
Look for more resources to learn about LGBTQ+ history on the SCCPL website Kids Page.
October is Latin American Heritage Month. The link HERE will take you to book lists and libraries recommended by the Santa Cruz County Libraries. Please take a moment to review these amazing biographies, picture books, non-fiction, and more! In addition, the National Hispanic Heritage Museum has created a host of resources for educators. You can click HERE to access them.
Do you want to know who our local environmental literacy partner agencies are? If so, click HERE.
Happy Fall!
World Kindness Day is an annual event that encourages individuals to practice kindness in their daily lives. It highlights the importance of empathy, understanding, and cooperation to create a more harmonious and caring world.
When is World Kindness Day 2023?
World Kindness Day is observed on November 13th each year. In 2023, it falls on a Monday, providing an opportunity for people to start their week with acts of kindness and goodwill.
How to Participate in World Kindness Day 2023?
Participating in World Kindness Day is a simple yet impactful way to make a positive difference in the world. Here are ways to get involved:
- *Perform Acts of Kindness: Throughout the day, consciously perform acts of kindness, such as helping a neighbor, complimenting a colleague, or donating to a charity.
- *Spread Positivity: Share uplifting and positive messages on social media to inspire others to be kind and compassionate.
- *Volunteer: Offer your time to volunteer for a local charity or nonprofit organization that aligns with your values.
- *Donate: Donate to a charitable cause that you believe in, whether itās for humanitarian aid, education, or healthcare.
- *Teach Kindness: Educate children and young people about the importance of kindness and empathy through storytelling or classroom activities.
- *Random Acts of Kindness: Surprise someone with a random act of kindness, such as buying a strangerās coffee or leaving an encouraging note for a friend.
Unite Against Hate
The COE has distributed a United Against Hate school toolkit containing local events, resources, and activities. These events take place throughout the week, from film screenings to workshops and panels (also available in Spanish here) . Dr. Sabbah also wants to highlight one resource in particular: a booklet of resources for survivors of hate and bias incidents, available in English and Spanish.
Greater Good in Education has created a comprehensive collection of scienceābased practices for integrating socialāemotional learning, mindfulness, and character education into the DNA of classrooms and schools. To get started, create a free account using the information immediately below.
Register as a "CA SEL user " with Greater Good in Education to access six relevant topics and dozens of turnkey SEL modules for adults and students.
One of the commitments of the Santa Cruz County Office of Education is to enable well-informed decision-making in support of education for the county. Compiling, analyzing, and disseminating data products is critical for such a commitment. Through this portal, the Santa Cruz COE is communicating the results of internal data analysis and providing the tools that school districts and the community can use to explore education-related data sets, expand or start new analyses, and ultimately transform data into intelligent decision-making. CLICK HERE to access this portal.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving in November, itās important to take time to celebrate the diversity, history, and culture of Native Americans/Indigenous Peoples. As with many holidays and/or observances, we understand they represent something very different to each person, and these resources are gathered to help educators with tools and resources to support students and young people to better understand those differences.
We are committed to eliminating the boundaries that may be holding some students back, and continuing our work to raise expectations and outcomes for Native American and Indigenous students.
Native American history is American history. By recognizing the contributions of those who first inhabited this land, we can learn lessons not only about the past but also about how much promise lies before us. This is especially important for our students, who have consistently shared their desire to see a positive representation of contributions from people of all backgrounds.
The following resources can support educators in accessing culturally relevant and respectful learning experiences in the classroom. These resources are vetted to support educators and administrators to learn about Thanksgiving and can be used throughout the year to create spaces that are inclusive, respectful, and honor Indigenous Peoples.
Also, we are about to convene our stewardship leader team just following the fall break, if you are still interested, please let me know. In addition, our calendar committee has recently met and is working on calendar options for 2024-2025, and if we are able, perhaps 2025-2026. Last our upper-grade literacy team and TK/K teams were formed, with the K team meeting already once a few weeks ago.
As we look forward to a lovely fall, may you be well!