Curriculum Updates
August 2026 Newsletter
Moved to October!
This free, one day conference is your one-stop-shop for PDE updates and current events in education. Leaders from IUs and PDE host various sessions on topics relevant and current. We would love to see you there! Pending Act 45 approval again this year.
Scribbles to Script
Lean on us to help your teachers learn how to teach cursive handwriting! Small or large group sessions available! Handwriting can be FUN!
Email kmonsour@iu28.org to hold your spot!
STEAM Lending Library 101: Borrow. Explore. Create.
Join us on September 11, 2026 for a hands-on introduction to ARIN’s STEAM Lending Library! Participants will explore low-tech, screen-free, and high-tech classroom resources—including maker tools, robotics, drones, circuits, Breakout EDU, and more—and leave with ideas for using these materials to support engaging, student-centered learning. This session is perfect for educators who want to try something new without having to purchase materials first.
Hybrid Design, Includes Alludo Membership, Book, and it's Act 45 Eligible!
We are excited to offer our 1st HYBRID Act 45 course using Alludo and one of our favorite books!
"AI can’t replace the human element of education. It can elevate it." (Tucker & Novak, 2024)
Registration: Registration Link (opens in new tab)
Cost: $350
Includes the book, Alludo for asynchronous component & light breakfast for 2 in-person dates
Date: In-person @ ARIN August 11 8:30a-10:30a & December 15 8:30a-10:30a (virtual office hours will be offered September 29, November 10 also from 8:30a-10:30a)
Financial Literacy
AP, IB, CTE, and Cambridge courses MAY NOW COUNT toward financial literacy as long as the requirements are met within the course.
Social Media Safety
Standards will include social media literacy and the impacts of social media.
BMI is NOT calculated in PE class
Only a health care professional may calculate BMI for students. BMI is not shared unless a parent requests in writing.
Eating Disorder Information for Families
AI-Generated Materials Included in Cyberbullying
Who Can Weigh a Student?
Truancy
Truant students may not transfer to a cyber school, unless deemed best interest by the court. After a 3rd unexcused absence, parent/guardians must be notified within 10 school days.
Next Year: 2027-2028 Recess
Recess must be provided to students K-5 starting 2027-2028. Recess for a full day of school shall be 30 minutes / Half Day requires 15 minutes.
For More Information
For more information, contact Susan Manz smanz@iu28.org
Structured Literacy- Making sense of Chapter 49 & Act 47
Chapter 49: Chapter 49 FAQs
Impacts: Anyone with the following teaching certifications- Elementary/Middle Level, ESL, Reading Specialist, Special Education, Early Childhood.
Requires: Structured literacy training that meets the SL guidelines every 3 years.
Act 47: Act 47 FAQs
Impacts: Anyone responsible for TEACHING/COACHING reading or SUPERVISING the teaching of reading, principals or chief school administrator.
Requires: Structured literacy training from the PDE approved list. This also can meet the criteria for Chapter 49 (but not vice versa).
PVAAS
Want a 1:1 Consult with the PVAAS Team? Click HERE to schedule!
Users can now select the focus for the consultation that best meets their goals or professional learning objectives.
Great Learning Opportunities Coming Up:
PVAAS Professional Learning Page
Digging Deeper Guides- these are a great resource for identifying root cause and diving deeper into your data! User friendly for all users!
Here are several links to resources to help build your understanding of this change:
- PVAAS Methodology Transition
- Changes in PA’s Assessment System: Impact on PVAAS
- PVAAS Methodologies (see pages 10-13 for predictive model information)
- eLearning – District/School Value-Added (view section on Predictive Methodology in menu)
Upcoming Webinars: Learn With Us
Summer is a great time to learn and reflect as you plan for the coming year. Consider engaging in these webinar options, both in the summer and during next school year, as you use data to inform your work. Visit our PDE PVAAS Professional Learning Webpage to register for these offerings and more:
Unlocking the Power of PVAAS Reports: A 101 Overview (Act 48 Eligible)
- October 12 – 12:30pm-2:30pm
Using PVAAS Teacher & Student Data to Plan Instruction (Act 48 Eligible)
- October 12 – 9:00am-11:00am
- November 3 – 12:30-2:30pm
Connect With Us for a 1:1 Data Conversation
We offer (at no cost) 1:1 PVAAS data virtual sessions for PA public LEA/district and school leaders: Reserve a Time!
Administrators may invite additional administrators and/or teachers to a session. If you are a teacher, please include your administrator in the session with you.
Click here to access the most current Comprehensive Planning/FRCPP information.
Need to know what Phase your LEA is in? Check it here: Comprehensive Planning Phase Designation List.pdf
