Curriculum Updates
February 2024
Check out our Paraprofessional Learning Depot! Topics include:
🎯What are the disabilities?
🎯What does an IEP look like?
🎯Why are we teaching math this way?
🎯Assisting students struggling with math
🎯Why are we teaching reading this way?
🎯Strategies to assist struggling readers.
🎯Increasing positive behavior in the classroom.
🎯Avoiding power struggles
🎯Technology basics: Google and Word
🎯Reinforcement for Better Behavior
🎯Job Coaching
🎯Community Based Instruction
This is a FREE depot! You must use a google account to access. Upon completion of a session, you will automatically receive a certificate of completion!
Students are not to use any electronics other than handheld calculators which comply with the PA Calculator Policy during PSSA Mathematics, PSSA Science, Keystone Algebra I or Keystone Biology Exams. Students may not use Chromebooks, iPads, cell phones or other devices with the DESMOS app as a calculator or use the web version of DESMOS even in test mode, during paper and pencil administered testing. The DESMOS calculator is embedded in the online PSSA and Keystone exam, and if testing online, students will have access to the DESMOS test mode calculator. If school staff members want to have students use the DESMOS calculator, a solution would be to change to online administration. Students testing online may also use a handheld calculator which complies with the PA Calculator Policy.
Questions: Contact Megan Clementi @ PDE mclementi@pa.gov
How do we participate?
Event submissions are open! In order to submit your event, head to our Event Submission Page and share details with us about the event (timing, address, short description, accessibility, etc).
Events (in-person or virtual) are themed with one or more of the following topics: arts, makers, outdoor learning, science, math, technology, youth voice, and professional development.
With the festival being held in May, many organizations use these events as opportunities to showcase work from the school year, highlight opportunities for youth during the summer or year, or engage parents and family alongside their children.
The Soft Skills Challenge will take place between 8:30 am - 1:30 pm at locations along Philadelphia Street in Indiana, PA on each of the following dates: April 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, and 24.
Schools will be assigned a date and a limit on the number of students they may bring so that we can offer this opportunity to all schools. The schedule, challenges, and details will look similar to 2023; however, we’ve made some changes based on last year’s feedback.
Businesses make staff available for the Soft Skills Challenge and we want to honor their commitment by avoiding last minute schedule changes due to high rates of absenteeism; therefore, we encourage schools to make this an optional event OR a class assignment for juniors or seniors.
Please confirm your scheduled date and an estimate of the number of teams (8-10 students per team) you think you will send with Stacie Isenberg, sisenberg@iu28.org by March 18, 2024.
ARIN supports the implementation of the Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (PA STEELS Standards) by providing assistance for building curriculum, instruction, and assessment capacity.
Please click here for details on upcoming trainings and supports for the STEELS Standards.
Science
Chapter 4 updates:
2023-2024: 4th & 8th grade will take PSSAs with current standards
2024-2025: 5th & 8th grade will take PSSAs with field test items (will not "count")
2025-2026: 5th & 8th grade PSSAs with STEELS standards (live)
Biology Keystones: field test items Spring 2025
Download the document below for fall/winter state assessment updates.
Ready, Set. Go!
Whether your school was designated, or you just want to learn more about school improvement, check out these great resources!
Chapter 49 Updates
- Structured Literacy training
- Professional Ethics Training
- If you are interested in the self-paced ARIN Curriculum Department Professional Ethics training, please contact Susan Griffith.
2 Year Induction Plan- Implementation 2024-2025 SY
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!
The newest edition of “The CP Tip Jar” newsletter has been released. 🚩🚩Click here to access the most current Comprehensive Planning/FRCPP information.
Our new professional learning site houses the menu of options for professional learning and development! Check it out: https://bit.ly/IU28PL
Our intent is to make learning meaningful, accessible and engaging for all adult learners. We look forward to working with you and your teams in the 2023-2024 School Year!
