Step Up For Students: Success Stories 
Success Stories shares good news and recognizes continuous improvement in relationships with families, teachers and administrators.
Volume 6 Issue 5      December 2017 
December Inspirational from Dr. Scott Beck
A Living or a Life?
Are you focused on what you may get from others over the coming weeks or are you thinking about what you can give those around you? Let’s make a life by the influence we have and the needs we are able to meet this December!
  
Florida Commission on the Status of Women announces
Essay Contest for students in grades 6-8
Deadline extended thru January 12, 2018
The Commission invites students to participate in order to gain a more relevant appreciation of women’s roles in history.
“Celebrating women’s history presents the opportunity to honor and recount stories of our female leaders’ talents, sacrifices, and commitments and inspires today’s generations,” says Essay Contest Chair Commissioner Elena Spottswood. “Learning about our past allows us to build our future. This essay is designed to inspire the future leaders of our state and to help them learn about our government.”

Winning essayists will be awarded prizes and recognized at a special ceremony at the 5th Annual Women’s Legislative Summit to be held at the Capitol in Tallahassee in February 2018. All winners’ names will be released to the media and published on the Commission’s website.
11 Talking Points for Teachers Preparing Students for the winter MAP Test
As school gets back underway and students get into their groove, teachers begin to think about winter testing. Many schools administer the  Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®)  K – 12 interim assessment around this time of year to gather information on student learning that gives them the data needed to make informed instructional decisions. Getting students ready for the MAP test is not difficult, but there are some steps teachers can take to prepare them for the assessment. Here are some valuable discussion points:
My First Trip to Personalization Town - An Adventure in Personalized Learning
Last year, I embarked on my first trip to Personalization Town. Personalized learning is a hot topic in education right now, and as a person who likes to try new things, I attempted to implement the teaching method with my 5th graders. In doing so, both my students and I learned how to be flexible, manage our time, and prioritize. What exactly does this mean?
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
FREE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES IN DECEMBER & JANUARY
Facilitated by Step Up For Students Office of Student Learning Staff throughout the state of Florida
  • Differentiated Instruction 1.1: Building an Understanding
  • Differentiated Instruction 1.2: Practical Assessments & Resources
  • Effective Instruction 1.1: Engaging Routines in the Classroom
  • Effective Instruction 1.2: Exploring & Explaining Lesson Content
  • Using Khan Academy with your Students ( webinar - any curriculum or assessment)
  • CPALMS (webinar) How to Effectively Implement Florida State Standards
  • Teaching & Learning Exchange (webinar) Learn more about our Student Information System
  • Every Child Needs a Parent-Teacher Partner: Developing a Culture of Parental Collaboration 1.1
"I Am Mindful" - Sparking Self-Acceptance in the Classroom
Students rarely slow down during the day. When they do, it allows them to turn inward and embrace themselves exactly as they are. Dylan, a high school freshman, shares his experience learning mindfulness meditation.
“I Am Mindful” was filmed at Gateway High School in San Francisco.
Calmer atmosphere
Students begin the day with a few minutes of mindfulness to help them relax and better concentrate on their work.
BY COLLEEN WRIGHT
Times Staff Writer



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