Curriculum Connections
ESC Region 12 General Education Department, 
May 2018

The latest news in curriculum, instruction and assessment
In This Issue
Upcoming Sessions: Click to Register
Upcoming Dates and Deadlines
for April and May 2018.
SCHOLAR Resource!
Check out the Secondary Counselor Handbook of Online Listing and Resources for CCRS Information, Graduation Plan Information and MORE!  Visit our website!
HB5 Information
Visit our Website!
Social Media Links!
MATH

ELA/R
Facebook: ESC Region 12 ELAR
Twitter: @Region12ELAR

Social Studies
Twitter:  @Region12_SS

Early Childhood Education
Twitter: @Region12_ECE

Curriculum Connections
Twitter: @Region12_CC

Gifted and Talented
Twitter:

General Education Websites!







On-site Professional Development
News & Updates
From the Director
'"Designate time to what you want."  If teachers want a stronger classroom community, they need to use instructional time to build it. If leaders want more collaboration, they must allot time in the master schedule.
Edutopia; School Leadership
Mary Davenport

While the article penned by Davenport speaks to the idea that if one wants strong school culture, you "designate time to what you want", this idea transcends our professional lives and speaks to our personal ones as well. As you anticipate the summer months, we'd encourage you to "designate time to what you want" both professionally and personally.

For our General Education team, professionally, we designate time to studying and designing learning experiences. We are excited about our offerings this summer both here at the Region Center and in your districts and we look forward to leading learning and learning alongside those we serve.

We wish you a wonderful close to the school year and look forward to seeing you all throughout the summer, as together, we engage in learning and conversations that benefit our students.

See You Soon.

Tammy Becker
Director
General Education Services
Save the dates for 2018-2109 Instructional Leadership Symposium, formerly know as Curriculum Council.

Curriculum Council will now be known as Instructional Leadership Symposium. This new name and format will bring together curriculum leaders and district/campus administrators for a single meeting that provides updates, breakouts, opportunities for team and collobarative conversations, and brunch. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and grow your team with the latest news and best practices within Region 12 and across the state. The TEKS Resource System updates will now be a breakout session within Instructional Leadership Symposium.

Instructional Leadership Symposium Dates and Session Numbers:
October 17 | 9 am - 1 pm |  Session #148403
November 28 | 9 am - 1 pm |  Session #148404
February 13 | 9 am - 1 pm |  Session #148405
April 3 | 9 am - 1 pm | Session #148406
Articles and TED-ED talks of Interest...
Kids Explaining Math Thinking
How Kids Benefit by Learning How to Explain their Math Thinking, by Katrina Schwartz in Mindshift, March 2017.

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Teacher Resilience
12 Ways Teachers can Build their own Resilience by Jennifer Gonzalez in Cult of Pedogagy Blog, May 2018.

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Assessment
10 Principles for Building a High-Quality System of Assessments by Kathryn Young, Lexi Barrett, and Rebecca E. Wolfe in a Jobs for the Future publication, February 2018.

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Emotions and Learning - Brain Science
Ed-Talk: Learning with an Emotional Brain by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, University of Southern California, February 2016.
Powerful evidence for relevant learning!
Fact Sheet

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Did you know you can search our on-line catalog by T-TESS dimension?
Did you know that you can filter sessions in our online catalog based on T-TESS or T-PESS dimensions? If you are a teacher or administrator this feature can help you target sessions for yourself or your teachers. Click the image above ( or this LINK) to access the video that will walk your through the steps to use the T-TESS or T-PESS filter in our online catalog of sessions.
Blended Learning? What's that?
Blended learning is an education program that blends online and face to face learning opportunities. The learner has choice and some control over time, path, pace, and place. As we shift to more student centered learning, blended learning opportunities give students more voice and choice. 
As a result of this shift, our sessions here at Region 12 are reflecting this transition as well. We're excited about the opportunity to extend our sessions into the classroom as teachers try out strategies and methods then meet back through online webinars, PLCs, or zoom meetings to reflect and share both successes and challenges. Join us as we learn together!
General Education 2018 Summer Brochure
Join us for summer professional development at ESC Region 12! General Education Summer Brochure

In Case You Missed It: TEA Updates 

The following are links to correspondence from TEA regarding or impacting curriculum, 
instruction and assessment.
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Don't Miss our Statewide Initiatives Page
Click the image above to access this page.

This page on our website provides information and links for the following:
  • Texas Virtual School Network
  • A-F Accountability Resources
  • SCHOLAR - School Counselor Handbook Online Listing and Resources
  • Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
  • Individual Graduation Committees (IGC)
  • TEA Strategic Priorities
  • Legal Framework
  • Foster Care and Student Success
  • House Bill 5
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Recently Updated/Published Documents
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ELAR/SLAR
  • K-8 ELA/R SLAR TEKS are scheduled for implementation in 2019-2020.
  • High School ELA/R SLAR TEKS are scheduled for implementation in 2020-2021
  • New Vertical Alignment documents can be found at this LINK.
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Math
  • In 2015, the TEA published Supporting Information Documents for each grade level in math shortly after the math TEKS were implemented. These documents offer additional information regarding the standards as drawn from the Side-by-Side TEKS Comparison documents, frequently asked questions, and teachers. The documents, first posted in 2015, have been updated multiple times since they were posted. Please make sure your teachers are checking the website for the most recent document and changes. 
  • The Supporting Information Documents can be found on the Texas Gateway.
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Science
  • Effective Date for streamlined Science TEKS: August 27, 2018
  • Implementation Date: 2018-2019 school year
  • The language of the streamlined Science TEKS should be available at the link provided. 
    • Look for Text of Adopted New 19 TAC Chapter 112, Subchapters A, B, and C
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Social Studies
Legislative Bills of Interest:
  • HB 297 - Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - January 9 is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day which may be observed in public schools and other places.
  • SB 30 - Relating to inclusion of instruction regarding interaction with peace officers in the required curriculum for certain public school students and in driver education courses and to civilian interaction training for peace officers.
  • SB 1901 - Relating to Texas Military Heroes Day in public schools.
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Stay in the know with TEA email updates

To sign up for TEA updates or to access your subscriber preferences, please visit this  SITE  and enter your contact information. About 60 different topic-specific subscriptions are available.
Campus and District Support Sessions
Save the Dates for our Lead4ward Instructional Leadership Series and our Refining Classroom Practice Teacher Leader Series!
Mark your calendar for our Lead4ward learning series for instructional leaders. Don't miss these dynamic sessions that will help you and your campus team approach 2017-2018 with data, ideas, and strategies for improving student achievement. This series is designed for campus leadership teams to attend and implement at the campus level.

Data: Analysis to Action
July 30 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148452 | $175

*Planning Instruction
Sept. 12 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148449 | $175

*Intentional Intervention
Nov. 7 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148450 | $175

*Rockin' Review
Jan. 16 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148453 | $175



This teacher leader series aligns to the Lead4ward Leadership Series and is designed to function as a TOT, to be taken back and shared with other teachers on campus.

Planning for Maximum Effect
Oct. 25 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148437 | $90

Formative Assessment and Small Group Instruction
Nov. 29 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148441 | $90

Active Learning
Feb. 21 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148445 | $90
John Wink: From Rigor to Vigor
Don't Miss this Session!
Learning at high levels is dependent on two things, the teacher's content knowledge and expertise and his/her ability to transfer that knowledge and expertise over to the students with highly engaging instruction. In this training, participants will learn how transform rigorous intentions into vigorous learning. Participants will understand the importance of developing content knowledge and expertise and use it to inspire students to own their learning using the following skills that the very best teachers possess:
Participants will learn how to deconstruct their essential skills from a vertical perspective and use that knowledge to transfer their knowledge and expertise to every student. Additionally this content is aligned to the Distinguished Teacher Rubric under T-TESS.

July 27 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148288 | Cost: $100
Enhanced Curriculum Co-op attends for $50
Location: ESC Region 12 Waco


Full Implementation of Student Growth is required in 2018-2019 for all T-TESS evaluated teachers. 
Are you R eady?
Every teacher being appraised under T-TESS must show evidence of student growth in 2018-2019.  Student growth measures how much a student progresses academically during his or her time with a particular teacher. Many districts are piloting student growth this year, but it is a required component of T-TESS beginning next year. 

The Texas Education Agency has developed a training for Student Learning Objectives, one way to measure student growth. Student Learning Objectives can also be a precursor to portfolios and district pre- and post-tests by helping teachers narrow their focus on the skills to target and monitor for student growth.

Teachers will then set growth targets, and monitor students' progress throughout the course to ensure that the instructional plans for students are effectively moving them toward their targeted skill level, making adjustments to pedagogy when necessary.

The Student Learning Objectives training has all the forms, tools, training resources, and rubrics that you will need to get started on your campuses. Plan now to train your principals, administrators, and teachers this spring and/or summer.
Administrator and Teacher Leader Training Sessions:

Spring Sessions:
April 23 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Session #145154
May 29 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |Session #145155

Summer Sessions:
June 22 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Session #144949
July 27 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Session #144950
Active Learning Institute Student Engagement Network (Alisen)
Active Learning Institute Student Engagement Network  (ALISEN) provides professional development to support  successful instruction in active learning environments. 
All ALISEN sessions 
will be held at our Learning Experience Laboratories (LEx Lab) location at the BRIC.
Sessions:
Engaging Learners: Balanced Assessment and Backwards Design Part 2 (6 Hour)
May 16 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session # 126330

Profiling Engaged Learning - Using Data for Changing Instruction and Achievement (7 hour)
May 22 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm | Session # 125188

TEKS Resource System Training for Administrators and Teachers

Watch the video by clicking the image or using your camera.

TEKS Resource System Overview/Reboot for
Administrators and Teacher Leaders:
This session will provide an overview of the TEKS Resource System. Discussions will include a brief glimpse into the TEKS Resource System's design process, a preview of the system's curriculum and assessment components, and an explanation of the interconnections between these components 
June 11 | 9:00 am - 11:30  am | Session #144959
July 20 | 9:00 am - 11:30 am | 

Customizing Your District YAG and/or IFD
May 22 | 9 am - 12 pm | Session #149653

TEKS Resource System 101: Foundation Training for Teachers
June 12 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Sessions #144954
July 19| 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | Sessions #144956

General Education Session Spotlights
transformED Conferences: Sparking a Passion for Modern Learning
Don't miss the opportunity to to experience modern learning approaches at our transformEd Conference this summer. Presenters are classroom teachers and specialists from across Region 12. The TransformED conference is intended to encourage educators to get inspired, get informed, get connected, and take action by shining a light on modern learning practices. Throughout the conference, educators will engage in meaningful experiences while exploring ways to engage today's learners. Join us for this innovative conference as we collaborate to find new ways to transform your classroom. Register today!

Prekindergarten
June 19 | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Session #143288

Elementary
June 20-21 |  8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Session #124590
Keynote: Matt Miller

Secondary 
June 14-15 |  8:30 am - 4:00 pm | Session #124587

Click the link below to learn more, register, submit a proposal to present, or learn about discount pricing!


TexQuest Mini-Conference
Click the image above
to visit our website.

During this mini-conference, participants will have the opportunity to attend targeted sessions with representatives from Britannica, Gale, ProQuest SIRS Discoverer, EBSCO eBooks, and TeachingBooks.net to see firsthand how these resources can be used in the classroom. Opportunities to share best practices with other users and team up to start planning your implementation will be offered. Learn how you can use these tools to transform academics on your campus!

June 25 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #143134
Economics Professional Development and Unit Resources
Learn from University professors and researchers to gain curriculum units and strategies to bring economics and personal finance lesson plans alive in your classroom. Head back to your classroom better equipped with activities and lesson plans aligned to Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).  Don't miss these great sessions and resources written specifically for Texas teachers!

Economics activities and resources aligned to your TEKS:

June 11 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148733
Unit Topics: 
  • Trade
  • Development Economics: Why are some countries richer than others?
  • Are Sweatshops Good or Bad? (Opportunity Cost)
  • Culture and Trade

August 1 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #148734
Unit Topics: 
  • Paradox of Progress
  • Taxation and Public Finance
  • Morality of Markets
  • Labor Market Economics

STEM in Action Student Summer Camps, Ages 10-15
Join the fun as we investigate and gather data to make sense of our world. During each 5-day camp, teams of learners (ages 10-15) will collaborate in the selection of a topic of study, develop a testable question, collect and interpret relavant data, and produce results /conclusions for presentation to the community. Learners will also interact with university and industry scientists/engineers as well as community members to experience "jobs" related to STEM. Lunch is provided each day of the camp.

Microgravity
July 16-20 | 9 am - 1 pm | Session #148539 | $300
Aquatic Science
July 23-27 |  9 am - 1 pm | Session #148543 |  $300
Mocrogravity
July 30 - Aug. 3 | 9 am - 1 pm | Session #148545 | $300 

Making Sense of Science Instruction: Systems and Waves, Grades 5-12
sunrise_over_ocean.jpg
Systems and Waves
Guest Scientist: Dr. Jeff Back

Day 1: Systems Thinking
What is a system? What is a system model? Why do they matter? Which system do we interact with every day? Join the session and gain deeper understanding of system thinking. This event will be broken into two-days with separate topics
April 13 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #143407 | Cost: $90


Day 2: Application: Waves
What is a wave? What is a wave scientifically? Is there a difference? Forging a more in-depth connection to systems, this session focuses on properties of water, earth's water, interactions involving water in both earth science and chemistry, and how the particle nature of water is modeled.
April 14 | 9 am - 4 pm | Session #143410 | Cost: $90
 

Spring 2018 Flier Systems and Waves for Sessions above

Summer 2018 Flier Repeat of Systems and Waves
June 18-19

Summer 2018 Flier Systems and Geological Phenomena
August 9-10
G/T Summer Training
Don't miss getting yout G/T Basic 30 Hours or your 6 hour update at ESC Region 12 this summer. The theme of our G/T Conference for Summer 2018 is Portraits of Success. FLIER

G/T Basic 30 Hour Courses:
G/T Basic I - Nature and Needs of Gifed Learners
June 25, 2018 | Session #143395
July 16, 2018 | Session #143396

G/T Basic ll - Assessing Student Needs for Identificaton
June 26, 2018 | Session #143397
July 17, 2018 | Session #143398
G/T Basic III - Curriculum & Instructon for G/T Students:  Diļ¬€erentatng the Curriculum
June 27, 2018 | Session #143400
July 18, 2018 | Session #143399

G/T Basic IV - Curriculum & Instructon for G/T Students:  Creatve and Critcal Thinking
June 28, 2018 | Session #143401
July 19, 2018 | Session #143402

G/T Basic V - Curriculum & Instructon for G/T Students:  Depth and Complexity
June 29, 2018 | Session #143403
July 20, 2018 | Session #143404

For more informaton contact:
Denny Warren - [email protected] | 254-297-1161
Debbie Piscacek - [email protected] | 254-297-1142