School of Thought
Improving the way we keep you updated on professional learning, alternative programs, partnerships, and resources.
S tay Connected
National Board Certification
Kane County Regional Office of Education is proud to announce that we will be a cohort host site for teachers pursuing National Board Certification during the 2019-2020 school year. This cohort will meet 12 times throughout the school year and is led by a trained National Board Certified Teacher who will guide teachers through the process at no cost. Teachers can earn 24 Professional Development clock hours as they complete their National Board components. The state offers a subsidy to pay for all fees associated with becoming a National Board Certified Teacher (there is a one-time $75 registration fee – this is the only cost a teacher will incur).

If you want to learn more about the National Board Certification process, here is a narrated presentation (turn your sound up – 15 minutes long): 2019-2020 NBPTS Awareness Presentation - Narrated

2019 Kane County Student Photography Contest Schedule - 1 MONTH AWAY!
We are less than one month away the 6th annual Kane County Photography Contest. The schedule has been finalized and we're putting the final touches on the Student Photography Exhibition to be held on December 11, 2019.

You can find the 2019 schedule here. View last years exhibition here. Please contact Matt Muntner at mmuntner@kaneroe.org with any questions.
AA#1805 - The Evolution of Education: Shifting from Traditional Classrooms to Personalized Learning
Participants will identify and evaluate what student-centered means in their own words and in the context of their particular school environment. We will assess and analyze current instructional practices and determine which practices are truly impacting student achievement compared to those simply brought forth through traditional pedagogy. Analyzing and evaluating research-based best practice versus student-centered instruction and personalized learning to answer the ‘why’ behind why this shift is necessary and compare and contrast technological tools that support personalized learning.

The Progress Report: Student First Language
This week's post in The Progress Report writes about students with disabilities and that they are student first above all. Student First Language recognizes that all people have many different characteristics, skills, strengths, challenges and interests, having a disability should not define who you are or the way you are viewed by others.

The Progress Report is a collaborative discussion space for professional learning. If there are any topics that you would like to see a post on or guest write yourself,  please contact Katie Algrim.

211 for Kane County
With more than 1000 government, non-profit, and faith-based organizations providing much needed services throughout Kane County, it can be overwhelming and confusing to know who does what and exactly where to start to get help needed. 2-1-1 is a free, centralized, anonymous place to start with a specialist on hand to help sort out the options. No computer or internet is required, translation is available in over 150 languages and callers of all ages can use this service as often as needed.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals: Eligibility Guidelines for 2019-20 School Year
SPRINGFIELD  – The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has announced the eligibility guidelines for students to receive free and reduced-price lunch, breakfast, and after-school snacks through the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The policy took effect at the start of the 2020 fiscal year on July 1, 2019. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets the policy for each fiscal year to reflect any changes in the federal poverty guidelines.
 
The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are funded by USDA and administered by ISBE. Free and reduced-price meals ensure access to nutritious meals and snacks for families unable to pay the full price.
 
“Free and reduced-priced lunch and breakfast programs ensure all students have an adequate and healthy diet to support learning,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carmen I. Ayala. “ISBE is proud to administer this vital program."
Letters, along with application forms, are being sent to parents or guardians. Households must complete the application as soon as possible, sign it, and return it to the school to apply for free or reduced-price meal services. Additional copies of the application form are available in the principal’s office in each school. Households should answer all applicable questions on the form. An application that does not contain all the required information cannot be processed and approved by the school. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free/reduced-price meals and are encouraged to complete an application for meal benefits.
Upcoming & Ongoing Workshops
AA#2001 – Teacher Evaluator Training
September 12 & 13, 2019
Location: Kane ROE
Cost: $400
Adaptive Schools Seminar
Dates:   January 16 and 17 &
March 12 and 13, 2020
Location: Kane ROE
Cost: $400
Illinois Online Academy:
Growth Mindset
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 5
Cost: $40
Illinois Online Academy:
Social Emotional Learning
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 2
Cost: $40