Four Pivots Towards Reimagining Justice and Reimagining Ourselves
Pivot 1 — From Lens to Mirror
“Social justice is deeply connected to our own healing, reflection, and well-being.”
— Dr. Shawn Ginwright, The Four Pivots
In the last edition of this newsletter, I introduced the book The Four Pivots. Author Dr. Shawn Ginwright discusses the importance of pivoting as a vehicle for making change that can fundamentally impact how we design schools that work for all students. As part of our work together as curriculum and instruction leaders this year, we will be learning about these pivots and how they can impact our work with staff, students, and the communities we serve.
The first pivot is From Lens to Mirror. Dr. Ginwright states, “Instead of viewing the world through a thick lens — that is, as analysts of social problems — we must view it as a mirror of ourselves. This involves the practice of self-reflection and exploration of who we are as individuals and how we contribute to the world we wish to create.” So, how do we get started on a lens to mirror journey? Dr. Ginwright offers the following questions as a way to focus on and practice this pivot:
- Where is my life going, and what will it take to get me there?
- What do I really want in life? What have I been settling for?
- What am I learning about myself and how better to serve our society?
He also suggests soliciting feedback from people who you trust and feel safe with. Ask them, “If there were one thing that I need to work on, what would you say it should be?”
There is still time to join us for our The Four Pivots book study! If you are interested in joining us for the remaining four sessions, register here. A copy of the book will be provided at no cost to all participants.
Please read below for information that was shared during the most recent Curriculum and Instruction meeting as well additional information on upcoming learning opportunities.
Take care!
Shannon
Executive Director, Curriculum and Instruction
(she-her-hers)
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Nov. 14 Curriculum and Instruction Leaders Network Meeting Recap
At the Curriculum and Instruction Leaders Network meeting Nov. 14, updates were shared about the new three-year LCAP cycle, opportunities for literacy support for students, and educator resources for equity. To access the agenda and meeting slide deck and to learn more detailed information about the meeting go to the Curriculum and Instruction page on the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) website.
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Legislative Updates from Capitol Advisors
The Capitol Advisors team has produced a series of comprehensive client briefs detailing new education laws that were passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Newsom in 2023. Each brief is organized by subject area and includes an executive summary highlighting major changes and debates. Bills signed by the governor take effect Jan. 1, unless the bill specifically states otherwise. Please share with staff if the content pertains to their role in your local educational agency.
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Updates and Learning Opportunities From the Curriculum and Instruction Department |
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Opportunities for Students
San Diego County Board of Education Student Board Member
SDCOE is dedicated to including student voice at its meetings in order to provide student perspective and promote civic involvement. The board appoints dedicated and passionate sophomore or junior students currently enrolled in local public schools to serve on the board for two meetings beginning in spring of each year. The application runs from Dec. 1 through Feb. 1. Visit the Student Board Member website to learn more.
San Diego County History Day Competition
SDCOE will host the 2024 county History Day competition March 2. Students conduct original research on a topic of their choice, aligned to the annual theme, then present their findings as a three-dimensional display, a research paper, a documentary, a performance, or a podcast. Learn more about History Day in San Diego and how your school can participate.
Grant Awarded for Math, Science, and Computer Science Support
SDCOE has been awarded funding through the California Mathematics, Science and Computer Science Partnership grant. Please complete this short asset-mapping survey before Dec. 1 to help us leverage strengths across the county.
The California Mathematics, Science and Computer Science Partnership is a comprehensive, multi-agency system designed to provide a sustainable, impactful professional learning infrastructure for mathematics, science, and computer science educators from across the state.
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Literacy Support
California’s Literacy Landscape Survey
The California Department of Education (CDE) requests your participation in California’s Literacy Landscape Survey. As we continue to invest and make reading by 3rd grade and beyond a top priority, we invite you to help us collect spring 2023 literacy snapshots for grades kindergarten through grade 2.
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Project ARISE Module Highlight: Executive Function |
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Executive function relates to the mental skills required to process new information and negotiate the social environment. These skills include inhibitory control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Imagine an primary elementary classroom during small group literacy instruction. What do students need to manage, ignore, and remember to be successful? |
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When planning effective literacy instruction, two major components should be considered:
- Content
- Executive function
In this interactive module, presented by Project ARISE, participants will learn about the essential role of executive function as it relates to literacy instruction. Enroll in Project ARISE’s 14 free literacy modules, available to educators across California. For more information, contact Melanie Stone.
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Project CLEAR Assessment Course
Newly added this year! Project CLEAR is offering a two-unit course on assessment with two pathways: one for teachers and the other for administrators.
Participants will learn how to:
- Administer, score, and interpret assessment tasks of early literacy acquisition
- Administer, score, and interpret observations of oral reading of text
- Develop skill in summarizing results of early literacy assessment tasks
- Construct an assessment kit of materials for observing children's literacy development
- Acquire observational competency in determining children's strengths related to early literacy acquisition
A $1,500 stipend is available for successful completion. Further, the grant will fund professional books and the assessment pack up to $680.
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The Arts
Join this community of TK-12 school district leaders to read and discuss the application of the concepts found in the book Street Data by Shane Safir and Jamila Dugan through the lens of increasing access to arts education. Collaborative conversations will increase our own sense of belonging and community as we explore the way to improve inclusion for students in arts education. A limited number of complimentary books are available. Please contact Pauline Crooks for more information.
Join elementary school arts teachers from around San Diego County to share resources and lessons, address challenges, and support one another on this journey. Educators will be provided with access to the interactive platform upon confirmation of your registration.
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History Social Science
Join a special presentation and hands-on workshop for secondary educators facilitated by Dr. Judy Pace. Dr. Pace will provide participants with inspiration and a toolkit of concepts and strategies for classroom practice and school leadership. This event will be held at SDCOE’s Linda Vista campus on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and includes a continental breakfast, and a copy of Dr. Pace’s latest book, Hard Questions. It is free of charge.
Participants can also opt to dive deeper into resources and strategies that support classroom discussion at a follow-up day on Feb. 8. There is a $60 fee for the second day, with lunch included.
Register today as seats are limited to the first 45 people. Contact Matt Hayes for questions or Maria Hynes for assistance with registration.
Dr. Judy Pace argues that teaching controversial issues in the classroom is more urgent and fraught than ever as we struggle to deal with so many crises across the world. Prior research shows that teaching controversy is crucial for the development of democratic civic agents. But educators often avoid it. In her book, Hard Questions, she provides insight into how educators can create the space for students to engage in open dialogue about controversial issues.
Join us as we discuss Dr. Pace's book from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m.:
- Jan. 24
- Feb. 20
- April 18
- May 14
Participation is free. Those who attend the Dec. 7 workshop on civil discourse will receive a copy. Other participants should purchase their own copy.
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Science
The California Science Test Data Institute is Coming Jan. 24 or 25
The institute is designed to assist district teams in looking at and using California Science Test data and local science data to inform implementation efforts in science.
Districts are invited to bring a team (teacher on special assignment/science specialist, administrator, classroom teacher, data coordinator, LCAP coordinator) who will collaborate together to:
- Conduct an analysis of data using structured protocols and processes
- Determine additional data to collect to evaluate status of Next Generation Science Standards implementation
- Develop action steps to further science implementation efforts in science
- Consider LCAP actions to improve student academic performance in science and further Next Generation Science Standards implementation efforts
The learning and processes used in the data institute can be used back in districts to share results, refine science implementation plans, and clearly communicate information to multiple educational partners.
Student-Centered Assessment in Science
SDCOE, San Diego Science Project, and California Science Project are pleased to announce our 2023-24 professional learning series designed to build K-12 teacher’s understanding and skills in designing and implementing a student-centered assessment system in their classroom aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.
Participating teachers build their assessment literacy skills as they create a vision for student-centered classroom assessment, learn to use tools to analyze assessment tasks, and design equitable formative and summative science assessment tasks. Review the information below for specific information about each of the four assessment courses that will be offered in the 2023-24 school year:
Environmental Literacy
Learning in Local Nature is a one-day professional learning opportunity for K-8 teachers. It will be offered at a variety of Southern California locations in 2024. We will focus on environmental literacy in science and how to use your campus as an outdoor classroom. Identify local environmental phenomena and get tips on connecting with community partners. Learn from experts in the field and collaborate with other classroom educators from across Southern California. Substitutes will be reimbursed.
California Environmental Literacy Initiative Partner Portal
The California Environmental Literacy Initiative has launched a new Partner Portal that promotes environmental literacy by building educator awareness of community-based partners and their products and services and fosters relationships between educators and community-based partners for increased student enrichment and engagement. The goals of the hub are to increase the visibility and access to environmental education community-based partners and be a reliable central repository for districts, schools, and teachers to identify programs that align with their local needs and meet educational standards. Learn more about our San Diego partners.
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Library Media Arts
If your students and teachers need easy access to online, multimedia content, consider a subscription to the CaliforniaStreaming portal. Access includes thousands of educator-approved digital resources including California’s K-12 Online Content Project. The updated indexed search provides information from Britannica, PBS, ProQuest, Smithsonian, TeachingBooks, Unite for Literacy and many more. Share this code with your teachers for free access until June 30. For more information contact Cindy Dunlevy.
Username: sdcoetrial
Password: media
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Contact Shannon Baker with questions, comments, or feedback about
Curriculum and Instruction News and Updates.
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