School of Thought
Improving the way we keep you updated on professional learning, alternative programs, partnerships, and resources.
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Donations Sought for Project Backpack 2018
Want to help students start the next school year equipped with all their supplies? Project Backpack, a back-to-school supply fair that has helped over 17,000 students since 2010, is currently accepting donations of school supplies to distribute to students within  Elgin Community College's district area   for the upcoming school year.

Donations of school supplies will be accepted prior to Saturday, July 23 at several locations. The event will take place Saturday, August 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Elgin Community College. For more information on school supplies needed and drop off locations,  visit the Project Backpack website.
New Illinois Online Academy Course: Growth Mindset
What is a growth mindset and how can you implement it into your classroom to empower students in their learning? Learn this and much more in the newest class from Illinois Online Academy. Participants will review the work done by Carol Dweck of Stanford University, learning to think about learning in a different way and how to motivate students to think about their learning differently.

This course was developed by the Central District 301 Instructional Coaching staff and is taught by Katie Algrim, the ROE's Director of Innovative Professional Learning. The course is 100% online and self-paced. The course costs $40 and participants will earn 5 PD hours.

The Progress Report: Fox Valley Reading Council
Reading and school come hand-in-hand and this week's post in The Progress Report is all about how teachers can stay up to date on all the relevant, current, and ongoing conversations about reading in their classrooms by participating in the Fox Valley Reading Council.

The Progress Report is a collaborative discussion space for professional learning. Each post is written by Katie Algrim, the ROE's Director of Innovative Professional Learning. If there are any topics that you would like to see a post on,  please contact Katie Algrim.

Spend Your Summer With Illinois Online Academy
Thinking of your professional learning over the summer? Illinois Online Academy offers online continuing education courses that are relevant, convenient, and affordable. Both PD Hours and Graduate Credits are available through IL Online Academy.

With 45 courses available and more being added frequently, there is a professional learning course for everyone. All courses are 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to take your professional learning with you anywhere you go.

Illinois to Start Testing 9th, 10th Graders with PSAT
Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, Illinois will start administrating the PSAT 8/9 to 9th grade students and the PSAT 10 to 10th grade students, along with the SAT to all 11th grade students. These tests will all be offered to students for free.

The aligned assessments will measure student's mastery of the Illinois Learning Standards and their results will provide educators, families, and students with rich and meaningful data about students' academic growth from year to year. These results will help educators tailor instruction to ensure all students receive the individual supports they need to graduate college and career ready.

Upcoming Workshops
Gathering Evidence During Observations & Conferencing
  Date: August 1st, 8:00am - 3:30pm
Location: School District U-46 
Cost: $150
Principal/Teacher
Evaluator Retraining
Date: August 2nd, 8:00am - 3:30pm
Location: School District U-46 
Cost: $150
UnConference
 Date: August 2nd, 9:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Kane County ROE 
Cost: FREE