Dear Curriculum and Instruction Leaders,
A focus on the education of the whole child has been one of the key tenets of the work in the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) Curriculum and Instruction department over the past few years. Supporting districts and schools with the implementation of the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework is the cornerstone of the support we provide. Recently the California MTSS Framework was revised to embrace the whole child approach to teaching and learning, and ground our work in universal design for learning (UDL), and culturally responsive teaching.
One of the key changes in the CA MTSS Framework is the addition of mental health support as part of the whole child domain. We have learned more about students’ mental health and well-being throughout the pandemic as well as the impact of their experiences as they returned to in-person instruction. A focus on using multiple tiers of support can benefit the mental health of all students. It acknowledges that students differ, while also making it feasible for educators to respond to these differences. A multi-tiered approach uses data to monitor indicators of student mental health — as well as contributing factors — and provides different tiers of evidence-based support based on this data. This drives toward more equitable resource distribution: Students who need more get more.
We have many options and entry points for your system that supports the learning and implementation of MTSS. A first step would be to join one of our communities of practice. We would love to have you join the conversation and join you on your MTSS journey. MTSS will help organize your system to establish inclusive practices and achieve equity for all. Join SDCOE’s MTSS community of practice on a journey of exploring to implement MTSS and related efforts. Register to join the group, which will meet from 1 to 2:30 p.m. monthly throughout the school year.
Over the summer we launched a space to investigate data about how our students with disabilities are faring. We are continuing that dialogue through a community of practice intended to learn more about improving the instruction of students with disabilities! Come join us and check out our Instruction for Students with Disabilities Community of Practice!
Take care,
Shannon
Shannon Baker, Ed.D.
|
|
Save the Date for the Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee (CISC) Symposium
The 2022 CISC Symposium is being held in person on Feb. 22 to 25 in Monterey with a virtual option for attendees. The conference website has keynote speakers and presenters and you can learn more and share the event with this flyer.
Oct. 26 Curriculum and Instruction Leaders Network Meeting Recap
At the Curriculum and Instruction Leaders Network Meeting this week, information was shared regarding state accountability and new initiatives centered on environmental literacy and the State Seal of Civic Engagement. An overview of SDCOE’s Equity Blueprint for Action was presented followed by small group discussion among the participants. Information and links from the meeting can be found in the agenda and slide deck that are linked below.
Accountability Deadlines: 2021-22 Plans and Templates
The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) has developed a document that contains all of the plans, templates, and deadlines required by the state for the 2021-22 school year. Download the RCOE document.
Legislative Updates from the Capitol Advisors Group
Our 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 2021. Each brief is organized by subject area and includes an executive summary highlighting major changes we think you should know about. Bills signed by the governor take effect Jan. 1, 2022, unless the bill specifically states otherwise (i.e., budget bills).
|
|
Updates and Learning Opportunities From the Learning and Leadership Division
Equity
SDCOE Equity Conference 2022
Join hundreds of educators, parents, students, policymakers, advocates, and community members to advance educational equity for California’s students at the 2022 Equity Conference on Jan. 20 and 21 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Equity Conference will be an opportunity to grow and learn as we work to make our campuses safe spaces for all students, staff members, and families, where they feel honored and valued.
Our quarterly meetings address critical social justice and anti-bias education topics. Dig deeper into topics that matter to you and your students. These engaging sessions will help you learn more about school climate, instruction, classroom culture, and family and community engagement — all through the lens of equity. It’s free to join. Quarterly sessions will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 16, Feb. 8, and April 5.
These professional learning sessions aim to build essential awareness of individuals’ identity, privilege, and situatedness and the structures of power within the classroom, school, and community. Each meeting will explore a problem of practice derived from real-life equity challenges. We will explore equity-based skill sets, including constructivist listening, recognizing dominant discourse, using consultancy or tuning protocols to support equity-oriented instruction, and developing an equity lens and mindset. The cost to join is $100 per person. Problems of Practice sessions will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 9, Feb. 17, March 24, April 28, and May 26.
Attendees will receive two books included in the cost of the series:
2022 Grading for Equity Book Study
Using the text, Grading for Equity, by Joe Feldman, the Grading for Equity Book Study is a forum for educators to explore the history and research on grading, examine the problems with many current grading policies and practices, and to better understand the pillars and practices of equitable grading that:
-
Improve learning
- Decrease failure rates and grade inflation
- Make classrooms more caring and less stressful
- Strengthen relationships between teachers and students
- Build students’ responsibility and character
During this virtual six-session book study, participants will discuss themes in the book and engage in conversations around the challenges and opportunities of shifting grading practices and policies to better support student motivation and learning. Additional opportunities for one-on-one or team conversations with facilitators will be made available through optional “office hour” meetings.
-
Book Study Dates: Feb. 8, Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8, and March 15
-
Follow-up Content Area Sessions: May 3 and 10
Language Acquisition
The Language Acquisition Resource Center (LARC) at San Diego State University (SDSU) is hosting tuition-free, year-round Startalk programs in Chinese, Persian, and Russian for students in grades 9-11 with no prior knowledge of these languages. This is a unique opportunity for all San Diego County high school students who wish to boost their academic and career prospects by gaining an invaluable skill through culturally authentic, meaningful, and cognitively engaging world language instruction. The program is offered free of cost to students and their families. In addition, at the end of the program, students qualify for undergraduate college credit.
Native Ways of Knowing Micro-courses
A large part of the equity-related work that SDCOE has done over the last few years supports California American Indian students and populations. These include featuring information in the Equity Blueprint for Action that addresses the needs of native communities and creating the California Indian Education for All website. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we’ll take a look at one of our newest projects: Native Ways of Knowing micro-courses. Anyone interested can learn more about how to educate themselves and students about the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of California American Indians through the short online courses and resources.
|
|
Updates and Learning Opportunities From the Curriculum and Instruction Department
The Arts
Arts Instruction and UDL
The California Arts Standards and UDL professional learning is designed for arts educators, multiple subject teachers, school and district administrators, and teaching artists to deepen their understanding of the connections between the 2019 California Arts Standards for Public Schools and UDL in addition to strategies for implementation. Registration is available here for this two-hour professional learning.
Call for Poetry: Resiliency Through and Emerging from the Pandemic
SDCOE, Arts Empower, Write Out Loud, and David’s Harp Foundation invite all San Diego County students in grades K-12 to Let Your Voice Be Heard! Please encourage your students to write and submit their poems inspired by pandemic experiences, real or imagined. A limited number of classroom workshops are available for teachers wishing to have a teaching artist from Write Out Loud guide their students through reading, discussing, and exploring poetry writing techniques. The submission deadline is Dec. 30. Learn more at the online guidelines and the submission portal.
|
|
Civic Learning
The SDCOE Civic Learning San Diego webpage provides information about and tools for implementing the new California State Seal of Civic Engagement and K-8 Civic Learning Pathways. In addition, educators can find civic learning events, professional development, and current research on civic learning. The webpage will be updated and refined throughout the year, so check back frequently. If you have any questions regarding these resources or about civic education in general, please email Matt Hayes.
|
|
History and Social Science
History-Social Science Educators and Leaders Network
History-Social Science lead teachers, TOSAs, and administrators are invited to join a network to learn about the current state and local initiatives and share ideas for implementation. Participants will meet virtually from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 8, Jan. 9, April 6, and June 8. Register for all, but you’re welcome to join as you’re able.
Ethnic Studies Graduation Requirement Update
On Oct. 8, Gov. Newsom signed into law AB 101, which requires all local educational agencies that serve students in grades 9-12 to offer a minimum one-semester ethnic studies course beginning with the 2025-26 school year. In addition, the bill adds the completion of a semester-long course in ethnic studies to the state high school graduation requirements, beginning with the 2029-30 school year.
For questions regarding history/social studies programming or requirements, please contact Matt Hayes.
|
|
Library Media Services
The Literacy Leader Series brings some of the nation’s leading experts together to discuss the most timely, relevant issues facing literacy education today.
Both the Literacy Leader and Author Talk Series are virtual, free of charge, and will be recorded for asynchronous viewing for registered participants.
|
|
Mathematics
Our offerings for math coaches, specialists, resource teachers, and teachers on special assignment are designed with flexibility in mind. Join us this year and continue your learning at the pace that is right for you.
|
|
Physical Education and Health
Monthly SDCOE Health and Physical Education Hangouts
Join us from 3 to 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month to hear the latest national, state and local updates and network with other health and physical educators. Use this Zoom link to join (passcode is 9NCtDJ).
Spring Three-Day Physical Literacy Institute
Strategically deliver equitable and meaningful instruction designed to increase the physical literacy of all students by incorporating:
- Social and emotional learning
- UDL
- Standards-based assessment
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Grading for equity
Health Education Framework: Sessions 1-4
This series, based on the new California Health Education Framework, is designed to build students’ knowledge and skills in the six content areas of health education. Each session includes a 90-minute online module for participants to complete prior to the scheduled professional learning date. Register for one by clicking the session topic below or register for all four sessions.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Health and Physical Education
Empower students by strategically developing each of their five SEL competencies by focusing on the three pillars of SEL:
- Explicit instruction (tied to state Health and Physical Education Model Content Standards)
- Instructional strategies
- Culture and climate
Standards-Based Assessment in Health and Physical Education
Examine and update assessment practice to increase equity and collect evidence of student competence with health and physical education content standards.
|
|
Science and Environmental Literacy
2021-22 Science Leaders Network
The Science Leaders Network is offered as an ongoing opportunity for science education leaders across San Diego to come together monthly to share best practices and highlight current efforts to support science learning for all students.
2021-22 Elementary Science Network
The Elementary Science Network is a professional learning opportunity for all elementary educators looking for support and networking opportunities related to science teaching and learning. This new network will focus on student curiosity and using science as a lever for literacy and language development. Participants will continue to deepen their understanding of three-dimensional learning and phenomena-based instruction with an emphasis on student writing and productive talk.
2021-22 Environmental Education Leaders Network
The Environmental Education Leaders Network is an ongoing opportunity for informal educators in San Diego County to come together to share best practices in the field and current environmental education efforts. Network meetings will be held in a variety of locations in the county during the year. Join us for this kickoff event to meet the educators in the county, learn about opportunities for professional development and networking in the coming year, and have fun!
|
|
Contact Shannon Baker with questions, comments, or feedback about Curriculum and Instruction News and Updates. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
