School of Thought
Improving the way we keep you updated on professional learning, alternative programs, partnerships, and resources.
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Illinois Online Academy - Online Book Study!
Illinois Online Academy presents an online book study. For just $25, you will get access to the online course which will earn you 12 PD hours! Register at https://bit.ly/2kr3Rus  and we'll see you online!

You can either click on the photo about to be directed to the online video or  click here to be redirected.
Raising Student Achievement Conference - Registration Open!

New Venue, New Logo, New Website, Nationally Recognized Keynotes, Unforgettable Featured Speakers!


This is a conference you won’t want to miss! There were over 200 presenter proposals submitted, and over 30 featured school/district applications! This year’s conference has something for everyone K-12. Highlights of the conference include:
  • We have 2 world renowned keynotes – Dave Burgess & Greg Wolcott!
  • The Raising Student Achievement Conference has been upgraded to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel.
  • We have upgraded to a new registration system through EventBrite that allows you to view all of the presentations and reserve each session before you step foot in the door minimizing a last minute rush! 
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: Behavior Management
This week's post in The Progress Report writes about teaching behavior management and how to get away from using public "shaming" and behavior charts. Katie gives a list of methods that can be used instead by focusing on the individual student.

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.

What is Ransomware and How Do I Protect My District?
What is ransomeware?
Ransom malware, or  ransomware , is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing their system or personal files and demands ransom payment in order to regain access. The earliest variants of ransomware were developed in the late 1980s, and payment was to be sent via snail mail. Today, ransomware authors order that payment be sent via cryptocurrency or credit card.

How Can You Prevent It?
The first step in ransomware prevention is to ensure all protection installed is updated on a constant basis. You should also look out for features that will both shield vulnerable programs from threats (an anti-exploit technology) as well as block ransomware from holding files hostage (an anti-ransomware component). Customers who were using  the premium version of Malwarebytes for Windows , for example, were protected from all of the major ransomware attacks of 2017.

To prevent hacks, experts recommend backing up data, while also investing in proper cybersecurity training and preparedness. School districts can also engage in security audits to identify weak areas and patch systems that may have vulnerabilities. This includes not using your district provided equipment for anything other than work approved programs, websites and email addresses.
International Walk to School Day - Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Making Kane County Fit for Kids - International Walk to School Day! Fit for Kids will provide $150 to the Parent-Teacher Organization at each school that participates & meets the deliverables outlined on the form.

When? Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Who? Elementary and middle schools in Kane County school districts
What? Fit for Kids will provide $150 to the Parent-Teacher Organization at each school that participates & meets the deliverables outlined on this form.

Upcoming & Ongoing Workshops
AA#1815 – Meeting Tips, Tools and Techniques to Achieve Results
Dates: 100% Online
PD Credits: 6
Cost: $100
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