humble isd professional development newsletter

As we continue working on ways

to incorporate Writing Across

the Curriculum, we are pleased

to release the second booster

course for WAC in the form of

an eCourse in Eduphoria: Work-

shop.

This second installment includes

strategies on RAFTS; What do

you think, Why do you think it?;

and Blind Sequence.

To access this course, log in to

Eduphoria: Workshop and select

eCourses or use the link provid-

ed below:

http://www.schoolobjects.com/

wshop/default.aspx?cid=75058

This month, the focus of the

booster course is to infuse En-

gagement: Questioning to In-

crease Rigor into Writing Across

the Curriculum.

Strategies addressed in this

booster course include the use

of RAFTS and Blind Sequencing.

Additionally, the majority of this

issue is dedicated to the hard-

working employees here in Hum-

ble ISD who invited us into their

world this month in order to

highlight everything they are

doing for our students!

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

WAC

Booster #2

1

QECHS Spotlight:

Socratic Seminars 1

OT & NBE Spotlight:

Handwriting without

Tears

2

AHS Spotlight: World

History, Chemistry, &

Graphic Design

3

QECHS and AHS,

continued.

4

Eduphoria:

Monitor Lists

5

Unstoppable:

Anthony Robles

6

Calendar of

Workshops

7+

D I D Y O U

K N O W . . .

While Ground-

hog’s Day is

celebrated here

in the US on

February 2nd, in

Germany, Seven

Sleepers Day is

celebrated on

June 27th.

On Seven Sleep-

ers Day, if it

rains, the rest of

the summer is

supposed to be

rainy.

Seven Sleepers

Day’s mascot is

typically a squir-

rel or a dor-

mouse, rather

than our beloved

groundhog.

Booster Course #2

WRITING ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

Socratic Seminars

QUEST EARLY COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

Sharon Limegrover, Introduction to Computers teacher, and Kim Mouser,

Curriculum Facilitator at Quest High School, invited us to observe a Socratic

Seminar with a freshman computer class. Although the students were

somewhat camera-shy, we were highly impressed at the use of rigorous

strategies that the teachers and the students utilized throughout the les-

son.

After reading an article about the impacts of electronic waste, the students

formed an inner and outer circle. The inner circle began a discussion about

the implications of electronic waste, as well as posed questions and hy-

potheses to the group. The outer circle, observed, listened and took notes.

After a set amount of time, the two circle switched places and the discus-

sion continued, this time with the outer circle as the inner circle.

(Article continues on page 4.)

Volume 6 February 2015

Professional Development Newsletter

Humble ISD

P A G E 2

The Magic “c”, the focus of today’s lesson in

Handwriting Without Tears, is shown below.

Students use the letter “c” as the base of learning

to write several other letters,

such as “a”, “d”, “g”, and “q”.

This particular student took great pains to show

not only her handwriting ability, but to add a bit

of artistic flair.

Additional students were

pulled to smaller groups in

the computer lab with oth-

er teachers, such as Laura

Dowdy of the OT Depart-

ment to work on individual

skills and to reinforce the

work of the teachers in the

classroom.

Throughout the lesson,

each student was fully en-

gaged, active (both physi-

cally and mentally), and

learned how to form four

additional letters from one

Magic “c”.

The Occupational Therapy department, in conjunction with

North Belt Elementary, demonstrated the power of the Dis-

trict’s handwriting curriculum: Handwriting Without Tears.

April Gore and Pilar Brizuela, pictured left, joined NBE kinder-

garten teacher, Carla Craig (not pictured), in working with Ms.

Craig’s students on the Magic C.

April and Pilar used animated videos, songs, physical move-

ments and representations to supplement and work with the

students on their handwriting skills. Pilar Brizuella, pictured

below left, is using physical body movements with the students

to create the letters. This particular lesson focused on The

Magic “c”. Along with the body movements, the

students made the same noises and sounds as

demonstrated in the videos and songs to reinforce

the creation of each letter.

Handwriting Without Tears

OT & NBE

P A G E 3

Mr. Williams, World History

While the Industrial Revolution and the impact of child labor might not

appear to be captivating to the average tenth grader, Mr. Williams

brought the experience to life for his students by incorporating rigor

and writing into his lesson.

After holding an engaging discussion that included the use of dozens of

pictures capturing the images of the era, Mr. Williams provided his

students with a writing prompt. They were to write a diary entry for

one of the children in the industrial revolution era photographs. Stu-

dents were to address safety, health conditions, education, general

living conditions, and the motivation to work in such conditions.

While the writing assignment was rigorous in itself, the power of the

assignment was shown through the students who eagerly shared their

diary entries with the class. Some of them couldn’t wait for their

chance to share!

Ms. Ray, Chemistry

Redox Reactions. The topic alone may seem daunting

and unfamiliar to many students. Ms. Ray’s Chemistry

class, however, had a clear understanding of the topic.

Using a lead4ward strategy, Ms. Ray’s students wrote

about the process of redox reactions and electrons

according to their seat number.

Some examples of the writing prompts were:

- Explain the significance of oxidation numbers in redox

reactions and how they are determined to your best

friend who was home sick today. Remember, you are

talking to her on the phone so she can’t see anything.

Your explanation has to say it all!

- The story of an electron in a redox reaction has gone

untold for too long! Help the electron earn the respect it deserves by describing its journey as it

travels through a redox reaction.

- Agent. . . REDOX Agent. . . Your mission is to determine which is the more determined agent in

a redox reaction: the oxidizing agent or the reducing agent. Explain which agent deserves the title

providing specific reasons and examples.

Again, it was amazing to see the excitement of the students as they shared their responses with

the class!

Writing, Rigor, and Project Based Learning

ATASCOCITA HIGH SCHOOL

P A G E 4

Mrs. Priesmeyer, Graphic Design

Ms. Priesmeyer teaches and facilitates classes at AHS such as Graphic

Design and Illustration and Advanced Graphic Design in Illustration. Her

classroom is a combination of a computer lab and an art room where

the students are actively using technology daily such as Edmodo, Google

Docs, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

On this particular visit, students in her Graphic Design class were

watching tutorials online and creating valentines through the use of

mixed media. Some students preferred to use hands-on art supplies

such as scrapbook paper, while others took

their skills to their computer programs to

create their projects.

Additionally, Ms. Priesmeyer’s advanced students have their own website where

they offer their graphic design skills to others through their company: inFlight

Design. Their website can be located at: inflightgraphicdesig.wix.com/afto

Writing, Rigor, and Project Based Learning, continued

ATASCOCITA HIGH SCHOOL

Socratic Seminars, continued

QECHS

Socratic Seminars are often associated with AVID. This instructional strategy is based on Socrates’ theory

that enabling students to think is more important than filling them with what is considered “correct” answers.

Through this process, students use discussion, questions, and thoughtful dialogue to deepen their understand-

ing on a given topic and to truly think and examine the given matter.

It is important for students to understand the difference between dialogue and debate. Although this wasn’t

the first Socratic Seminar for these students, both Ms. Limegrover and Ms. Mouser reviewed the difference

before beginning.

Dialogue is collaborative, where multiple ideas, thoughts, and sides work together for a shared understanding

while debate is competitive and often oppositional. It was incredible to see the growth of the students and

their thinking process as they worked through this Socratic Seminar.

Title DescriptionStart

Date

Start

Time

February 2015 G/T Institute Day 1

ONLINE: Nature and Needs of G/T

(TAGT On-Demand Online)

Facilitated by Dr. Joyce Juntune, this training focuses on the nature and needs of gifted learners.

Topics to be addressed include identifying characteristics of gifted and talented, Understanding

common social-emotional needs, understanding sources of energy in gifted students, and learning

programming options to serve the gifted.

Registration information will be emailed to registered participants on February 1, 2015. For

participants that register after February 1, 2015, registration information will be emailed within

one business day of Eduphoria registration. The completion deadline for this course is February

28, 2015. Please contact Debora Gonzales, G/T Coordinator, should you have any questions.

2/1/2015 8:00 AM

February 2015 G/T Institute Day 2

ONLINE: Screening, Assessment, &

Identification of the Gifted (TAGT On-

Demand Online)

This course will be facilitated by Dr. Joyce Juntune. The completion deadline for this course is

February 28, 2015.



one business day of Eduphoria registration. Please contact Debora Gonzales, G/T Coordinator,

should you have any questions.

2/1/2015 8:00 AM

February 2015 G/T Institute Day 3 or

Update ONLINE: Differentiation of

Curriculum and Instruction for G/T

(TAGT On-Demand Online)

Facilitated by Dr. Joyce Juntune, walk through the unique minds of gifted children and

understand why they need differentiation. This course addresses how to practice individualized

differentiation on a daily basis without placing a taxing workload on educators. The deadline to

complete this course is February 28, 2015.



one business day of Eduphoria registration. Please contact Debora Gonzales, G/T Coordinator,

should you have any questions.

2/1/2015 8:00 AM


Update ONLINE: Social and Emotional

Development of G/T (TAGT On-Demand

Online)

Facilitated by Dr. Joyce Juntune, the course will examine the unique needs and attributes of

gifted children beyond merely their accelerated cognitive development. They are divergent from

average children in social and emotional arenas as well. Because they have special intellectual,

emotional, imaginational, psycho-motor, and sensual energies that need to be understood,

respected and sometimes redirected it is essential that school districts have a deep understanding

of how these children operate beyond just meeting their intellectual needs. This course will guide

you through the unique social and emotional world of a gifted child and demonstrate how

schools, teachers and administrators can best serve these children and provide them with the

whole person education that they have a right to.

The deadline to complete this course is February 28, 2015.

Registration information for the online course will be emailed to registered participants on

February 1, 2015. For participants that register after February 1, 2015, registration information

will be emailed within one business day of Eduphoria registration. Please contact Debora

Gonzales, G/T Coordinator, should you have any questions.

2/1/2015 8:00 AM


Update ONLINE: Developing Creative

Thinking in the Classroom (TAGT On-

Demand Online)

This course will be facilitated by Dr. Joyce Juntune. The deadline to complete this course is

February 28, 2015. Registration information will be emailed to registered participants on

February 1, 2015. For participants that register after February 1, 2015, registration information

will be emailed within one business day of Eduphoria registration. Please contact Debora

Gonzales, G/T Coordinator, should you have any questions.

2/1/2015 8:00 AM

Secondary Math Meeting 2/2/2015 9:00 AM

Social Studies ALT Meeting-Room 1012 2/2/2015 11:00 AM

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

REFRESHER Training2/2/2015 4:00 PM

Lead4ward - SPED TEKS Analysis

(Stephanie & John)2/3/2015 8:00 AM

ELEMENTARY ART IPAD

TECHNOLOGY TRAINING2/3/2015 1:00 PM

2015 IE Grants Workshop Review of the 2015 grant application and instructions. Potential applicants will also be able to

ask questions or voice concerns.2/3/2015 4:00 PM

Deaf Ed Language Workshop-Conference

Rm. 2009

Teachers will work together to improve delivery of Language Arts curriculum to hearing

impaired students.2/3/2015 4:30 PM

Sign Language Class 02-Room 2001This course is for parents, teachers and staff who have a deaf or hard-of-hearing student in their

class.2/3/2015 5:00 PM

Transition Leadership Meeting-Room

10382/4/2015 8:00 AM



Deaf Ed. Meeting-Conference Room

20012/4/2015 8:00 AM

Word to the Wise Wednesdays Ethics 2/4/2015 8:30 AM

504 Special Topics-Room 1036 2/4/2015 10:30 AM

Secondary Registrars DQ Training Data Quality will train secondary registrars on Enrollment Verification and other topics. 2/4/2015 11:00 AM

LD Data Review-Room 1038 2/4/2015 1:00 PM

Elementary Registrars DQ Training Data Quality will train elementary registrars on Enrollment Verification and other topics. 2/4/2015 1:00 PM

Transition Specialists Meeting-Room

20012/5/2015 7:30 AM



CSTELL Committee Review-Room 2004 2/5/2015 12:00 PM

Advanced Academics Weekly Meeting 2/5/2015 1:00 PM

Summer School Meeting Changes / Improvements to Summer School 2/5/2015 1:30 PM

Job Alike Meeting-Room 2001SPEAK Social

2/5/2015 3:00 PM

Bilingual Teacher Meeting - DL Planning DL Planning - Dual Language Essentials and Team Planning PK-3rd grade Bilingual Teachers 2/5/2015 4:00 PM

AVID February Meeting AVID Elective Teacher/Coordinator Meeting 2/5/2015 4:30 PM

ESS Dept. Meeting-Room 1036 2/6/2015 8:30 AM

LSSP Intern Supervision-Room 2009 2/6/2015 3:00 PM

Unstoppable: Anthony Robles

Sponsored by the Junior League of the Woodlands, Inc. and IMPACT (Improving and Motivating

Positive Awareness in Children and Teachers).

Anthony Robles is a three-time all-American wrestler who won the 2010-2011 NCAA individual

wrestling championship in his weight class despite being born with only one leg. He was also

awarded the 2011 NCAA Best Wrestler of the National Tournament Award and will be speaking

on the topic: From Underdog to Undefeated: How I Became a Champion.

This course is open to all Humble ISD employees and is offered free of charge. Please make sure

to sign-in at the event at the Humble ISD table in order to be awarded PD credit.

2/7/2015 9:00 AM

WISC V and KTEA 3 Test

Administration and Scoring -

Diagnosticians and LSSPs only

2/9/2015 8:00 AM

2015 Transition Conference Committee 2/9/2015 8:30 AM

Assistive Technology: AT Team Meeting 2/9/2015 10:00 AM

ESS-Assessment Employee Satisfaction

Survey2/9/2015 3:30 PM

Eduphoria: Appraise/ Refresher 2/9/2015 4:30 PMMcGraw Hill Secondary Science

Training2/10/2015 7:30 AM

OT Team Meeting ROOM 2004 2/10/2015 8:00 AMWISC V and KTEA 3 Test



2/10/2015 8:00 AM

Government & Economics and Electives

Curriculum Writers 2/10/2015 8:00 AM

Lead4Ward: STAAR4Ward

Implementation Support #5 - Campus

Cluster A

2/10/2015 8:30 AM

February 10, 2015 Meeting - G/T

Secondary Administrators (ISC)

This meeting is for G/T Administrators to discuss the G/T Audit, Strategic Plan, Differentiation

Guide, new assessment instruments, issues, and concerns.2/10/2015 8:30 AM

McGraw Hill Secondary Math Training 2/10/2015 12:30 PM

Pre-School JAM-Room 1038 2/10/2015 1:00 PM



Cluster B

2/10/2015 1:00 PM

Making Connections 101 2/10/2015 4:00 PM

Assistive Technology: Boardmaker

Basics

Boardmaker is software utilized to create visual supports for use in symbol based communication

boards, sequences and schedules. In this hands-on class you will learn basic Boardmaker skills

including how to create buttons, create boards, save and print boards and tips and tricks to

making boards faster and easier. This course utilizes Boardmaker Plus version 6. You do not

require any previous Boardmaker skills. (Room(s): A - ISC Computer Lab 1012)

2/10/2015 4:30 PM


class.2/10/2015 5:00 PM

2014-2015 Lake Houston Mathematics

Collaborative

The Lake Houston Mathematics Collaborative will focus on Computation and Algebraic

Relationships in grade 6 for the 2014-15 school year. The focus of the algebraic standards will

be on bridging elementary to middle school and looking at how the algebra standards are taught

in the intermediate grades in order to better reach all learners. This course is by application and

acceptance.

2/11/2015 8:00 AM

Assistive Technology: Accessible

Instructional Materials: Acquiring Audio

and Digital Books for Students from

Bookshare and Learning Ally

Participants will learn how to utilize Bookshare and Learning Ally, including the ability to

download audio and digital books for students and utilize them with available reading and

playback tools.

Participants will also learn how to assist students to access these materials from home.

Bookshare and Learning Ally are sources of digital and audio books, including textbooks that

are available free to qualifying students. Students who qualify for membership include those

with physical disabilities, visual impairments and reading disabilities (such as Dyslexia and

Learning Disabilities) who, because of their disability, cannot utilize a traditional print based

textbook and need “accommodated” text (the same content provided in a different format).

(Room(s): ISC Labs 1011 & 1012

2/11/2015 8:00 AM



Cluster C

2/11/2015 8:30 AM

APE Meeting-Conf. Room 2009 2/11/2015 10:30 AM

Assistive Technology: Accessible

Instructional Materials: Acquiring Audio

and Digital Books for Students from

Bookshare and Learning Ally

Participants will learn how to utilize Bookshare and Learning Ally, including the ability to

download audio and digital books for students and utilize them with available reading and

playback tools.

Participants will also learn how to assist students to access these materials from home.

Bookshare and Learning Ally are sources of digital and audio books, including textbooks that

are available free to qualifying students. Students who qualify for membership include those

with physical disabilities, visual impairments and reading disabilities (such as Dyslexia and

Learning Disabilities) who, because of their disability, cannot utilize a traditional print based

textbook and need “accommodated” text (the same content provided in a different format).

(Room(s): ISC Labs 1011 & 1012

2/11/2015 12:00 PM



Cluster D

2/11/2015 1:00 PM

Academics PLC ISC - Room 1007 2/11/2015 1:00 PM

Employee Engagement Survey Results

Curriculum & Instruction

ISC - Room 1007 2/11/2015 1:00 PM

Using Process Standards to Develop

Standards Based Goals - S. AZAR -

HIGH SCHOOL - ROUND 3

How do the processstandstds support students accessing the general curriculum in the core

contend areas? This session will focus on using the process standards to generate IEP goals (for

students with processing disorders) and documentatin of the varied process standards used in

daily instruction. Teachers will be provided a tool for documenting the implementation of

process standards along with the accommodations and supports used to master annual IEP goals.

(Supporting recommendation 8 from the Special Education Program Evaluation).

2/12/2015 7:00 AM

Secondary DPS Meeting 2/12/2015 8:00 AM




AB Elementary Chat 2/12/2015 4:00 PM

Testing as a GenreAnalyze the genuine underlying skills that students need in order to be able to perform well on

comprehensive tests.2/12/2015 4:00 PM

Leadership Academy Aspiring and Skilled Leaders 2/12/2015 4:30 PM

Learning Division PLC with Dr. Price 2/13/2015 10:30 AM

Assistive Technology: Webinar

Join author Dr. Denise DeCoste as she shares her research on the subject and walks us through

her new DeCoste Writing Protocol (an important update to her original book, Assistive

Technology Assessment: Developing a Written Productivity Profile, first published in 2004). The

formative assessment tool helps educators identify factors affecting an individual student’s ability

to produce writing. The Writing Protocol compares a child’s individual performance across

handwriting and keyboarding tasks. It examines spelling performance and writing skills so

educators make more informed decisions about instructional strategies and the appropriate use of

technology to meet classroom demands.

Bring your team and learn how you can use the new DeCoste Writing Protocol to make sure your

students have access to the tools they need to support their writing! If you own the 2004 edition,

it’s time to retire it—updated research, updated protocol!

2/13/2015 11:00 AM



MIDDLE SCHOOL, SMS, HMS,

CAMBRIDGE - ROUND 3

How do the process standards support students accessing the general curriculum in the core






2/13/2015 2:30 PM


Nurses Staff Development 2/16/2015 8:00 AM



ELEMENTARY - ROUND 3







2/16/2015 1:00 PM

Elementary Math ALT Meeting

Elementary Math ALT Meeting Room 1005/1007-M. Christensen-Monthly Elementary ALT

meetings include curriculum development, benchmark assessment editing & revising, coaching

practices and much more.

2/17/2015 8:00 AM

Elementary Math ALT Meeting

Elementary Math ALT Meeting Rooms 1005/1007-M. Christensen-Monthly Elementary ALT

meetings include curriculum development, benchmark assessment editing & revising, coaching

practices and much more.

2/17/2015 12:30 PM


Steering Committee Meeting-Room 2001 2/17/2015 2:30 PM


class.2/17/2015 5:00 PM

CSTA MEETING 2/18/2015 8:00 AMStudent Performance Indicators Training

with Dr. John CrainISC Room 1005/1007 2/18/2015 8:30 AM

Speech Leadership Meeting-Room 2009 2/18/2015 12:00 PM

Homebound Teachers Meeting-Room

10382/18/2015 2:00 PM

New Counselor Group 2/18/2015 8:30 PM

eSped, e504, & SHARS Open LabOpen lab with Sharrie Roden for users of eARD/e504; and Jennifer Herrington for users of the

SMART system for medicaid billing2/19/2015 7:00 AM

Lead ESL Teacher Meeting - HS Program Evaluation, LEP assessments and accommodation, MOY LPAC 2/19/2015 7:00 AM



MIDDLE SCHOOL - ROUND 3







2/19/2015 8:00 AM

February Meeting - G/T ELTs (ISC 1036)This meeting is for G/T ELTs to discuss the G/T Audit, Strategic Plan, Differentiation Guide,

Expo, new assessment instruments, issues, and concerns.2/19/2015 8:00 AM

Lead ESL Teacher Meeting - MS Program Evaluation, LEP assessments and accommodation, MOY LPAC 2/19/2015 8:00 AM

Parental Involvement Training for Title I

Campus Staff

Professional development training session with Parent Activities and Parent Engagement

Strategies for Title I Camps Staff -

ISC Room # 1038

Instructor - Patty Bunker - Educational Consultant - Family Leadership, Inc.

2/19/2015 9:00 AM

Lead ESL Teacher Meeting - ELEMTELPAS rating practice, TELPAS overview, Spring documentation, Staar L and TELPAS

student tutorials.2/19/2015 10:00 AM


Dyslexia Advisory Committee 2/19/2015 12:00 PM



Central Support Meeting-Room 2001 2/19/2015 3:00 PM

Bilingual Teacher Meeting - Thinking

Maps

Using mental maps to facilitate language acquisition and reinforce SIOP methodologies with

ELLs. Part 3.

4th and 5th grade bilingual teachers

2/19/2015 4:00 PM

Lead4ward: STAAR4ward District On-

site Facilitated Leadership #5 Morning

Session

Implementation Support 2/20/2015 7:30 AM




2/20/2015 8:00 AM

Life Applied Meeting-Room 2001 2/20/2015 8:15 AM

ESS Dept. Meeting-Room 1036 2/20/2015 8:30 AMLead4ward: STAAR4ward District On-

site Facilitated Leadership #5 Afternoon

Session

Implementation Support 2/20/2015 12:00 PM





2/23/2015 8:00 AM

2015 Transition Conference Committee 2/23/2015 8:30 AM

AVID Elective Teacher State Training 2/24/2015 8:30 AM




class.2/24/2015 5:00 PM

Speech Path Meeting - Rm 1005 2/25/2015 8:00 AM

SLP Peer Support Meeting 2/25/2015 12:30 PM

TELPAS Supplemental Support Training

(100, 200)

TEA requires teachers who are not successful on the first two calibrations in TELPAS to

participate in supplemental training. This session provides such training to prepare raters for

their third calibration.

Audience: K-12 teachers unsuccessful on the first two calibrations

2/25/2015 4:00 PM



Job Alike Meeting-Room 2001 SCD 2/26/2015 3:00 PM

TELPAS Supplemental Support Training

(100, 200)

TEA requires teachers who are not successful on the first two calibrations in TELPAS to

participate in supplemental training. This session provides such training to prepare raters for

their third calibration.

Audience: K-12 teachers unsuccessful on the first two calibrations

2/26/2015 4:00 PM

5th Grade ROPES 2/26/2015 4:00 PM

Leadership Academy Aspiring and Skilled Leaders 2/26/2015 4:30 PMTELPAS Set Up Online - Elementary

Coordinator Training

Setting up online TELPAS testing for Elementary TELPAS coordinators/co-coordinators -

Elementary TELPAS Coordinators - ISC 1011/10122/27/2015 9:00 AM

TELPAS Set Up Online - Secondary

Coordinator Training

Setting up online TELPAS testing for Secondary TELPAS coordinators/co-coordinators -

Secondary TELPAS Coordinators - ISC 1011/10122/27/2015 1:00 PM


Crunch Time Writing-ELAR 2/28/2015 8:30 AM

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