Overview of Session 2 Learning

February 14, 2018

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Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) PLC: 000 - First Year Cohort ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3

PLC: 001 - Growing Staff Expertise as Makers ....................................................................................................................................... 3

PLC: 002 - Increasing student participation in the PPT process ......................................................................................................... 3

PLC: 003 - AAE SPED PLANNING/Collaboration ................................................................................................................................... 4

PLC: 004 - AAE Interdisciplinary 9/10 Grade ......................................................................................................................................... 4

PLC: 005 - RV-12 Aircraft Construction ................................................................................................................................................... 4

PLC: 007 - Plan for Transition of Ana Grace students to Arts Middle School and Plan Love Wins Concert ................................ 5

PLC: 008 - Mathematics Working Toward Deleveling and Improving SAT Scorse .......................................................................... 5

PLC: 009 - AAMS Standards Based CFAs ............................................................................................................................................... 5

PLC: 010 - Sign Language in the Pre-K Classroom ............................................................................................................................... 6

PLC: 011 - Design Lab Curriculum........................................................................................................................................................... 6

PLC: 012 - Connecting with Families ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

PLC: 013 - Increasing Discourse Through Questioning using DOK ..................................................................................................... 6

PLC: 014 - Cross Curriculum Connections ............................................................................................................................................. 7

PLC: 015 - Integration of Curriculum across 5th grade ....................................................................................................................... 7

PLC: 016 - Benchmark Assessment System Grade 2 ............................................................................................................................ 7

PLC: 017 - Integrating Technology to Maximize Learning .................................................................................................................. 7

PLC: 018 - 3rd Grade NGSS Science, Social Studies, and Writing Integration ................................................................................. 8

PLC: 025 - NAEYC Professional Learning Community .......................................................................................................................... 8

PLC: 026 - Units of Inquiry ......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

PLC: 027 - Benchmark Assessment grade 2 .......................................................................................................................................... 8

PLC: 029 - NAEYC and Alignment and supplementing of MPC/LPC with Montessori Materials .................................................. 9

PLC: 030 - Montessori and Common Core ........................................................................................................................................... 9

PLC: 031 - Authentic Assessment related to Social and Emotional Development......................................................................... 9

PLC: 032 - Connecting the Related Arts through the Museum Theme ............................................................................................ 9

PLC: 033 - Curriculum Integration & Unit Planning ............................................................................................................................. 10

PLC: 035 - NAEYC Accreditation and Reflection ............................................................................................................................... 10

PLC: 036 - NAEYC completion of portfolios......................................................................................................................................... 10

PLC: 037 - Creating a Culturally Responsive School Community .................................................................................................... 10

PLC: 038 - UHMS SPED Planning/Collaboration .................................................................................................................................. 11

PLC: 039 - F & P preparation and higher-level questioning lessons/practices to boost comprehension - especially during

class Grand Conversations .................................................................................................................................................................... 11

PLC: 040 - Unpacking Essential Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 12

PLC: 041 - Enhancing Language Development in Early Childhood Classrooms .......................................................................... 12

PLC: 042 -Classroom Organization for Overall Student Achievement ........................................................................................... 12

PLC: 045 - Technology User Group ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

PLC: 046 - Implemening Writing Strategies for Differentiation.......................................................................................................... 13

PLC: 047 - Curriculum Work Study......................................................................................................................................................... 13

PLC: 048 - Using the Seesaw App in a Kindergarten Classroom ..................................................................................................... 13

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PLC: 050 - Literacy Book Talks using: · Nancy Boyle’s Closer Reading · Jen Seravallo’s Reading Strategies Book 14

PLC: 051 - Vocabulary Unit Planning ................................................................................................................................................... 14

PLC: 052 - Number Talks Planning ......................................................................................................................................................... 14

PLC: 054 - TenMarks Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 14

PLC: 055 - Preparing for SBAC: Math and ELA .................................................................................................................................... 15

PLC: 056 - Using non-fiction text to build vocabulary ....................................................................................................................... 15

PLC: 059 - Planning for Success on SBAC in the Math Intervention Setting ................................................................................... 15

PLC: 060 - Mathematical Mindsets creating a math class where students persevere ................................................................ 15

PLC: 061 - Study of Multi-variable Calculus Curriculum .................................................................................................................... 16

PLC: 064 - Implementing NGSS-aligned Curriculum PLC .................................................................................................................. 16

PLC: 066 - Collaborating with NGSS Units ............................................................................................................................................ 16

PLC: 067 - 8th Grade Science PLC ....................................................................................................................................................... 16

PLC: 068- NGSS Life Sciences PLC ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

PLC: 071 - AP Humanities/ SAT Collaboration ..................................................................................................................................... 17

PLC: 072 - Mastery Based Learning ...................................................................................................................................................... 18

PLC: 074 - Best Practices in Secondary Reading Comprehension Interventions .......................................................................... 18

PLC: 075 - Making the Shift to Standards Based Grading ................................................................................................................ 18

PLC: 078 - Elementary WL Curriculum .................................................................................................................................................. 19

PLC: 080 - Music Teachers Collaborative ............................................................................................................................................ 19

PLC: 081 - Professional Practice for Art Teachers ............................................................................................................................... 19

PLC: 082 - Physical Education and Health Collaboration ................................................................................................................ 19

PLC: 083 - Psychological Evaluation Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 20

PLC: 084 - Curriculum writing for elementary school counseling .................................................................................................... 20

PLC: 085 - Case Conference for Challenging Students .................................................................................................................... 20

PLC: 087 - Developing Learning Goals and Strategies for All Learners .......................................................................................... 20

PLC: 088 - LMS PLC .................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

PLC: 089 - Reading Comprehension Strategies for EL/Special Ed .................................................................................................. 21

PLC: 091 - Computer Science Instruction ............................................................................................................................................ 21

PLC: 093 - Using art to develop a growth mindset ............................................................................................................................ 21

PLC: 095 - Reality Pedagogy for Urban Educators ............................................................................................................................ 21

PLC: 096 - Mindful BookWorms: Book Study Intergrating CREC core Values and Mindfulness Practices ................................. 22

PLC: 096 - Mindful BookWorms: Book Study Intergrating CREC core Values and Mindfulness Practices ................................. 22

PLC: 098 - Ashoka Changemaker Framework ................................................................................................................................... 22

PLC: 100 - MLC MSAP Professinal Learning Community .................................................................................................................... 22

PLC: 101 - Academy of Science and Innovation MSAP Professional Learning Community ....................................................... 23

PLC: 102 - PSA MSAP Professional Learning Community .................................................................................................................. 23

PLC: 103 - Speech-Language Relevant School Based Issues .......................................................................................................... 23

PLC: 105 - Ana Grace SPED Planning/Collaboration ........................................................................................................................ 24

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PLC: 000 - First Year Cohort

Objective(s): Black History Month, Withitness~ teacher behavior and organization, technology

Session Overview:

5 Things not To Do During Black History Month

The opportunity to speak with other educators who are experiencing similar behaviors,

problems, and triumphs and the problem-solve

Small group discussion of withitness was very helpful

New teachers were grateful for resources for organization

The positive and open atmosphere created by the coordinators

Next Steps: Technology and Highlight everything good that they have done to finish on a positive note

PLC: 001 - Growing Staff Expertise as Makers

Objective(s): Teachers alternated between whole group discussion, doing individual research and

experimentation in Maker domains, attending mini-tutorials conducted by colleagues in Maker domains,

and conducting their own mini-tutorials.

Session Overview: In the Fall and Winter we had special Maker days where staff lead small groups of

mixed-age kids in 90 minute Maker activities. Many staff passed on their learning from that experience

while others sought to acquire new learning in order to branch out and teach a new activity in the Spring.

At least half of the staff has taken on a different activity.

Next Steps: We will create a cloud-based data-base of Google Slide presentations on what people did in

the Fall and Spring sessions. The presentations will include materials lists and step-by-step directions, as

well as photos of how the event looked. The idea is that if our entire staff suddenly resigned over the

summer this resource would be available for the new staff to pick up where we left off and replicate these

successful activities.

PLC: 002 - Increasing student participation in the PPT process

Objective(s): Complete specific timeline to determine which lessons and objectives will be completed

per grade level for the scope and sequence of increasing student participation in the PPT process.

Session Overview: We need to start earlier as case managers in introducing self-advocacy skills and

exposure to the IEP process. We also discussed that it is important that students understand what is

included in their IEPs from the very beginning of high school.

Next Steps: Create lesson examples for next school year.

Continue to add details to the scope in sequence of increasing student participation in the PPT process.

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Creating folders for each grade level with lesson examples to help increase student participation in the

PPT process.

PLC: 003 - AAE SPED PLANNING/Collaboration

Objective(s): Today's overall objective was to collaborate with peers to create differentiated lessons and

assessments across all academic areas.

Session Overview: Teachers were able to collaborate with peers to design differentiated materials based

on collaborative effort. They were able to brainstorm and share specifics techniques that are useful for

scaffolding as well as gain knowledge across the academic disciplines.

Next Steps: Teachers will bring in examples of modified content to share with the group.

PLC: 004 - AAE Interdisciplinary 9/10 Grade

Objective(s): Research potential target texts, audiences, and classes for an interdisciplinary unit across

9th and 10th grades respectively, as well as discuss a potential or "goal" timeline

Session Overview: The group discussed a variety of texts and ways to incorporate ideas from the texts

across multiple classes within a grade. Timelines were also discussed. Ultimately, a novel for 9th and 10th

grade respectively was chosen and agreed upon, prices and availability were researched, and a draft

proposal created.

Next Steps: To pitch the proposals to the administrative team and find out the feasibility of purchasing

books for every student and teacher within each grade level team. Additionally, if/when approval is

granted, to start designing lessons or a detailed structure for how each class would incorporate the book

and its themes and what each class would "own".

PLC: 005 - RV-12 Aircraft Construction

Objective(s): - Discuss STEM curriculum implementation

- Review and practice aluminum aircraft components and construction techniques

Session Overview:

- Discussed general engineering curriculum topics

- Discussed build team implementation

- Discussed progress of individual students

- Learned about RV-12 Engine and Finish Kit components

- Reviewed airframe assembly plans and components

- Practiced preparing and deburring aluminum aircraft components

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Next Steps:

- Continue preparing aircraft components

- As available, group members help monitor and contribute to progress of the build team

- Group members will encourage build team members and connect with them in other settings.

PLC: 007 - Plan for Transition of Ana Grace students to Arts Middle School and Plan Love Wins Concert

Objective(s): Plan for Dance for Ana with Love (April 7th event) and discuss actionable scheduling

solutions.

Session Overview: We are fully prepared for the Dance for Ana with Love event - we have decided on

performance time and what we will be performing. Kim West will be attending the event meeting on

March 5th to share the extent of our participation.

We learned about how small groups work optimally together to create prototypes they can refine, rather

than coming up with one "right" answer to solve problems, through a group activity and two TED talks

on small group dynamics. We applied this learning to discuss solutions to a change in the 5th grade arts

schedule at Ana Grace, and to discuss solutions for having a common time for all three grades to meet for

arts enrichment at Arts Middle.

Next Steps: At the next session, Ana Grace staff will be sharing curricular and student skill information

with Arts Middle staff to prepare for the 2018-2019 school year. We will also begin brainstorming

collaborations between Ana Grace and Arts Middle for the 2018-2019 school year.

PLC: 008 - Mathematics Working Toward Deleveling and Improving SAT Scorse

Objective(s): Today we learned more about UDL and spoke how we are using strategies already in the

classroom as good teaching practice.

Session Overview: UDL design in the classroom.

Next Steps: Next meeting we will be looking for additional means to teach deleveled classes.

PLC: 009 - AAMS Standards Based CFAs

Objective(s): Creating a CFA based on appropriate technology usage in the classroom, aligned to our

RAFT standards.

Session Overview: Created CFA, extra time to collaborate with team, discussed prior CFA scores for set

up of our March conferences

Next Steps: create CFA for students to reflect on academic progress through Mastery connect and set

goals for the remainder of the year.

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PLC: 010 - Sign Language in the Pre-K Classroom

Objective(s): Discuss ways that using ASL can enhance instruction in the preschool classroom

Session Overview: We learned about a program called Sign sing and read which can be implemented to

enhance phonics instruction. We learned several songs in ASL and practiced using signs such as stop, sit,

eat, drink, line up, bathroom, etc which can help a teacher with classroom procedures without the need

for using spoken language. We learned how to do signs for feelings and discussed how this can help

students who may have difficulty expressing their feelings verbally if they have an alternative way to

express themselves.

Next Steps: We will practice these songs and signs to become more competent and confident with them.

We will create anchor charts to hang in classrooms with emotions words, commands, etc so students can

benefit form them and practice them independently. We will create individual name cards for students

using finger spelling sonstudents can practice their names in this mode as well as spelling them with

pencil and paper.

PLC: 011 - Design Lab Curriculum

Objective(s): The purpose of today's lesson was to review and revise Design Lab curriculum, with a

focus on 5th grade robotics.

Session Overview: Today, we had the opportunity to explore the robotics devices to be used by 5th

graders during Design Lab classes. After troubleshooting, we began to revise the unit plan initially

drafted for the 5th grade robotics unit and planned a sequence of lessons.

Next Steps: Continue reviewing and revising Design Lab curriculum; develop unit plans for new PreK

units

PLC: 012 - Connecting with Families

Objective(s): To complete a theme box for families to do at home.

Session Overview: We finished fifteen take home boxes in order to send home to families that go along

with our PK standards.

Next Steps: To continue building our theme box library!

PLC: 013 - Increasing Discourse Through Questioning using DOK

Objective(s): Promote discourse through questioning using DOK

Session Overview: We used mentor text to come up with questions using Levels 1-4.

Next Steps: Continue this process using Science and SS mentor text.

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PLC: 014 - Cross Curriculum Connections

Objective(s): Community building in departmentalized grade 4

Session Overview: We made adjustments to our schedule to allow for team building activities for our

homeroom classes.

We brainstormed ideas for activities to culture and climate of our classrooms.

We created a system to reward students for positive behavior and allow for re-teaching when students

make poor choices.

Discussed and planned for upcoming CREC sponsored trip to allow for a "restart" to address behavior

issues

Next Steps: Evaluate the steps taken to improve culture and climate within the grade level and plan next

steps.

PLC: 015 - Integration of Curriculum across 5th grade

Objective(s): Our objective was to develop our second activity using our Colonial Social Studies unit as

the basis for our centers.

Session Overview: Our group was able to develop four stations that utilized reading, writing, math,

social studies, and science in meaningful and memorable experience.

Next Steps: We need to gather resources for the next event.

PLC: 016 - Benchmark Assessment System Grade 2

Objective(s): Exploring the writing about reading portion of the new Literacy Contiuum and planning

for upcoming Benchmark assessments

Session Overview: Our group analyzed student written response to text and used the Fountas and

Pinnell resource to determine writing about reading behaviors to compliment, support and teach.

Next Steps: Miscue analysis on Benchmark Assessments

PLC: 017 - Integrating Technology to Maximize Learning

Objective(s): To plan technology based projects for Grade 3-5

Session Overview: Planed the technology integrated lessons/projects for social studies and science for

Grade 3-5

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Next Steps: Continue to work with the team members to develop and plan more technology based

projects for lower grade students.

PLC: 018 - 3rd Grade NGSS Science, Social Studies, and Writing Integration

Objective(s): Teachers met to coordinate plans and compile resources for Social Studies, Science,

Reading, Writing, and Art integration

Session Overview: The group was able to compile student resources and order Science materials for an

upcoming Science/Writing research project; create rubrics and instructional materials for a Reading/Social

Studies research unit; coordinate a Social Studies field trip to complement instruction, and plan Social

Studies and Science content integration with our Art specialist.

Next Steps: Continue to plan for upcoming Social Studies and Science units and compile resources

PLC: 025 - NAEYC Professional Learning Community

Objective(s): To communicate areas of improvement identified by Julie Giaccone (including open-ended

questioning)

Session Overview: How to ask open ended questions, strategies to support student discourse

Next Steps: Continue to improve upon NAEYC best practices within our classrooms

PLC: 026 - Units of Inquiry

Objective(s): The objective of today's lesson was to unwrap, plan, revise, and reflect on units of inquiry.

Session Overview: The group appreciated the time to develop their transdisciplinary units and notate

the connections across content areas.

Next Steps: This PLC will continue this work throughout the year. Grade levels will be having weekly

meetings to discuss process and progress.

PLC: 027 - Benchmark Assessment grade 2

Objective(s): Reflect on the progress we have made in our literacy instruction and how it aligns with

F&P assessment. Struggles students are still having with specific F&P assessment criteria. Developing

lessons and locating resources to target areas of need based on F

Session Overview: Understanding ways to support each other in finding additional resources and

teaching to address CCSS and students areas of need. Collaborating to identify the best way to help

students develop various comprehension skills - for example working backwards. Examined Close

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Reading by Nancy Boyles materials and discussed how we could implement them into our reading

instruction.

Next Steps: Integrate the work we did today into our teaching. This is an ongoing collaboration and

process

PLC: 029 - NAEYC and Alignment and supplementing of MPC/LPC with Montessori Materials

Objective(s): Collaborate with primary teachers on Montessori and NAEYC.

Session Overview: Ensuring we a meeting NAEYC standards while continuing to maintain our

Montessori elements.

Next Steps: We will continue to look at NAEYC standards, prior to our visit and make adjustments and

modifications in our classroom.

PLC: 030 - Montessori and Common Core

Objective(s): Make materials from a shared Montessori Dropbox from trainers

Session Overview: We were productive in making biology and history materials

Next Steps: Making language and math materials

PLC: 031 - Authentic Assessment related to Social and Emotional Development

Objective(s): To continue to develop a social and emotional checklist that can be implemented through

authentic assessment.

Session Overview: We discussed the social and emotional needs of our students and continued to

develop an assessment that helps us identify student needs and at risk students.

Next Steps: To continue to develop the checklist that will be implemented next school year.

PLC: 032 - Connecting the Related Arts through the Museum Theme

Objective(s): Align curricula to find common ground for exhibition ideas for next year.

Session Overview: Since grade level exhibitions change from year to year, it will be easier to connect the

Related Arts together instead of connecting to the classrooms. Integrating the related arts with one

another will provide a more liberal arts education for students at Museum Academy.

Next Steps: 1. Focusing on the five senses and how they relay to physical education, art, music, and

Spanish.

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2. Planning to work together for exhibition Spring 2019.

PLC: 033 - Curriculum Integration & Unit Planning

Objective(s): We had planned to plan the next couple of units of school-wide comprehension instruction

and share successes and struggles since the last time we met.

Session Overview: Overall, teachers are are liking the new work we're doing with the comprehension

units. They sometimes flow nicely in an order that had not been planned, so that is something we will

want to think about for next year. The group came up with an idea of creating a school-wide Book of the

Month so that we can drum up excitement about reading. A separate committee was established for that.

Next Steps: We will be planning the remainder of the year, integrating some museum theme work, and

discussing ways to improve our practice for next year.

PLC: 035 - NAEYC Accreditation and Reflection

Objective(s): Reflect on our NAEYC Visit

Session Overview: Our visit went well. Anxious to hear our results

Next Steps: Unsure yet

PLC: 036 - NAEYC completion of portfolios

Objective(s): Originally it was to complete naeyc portfolios. Since we just had our NAEYC visit, we

instead reviewed staff survey results and changes we will need to implement to improve our program.

We called NAEYC and emailed Sandy Fowler and Wendy McGrath asking abo

Session Overview: The major take away is following through on survey results and making program

improvements to continue quality improvement as it relates to NAEYC criteria.

Next Steps: Send out Family Surveys and Staff Surveys and compile results. Review accreditation visit

results.

PLC: 037 - Creating a Culturally Responsive School Community

Objective(s): To discuss the book, Dear Martin, to share the information from the Beyond Diversity

training and to determine next steps.

Session Overview: The text, Dear Martin, led to discussions around equity, tools students need to

navigate the world as it is today and how to stand up against racism.

Next Steps: We have determined several possible projects/activities. We will continue to discuss these

possibilities and choose one or two to focus on. We are looking at starting a mentor program,

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supplementing our curriculum with truths not currently taught, starting transition groups for grade five

students and possibly contacting Gerald Harriston to help us frame work around beginning an equity

committee.

PLC: 038 - UHMS SPED Planning/Collaboration

Objective(s): Continued discussion about department efficency

Session Overview: We reviewed last meetings next steps and 2/3 have been completed;

Discussed several topics including:

efficient use of time that support staff may have available; a Tier 1 Behavior Strategy Sheet, a procedure

for students who receive an alternate report card

and use of common language for use on IEP's

Next Steps: Christine is creating a service log sheet for paraprofessionals;

Kelly is creating a Tier 1 Behavior suggestion sheet for Reg Ed Staff;

Megan and Julie O are creating a graph of available time for support staff;

Julie P scheduled a meeting with building administrator and SPED team to discuss protocols for alternate

report cards and use of available time of support staff

PLC: 039 - F & P preparation and higher-level questioning lessons/practices to boost comprehension -

especially during class Grand Conversations

Objective(s): We reviewed the current F & P tests that have been administered and will be administered

this marking period to ensure that our questioning in daily mini lessons is reflecting and practicing the

similar techniques. Much of the questioning is beyond the t

Session Overview: After reviewing some of our students' responses to the beyond the text connections

questioning, we were concerned. Certain questions from the I and J required them to have similar

experiences as the book character, which many of our students are lacking. Many have very limited

experiential knowledge of connecting with the text and cannot respond to questions such as "Have you

ever had an experience like this story?" If the student does not share a similar experience, and replies

"No" we question fairness of penalizing them for not having such experience. How would others score

this?

Next Steps: We will continue to practice higher-level questioning with our Read Alouds and Grand

Conversations. We will continue looking for mentor text that would enable more crafting and practice of

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making open-ended responses that would enhance student answers. In addition, we will seek feedback

from our Literacy Coach as well as colleagues across the district with our concerns.

PLC: 040 - Unpacking Essential Resources

Objective(s): To work on unpacking our Reading Strategies book by Jennifer Serravallo. We were

focusing on aligning units to readers workshop lessons and making resources to support our lessons.

Session Overview: We were able to make many charts/posters to support our lessons. We worked on

aligning our new resource to the workshop lessons. We were able to print the lessons from the book that

aligned and get organized.

Next Steps: Continue to unpack this resource along with Serravallo's writing resource book and touching

base on how the V and V program is going in our rooms.

PLC: 041 - Enhancing Language Development in Early Childhood Classrooms

Objective(s): To plan tier two vocabulary and open ended questions for read alouds in the preschool

classroom.

Session Overview: Multi-day readings of the same stories are beneficial to all children.

Introduction of Tier Two vocabulary before the story can increase auditory awareness for students with

language impairments. Planning vocabulary and questions ahead of reading lessens the focus on

teachable moments to ensure all children are learning the same vocabulary and skills.

Next Steps: Continue to plan read alouds and language based small group activities as well as create

adaptable books if the correct resources can be accessed for this last goal.

PLC: 042 -Classroom Organization for Overall Student Achievement

Objective(s): Accessible and Non Accessibly Items for students

Grade Levvl organization to expose students to more PBL and Read Alouds

Session Overview: What makes a student ready for the next grade. How does student behavior impact

instructions. How and what needs to be organized in the classroom for the students to use

independently. How do students utilize google drive.

Next Steps: organization of "completed work". How to best turn around the work students complete to

guide instruction

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PLC: 045 - Technology User Group

Objective(s): To introduce Google resources, investigate Seesaw further, discuss using technology for

differentiated instruction, review of Nearpod.

Session Overview: Most respondents enjoyed having the time to explore the apps and share how they

have been using them in their classrooms. We were able to troubleshoot some issues together. I think

most took away some new ideas to implement in their classroom.

Next Steps: My exit ticket indicates most educators want to explore Google and Seesaw by creating

activities specific to their discipline.

PLC: 046 - Implemening Writing Strategies for Differentiation

Objective(s): Teachers worked on creating a toolkit of writing strategies that they anticipate will be most

used with their caseloads. The toolkit had mini-charts, mentor texts, and sample writing exemplars. They

identified the strategies that mirrored classroom unit l

Session Overview: The biggest takeaway, was that the strategies can be implemented for all students

and that engagement is the most challenging obstacle for children with writing difficulties. After

discussing engagement strategies with specific students in mind, the team felt that there needs to be an

opportunity for children to write freely without constraints. The team then developed the idea for a

writing nook to be available for students during lunch time.

Next Steps: Develop and manage the writing cart with focus on developing writing opportunities

around the pillars of character, share with staff the vision of this project, and celebrate student writing.

PLC: 047 - Curriculum Work Study

Objective(s): At our session today, we used our time to collaborate with each other and plan stations for

our current unit of inquiry- How the World Works. We also looked at our current data and built stations

on areas where students struggled- for example, rhyming is

Session Overview: - We planned stations for our current unit How the World Works that were on force

and motion.

- We were able to collaborate with each other and give feedback.

Next Steps: - Analyze current student data to help drive our instruction and create rich stations to meet

end of the year goals.

PLC: 048 - Using the Seesaw App in a Kindergarten Classroom

Objective(s): Create authentic assessments using the seesaw app.

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Session Overview: We were able to find and create many activities that we can use as authentic

assessments especially related to the MPC.

Next Steps: Work on creating more activities especially ones for literacy.

PLC: 050 - Literacy Book Talks using: · Nancy Boyle’s Closer Reading · Jen Seravallo’s Reading

Strategies Book

Objective(s): To incorporate Jennifer Serravallo's reading strategies into the Teacher's college lessons for

a new unit.

Session Overview: Our reading lessons are much stronger using these reading strategies.

Next Steps: To incorporate Jennifer Serravallo's reading strategies into the Teacher's college lessons for

the next units.

PLC: 051 - Vocabulary Unit Planning

Objective(s): To continue working on planning tier 1, 2, 3 vocabulary. Work on making assessments for

the vocabulary units, creating vocabulary centers, and creating homework.

Session Overview: Vocabulary is crucial for student/reading achievement.

Next Steps: Continue working on the units and creation of materials to share with multiple grades to

increase student reading achievement.

PLC: 052 - Number Talks Planning

Objective(s): Next steps in number talks including planning for current and upcoming units

Session Overview: Vertical planning of addition and subtraction first through fourth grade with an

emphasis on accountable talk and solving word problems

Next Steps: Continue work through the remainder of the curriculum

PLC: 054 - TenMarks Introduction

Objective(s): How to use TenMarks to differentiate instruction and how to successfully have students

monitor their own progress.

Session Overview: Students can be encouraged to track their progress on this program and use the

amplifier lessons as a second chance to improve their scores.

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Next Steps: Looking at the assessments used on TenMarks and determining if they are beneficial as

another monitoring tool.

PLC: 055 - Preparing for SBAC: Math and ELA

Objective(s): The objective for the day was to review SBAC Block Assessment data, discuss possible

groupings based on the data, discuss strategies to implement to help students in the areas of need and to

research materials to use in the classroom to help prepare stude

Session Overview: The group found numerous materials to be used in stations.

The group analyzed SBAC Block Assessment Data and created strategy groups and whole class lessons.

The group shared lesson ideas and strategies used in previous years that were successful.

Next Steps: Next steps include implementing statuions during Reader's Workshop. These stations will

include materials covering a variety of different topics and/or skills needed for success on the SBAC. For

example, main idea, inferring and writing open-ended responses that include evidence.

PLC: 056 - Using non-fiction text to build vocabulary

Objective(s): To sort through and organize materials related to Force and Motion units

Session Overview: It was difficult to find interdisciplinary, cross curricular connections in this unit and

materials. Vocabulary development will need to be carefully planned.

Next Steps: We will continue this same process with Water Cycle and Land Formation.

PLC: 059 - Planning for Success on SBAC in the Math Intervention Setting

Objective(s): Bring and share student work centered around the SBAC strategies that were selected at

the first meeting. Determine whether strategies/activities are effective...should they be continued?

Session Overview: More data (IAB) is needed to determine effectiveness of SBAC strategies and

activities. The decision was made to continue using the current strategies and activities and to reevaluate

next meeting with additional data.

Next Steps: Bring data from next two IAB assessments (February and March) to determine effectiveness

of strategies and activities used. Discuss whether to continue or discontinue use of strategies and

activities. Consider developing new activities.

PLC: 060 - Mathematical Mindsets creating a math class where students persevere

Objective(s): To review and apply the 6 task designs.

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Session Overview: Teachers got several resources to use to plan with and implement a few of the task

designs.

Next Steps: Teachers will choose tasks to try in their classroom and bring back a description of how it

went and take aways.

PLC: 061 - Study of Multi-variable Calculus Curriculum

Objective(s): Discuss and determine a plan about course sequence changes and placement.

Session Overview: We determined a sequence of topics for an advanced algebra course and identified

areas to improve inclusiveness in our higher level math courses.

Next Steps: As we are unsure multi-variable calculus will be offered in the future we are changing the

focus of our PLC to vertical planning for our math department.

PLC: 064 - Implementing NGSS-aligned Curriculum PLC

Objective(s): Share resources

Session Overview: The team shared electronic organizers and lesson planning techniques

Next Steps: Continue to build capacity through the units

PLC: 066 - Collaborating with NGSS Units

Objective(s): The objectives of today's lesson was to discuss NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

strategies in the classrooms as well and preview (and review) the bundles we will be teaching next year.

The bundles are currently in draft form and they were create

Session Overview: The major take-away was to look at the units designed for 7th and develop a strong

understanding of the changes that will be taking place next year. It is also important to be able to

determine how to make the units our own.

Next Steps: The next step for this PLC is to look at writing assessment aligned with the NGSS and how

we can create three dimensional assessments aligned with NGSS to best support the curriculum. I would

like for the 7th grade science teachers to have a clear understanding of the units, NGSS instructional

strategies, and aligned assessments before the end of the school year.

PLC: 067 - 8th Grade Science PLC

Objective(s): -Review the remaining topics to cover for the 8th grade year.

-Looked through the NGSS standards and how they relate to the old CT standards.

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-Looked through the 8th grade shared resource folder for activities to do that relate to the remaining

standard

Session Overview:

- Long way to go to properly implement NGSS

- We need the set curriculum to then be able to purchase the proper materials and resources for the

upcoming school year (budget)

- 2 Rivers needs more teachers to be NGSx trained to best be able to implement the new curriculum.

- Practice/SBA science test set up of the released items so students can see/practice to prepare for the

science assessment.

Next Steps:

- Continue to incorporate NGSS practices into our lessons and come back to the next PLC to discuss

what has or has not worked.

- Continue to share resources with each other that we are doing in the classroom in real time as we

create them.

PLC: 068- NGSS Life Sciences PLC

Objective(s): To continue to implement NGSS-like questions into class assessments.

Session Overview: We looked at one of our current unit assessments and made modifications to attempt

to make it more three-dimensional and focused on the SEP's. We learned that most of the items we've

created in the past were not inclusive of the CCC's or SEP's and that it takes purposeful analysis of the

items to ensure they are truly three-dimensional.

Next Steps: 1. Share out of resources from CREC curriculum writing and NGSX Part 2 training.

2. Another look at the NGSS-like baseline assessment that was given at the beginning of the year.

PLC: 071 - AP Humanities/ SAT Collaboration

Objective(s): Collaborate on strategies for SAT Prep, and ECE/AP strategies

Session Overview: -SAT prep plan for all 11th grade classes

-ECE strategies of evaluating and grading with UCONN

- strategies for students to be successful with an opportunity to take ECE courses in Humanities

Next Steps: Plan for next year's courses- changes and evaluations of first year successes and failures

Write a proposal for ECE ENGL 1011 (literature) for the next school year

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PLC: 072 - Mastery Based Learning

Objective(s): Discuss how people were using Mastery Connect, discuss impact of students not turning

in assignments, worked on rubrics, etc.

Session Overview: Language Arts rubrics refined, ELA department continues working on using data

from Mastery Connect to inform instruction.

Next Steps: We will talk about what are we going to do address the needs of students continuing to

perform below standard.

PLC: 074 - Best Practices in Secondary Reading Comprehension Interventions

Objective(s): 1. To collaborate on the documentation and organization of Mileposts Intervention Action

Plans to ensure uniformity across schools.

2. To explore the new features and skills of Lexia Power Up Literacy (Replacement for Lexia Strategies for

Older Students)

Session Overview: While interventionists have become more comfortable and familiar with Mileposts, it

continues to be a cumbersome and time-consuming progress monitoring tool.

Lexia Core 5 has been found to be a successful intervention tool with students. With the recent release of

Lexia Power Up, Two Rivers will pilot the program with select groups.

Next Steps: To share observations from the pilot implementation of Lexia Power Up.

Discuss final outcomes of interventions noted in Mileposts.

PLC: 075 - Making the Shift to Standards Based Grading

Objective(s): Today we shared strategies that have been effectively used in our classrooms in

conjunction with Standards Based Grading and Mastery Connect.

Session Overview: Today teams had the opportunity to use our Standards Based data to form Tier 2

intervention groups. We also shared resources across grade levels, to support the development of

consistent practices in literacy and numeracy. In additon we took time to trouble shoot challenges

associated with our use of Mastery Connect and share general best practices with Standards Based

grading.

Next Steps: In the spring we will revisit our Tier 2 intervention data and share other best practices in

Standards Based Grading. We will consider how to best start the year with Standards Based Grading in

the 2018-2019 school year.

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PLC: 078 - Elementary WL Curriculum

Objective(s): To develop curriculum and upload resources for Elementary Spanish and Chinese

Session Overview: Completed one unit overview and worked on another for 5th grade Chinese.

Uploaded resources to Google for Elementary Spanish .

Linked resources to curriculum documents for Elementary Spanish.

Next Steps: Continue to develop resources and upload them for Elementary Spanish. Continue to work

on elementary unit templates. Continue revising and developing 5th grade Chinese curriculum.

PLC: 080 - Music Teachers Collaborative

Objective(s): Finalizing music festival planning and sharing Best Practice lessons/Anchor Activities to

be added to the Curriculum.

Session Overview: Music Festival roles and responsibilities finalized.

Best Practice/Anchor activities added for PK, K, 1, 4 (Created Google doc)

Next Steps: Finalize budget for Music festival

Add Anchor Activities to each grade level

PLC: 081 - Professional Practice for Art Teachers

Objective(s): To spend time making our own art and perfecting our own practice.

Session Overview: The etching process was explored in depth and attendees walked away with prints

and new techniques.

Next Steps: We are really looking forward to more time to learn from each other in the future. We'd also

like to consider an off-campus trip to a museum together.

PLC: 082 - Physical Education and Health Collaboration

Objective(s): Collaborate and share ideas for activities

Discuss Launch ideas

Session Overview: Would like to do a teambuilding challenge for Launch

Shared activities that can be extended to high school or lowered for elementary

Next Steps: Develop an agenda for next meeting

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PLC: 083 - Psychological Evaluation Procedures

Objective(s): Testing

Testing materials (protocols)

Psychological procedures

Session Overview: Developing comprehensive evaluations and adhering to our certifications.

Next Steps: To discuss with supervisors about the lack of testing materials (protocols).

PLC: 084 - Curriculum writing for elementary school counseling

Objective(s): Continue to formulate resource guide. Focus was on identifying 5 topic areas (anxiety,

anger management, feeling identification, etc.) and related books.

Session Overview: Related books were identified. Each group member took a topic area to focus on for

next PD - to identify games, tech, and curriculum.

Next Steps: Finish resource guide for each of the topic areas. Pool together curriculum for easily

accessible resources.

PLC: 085 - Case Conference for Challenging Students

Objective(s): Discussion of students who are not responding to traditional counseling strategies and the

sharing of resources. Also a discussion of IEP goals and objective development.

Session Overview: see above in the attendance section

Next Steps: Continue to discuss strategies; sharing of resources as well as development of IEP goals

PLC: 087 - Developing Learning Goals and Strategies for All Learners

Objective(s): Continue with Mindset Rubrics for Sped

Session Overview: Establishing norms fro Sped Mindset

Next Steps: Talk to admin about the norms.

PLC: 088 - LMS PLC

Objective(s): Review and unpack the AASL Standards; crosswalk standards with CSTA K-12 Computer

Science standards.

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Session Overview: Best practices and ways to integrate both sets of standards into each individual

Library program

Next Steps: Review individual programs, analyze strengths and challenges for the school year, plan

objectives for next school year.

PLC: 089 - Reading Comprehension Strategies for EL/Special Ed

Objective(s): Teachers will work collaborate to embed Comprehension Toolkit lessons within Reader's

Workshop, Balanced Literacy as well as science and social studies.

Session Overview: We collaborate on embedding Comprehension Toolkit lessons within Reader's

Workshop with grade 1 and began working on grade 2. Group discussions focused on the literature

included with the Comprehension Tool kit and reinforcing the stories and skill in the classroom in our

small groups.

Next Steps: We will explore the Comprehension Tool in grades 3-4 and the skills associated with the

units.

PLC: 091 - Computer Science Instruction

Objective(s): Learn and discuss how to implement EarSketch

Session Overview: We learned how to create javascript and python files in EarSketch, and how to edit

the code to add loops and arrays. Discussed student recruitment.

Next Steps: We are interested in developing a curriculum for EarSketch or possibly creating a new

course offering that focuses on this resource.

PLC: 093 - Using art to develop a growth mindset

Objective(s): To reflect on Identities whether it is self identity or an identity based on your subject

matter, and how we can represent and express our thoughts through art and link it to our class.

Session Overview: Art can be used to express your identity and what represents you. This is a great way

to get teachers and students to express themselves through art.

Next Steps: Doing art outside, connecting nature and art to the classroom.

PLC: 095 - Reality Pedagogy for Urban Educators

Objective(s): Review and discuss chapter 4

Session Overview: Discussion of the author's work on neoindiginous students

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Next Steps: continue on with chapters 5-10

PLC: 096 - Mindful BookWorms: Book Study Intergrating CREC core Values and Mindfulness Practices

Objective(s): Review of mindfulness practices to support development of cogens and cyphers

Session Overview: Better operational development of cogen and cyphers using cultural awareness and

backgrounds for expression. We then implemented mindfulness practices as a part of cogen

development. We reviewed some of Emdin's suggested practices and how we can use these practices

both in counseling sessions and supporting student expression in the classroom.

Next Steps: We will be focusing our next book Behold the Dreamers and will be discussing DACA and

supporting dreamers who are in our schools.

PLC: 096 - Mindful BookWorms: Book Study Intergrating CREC core Values and Mindfulness Practices

Objective(s): Staff will reflect on implicit-bias, staff will engage in mindfulness activities, staff will

reflect on code-switching, and what is their vision of multicultural competency.

Session Overview: How to integrate mindfulness into their practice and/or personal life (e.g. starting the

day with mindfulness exercises). How to do more parent outreach and connect with our communities.

Next Steps: Read the next book, "Behold the Dreamers" and develop a lesson plan for the following

activity.

PLC: 098 - Ashoka Changemaker Framework

Objective(s): To examine resources that exist to support changemaking in schools and classroom.

To provide feedback and resources to Ashoka.

To plan to implement changemaking in schools and classrooms.

Session Overview: This work needs to start with the students. Many of the student ideas for change are

related to what they see and know in the classroom/school. The resources are helpful but also assume

students have greater knowledge and experiences of the outside world. Field experiences will allow

students to identify opportunities for change outside the school.

Next Steps: Pilot some small group field studies.

PLC: 100 - MLC MSAP Professinal Learning Community

Objective(s): To continue the Project-Based Learning work that began on 2/2/18; specifically, to have

teachers work in differentiated groups (self-selected) to develop project-based learning units and

experiences for students in academic classes. (And five school coun

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Session Overview: PBL = an approach to learning - students learn through PBL; PBL is NOT simply a

project that comes at the end of a unit of study.

PBL is good for students - more choice, more authenticity, more value, more rigor.

PBL is a lens, through which content and skills are developed.

Next Steps: Applying PBL learning to developing units in academic classes across all 8 (MYP) or 6 (DP)

subjects. Collaborating to develop units that meet the PBL "gold standard" checklist. For CBITs

participants: develop plans for CBITs implementation at MLC.

PLC: 101 - Academy of Science and Innovation MSAP Professional Learning Community

Objective(s): For teachers to understand who experiences trauma and why, and how it impacts student

learning.

Session Overview: Introductory training session through Clifford Beers on evidence based trauma

informed practices we will implement school wide.

Next Steps: continued PD on the topic of trauma and its impact on student learning. Grade 9 student

pilot of the CBITS model for trauma informed schools.

PLC: 102 - PSA MSAP Professional Learning Community

Objective(s): Teachers will work towards assigned goals of their respective MSAP workgroups: Activity

Block, Cultural Competency, Experiential Field Trips/Orientation, Internships/Senior Year/ECE, PBL,

Service Learning/ Community Service / Public Service Days, Social-E

Session Overview: Workgroups continued where they had left off at the prior meeting. Most groups are

in the research stage of their tasks at this time.

Next Steps: MSAP Workgroups will continue to meet to complete their respective assignments.

PLC: 103 - Speech-Language Relevant School Based Issues

Objective(s): Discussed creating a district drive for shared speech language materials, expiring

assessments, Medicaid billing

Session Overview: The need for sharing materials to make better use of our district resources

Next Steps: Contact IT regarding a shared drive

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PLC: 105 - Ana Grace SPED Planning/Collaboration

Objective(s): Collaborating about schedules and specific students and sharing resources within our

team to use for student needs. Using group time to file, plan small group instruction, and develop a

testing schedule for upcoming triennial reviews and new referrals. We

Session Overview: The time to sit and collaborate was extremely beneficial. Planning for the remainder

of the month and sharing resources to use with students was a huge take away.

Next Steps: To continue collaboration around specific students and goals and objectives. Creating and

groups around student needs and IEP goals. Plan for small group instruction while sharing materials and

progress monitoring tools. Continuing to plan for student testing and report writing.