MRVED Business

LAST DAY:
MELT Networking Facilitators

Today (Friday, November 22) is the LAST DAY to signup to be a facilitator of a networking group at the MELT in January!  The signup sheet will close at 3:30 p.m. today! As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.

The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, they will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon.

Networking Facilitator Signup

So Far the only groups that will have a networking session will be:

• Kindergarten (Math Emphasis)
• 3rd Grade
• HS/JH Science
• HS/JH Social Studies
• Industrial Technology
• Agriculture
• Art
• ECFE/ECSE
• Counselors
• ESL
• New Teachers
• Principals
• Band
• Choral
• World Language
• FACS

MRVED UPCOMING MEETINGS

November 26, 2013 - Superintendents' Council

December 3, 2013 - Language Arts

December 4, 2013 - MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)

December 5, 2013 - Health

December 6, 2013 - World Languages

December 9, 2013 - District Assessment Coordinators (DACs)

TIES 2013 Technology Conference

Don't miss out on the 2013 TIES Education Technology Conference, December 14-17.  The featured speakers this year are Marc Prensky and Dr. Mizuko Ito.  If you are a fan of educational technology, this is the conference for you!  There are 100's of breakout sessions to choose from throughout the day, and time to connect with some of the greatest minds in educational technology from around the state and world.  This year the MRVED is lucky to have a couple presenters in our midst.  Brandon will be presenting 50 Tools for 21st Century Skills on Monday morning at 8:00 AM and Krista Isaacs and Melissa Wilber from Lakeview will be presenting the Best Free Websites for the Upper Elementary Classroom at the same time.

Tech Tip of the Week

Are you looking for a neat way to grab the attention of your students?  Are your students looking for a different project idea?  Look no further!  Newsjack.in is an awesome website that allows you to take any website and edit the contents.  See this EXAMPLE.  Newsjack.in is so easy to use, elementary students would have a blast using it!

12 Touchstones of Good Teaching

Reminder: This series of posts comes from the book The 12 Touchstones of Good Teaching by Bryan Goodwin & Elizabeth Ross Hubbell.

10. Help students develop deep knowledge

What it looks like: "Teachers introduce new knowledge by helping students connect it to prior knowledge.  They help students make meaningful patterns, assembling disparate bits of information into coherent patterns.  They consider what students will think about with each assignment and aim to focus thinking on deep knowledge"

Why it is important:  "The goal of learning is deep knowledge- the ability to connect ideas, see patterns, and apply learning in novel situations- which in turn, is key to memory.  Effective teaching strategies do not always work; they must be applied with intentionality according to the knowledge teachers are helping students develop."

(Goodwin & Hubbell, pg. 198)

MRVED Business

MELT Networking Facilitators

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.

The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, they will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon.
Networking Facilitator Signup

MELT Update
MELT planning is coming together nicely!  There are currently 40+ sessions on the docket with many networking sessions scheduled in throughout the day.  Please consider being a networking facilitator if you feel strongly about networking with colleagues.  Registration will be out in early December.  Be sure to register early as many sessions filled up quickly last year.  Look for the registration materials to be delivered in an email as well as the weekly update.

MRVED Meetings
November 21, 2013 Industrial Technology (Tour K & M Manufacturing)
November 26, 2013 Superintendents' Council (NEW DATE)
December 3, 2013    Language Arts
December 4, 2013    Community Ed
                                 MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
December 5, 2013    Health
December 6, 2013    World Languages
December 9, 2013    District Assessment Coordinators (DACs)

Early English Language Development (E-ELD) and Early Spanish Language Development (E-SLD) Standards Webinars

WIDA is hosting a series of free webinars, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on the dates indicated for early childhood practitioners across all early care and education programs (Head Start, child care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, home visiting, etc.).

Before joining any of the webinars, check your system requirements. Audio for the webinars will be either through the computer speaker and microphone or through a phone. To check speakers and microphone settings, join the session and go to Tools-Audio-Audio Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen. To use a phone, join the session and go to Tools-Telephone-Use Telephone for Audio and enter the phone number and PIN on the screen.

Language in Play: Introduction to the Early English Language Development (E-ELD) Standards - Monday, November 18, 2013

• This webinar will provide a more in-depth view of each component of the E-ELD Standards Framework. Each component will be reviewed and implications for use as well as implementation in various early care and education programs will be discussed.

Participate in Language in Play webinar.


Understanding Language Growth: The E-ELD Performance Definitions - Wednesday, December 11, 2013

• This webinar will provide a detailed examination of the Performance Definitions including:
• Foundational concepts and research that guided development of the Performance Definitions;
• Similarities and differences with WIDA’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework; and
• Considerations for use of the Performance Definitions in planning curriculum and monitoring growth of early English language development.

Participate in Understanding Language Growth webinar.


Playing with Language: Understanding and Using the Model Performance Indicator (MPI) Strands - Tuesday, January 14, 2014

• This webinar will build a deeper understanding of the MPI strands including:
• The connection between the Early English Language Development (E-ELD) Standards and the MPIs;
• Identifying elements of a MPI strand;
• Using MPI strands in everyday practice; and
• Implications for instruction and assessment.

Participate in Playing with Language webinar.

Sophia

If you are looking for video resources for your classroom, look no further!

Sophia was created with a vision of transforming education through a vibrant online community of teachers and learners. Our goal is to provide self­-paced, inspirational and relevant curriculum to learners of all stages and ages.

To achieve that vision, Sophia built a customizable education platform that offers more than 37,000 academic tutorials. Taught by thousands of teachers using the Many Ways model, learners can choose teaching styles that appeal to their own unique way of learning. By combining rich content with online flexibility, Sophia gives our community success skills that will last a lifetime.

12 Touchstones of Good Teaching

9. Make the most of every minute

What it looks like: "Teachers plan lessons to ensure bell-to-bell learning for students.  Routines are established to ensure efficient transitions and classroom logistics."

Why it is important: "A few wasted minutes per class period can add up to weeks of lost learning time.  Time on instruction has a greater effect on student achievement than socioeconomic status.  Even more important is academic learning time- the actual time students are on task and learning."

(Goodwin & Hubbell, pg. 198)

The Well-Managed Classroom by Harry Wong

Recap of 1-8

1. Standards should be the guide

2. Student set personal learning objectives for each lesson

3. Performance expectations are clear

4. Measure understanding against high expectations

5. Engage student interest with every lesson

6. Interact meaningful with every student

7. Use feedback to encourage effort

8. Create an oasis of safety and respect

MRVED Business

Meeting Updates
FACS Meeting
The Family and Consumer Science teachers took a field trip for their best practice meeting this Fall.  The group spent the morning at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall meeting with the department chairs of education and culinology.  The group had the opportunity to hear from higher education as to what they are seeing in students as well as trends in their area.  The teachers also toured the departments.  After a great lunch at SMSU, the FACS teachers made their way over to Schwans Research and Development. This was a treat!  The group had the opportunity to throw on a hairnet and see how a product is born and all the steps that are involved in bringing a product to market.  Overall it was a great active day for everyone!

FACS group touring a kitchen at SMSU with department chair Michael Cheng.

MELT Update

The MRVED still needs YOU!  We know there are great things going on in all of our schools.  Please consider sharing some of those great things at the MELT in January.  If you are interested in presenting, or are not sure if your topic would be interesting, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).  Remember, you do not have to present alone, teams of teachers are encouraged to present together.

The MRVED is also looking for facilitators of networking groups.  As a facilitator you are not expected to be the expert in the room, but rather move the discussion along.  The goal of a networking group is to share resources and ideas with people who have the same interest.  They are meant to include a give & take.  Bring something to share and take something away that someone else shared.  The only networking groups that will be offered are those that have a willing facilitator.  If a networking group does not have a facilitator, they will not be held.  If you would like to sign up, please click the link below and add your name to the list next to the group you would like to facilitate.  If you have any questions, please contact Brandon.

Networking Facilitator Signup

MRVED BEST PRACTICE MEETINGS:
November 12, 2013 - District Technology Coordinators
November 14, 2013 - Guidance Counselors
November 15, 2013 - Social Workers
November 21, 2013 - Industrial Technology (K & M tour)
November 26, 2013 - Superintendents' Council (NEW DATE)

Augmented Reality in Schools

According to the Horizons report, Augmented Reality is set to have a great impact on education in the next 5-10 years.  What is augmented reality (AR)?  Augmented reality is taking the real world and superimposing a virtual image on top of it to bend your perception of reality.  See the TED talk below about how Augmented Reality is being used today.

This technology can have a great impact on the way our students view the world in the coming years.  There are many ways in which this technology can be used in education today.  See the great list of apps below and start experimenting with this great technology today! (All links will take you to the Apple App store, please note some are also Android apps).

• Aurasma (Website)
• AR Player (Website)
• AR Flashcards (Website)
• AR Flashcards in Space (Website)
• ColAR Mix (Website)
• FETCH: Lunch Rush (Website)
• Google Goggles

Google Forms for Educators

Google Forms can be a very powerful tool to use in your classroom, with parents, or among colleagues.  If you have a Google Account, you already have access to this great free tool.  Watch the videos below to learn how to create a form and also incorporate Flubaroo with Google Forms.  If you know how to create a form, check out this great resource for ideas for use in education.  This website is jam-packed with great ideas on how to incorporate Google Forms into the education world with ready to use examples.

Creating a Google Form

Using Flubaroo

12 Touchstones of Good Teaching

8. Create an Oasis of Safety and Respect in Your Classroom

What it looks like: "Teachers establish clear rules for behavior and consequences for misconduct, ensuring that all students feel safe to learn and contribute to classroom discussions."

Why it is important: "Until more basic needs of safety and respect are met, students will find it difficult to learn.  The most effective behavior management techniques balance punishments for misconduct with rewards for good behavior and also enlist the entire school community in enforcing clear expectations for behavior throughout the school."

(Goodwin & Hubbell, pg. 197)

Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports website

MRVED Business

MRVED on the Hunt

We are still on the prowl for people willing to present at the MELT in January.  If you or a team is at all remotely interested in presenting, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).  We have many "outside" presenters coming in, but are lacking on the amount of local talent willing to present.  If you know of someone in your school that has something to present, please encourage them to contact Brandon.

Meeting Updates

Business

The Business teachers assembled at the MRVED on Wednesday October 23 for their annual best practice meeting.  The teachers were in for a treat as their state specialist Jean Kyle was in attendance for the morning.  Jean is a wealth of knowledge in the world of education and more specifically a real asset to the business teachers.  She brought everyone up to speed on the state of business education in Minnesota as well as trends in business education.  The afternoon was spent with Gail Polejewski talking Perkins and sharing resources.  It was a great experience for all to work with both Jean and Gail.

Math

The Math teachers came to the MRVED on Tuesday October 29 for their best practice meeting.  There were many comments from people that this was one of the best best practice meetings they have ever had.  The morning was spent discussing and working with 21st century skills and applying them to the classrooms.  After a deep discussion on the P21 Framework, the teachers jumped into their curriculum work for the day.  They spent a good deal of time watching a video on effective feedback and then working with the content of the video within their groups.  Many deep educational conversations ensued.  Lunch was a good break from all the deep thinking that was happening and the afternoon was spent sharing resources and Brandon's technology.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

November 5, 2013 - FACS (meeting will be held in Marshall)
November 6, 2013 - Principals' Council
November 14, 2013 - Guidance Counselors
November 15, 2013 - Social Workers
November 21, 2013 - Industrial Technology (Will be touring K & M Manufacturing, Renville MN)
November 26, 2013 - Superintendents' Council (NOTE CHANGE OF DATE)

12 Touchstones of Good Teaching

7. Use Feedback to Encourage Effort

What it looks like: "Teachers provide students with frequent and timely feedback that links to learning objectives.  Teachers also keep feedback non controlling and growth oriented, helping students see how their efforts are the key to success and giving students opportunities to self and peer assess."

Why it is important: "Effective feedback has among the strongest influences on student success of any instructional practice.  Feedback is most effective when it is linked to learning objectives..."

(Goodwin & Hubbell, pg. 197)

See the power of effective feedback in the story about Austin's Butterfly.

Austin's Butterfly can be used in a variety of ways.  Use it with your students to show the importance of effective peer feedback.  Use it with other teachers to show the importance of providing specific feedback to students.  You can see other examples by going to the Expeditionary Learning website.

Apply to be a Green School

Apply for the US Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award. This award honors public and private early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools and school districts that are exemplary in all three of the following areas:

• Reducing environmental impact
• Improving health and wellness
• Providing effective environmental education

Awardees receive a plaque and a flag for the school, local recognition, and an invitation to the national ceremony in Washington, DC. The awards are announced annually on Earth Day and the national award ceremony occurs in the summer.

Applying for the award provides an opportunity to analyze energy and water usage, waste reduction and transportation. Schools review the strategies that promote healthy practices by students and teachers. In addition, teachers examine their curriculum for instruction in environmental concepts, skills and careers. In the process members from various sectors of the school community collaborate to improve their efforts toward sustainability.

The application for Minnesota schools and local information is available from John Olson, MDE Science Specialist, John.C.Olson@state.mn.us, 651-582-8673. The application is due December 18th. Information about the Green Ribbon Schools program is at www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools. Minnesota information is at the Mn Dept. of Education Green Ribbon Schools page.

There will be information and assistance webinars on:

November 6, 3 – 4 pm
November 12, 4 – 5 pm
December 2, 3:30– 4:30 pm

Contact John Olson for login details.

Click here to see the flyer.

iOS 7 Beginners Guide

iOS 7 Beginners Guide
If you or your school has updated their Apple devices to iOS 7, you are probably wondering how to use the operating system to its full potential.  Start out by taking a look at "The Beginner's Guide to the iPad and iOS 7" by Edudemic.  There are also great tips at teachingwithipad.org.