MRVED Update - December 13, 2017

MELT Update

MELT registration was fast and furious on day 1 with almost 500 people registered by the end of the day!  The deadline to register is 4 PM on December 20th.  If you have not registered yet, please do so today.

IF YOU WILL BE HOSTING A STUDENT TEACHER THIS SPRING PLEASE FORWARD REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO THEM PLEASE.

MELT 2018 Registration Link

Tech Tip of the Week - Osmo

Osmo is an awesome tool for classrooms in the lower elementary.  Osmo works with an iPad as an attachment.  It allows kids to use manipulatives on the table or floor and and manipulate things on the screen.  There are a variety of games and activities that come with it.  Check it out today!

Teaching Current Events

Over the past few weeks there have been no shortage of current events.  Many of the topics within our current events have been touchy subjects, but important ones nonetheless.  So...how do we teach current events to our students?  At what age is it appropriate?  How much time should we spend?  Is it worth it?

Each person has their own opinion on each of these questions.  Below you will find a series of articles on teaching current events to your students and possibly provide some clarity to the questions above.

Teaching Current Events in the Age of Social Media

8 Smart Ways to Teach Current Events

25 Great Ideas for Teaching Current Events

50 Ways to Teach Current Events

Innovator's Mindset - Engage vs Empower

This is the 3rd time I have read this book, and I love this chapter every time I read it!  There are some very powerful statements from Couros in this chapter that makes me question what education can and should look like.  Couros is definitely not saying what we are currently doing is wrong or bad, simply, can we do it better?

I love the image to the right.  Engaging students means getting kids excited about what we want, empowering students means getting kids excited about what they want!  Are we empowering our kids with learning or simply engaging them?  Do we ever give them the ability to learn what they want within your content area?  Couros gives the example of YouTube being the largest learning platform in the world but yet we still block kids from using it in our schools.  It's not shocking that kids misuse YouTube because teachers are engaging them and not empowering them to learn.  If we are empowering kids, it gives them a reason to use YouTube with a purpose.

Our schools are now investing time into innovation days or genius hours, which is great.  But Couros warns that these should not be stand alone single events that happen.  Innovation day and genius hour should be happening in all our classrooms as part of our pedagogy.  Think about the kid that learns to play guitar on his own by watching YouTube videos.  He didn't learn that skill by doing "genius hour" once a month!

Couros also talks about the difference between school and learning.  See the chart below for a summarization.

MRVED MEETING SCHEDULE

December 14, 2017    TAC
December 15, 2017     Principals' Council
December 20, 2017     Superintendents' Council
December 20, 2017     MRVED Board (7 p.m.)

January 9, 2018           Title III ParaProfessionals
January 15, 2018        MELT

MRVED Update

MELT Update

Melt 2018 is fast approaching and preparations are well underway.  This year there are over 30 sessions to choose from per hour.  There are many new sessions offered this year as well as some popular sessions from years past.  Some groups will also have the opportunity to network.

Registration
Last year we experimented with sending out the MELT brochure a couple days prior to sending the registration link.  This allowed people to set their schedule and read through the descriptions prior to registering.  This seemed to work really well.  The process will be the same this year.  The brochure will come to you on Monday December 4 from your Principal.  The link to register will come to you on Wednesday morning from your Principal.  Principals, look for this information from Mary please.

We cannot stress enough the importance of registering as early as possible.  Some sessions fill really fast, therefore the later you are in registering, the greater the risk of not being able to get into those sessions.

TIES Conference

The biggest educational technology conference in the midwest is happening December 9-12 in Minneapolis.  The TIES 2017 Education Technology conference takes place at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis.  This conference is jam-packed with tons of breakout sessions and excellent keynote speakers.  You can preview the breakout sessions by looking at the schedule.  You can also follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #TIES17.  If you are going, feel free to send Brandon an email or a Tweet as he will be attending as well.  If educational technology interests you at all, this is the place to be in Minnesota in December!

Simple Ways to Help Young Kids Develop Self Control

I stumbled across this article on Edutopia the other day.  It is about ways in which to help kids develop self control.  As a parent of a nine, four, and one year old, the tips provided here were very helpful and easy to do.  This is a great article for any teacher to read and could also be something to provide parents in your newsletters home.

Simple Ways to Help Young Kids Develop Self Control by Dr. Donna Wilson and Dr. Marcus Conyers

Tech Tip of the Week - Peergrade

Have you ever had students provide feedback on their peers work?  Peergrade allows you to do just that, but digitally!  Students can turn in their assignment, and the program will randomly distribute the work to students to provide feedback on.  The basic plan is free!  Check it out today!

Innovator's Mindset - Learn, Lead, Innovate

We are on Chapter 5 of the Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  This chapter is full of great information, so we'll cover only a snippet of the chapter.  If you haven't already obtained the book, you still have plenty of time to get it and get caught up through chapter 5.

Chapter 5 is titled Learn, Lead, Innovate and the main purpose of this chapter is to show the characteristics of someone who can lead people through innovation.  It rings loud and clear throughout the chapter that you first must be a learner in order to lead.

One of my all-time favorite quotes is in this chapter, "Would I want to be a learner in my own classroom?" (Couros 83).  This is so true!  You need to put yourselves in the shoes of your students to feel empathy toward their school experience.  If you know what they are feeling, you can create real and authentic learning experiences for them.

Couros identifies 8 characteristics of the innovative leader:
1. Visionary - You need to see beyond the obvious
2. Empathetic - Feel for the learner
3. Models Learning - Be a learner yourself
4. Open Risk-Taker - Model risk taking
5. Networked - Open your mind to new ideas and people
6. Observant - Really look at the world around us
7. Team Builder - Need to be collaborative
8. Always Focused on Relationships - Foster the relationships

If you are going to lead innovation, you need to model learning & risk taking.  If people see you doing it, they are more likely to follow along.  Open your mind to new ideas and people and be willing to venture into the uncomfortable to make innovation happen.  It wouldn't be innovation if it wasn't uncomfortable.

MRVED Meetings:
December 1, 2017    Title III Teachers
December 14, 2017  TAC
December 15, 2017  Principals' Council
December 20, 2017  Superintendents' Council
December 20, 2017  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)

MRVED Update

MELT Networking Session Facilitator Sign-Up

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups for the 2018 MELT in January. 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, it 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. The networking sign up will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday November 17. If you have any questions or cannot access the form, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).

MELT NETWORKING SIGN UP LINK

MELT Update

The annual MELT (MRVED Educators Learning Together) conference is shaping up to be a another great conference.  There will be over 60 different sessions to choose from throughout the day.  We have had a record number of local teachers willing to present this year as well as many new faces.  Registration materials will be coming the first week of December.

Teacher License Renewal Information

There will be changes to teacher licensure and relicensure in the coming year.  There will be a new 4 Tier system put into place.  You can find a definition of each Tier in the legislation document linked below:

Teacher Licensure Legislation

There are still many unknowns with the new tiered system, so the state is delaying any 2018 renewals to 2019.  This information can be found in the following document:

License Status Changes for Renewal Applications

Teacher licensure is a legislative issue & MDE is striving to do what is best to carry out the legislation.  Currently the software they have in place does not have the capability to accommodate the Tiered system, thus the 1 year extensions on the licenses.

If you have any questions, please contact your local continuing education committee or consult the Minnesota Department of Education Board of Teaching Website.

Innovator's Mindset - Relationships, Relationships, Relationships

As we continue on our journey through Innovator's Mindset a reminder that George Couros will be our keynote speaker in March.  Keep in mind these summations are simply a taste of what the book offers.  Innovator's Mindset is a very good and quick read.

Couros ends this chapter with, what I feel, is one of the most important phrases in this chapter, "If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind (Couros, 79).  This quote couldn't be more true, and Couros talks about it extensively in this chapter.  If people don't trust you personally, why would they be willing to take a risk for you.  Applying this to the classroom - If kids don't trust you and really know you, they will not take a risk to be innovative in your classroom.

Couros offers three questions to consider for leaders trying to instill a culture of innovation into their schools.  I also think the three questions can apply to kids as well.

1. Do people often ask me for permission or guidance?
2. Have I created an environment where risks are not only encouraged but expected?
3. How have I highlighted the great work being done by our school to others in and out of the organization?

These three questions are valid for any leader or teacher.  Think about them and reflect on your own environment.

Couros also talks about creating a learning environment that is personalized to each individual.  He says, "Staff professional development can provide opportunities for creating a shared understanding of the group as a whole, but we also have to remember that the whole is made up of individuals (Couros 75)."  I think this also applies to the classroom as well.  We often lesson plan for the whole and forget that our class is not necessarily a whole, but made up of individual students.

The bulk of the chapter is about relationships, but there is so much more packed into it.  It really is worth the read.  I simply point out different aspects that stand out to me.  It really is a great read!  Pick up a copy today and follow along.

Tech Tip of the Week - Planboard

Planboard is for the teacher who wants to stay organized.  It's a great, FREE way to lesson plan and pace.  One of the best features is being able to reuse the lesson plans year after year.  So, if you still use the old fashioned paper and pencil calendar to lesson plan, try Planboard today.







MRVED Meetings:

November 17, 2017   Principals' Council
November 22, 2017   Superintendents' Council

December 1, 2017      Title III Teachers
December 14, 2017    Teachers' Advisory Council (TAC)
December 15, 2017    Principals' Advisory Council
December 20, 2017    Superintendents' Council
December 20, 2017    MRVED Board (7 p.m.)

MRVED Update

MRVED MELT 2018 Call for Presentation Proposals - LAST WEEKS

The MRVED Educators Learning Together (MELT) conference will be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School on January 15, 2018. To help make this conference the best ever, we need your help. The MRVED is looking for enthusiastic people willing to present on something great happening in your classroom. This can be anything from Google Drive to differentiation techniques in your classroom. Technology or no technology proposals are welcome. Presenters will be paid a small stipend for your work. You may submit as many presentation proposals as you wish.

We are especially looking for any Pre-K teachers willing to present!
Call for Presentation Proposal Link will close on November 3 at 3:00 p.m.

**By filling out this form you are not committing to presenting, just providing the MRVED with your name and topic.**

2018 Call for Presentation Proposals Link

MELT Networking Session Facilitator Sign-Up

The MRVED is looking for facilitators of networking groups for the 2018 MELT in January. 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, it 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. The networking sign up will close at 3:00 p.m. on Friday November 17. If you have any questions or cannot access the form, please contact Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).

MELT NETWORKING SIGN UP LINK

October 18 Follow Up

Thank you to everyone that participated in the October 18 Best Practice Common Inservice Day.  Early reviews of the day seem fairly positive.  Our Superintendents, Principals, and Teachers' Advisory Council will be reviewing the evaluations from the day.  It is the hope of all these groups that we can provide something that is meaningful for all the teachers in the MRVED.  Our next Common Inservice Day will be MELT on January 15, 2018 at Lac qui Parle Valley High School.  Look for more information on the MELT in the next few updates.  It's shaping up to be a really great conference once again.

Information on New Minnesota Science Standards

MNSTA has developed a nice website that talks about how and when the new Science standards will be adopted.  If you are a teacher of Science, I highly suggest you check it out.

Preparing for the New Minnesota Science Standards

Tech Tip of the Week - wizer.me

wizer.me allows you to build an interactive worksheet.  The worksheet builder looks really intuitive and easy to use.  You can learn more about wizer.me HERE.

Innovator's Mindset - Characteristics of Innovator's Mindset

The 3rd chapter in the book Innovator's Mindset talks about the characteristics of the innovator's mindset.  Couros provides a story to illustrate and provide a picture as to what can encompass the mindset of an innovator.  You'll have to read the book if you want the full story, but in short it's about a teacher using video for a lesson for the first time.  There are two quotes at the beginning of the chapter that really hit home for me.  

The first being, "Great educators can work within the constraints of the system and still create innovative learning opportunities for their students".  Often times we are quick to blame the "system" for not allowing innovation, but if one thinks deeply about it, you CAN be innovative within the constraints of the system.

The second quote that provoked some thoughts and feelings was, "Effective leadership in education is not about moving everyone from one standardized point to the next but moving individuals from their point "A" to their point "B"".  This is so true not only for effective leaders, but effective teachers.  How do we meet each individual/student where they are and then move them individually along to their individual goals?

The two quotes above really made me think about my own practice before I even read the rest of the chapter on the characteristics of the innovator's mindset.  Below I will list the characteristics and dive briefly into each one.

1. Empathetic - An educator NEEDS to know what it's like being a student in their own classroom.  I have heard Couros speak on numerous occasions and he always brings in a slide that says, "Would you want to be a student in your own classroom?"  Think about it!

2. Problem Finders/Solvers - I love the fact he includes "finders" into the equation.  Too often our innovators are charged with solving problems and not necessarily finding them.  What if we allow our innovator's the opportunity to present their own problems and then encourage or support them when trying to find solutions? 

3. Risk Takers - This characteristic is fairly easy to see in innovator's.  They are willing to take risks for the benefit of solving a problem, or simply trying something new and different.  He uses the example of Apple taking the risk of creating the SmartPhone.  It could have easily been a "flop" like so many other technology innovations, but it wasn't.  Look at where that "risk" got them today!

4. Networked - The innovator is a networked person.  They rely upon the knowledge and skills of the people around them to help them solve their problems.  Today being networked means joining Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Blogs, etc...  Couros has a great quote here, "Sometimes, the most valuable thing you get from the network isn't an idea but the inspiration or courage to try something new."

5. Observant - The innovator is able to recognize a great idea and mold that idea into their own thing.  They are open-minded to new ideas and can make connections to education/their classroom through listening to great speakers or thought leaders.

6. Creators - Innovators are able to create products from their ideas.  "Learning is creation, no consumption."  The tools that surround us today gives us the ability to create magnificent products we could never have dreamt of doing 10 to 15 years ago!

7. Resilient - Innovators don't give up after a failed attempt.  They learn and try again.

8. Reflective - The innovator is able to reflect on what they are doing and then make adjustments.  Reflection is not only important for innovators, but for everyone!

MRVED Meetings
October 25, 2017  Superintendents' Council
October 27, 2017  Principals' Council

November 8, 2017    Joint Meeting of Principals' Council & TAC
November 17, 2017  Principals' Council
November 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council

MRVED Update

MRVED MELT 2018 Call for Presentation Proposals

The MRVED Educators Learning Together (MELT) conference will be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School on January 15, 2018. To help make this conference the best ever, we need your help. The MRVED is looking for enthusiastic people willing to present on something great happening in your classroom. This can be anything from Google Drive to differentiation techniques in your classroom. Technology or no technology proposals are welcome. Presenters will be paid a small stipend for your work. You may submit as many presentation proposals as you wish.

We are especially looking for any Pre-K teachers willing to present!


**By filling out this form you are not committing to presenting, just providing the MRVED with your name and topic.**
2018 Call for Presentation Proposals Link

October 18 Information

The October 18, 2017 day of professional development is set up slightly different this year.  It is being held at two different locations, the Kilowatt Center and Yellow Medicine East High School, both in Granite Falls.

Administrators have designated PLC leaders from their district who will attend an all day Solution Tree training at the Kilowatt Center in Granite Falls.  Your agenda is as follows:

7:15 - 7:55 a.m.     Coffee and rolls

8:00 a.m. - Noon    Solution Tree training

​12:00 - 12:30 p.m.  Catered lunch

12:30 - 3:00 p.m.    Solution Tree training continues

​Please note that your start and ending times are different then the teachers who are attending at the Yellow Medicine East high school.  You start earlier and end later.

***************

The remaining staff will be attending a day of professional development at Yellow Medicine East High School.  Your agenda is as follows:

8:00 - 8:35 a.m.  Coffee, juice, cinnamon rolls, yogurt in the YME gym

In the morning you will be split into 2 groups.  One group will attend Kayla Delzer's presentation first and then attend a breakout session.  The 2nd group will do the opposite.

8:40 - 10:20 a.m. Kayla Delzer presentation or breakout session

10:30 - Noon        Kayla Delzer presentation or breakout session

12:00 - 12:50 p.m. Lunch provided by YME Food Service

1:00 - 2:30 p.m.     District time - your district will be planning the afternoon portion of this day.

Only staff attending at Yellow Medicine East High School need to register.  Registration closes this Friday, October 6 at midnight.  Any questions on registration, contact Mary Brown at mbrown@mrved.net or 320-269-9297.

For those of you attending the PLC training, we are videotaping Kayla Delzer's presentation and will be posting it on a private youtube site.  Your district will receive information on how to access this presentation.

Tech Tip of the Week - PBS Learning Media

PBS Learning Media is THE destination for high-quality, trusted digital content and solutions that inspire students and transform learning. Developed in partnership with the WGBH Educational Foundation and supported by public media stations nationwide, PBS LearningMedia engages educators and learners at all levels with content from America’s #1 Educational Media Brand.

There are over 100,000 resources in this database for ALL grade levels.  From documents, to short video clips, to actual lesson plans and activities.  PBS Learning Media is a rich, FREE resource for any classroom!

Fire Prevention Week Resources

Fire Prevention Week is observed October 8-14 this year.  The theme is "Every Second Counts, Plan 2 Ways Out".  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has some excellent resources to share with your classroom and with your community.  Even if you don't bring any of this into your classroom, it is good information for you and your family.

Innovator's Mindset

We continue our series on The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  This week we will talk about Chapter 2, which is titled, The Innovator's Mindset.

Couros starts by talking about one of the most impactful books I have ever read, Mindset by Carol Dweck.  Before I started the book, I anticipated, due to the title, Couros would bring Dweck's work into the conversation.  Dweck talked about the difference between a fixed and growth mindset.  With a growth mindset the learner believes that with hard work and practice you can learn anything.  Your intelligence is not "fixed", you are capable of learning anything.

Combine the definition of a growth mindset with that of what it means to be an innovator and you get someone that believes that they can learn anything and develop something that is new or better.  With this combination, you get the Innovator's Mindset.

Couros also talks about failure in this chapter.  He talks about failure being part of the innovation process, but cautions against focusing too much on failure.  Couros says, "Having the freedom to fail is important to innovation.  But even more important to the process are the traits of resiliency and grit."  This is so important!  Nobody will ever remember you for the 1,000 failures you have, they remember you for the 1 time you got it right.  The innovator still needs to persevere through the process and succeed.

Couros mentions many other things in this chapter, but I highly suggest you purchase the book and follow along.  Couros will be our keynote speaker for the common day this Spring!

MRVED Update

MRVED MELT 2018 Call for Presentation Proposals

The MRVED Educators Learning Together (MELT) conference will be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School on January 15, 2018. To help make this conference the best ever, we need your help. The MRVED is looking for enthusiastic people willing to present on something great happening in your classroom. This can be anything from Google Drive to differentiation techniques in your classroom. Technology or no technology proposals are welcome. Presenters will be paid a small stipend for your work. You may submit as many presentation proposals as you wish.

We are especially looking for any Pre-K teachers willing to present!


**By filling out this form you are not committing to presenting, just providing the MRVED with your name and topic.**
2018 Call for Presentation Proposals Link

October 18 Common Day

Be looking for information on the October 18 Common Day held at Yellow Medicine East in the very near future.  Here is a brief synopsis of the day.

Training for PLC Leaders at the Kilowatt Community Center in Granite Falls.  This training will be from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and will be facilitate by Jack Baldermann, consultant with Solution Tree.

For people who are not PLC Leaders, Kayla Delzer will be a keynote speaker at Yellow Medicine East High School.  Kayla will be speaking to half the teachers in a 90 minute session, while the other half of the teachers are attending breakout sessions.  After 90 minutes the groups will flip-flop.  The afternoon will be spent in district teams, facilitated by your districts.

Be looking for more specific information in your email in the coming weeks.

Innovator's Mindset Series - Chapter 1

This week we will start the series over the book Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  The series will feature some information from the chapters with my (Brandon's) own take on what it all means.  I highly suggest buying this book, it's a quick read and really makes you think.  Not to mention, George Couros will be our keynote speaker at the Spring common day.

Chapter 1 - What Innovation is and isn't
The chapter starts off with a very good example of Blockbuster going under because they were unwilling to give up an outdated business model (nobody rents movies from stores anymore...everything is streamed).  Basically, innovate or die!

We work in a world where the same holds true.  We need to either innovate our practices or education as we know it may die.  Think about what the Internet has done to the movie industry, it changed it ten-fold.  Think about what it should be doing to education!

Couros defines innovation as a way of thinking that creates something new and better (pg 19).  Couros puts emphasis on the "new & better" part, whereas, I also think that "thinking" should also be emphasized.  Couros says, "when we think differently about the things that we are used to seeing daily, we can create innovative learning opportunities" (pg 25).  True innovation is taking an idea, thinking deeply about it, and moving forward in hopes it creates a new and better experience for someone.  Often times, we forget about the "better" piece.  You may innovate a practice, but did it really make it better?  For example, a teacher believes they are innovative for scanning their worksheets and providing them to the students online.  This practice is #1 not innovative and #2 does not automatically make the experience better for the students.

Innovation is not simply doing something differently (see example above).  It's a way of thinking that keeps the interests of both the teacher and student in mind.  If it's not a solution that is better for both parties, it isn't innovative.

Questions to consider (pg 27)
1. What is an example of a practice that you consider to be innovative?  How is it new or better than what you did before?

Tech Tip

Google Classroom is gaining in popularity in our classrooms.  Not only for the ease of using Google Drive, but also organization & communication.  Google is constantly updating and changing things within their platform.  Use this website to see what was updated last month, and you can even look back to the updates over the summer.  If you are an avid user, you may not even know some of these features exist!

Google Classroom Updates

Article - How the Google Suite Can Enhance Open-Ended Math Exploration

This article was sent to me and offers some great talking/thinking points about visualization in the math classroom.  I think there are some great ideas in here for both elementary and high school as well as other content areas.  Give it a quick glance today!

How the Google Suite Can Enhance Open-Ended Math Exploration Article


MRVED Meetings
September 29, 2017 - Title III Paras
October 25, 2017 - Superintendents' Council
October 27, 2017 - Principals' Council
November 8, 2017 - Joint Principals' & TAC

#WeAreMRVED

Welcome Back

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school!  We hope that your summer was relaxing and rejuvenating.  2017-18 is going to be the best school year ever.  We can't wait to interact with the 650+ teachers of the MRVED in the coming school year.

This year is going to be an AWESOME year as a MRVED.  One of the highlights this year is that we have not one, but TWO top-notch big name speakers coming to speak to us.  This Fall Kayla Delzer will be in attendance at our first common in-service day.  If you have not seen or heard Kayla, she is phenomenal and you are in for a real treat.  You can check out her website HERE.  More information will be coming about the October common day soon, in the meantime, here is her TEDx talk from 2015.

Then, this Spring, George Couros will be keynoting our Spring common in-service day.  Couros is another rock star presenter that delivers a great message to all educators.  You can find more information about him HERE, or check out his TEDx talk from 2013.

We also can't forget that MELT 2018 is going to be the best yet!  Featuring some of our very own rock star teachers sharing and showing inspiring things happening in their classrooms.

We can't wait for all the great opportunities we have before us this year.

#weareMRVED

#WeAreMRVED

For those of you on Twitter, we are encouraging the use of the hashtag #WeAreMRVED to promote great things happening in your school or classroom.  If your classroom or school uses Twitter give us a follow and we will follow you back.

@MNRVED

Arts Standards Review Process

Are you interested in helping to review and revise Minnesota’s K-12 arts standards? Consider joining the Arts Standards Review Committee! Before applying to the committee, please read the Assumptions for Guiding the Standards Committee’s Work and the Standards Review Timeline documents posted below. Serving on the committee requires an intense time commitment of at least one two-day and nine full-day committee meetings from October 2017 through May 2018. The initial two-day meeting is scheduled for October 30-31, 2017, at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and is required of all committee members. Applications will be accepted August 22-September 19, 2017. Committee members will be announced on the MDE website on September 29, 2017.

MDE and the Perpich Center for Arts Education will cover mileage costs for all committee members as well as meal and lodging costs for those travelling from great distances. MDE and the Perpich Center for Arts Education also will cover the cost of substitutes for all teachers selected for the committee. For more information about the standards review process, contact Alina Campana (763-279-4183).
Minnesota Department of Education Website

Tech Tip - SeeSaw

If you have been looking for a way to use the tablets in your classroom?  Look no further than SeeSaw.  SeeSaw is an AWESOME App that allows students to capture their work and then easily submit to the teacher.  SeeSaw is great for K-12, but probably geared more toward the Elementary level.  If you think signing in to the app will be an issue for the kids, it's not.  You can setup your class list and student log in is a breeze.  Students can also scan a QR code or create their own accounts, depending on age.  The app works if students have their own device, or if you have a classroom set.  It does not matter your age group or how your devices are distributed, this app works in ALL environments!  Teachers who have used this app, absolutely love it!  It's free, give it a try right away this 1st quarter.

Innovator's Mindset

For the past couple years we have highlighted a couple books in the MRVED Update.  Last year we looked at What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker.  This year we will examine The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  Couros will be the keynote speaker for our common in-service date in March 2018.

I highly recommend purchasing the book The Innovator's Mindset and following along as we examine a chapter for each MRVED Update this year.  This book is amazing and could possibly change the way you approach your classroom on a day to day basis.  Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Last Update of The Year

This is the last update of the 2016-2017 school year.  We hope you gained something from reading the updates this past school year.  We strive to create and pass along content that is relevant to our nine member school districts.  If you ever have a topic or something you think other teachers would enjoy reading or attending, please let Brandon know and he will gladly place it in the update.

Have an enjoyable and restful break.  As every year, the MRVED offices will be open all summer, so stop by, grab a piece of candy (or a cup of coffee) and say hello.  We always enjoy summer visitors and hearing about all your adventures during the break.  If you need anything over break, do not hesitate to let us know. Get rejuvenated and some rest for another school year. Thank you all for another great year and we will see you in September.

MRVED Meetings
May 15, 2017  Principals' and Teachers' Advisory Council combined meeting (8:30 a.m. start)
May 24, 2017  Superintendents' Council

June 21, 2017  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
June 28, 2017  Superintendents' Council

MRVED Summer Professional Development

MRVED Summer Professional Development
The MRVED will be offering a couple professional development opportunities over the summer.  See the brochure for more information.

June 20 - Google, Google, and More Google - Brandon Raymo
June 29 - Suicide Prevention - Brian Skogen
July 17 - Vocab Everyday - Laura Byard
July 19 - How to Become a Substitute Teacher - Karen Jacobson & Brandon Raymo

Brochure

Registration Link

MDE Resources

MDE Resources
Holly Brunson, Outreach and Training Specialist from MDE spent the day at the MRVED last week.  She showed the many different data centers MDE has available to users and how to use them.  She also shared a couple resources that should be shared.

MCA Released Items - MCA test questions that have been retired from the test bank.  Currently only math available.

MCA Advisory Panel - Serve on a committee for creating quality test questions for the various content areas.  Great opportunity to see how the MCA tests are created.

Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS) - Variety of data points from PreK-Post Secondary.

Achievement Level Descriptors - Describe what Exceeds, Meets, Partial, and Does Not Meet looks like.

What Great Teachers Do Differently - The Rest & Summary

What Great Teachers Do Differently
Since the first of the year we have been taking a look at one strategy from Todd Whitaker's book What Great Teachers Do Differently.  This week we will quickly highlight the last 5 strategies and then provide a summary.

Base Every Decision on the Best People - "Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great teachers ask themselves one central question: What will the best people think?" (Whitaker, 88)

In Every Situation Ask Who Is Most Comfortable and Who Is Least Comfortable - "Great teachers continually ask themselves who is most comfortable and who is least comfortable with each decision they make.  They treat everyone as if they were good" (Whitaker, 95)

Put Yourself in Their Position - "Great teachers have empathy for students and clarity about how others see them" (Whitaker, 101)

What About These Darn Standardized Tests - "Great teachers keep standardized testing in perspective.  They focus on the real issue of student learning." (Whitaker, 109)

Make It Cool to Care - "Great teachers care about their students.  They understand that behaviors and beliefs are tied to emotion, and they understand the power of emotion to jump-start change." (Whitaker 118)


Summary
Whitaker's book What Great Teachers Do Differently is a quick read outlining some of the characteristics that set the best teachers a part from the others.  As I finished the book, I tried to summarize a great teacher into one (long) sentence:  A great teacher is someone who cares for kids, keeps kids first in all decisions, treats everyone as if they were good every day, and is empathetic.  Whitaker mentioned when he spoke to the MRVED districts (this is a paraphrase)..."none of these things require money, the newest curriculum, or the fanciest device...all of these things can be accomplished through EFFORT."  It may take a lot of effort some days to treat that one kid as if he was good, but in the end it's worth it.

When I think back to my schooling (and I need to be careful here as some of my teachers are still teaching :-) and remember the great teachers.  I don't remember some of the neat projects we did, or the newest computer games (it was the color version of Oregon Trail), I remember the teachers that treated me with respect and genuinely cared for me.  Some of it was "tough love", but love nonetheless.  Think back to your schooling.  What were some of the characteristics of the best teachers you had?  Do you carry some of those characteristics yourself?  Would you want to be a student in your own classroom?

If you haven't read it already, find a copy of Whitaker's book What Great Teachers Do Differently and read it over the summer.

Summer Reading List

Summer Reading List
With only a month (or less) of school left I thought it would be good to get a list of books to read over the summer months.

What Great Teachers Do Differently - Todd Whitaker

Innovators Mindset - George Couros (MRVED Keynote Speaker Spring 2018)

Teach Like a Pirate - Dave Burgess

On Your Mark - Thomas Guskey

Better Conversations - Jim Knight

50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools - Berliner & Glass


All of these books offer great discussion points and make you think about teaching and learning.  Brandon has read many of these, so if you are looking for something specific, contact him (braymo@mrved.net).

What Great Teachers Do Differently - Random or Plandom?

Random or Plandom?
Todd Whitaker talked about this when he was with us in April.  "Great teachers have a plan and purpose for everything they do.  If plans don't work out the way they had envisioned, they reflect on what they could have done differently and adjust accordingly." (Whitaker, 82).  The key words in the previous sentence are "what THEY could have done differently".  They referring to themselves.

Whitaker gave the example of the lyceum.  Great teachers know where the problem children are likely to be seated and they sit themselves right next to those students.  The other teachers congregate in the back of the auditorium and try to manage the students from the back (which has been proven to be ineffective time and time again.)  Another example is that Johnny and Timmy do not work well together, so instead of allowing kids to choose groups, the teacher figures out a way in which the two young men will not be working together.  "Great teachers intentionally arrange, rearrange, alter, and adjust the structures that frame their teaching." (Whitaker 81)

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
May 15, 2017  Principals' & TAC combined
May 24, 2017  Superintendents' Council

June 21, 2017  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
June 28, 2017  Superintendents' Council

April 13 - Todd Whitaker Recap
The MRVED staff would like to thank everyone for participating in the April 13 day of professional development.  From the evaluations it appears Todd Whitaker was a hit!  Below are a couple quotes
from the evaluations.

"He kept my attention, was very funny, and re-energized me heading into the last portion of the school year."

"He was engaging and helped me reflect on how to be a better teacher."

"He has lived this profession, he knows what it is like being a teacher. It was honest and engaging and was exactly what I needed to hear. I actually bought a copy of his book that night!"

"He was upfront, brash, entertaining, and not afraid to call out poor behavior all while providing positive feedback!"

"He had 600 educators engaged and laughing and sharing for 2 hours! Unheard of! Wonderful morning!"

Passion Projects

Passion Projects
As we near the end of the year, teachers are often looking for projects to keep their students occupied yet still learning something.  Passion Projects would be a perfect fit for the class that is struggling and limping along to the end of the year.  Passion Projects are not a new idea by any means, but with the addition of technology can now be taken to the next level.

There are many different ways to do Passion Projects or as others may call it Genius Hour.
Passion Project Idea 1
Passion Project Idea 2
Passion Project Idea 3
Genius Hour Idea 1
Genius Hour Idea 2

Summer Slide

Start With a Book
The "Summer Slide" is real!  No, we are not talking about going down the giant water slide at the local pool.  We're talking about kids losing some of their achievement gains from this past school year over the summer months.  Unfortunately the slide affects our low-income families at a higher rate than any other group.

Research tells us that a student who reads as little as 4 to 6 books over the summer can prevent the summer slide.  Access to books is critical during the summer, especially for low-income families.

What Can You Do?
Below are a couple resources and ideas to develop summer reading programs for your students.

National Summer Learning Association
Start With a Book
First Book Marketplace

Summer Reading List

Summer Reading List
With only a month (or less) of school left I thought it would be good to get a list of books to read over the summer months.

What Great Teachers Do Differently - Todd Whitaker

Innovators Mindset - George Couros (MRVED Keynote Speaker Spring 2018)

Teach Like a Pirate - Dave Burgess

On Your Mark - Thomas Guskey

Better Conversations - Jim Knight

50 Myths and Lies That Threaten America's Public Schools - Berliner & Glass


All of these books offer great discussion points and make you think about teaching and learning.  Brandon has read many of these, so if you are looking for something specific, contact him (braymo@mrved.net).

Kids Who Suffer Hunger in First Years Lag Behind Their Peers in School

Hunger
MPR recently did a story on the effects of hunger and early learning.   Although the results are not surprising, it does make one think about the issue of hunger and poverty in our area.  More importantly it sheds light on how poverty and hunger have a lasting effect on students throughout their learning careers.  Kids that come into kindergarten hungry, are behind from the start and struggle to get caught up.  This article does not touch on it, but the same can be said about older students as well.  Students that come to school hungry, tend to have more struggles in their schooling.  How can we ensure that all students, regardless of age are getting adequate nutrition at home?  This is also a great thing to keep in mind as we are in the midst of testing season.  Are we feeding our kids, not only on the day of the test, but also leading up to the test?

What Great Teachers Do Differently - The Ability to Ignore

What Great Teachers Do Differently - The Ability to Ignore

Another great chapter in Todd Whitaker's book, "What Great Teachers Do Differently".  The ability to ignore is a critical aspect that sets not only teachers apart from one another, but also individuals.  We all know someone that has a giant button on them and once you push that button, watch out!  Students are very good at finding which "buttons" they can push on a teacher to get a rise out of them.  It's the ability to recognize when a student is searching for the button and not allow them to push it that sets great teachers apart from the rest.

Whitaker is not suggesting we ignore all behaviors, but rather some find alternative means to dealing with misbehavior in the classroom.  He says, "Great teachers have the ability to ignore trivial disturbances and the ability to respond to inappropriate behavior without escalating the situation."  In essence it comes down to classroom management.  Whitaker says, "...classroom management is grounded in their ability to manage their own behavior."  We need to have high expectations for our own reactions just as we have high expectations for our students.  For example, a student walks down the hallway and calls another student a name.  This situation is totally dependent upon how the student who was called the name reacts.  If he/she "flys off the handle" and punches the other kid, we have a situation.  If he or she ignores the behavior, the situation likely diffuses because the kid doing the name calling did not get the reaction they wanted.  Again, Whitaker is not suggesting to ignore the behavior, but rather painting a picture to show that the student being wronged has total control over how the situation will escalate or not.  Misbehavior in the classroom is the same way.  The student misbehaving is waiting to see how you will react.

Learn to Use the MDE Data Center

When: May 4, 2017

Where: MRVED Conference Room

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Audience: All Educators

Lunch: Provided

What:

Holly Brunson
MDE Outreach and Training Specialist
Division of Statewide Tests

Holly will be conducting a training to highlight:
- the interactive data systems within the Data Center
- the various reports generated from the Minnesota assessments and resources

This will be an interactive presentation so participants are encouraged to bring their laptops or a device to follow along with.  For more information about the day and to register, click on the link to the flyer below.

Click Here for Flyer

21 Google Tools You Never Knew About

21 Google Tools You Never Knew About
I stumbled across this great blog post on Twitter by Eric Curts on 21 Google Tools You Never Knew.  There is something for everyone in here from Google Scholar to Quick Draw with Google.  Even if you think you know everything about Google, you will find something you never knew about.

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
April 13, 2017  MRVED Common Day of Professional Development
April 19, 2017  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
April 21, 2017  Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017  Superintendents' Council


April 13 Information
April 13 will be the final Best Practice Day with MRVED.  The workshop will be held in Montevideo and there will be over 600 educators gathering for a day of professional development.  The morning session will be held at the Fine Arts Center with Todd Whitaker, a world renowned author on education topics. You will be greeted with fresh coffee, juice and an assortment of donuts. After the Whitaker presentation, a catered meal will be offered at the Training and Community Center (TACC) which is connected to the Montevideo High School.  Busses will transport teachers to the TACC.  After lunch, the elementary Best Practice groups will meet in the high school and the secondary groups will meet at the middle school.

The menu will be pulled pork sandwiches, Asian sesame chicken salad, chips, apple wedges, assorted bars, milk and water.  The cost is $6.00.  If you choose to eat at the TACC, you will need to let your district  know.  Check with your administrator as to who in your district is handling this information.  You need to make this decision by March 31 (that's today if you are reading this on Friday).  This early cut off is so that the Montevideo food service can order and plan for the 13th.  When you pay your $6.00, you will receive your meal ticket at that time.  You will need to bring that ticket on April 13th. 

A more detailed agenda of the day will be sent out about a week before the event with room numbers and other pertinent information.  You will not be receiving any type of agenda when you arrive that day.  You will need to refer to this email for information about the day.  With all of the moving around on this day, there just isn't any central location to hand out agendas.

We look forward to seeing everyone that day.

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
March 21, 2017  Counselors
March 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017  Social Workers (maybe)
March 24, 2017  Principals' Council (9:00 a.m. start)

April 13, 2017  MRVED Common  Day of Professional Development (Todd Whitaker)
April 19, 2017  MRVED Board (7:30 p.m.)
April 21, 2017  Title III Teachers
April 26, 2017  Superintendents' Council


APRIL 13, 2017 AGENDA FOR TODD WHITAKER (MONTEVIDEO MN)
8:00 - 8:45 Coffee, Juice, & Donuts (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
9:00 - 11:15 Todd Whitaker Presentation (Fine Arts Center, Montevideo)
11:30 - 12:30 Catered Lunch at the TACC
12:45 - 2:30 Afternoon Sessions Begin (Meet in Best Practice Teams)
a. Debrief Todd Whitaker
b. Follow up from October 19th

A final agenda, room numbers and more details for the day will be sent closer to the event.

Minnesota ASCD Spring Conference: Developing Trauma Informed Learning Environments

Minnesota ASCD Spring Conference: Developing Trauma Informed Learning Environments

When: April 20, 8:30-3:30

Where: Elk River/Ostego Holiday Inn

What: Principals, MTSS teams, social workers, behavior specialists, district leaders and educators who support students and teachers through trauma in families, schools, and communities, join keynote speaker Alexs Pate, founder of The Innocent Classroom. Learn how educators can begin to understand the role of trauma, its effect on children and learning, and how educators can change methods of interacting and responding to children impacted by trauma.

Breakout sessions will be led by Minnesota teachers and administrative leaders, exploring their successes with proactive interventions that benefit students and teachers. Team planning and networking time will be provided in the afternoon.

While many educators are members of ASCD, registrants must be Minnesota ASCD Affiliate Members to take advantage of the lowest price option. To check your membership status, contact MinnesotaASCD@gmail.com

Register here. Early Bird registration ends March 27, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Ticket prices will increase on March 28, 2017.

What Great Teachers Do Differently - Don't Need to Repair - Always Do Repair

As we continue through the book "What Great Teachers Do Differently" by Todd Whitaker, chapter 11 is on helping students repair situations.  Effective teachers give students processes that will help them throughout their life.  One of these processes is to repair a situation in which someone was offended or wronged.

It can be as simple as teaching kids how and when to say "I'm sorry".  More importantly, it's modeling this type of behavior for your students.  If as a teacher, you get upset at your class for not following through on a certain project or directions.  It's OK to be upset and we are all human and will react in a way that we know how, but it's what you do after that really counts.  Effective teachers will apologize for their behavior.  Apologizing does not mean the teacher was wrong for what they did, it simply shows they care enough to try to repair any damage he/she might have done the previous day when being upset.

MREA - Nominate an Educator of Excellence

MREA’s Educator of Excellence Award recognizes educators in Greater Minnesota who serve as inspiring examples by demonstrating:

• Positive impact on students and student achievement
• Leadership in the school, district and community
• Innovative and creative instructional practice that impact all students
• Collaborative efforts with fellow educators, parents, families and the community

Complete the form on the MREA website to nominate a colleague you feel is worthy of this distinction.  Wouldn't it be great to have a couple teachers from the MRVED schools recognized!

Tech Tip - Flippity

Flippity
Flippity is a great tool for any level and content area.  Flippity is an add-on for Google Sheets.  It allows users to put words into the spreadsheet and then create games based upon those terms.  Here is a short tutorial video that introduces you to how to use Flippity with Google Sheets.

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
March 17, 2017  Title III Paraprofessionals
March 21, 2017  Counselors
March 22, 2017   Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017  Social Workers
March 24, 2017  Principals Council (START TIME OF 9:00 A.M.)

April 13, 2017  MRVED Common Day - Todd Whitaker will be presenting


Learn to Use the MDE Data Center
Holly Brunson, Outreach and Training Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Education will be coming to the MRVED on May 4th to provide a training on accessing the MDE data center.  More information and how to register will be coming in the next few weeks.  Mark the date on your calendar for this great learning opportunity.

Why Professional Development Matters

Why Professional Development Matters
Recently I overheard a parent questioning scheduled early outs, late starts, random days off, etc...  It got me to think about the merits of professional development.  I started to do a little research of my own and came across this great publication from Learning Forward on Why Professional Development Matters.  It would be a great resource to have handy at parent teacher conferences when a parent starts to question your most recent early out.  I found it very interesting and very easy to read.  It is written for everyone, including parents.