- Call for Nominations for Presidential Scholars
- Transferable Skills Resources
- Vermont Professional Learning Network Digging Deeper Expert Series
- Introduction to the Pre-K Classroom Assessment Scoring System Tool
- Trauma Informed Care: Recognizing, Understanding, and Supporting Children & Adolescents with Trauma
- Courtesy Postings
Call for Nominations for Presidential Scholars
Audience: Students, Principals, Guidance Counselors, Academic and CTE Teachers, CTE Center Directors
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes and honors high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding scholarship. Twenty-five outstanding students from the state of Vermont – 20 from high schools and 5 from CTE centers – will be selected based on recommendations and applications from participating schools. High schools can nominate up to one female and one male, and CTE centers can nominate up to two students. In addition, this year students are able to nominate themselves (with the endorsement of a qualifying adult). Go online for the high school nomination form and the CTE nomination form. Only nominations submitted via the electronic system will be accepted. The deadline for nominations is November 4, 2016.
Contact for CTE Centers: Jay Ramsey, State Director for Career Technical Education, at jay.ramsey@vermont.gov
Contact for High Schools: Sigrid Olson, Personalization and Flexible Pathways, at sigrid.olson@vermont.gov
Transferable Skills Resources
Audience: Principals, Curriculum Directors, High School Educators
Sample transferable skills performance tasks along with supporting activities are now posted on the AOE website. Additionally, annotated student work for Clear and Effective Communication is available. Student work without annotations are also included so that teachers can provide an opportunity for students to use the scoring criteria to assess this work and become familiar with expectations for Clear and Effective Communication.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons, Proficiency-Based Learning Team Leader, at (802) 479-1425 or pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov
Vermont Professional Learning Network Digging Deeper Expert Series
Audience: All
This four-day workshop series is designed to provide time for teams to examine various components of their current Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements (PBGR) systems, practice using tools and protocols for improving overall quality, and set goals for future work as their PBGR system evolves. The series will be held at three different locations: November 29, 2016 at the Woodstock Inn, April 10 and 11, 2017 at the Killington Grand Hotel & Conference Center, and June 1, 2017, at a location that has yet to be decided. All Digging Deeper Expert Series sessions are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Register online.
Contact: Carisa Corrow at vtclg@ccebos.org
Introduction to the Pre-K Classroom Assessment Scoring System Tool
Audience: Administrators, Teachers and Care Providers
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System Tool (CLASS) measures the interactions in a classroom, which are essential indicators of learning outcomes. It is recommended by the Vermont Agency of Education and is used as part of the Vermont Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS). Participants of this training will understand what the CLASS tool measures, understand the link between effective teacher-child interactions and children's learning gains, and identify the teacher-child interactions associated with each CLASS dimension. Trainings will be offered at six locations. Note: This is not the two-day CLASS Observation training. Those trainings will be offered at a later date. Learn more and register online.
Contact: Ellen Cairns at (802) 479-1443 or ellen.cairns@vermont.gov
Trauma Informed Care: Recognizing, Understanding, and Supporting Children & Adolescents with Trauma
Audience: Educators, Mental Health Providers
The Vermont Higher Education Collaborative is offering a two-day workshop on the effects of trauma with presenters Tiffiny Hubbard and Terry Starky. This workshop will discuss the nature and neurology of trauma, common characteristics of children with a trauma history, events that may trigger a reactive response, and emotional and behavioral supports that can be helpful for children and adolescents who have been traumatized or who present indicators of possible trauma. The workshops will take place November 9 and 10, 2016 at the Hampton Inn in Colchester. Register online.
Contact: Julie Medose at (802) 498-3350 or julie.medose@vthec.org
Courtesy Postings
Special Olympics Vermont Unified Champion Schools Conference
The Special Olympics Vermont annual conference on Unified Champion School programs (video) will take place on December 9, 2016 at Killington Resort. Join 58 Vermont schools that are already improving school climates, reducing bullying, and helping students value individual differences. Attendees will come away with tangible, evidence-based, no cost resources on building inclusive communities, supporting all students to play sports and socialize, and encouraging student leadership. Visit Special Olympics Vermont for more information and to register.
Contact: Special Olympics Vermont at (802) 863-5222
Teaching Essay and Argument in Writing Workshop (Grades 4-8) with Beth Moore
This one-day workshop onJanuary 12, 2017 will focus on essay and argumentative writing that inspires kids to write passionately about topics that matter to them. Packed with practical, classroom-ready strategies for a range of essay types. Register online.
Contact: Lauren Wooden at (802) 497-1642 or lauren@cvedcvt.org
Call for Nominations: Special Olympics Vermont Annual Awards
Special Olympics Vermont annual awards recognize individuals and groups within our movement that have gone above and beyond to contribute to the overall mission of the organization. Selected nominators will be contacted for additional details about the nominee’s accomplishments, challenges and commitment. Award recipients will be celebrated at the Annual Conference, December 9 (Schools) and 11, 2016 (Local Programs) at the Killington Resort. Deadline for submission is October 28, 2016. Visit Special Olympics Vermont to submit a nomination.
Contact: Special Olympics Vermont at (802) 863-5222
UMatter Suicide Prevention Awareness Training of Trainers
This workshop on November 15, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Montpelier will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to bring suicide prevention awareness to professionals and families in your community. The $75 fee includes breakfast, lunch and all materials. Learn more and register online.
Contact: Catherine Diduk at catherine@healthandlearning.org
Save the Date: Dr. Thomas Guskey is Coming to Vermont
Improving Education for All through Standards-Based Grading and Reporting on April 4 and 5, 2017. This engaging two-day institute in the Burlington area is the perfect fit for Vermont's educational teams and leaders focused on proficiency-based grading and learning. Guskey's work is sited throughout all the Vermont work. Registration is open online.
Contact: Lauren Wooden at (802) 497-1642 or lauren@cvedcvt.org