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Volume 12, Issue 7

February 14, 2018

New FAQ: Vermont State Plan Policies for English Learners

Audience:  Superintendents, Curriculum Leaders, Assessment Directors, EL Coordinators
The AOE released an FAQ describing English learner-related policy coming out of the Vermont State Plan. The State Plan was written in response to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and outlines Vermont’s new federal accountability requirements for schools and LEAs. Read the FAQ: English Learner Performance Measures Within the Vermont State Plan on the AOE website.
Contact:  James McCobb, Title III Director, at james.mccobb@vermont.gov

Home Study Enrollment Memo

Audience: Home Study Parents, Principals, Superintendents
The Agency of Education this week released a memo to communicate a change in the timeline that affects families with students enrolling in Home Study Programs. Read the Home Study Enrollment memo. 
Contact: The Home Study Office at (802) 622-1254

2018 Mason’s CARE Training

Audience: Members of School-Based Education Support Teams or Targeted Teams Attending as a Team
Mason’s Comprehensive Assessment Recovery Effort (CARE) training opportunity for school members of education support teams sponsored by the Vermont Freemasons, Vermont Agency of Education, and Vermont Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs. This training is designed to provide strategies for the improved and efficient functioning of a school’s Educational Support Team or Targeted Team. The two-day workshop builds educators skills in identifying at-risk students and providing appropriate guidance. There is no cost to participants. There are two regional training opportunities. Participants only have to attend one two-day training. The North training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 19 - 20, 2018 at Green Mountain Technical Center in Hyde Park. The South training will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 22 - 23, 2018 at the NewsBank Conference Center in Chester. Register for 2018 Mason's CARE Training. Learn more about the Comprehensive Assessment Recovery Effort Training Opportunity
Contact: Sabine Baldwin at sabine.baldwin@vermont.gov

Community Eligibility Provision Renewal Process

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Business Managers, Food Service Directors and Managers
School Food Authorities (SFA) with schools and sites that began participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) in the 2014-2015 are in their final year of participation requiring them to evaluate their program data and decide whether to renew participation in CEP.  The CEP information online will be used to advise AOE of the SFA’s intent for participation in the Community Eligibility Provision. 
Contact:  Laurie Colgan at (802) 479-1187 or Laurie.Colgan@vermont.gov

Vermont Proficiency-Based Learning EdCamp Series

Audience: All
EdCamp is a free professional development unconference. The model is used around the world to bring together educators to talk about what matters in school today. Learn more about the EdCamp story. Participants create the day's schedule together in the morning, shaping the content and outcomes as a group. Anyone can present or facilitate a conversation. Sessions are driven by participant interest, passion, and curiosity, with a focus on peer-to-peer sharing. Professional learning hours certificates will be provided for all participants. Students are welcome. The EdCamps will be focused on Proficiency-Based Learning and will be held March 1, 2018 at Lyndon Institute, and April 19, 2018 at Poultney HS. Both sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The theme will be getting proficient about proficiency. What does your school or district need in moving along the continuum of a proficiency-based system? Are you starting with why? Seeking feedback on the What, Where, or How? Bring ideas and insights about what you need to move your work forward. Learn more and register for Vermont Proficiency-Based Learning EdCamp.
Contact: Members of the Proficiency-Based Learning Team: greg.young@vermont.gov, margaret.carrera-bly@vermont.gov, or emily.titterton@vermont.gov

Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool Reliability Training With Pat Snyder

Audience: Individuals active in training, coaching, technical assistance, or support to teachers currently engaged in implementing the Pyramid Model and/or Pyramid Plus Approach
The Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) for Preschool Classrooms reliability training will be held on March 15-16, 2018 at the Hilton, Battery Street, Burlington, VT. This training will prepare attendees to assess preschool teacher implementation of the Pyramid Model practices using the TPOT instrument. Register for TPOT Reliability Training.
Contact: Leslie Freedman, PreK Inclusion Coordinator at leslie.freedman@vermont.gov

Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool Reliability Training with Pat Snyder (August)

Audience: Individuals active in training, coaching, technical assistance, or support to teachers currently engaged in implementing the Pyramid Model and/or Pyramid Plus Approach
The Teaching Pyramid Observation Tool (TPOT) for Preschool Classrooms reliability training will be held on August 3, 2018 at the Hilton, Battery Street, Burlington, VT. This training will prepare attendees to assess preschool teacher implementation of the Pyramid Model practices using the TPOT instrument. Register for TPOT Reliability Training (August).
Contact: Leslie Freedman, PreK Inclusion Coordinator at leslie.freedman@vermont.gov

Work-Based Learning: How to Make the Most of Your Business/Education Partnership

Are you working with young people to create Internships? Have you considered hosting internships for young people or are you already doing this? What does it mean for you as staff member or business owner or manager? How can you navigate child labor laws and know the ins and outs of paid versus unpaid internships? What are the benefits of working with youth in our local high schools and young adults assisted by area agencies (VocRehab, Department of Labor)? On March 28, 2018, a workshop will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Green Mountain Technology and Career Center which will have a combined presentation and facilitated discussion, that will help you to navigate this exciting change to how students and young adults engage with school and their communities. With more and more Employment Consultants, Work Based Learning Coordinators, Co-op Coordinators, Internship Coordinators and other “job developers” working with young people, supporting them to connect with local businesses, how might you utilize this interesting and worthwhile opportunity to partner with youth in transition and young adults to successfully integrate them into your workplace in a thoughtful way to create a win-win, preparing and training the next generation of Vermont employees? Learn more and register for Work-Based Learning workshop.
Contact: DJ Masi, Business Account Manager, Creative Workforce Solutions, (802) 793-8309 or dj.masi@vermont


Courtesy Postings

The views, opinions, and resources shared in this section of the WFM are solely those of the original contributors. The Agency of Education does not endorse the views expressed by these contributors and reserves the right to refuse submissions. Questions related to any of these resources should be directed to the organizations, people, and opportunities as shared.

2018 College and Career Pathways Events for Students and Parents

High school students and parents are invited to register for VSAC’s College and Career Pathways 2018, offering a half-day of free, in-depth workshops to help them plan for a future after high school. Topics include how to search for and apply to a college or career program, paying for college, applying for financial aid, navigating college loans and more. Choose from three locations and dates: March 17, 2018 at Saint Michael's College, Colchester; March 24, 2018 at Northern Vermont University at Johnson; or April 7, 2017 at Castleton University, Castleton. New this year: In addition to addressing all things college, our workshops led by experts in the field will also cover apprenticeships, certificates, and skilled trades for pathways to great careers that do not require a college degree.
Contact: Anna Telensky at (888) 943-7301 or events@vsac.org

Statewide Personalized Learning Open House

This free statewide personalized learning open house is being held at the Stoweflake Resort in Stowe on March 15, 2018 from 3-6 p.m. Representatives from a variety or provider organizations, including the AOE, will be present to answer questions and assist students and parents with information on flexible pathways opportunities. RSVP for the Statewide Personalized Learning Open House.
Contact: Jeff Renard at jrenard@vtvlc.org

Socially Responsible Entrepreneurship Institute

The Entrepreneurship Institute - Governor’s Institutes of VT (GIV) for students entering grades 10-12 will be held July 6 - July 12, 2018 at Vermont Technical College’s Randolph Center Campus. Join this innovative, fun-filled “hands-on” residential program where students learn to develop an “entrepreneurial mindset” and what it takes to create a business or be more successful in any career pathway, college and the workforce. There is a business side to every profession. Students have the option to earn three college credits using Dual Enrollment Vouchers. Sliding scale tuition (some pay as little as $10 for the entire week).
Contact: Laurel Butler at lbutler@vtsbdc.org or (802) 922-3692

Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Awards

The Vermont Humanities Council’s Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award recognizes a Vermont educator in grades 6-12 who exemplifies excellence in the teaching of the humanities. It includes a $1,000 award. The deadline for nominations is April 30, 2017. Nominate an educator for the Victor R. Swenson Humanities Educator Award. The award is named for the Council’s founding Executive Director, Victor R. Swenson.
Contact: Linda Wrazen, Vermont Humanities Council, at (802) 262-1357 or LWrazen@vermonthumanities.org

Shelburne Farms Professional Development

Rejuvenate on the shores of Lake Champlain this summer. Join Shelburne Farms' educators this summer for a Shelburne Farms Professional Development experience. Engage with peers from around the country to delve into place-based learning, farm to school and educating for sustainability. Can't join this summer? Check out the series of resources for your classroom and teaching practice.
Contact: Jen Cirillo at jcirillo@shelburnefarms.org

Middle Grades Institute

The 25th Annual Middle Grades Institute (MGI) will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25-29, 2018 at Castleton University. The theme for MGI will be revisiting the education policy document, "Middle School Is Not a Building," in light of the education reforms of Act 77 - personalized learning, proficiency-based education, and flexible pathways. MGI provides learning opportunities through an interdisciplinary faculty teaming approach. Participants choose one of five pathways. Four pathways lead to the middle-level endorsement: Middle Grades Organization, Middle Grades Curriculum,  Embedded Literacy for Middle Grades, and Nature and Needs of Young Adolescents. The fifth pathway, Middle School Is Not a Building - Revisited, is for those individuals who do not need credit for the middle-level endorsement and are attending MGI for a personalized learning experience, either for professional development hours (45 hours) or for graduate credit. To register please visit the Middle Grades Collaborative website.

Promoting Personal Health and Safety Through the Prevention of Injury and Violence

This online course, "Promoting Personal Health & Safety Through the Prevention of Injury and Violence," is offered as one of a series of courses by the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative toward health education endorsement.  This course is designed to address concepts, knowledge and skills related to promoting personal health and safety through injury and violence prevention. The course begins March 4, 2018. Cost is $795.00 to take the course for two graduate credits or $495 to audit the course for no credit. Learn more and register for Promoting Personal Health and Safety Through the Prevention of Injury and Violence.
Contact: Catherine Diduk at catherine@healthandlearning.org

Flynn Center Interdisciplinary Workshop

This Interdisciplinary Workshop is with Lida Winfield from 4-5:30 p.m. on February 24, 2018. Participants will focus on using their bodies, voices, drawings and stories to explore the imagination. In this playful, accessible, and poignant workshop you explore your imagination and perceptions, as well as learn about how Lida Winfield and her collaborators made their new dance/theater performance "IMAGINARY" at the FlynnSpace on February 23-24, 2018. Pre-registration is encouraged so you aren't disappointed should the workshop fill up. Cost is $25.
Contact: Sarah at flynnarts@flynncenter.org

George Couros: The Innovative Mindset for Educational Leaders

This event is co-sponsored by the Champlain Valley Educator Development Center, Vermont Principals Association and the Vermont ASCD. George will discuss the idea and characteristics of “The Innovator’s Mindset” (as discussed in the book of the same title and which is included in this workshop). He’ll share powerful examples on why this is so crucial for all educators. This full-day workshop is meant for leaders to help others within their organization not only accept change, but embrace it, to create better powerful learning opportunities for our learners.  Register for George Couros: The Innovative Mindset for Educational Leaders.
Contact: The Champlain Valley Educator Development Center at info@cvedcvt.org

Registered Behavior Technician Training

The Vermont Higher Education Collaborative (VT-HEC) is again offering their 40-hour training for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This training will provide an excellent foundation of knowledge and skills needed to implement many behavior and education intervention plans. Training topics are taken from the RBT Task List and fall under the categories of: Measurement, Assessment, Skill Acquisition, Behavior Reduction, Social Skill Instruction, Documentation and Reporting, Ethics and Professional Conduct and Scope of Practice.This program is offered independently of the BACB. Additional supervision and successful completion of the RBT exam is required to be officially awarded the RBT credential through the BACB. The class meets for six Saturdays, from March 10, 2018 through May 5, 2018 at St. Michael's College in Colchester. Learn more about Registered Behavior Technician Training.
Contact: Julie Medose at julie.medose@vthec.org

Matific Math Games: Online Math Competition For Grades K-6

Matific, an online K-6 math resource, has opened registration for the 2018 Matific Math Games. The Matific Math Games, running from February 14-28, 2018 will give students and educators free access to the entire award-winning Matific platform and is designed to help improve student math outcomes, while also giving schools in your district the chance to win over $50,000 in cash and prizes - including a grand prize of $15,000 cash.

Supporting Children Through Trauma, Poverty and Adversity

In this 45-hour course, participants will gain an understanding of poverty-related stress and its impact on brain function. Participants will establish a framework for developing social and emotional learning competencies in their students. Learn more and register for Supporting Children Through Trauma, Poverty and Adversity.
Contact: Caitlin Niland, Intake Coordinator for Professional Learning, at (802)878-2332 ext 320 or cniland@sterncenter.org


Subscribe Online

The field memo has time-sensitive and relevant information designed for students, teachers, and staff. The agency encourages principals, headmasters, and superintendents to share the memo with their education community. Additionally, individuals can subscribe or unsubscribe online.

Questions? Email Ted Fisher at ted.fisher@vermont.gov.