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Weekly Field Memo - Volume 17, Issue 30

August 30, 2023

The Agency of Education created the weekly field memo to keep subscribers up-to-date with current education policy, state-wide education initiatives, and official messages from the AOE. The field memo may also include education-related items from other state agencies. The field memo is not intended to serve as a newsletter.


Agency of Education, State of Vermont and Federal Updates

This section of the Weekly Field Memo contains posts from the Agency of Education (AOE), other State of Vermont agencies, federal agencies or Vermont's congressional delegation.

Consultation for Access, Resources and Equipment Support

Audience: Superintendents, Administrators, Special Education Directors, Curriculum Directors, K-12 Teachers, Principals
Consultation for Access, Resources and Equipment Support (CARES) has received grant funding to provide services for students who are deaf/hard of hearing/deafblind. CARES is a project that provides consultation, technical assistance and training for students and school teams. For more information, please visit the CARES website.
Contact: Cassie Santo at cassie.santo@vermont.gov

Benchmark Assessment Grant Application: Round 3

Audience: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, Principals, and Instructional Coaches
The third round of applications for the ARP ESSER Benchmark Assessment Grant for Vermont LEAs is now available in the Grant Management System. This grant encourages LEAs to purchase new or expand on existing benchmark assessment system(s) for English Language Arts and Mathematics that report Lexile and Quantile measures, and/or to support staff participation in the Educator Academy for Lexile and/or Quantile Frameworks. Applications are due on Oct. 12, 2023. Additional information including an Addendum that clarifies priorities and contains responses to frequently asked questions can be found on the ARP ESSER Funding Opportunities webpage.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov

Making the Most of Lexile Measures in the Classroom

Audience: Curriculum Directors, Principals, Instructional Coaches, and K-12 Educators
This one-hour webinar, Making the Most of Lexile Measures in the Classroom, will enhance your understanding of the Lexile Framework and provide an opportunity to learn how the tools on the Lexile® Hub can inform reading instruction and enhance student reading development. This webinar will provide practical insights on effectively utilizing Lexile measures to guide book selection, differentiate instruction, and more. Leave with actionable strategies and a deeper appreciation for how Lexile measures can positively impact student learning outcomes. Register for this webinar on either Thursday, September 28, or Wednesday, October 18. It will take place from 3:15 to 4:15.
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov

The Vermont Portrait of a Graduate plus Personalized Learning Plan Overview 

Audience: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors, Principals, and K-12 Educators 
With support from the Agency of Education, Great Schools Partnership (GSP) is continuing to share information related to the Portrait of a Graduate (PoG) development process. The GSP team is offering a series of virtual coaching sessions throughout the fall. These sessions will include discussions focused on particular topics as well as opportunities for individual coaching. The first session, The Vermont PoG and Personalized Learning Plans Overview on September 19 from 3:00 to 4:00, will provide an overview of the development process and explore ways to build connections between the PoG and students’ Personalized Learning Plans. Registration is now open.  
Contact: Pat Fitzsimmons at pat.fitzsimmons@vermont.gov  

Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying Designated Employees List Published (School Year 2023-2024)

Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Families
The Agency of Education has updated the Designated Employees List for the 2023-2024 School Year, currently on the School Climate page. Designated Employees, per Harassment, Hazing, and Bullying (HHB) policy and procedures, are employees at each school that receive reports of harassment, hazing, or bullying. To ensure accuracy of the published list it will be updated mid-year to capture any changes to Designated Employees.
Contact: Meghan “MJ” Jaird at meghan.jaird@vermont.gov


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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.