Upcoming Events

Weaving Together Love and Loss: Supporting Grieving Children and Families

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 10–11:15 AM EDT | FAMILY SUPPORT

We often misunderstand grief in children or mistakenly believe that children do not experience grief at all. Yet, anyone old enough to love is old enough to grieve. Young children experience and respond to grief in unique ways that are not always clear to adults and caregivers. This webinar will help you to better understand grief in children and learn how you can support both children and families experiencing loss.

Using Inquiry-Based Instruction To Teach for Social Justice

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 11 AM–12:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Explore inquiry-based instruction as a pedagogical framework for teaching for social justice. Using primary source analysis and Teaching Tolerance’s Social Justice Standards, analyze instructional materials from a critical pedagogical perspective and consider ways to engage students in critical inquiry. **FULL**

EL Identification Procedures

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 11 AM–12:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In response to the need to identify newly enrolling students as English learners (ELs) during extended school closures, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed a provisional identification procedure. This virtual workshop will overview the procedures for provisionally identifying ELs when continuity of education services are being delivered virtually and face-to-face screening is not possible due to extended school closures. Participants will have the opportunity to review the procedure and ask questions to best prepare them for continuing EL identification as required by state policy.

EL Identification Procedures

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 11 AM–12:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In response to the need to identify newly enrolling students as English learners (ELs) during extended school closures, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed a provisional identification procedure. This virtual workshop will overview the procedures for provisionally identifying ELs when continuity of education services are being delivered virtually and face-to-face screening is not possible due to extended school closures. Participants will have the opportunity to review the procedure and ask questions to best prepare them for continuing EL identification as required by state policy.

Exploring Sociolinguistics and Additive Language Practices

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 1–2:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LEARNERS DEVELOPMENT

Explore concepts from Lisa Delpit’s work, “The Skin that We Speak” and discuss the ways in which schools often position students to grapple with language and identity, particularly when their primary language practices are different from Standard American English. Using video vignettes, we will interrogate the ideological underpinnings of additive and subtractive language practices and consider ways to approach language differences in the classroom. **FULL**

EL Identification Procedures

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In response to the need to identify newly enrolling students as English learners (ELs) during extended school closures, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed a provisional identification procedure. This virtual workshop will overview the procedures for provisionally identifying ELs when continuity of education services are being delivered virtually and face-to-face screening is not possible due to extended school closures. Participants will have the opportunity to review the procedure and ask questions to best prepare them for continuing EL identification as required by state policy. **FULL**

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series (Sept. 2, 3, 10)
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.  **FULL**  (October and November dates available.)

Deconstructing the Pedagogy of Pity: Towards a Critical Educational Practice

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Deconstruct the pedagogy of pity within a framework informed by Geneva Gay’s notion of culturally responsive caring, and analyze and discuss a series of commonly occurring scenarios in diverse classrooms to articulate actions that deconstruct the pedagogy of pity and construct a critical pedagogy in its place. **FULL**

WIDA: Scaffolding Learning Through Language

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part WIDA Webinar Series
This series provides educators with a fresh look at how to engage multilingual learners in rigorous content area learning with a balance of challenge and support. Explore how rigorous, well-sequenced curriculum within the context of meaningful experiences contributes to rich classroom interactions that mediate learning. Topics are (a) valuing students’ resources for learning, (b) developing a strong community of learners, and (c) engaging students in a rigorous curriculum.

WIDA: Reading Supports for Multilingual Learners

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Essential Question: How can educators support multilingual students who are struggling with reading in English?

The purpose of this eWorkshop is to create an online professional learning community that supports participants’ collaboration and fosters ownership of their learning. Over the course of 15 weeks, participants engage in six modules that each consist of three sections: Explore, Make It Work and Share. They select ideas to try out in their classrooms and share their experiences with colleagues in online discussion boards and one online meeting. The estimated time needed to complete the eWorkshop is 20 hours. **FULL**

Culturally Responsive Teaching: From Concept to Classroom Practice

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Review tenets of culturally responsive teaching by deep diving into critical cultural concepts of acculturation, immigrant paradox and Funds of Knowledge. Consider ways to replace deficit perspectives with ones that leverage cultural and linguistic abundance.

EL Reclassification Tutorial

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Overview of reclassification policies and the completion of reclassification rubrics while schools are implementing distance learning. Participants will walk through an example of calculating student scores using the language use inventories rubrics, utilize the online reclassification tool for completing rubrics and generating data files, and uploading the master data file to generate individual student cover sheets.

EL Identification Procedures

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In response to the need to identify newly enrolling students as English learners (ELs) during extended school closures, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has developed a provisional identification procedure. This virtual workshop will overview the procedures for provisionally identifying ELs when continuity of education services are being delivered virtually and face-to-face screening is not possible due to extended school closures. Participants will have the opportunity to review the procedure and ask questions to best prepare them for continuing EL identification as required by state policy.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series (Sept. 22, 23, 30)
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards. **FULL** (October and November dates available.)

Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire, 1970)

VIRTUAL BOOK STUDY | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In a community of practice, participants will read, discuss and interrogate Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” and relate it to historical, current and future educational practice. Particularly attend to critical thinking about the ways in which Freire’s thinking can inform equitable education for English learners. The group will meet three times to discuss the text up to that point — Sept. 28, Preface, Introduction and Chapter 1, Nov. 9, Chapters 2 and 3, Dec. 21, Chapter 4.

Facilitating Positive Acculturative Outcomes Through Mentoring

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Create a school- or districtwide plan that addresses the acculturation process for all students. Using a current mentoring program initiative led by the presenters as a guide, participants will identify areas of focus for their own school programming, and a needs assessment and comprehensive plan for a mentoring program will be discussed and created.

EL Reclassification Tutorial

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Overview of reclassification policies and the completion of reclassification rubrics while schools are implementing distance learning. Participants will walk through an example of calculating student scores using the language use inventories rubrics, utilize the online reclassification tool for completing rubrics and generating data files, and uploading the master data file to generate individual student cover sheets.

WIDA: Scaffolding Learning Through Language

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part WIDA Webinar Series
This series provides educators with a fresh look at how to engage multilingual learners in rigorous content area learning with a balance of challenge and support. Explore how rigorous, well-sequenced curriculum within the context of meaningful experiences contributes to rich classroom interactions that mediate learning. Topics are (a) valuing students’ resources for learning, (b) developing a strong community of learners, and (c) engaging students in rigorous curriculum.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.

2020 Paving the Way to Educational Success

VIRTUAL CONFERENCE | ECYEH & FOSTER CARE

This conference is a high-quality professional development opportunity for professionals working with students experiencing homelessness and students in foster care.

School district foster care points of contact, homeless liaisons, child welfare agency points of contact, child welfare private providers, shelter staff, educators, school social workers, pupil services personnel, school counselors, and any other professionals working with children and youth experiencing homelessness and children and youth in foster care are encouraged to attend.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.

Educational Linguistics

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Four-Part Workshop Series
Focus on developing an understanding of the structure and sound systems of English in relation to other languages and in relation to a variety of teaching strategies, and pedagogical language knowledge with regards to the ways in which students’ rich linguistic repertoires are leveraged in learning a new language. Develop greater awareness about the difference between systematic errors that may require explicit instruction and natural errors that will correct themselves with appropriately modeled language input. **FULL**

2020 Safe Schools Conference – Keeping Our Children Safe: Strategies for Schools and Communities

December 8-10 | VIRTUAL EVENT | CENTER FOR SAFE SCHOOLS

This virtual, high quality event will offer professional development focused on school safety, bullying prevention, emergency and crisis response, and other relevant topics. Hear state and national experts present the latest research and trends in school safety, youth violence prevention, evidence-based program models, promising practices, and more.

WIDA: Considerations When Educating ELs with Identified Learning Disabilities

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Essential Question: What do educators need to consider in order to effectively plan for the education of bilingual learners identified with learning disabilities?

The purpose of this WIDA eWorkshop is to create an online professional learning community that supports participants’ collaboration and fosters ownership of their learning. Over the course of 15 weeks, participants engage in six modules that each consist of three sections: Explore, Make It Work and Share. They select ideas to try out in their classrooms and share their experiences with colleagues in online discussion boards and one online meeting. The estimated time needed to complete the eWorkshop is 20 hours. **FULL**

Pedagogy of the Oppressed (Paulo Freire, 1970)

VIRTUAL BOOK STUDY | 2–3:30 PM EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

In a community of practice, participants will read, discuss and interrogate Freire’s “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” and relate it to historical, current and future educational practice. Particularly attend to critical thinking about the ways in which Freire’s thinking can inform equitable education for English learners. The group will meet three times to discuss the text up to that point — March 1, Preface, Introduction and Chapter 1, April 12, Chapters 2 and 3, May 24, Chapter 4.

WIDA: Uncovering and Leveraging Students’ Home Literacies in the Classroom

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Essential Question: How do I reposition multilingual/multicultural students’ strengths in the classroom as assets? How can I build on the strengths and assets that multilingual/multicultural students bring to my classroom?

The purpose of this WIDA eWorkshop is to create an online professional learning community that supports participants’ collaboration and fosters ownership of their learning. Over the course of 15 weeks, participants engage in six modules that each consist of three sections: Explore, Make It Work and Share. They select ideas to try out in their classrooms and share their experiences with colleagues in online discussion boards and one online meeting. The estimated time needed to complete the eWorkshop is 20 hours.

Asynchronous online modules: March 1 to June 14, 2021
Synchronous live online workshop: May 25, 2021 | 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.

ELD Data Analysis

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Two-Part Workshop
Intensive and guided approach to making the best and appropriate use of ACCESS data and other related outcomes data. Review best practices in improvement planning and the evaluation of improvement plans. Participants will be able to understand the design and intended uses of ACCESS; use best practices in educational improvement planning; and describe and utilize common evaluation methods, (e.g. logic models) and how they relate to a given improvement plan.

ELD Curriculum Guidance

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP | 9 AM–NOON EDT | ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

Three-Part Workshop Series
Participants will consider the critical components of ELD curriculum and explore methods for engaging in the collaborative development process by approaching development that utilizes the Understanding by Design framework and the elements of Universal Design for Learning to integrate academic content standards and 2020 updated WIDA ELD Standards.