Spring Testing Resources

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

Spring testing season is upon us! We know you are gearing up for your end of year assessments this month. We hope the resources below will make your preparations easier and inspire you to try something new.

Get Teachers and Students Ready

Positive Test Prep Activity for Parents

Two weeks before testing, ask parents to send a note encouraging their child to do their best on the end of the year assessment.  Provide parents and/or family members with the materials to write the letters. Think about sending home fancy paper, envelopes, and make some suggestions of things to say. Give the parents the option to text or record their message, create posters, email their messages or mail in their letters to allow flexibility and creativity. Before you administer the test, give students the message to read or view before they begin.

Advice for Remote Testing

Nervous about testing students remotely this year? Don’t worry, with proper preparation and guidance, remote testing can go as smoothly as an in-person testing session.

Looking for Social Emotional Learning Curriculum?

Attitude is Altitude is a CASEL-aligned social emotional learning curriculum designed for grades K-12. Nick Vujicic, a world-renowned motivational speaker, launched the initiative to help guide and inspire students with Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) after experiencing a childhood of hardship due to bullying.

To view more resources from the Student Learning and Partner Success team click here!

Classroom Walkthroughs Made Easy

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

We know you are busy this month with teacher evaluations, observations, and classroom walkthroughs. This post aims to provide you with some quick and easy to implement resources for your classroom walkthroughs! Also, don’t miss the excellent curriculum and culture webinars coming up this month. Learn more and register via the links below!

Do you have a need for high-quality curriculum at your school?

Join a webinar on March 9th at 4:00 p.m. to find out more. Click here to register.

Are you looking for a school survey instrument that produces an “under the hood” analysis of behaviors and beliefs that influence student success?

Join a webinar on March 16th at 9:00 a.m. to learn more. Click here to register.

Learn more about the importance of curriculum and culture at your school here.

To view more resources from the Student Learning and Partner Success team click here!

Curriculum & Culture: What matters most for the long-term success of your students?

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

We know right now administrators are hard at work making the big decisions about next year’s curriculum and resources. Recent research suggests that there is a significantly positive correlation between a knowledge-rich curriculum, effective instructional support in delivering it, and a robust school culture. The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy has designed numerous resources (and undertaken associated research evaluations) to support a much-needed shift towards this powerfully integrated approach to education. This month, we’d like to share this research and these resources with you as you make the big decisions regarding curriculum and change at your school.

How strong is your school culture?

School culture serves as the foundation for several important domains of school performance. A strong, coherent school culture is linked to…

  • Favorable civic outcomes such as increased political engagement and higher levels of tolerance.
  • Favorable academic outcomes such as college enrollment or workforce participation.
  • The successful implementation of school improvement

Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy has designed a set of tools that address these critical issues from different angles, providing both an evaluation of where schools currently are and a baseline against which to measure continuous improvement.

  • School Culture 360™ – a school survey instrument that produces an “under the hood” analysis of behaviors and beliefs that influence student success. Cost for schools: $675.
  • Teacher Surveys on Curriculum Use – survey that creates a full picture of teachers’ use of curriculum materials and their satisfaction level with those materials. Cost for schools: $700.
  • For information about either of these surveys contact Dr. Carol Macedonia cmacedo3@jhu.edu.

Looking for rigorous and knowledge-rich curriculum?

The implementation of a knowledge-rich curriculum in grades K-12 is critical to positive academic achievement. Here are a few high quality curriculum programs for your consideration.

  • Wilson FUNdations: From Wilson Language Training, this foundational and early reading intervention curriculum is designed for students in K-3 grade.
  • Great Minds
    • Wit & Wisdom: K-12 ELA Curriculum focused on building knowledge of the world and important topics. Click here to learn more!
    • Eureka Math: K-12 Math Curriculum helping students gain a deeper understanding of the why behind the numbers, while making math more enjoyable to learn!

Why does knowledge rich curriculum and strong school culture matter?

We will be discussing the School Culture 360™ and Curriculum options in more detail at our Statewide School Leadership webinar on February 23rd. Click here to register!

 

To view more resources click here!

 

 

 

Budgeting for Technology & Free Professional Development Opportunity

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

Now more than ever, technology has become a necessity in education! With so many schools using a hybrid approach of in person and online learning, school leaders are under increasing pressure to purchase new technology or upgrade the existing materials. As you begin to work on your school’s budget and look forward to the future technology needs of your school, we hope the resources below can help guide your thinking and planning.

Consider this:

Not sure where to begin with budgeting?

Looking for more details and examples?

Free Building Inclusive Schools Professional Development options through Step Up for Students:

All trainings are FREE thanks to support from Step Up For Students and our generous donors.

  • Foundations of an Inclusive Community (Vanessa Douyon – Promise 54)
  • Is Your School Anti-Racist? (Vanessa Douyon – Promise 54)
  • LGBTQ Culturally Competent Best Practices (De Palazzo – Equality Florida)

Click here  to learn more about the content of these trainings. Click here to register.

 

To view more resources click here!

Free Professional Development, Remote Learning Support, Giveaway, and More!

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

Free Training through Step Up for Students (Giveaway Alert!):

Learn about how you can live out your commitment to creating psychologically safe and inclusive spaces. Explore the links below to learn about multiple FREE virtual training opportunities coming up for you and your staff.

All trainings are FREE thanks to support from Step Up For Students and our generous donors.

  • Foundations of an Inclusive Community (Vanessa Douyon – Promise 54)
  • Is Your School Anti-Racist? (Vanessa Douyon – Promise 54)
  • LGBTQ Culturally Competent Best Practices (De Palazzo – Equality Florida)

Click here  to learn more about the content of these trainings.

Giveaway Alert! – Register for any of these trainings before December 18, 2020 to be entered into a giveaway for a set of books for a diverse classroom library!
Click here to register.

Do your teachers need support facilitating online learning?

You can empower your teachers to engage students and families, improve achievement and create vibrant learning environments through a partnership with Educate LLC.

Educate will provide your teachers, families, and leaders with ongoing support navigating the intersection of technology and instruction. See opportunities for Virtual Coaching and Workshops  here. Contact Julie Emory-Johnson for more information: jjohnson@educatellc.com

Free Technology Conference for Educators:

Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC)-  January 26 -29, 2021

FETC 2021 will be a fully interactive FREE virtual multi-day conference experience using state-of-the-art technology. Hear from top experts and innovators in education technology, experience AI-based networking, and explore the cutting edge FETC Virtual Expo to see the latest apps, hardware, software, and tech tools to support your teaching in this new era. Click here to learn more!

Looking for a good book over the break?

Check out Natalie Wexler’s book “The Knowledge Gap.” Through the stories of educators, students, and parents, “The Knowledge Gap” dives into the real issues at the heart of what we call the achievement gap. The book zeros in on the importance of building knowledge of the world rather than focusing solely on skills. It’s a deep dive into the heart of reading, literacy, and the disparities in our education system that you won’t want to miss! Click here to learn more!

 

 

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Resources for Supporting Teachers’ Mental Health in Difficult Times

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

We know this time of the year is especially stressful for educators. This year more than any other, we know your teachers are juggling a lot. This month’s resources are dedicated to helping administrators support the mental and emotional well-being of their staff members.

Strengthen Your Leadership in Difficult Times:

Share Mental Health Resources & Tips with your Staff:

Don’t Miss Our Giveaway!

For National STEM Day we are giving away a sample of simulated dirt from Mars to one lucky teacher! Experiment with different soil types by growing plants in “dirt” that is similar to the surface of Mars.  Click here to enter!

OESE Back-to-School Success Stories (See examples HERE)

  • The U.S Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, and the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE), Frank Brogan, have spent the past few months discussing the importance of returning to school. To submit a testimonial about how your school is thriving with your students back in person, please reach out to: reopeningschools@ed.gov. Step Up For Students would love to see our schools spotlighted nationally!

Don’t Forget! Nominate a student for the 2020 Virtual Rising Stars Awards. Nominations due December 4th. Click here to nominate today!

 

What does your online presence say about your school?

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

5 Questions You Should Consider When Reviewing Your School’s Online Presence

With COVID-19 temporarily moving much of our lives online, now is the perfect time to review your school’s online presence. For many families, the first impression of your school is just a click away. It’s not enough to simply list your school’s mission, vision, and values anymore. Instead, a good online presence will demonstrate the overall philosophy and culture of your school. What does one click reveal about your school?

  1. What is the purpose of your site? Is it a learning hub or hub of school information?
    • A hub of information- make sure to include easy to update calendars and important dates, downloadable newsletters, photos of activities and celebrations, and links to community resources for parents and families
    • Learning hub for students- provide password protected links to the school’s e-learning platform as well as links to other resources for students and families to access at home. Find a list of resources here!
  2. Does your website reflect and respect the diversity at your school?
    • Check out these articles from the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education on Diversity in Christian Schools; specifically discussing diversity in handbooks and retention and the environment you create.
    • Ask your families how they feel your school is bridging racial, class, and cultural differences. Consider the survey on page 12 of this document from the Nebraska Department of Education.
  3. How well does your website foster two-way communication with parents & families?
    • Make the link to communicate easy to find on your website.
    • Link your social media pages so that families can follow along with school events and interact in a way that is easy for them.
    • Ask your parents and families how they feel about your school!
      • Click here to find surveys for parents & families, checklists, needs assessments for new families, and more.
  4. Are you staying current with the times?
    • Given our current national situation, consider how out of touch it might seem to have no mention of virtual learning plans, technology, contingency plans, or virtual communication on your school’s website.
    • For ideas on what to include in your learning plan click here!
  5. What does your school’s social media say about your culture and philosophy?
    • Remember to demonstrate your mission, vision, and values. If collaborative learning is important to your mission, reflect this by sharing photos of group science experiments, posting videos from daily classes, or tweeting about the activities of your debate team.
    • Be sure your images and videos are current and show off what makes your school unique. Stock images and photos from other websites do not have the same effect as snapshots from a day in the life of your students.
    • Maintain consistent branding between your website and social media sites. Parents looking to learn more about your school should be able to easily identify your school from the matching branding.
    • For tips on how other administrators are using social media at their schools click here!

 

Frameworks of Tampa Bay is a nonprofit organization that empowers educators, youth services professionals, and parents and guardians with training, coaching, and research-based resources to equip students with social and emotional skills. Read more about the courses they offer here. For more information please contact:

Saima Qadree- Program Development Officer
sqadree@myframeworks.org
813-924-7563 (Cell)

To view all previous School Leadership Resources postings, click here.

Do Your Students Have All the Virtual Resources They Need?

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

Over the past several months, you have had a plethora of resources sent your way.  By now, schools are back, whether that be virtual or face to face.  Because of this, we wanted to provide you with an updated list of FREE resources.  We have resources for many subject areas and all grade levels.  Check them out!

 

Are you trying to build your school library? Don’t know where to start?

Check out The Book Bundler! They have quality used books with great prices.

 

 

Are your teachers subscribed to the Bulletin Board? If you’re not sure, encourage them to subscribe here by September 16th.  New subscribers will be entered to win books for their classroom library.

 

To view all previous School Leadership Resources postings, click here.

You’re receiving the Educational Resource Blog as you subscribed to enter to win books for your classroom library. If you’d like to unsubscribe, click “unsubscribe from this list” at the bottom of this email.

Is Your School Trauma Sensitive? Free Resources to Support Trauma-Informed Practices in Your School

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

Now more than ever, it is important for schools to be ready to address the emotional needs of students during these unprecedented times. This month’s collection of trauma-informed resources for administrators will help you get a head start on supporting students’ needs in the fall.

 

To view all previous School Leadership Resources postings, click here.

School Safety in the Era of COVID-19

Erica Peron School Leadership Resources

There are a lot of safety concerns to consider when going back to school in the Fall, especially in our current battle with the COVID-19 Pandemic. This month’s resources aim to help administrators check & prep their Emergency Action Plans, both for the COVID-19 concerns and school wide safety in general.
Planning & Guidance for COVID-19 Pandemic:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR SCHOOL!

AVID is a national non-profit that delivers professional learning to more than 85,000 educators each year so they can close the gap and prepare all students. Attend AVID Discover as a non-AVID school for just the cost of registration. Cost for this program can be covered by ESSER funding through your district, the Private School Stabilization funds (more info to come on this from Step Up), Title II, Part A or Title IV, Part A. Learn effective AVID online teaching methods that will also transfer to the face to face classroom setting.

Click here to register for the July 22-24 online training and receive online coaching throughout the year for only $995.

Conscious Discipline Core is a series of online professional learning sessions divided into three key areas of focus: Safety, Connection and Problem-Solving. These core sessions create a strong foundation in the basic skills, powers and structures necessary to handle the unique challenges of schooling in a COVID-19 age. Participants can select the age-specific grades they teach to focus on, and there is also a track designed for Administrators, Specials (e.g. Music, Physical Education or Art) or Special Needs.

Click here to access individual registration is $1,000 or Site Registration can be purchased for $2,500 for up to 25 participants.

School-wide General Emergency Action Plans:

Do you have a “Decision Tree” to help guide your decisions to open, close, or adjust schedules?

Other Guidance from State & National Gov:

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