C & I Update 14 (May 2015)

ELA/Reading 6-12 C&I Update #14
Posted by Shannon Jackson at 5/21/2015 8:00:00 AM
Congratulations to Darren Hall, teacher and chairperson at Whittle Springs Middle School. He had an article published in ASCD last month. http://www.ascd.org/publications/newsletters/education-update/may15/vol57/num05/The-Big-Paper-Strategy.aspx

Congratulation to Dr. Betty Blanton for receiving the Helen B. Watson Outstanding Dissertation Award for her work, Speaking Volumes: Professional Growth in Book Studies. Dr. Blanton serves Knox County as a literacy coach at Powell Middle School. This summer, she will lead an online professional book study on Funding the Heart of Nonfiction : Teaching 7 Essential Craft Tools with Mentor Texts by Georgia Heard. The course runs from June 1-30th on Canvas. Sign up on Randa PD at http://knoxschools.instructure.com/course/374990

May 29th is the 3rd Annual Block Party. It will be held at West High School this year. Our featured guest and keynote is William Van Cleave. You can find out more about Mr. Van Cleave and download free resources from his website at http://wvced.com

As we prepare for next year, we are looking for teachers who can help us to plan the August 5th in-service day. Our initial meeting is on May 28th At Sarah Simpson. Please sign up on Randa tower.

Throughout the summer, there are 6 offerings of TNReady Writing. This training, run by Aleeta Johnson, brings together all of the strategies that Knox County teachers have been using to teach writing. The following sessions are on Randa:
May 27 - Middle School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209
May 28- High School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209
June 9 - Middle School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209
June 11- High School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209
July 21 - Middle School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209
July 23 - High School ELA, Sarah Simpson, Room 209

Intervention Trainings
Before attending an intervention training, please verify with your principal which intervention you will be teaching next year. All intervention trainings are on Randa.

Rewards with Linda Perry - 1 day training
June 11 or July 23

Language!Live with Karen Irwin and Andrea Ensor -2 day training
July 23rd and 24th at Northwest Middle School

Reading Plus with Erica Jones - 1 day training
June 11 or July 23

Step up To Writing - 1 day training
June 9 or June 21 at the Reading Center (1000 Central Street)

Read 180NG - 1 day training
July 22nd

Flex Literacy - 1 day training
Dates to be confirmed
Location: Byington Solway

Reading Course Refresher at Gresham
July 28th or July 29th

Secondary ELA Leadership Retreat
All coaches and department heads
July 31, 2015 from 9:00 - 3:00

Social Studies C & I Update #14

Posted by JUDY NEWGENT at 5/21/2015 8:00:00 AM

Congratulations:

Congratulations to the social studies retirees! We have been honored to work with each of you and wish you well on your new endeavors! Thank you for your years of service to Knox County Schools Social Studies.

Congratulations to Andrea Guy, social studies teacher at Hardin Valley Academy! Andrea was awarded a C-Span Educators fellowship in the amount of $7000.00. This fellowship will provide Andrea the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and work several days with C-Span on Capitol Hill.

Congratulations to Amy Melendy! Amy, social studies teacher at Cedar Bluff Middle, was selected to travel and study extensively in Germany with the Transatlantic Outreach Program.

Congratulations to all KCS social studies teachers who applied and were selected by TDOE to serve on the Assessment Item Review and Range-finding teams. Not only will our district be well-represented on these teams but also two of our teachers and our instructional coach, including Seth Rayman, Karen Stanish, and Katherine Petko, respectively, have been chosen to facilitate.

Congratulations to Gordon Sisk, Karns High, Amanda Sharp, West High, and Karen Stanish, L & N STEM Academy! These teachers were chosen to present at the National Council for the Social Studies in New Orleans in November 2015!

The August 5 System-wide in-service for Secondary Social Studies will be at Karns High School.

The Social Studies Department extends an invitation to all 6th-12th grade Social Studies teachers to present at our August 5th system-wide in-service! If interested in serving in this teacher-leader role, please email Judy atjudy.newgent@knoxschools.org by Wednesday, May 27. Thank you!

August 5, 2015 (Wednesday) whole day - Based on a response to teacher feedback, the a.m. sessions will focus on our state standards/content and local curriculum, and most sessions will be facilitated by teacher-leaders. As we offer networking/unconference sessions during the p.m., teachers of like-subjects and grade levels will have ample opportunities to collaborate, share ideas/strategies, and plan together for the beginning of the school year. These sessions are essential as we head toward a school year with assessments fully aligned to our standards.
September 28, 2015 (Monday) half day - Teachers will lead conference-style sessions.
March 1, 2016 (Tuesday) half day - Teachers will lead conference-style sessions. Please note that this is also a presidential primary election day.

Grades 3-8 Social Studies/U.S. History Extended Response Information:

We are pleased to announce that the Blueprints are now available for Part I of the 2015-2016 operational tests for grades 3-8 and for grade 11.

Please see the Blueprints (Extended Response Standards for Part I) on the following link:http://http://www.tennessee.gov/education/assessment/social_studies.shtml

New Assessments: During the upcoming summer, educator committees will review feedback and results from the field test to inform final item counts, scoring, and reporting information for the 2015-16 social studies operational tests; this information will be shared as soon as it becomes available.

To all 3^rd-8^th and 11^th grade teachers, if you applied and were accepted to serve on the State's item review or range finding committees but have not informed our office, please advise as soon as possible; we would love to acknowledge your service and contribution. Thank you.

Summer Professional Development Opportunities:

Elementary Social Studies Professional Development Opportunities, June 4-5

Grade

Level

Thursday,

June 4

Friday,

June 5

3^rd

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

Technology in the

Social Studies Classroom w/ Sara Harris

9:30-11:30

Studies Weekly Alignment

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

North America Module Resources Part 1

9:30-11:30

North America Module Resources Part 2

1:30-3:30

4^th

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

Technology in the

Social Studies Classroom w/ Sara Harris

9:30-11:30

East TN History Center Guest Lecture w/

Lisa Oakley

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

Primary Source Tasks

Part 1

9:30-11:30

Primary Source Tasks

Part 2

1:30-3:30

5^th

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

Technology in the

Social Studies Classroom w/ Sara Harris

9:30-11:30

East TN History Center Guest Lecture w/

Lisa Oakley

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment

8:30-11:30 & 12:30-3:30

Primary Source Tasks

Part 1

9:30-11:30

Primary Source Tasks

Part 2

1:30-3:30

Social Studies Professional Development for Middle School, June 1-3

Grade Level

Monday

June 1

Tuesday

June 2

Wednesday

June 3

6^th

Grade

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30 -11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Technology in the

Social Studies

Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Source Tasks

9:30-11:30

Social Studies Assessment Prep!

1:30-3:30

7^th

Grade

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

UT Guest Content Lecture – Dr. Alison Vacca

Topic: Islamic World

9:30-11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

UT Guest Content

Lecture – Dr. Charles Sanft

Topic: China

9:30-11:30

Technology in the

Social Studies

Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30-11:30

Social Studies Assessment Prep!

1:30-3:30

8^th

Grade

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30-11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Source Tasks

9:30-11:30

Social Studies Assessment Prep!

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Source Tasks

9:30-11:30

ETHC Guest Content Lecture – Lisa Oakley

1:30-3:30

Social Studies Professional Development for Grades 9-12, June 1-3

Grade

Level

Monday

June 1

Tuesday

June 2

Wednesday

June 3

9^th

Grade

World History

and

Geography

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30 -11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Social Studies Assessment Prep!

1:30-3:30

10^th

Grade

United States Government

and

Civics

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30 -11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Civics Legislation and Project Based Learning

1:30-3:30

11^th

Grade

United States History

and

Geography

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

DBQ Project

9:30 -11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

Social Studies Assessment Prep!

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing 8:30-3:30

Primary Sources Tasks

9:30-11:30

ETHC Guest Content Lecture – Lisa Oakley

1:30-3:30

12^th

Grade

Economics

Module Assessment Writing and Curriculum Revision

8:30-3:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing and Curriculum Revision

8:30-3:30

UT Guest Content

Lecture –

Dr. Scott Gilpatric

Economics State Standards

9:30-11:30

Technology in the Social Studies Classroom

1:30-3:30

Module Assessment Writing and Curriculum Revision

8:30-3:30

PE, Health and Wellness #14
Posted by BARBARA HEISE at 5/21/2015

Thank you to all PE, Health and Wellness teachers for teaching students to make healthy choices for a healthy life! Thank you to Dr Jeff Knox for being an outstanding Professional Development Specialist for our department. We wish him the best of luck in his new position in the Heath, Physical Education and Sports Science Department at Carson Newman. Thank you to Josh Van Pelt for also being an exceptional Professional Development Specialist for department. His support for fellow teachers and his expertise were invaluable. And a big thank you to Kara Monk who has worked in the PE, Health and Wellness Department each week to move our department forward. Kara is the greatest!

Four elementary PE teachers completed and submitted their PE portfolio in May. Kara Monk, Josh Van Pelt, Renee Graham and Elizabeth Stone will be Portfolio Mentors for the upcoming school year to provide support for all the elementary PE teachers during the full pilot next year. They will help teachers gain a greater understanding of the positive impact teachers have on student growth in physical education.

Field Day at elementary and middle schools were fun for everyone! I visited several field days and saw kids active and parents involved. Thank you PE teachers for your hard work to organize these school wide events.

PE, Health and Wellness 1/2 day Workshop
Sessions by teachers-For teachers!!
Wednesday, June 3
8:30-11:30
Location: West High School
Art C&I Update #14
Posted by BARBARA HEISE at 5/21/2015
Special Thanks
... to Logan O'Connor (West Valley Middle) for leading our Earthfest event booth. Check out our twitter page (@KCS_VisualArts) where we retweeted some great videos and pics!
... to Phyllis Ball (Central High) for her leadership with TAEA and the East TN conference. Everything ran smoothly and the workshops were inspiring!

Congratulations!
...to our 2015-16 Professional Learning Specialists, Jessica Stewart (Christenberry Elem) and Angie McCarter (Farragut Middle).

Mark Your Calendars
2015-16 4th Tuesday REQUIRED meetings
- Aug. 25
- Sept. 22
- Oct. 27
- Jan. 26
- Feb. 23
- Mar. 29
- Apr. 26
Professional Development C&I Update #14
Posted by BARBARA HEISE at 5/21/2015
Find the latest updates by visiting the C & I Department webpage at https://www.knoxschools.org
2015-2016 Unscheduled In-Service Guidelines
Please review the attached procedures for unscheduled in-service as you make professional learning plans for this summer and the upcoming school year. Note that for the 2015-2015 SY, any combination of unscheduled in-service hours may be earned to satisfy the requirements of the employment agreement. This information is also available on the professional development webpage.
2015-2016 Systemwide In-Service Days
August 5, 2015 (Wednesday) - this will be a whole day with specific content and grade bands. Supervisors will plan sessions (most facilitated by teacher-leaders) focusing on our state standards and local curriculum. Teachers of like-subjects and grade levels will have ample opportunities to collaborate and plan together for the beginning of the school year. This will give us an opportunity to get everyone on the same page as we finally head into a school year with assessments fully aligned to our standards. As a response to increased teacher feedback, we will make sure to have PLENTY of time scheduled for grade and subject-alike teachers to work together and share ideas/strategies as they plan for the beginning of the school year.
September 28, 2015 (Monday) - this will be a half-day same as last year with teachers leading sessions. Teachers will be able to register conference-style for sessions. Please contact the content/grade level supervisors if you would like to present!
March 1, 2016 (Tuesday) - this will be a half-day same as last year with teachers leading sessions. Teachers will be able to register conference-style for sessions. Note that this is a presidential primary election day. We will make every effort to mitigate the impact on schools serving as voting sites.
Choral Music C&I Update #14
Posted by SARAH CUMMINGS at 5/18/2015 1:00:00 PM
"Sing"cerely best wishes to Richard Mitchell, retiring Choral Music Supervisor after 38 years of devoted service to Knox County Schools. His dedication and “caring” demeanor will always be remembered!

Congratulations to our 12 K.C.S. Music Teachers for being selected into the 2015 Tennessee Arts Academy class taking place in Nashville at Belmont University, July 12-17, 2015.

The ETGMEA Summer Music Workshop will be Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Farragut Intermediate School, 8:30 - 3:30 p.m. This is a great way to kick start the year with fresh ideas and inspiration.

Check out these Choral Music performances on KCStv! The recent Elementary Honors Choir Concert along with the Middle School Honors Choir Concert and the 2015 High School Choral Showcase are up and running for you to view at your earliest convenience on either the KCS or Music webpages. You may also catch these performances on "the loop", Comcast Channel 10/KCStv.

C&I Updates

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C & I Update 14 (May 2015)

Social Studies C & I Update #14

PE, Health and Wellness #14

Art C&I Update #14

Professional Development C&I Update #14

Choral Music C&I Update #14