If you teach ELA or Social Studies in grades 4-12 and do not have access to the DBQ online portal, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry (megane@ecboces.org) to gain access. 

Watch these helpful started videos: The Basics: Login to DBQ Online, add classes, create assignments, and connect students. DBQ Online Champion Moves: Customizing your assignments. Getting Clear on The DBQ Project 6-Step Method: Walkthrough a unit. Connect with the DBQ Team: Need a DBQ Online Overview Demo with a member of our team? Click Here Go in depth with a FREE DBQ 101 self-paced course and earn PD credits? Click Here Last spring, Portland Public Schools in Oregon launched a DBQ Essay Contest for 8th-grade students, and it was such a hit that they've decided to make it an annual tradition. In this video, you'll hear from the top three winners and a few of the runner-ups as they share their conclusions on the question: How Free Were Black Americans in the North? No doubt you’ll be impressed by the great insight of these young scholars! Anjene Bryant, the Middle Grades Director of ELA and Social Studies, Portland PS Students from diverse backgrounds were able to apply their learning to a topic that remains profoundly relevant: the concept of freedom. This contest not only challenged students to think deeply about history but also encouraged them to connect their insights to contemporary issues, fostering a richer understanding of the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality. Check out this video on the District Admin Portal. The Portal allows you to create customized assignments and rubrics for your district, track usage at your schools down to the teacher level, create customized binders for a school or entire district, and much more! If you don't have a District Admin Portal on your account, contact support@dbqproject.com. How Do We Remember 9/11? On September 11, 2001, the United States was attacked. Terrorists used airplanes as weapons and crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people from 90 different countries lost their lives. This Mini-Q looks at different ways we remember this tragedy by focusing on three particular groups - the victims, the survivors, and the helpers.  Binder: Elementary Mini-Qs - Volume 2 Campaign Propaganda: Which Strategies Would You Use? How do you respond to political ads? Do attack ads cause you to reject the candidate being attacked – or the one doing the attacking? Are you persuaded by endorsements from groups that you respect? Are you aware of how other ads try to influence you? Every election year, Americans complain bitterly about the many political ads they see over the long campaign season. This Mini-Q is designed to take you inside the world of campaign ads to learn about the strategies candidates and their managers use to win our votes. Binder: Mini-Qs in Civics Find DBQ at one of these Fall conferences: Click Here Join us for one of these in-person invitational workshops: September 14th: Albuquerque Invitational September 21st: Salt Lake City Invitational Participate in our FREE self-paced courses: September 10th: Self-Paced Course Launch October 8th: Self-Paced Course Launch November 12th: Self-Paced Course Launch The DBQ Project "Helping ALL students to read smart, think straight and write clearly" Email: info@dbqproject.com Website: www.dbqproject.com Location: 1234 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA Phone: 847-475-4007 Facebook: facebook.com/dbqproject X (Twitter): @dbqproject

CLD + GT Courses Flyer

Register for one, two, or all three self-paced, virtual courses. Learn about the characteristics and needs of gifted/high potential + CLD learners and how to best support them. These courses will count toward the CLD re-licensure requirement. Each course is $75, paid by the participant. ECBOCES will reimburse the cost of each course to educators from the ECBOCES districts if courses are completed by December 8th. Register by September 18th. (Flyer states Sept. 1st but you have an extra two weeks to register.)

See flyer for more information and the link to register. 

Please see the attached link for September PD offered by East Central BOCES. Make sure you register on the East Central BOCES website!

September PD Flyer

Starting on August 6th, Governor Jared Polis will award up to $600 in Federal COVID Relief funding to Colorado classroom teachers’ projects requesting resources to support students in response to COVID-19. Funding for eligible projects will likely be applied shortly after a project is approved, while funds remain. For the best chance at funding, submit a project on August 6th, 2024. Due to the nature of this opportunity, funding is likely to run out quickly and not every submitted project will receive funding. 

• • How to qualify:

    • If you don’t already have a teacher account, create one at www.donorschoose.org/teachers. Then return to this page to follow the rest of these instructions. Do not create a duplicate account.
    • Sign into your account.
    • Teach PreK-12 in a Colorado public school.
    • Create a new project on or after 12:30 PM MST August 6th, 2024
    • On the “HI” page while creating your project, enter the campaign code COLORADO by clicking "Enter a campaign code."
      • • Where to enter the campaign code:
    • Request resources to support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being as well as the impacts of interrupted academic learning as a result of COVID-19. 
      
      • Keep in mind that your $600 grant includes the materials cost, applicable taxes and fees, and the suggested donation to DonorsChoose. To keep your total project goal at $600 you should request around $450 in materials; you will see the project’s total goal update as you shop. Click here for a cost example:
    • In your project essay, make sure to describe how the resources you’re requesting will help your students through pandemic-impacted learning.

    Create your project

    What won’t qualify:

    • Projects posted before 12:30 PM MST on August 6th, 2024
    • Projects with a total goal over $600 (this includes all fees)
    • Any items that include a subscription component
    • Any food items in your cart will disqualify your project
    • Materials from Scholastic, Time for Kids, or Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards
    • Resources categorized as "Food, Clothing, & Hygiene"
      • This means any items like food/snacks, clothing, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, deodorant, tissues, air fresheners, irons, cleaning supplies, or other non-COVID learning response related resources.
    • Projects with the subject area "Warmth, Care, & Hunger"
    • Professional Development, special requests, and virtual trip and visitor projects
      • Special request projects are projects that request materials from outside of DonorsChoose’s vendor catalog. For this grant, you’ll need to shop from one of DonorsChoose’s 24 integrated vendors. 
    • Capital improvements to school building(s)
    • Salaries or bonuses

    If your project meets the above criteria, you’ll receive $600 in funding as soon as your project is reviewed by our team and posted on our site, while funds last. 

    
    

Donors Choose

zSpace is offering a two hour beginner training on August 13th from 10am to 12pm via Zoom.  This will cover usage of the devices and an introduction to the A3 Studio software.

Participants should have a zSpace device to use while doing the training.

Please sign up HERE.

East Central BOCES is currently looking for someone to provide professional development to our districts related to zSpace technology and its broad range of CTE related software/curriculum.  Please see HERE for more information.

The Arc of Adams County is hosting a picnic for families on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 11:30 AM-1:00 PM. The event will be located at Trupp Park, 105 Palmer Ave, Bennett, CO 80102.  Pizza, activities and resources for parents will be provided. RSVP to Alma with the Arc of Adams County by July 31st by emailing her at- asimental@arcadams.org , or calling her at 720-736-7730.

Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessional needed for 2024-25 School Year in our West Area Center-Based Learning Programs located in Strasburg - Sign On Bonus Possible!

•  Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance . $16-$19 per hour depending on experience

• May be eligible for Sign On Bonus!

• Questions contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org

• To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the "Jobs" page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the green button "Apply Online" at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

TRAINING DATE: June 26, 2024
TRAINING TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
PRESENTER: Andi McNair, Author, Consultant, Speaker 

LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room 

Flyer 

It’s no secret that differentiation can be overwhelming and feel like one more thing on an already full teacher plate. What if there was a way to differentiate for gifted learners that was not only meaningful but also manageable? In this learning experience, you'll discover how to create meaningful experiences that will engage and empower gifted learners. Using the Designing for Depth framework, we will explore practical ways to design differentiated learning experiences that inspire an active willingness to invest, support and encourage productive struggle, and encourage authentic connections beyond the classroom walls. 

Bring a learning experience/lesson plan with you! Lunch, stipend, and certificate will be provided.

Please make sure you register on the ECBOCES website for summer institute so we can have accurate lunch counts. All ECBOCES participants will receive a stipend! We look forward to seeing you in June!

Summer Institute Flyer

 Join us for a great professional development experience with content specific PD, regional EL/ML PD, and DBQ! Stipend and Lunch Provided!

Reserve your spot now by registering on the ECBOCES website!!

Summer Institute

Want to learn about the new tools that AI can bring to your classroom?  Want to learn how to save hours of time lesson planning, grading, writing goals?  Want to just find out what AI is all about?  Want a chance to take a cool tool back to your classroom?

We are excited to offer one more Responsible AI with Problem Based Learning training.  This training will be offered at the ECBOCES Limon Office.  While we are offering a Zoom connection, this will be a hands on training and in person attendance is highly recommended.  This training will bring something new for all previous Responsible AI attendees but will also provide for new attendees.  It is available for all ECBOCES Districts.

Lunch will be provided.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Please see the attached document for a very important training opportunity:

OVERVIEW

With school districts reporting staff shortages and team members
lacking autism training, this content will focus on teaching
instructional strategies to IEP team providers newer to the field of
ASD (0-5 years). The focus of this hybrid training is for participants
to learn autism strategies using specially designed instruction for
effective programming (student/classroom). This will be a hands-on
learning opportunity with embedded coaching and practice on
learned content.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

• Staff working directly with students with ASD for less than 5 years
• Suggested roles: teachers (special education, ECSEs, general education) speech/language pathologists, school psychologists, OTs, PTs
• Possible paraeducator attendance: paraeducators

It’s no secret that differentiation can be overwhelming and feel like one more thing on an already full teacher plate. What if there was a way to differentiate for advanced learners that was not only meaningful but also manageable? In this learning experience, you'll discover how to create meaningful experiences that will engage and empower advanced learners. Using the Designing for Depth framework, we will explore practical ways to design differentiated learning experiences that inspire an active willingness to invest, support and encourage productive struggle, and encourage authentic connections beyond the classroom walls.

Flyer

June 26, 2024 from 9:00 - 3:00

Bring a learning experience/lesson plan with you. Lunch, stipend, and certificate will be provided. Register at ecboces.org

Questions? Contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org

Please see attached link for Summer PD offerings provided by ECBOCES. 

You will need to register on the ECBOCES website. 

Summer PD

Please see the attached flyer for our Summer Institute professional development. We look forward to learning with you in June!!

It’s summer and your chance to sit back and enjoy some learning at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

 BE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY: We know that it’s your time to rejuvenate and so all of our courses include catered breakfast and lunch, visits to IMAX and planetarium, a book, and prizes. University level credit is also included making these courses a cheap way to earn relicensure credits.

 GET CREDIT: Except for the Field Course……Teachers can choose between doing just the face-to-face summer sessions for a certificate of hours OR Taking the full course which includes opportunities to try new ideas in your classroom with feedback from us.

 EARLY BIRD SPECIALS & SCHOLARSHIPS Access is important to us! Email us at teacherprograms@dmns.org to learn more about our Scholarships for BIPOC Educators & Rural Teachers. Coming from a distance of over 100 miles, to attend? We know that you’ll likely have lodging costs, and so we offer mileage reimbursement. None of these apply to you? Well, the first 10 ppl to sign up for any courses held at the museum get an amazing 50% off as an “Early Bird” scholarship.

 REIGNITE YOUR PASSION Although we do try to give you some new perspectives on your teaching practice, we try to keep it practical by supplying you with plenty of “walk-away” strategies and resources that you can use the first day that you return to school in the fall.

 Here are our 2024 summer offerings! www.dmns.org/tpdk12


Contact for more questions:

Tim Blesse & Tamera Sakotas
Teacher Programs Consultants
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver CO 80205
teacherprograms@dmns.org
(W) 303.370.8298 (C) 303.949.8683

Register on the EC BOCES website for April, 23rd. Zoom from 4:15-5:15. Participants will receive a $25 stipend!!

Implementing the Science and Engineering Practices Embedded in the Colorado Science Standards K-12: Session 3

Educators will share and reflect on their application of the Sensemaking Practices (Developing and Using Models, Analyzing and Interpreting Data, and Constructing Explanations). Educators will identify, define, and apply the Critiquing Practices (Engaging in Argument from Evidence and Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information). All participants will receive a $25 stipend.

Upcoming from the CDE CLDE office:  Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education

Engaging Immigrant and Refugee Families: Bridging the Language and Cultural Gap with Dr. Don Vu – you will want to purchase the book before the session on April 30^th.

Former award-winning teacher, and principal knows that reading can be transformative and life changing. Having fled Vietnam with his family in 1975, Dr. Vu understands the challenges children face when learning a new language and culture.  He will share his life experiences as a refugee and how to provide literacy pathways for immigrant students from his book: Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness which can be purchased through Scholastic. 

To attend, register for this virtual event cut and paste this into your browser:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrde6vrToiG9XFHEoJVnarYLI94Mdk7P2b#/registration

These events fill up fast, so if you are interested, register soon. 

Session starts promptly at 4:30pm. CE credits are offered for full attendance and can be applied toward the CLDE 45-hour licensure renewal requirement.

When:  Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Audience: Open to Colorado educators

English Learner Professional Development requirement for license renewal 

All educators holding an elementary, English language arts, math, science or social studies (or any middle-level) endorsement on a professional teacher license that expires on or after Sept. 1, 2025 must complete English Learner Professional Development (ELPD) prior to renewing their license or they will be unable to renew until they have done so. The ELPD training requirement for these endorsement areas was adopted by the State Board of Education in 2018, allowing teachers time to complete the training until their next full renewal period. Anyone who holds an ELPD designation on their credential already meets this requirement.

Important note: This requirement is based solely on the endorsement(s) held; it is not based on the content area the educator is presently teaching or if they are teaching at all. For example, a teacher who also holds both a science and a music endorsement will be required to complete ELPD even if only teaching music. Individuals who are serving in other positions (as a principal, for example) or not presently employed in education and who still wish to renew their teacher license with one of the identified endorsements must meet this requirement. 

The ELPD designation requires 45 hours of training focused on the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Educators may fulfill the requirement via a pre-approved program or individual learning that aligns with the ELPD standards. District leaders with COOL access can download a report of their educators who have attained the designation.

More details for educators needing to complete the ELPD requirement can be found on the ELPD for Educators webpage. Email educator_development@cde.state.co.us with questions.

Please see the attached link for April PD offered by ECBOCES. 

April PD Link

Just a reminder that we have two great AI trainings coming up (March 28th and April 3rd).  Don't miss out on learning about the technology that is fast invading everything we know!  These trainings are available for all ECBOCES districts.

Visit the ECBOCES Website to register.

The CDE Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education in Partnership with Seidlitz Education is Hosting a virtual training associated with the content of the book: Boosting Achievement.

• Dates: March 25, 2024, April 1, 2024, April 8, 2024; each session is 2 hours, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
• Description of event: Colorado educators have an opportunity to join a virtual workshop series on Boosting Achievement for Newcomers and Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education (SLIFE). This is a multiple sessions series that focuses key classroom strategies to engage all students. The series will guide educators on how to support and plan for the challenges and learning opportunities unique to this subset of ML students. The sessions will be provided by Elise White Diaz of Seidlitz Education. The theory and practice of the work will be based on the research of Boosting Achievement by Dr. Carol Salva. 
• Registration: Register for these sessions that will start promptly at 4:00 pm 
• Book purchase: from Seidlitz Education, participants will need the book for these virtual sessions. 
• The course aligns to the following Colorado Department of Education ELD Standards: 5.12(1) and (2); and 5.13(1) and (2), 5.14(1) and (2). CE credits are offered for full attendance and can be applied toward the CLDE 45-hour licensure renewal requirement. 

For additional information contact Alice Collins, collins_al@cde.state.co.us. 

 

Please see the attached link for March professional development provided by ECBOCES. Have a great Spring Break!!

Link to PD

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we need to cancel the SPED Cluster for next Tuesday, March 5th.  We appreciate your understanding.  

TRAINING DATE: Monday, February 26, 2024
TRAINING TIME: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 

PRESENTER: Darlene Blackford 

LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room 

DESCRIPTION: THIS TRANING IS ONLY OFFERED IN PERSON! Sharing ideas and strategies that encourage teachers to teach science in a hands-on experimental way. 

A light meal will be provided for those attending, please register so that we know how much food and materials to prepare for. A /stipend will be paid to those attending and will be paid in May.

Take advantage of practical and engaging professional learning

In case you missed it, you have access to nine free self-paced workshops! Grab your laptop, gather your colleagues who support multilingual learners and dive into practical and engaging learning opportunities. The following self-paced workshops are available through August 31, 2024.

Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics

Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena

Exploring the WIDA PreK-3 Essential Actions

Home Languages in the Classroom

Making Languages Visible in the Classroom

Newcomers: Promoting Success through Strengthening Practice

Reframing Education for Long-term English Learners

Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry

WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach

Learn more on the WIDA eLearning webpage where you can find course descriptions, a promotional flyer and PowerPoint slide to help spread the word to colleagues, and more.

Ready to get started?

Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account. Don’t have an account yet? Visit your member/state page to learn how.

Locate the course and click on Course Details. Click Enroll Now.

Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate.

Questions? Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735 or help@wida.us.

With gratitude,

Your friends at WIDA

The person in your district who manages WIDA access (for the Screener and ACCESS) should be able to create an account so you can access these courses.

In response to the success of the first AI training, we have decided to offer a second offering and also a Deeper Dive in AI with PBL training.  These trainings are open to all East Central BOCES Member Districts.

The second session of the Responsible AI Training will be offered on March 28th.  It will be held at the ECBOCES West Training Room - in person attendance is highly recommended but Zoom will be an option for those that cannot travel.  Registration is limited so be sure to sign up soon.  There will be some great prizes and giveaways during the training and lunch will be provided.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

On April 3rd, MindSpark will be hosting a Deeper Dive into AI with PBL.  To attend this session, you must attend one of the Responsible AI Trainings.  This will be also be held at ECBOCES West Training Room and in person attendance is highly recommended for this training as well.   Registration will also be limited for this one so be sure to sign up soon.  This training will also cover some PBL practices and how AI can help you get going with PBL. There will giveways and prizes for this training and lunch will be served. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

NCSC Civics Education Essay contest is now open

The NCSC annual Civics Education Essay contest is now open. All elementary, middle, and high school students in grades 3-12 are encouraged to participate.

 

Prize money will be awarded to the top three winners from elementary, middle, and high schools. Essays will be accepted online through midnight ET, Friday, March 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on May 1.

 

Students can enter through the essay contest portal found on our civics education page https://news.ncsc.org/c/AQjLzRUQw9AcGOOG74wBIL37sAcXxYjCb4DQ2agDRzNoEuw-WnmG-lUaoTz2K3jeUyGhYg

You’ll also find materials that can be used to promote the contest in your courts and communities.

 

Please contact Molly Justice for additional information: mjustice@ncsc.org

Denver Museum of Nature and Science is excited to share some of their Spring and Summer Professional Learning Workshops and Courses for K-12 teachers.  ( Some are science oriented and some are STEM specific)

We realize it can be a drive and sacrifice to come to Denver, so we can provide ECBOCES teachers with scholarships and mileage reimbursement for coming to Denver if they are coming 100 miles or more in distance. Email us at teacherprograms@dmns.org to learn more about our Rural Teacher Scholarship, our BIPOC Educator Scholarship or mileage reimbursement.

Tim Blesse

Teacher Programs Consultant

Denver Museum of Nature and Science

2001 Colorado Boulevard, Denver CO 80205

teacherprograms@dmns.org

(W) 303.370.8298 (C) 303.949.8683

Up-Coming CDE Sessions - *Sessions that offer credit towards the 45 Hrs. CLDE Licensure. 

**Certificates will come from CDE. 

__________________________________________

*Session #4:  From the Border to the Classroom: Experiences of Unaccompanied Children with Natasha Quiroga

• Date: Tuesday, February 27, 2024
• Time: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
• Audience: Educators, Educational Leaders, Community Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers
• Zoom - REGISTRATION LINK HERE

 

Key Take Aways:

Gain an understanding of the immigration process for children entering the U.S. legal system, detention facilities and the educational services provided, landmark cases of child protection, and more.

 

___________________________________________

 

*Session #5: Virtual - Part 2: Teacher & School Staff Virtual- Session on Trauma-Informed Practices facilitated by Elise White Diaz, sponsored by CDE:

• Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
• Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Audience: Educators, Educational Leaders, Community Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers
• Zoom - REGISTRATION LINK HERE

 

Agenda:

• Elise, an Educational Consultant at Seidlitz Education, specializing in trauma-informed education, seamlessly integrates culturally-informed pedagogy and language acquisition, consistently yielding notable improvements in state assessment scores. With a leadership background, Elise travels nationally, engaging in conferences and advocacy efforts with organizations such as NAELPA and Women-for-Orphans-Worldwide.

• Join this interactive training to explore Trauma-Informed Multilingual Education (TIME), addressing the needs of diverse students with childhood trauma. Uncover strategies for navigating language and cultural barriers. Your participation is a commitment to positive change and shaping the future of education in Colorado. Don't miss out!

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________________

*Session #6: The Long Road Ahead: The Path to the U.S. and the Legal Journey of Immigrant Students

Natasha Quiroga, Esq

 

Key Take Aways:

The content in the session will cover understanding student’s backgrounds, educational experiences in their home countries, the immigration court system, the types of immigration relief for children, the challenges navigating the legal journey, and available resources to support students and families during the immigration process. 

 

• Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
• Time: 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
• Audience: Educators, Educational Leaders, Community Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers
• Zoom - REGISTRATION LINK HERE

 

____________________________________________

*Session #7: Supporting our Immigrant and Refugee Children Through the Power of Reading

 

Key Take Aways:

The Newcomer Cohort is pleased to partner with Scholastic to offer a virtual session with author Dr. Don Vu on how to support our immigrant and refugee students through the power of reading. As a former refugee, teacher, and principal Don’s literacy commitment for all students is powerful. This engaging session will spark conversations and inspire educators to explore diversity and build a culture of literacy in classrooms and schools. Dr. Vu’s session is open to educators at all levels. This is a great opportunity for teachers to reflect on the literacy culture of their classrooms and for CLDE departments to collaborate with colleagues in your Literacy office to transform reading opportunities for all students.

 

• Date: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
• Time: 4:30-6:00 pm
• Audience: Educators, Educational Leaders, and anyone supporting Newcomers
• ZOOM - REGISTRATION LINK HERE

Reminder of the Upcoming Early Childhood Cluster on Monday, February 26th.  

Get registered ASAP!  

TRAINING DATE: February 26, 2024
TRAINING TIME: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
DATE: Monday, February 26, 2024 PRESENTER: Darlene Blackford LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room 

DESCRIPTION: THIS TRANING IS ONLY OFFERED IN PERSON! Sharing ideas and strategies that encourage teachers to teach science in a hands-on experimental way. A light meal will be provided for those attending, please register so that we know how much food and materials to prepare for. A /stipend will be paid to those attending and will be paid in May.

At the end of the month, we are offering a great Problem Based Learning Training by MindSpark.  We currently only have four people signed up for this.  If we do not get more registrations by the end of next week, we will be rescheduling this training for the summer.  Please see the flyer below for more information.  

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

If you teacher Social Studies or ELA 5th-12th grades and do not have access to the DBQ portal, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry, megane@ecboces.org, to get access! 

Welcome, February! This edition of DBQ Online Support Series includes: Video: Top 10 Ways to Use the Teacher Markup Tool Spotlight Video: What Are Teachers Saying About DBQ Online? February Unit Spotlights: Celebrating Black History Month -- share with your teachers!

Take 7 minutes and discover the power of the Teacher Markup tool!  Your students will thank you!

Check out what Joseph Niedziela (Director of Humanities, Fort Worth ISD, TX), Laura Moreau (K-12 Social Studies Specialist, Lafayette Parish Schools, LA), and Laura Webb (Literacy Specialist for Social Studies, Danville Public Schools, VA) have to say about DBQ Online. Thank you for your kind words, we think it's pretty great, too!

How Did Abolitionists Make the Case Against Slavery? Slavery was part of American life for more than two hundred years. Ridding the country of slavery was a hard-fought battle. This Mini-Q asks you to examine the ways that abolitionists, the people who worked to end slavery, tried to convince others that slavery must be stopped.  Binders: Mini-Qs in Literature - Volume 2 & Mini-Qs in Literature - Volume 3

Martin Luther King and Malcolm X: Which Strategies Made the Most Sense for America in the 1960s? The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s resulted in America’s biggest social revolution since the Civil War. The movement was grassroots and reached across the entire country. Two remarkable men, both quite young, and not always in agreement, became the clearest voices in the movement. These two men were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. In this Mini-Q you will consider the thoughts of both individuals. The documents are short but the ideas are large. Binders: Mini-Qs in Georgia History & Document Based Questions in American History

Harlem Renaissance Poetry: Does High Art or Folk Art Best Express Racial Pride? Between World War I and the Great Depression, Harlem became a hotspot for African- American artists of all kinds—painters, dancers, musicians, playwrights, and poets. During this time, now known as the Harlem Renaissance, a debate sprang up between two camps as to how to best express racial pride. This Mini-Q asks you to read poetry from this period and join the debate. Binder: Mini-Qs in Literature - Volume 1

Class, Gender, and Race in To Kill a Mockingbird: Is Mayella Powerful? Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Included in this story is the tale of Mayella Ewell, a poor, white woman living in a racist Southern community in the 1930s. Your task is to read through the documents in this Mini-Q and assess Mayella’s power. Binder: Mini-Qs in Literature - Volume 1

What Was Harriet Tubman’s Greatest Achievement? Harriet Tubman is a true American hero. In this Mini-Q, you will learn about three of her achievements: helping enslaved people escape to the North, leading a Civil War river raid, and caring for those in need. Then you will decide which of these achievements was the greatest. Binders: Elementary Mini-Qs - Volume 2 & Original US Volume 1 Mini-Qs: Units 1-12

What Were the Underlying Causes of the Tulsa Race Massacre? On June 1, 1921, a mob of white Tulsans looted and burned the Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Many people died, but the majority—more than 300—were African American. At the time and for decades afterward, the events of that terrible night were referred to as the Tulsa Race Riot. In fact, what happened was not a riot but an organized attack on an established African American community.  This Mini-Q explores the underlying causes of the massacre. Binder: New US Volume 2 Mini-Qs: Units 13-27

Upcoming Workshops: February 2nd: DBQ Invitational - Pueblo, Colorado March 7th: NCHE Pre-Conference in Cleveland, Ohio March 7th: CCSS Pre-Conference in Garden Grove, CA March 8th: CCSS Session: Engaging Students with Inquiry AND Technology: Everyday DBQ Strategies! June 24th-27th: DBQ U Virtual Workshops (DBQ U 1.0, DBQ U 2.0, and DBQ Lead Boot Camp) July 11th-12th: DBQ Project National Summit in Evanston, IL -- Registration deadline is March 1st. Limited space available. Register today!!!

FREE DBQ 101 Asynchronous Courses

The DBQ Project "Helping ALL students to read smart, think straight and write clearly" Email: info@dbqproject.com Website: www.dbqproject.com Location: 1234 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL, USA Phone: 847-475-4007 Facebook: facebook.com/dbqproject X (Twitter): @dbqproject

Please see the attached link for February PD provided by ECBOCES.

PD Flyer Link

ATTENTION MS and HS Science and CTE Teachers!!

The Scaling Up for STEM Initiative provides middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12) teachers with a yearlong immersive professional learning experience designed to enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence in science, technology, and engineering; and increase STEM career exposure while boosting teacher understanding about the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce. The program provides a tailored approach to support teachers’ efforts to create an equitable learning environment that increases student interest, participation, and academic success in STEM education.

https://www.nsta.org/scaling-up-stem 

Scaling Up For STEM Teacher Fellows will receive:

• Registration for pre-conference and conference at the 2024 NSTA National Conference in Denver, March 20-23

• 1 night hotel stay and 4 days of parking during the 2024 NSTA National Conference in Denver, March 20-23

• One year of Digital Professional Membership in NSTA and enrollment in an NSTA Digital Learning Cohort

• 4 NSTA e-books

• Coaching from a dedicated NSTA staff member

See the link below for the conference schedule and details about the online learning component:

Schedule

For more information contact Rob Wallace rwallace@nsta.org or Megan Eikleberry megane@ecboces.org

                  

East Central BOCES is happy to offer a two day Problem Based Learning Workshop with MindSpark Learning on Feb 29th and March 1st.   This two day workshop will introduce participants to Problem Based Learning. This is a powerful workshop offered in response to the many requests we have had. We will offer stipends for any non-contract days that teachers give up to attend plus there will be some great giveaways during the training as well. More details to follow. Use the link below to register before it fills up!  This training is available for all East Central BOCES districts.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Please take a moment to participate in this brief survey focused on professional development. Your input will assist the PD Needs Assessment Committee in gathering feedback on potential professional development topics for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Your feedback will be used for planning purposes to determine professional development topics and presenters for zoom sessions and summer institute. 

Link to Survey

Your time and feedback are greatly appreciated!!

East Central BOCES is offering a one day training from MindSpark Learning on Responsible AI.  This will be a great day of learning all about AI and how it can be used responsibly in the classroom as a powerful learning tool.  

Register today before this training fills up by clicking HERE.

This is available for ALL ECBOCES member districts!

Samantha Agoos, Science Content Specialist with CDE, will be hosting a 3 session series on Implementing the Science and Engineering Practices embedded in the Colorado Academic Standards for Science. Practical, concrete, and easy to implement strategies and resources will be shared. Participants will receive a $25 stipend for each session they attend. Register on the ECBOCES website to attend!

• January 23rd from 4:15-5:15
• February 20th from 4:15-5:15
• April 23rd from 4:15-5:15

Please see attached link for more detailed information. Science Practices Details Agenda Link

Are you looking for ways to address the new Colorado Social Studies Standards in an engaging, student-centered way? Join The DBQ Project to learn how to blend Social Studies Content with the disciplinary skills and processes students need to succeed.

DBQ will be hosting two in person workshops. Pick the date and location that works best for you!

The three Culturally and Linguistically Diverse AND Gifted courses are self-paced, virtual courses. You can take one or more levels and if you complete all three, you will fulfill the required 45 hours of CLD education needed for license renewal. Each course is $50 to be paid by you when you register but if you are an educator in any of the ECBOCES districts, you will be reimbursed for each course that you complete by the deadline, April 30th. 

Click here for for more information. 

We just received word that we were awarded the CSED grant for the 24 Spring semester which allows us to offer two great MindSpark Learning workshops.  We will be offering a one day session on Responsible AI and a 2 day workshop on Problem Based Learning.  Attendees will receive stipends for non-work days and a STEM related tool for their classroom.

Please take a few minutes to respond to this brief survey on what dates would work best for these workshops.

https://forms.gle/KPZMqjsFXi9V7TaV8

If you have any additional questions about these workshops, please contact Emma Richardson at ECBOCES.

 If any teachers are traveling from locations more than 100 miles away and want to attend one or more days of the course on the flyer, DMNS can 100% scholarship them and reimburse their mileage. We also have discounted hotel rooms we can offer. Reach out directly to Tamera Sakotas Tamera.Sakotas@dmns.org or Tim Blesse Tim.Blesse@dmns.org

The Science of Changing Your Mind: Building Deeper, Stronger, Conceptions of the World.  

• Starting in January
  
• DESCRIPTION: Learn & engage with practical strategies that empower students to take charge of their own learning.
  
• Cost: $300 (scholarships for teachers traveling over 100 miles)

Spring Educator’s Night K-12

• January 2nd from 6-9pm
• DESCRIPTION: The museum appreciates the work you do with young people and the great service you provide our community. Join us for our annual spring semester appreciation event. Much of the museum will be open and completely free, including the Infinity Theatre (formerly IMAX) and the Planetarium, as well as “Behind the Scenes” tours of our research collection spaces.
• Cost: FREE

Flyer and Registration Link

What are the After School Specials, you ask? FREE interactive, dynamic learning experience right from the comfort of your favorite spot! 🏡✨ These invitational workshops, hosted on Zoom, have been crafted with your busy schedule in mind. Whether you're a seasoned DBQ Online expert or just starting your journey, there's something for everyone in our exciting lineup.

We have two strands, one for online skills and one for engagement strategies:

**See attached flyer to register for the sessions and access the zoom link!

After School PD Special Flyer

**ECBOCES will provide stipends to participants who receive a certificate of completion!

Please see the attached link for the December and January PD flyer. 

PD Link

Hello Educators,

If you are looking for some virtual, self-paced courses to learn more about best practices for our CLD and gifted students, check these out! There are three levels and you can choose to participate in one or more courses next semester. See the flyer linked below for all of the information. 

Please note that you will be invoiced for the courses, but you will be reimbursed by the ECBOCES gifted program if you complete the course(s) by the due date, April 30, 2024.  

*These courses will fulfill the CLD 45 hour requirement for re-licensure. 

Link: CLD & Gifted Registration Information

Reach out to Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org with questions. 

East Central BOCES is seeking a Speech Language Aide and/or Occupational Therapy Aide for the remainder of the 23-24 school year. 

• Duties include picking up students from class, monitoring students during virtual instruction, and returning them to class.
• Training will be provided.
• Great Opportunity for someone who wants to work while your children are in school or someone who is taking online college classes. 
• The salary range is $15 - $18 per hour, depending on experience.
• 36-40 hours per week
• Mileage reimbursed for travel between schools.
• School Locations: Strasburg, Bennett, and Woodlin. 

• For questions, please contact Tracy at 719-775-2342 ext. 101 or tracyg@ecboces.org. 
• To apply go to ECBOCES.org and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the posting. 

Hello Science Teachers and Leaders!

As you may know, the State Board recently reintroduced achievement on the CMAS science assessment into the school and district frameworks. Here is the draft 2024 Framework Scoring Guide. 

 If you are interested in learning more about high-quality, relevant, three-dimensional assessments that will prepare students for the three-dimensional items on CMAS science, please consider this FREE, virtual professional learning from Angela Landrum of CDE and Sara Cooper of CU Boulder. The first session is this Thursday. 

 2023-2024 Colorado Science Toolkit for Learner-Centered Assessment Systems PLC. 

The November-May sessions will be held on Thursdays from 4:00pm-6:00pm. The summer institute will be held June 10-13, 2024, from 9:00am-2:30pm each day. 

• All sessions will be facilitated virtually via Zoom.

It is encouraged, to the extent possible, to engage in this work with a team but if that is not possible individual participants will certainly be supported. Please see the schedule below.

Module 1 – Cultivating Learner Centered Assessment Systems

• Nov. 16, 2023: Develop Our Vision for Science Learning and Student Performance
  
• Nov. 30, 2023: Center Students in our System
  

 Module 2: Building a Foundation for Equitable 3D Assessment

• Dec. 14, 2023: Refine Our Priorities for Our Work and Grade Band Analysis
  
• Jan. 11, 2024: Analyze the Elements of a Target 3D Standard
  
•  Jan. 25, 2024: Brainstorm Phenomena for Student Sensemaking
  

 Module 4: Designing Assessments to Fulfill Our Vision

• Feb. 8, 2024: Task Design with a Focus on Phenomena
  
• Feb. 22, 2024: Task Design with a Focus on Scenarios
  
• Mar. 7, 2024: Task Design with a Focus on Coherence
  
• Mar. 21, 2024: Design a Paired Check & Connect
  

 Module 5: Tending to Learner Artifacts

• Apr. 4, 2024: Seeing Student Work
  
• May 2, 2024: Analyzing and Interpreting Student Work
  

 Summer Institute

• Jun. 10, 2024: Anchoring Assessment in Curriculum, and Task Design with a Focus on Feedback
  
• Jun. 11, 2024: Interrogate our Vision from Multiple Perspectives, and Analyze our Local Assessment System
  
• Jun. 12, 2024: Using Student Work in Caring Ways, and Anchoring Assessment in Curriculum
  
• Jun. 13, 2024: Shifting from Grading to Appraising, and A Vision and Plan for Equitable Grading
  

**If interested in participating, email Angela Landrum Landrum_A@cde.state.co.us to register. She will send calendar invitations for each session to those who are interested. 

Please see information about a Rural School Psychology Program through UNC that offers substantial financial assistance.

SY23-24 WIDA Workshops - 

 Nine self-paced workshops are available to Colorado K-12 public school educators at no cost from Sept. 1, 2023 – Aug. 31, 2024. The content is relevant for all educators: school leaders, coaches and facilitators, K-12 classroom teachers, ESL teachers and specialists, and professional learning communities. These virtual workshops are available under the Professional Learning tab within the WIDA Secure Portal (valid login required). 

Ready to start your professional learning?

1. Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account. Don’t have an account yet? Contact your District Assessment Coordinator for account activation.
2. Locate the course and click on Course Details. Click Enroll Now.
3. Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate.
4. Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at (866) 276-7735 or help@wida.us for technical assistance.

How do I get a WIDA Secure Portal account?

Info about creating WIDA Secure Portal Accounts: District ELD Program and/or Assessment Coordinators will create a bulk upload with educators’ names and email addresses. Once the bulk educator list is created, a user with District permissions will upload this list to WIDA Client Services Center (CSC). After WIDA CSC receives and processes the bulk upload, an automatic email will be sent to educators on the list inviting them to create an eLearning account through the WIDA Secure Portal. This account will give access to the eLearning self-paced workshops and other eLearning resources.

Please see this flyer regarding an Adaptive Basketball Clinic to be held in Strasburg on November 16th.

Please see the attached link for November professional development offerings provided by ECBOCES. 

Nov. PD

Please take just a few minutes to help me decide what would be the best kind of Professional Development to bring in related to the computer science/technology areas.  These trainings would be available for all ECBOCES districts.

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR OPINION!

Thank you!

Please join us this Friday, Oct. 27th from 9-3! 

CDE will be coming out to East Central BOCES to engage in training and answering questions related to the READ Act. The following topics will be presented:

TRAINING DATE:November 17, 2023
TRAINING TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
PRESENTERS: Callie Burgess & JoDee Ellis LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room DESCRIPTION: The intent and philosophy of CPI is to provide the best care, welfare, safety and security at any given moment to the individuals in your charge even in violent moments. "Module links will be sent to your email address used for the EC BOCES website from CPI Learning (no affiliation with ECBOCES). The last day to register for class is 1 week prior to the in-person class. No online module links will be sent out after this date. Fee for EC BOCES districts: Initial Certification - Recertification - Location: All trainings are in a blended format with a portion completed online and finishing the training at East Central BOCES Training Room. Online module completion is required to participate in in-person training. Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. Contact CPI Certified Instructors: JoDee Ellis - jodeee@ecboces.org or Callie Burgess-callieb@ecboces.org.  See the information in the course information.  

On Oct. 27th, CDE will be bringing out the READ Act Team to provide PD around Read Plans and answer any questions that you have related to the READ Act. The event will be at the ECBOCES office from 9-3. The following topics will be reviewed during the day:

History and purpose of the READ Act 
READ Plans
Five components of reading
SRD Identification and body of evidence
Exiting Students from a READ Plan (K-3) 
READ Act Teacher Training

Lunch will be provided. Please register on the website!

This week, we are offering two Zoom sessions centered around effective visible learning strategies as identified by John Hattie's research. 

• Tuesday, Oct 10th: Starr Sackstein 6-12 zoom from 4:15-5:15
  
• Thursday, Oct 12th: Isaac Wells K-5 zoom from 4:15-5:15
  

We invite you to join us to gain deeper insights into John Hattie's high-impact strategies that you can begin applying right away. Stipends will be available to all participants. 

This week, we are offering two Zoom sessions centered around effective visible learning strategies as identified by John Hattie's research. 

• Tuesday, Oct 10th: Starr Sackstein 6-12 zoom from 4:15-5:15
  
• Thursday, Oct 12th: Isaac Wells K-5 zoom from 4:15-5:15
  

We invite you to join us to gain deeper insights into John Hattie's high-impact strategies that you can begin applying right away. Stipends will be available to all participants. 

This is a reminder to sign up for the Paraprofessional Cluster on October 18th from 4:30-6:30 over Zoom.  Megan Bashioum, a School Psychologist Intern will be presenting on Emotional Intelligence.  She will be discussing the key elements and how they relate to relationships with others.  Strategies will be provided to help paraprofessionals not only be aware of their own emotional intelligence but also how to support students build their awareness and skills in this area. 

Please see the attached flyer for School in the Woods to learn about connecting your curriculum to outdoor learning. The free event will take place in Colorado Springs on Saturday, November 4th.

PreK-12 Teachers will find lessons for their grade level to support their curriculum and use the GREAT outdoors as a learning tool.  Free workshop, resources, snacks and lunch! Register by Oct 28th. Mileage reimbursement upon request for 40 miles or greater one way.

Flyer and Registration Link

Morgridge College of Education University of Denver received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and is starting a School Psychology Rural Hybrid Ed.S Program.  East Central BOCES supported the grant application process by writing a letter of support as there is a shortage of school psychologists, especially those who want to work in rural settings. 

The course work is virtual and allows you to complete the Practicum I, Practicum II, and ED.S Internships with EC BOCES.  70% of the tuition costs will be covered by the grant. There will be 2 cohorts starting in the summers of 2024 and 2025. The application deadline for the first cohort is December 2023. There are specific requirements regarding the schools you would need to work and for EC BOCES this means you would work in our East area schools in the Limon to Burlington area. 

See the link for further information: Morgridge College of Education University of Denver Rural Hybrid ED.S. Program

Please see the attached link for PD offerings offered through East Central BOCES for the month of October. 

Oct. PD Link

All Colorado public school educators who teach students in Pre-K – 12th grade are eligible for the program. Educators who previously received a donation on a project when this opportunity was first available are eligible for a second donation on a new project with this second opportunity. 

Funding from the first round (11 million) was gone in about a week. The funding for this round is about half (6.3 million) so will go very quick. Submit your projects ASAP!!

If you did not get funded during the first round, please make sure your project meets all the requirements and you must enter the campaign code correctly! 

Since funding is limited, submit as soon as possible for the best chance to get your project approved.

Given the popular demand of the first round of grants, the Governor is dedicating an additional $6.3 million in federal Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funding to support the needs of hardworking Colorado teachers. Post a new project today

Starting on September 21st, 2023, Governor Jared Polis & Colorado Department of Education will award up to $1,000 in Federal COVID Relief funding to Colorado classroom teachers’ projects requesting resources to support students in response to COVID-19. Funding for eligible projects will be applied shortly after a project is approved. 

How to qualify

• If you don’t already have one, create a teacher account at www.donorschoose.org/teachers. Do not create a duplicate account.
• Sign into your account.
• Submit a project on DonorsChoose using the campaign code COLORADO, keep your total project goal under $1,000 (that’s about $800 in materials and $200 in shipping and other fees). 
  • Request resources to support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being as well as the impacts of interrupted academic learning as a result of COVID-19. 
    
    • Keep in mind that your $1,000 grant includes the materials cost, applicable taxes and fees, shipping costs, and other processing costs. To keep your total project goal at $1,000 you should request around $800 in materials; you will see the project’s total goal update as you shop. Click here for an example
    • When submitting your project request, describe how the supplies will help support student learning after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
      
• If your project is approved, funding from CDE, of up to $1,000, will appear on your DonorsChoose project page and you’ll receive an email from DonorsChoose when the funding arrives.
  • When you receive an email from DonorsChoose indicating your project has been funded, confirm your funded project using a district email address as soon as possible and before Sept. 30.
• Create a new project on or after 9AM MST September 21st, 2023 and before September 29th, 2023.

Create your project

What won’t qualify:

• Projects posted before September 21st, 2023 or after September 29th.
• Projects with a total goal over $1,000 (this includes all fees)
• Any items that include a subscription component
• Materials from Scholastic, Time for Kids, or Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards
• Resources categorized as "Food, Clothing, & Hygiene"
  • This means any items like food/snacks, clothing, first aid kits, hand sanitizer, deodorant, tissues, air fresheners, irons, cleaning supplies, or other non-COVID learning response related resources.
• Projects within the subject area "Warmth, Care, & Hunger"
• Professional Development, special requests, and virtual trip and visitor projects
  • Special request projects are projects that request materials from outside of DonorsChoose’s vendor catalog. For this grant, you’ll need to shop from one of DonorsChoose’s 23 integrated vendors.
• Capital improvements to school building(s)
• Salaries or bonuses

How you’ll receive funding:

If your project meets the above criteria, you’ll receive $1,000 in funding as soon as your project is reviewed by our team and posted on our site, while funds last. 

With thanks to the Colorado Department of Education

Gov. Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Education are proud to support Colorado teachers and their incredible work responding to the impacts of COVID-19 on student learning. These funds are part of a federal relief package and allowable uses of the funds include:

• Academic materials that students need to recover from learning loss
• Social-emotional or mental health support materials to help with the impact of COVID-19 on student mental health

All participating teachers should comply with any applicable local laws and school district policies when creating their DonorsChoose projects for this partnership.

The initial $11M project was wholly funded by the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, ALN 84.425D, through the Colorado Department of Education.

Additional funding for this project included $6.3M from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Funds, ALN 84.425C & R, through the Colorado Governor's Office and $400,000 from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, ALN 84.425D, through the Colorado Department of Education.

Here is a link to an article related to Tan Huynh and Beth Skelton's book published earlier this year.  Congratulations to Tan and Beth on the accomplishment and thanks to them both for developing a wonderful resource for educators!  We are so fortunate to have Beth as a professional development provider for our consortium.  Beth will be presenting a 4-session cohort coming up on the following dates:  October 17, November 29, January 16, and February 13.  Participants should register on our website and plan to attend all four sessions.  Beth is requesting people participate via computer rather than a phone connection.  Any consortium member participating in all four sessions would be eligible to receive a copy of the book (shown below) after the participation and completion of all four sessions.

Link to: Edutopia Article-Scaffolding for Experienced English Language Learners

Dear Teachers,  

Hope you are having a good start to the new school year and found some time to rest and relax this past summer. We know that most of you are still getting settled in your classrooms and may not find the time to check our website so we wanted to bring this to your attention. 

 We are very excited about once again hosting a popular upcoming event for K-12 educators this year at the museum on September 30 (see below). The past two years, it has proven to be successful because teachers like yourselves reported that spending the day learning from other classroom educators and university researchers about practical evidence-based teaching strategies was useful. 

 We know that this is a bigger "ask" for teachers from rural eastern and western Colorado then it is for those in the front range. So, in addition to the discounted hotel room. We have a limited number of first come first served scholarships for any teachers who are coming from 100 miles or more away and we also will reimburse their mileage. Just email me if you or anyone you know are interested.

We are hoping to get 50% of our participants registered by September 15, so that we can be assured that we will be able to cover our costs and not need to cancel the event. 

Hope you are able to make it , and please reach out if you have questions. Thank you for all you are doing every day for your students, especially those most at risk. 

 All the best,  

Tim Blesse                                             Teacher Programs Consultant  Denver Museum of Nature & Science  Tim.blesse@dmns.org

Brandon Davis  Manager of ExciteEd School & Teacher Programs  Denver Museum of Nature & Science  Brandon.davis@dmns.org

 

 

Program Details 

DESCRIPTION: 

Join us at the Denver Museum of Nature &Science for a day of "Mind & Brain Education" presented and attended by local K–12 educators and university researchers with a common interest in applying psychology and neuroscience to their practice as they learn about things like:   

• How do we learn?  
• How do we regulate emotion?  
• Culturally responsive teaching and the brain  
• What motivates and demotivates learners?  
• The science of belonging and agency  
  
  We are bringing together local facilitators who will present some evidence-based strategies that you can walk away and use tomorrow. In addition to our nationally recognized keynote presenter, choose between several 90-minute concurrent breakout sessions held in 3 rounds.  

DATE AND TIME:
Saturday, September 30
8 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

GRADE:
For practicing K–12 grade educators 

Registration Information 

COST: 

Registration Only $85 (includes coffee, snacks, featured presenter and a copy of the bookPowerful Teaching.)
Optional University Credit (Add On) $45  

CREDIT:  

Option A: (No cost) All participants will receive a certificate of hours for 7.5 hours upon checking out at the end of the day.   

Option B: Optional University Credit is available (0.5 hr) for an additional cost (see above) if you attend all sessions and complete a one-page written reflection about a brain-based strategy, suggested by a conference presenter, that you implement and evaluated after implementation. The evaluation can be anectdotal but should include evidence from student performance or class culture.   

Registration is required
Click this link to "Register Now" or call 303.370.6000. For questions regarding this course, please e-mail teacherprograms@dmns.org. 

Coming from outside the Denver Metropolitan Area? 

The museum has worked with the nearby DoubleTree Hotel to arrange discounted hotel rooms and waived parking fees for our conference guests. The discounted room rate is $119/night for a room with two double beds. (approx. $137.74 after taxes). To book your room at this rate simply click the link below and make your reservation.  

Hotel Booking Link: 

 https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=DENCPDT&groupCode=CDTMBE&arrivaldate=2023-09-27&departuredate=2023-10-01&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT 

 

Needing tools and resources to help support your EL students? Join Beth Skelton in a 4-session cohort throughout the school year. Participants will receive a $100 stipend for attending all four sessions. Please see the attached flyer for more information and register for ALL four sessions on the website if you plan on attending. 

Beth Skelton Flyer

Welcome Back to DBQ Online

Logging in and getting comfortable with DBQ Online! The most important thing to start the year is making sure teachers can access and use DBQ Online! Please forward the attachment, which describes how to login and use DBQ Online, to your teachers!

Instructions for Logging In - All Integration Types

Getting Started Guide

DBQ Online 2023 Amazing New Features We are always looking to improve our platform! We have added: audio tool - leave recordings for your students hyperlink tool - link your students to any website/new document search function - find units and documents on any topic customized binders for administrators - create custom binders using the entire library

Learn more about all of our amazing new features!

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Please see the link attached for PD opportunities provided by ECBOCES for the month of September. 

Sept. PD

If you are new to DBQ or would like to learn more about implementation and how to use the resources, there are self-paced courses available. While funding is available, teachers can earn a stipend after completion of the self-paced course. Please reach out to Megan Eikleberry for more information or questions about the stipend. 

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The Colorado Department of Education, in collaboration with DonorsChoose, is providing $1,000 in funding to help teachers purchase classroom supplies. Every Colorado PreK-12 public school teacher is eligible to apply for this opportunity while the $11 million in COVID-19 relief funds last.

Note: Since funding is limited, submit as soon as possible for the best chance to get your project approved.

Here’s How to Qualify: Create a teacher account at www.donorschoose.org/teachers, if you don’t already have one.   Sign into your account.   Submit a project on DonorsChoose using the campaign code COLORADO, keep your total project goal under $1,000 (that’s about $800 in materials).    When submitting your project request, describe how the supplies will help support student learning after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.    If your project is approved, funding from CDE, of up to $1,000, will appear on your DonorsChoose project page and you’ll receive an email from DonorsChoose when the funding arrives. When you receive an email from DonorsChoose indicating your project has been funded, confirm your funded project using a district email address as soon as possible and before Sept. 30.

For more information on if your project qualifies, visit the DonorsChoose Help Center.

Below are some professional development opportunities and student opportunities coming up through CDE and other organizations:

1. The Learning-Centered Assessment Systems Toolkit is a free professional learning opportunity presented by CDE, the State Performance Assessment Learning Community, and CU Boulder to provide science educators the opportunity to learn more about:

• the instructional shifts that go along with three-dimensional instruction outlined by the Colorado Academic Standards for Science.
  
• the use of three-dimensional embedded and transfer assessment opportunities that intentionally advance learning for all learners.
  
• crafting high quality, three-dimensional assessment tasks as well as how best to use learner artifacts to inform instruction.
  
• If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please complete this survey by September 8, 2023. Please contact Angela Landrum at Landrum_A@cde.state.co.us with questions. 
  

2. American Physical Society (APS) Division of Plasma Physics (DPP) will be hosting a FREE Student Expo (Nov 2-3, 2023) and  FREE Teacher Day (Nov 1,  2023) in Denver Register Here 

• Reimbursement for Bus and Subs available!!
• Flyer
  

 3. Starting in August Virtual, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is offering free interactive virtual programs for K-12 classes. Virtual program topics will include adaptations, mapping, and ecosystems. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will provide a zoom link and printouts. Additional information will be provided after signing up.  

Sign-up Here

 

Free Course runs Mon, Sept 18 - Mon, Oct 16, 2023 

Registration Deadline: Friday, September 1, 2023 

Please click HERE to register. 

Professional Development provided by the CDE Twice Exceptional Cadre, a collaboration between the offices of Special Education and Gifted Education from the Colorado Department of Education Exceptional Student Services Unit

TARGET AUDIENCE 

Educators who want to learn about gifted students with disabilities (i.e., twice exceptional students).

Participants may include general education educators, special educators, gifted educators, counselors, psychologists, social workers, specialized service providers, principals, directors, or administrators.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION 

• Pass/Fail grade: must earn 80% to pass

• 24 professional development hours for passing course

• Although asynchronous, please note for the benefit of all participants, there will be a limited number of deadlines (e.g., weekly discussion posts)

• All course materials (e.g., selected readings, videos) are provided

• Participants will complete a student study

• Taught via CDE’s Moodle platform

• This course is a prerequisite for the Supporting Twice Exceptional (2e) Learners Part 2 course

• Course may close if filled before registration deadline or be canceled due to low enrollment

• For questions, please contact Connolly Sherwood, Twice Exceptional Gifted Education Consultant sherwood_c@cde.state.co.us  |  720.215.8842

PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE TO

• recognize the characteristics and needs of twice exceptional (2e) students including identification considerations

• apply evidence-based strategies to support both strengths and challenges of 2e students

• define and utilize strength-based programming for 2e students within an MTSS framework

• analyze student data to support the development of appropriate goals for 2e learners

COURSE BENEFITS

• Build capacity to identify and support 2e students

• Meet and collaborate with colleagues throughout the state

• Complete in 5 weeks

• Earn 24 contact hours for CDE license renewal

• School, district, or BOCES can take the course together

• Support from CDE’s Twice Exceptional Cadre

Welcome Back to DBQ Online!

• New teachers? Sign up for a demo! It lasts 30-45 minutes and takes teachers through the basics of DBQ Online. Link to DBQ Online Demo signups here!

• Need deeper professional development? We have created a FREE asynchronous professional development coursewhich goes much further into the DBQ pedagogy. Sign up for the DBQ Asynchronous Course here. 
  
  • Stipends paid by ECBOCES upon completion. Reach out to Megane@ecboces.org for more information.
• DBQ Online 2023 Amazing New Features. We are always looking to improve our platform! We have added: 
  

  • Audio tool - leave recordings for your students

  • Hyperlink tool - link your students to any website/new document

  • Search function - find units and documents on any topic

  • Customized binders for administrators - create custom binders using the entire library

  • Learn more about all of our amazing new features!

• IMPORTANT:  If you are new to DBQ this year and need DBQ Online Access, please contact Megan Eikleberry at megane@ecboces.org

Participate in up to three levels of self-paced online courses for supporting students who are both CLD and high potential or gifted. These courses are approved for CLD re-licensure requirements from CDE. 

The courses are open from September 11th through December 8th, 2023. Register here by September 11th. See flyer for more information about course descriptions, cost and reimbursement guidelines, and optional graduate credit. 

Contact Jodi Church with questions, jodic@ecboces.org

Youscience is used to provide career guidance by discovering students' aptitudes. They use artificial intelligence to uncover student aptitudes, then connect those aptitudes to career and education pathways.  This is especially useful when doing ICAPS.

Register on the EC BOCES website to Attend the Colorado Emergent Literacy Scales Training (CELS) on September 12 from 9-1:30 at the East Central BOCES office. Gina Herrera, Colorado Department of Education District-Wide Alternate Assessment Consultant will present information on the purpose of the CELS, and Administering and Scoring the CELS. This training is highly encouraged for those who are responsible for READ Act Assessment and those who teach or work with students who are receiving instruction based on Extended Evidence Outcomes, this includes DACs, special education teachers, and general education teachers at all grade levels.  

As you know the READ Act requires an assessment of literacy development for K-3 students but not all students have the skills to take the assessment that districts have chosen to utilize. In those situations, the Colorado Emergent Literacy Scales (CELS) is used. This assessment is typically used for students whose instruction is based on Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEOs). Once a student is on a READ Plan they will remain on a READ Plan until the student achieves grade-level competency. As part of the READ ACT Implementation Process, students need to be assessed throughout each school year. Students who are assessed using the CELS need to be assessed on the same assessment schedule as all students in the district. This is why it is important that at least one person from each district has the knowledge to administer and score the CELS.

Lunch will be provided. For questions contact Bev Blagg at 719-740-0544. 

Want a fulfilling job working with kids? Join the EC BOCES Team by working as a paraprofessional in the West Center-Based Learning Program located at Strasburg. Competitive Salary $15-$18 an hour dependent on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance. To apply go to ECBOCES.org, click on Jobs at the bottom of the page, click on Full Time Special Education Paraprofessional, and then click on Apply.  If you have questions contact Tracy Grimes at tracyg@ecboces.org or 719-775-2342 ext. 101. 

Sign up for the Zspace training on June 19

Program Overview: The Zspace Training Program aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise to leverage the power of Zspace, a cutting-edge virtual reality platform. By blending virtual reality and real-world experiences, Zspace opens up infinite possibilities for training, simulations, and interactive learning.

Program Highlights:

1. Introduction to Zspace: Discover the fundamentals of Zspace and gain a comprehensive understanding of its features and capabilities.
2. Virtual Reality Immersion: Dive into captivating virtual environments that replicate real-life scenarios, enabling hands-on experiences without leaving the training room.
3. Interactive Simulations: Engage in interactive simulations that mimic complex tasks, providing a safe and controlled environment to develop skills and boost proficiency.
4. Collaborative Learning: Experience the power of collaboration within the Zspace platform, allowing you to connect and interact with colleagues, mentors, and subject matter experts.

SIgn up through the ECBOCES website and bring your Zspace machine with you

Lunch is provided

Just a reminder that we have a final 3D printer training on June 9th.  This training will offer some advanced modeling using Fusion 360 software (please have installed prior to training).  There will also be some robot giveaways during the training for ECBOCES Members.

This training is available on site or via Zoom, please be sure to register as soon as possible so that we can get a count for lunch.  Register HERE.

Are you needing credit hours for your license renewal? Are you wanting strategies to improve your practice? Join us in June at the ECBOCES office!

• English Language Learner PD June 5th, June 12th, June 13th, June 14th, and June 15th
• Content specific PD for ELA and Math June 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th. 
  

Please see the attached flyer for more information. Lunch and stipend will be included!! 

Summer PD Flyer

FlyerBelow is information on the Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom’s Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes. They are holding two courses in July – a 5-day course in Durango and a 3-day course in Denver. Participants will earn Continuing Education Units or CSU Graduate Level Credits. They will also get a behind the scenes look at Colorado agriculture, learning directly from farmers, ranchers, and industry experts. At the end of the course, they will receive lessons and training on how to introduce food, water, and agriculture topics into their classrooms. Please share!

Thanks!

Jennifer Scharpe
Executive Director
Colorado Agriculture in the Classroom

Colorado Foundation for Agriculture
10343 Federal Blvd Unit J Box 224
Westminster, CO 80260

NEW EMAIL: jennifer@coagclassroom.org 
Office:  970-818-3308
Direct (cell):  720-788-3224
www.GrowingYourFuture.com

 

 

Two Professional Development Courses to Learn About Agriculture 

The Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes (SAI) are hands-on professional development courses designed for educators – all grade levels, all disciplines, formal and informal. This is not your typical professional development. Past participants have said the SAIs are like summer camp for adults as much of the time is spent on tours of farms, ranches, and food and agriculture production facilities. 

 

To learn more and register for either course, please click here or visit http://bit.ly/CoAITC-SAI. 

 

July 10-14, 2023 – Durango: Crossroads of agriculture and education.

If you’re new to Agriculture in the Classroom or if you’d like to learn about agriculture and natural resources in the southwest, this five-day course is for you. Ranching, farming, produce, water, and integrating agriculture into your school are just a few of the topics that you will learn about through on-site tours and presentations from industry experts. PreK-12 formal and informal educators in all disciplines from across the Four Corners region and beyond are welcome. Registration of $95 includes 2.5 Continuing Education Units (37.5 clock hours) and 3 free optional graduate level credits from Colorado State University. Confirmed tours include Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Montezuma Orchard Restoration Project, Stone Peak Ranch, Milligan’s Bees, McComb Ranch, and more. Plus, get training on lessons from the National Center for Agricultural Literacy!

 

July 18-20, 2023 – Denver: The science of animal agriculture. 

A NEW, three-day professional development opportunity focused on immersive learning experiences in science education. From veterinary science to climate impacts of livestock production to food production, participants will learn directly from industry experts and be equipped with lessons and resources that can be immediately used in the classroom. While this session will be science-focused, it is open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 free optional graduate level credit from Colorado State University. Confirmed tours include Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, CSU AgNext, CDA Animal Health Lab, CSU Spur Campus, plus speakers on pork production and soil health.

 

Help spread the word by sharing this flyer with educators in your school, district, community, networks, and beyond!

Flyer

We are able to bring our presenters back for another 3D Printer Training on June 9th.  This will be offered in person at East Central BOCES but can also be accessed via Zoom.  This training will build on the last training by delving more into Fusion 360 modeling software.  It will also look at some more slicer settings.  

There will some cool giveaways during the training (think Robots!!) for East Central BOCES members!

Lunch will be provided.  Please register HERE.

Make sure you register!! 

All sessions will be from 9:00-3:00 at the ECBOCES office in Limon. Teachers will receive a stipend and lunch will be provided. 

June 5th: Supporting English Learners/Multilingual Learners in the Classroom K-12

June 6th: Promoting Literacy through PBL 6-12

June 7th: Promoting PBL in the K-5 Classroom

June 8th: Implementing PBL in Math K-5

June 9th: Implementing PBL in Math 6-12

June 12th: The Language of Language Arts 4-12 (EL Hours)

June 13th: The Language of Math 4-12 (EL Hours)

June 14th: The Language of Science 4-12 (EL Hours)

June 15th: The Language of Social Studies 4-12 ( EL Hours)

See attached flyer for more information.

Summer Institute Flyer

​
If the video doesn't work use the following link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FWZdGmdIOBSH5Wor50wpIlSzH7cJD6RA/view?usp=sharing

Please see the attached links for May PD and the Summer Institute flyer for June. Make sure you register on the ECBOCES website! June stipends will depend on how many participants are registered. 

May PD

June Summer Institute

The Colorado Rockies appreciate teachers.  Let’s hear it for our educators!

The Colorado Rockies and TEACH Colorado would like to invite all teachers, support staff, administrators, and volunteers to enjoy a special night at the ballpark!

For questions or to purchase more than 12 tickets, please call 303-ROCKIES or grouptix@rockies.com.

Link for more information:  https://www.mlb.com/rockies/tickets/specials/themes/teacher-appreciation

Prices and locations subject to change without notice.

Summer Institute at ECBOCES is quickly approaching! Please see the attached flyer for professional development opportunities in June. Stipend and lunch will be available. Please register on the ECBOCES website. 

Summer Flyer

Learn the skills you need to find trustworthy news

Second opportunity:

Please see the attached link for April professional development provided by ECBOCES.

PD Link

East Central BOCES Is working on sending out stipends for any trainings that offered stipends.  In order to receive a stipend, you need to have completed all the necessary items to receive your certificates.  

You can quickly see which trainings you have completed by clicking on the Certificates Icon on the website home page after you have logged in.  If you are missing a certificate for a training you attended, please go to the page for that training and make sure that you completed the attendance during the training and completed the evaluation.

If you did not check in and submit attendance for a training, you will need to contact the presenter so that they can mark you as attended.  Evaluations can be completed at any time.  There is a link on each page to the requirements for Stipends.  Please make sure that they are completed.

We will pull training completion reports after April 7th so please make sure that all your info is current and requirements met before that date.

Two Free PD Opportunities coming up!

1. We are excited to announce that in cooperation with Echoes and Reflections, the Holocaust Awareness Institute at the University of Denver's Center for Judaic Studies, and Educator Amy McDonald, the Colorado Holocaust Educators are offering a FREE online professional development workshop for current classroom and pre-service teachers on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM [MST].

This no-cost online workshop will focus on The history and legacy of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and highlight appropriate rationale and resources available to classroom educators.

• A brief historical overview of the content and context of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Thoughts on pedagogical approaches and rationale will also be shared.
  
• Author and current high school educator, Amy McDonald will share her insight and knowledge of the Warsaw Ghetto through her work…"Word Smugglers: A Story of Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto." Amy will share key points in the story of the Oyneg Shabes archive from the perspectives of Dr. Emanuel Ringelblum, Rachel Auerbach, Israel Lichtenstein, David Graber, and Nahum Grzywacz. It is a story about a courageous group of men, women, and young people who chose to resist and fight back against cruelty and fear. This group did not fight back with guns and weapons. They fought back with words, stories, and truth.
  

NOTE: The first 25 educators to register AND complete this course will be mailed a copy of Amy McDonald's book, "Word Smugglers: A Story of Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto" (2021).

•  We will share numerous classroom resources and personal resources to help facilitate your teaching of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. We will highlight the use of Echoes & Reflections' online and interactive "Timeline of the Holocaust," in addition to other resources.
• An overview of the Holocaust Awareness Institute's"Survival & Witness" website and supporting materials, and the additional resources that the Holocaust Awareness Institute can provide for classroom educators.

Two hours (2) of Professional Development credit will be awarded for completing this workshop.

 Link to Flyer

 To register, please email Todd Hennessy at tphennessy@hotmail.com

Please reach out with any questions.

Be safe,

On May 3rd, we are offering a 3D printer training.  There will be a chance to win one of five 3D printers during the training as well as 3D printer supplies.  Sign up today on the ECBOCES Website - CLICK HERE for more information.

Register on the ECBOCES website if you plan on attending this informational session focused on READ Plans. This training does NOT count towards your required 45 hours of READ Act training.

The Colorado Department of Education Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness will be providing training on the READ Act on March 29 from 9 am - 3 pm. During this training, the following will be reviewed and discussed:

• The purpose and history of the READ Act 

• Key terms and main components of the READ Act 

• READ Plans

• Identifying students with a Significant Reading Deficiency (SRD)

• Building a Body of Evidence

• Resources available on the CDE website

  This training is for K-3 teachers, district leaders, and admin.

   Lunch will be provided. 

DATE: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

TIME:  9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. 

PRESENTER: CDE

LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room

DESCRIPTION:

READ Act updates on compliance and creation of READ Plans in grades K-3. The training will give an overview of READ Plans for ELL students, Special Education, SRD, and READ Plans in general. Lunch will be brought in. Get registered now!