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Hi All,
If you are receiving email reminders about the June 14 and 15 training as a video conference, it is incorrect. THE TRAINING WILL BE FACE-TO-FACE at the BOCES office in Limon.
Thanks!
All teachers (especially secondary, CTE, and special education teachers), counselors, administrators, and service providers: If you are interested, but have not yet registered for Rich Feller's training, Helping Students be Future-Ready...Tips, tools and practice in Career Development, do so now! All EC BOCES consortium member educators attending and engaging in the event will be provided with a stipend of $150 per day. Please register by June 10 at 4:00 pm. to assist us in planning for lunch.
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Monday and Tuesday, June 14 and 15
PRESENTER: Rick Feller, Ph.D.
LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room
DESCRIPTION: We want to design futures, not fall into them. “Future-ready” learners is the new accountability. This two-day “hands-on” workshop promises you’ll practice tools to use immediately. You’ll learn how they fit into “life design”, practice them, take some home to use, have access to videos to support your use, AND your EC BOCES consortium school will receive a box of additional tools. You’ll each learn to use, peer practice and leave with a set of: Personality Lingo cards and demo video Career Value Cards and demo video Motivated Skill Cards and demo video and more. You’ll have access to your school or organization’s Box of Tools which will include: Who You Are Matters Facilitator Kit (2 game sets and profiles for 40 game players) 5 Sets of Career Values Card Sorts and worksheets 5 Sets of Motivated Skill Card Sorts and worksheets 5 Sets of Personality Lingo Card Sets. Lunch will be provided, so make sure you register for an accurate count. This will NOT be offered over Zoom. If you have community people or someone that would not have an account on our website, please have them call Lorie Coonts at 719-775-2342 Ext. 100 or loriec@ecboces.org to register for this event. Thank you!
If you are working to earn the 45 contact hours of EL PD, please take advantage of one of the Beth Skelton PD events taking place on June 1, 2, or 3 hosted at Deer Trail, Limon and Burlington. See the BOCES website calendar to register and for more information about the content.
Additionally, CDE is offering self-paced eWorkshops and a series of online courses. These opportunities will not always be available, so please take advantage of them while they are being offered. The State Board of Education adopted new rules in June 2018 requiring educators with elementary, math, science, social studies and English language arts endorsements to complete Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education training or professional development (PD).
CDE has paid WIDA to provide self-paced EL eWorkships until August 31. The person in your district who manages the WIDA Secure Portal accounts, will need to create an account for you if you want to access these trainings.
WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops can be a valuable resource to use in a Professional Learning Community (PLC). WIDA Self-paced eWorkshops are available to Colorado K-12 educators with a school district email through August 31st. To access the workshops:
Summer CLD Professional Development Opportunity
They are also providing a series of online courses titled CLD Professional Development. See the attached flyer for more information.
A series of 5 online courses will provide educators with a foundation in language and literacy development, materials, methods, and assessment to best support their culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Please open the attached flyer for more details and contact information.
Please see the updated flyer for upcoming professional development. Make sure you register at ecboces.org for an accurate lunch count for the June English Language Learner trainings.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VuLYpxHmtLqph5p_m4mFArN7dwJJkQgBayof8cr_lUI/edit?usp=sharing
New learning opportunity with CDE!
Assessing, Preventing and Overcoming Reading Difficulties Summer 2021 Online Course
The course will start June 1st and will run until September 13th 2021.
This is an online course designed by David Kilpatrick Ph.D. in collaboration with the SLD specialist from CDE. The course follows his book of the same title. Please see the attached flyer for more info and a registration link.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OOC7l7T2Pwh8OHtiX5doWorsvTEaHgDx/view?usp=sharing
Please see the attached flyer for professional development opportunities this summer. You can register on the ECBOCES website. Make sure you check the location of each training. You can contact Megan Donnellon at megand@ecboces.org for any questions.
If you have the opportunity to see, email or talk with Lorie, Craig, Marianne and Tracy today please let them know how much you appreciate all they do. EC BOCES would not run as smoothly as it does without these four amazing people! We apprciate everything they do and always with a smile on their faces.
We also want to thank all of the administrative assistants in the 20 school districts who help support BOCES providers on a daily basis. We could not do our jobs without your help and support!
April is appreciation month for Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. Please up us to celebrate the outstanding OT's and COTA's that work in the 20 school districts. They assist students to increase their motor skills which allow the students to complete everyday tasks and help students to address any sensory needs they may have. If you see any of our OT team this month please let them know they are appreciated. We send our thanks and appreciation to Callie Burgess, Gina Martin, Sharon Mason, Christina Graham, Trish Cauthon and Louise Wamsley.
Please see the link below for April PD offerings!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GQK9Yd_SXdmomJb-TfzUXBhy3Oc4YxDcShfIaQ3n3qA/edit?usp=sharing
Please fill out this quick 2-minute survey specific to Social Studies teachers. This will help us determine the professional development needs for the 2021-22 school year.
Last December, EC BOCES shared out the news of approval from CDE to use Title II funds for EC BOCES consortium district K-3, Title I, Special Education and ELD teacher stipends for successful completion of CDE approved READ Act PD.
Terms: The stipends will be paid out on a first come, first serve basis. Once the budgeted amount has been expended, no more funding will be available to be paid out. Hard deadline: May 28, 2021 (if the funding lasts through that date). Please submit as soons as you have completed the training, and gathered the documentation. Almost 50 stipends have already been paid out which is about 1/3 of the funding available for the stipends.
Email a scanned copy of the Stipend Request Form, W-9 and certificate of of the successful completion of an approved training to:
Mitzi Swiatkowski (mitziski@ecboces.org)
East Central BOCES
719-775-2342 Extension 114
The stipends will be paid for with Federal funds and are approved only for payment to certified teachers for completing CDE approved and provided online, or face-to-face online PD.
The following are not eligible for stipends: Holding a State of Colorado Endorsement as a Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist, CDE-approved Alternative Assessment, Undergraduate or Graduate Reading Course.
As per CDE guidance, the state provided training, and payment of the stipend will be limited to K-3 teachers and other teachers providing literacy instruction for students grades K-3, such as a Title I teacher, EL teacher or Special Education teacher.
March 7th through March 13th is School Social Work Week. The theme this year is "Beacon of Hope". We want to thank our Family Resource Specialists who are a Beacon of Hope to the students, parents, teachers, and schools they work with daily. Thank you Mitzi Smith, Amanda Thew, Soraya Taylor, Callie Dolan, Becca Fredericks, and Jennifer Hassell. We appreciate you!! If you see them this week take time to thank them for being a part of our team.
Zoom logins for the ECBOCES account are now working again.
Just to let you know that we are experiencing some issues with our login provider for Zoom which will stop you from being able to login via SSO. It is being worked on and I hope to have it resolved shortly.
Please see the link below for March Professional Development provided by the BOCES.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-v8SmN_LEPfIbc2DhgzFm-eFUTzKK01PurpgXaxHf0Y/edit?usp=sharing
Hi All!
If you are a teacher in an EC BOCES consortium school district, you should have received a link for a District Teacher and Administrator Survey from your superintendent last week.
This 4 minute survey is a way of asking EC BOCES consortium educators what PD has been most beneficial this year and what they see as their most important professional development needs related to 2021/2022. The results of the survey will assist in guiding future EC BOCES PD offerings. Deadline 2/26/21.
Please take time to complete the survey. Your input matters!
Note: Each district has their own unique link, so I am not including "a link" in this reminder.
Beth Skelton will be facilitating a Zoom session for K-12 teachers of English Learners. This session is intended to support teachers in all content areas. IF you have already registered-you are still enrolled, the title of the session has just been updated to align with planned activities.
DATE: Thursday, February 18, 2021
TIME: 4:15 - 5:15 P.M.
PRESENTER: Beth Skelton
LOCATION: Over Zoom
DESCRIPTION: Developing Writing Across the Curriculum for English Learners: In this hour-long session, you will learn how to analyze your English Learners’ writing with a Can Do lens, build on their strengths, and implement strategies that develop improved complexity in academic writing across the curriculum. This session is appropriate for K-12 teachers who work with English Learners. Bring a student writing sample from your class, if you have one. Objectives: 1) Analyze student writing to determine next steps in instruction 2)Implement strategies that develop academic writing across the curriculum
In addition to the robotics kits for the schools listed below, the first 20 participants for ANY ECBOCES district to sign up will receive a Sphero Bolt Robot and a stipend! Sign up today for this great training.
DATE: 2/1/21 and 2/8/21 TIME: 4:15 PM to 6:15 PM PRESENTER: Christa Kovak, MindSpark LOCATION: via Zoom DESCRIPTION: K5 Intro to Robotics This 2 part workshop provides virtual experiences with robots, along with practical classroom applications. For participants from the following districts that attend both sessions and complete a lesson with their students, there will be a $125.00 stipend provided by the Gill Foundation and a Robotics kit including several robots for your classroom. • Arickaree • Arriba Flagler • Bethune • Cheyenne Wells • Strasburg School District 31J • Woodlin School R-104 • Agate School District #300 • Idalia RJ-3 School District • Genoa-Hugo School. For those that attend that are not from these districts, there will be some other giveaways during the trainings as well so you will still have a chance to win a robot or circuitry kit for your classroom plus get some great PD!
Due to COVID-19, we will be conducting the January 22nd and 29th CPI classes virtually. The last day to sign up for the initial is January 8th and the last day to sign up for the refresher is January 22nd in order to have your book delivered to your school prior to the classes.
We will not be certifying new trainees in the safety intervention skills at this time, but will do this in the future as restrictions allow.
Once signed up, you will complete Online Modules via CPI Learning's website (a link will be sent to your email used to sign up for the class). Instead of coming to Limon for the classroom portion of the CPI training, we will meet virtually via Zoom on the day of the scheduled class. Please monitor your emails as the dates get closer for Zoom links and further instructions.
Don't miss this great opportunity to get a Robotics kit for your classroom plus a stipend!
DATE: 2/1/21 and 2/8/21 TIME: 4:15 PM to 6:15 PM PRESENTER: Christa Kovak, MindSpark LOCATION: via Zoom DESCRIPTION: K5 Intro to Robotics This 2 part workshop provides virtual experiences with robots, along with practical classroom applications. For participants from the following districts that attend both sessions and complete a lesson with their students, there will be a $125.00 stipend provided by the Gill Foundation and a Robotics kit including several robots for your classroom. • Arickaree • Arriba Flagler • Bethune • Cheyenne Wells • Strasburg School District 31J • Woodlin School R-104 • Agate School District #300 • Idalia RJ-3 School District • Genoa-Hugo School. For those that attend that are not from these districts, there will be some other giveaways during the trainings as well so you will still have a chance to win a robot or circuitry kit for your classroom plus get some great PD!
As a follow-up to the brief survey that so many of you responded to (THANK YOU!!), please take a couple of minutes and let us know what specific equipment/technology would be beneficial to support remote learning.
Please visit the link for February PD offerings.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DezjIgB-C9ZbbQFYdW09yNtB9X56cnVLF2vsg8P0ev4/edit?usp=sharing
Please visit the link to see PD offerings for January.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W6kSqcy6m-SqIN_PHtoarDvE29ZCCUcWFC6I8La-2uo/edit?usp=sharing
Visit the link to see PD offerings for December.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INO8ONnMsBenWDpbgjU_SLY2QOE0eQjq_6dmDmb_9Z8/edit?usp=sharing
We will be doing some work on the ECBOCES Website later this morning. The site will be offline from 11am for a few hours. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.
Please join us in November for any professional development courses that interest you. Sessions with Beth Skelton, Rachel Fairchild, and Lori Cook offer a $25 stipend.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RzJeJ3I0wRUeypKQmR2QzXSLOTIAzt1eqvcO13Z2Fv4/edit?usp=sharing
The East Central BOCES website will be offline briefly today while it undergoes an upgrade. We have noticed before that when we upgrade, sometimes all of your certificates will be emailed to you. We apologize in advance if this happens again today.
Please take a couple of minutes to let us know your needs as we tackle the new world of remote learning. This very brief survey will help us gauge the needs of our teachers so that we can figure out how to best support you all.
Thank you for your time.
Good Morning All,
One of the consortium teachers emailed me with a question about the EL and READ Act PD requirements. She had been reviewing the READ Act online module introduction. It indicated that many ELL strategies are included in the online program. This was her question, "Is there a possibility that this class/program could also count toward the 45 hours of ELL training that we need in order to renew our teaching license?" I emailed Jennifer Simons who works in licensure at CDE in Educator Talent as an Educator Development Principal Consultant. She responded with, "This should be fine."
If you choose to earn the EL PD hours as you are completing the READ Act PD requirements, please take notes that will allow you to provide a description of how the module addressed the selected elements in the EL PD Matrix. Jennifer at CDE has told me that "justification is key".
From my perspective, the READ Act PD will most likely meet EL PD Standard III, Elements A and B related to literacy development.
Please visit the link to see the October professional development offerings. Register on the ECBOCES website in the calendar events page. We look forward to seeing you!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SI_9sfcYLyKyWqNg_U_PwTD4N3tkYzTGLix9C6_rqyE/edit?usp=sharing
Just a reminder for next Tuesday, September 29th there will be an interactive zoom session with CDE on the new Colorado 2020 Science Standards. Please join us from 4-5:30 for a deep dive with the new standards. We look forward to learning with you!
MindSpark learning will be offering our ECBOCES members a training on using drones in the classroom. This training will be offered remotely over four Thursday afternoon 2 hour sessions starting on October 15th. Participants will receive a Tello drone for your classroom. Commitment to attend all four sessions is required. Please register by October 1st to ensure that we have enough time to get the drone sent out so that you have it for the training.
Please register at https://www.ecboces.org.
https://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/onlinecdetraining
Due to COVID-19, we will be conducting the January 22nd and 29th CPI classes virtually. The last day to sign up for the initial is January 8th and the last day to sign up for the refresher is January 22nd in order to have your book delivered to your school prior to the classes.
We will not be certifying new trainees in the safety intervention skills at this time, but will do this in the future as restrictions allow.
Once signed up, you will complete Online Modules via CPI Learning's website (a link will be sent to your email used to sign up for the class). Instead of coming to Limon for the classroom portion of the CPI training, we will meet virtually via Zoom on the day of the scheduled class. Please monitor your emails as the dates get closer for Zoom links and further instructions.
WIDA Resources: eLearning Professional Development
WIDA (Wisconsin Center for Educational Research, at University of Wisconsin, Madison) provides eLearning courses for Colorado educators as part of their contract with CDE. These courses are free and count toward the English Learner Professional Development Quality Standards Professional Development requirement for relicensing. Educators can request access to WIDA eLearning by contacting the WIDA Client Services Center (help@wida.us) from their school issued email. Please share this information with new and veteran teachers in your district.
CDE has training courses available for K-3 teachers needing CDE hours to meet the READ Act requirements.
Reading Course Details:
I hope the school year has started off great for everyone and you have enjoyed being back with your students!
Here is a link to all the professional development happening with ECBOCES during the month of September. We look forward to learning with you!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1e4g4CbiEofzuDYgaVxKAO_HMHtFSSrz8TQTqwp9P5K4/edit?usp=sharing
We currently have 7 science teachers interested in the PEERS Physics Grant opportunity. We need to have 10-12 teachers to receive the grant. Science teachers, please review the attached flyer and sign up if you are interested. This is a great opportunity for teachers in our BOCES to bring back curriculum, web-based resources, and ideas to engage students in science and engineering.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CPJvLEOLzuPLFmDUJpI0sn4a48oVtKeW/view?usp=sharing
The link for the CU Peer Physics grant has been updated. The RSVP link should now work.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CPJvLEOLzuPLFmDUJpI0sn4a48oVtKeW/view?usp=sharing
We are collaborating with Belize to provide some teachers to share a session or so for their teacher training conference this summer. If you have a great idea, are considered innovative or just have something that you want to share with other teachers, ECBOCES, through the help of the Morgridge Foundation is offering stipends for teachers who would be willing to teach a session or so via Zoom/Google. Please contact Emma Richardson (emmar@ecboces.org) for more information.
ECBOCES is looking for a part-time Spanish teacher to teach over our Distance Learning system. Please see https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=19 for more information.
PLEASE READ THE UPDATED FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRAINING:
We will again be offering the Orton Gillingham training this summer - July 22nd - 24th. Please see attached flyer for details and information.
The BOCES will be expanding on the STEM PLC group from this year to improve professional development for MS and HS science teachers. Our goal is to create a collaborative PLC group to learn more about Problem/Project Based Learning, Virtual Labs, 2020 Science Standards, and other topics requested by participating teachers.
If you are a middle school or high school science teacher interested in participating in a Science PLC group for the 2020-21 school year, please fill out the attached survey so we can get your name and contact information. Please respond by May 22nd. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!
The BOCES is looking to work with the DBQ Project for the 2020-21 school year. This project will provide professional development and resources in US and World History, Civics, Geography, or Economics. If you are a middle school or high school social studies teacher interested in this professional development and resources for next school year please reach out to Megan Donnellon at megand@ecboces.org
In your email, please include your name, school district, the content area you are interested in, and the best contact information to reach you at. Please respond by May 22nd if you are interested. The BOCES will be setting up an interest session with the DBQ Project and those who respond by May 22nd. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi All,
I realize you have had so many resources and links passed on and it can get a bit overwhelming to keep track of all of them.
In the last several weeks CDE has passed on info about serving students including:
Links to all of these resources can be found in one place on the EC BOCES website:
In order to access them, log into the website.
Look for the "COVID-19 Resources for Districts" (orange rectangle on the right side of the homepage).
On the next page look for "CLICK HERE FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS RESOURCES" (on the right side of the page).
Clicking on that link will take you to the resources CDE has shared with me. I will continue to add the the list as the resources are made available.
Best,
Mitzi
Free Online Teacher Professional Development Opportunity!
Join the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at CU Boulder and the NE BOCES for a curriculum workshop on Wildfire, Floods, and Drought! The Hazard Education, Awareness, and Resilience Task Force (HEART Force) project engages Colorado students, teachers, and communities to take proactive steps in preparing for potential hazards. Our extensive curriculum incorporates local scientific data, games, and service projects.
WHO: Colorado Middle and High School Rural Science Teachers
WHEN: May 27th, 9:00am – 3:00pm
WHERE: Online, with the NE BOCES
See attached flyer for more information and directions on registering.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cP_NYQHV21xNofKef8C3LjZx_-5sg5qhIf you have a Twitter account and would like to talk with Rachel Fairchild about Empowered English Learners during this difficult time, join tonight April 7th from 4:30-5:00 pm/MT. On Twitter, use #corechat to join the 30-minute Q1/A1 formatted Twitter chat. 
Need Resources and Support with Transitioning to Remote Learning?
We recognize the unprecedented moment in education across the country. Are you in need of support with maintaining student engagement in scientific practices through remote instruction? PEER Physics has online resources to help with timely and effective web-based support for teachers and parents.
Remote learning link for resources: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kOOmCOl9XHQo-iSP1wsIl2LbBx7TW19e
Jonathan Mann
Director of Educational Partnerships
University of Colorado, Boulder | School of Education
jon.mann@peerphysics.org | Cell: 303-887-6216
PEERphysics.org
Please see the attached flyer to continue to receive online professional development for the month of April.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SCK9EPMFI0A-qleospkhqNtvy7oJdN5tNTP5_XA_nCA/edit?usp=sharing
While we know that everything is kind of crazy right now, you are all getting very used to being on Zoom(!), so please join us for this exciting opportunity.
On April 8th, we have the third in a series of meetings with engineers from Lockheed Martin. See below for details.
The
idea of this series is to start connecting teachers with industry
partners who are willing to embark on projects with your students.
These discussions are to introduce you with people at Lockheed Martin
who are wanting to work with educators and introduce your students to
the world of aerospace and engineering.
To get the most out of this, I would ask that you come prepared. Take a look at the job description below for the first presenter and have your students do a little research and come up with a few questions for you to ask during the session. If you then want to try and get together with one or more of the people that we introduce you too and connect them with your class for a session or two, we will work with you to get that organized.
VIA Zoom Videoconferencing: CLICK HERE TO JOIN CONFERENCE
Darin Bolthouse is the Manager of Collaborative Human Immersive Lab (CHIL) in Littleton, Colorado. The CHIL is an advanced Virtual Reality (VR) center at Lockheed Martin for the design, production, and operation of space systems such as the next generation GPSIII satellites and the Orion human spaceflight vehicle. Darin has managed the CHIL lab since it opened in 2011. Prior to Lockheed Martin, his background includes 15 years in the automotive industry. Working for General Motors, his responsibilities spanned from assembly line design to standing up new assembly plants for future vehicle programs. After 8 years with General Motors, he worked as a manufacturing consultant focused on improving production operations through the use of advanced modeling and simulation for companies including Toyota, Honda, Harley Davidson, and Tesla Motors. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Master of Information Management Degree from Washington University in St. LouisEast Central BOCES has started a webpage of resources for our districts that might be looking at closing down during this COVID-19. This page will continued to be updated as we continue to research options for our schools that might need to support their students remotely. A link to the page is found on the ECBOCES website or the page can be found HERE.
The ECBOCES website will be offline briefly today to allow for an upgrade.
The Dyslexia Training scheduled for March 14th at the East Central BOCES office has been cancelled. We will send out any rescheduled date when available.
Increase the impact of your career advisement with anyone who is navigating career decisions
As an initiative of the Education Leadership Council and on behalf of the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Education Initiative is offering Colorado Career Conversation training. The training and framework were also built in partnership with the Colorado Workforce Development Council, Colorado Department of Higher Education, and Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
This free professional development experience is intended for anyone who might have a career conversation. The goal of the project is to train 5,000 individuals by June 2020, expanding the number of skilled advisors able to deliver a consistent career advising experience.
CDE will offer reimbursement for sub coverage (for training hours only) at $20 per hour. This sub coverage is for instructional individuals in any setting, including P-12 teachers, adult education instructors, college professors, etc. Additionally, travel reimbursements are also available including: parking (if applicable), mileage, and hotel if overnight is necessary. Once you register for a training, you will receive an email with the required forms and instructions. For more information about travel reimbursement, please contact Michelle Crawford at crawford_m@cde.state.co.us.
For more information about Colorado Career Conversations training, please contact Liz Kuehl at lkuehl@coloradoedinitiative.org.
On March 11th, we have the second in a series of meeting with engineers from Lockheed Martin. See below for details.
The
idea of this series is to start connecting teachers with industry
partners who are willing to embark on projects with your students.
These discussions are to introduce you with people at Lockheed Martin
who are wanting to work with educators and introduce your students to
the world of aerospace and engineering.
To get the most out of this, I would ask that you come prepared. Take a look at the job description below for the first presenter and have your students do a little research and come up with a few questions for you to ask during the session. If you then want to try and get together with one or more of the people that we introduce you too and connect them with your class for a session or two, we will work with you to get that organized.
VIA Zoom Videoconferencing: CLICK HERE TO JOIN CONFERENCE
Sue Linchhttps://drive.google.com/open?id=1tcSkEMQ8kSAozHOpoxl7JeA5JvH-OIgrMARit2tZYRs
Starr Sackstein will be providing an ELA training at the ECBOCES on June 12th from 9-3. She has created a survey for teachers to fill out so she can meet the needs of participants. Please take a couple of minutes to provide input on what would benefit you the most during this training. Thank you!
https://forms.gle/e9u7Xoj8kSisTyLz5
Just a reminder that we have a great training this Thursday. This training will show secondary teachers how to start introducing coding to your students with the use of free curriculum found at code.org. All participants will receive Circuit Playground kits to help introduce students to circuitry as part of this curriculum. Lunch is included.
We have seats open - don't miss out on this!
Click HERE to register.
Tips for educators to meet the English Learner Professional Development requirement
All educators with elementary, math, science, social studies and English language arts endorsements are required to complete Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) Education training or professional development (PD). This new requirement was adopted by the State Board of Education in June 2018. Below are some tips and reminders about how to ensure educators are meeting this requirement.
How to check if you need this professional development?
Educators can look at their current teaching license to check if they already meet the requirement. If an educator has either of the following endorsements on their teacher license, the educator is not required to complete the additional CLD training.
If educators don’t have these two endorsements on their teaching license there are multiple pathways to meet this requirement.
For educators that already have some relevant PD completed
WIDA is offering six free self-paced, online eWorkshops through Monday, Aug. 31 that total 34 hours and are aligned to the CDE standards for CLD professional development. For more information about accessing this free PD opportunity, visit the Office of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education webpage.
For educators that don’t have any of the relevant PD completed
There are 21 programs approved by CDE offering 45 hours of the required PD around the state that educators can choose from. Additionally, 14 districts are approved to offer the full 45 hours of required PD to their educators. The list of these programs can be found on the Approved English Learner Professional Development Programs webpage.
For educators currently enrolled in a teacher preparation program or who have recently graduated
All approved educator preparation programs in Colorado must have the CLD standards in place by Spring 2020. Upon completion of an educator preparation program that has been verified by CDE to meet the new standards, educators will receive an Approved Program Verification (APV) form denoting that the educator has satisfied the new CLD requirement.
For detailed information on the requirement for educators, visit the EL PD Information for Educators webpage. A tutorial video is also available for educators about how to meet the requirements.
For questions or comments, contact Jennifer Simons at simons_j@cde.state.co.us or 303-866-6793.
Reminder: Isaac Wells will be zooming with us Tuesday, February 18th from 4:15-5:15. Register for the event on the ECBOCES website. This will be a great session on connecting reading and writing strategies. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Next week (sorry for the short notice), we are starting a series of meeting with Lockheed Martin employees. I was lucky enough to visit Lockheed Martin a couple of months ago - it was amazing, we got to go in the clean room - we saw three spaceships/satellites that they currently working on and had a great tour with one of the engineers.
The idea of this series is to start connecting you with industry partners who are willing to embark on projects with your students. These discussions are to introduce you with people at Lockheed who are wanting to work with educators and introduce your students to the world of aerospace and engineering.
To get the most out of this, I would ask that you come prepared. Take a look at the job description below for the first presenter and have your students do a little research and come up with a few questions for you to ask during the session. If you then want to try and get together with one or more of the people that we introduce you too and connect them with your class for a session or two, we will work with you to get that organized.
Lockheed Martin Series - first session
Date: Feb 19th.
Time: 4:30pm.
Location: Via Zoom at https://ecboces.zoom.us/j/7197758111
Presenter: Jamie Gammel - Senior Software Engineer, Scrum Master (Rotary & Mission Systems (RMS) Signals Reconnaissance Programs)
Job Description: I am responsible to Lead/coordinate/monitor/review all Engineering & Technology responsibilities and technical execution on the Canadian Surface Combatant Program. Provide technical expertise/support for the conduct of the formal Aegis Review processes and methodologies (SDR, PDR, CDR) for the FMS, CMS-330 Combat System, Solid State Radar, and Shipbuilding components of the program. Provide coordination/leadership for system engineering tasking as assigned by the NC&MDS International Chief Engineer; e.g., required special studies, system engineering performance trades/analysis, staffing projections/analysis, or cost proposal development. I participate in the design, development, verification and deployment of complex new software. Develop and maintain software using the following languages and technologies; C++, Java, Python, Big Data, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Embedded systems, working on world class product lines such as Orion, SBIRS, GPS-III, Commercial Vehicles, Deep Space Exploration, Classified Special Programs. As a scrum master for the Enterprise Products and Services, I lead a group of 17 software engineers through all phases of the development process using agile methodologies. I am required to hold a Top Secret Security clearance and SCI (sensitive compartmentalized information) a highly specialized security clearance. Travel to Military/Air Force sites for software installations/maintenance.
You do not need to register for this event. Just use the link above to connect.
The CPI Training that was scheduled for tomorrow, February 6th has been cancelled due to the incoming storm. It will be rescheduled for a later date. Be safe out there.
You are invited to join host East Central BOCES, districts from eastern Colorado, and CDE’s office of Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness for a PWR Symposium. There are currently 52 participants registered and there is room for about 13 more.
Register with CDE at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19pJEE4F2tfSNWmr-mk4YSNGJRhYb_ei63WZlPn0iYV8/viewform?edit_requested=true
Explore implementation strategies for capstone and work-based learning, lessons learned, and student work from schools in the region.
When: Wednesday, February 26
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (lunch provided)
8:30 a.m. Registration and Coffee
Where: East Central BOCES - 820 2nd Street, Limon, CO 80828
What: Beginning with the class of 2021, graduating seniors will demonstrate readiness according to the Graduation Guidelines Menu of Options. Schools and districts are working with their communities to implement various menu options, especially capstone, industry certificates, and work-based learning (WBL).
Who: All are invited; please bring a team from your school or district.
See Agenda Below:
8:30 Registration and Coffee
9:00 Welcome and Update from CDE
9:15 Update on Perkins V
9:30 Small Group Discussions (participants choose 4 topics, 20 minutes for each)
Capstone
Industry Certificates
Work-based Learning and Connecting with Businesses
Special Populations
Graduation Guidelines
Concurrent Enrollment
School-based Enterprises
11:00 Break
11:15 Q/A with Partners and Community Members
12:15 Lunch
12:45 Facilitated Work Session
1:15 Student voices
2:00 End
Please review the professional development opportunities provided by ECBOCES for the month of February. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQOophQwONtxNraYm30YhIuYB7PP-Q0I8TfA8MZM9WI/edit?usp=sharing
Be one of the first 25 to sign up for and attend a great workshop on February 20th and receive a free Code-A-Mouse kit and a free OzoBot kit. Most schools will also be given an additional robotics kits for the classroom. This is designed for Elementary level teachers and will be a great way to learn how to get your students started in the world of coding and robotics - skills that are vital to today's world and that will also teach sequencing, problem solving and so much more. Lunch is include and CDE continuing education credit.
Click HERE to sign up.
Attention all current school district teachers, principals, and superintendents. Please fill out this survey to help ECBOCES align professional development to your needs for the 2020-21 school year. It is important for us to know how we can better serve you and your students. The survey will be open until February 14th. We value your time and feedback and look forward to seeing your suggestions. Thank you!
Connect to Belize and learn about an exciting new teacher training opportunity!
Nilda Muschamp works in Belize with Pathlight International and One Voice 4 Change in a collaborative learning approach leveraging the power of mentorship and teacher-directed professional development. We invite you to join us, improving education in all of Belize and for those from other countries who work side-by-side with teachers from Belize.
This meeting will also lead to an invitation to a Teacher Workshop in Belize in July.
Intrigued?
Join us from the comfort of your computer using the Zoom VideoConferencing system.
Wednesday, Jan 29th, 2020 at 4:15pm MST
https://ecboces.zoom.us/j/7197752342
This is part of a STEM PLC Initiative by East Central BOCES.
Contact Emma Richardson (emmar@ecboces.org) for more information.
FLYEREast Central BOCES, in collaboration with MindSpark learning, has two great trainings this month for elementary level teachers.
On February 6th, there is a full day training on Computer Science Fundamentals using the Code.Org platform. This platform has free curriculum and this training will teach you the basics to get started. In addition, the first 25 to sign up will receive a 3D Printing Pen with filament to get started with 3D printing in your classroom!
Lunch and CE credits and small stipend are included. Sign up today at https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=451
On February 27th, there is a full day training on Robotics for the Elementary level. This training will introduce you to the world of robotics and the first 25 to sign up will leave with two robots for their classroom!
Lunch and CE credit are included. Sign up today at https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=453
Just a reminder that we have a MindSpark follow up Zoom session starting at 4:15pm today. Join Cassie from MindSpark as she answers questions and shares some great ideas for your classroom.
https://ecboces.zoom.us/j/7197752342
Just a reminder that we have two zoom sessions next week.
On January 21st, Lori Cook will be working with K-12 teachers on Empowering Mathematicians. Lori is a wonderful presenter with great resources that you can implement right away.
On January 22nd, Rachel Fairchild will be working with K-12 teachers on ELL strategies. You will get EL credit hours for attending!
Please sign up on the EC BOCES website. Both of these zoom sessions will be beneficial and only 1 hour from 4:15-5:15. We look forward to seeing you on zoom!
COLORADO EDUCATOR LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM- APPLICATIONS DUE FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Please be aware of this program and the deadline date of February 21, 2020 to apply.
Program participants will be eligible for an annual payment of up to $5,000 towards their qualified loan balance. Program participants may be eligible for an annual payment for up to five years. The Colorado Department of Higher Education is authorized to accept up to 100 new program participants each year through 2028, subject to available appropriations.
Information about how to apply can be found at this link:
https://highered.colorado.gov/Academics/TeacherEd/Colorado-Educator-Loan-Forgiveness.html
The Department of Higher Ed Contact and Program Coordinator is:
Andrew Crispin
Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
303.974.2491 | Fax 303.996.1329
1600 Broadway, Suite 2200, Denver, CO 80202
Andrew.Crispin@dhe.state.co.us
Feel free to share this opportunity with whomever you believe could benefit.
Please review the professional development opportunities provided by ECBOCES for the month of January. We look forward to seeing you there!
This is very last minute but too great of an opportunity not to share out! Please share with students/teachers/parents as you think best! There are a few slots available in this program and they would love some rural students to participate.
An exciting opportunity is available for students in grades 9-12 to have a fully-immersive experience into the space industry as Lockheed Martin and the Space Foundation have teamed up to create the Jr. Space Entrepreneur Program.
Sixty STEM students will have the opportunity to take part in a week-long program from January 13-17, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.
The Jr. Space Entrepreneurship Program (JSEP) better prepares today’s youth to secure STEAM positions within aerospace companies by (while) providing an immersive educational experience. Embark on a complete Mars mission encompassing all the challenges that come with sending astronauts to our neighboring planet and returning them safely to the Earth. Participants will utilize newly gained knowledge of Mars and the skills taught through the Space Foundation Space Commerce to develop their own business.
JSEP creates young entrepreneurs through fun, challenging activities that improve and build on 21st Century Essential Skills. Create, develop, and market a space product to sell to real investors. Receive one-on-one mentoring from experts in various STEAM fields to strengthen your project management skills and build a vast network of valuable connections.
See the attached PDF for a detailed schedule for the week. This event is only open to students in grades 9-12. If interested, please click here to access the application form. You must be in good academic standing to participate.
Additionally, you will be expected to stay after school for two “working dinners” (food provided) on Wednesday, Jan. 15 until 5 p.m. and again on Thursday, Jan. 16 until 6:30 p.m. Questions about this opportunity can be directed emailed Gregg.Cannady@stemk12.org.
Excerpt from Chris:
One of my goals is to foster the growth of the computer science education community within Colorado in order to build stronger connections between computer science educators. With this in mind I am excited to announce our first computer science book study! The purpose of this study is to provide an opportunity for educators to engage in professional discourse around one of the current hot topics in the computer science world, that of equity and access. One of our main guiding questions is: "How can this book influence professional practices at the classroom, school, or district level?"
Contact info for Chris:
As of today, ten teachers will be participating in the full Masters with Math Specialization program; four teachers will participate in the Dual-Enrollment program; and eight teachers have applied to participate in the PLC Summer Institute.
If you would like to be considered for one of the two spots still available for Dual-Enrollment or six spots for PLCs, please go to the link below to apply ASAP.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejRMvh5ETvq8bEt8s9Cz8_1ZsHcvovGG5BwFi3iOYrYTJH5w/viewform
Please review the professional development opportunities provided by the BOCES for the month of December. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1G8l6BrYk0KT2VxSjkX8Fc5Z_C_YiK0aw1Ca2feclbII
Join our STEM PLC to learn about a great opportunity for your students to engage in an exciting project tracking birds. We will have a one hour discussion tomorrow at 4:30pm - see our calendar for more details or just click the link to below to connect.
https://ecboces.zoom.us/j/7197752342
Don't miss out on this opportunity! The deadline to apply for the Math Teaching and Learning Grant is November 22. Please go to the link below to apply. You may need cut and paste the link below into your browser.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejRMvh5ETvq8bEt8s9Cz8_1ZsHcvovGG5BwFi3iOYrYTJH5w/viewform
Just a reminder that we have the next 3D printer training coming up on December 5th. This will be the last one that we offer so if you still need help or want to learn the basics of 3D printing, please sign up soon so we know how many to plan for. You are encouraged to bring your printer with you for a hands on learning experience.
Click HERE to sign up.
If you are interested in the :
Go to this link for more details and fill out the Math Teaching & Learning Scholarship Survey (Deadline for applying is Friday, November 22, 2019.):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSejRMvh5ETvq8bEt8s9Cz8_1ZsHcvovGG5BwFi3iOYrYTJH5w/viewform
We are pleased to notify you that the EC BOCES Retaining Teachers Grant grant proposal has been recommended for funding! EC BOCES is partnering with Generation School Network and Colorado Rural Education Collaborative to implement the grant activities. Interested teachers must act quickly!
What's this about?
The 2020-2021 Math Teaching & Learning Grant kicks off this month-CSU-Global courses starting January 13, 2019.
Scholarships are available for 10 teachers to receive a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning - Specialization in Math from CSU Global.
Scholarships are also available for 6 teachers to receive 18 graduate credits for a dual enrollment certificate from CSU Global.
Up to 30 participants (including the lucky 16 scholarship awardees) will participate in ongoing monthly mathematics teaching Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), followed by the coolest math summer workshop June 2020 and June 2021!
All teacher applicants should have mathematics teaching as part of their responsibilities (elementary teacher, secondary math/STEM teacher, interventionist, etc.) .
Participants must commit to attend monthly virtual PLCs during the school year, and the summer workshops (room, food and travel) costs provided.
If you are interested or have any questions, please contact: Anna Hogberg at: ahogberg@generationschools.org
This afternoon at 4:30 pm we have a one hour Zoom session with Cassie from MindSpark Learning. She will have a teacher with her that will be sharing how she uses robotics in the classroom and will be available for all your robotics/computer science related questions. Please sign up here: https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=393
Our 3D Printing Training has been rescheduled to December 5th, 2019. Bring your printers with you and enjoy a day of learning how to model and print. This will be hands on with lots of support as you navigate the software and hardware. Please sign up here: https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=433
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RVCV-pB6BGuoOF0nMzZ3sCfLwkRVvtlQUAPO5Yv9ZK0/edit?usp=sharing
Apparently this training didn't get activated on the calendar - sorry for the short notice. Don't forget to sign up for our next 3D Printer Training. The guys from the 3D Printing Store are coming out. You are encouraged to bring your printer with you and get some hands on experience.
DATE: November 5, 2019 TIME: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM LOCATION: BOCES West Training Room DESCRIPTION: "3D Printing: Not Just a Buzz Word any more" -Come learn the start to finish process of 3D design and 3D printing. We will sketch, and 3D design a model, review the file for imperfections and then 3D print a version or two of the design we make. You will learn basics about 3D design, 3D Printing Workflow, How to Run your 3D Printer and troubleshooting and tips to help keep you going! Learn how to make your 3D printer one of the most valuable tools in your classroom.
https://www.ecboces.org/course/view.php?id=433
Please sign up soon or we will have to reschedule!
Due to the weather conditions, the East Central BOCES office will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30th. Stay safe out there!
If you were not able to attend Rachel Fairchild's zoom on Oct. 9th on Reaching and Teaching ELLs, you can access the recorded video on our website. You will find the video link under the professional development tab, then go to PD for ALL & English Language Learners and you will find a section for Rachel Fairchild.
To receive EL credit hours, you will need to watch the zoom and send a one page summary of the content and what strategies you will be implementing to megand@ecboces.org
Once your summary is received, your attendance will be marked for the Oct. 9th sessions. You will need to fill out the evaluation in the calendar event page on that day to receive your certificate. If you have any questions please contact Megan Donnellon at megand@ecboces.org or 719-775-4030.
East Central BOCES is starting a virtual STEM PLC. We have created an online space where STEM teachers can get together to share lessons, collaborate on projects, support each others in STEM programming, and present and learn about new opportunities and projects. Teachers from East Central BOCES, South Central BOCES and STEM K12 Highlands Ranch will be invited to the initial PLC with the hope that this will grow to include other teachers from around the state. Teachers will be able to receive continuing education credit for monthly zoom collaborations and presentations.
We are looking for a few great teachers to be facilitators/collaborators for this project. Each facilitator will earn a Surface Pro computer with pen and keyboard! Facilitators will be asked to commit to participating in forum discussions, presenting at one of the monthly Zoom sessions and sharing resources and lesson plans and responding to surveys. This is a one year commitment with the hope that teachers will stay on because they find value in the project!
Please CLICK HERE to apply for the chance to get a free Surface Pro computer!
For those teachers who have school email addresses associated with a Google Apps account, we have now enabled Google login so that you can log in to our website with your school credentials. Currently, this is set up for the following districts: Agate, Arickaree, Arriba Flagler, Burlington, Hi Plains, Idalia, Limon, Kiowa, Stratton.
To take advantage of this, you have to do the following:
1. The email in your ECBOCES profile must be your school email address. (If you are unsure, when logged into the site, click on your name in the top right hand corner of the site, click on Profile. If the email there is not your school email, click on Edit Profile, update the email and click on update profile)
2. If you are logged into the ECBOCES website, log out. Then, from the home page, click on the Google icon in the Login box. Enter your school login.
3. You will then be sent an email to connect your Google login to your ECBOCES website account. Once you have clicked on the link in the email, the two accounts will be linked and you will then be able to use your school login to access our website.
We hope that this will make it easier for you to access our site. I hope to be able to add more districts as they confirm that the emails will match correctly so if your district is not listed and you know that you have Google Apps, please put in a help desk ticket and we will follow up. A few districts (Bennett, Byers, Deer Trail) do not have your school email linked to Google and so we cannot set those up as yet.
Please review the professional development opportunities provided by the BOCES for the month of October. We look forward to seeing you there!
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ZwI8HYtJLXGtxJYoDdfZAkiMoId3ioRUcFnmTXVCW_E
Attention Secondary Teachers!! Starr Sackstein with the Core Collaborative will be zooming with us in October. She will be covering reading strategies across all content areas. She has asked me to send out this link to have teachers provide feedback on what would be most helpful for you. Please take some time to fill out this quick survey if you are planning on attending the zoom or watching the recorded webinar. This is for ALL secondary teachers. Thank you!
https://forms.gle/w2GUKXErYQi94yXKAI apologize for the late notice but we need to reschedule the 3D printer that was scheduled for Thursday.
Please sign up for the training on September 30th (click HERE to register) which will cover 3D Printing - from design to print. This training is for beginners and those that have already started with printing. It will take you through the basics from finding ideas, to creating your first model and printing it out.
We will reschedule another training in October that will build on the one in September.