Colorado Rockies Teacher Appreciation Homestand

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -
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.

Philadelphia Phillies Series (Fri-Sun)

Friday, May 12 at 6:40pm vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Saturday, May 13 at 6:10pm vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Sunday, May 14 at 1:10pm vs. Philadelphia Phillies

$65 Infield Lower Level
$45 Club Level, Outfield
$25 Outfield/Corner Outfield Box
$22 Pavilion
$22 Rightfield Mezzanine
$15 Upper Reserved, Infield

Cincinnati Reds Series (Mon-Wed)

Monday, May 15 at 6:40pm vs. Cincinnati Reds
Tuesday, May 16 at 6:40pm vs Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday, May 17 at 1:10pm vs. Cincinnati Reds

$55 Infield Lower Level
$37 Club Level, Outfield
$19 Outfield/Corner Outfield Box
$16 Pavilion
$16 Rightfield Mezzanine
$12 Upper Reserved, Infield




Summer Professional Development

by Megan Eikleberry -

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

Two Free PD Opportunities for Social Studies

by Megan Eikleberry -

Learn the skills you need to find trustworthy news

How to Find News You Can Trust. Skills for seeking credible information. Free webinar series. Wednesdays. April 12, 19, and 26. 4pm Eastern Time/1pm Pacific Time.

It seems like finding credible information and sources online gets trickier by the day. But when you sign up for our free webinar series How to find news you can trust, you will discover how to outsmart the bad actors that flood our newsfeeds with misinformation.

The series begins a week from today — April 12 — and runs for three consecutive Wednesdays, starting at 4 p.m. ET. Register once for the whole series.

REGISTER HERE

April 12: Session 1 | What is quality journalism?

News outlets help us make informed decisions, but the process of creating news isn’t always transparent. In this session, journalists Brandon Pope of WBEZ Chicago and Molly Parker of Lee Enterprises will discuss how they build credibility and trust with the public and will describe the standards that guide their newsgathering. This session will pull the curtain back on the practice of quality, ethical journalism and its mission to inform us accurately.

Brandon is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated journalist, media critic and columnist, and host of the podcasts On The Block: Powered by Block Club Chicago on CW26 and the MAKING series from WBEZ and NPR. Molly, a ProPublica distinguished fellow, is an investigative reporter with Lee Enterprises’ Public Service Team, where she works with regional reporters in 25 states to produce impactful, data-driven local journalism.


April 19: Session 2 | Understanding news media bias

People frequently perceive and allege bias in news coverage, but what does this really mean? What makes a piece of news biased, and who decides? Journalist Amethyst J. Davis, founder of the Harvey World Herald, a hyperlocal, independent newsroom in Illinois, and Stephanie Casanova of Signal Cleveland, a nonprofit newsroom that fuses community building with local news reporting, join us to discuss how the journalistic standards we learned about in Session 1 can be applied to confront and avoid news bias. This session will empower you to evaluate the fairness, accuracy and objectivity of news coverage.

Amethyst oversees growth and development, including outlining editorial trajectory and content, at the Harvey World Herald. A member of the community advisory board for Chicago Public Media, she is a Casey Fellow with the National Association of Black Journalists Black News & Views. Stephanie is the criminal justice reporter with Signal Cleveland and formerly covered criminal justice and breaking news at the Chicago Tribune.


April 26: Session 3 | How fact-checking works

Fact-checking organizations are taking up the charge to combat the spread of misinformation, debunking some of the most viral content springing up on social media. Fact-checkers Dan Evon of the News Literacy Project and Rafael Olavarría of Factchequeado will talk about their work and share skills that you can use to check the accuracy of information.

Dan debunks viral rumors for NLP’s RumorGuard™ platform, which empowers the public to push back against misinformation. Prior to joining NLP in 2022, Dan worked as a reporter for Snopes, the internet’s oldest fact-checking site. Rafael, a Venezuelan immigrant who fled political persecution, began his journalism career as a producer and writer for CNN and won 11 Southeast Emmy Awards as a multimedia journalist with Univisión.


We hope to see you next week!

REGISTER HERE


For a future founded on facts,
The News Literacy Project

P.S. If you miss one of the sessions, don’t worry, we’ll share recordings of all three.


Second opportunity:

Please join us for our 16-hour in-person Holocaust by Bullets Teacher Workshop for current middle and high school teachers, pre-service teachers who are currently enrolled in an accredited college/university program, and current college/university faculty being held on Friday and Saturday, April 21-22 (at the UNC Lowry Campus in Aurora, CO...more details will be made available after your registration is confirmed). 

 Learn more about this often-forgotten but, essential chapter of Holocaust history, to hear the voices of those who witnessed it.  You will also be introduced to contemporary mass killings, like that of the Mayan populations in Guatemala, and genocides, like that of the Yazidi people in Iraq, both of which have been investigated by Yahad – In Unum’s teams. Please see the attached flyers for information on the specifics of the workshop. This is the same workshop being offered two separate times. Seating will be limited; please register as soon as possible. 

 To register for this FREE seminar, please reply to this email (tphennessy@hotmail.com), and we will send you a very brief questionnaire to fill out; we will then register you for this workshop. Current middle and high school teachers, pre-service teachers who are currently enrolled in an accredited college/university program, and current college/university faculty will be enrolled after completing the questionnaire. 

 NoteThrough a very generous donor, we have funding available to assist in lodging, meals, and transportation costs for a select number of COLORADO registrants only. If you are from out of state, you are still encouraged and welcome to join us, and we will certainly help you plan your travel to be the most cost-effective possible. We truly wish we could offer the travel stipend for all educators; however, at this time, our funding is very specific from our donor. 

 A light breakfast, lunch, and beverages will be offered on both days. More information to come after your registration is confirmed. Vegetarian, Vegan, and Kosher options will be offered. 

 Please reach out with any questions regarding the workshops, logistics, or anything else we may have missed at this time.

 

Take care and be safe.

 Ewa and Todd

Ewa Schaller & Todd Hennessy

Yahad-In Unum

 

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"…There are already people who think that every Jew who died in the Holocaust died at Auschwitz, died in a concentration camp, died in a gas chamber. No. There's whole chapters of this story."


Daniel Mendelsohn [Author of Lost: A Search of Six of Six Million, 2006]

The U.S. and the Holocaust Documentary, 2022

Episode 3 The Homeless, Tempest Tossed (1942 - )

It is now known that at least one-third of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust perished in the mass shootings perpetrated in Eastern Europe by the Nazi mobile death squads and their collaborators. Father Patrick Desbois and Yahad-In Unum have been documenting, investigating, and recording this chapter of the Holocaust since 2004. Father Desbois and Yahad-In Unum have currently identified over 3,200 execution sites and have interviewed over 7,500 eye-witnesses in eleven countries where the Holocaust by bullets took place. 

 Now, classroom and pre-service teachers can participate in an educational seminar with Yahad-In Unum Educators and Investigators who have directly participated in the investigations of the history of the Holocaust by bullets and the interviews with the eye-witnesses. 

Flyer


Training Stipends!

by Emma Richardson -

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.

Attention Social Studies Teachers!!

by Megan Eikleberry -

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,

Todd Hennessy

The Colorado Holocaust Educators

720-210-4374


2. James Madison Legacy Project Expansion: Empowering High-Need Students for Informed, Thoughtful, and Productive Citizenship

A new free project to empower high-need students through improved professional learning and instruction in the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curricular program! 

Includes new resources for We the People instruction that foster positive civics and social and emotional learning (SEL) outcomes among English learners, students with disabilities, and students of color.

 Link to Flyer

 Eligible CO Secondary Social Studies Teachers receive a set of classroom books, travel support, and a $1000 completion stipend.

Register today. Limited to 20 Teachers. https://forms.gle/SafxZ6QsLYA4M5AB8

52 hrs. of professional learning. Begins with a four-day workshop at History Colorado Center July 17-20, 2023

 Made possible by a US Department of Education Grant received by the Center for Civic Education.

 For more information contact 

 Chris Elnicki (he/him/his)

Executive Director

Colorado Center for Civic Learning and Engagement (C3LE)

A Project of  the Colorado Non Profit Development Center (CNDC) 

chriselnicki@gmail.com

celnicki@c3le.org

3D Printer Training with Printer GiveAways!

by Emma Richardson -

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.

K-3 Read Act Training for Teachers, District Leaders, and Administrators

by Megan Eikleberry -

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. 


K-3 READ Act Training

by Lorie Coonts -

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!

English Learner/Multilingual Learner Workshops CDE has purchased through WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment)

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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Self-Paced Workshops
Woman in yellow sweater types on her laptop keyboard at a table. Behind her is a wall of windows.
Take advantage of practical and engaging professional learning
In case you missed it, you have access to eight 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, 2023.
  • Classroom Teachers: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers
  • Making Language Visible: Exploring the Key Language Uses
  • Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry
  • Reframing Education for Long-Term English Learners
  • Engaging Multilingual Learners in Science: Making Sense of Phenomena
  • Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics
  • Home Languages in the Classroom
  • The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach
Learn more on the 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?
  1. Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account. Don’t have an account yet? Visit your Member/State page to learn how (your district DAC might need to assist you with creating an account).
  2. Locate the course and click on Course Details. Click Enroll Now.
  3. Complete a self-paced workshop and print your certificate.
Questions? Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at 1-866-276-7735 or help@wida.us.

With gratitude,
Your friends at WIDA

ATTENTION: REMINDER Upcoming Early Childhood Cluster on Monday, February 27th

by Lorie Coonts -

DATE:  Monday, February 27, 2023

TIME:  5:00 - 8:00 P.M. 

PRESENTER:  Darlene Blackford

LOCATION: IN PERSON ONLY!  EC BOCES West Training Room

DESCRIPTION:

On Monday, February 27th, 2023, Early Childhood Cluster is providing training for teachers on “Stop! Listen! Focus!”. The presenter, Darlene Blackford is a movement-educator specialist who has worked with thousands of children in the area of movement education in the classroom. She has developed, implemented, and refined practical and fun strategies that encourage children to move their bodies while learning classroom objectives. Ms. Blackford draws from a rich and diverse background which includes classroom instruction, teacher training, and workshop presenter experience.


This workshop is developed to help teachers practice classroom management in a fun and “user-friendly” way. This training opportunity will be offered on Monday, February 27th, 2023. Zoom will NOT be offered for this session, dinner will be provided so please register ASAP. IMPORTANT: Registration and attendance will be completed using the EC BOCES Website at www.ecboces.org for electronic check-in. This training will only be provided IN-PERSON only from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.   A $25 stipend will be given to all participants. 

DBQ February Newsletter

by Megan Eikleberry -

DBQ News: Online Support Series

February 2023 - DBQ and Mini-Q Alternative Endings

Do we have to write an essay? Not necessarily!

Do we have to write an essay? Not necessarily! 

The DBQ Project is unapologetically a writing program. We are also a social studies program, a literature program, and a literacy program. Most importantly, the DBQ Project resources are inquiries. Inquiry-based learning not only piques students’ curiosity and engagement but also leads to deeper learning! The DBQ Project offers structured and scaffolded lessons to guide students through this inquiry process culminating in an evidence-based writing exercise. But, writing a 5-paragraph essay is not the only way for students to demonstrate their learning and articulate their arguments. Writing can take many different forms. Have you considered creating an alternative end product for a DBQ or Mini-Q your students are working through? If you are a choice board person or love project-based learning, this is for you! 
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EXAMPLES OF DBQ ALTERNATE ENDINGS 

One-Pagers and Infographics

One-Pagers and Infographics 

One-pagers and infographics are visual, graphic representations of information on a single page. Using this alternate ending students can use images, words, textual evidence in response to the DBQ question. Requirements could include a well-developed thesis statement, background info, 2-4 buckets each supported with textual evidence, and an argumentative statement for each. Variations of this type of end product could include newspaper front pages or advertisements. 
Blogs and Discussion Boards

Blogs and Discussion Boards 

Blogs and discussion platforms allow students to express themselves as they see fit. Rather than having students write a full argumentative essay that answers the DBQ question, have them create blogs or post their thoughts on a discussion board or platform. Each blog or post can be unique, allowing for more authentic writing because they naturally foster a student's voice, style, and thoughts. Variations of this type of end product could include posting on Padlet or creating and posting a Flipgrid
Debates and Scored Discussions

Debates and Scored Discussions 

Debates provide opportunities to practice critical thinking, writing, listening and speaking. Try having students verbally share their opinion debate style using the documents and background in DBQ. Different debate strategies include four-corners debates, philosophical chairs, Socratic seminars, fishbowl and pinwheel discussions, Harkness tables, or one of our favorites, the Socratic Smackdown
Story Boards and Comic Strips

Story Boards and Comic Strips 

Storyboards and comic strips are a great way for students to visually demonstrate their historical understanding of a DBQ. You can go with the traditional paper/colored pencil storyboard strips or use an online platform, such as StoryboardThat. Requirements for a DBQ storyboard might include an introduction and a conclusion frame, at least one frame for each bucket, visuals, and an explanation for each frame with evidence from the documents. An annotated timeline is another possibility here for a more chronological DBQ. 
Unit-Specific End Products

Unit-Specific End Products 

While the above suggestions could be used with most DBQs and Mini-Qs, sometimes units lend themselves to more creative end products. For example, the "fall" of Rome mini-Q looks at the collapse, or death, of an empire. After analyzing the documents, have students complete an autopsy report on the Roman Empire. Historical report cards and "hall of fame" plaques are a fun way to evaluate individuals in history, such as Alexander the Great or Sam Houston. Students could create recruitment posters to stay at Valley Forge or travel posters touting the benefits of Constantinople or living in the Soviet Union. Scrapbooks or photo essays work great for the journaling DBQs. The possibilities and creativity are endless. 
TED Talks, Podcasts, & Digital Presentations

TED Talks, Podcasts, & Digital Presentations 

For your more creative students, and time permitting, these types of alternative endings provide students with a way to demonstrate their learning, and arguments, in a 21st-century way. These are more complex and definitely take more time, so keep that in mind if students go this route. But, the visual and verbal production allows students to bring in their own voice, style, backgrounds, and personalities. A DBQ/Mini-Q also serves as the perfect jumping-off point for the different History Fair categories. 
Choice Boards

Choice Boards 

A choice board is a grid of different end products that allow students to choose a way to demonstrate their learning and make their argument about a DBQ. 


To the right is an example of an elementary choice board. Imali created this for the "How Did the Buffalo Shape Arapaho Culture?" Mini-Q using a few of the alternative endings mentioned above.

Celebrating Black History Month 

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

DBQ-U 101 Self-Paced Introductory Course

DBQ-U 101 Self-Paced Introductory Course 

DBQ101 is a self-paced professional development course that familiarizes teachers with The DBQ Project Method and teaches them how to make the process engaging and powerful for students. It is designed to replicate our full-day introductory workshops. Participants will work through the steps of The DBQ Project Method at their own pace, pausing to reflect and practice along the way. Teachers will first experience a DBQ from the student perspective, learning what it is like to learn with a DBQ, before transitioning to the teacher perspective to learn how to build a unit and support their students. Two winter windows are open for registration at no cost to online subscribers. Each course window will remain open for one month to complete. Winter courses will launch on FEBRUARY 14, and MARCH 14. (If these windows don't work for you, we can also set up a course just for your district or school.) 

*ECBOCES has some stipends available for completion of the self-paced course. Reach out to Megan Eikleberry at megane@ecboces.org if you have questions. 


Upcoming Early Childhood Cluster - STOP! LISTEN! FOCUS!

by Lorie Coonts -

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!  

DATE:  Monday, February 27, 2023

TIME:  5:00 - 8:00 P.M. 

PRESENTER:  Darlene Blackford

LOCATION: IN PERSON ONLY!  EC BOCES West Training Room

DESCRIPTION:

On Monday, February 27th, 2023, Early Childhood Cluster is providing training for teachers on “Stop! Listen! Focus!”. The presenter, Darlene Blackford is a movement-educator specialist who has worked with thousands of children in the area of movement education in the classroom. She has developed, implemented, and refined practical and fun strategies that encourage children to move their bodies while learning classroom objectives. Ms. Blackford draws from a rich and diverse background which includes classroom instruction, teacher training, and workshop presenter experience.

This workshop is developed to help teachers practice classroom management in a fun and “user-friendly” way. This training opportunity will be offered on Monday, February 27th, 2023. Zoom will NOT be offered for this session, dinner will be provided so please register ASAP

IMPORTANT: Registration and attendance will be completed using the EC BOCES Website at www.ecboces.org for electronic check-in. This training will be provided IN-PERSON only from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM.   A $25 stipend will be given to all participants. 

Problem Based Learning Training Workshop with Free Robot for your Classroom

by Emma Richardson -

East Central BOCES has some great Problem Based Learning Trainings coming up next week!

On Wednesday 15th February, there is a one hour remote training giving an overview of how to implement PBL in your math classroom with Kristen Eveland.  There is a $25.00 stipend for this training. More details can be found HERE.

On Thursday 16th and Friday 17th February, MindSpark Learning is coming and hosting a two day workshop that will give you all the tools to start a great problem based learning project in your classroom.  This project will be focused on Bee Pollination and can be used in all subject areas.  During the training, teachers will have the opportunity to use Dash Robots and the first 20 signed up (five spots still available!!) will be able to take a robot back to their classroom.  There will be other random giveaways during the training including the chance to win a Surface Pro!  Register today HERE.



READ Act and English Learners CDE Webinar Trainings on Feb. 9 and Feb 23

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -
READ Act and English Learners

The CDE ELSR (Elementary Literacy and School Readiness) Team hosts office hours twice a month on Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. to discuss topics related to the READ Act. Below each topic listed on the web page, is the corresponding guidance document and/or video; participants are supposed to review the resources before the trainings. Questions from district educators must be submitted one week prior to the date of the scheduled office hours.  There is a place on the webpage, "Topic Questions Submission"; where participants are required to share their questions in advance.  CDE staff will not be providing in-depth instruction on the featured topic; but will use the time to review the questions submitted a week in advance.

Participants must register through the CDE webpage provided at the link at the top of this email.  Go to the webpage and choose the date and topic for which you would like to attend. Click on the date and a registration form will come up on your screen.




UPCOMING EARLY CHILDHOOD CLUSTER - JANUARY 30TH

by Lorie Coonts -

On Monday, January 30, 2023, Early Childhood Cluster is providing training for teachers on “Self-Regulation and Early Childhood Training”. The presenter, Brittany Healy an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant from Aurora Mental Health Center. This training will focus on the development of self-regulation in young children and what factors impact that skill growth. Participants will discover what age-appropriate self-regulation looks like at multiple early childhood stages, as well as how to develop self-regulation in young children by using coregulation. This training opportunity will be offered on Monday, January 30th, 2022, via ZOOM 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (1 1/2 hours)

Brittany will complete the Architecture of the Brain game online with participants to give a hands-on understanding of how regulation develops. Please have materials such as pipe cleaner, straws, and string handy in order to participate.  

If you plan to participate and have not yet registered, please go to the calendar and click on the event  and register.  


Project-Based Learning for 6-12 Rescheduled!

by Megan Eikleberry -

Starr Sackstein's PBL session that was cancelled because of the snow storms last week has been rescheduled for Jan. 31st from 4:15-5:15. Please register on the ECBOCES website if you plan to attend!

New Training Dates for Problem Based Learning and Robotics Training

by Emma Richardson -

We have revised dates on the calendar for our MindSpark trainings.  The Problem Based Learning two day training that was scheduled for the end of next week will not be offered on February 16th and 17th.  The Robotics Training that was cancelled in December will no be offered on February 24th.

All original registrations are still in place for these two trainings but please be sure to cancel if you registered before and cannot attend now.  We also do have seats remaining in both trainings and these are sure to be great trainings and will both have lots of giveaways including one or two Surface Pro laptops!

The trainings can be found at the links below:

2/16/23 & 2/17/23 Problem Based Learning

2/24/23 Robotics

Please be sure to register on the ECBOCES Website.

READ Act Update and Information from CDE

by Megan Eikleberry -

Amendments to the READ Act (SB19-199 and SB22-004) require that K-3 teachers who provide literacy instruction, 4-12 reading interventionists, and school administrators (including principals) must complete training to meet the requirements of the READ Act. The Literacy Team in the Office of Elementary Literacy and School Readiness will host biweekly, live informational webinars to provide updates on the READ Act teacher and school administrator trainings.

For information about dates and times for these webinars, please visit the CDE web page titled: READ Act Webinars.

If you have further questions, please contact ReadActTraining@cde.state.co.us 




Register by Jan 8th for CLD-GT Courses

by Jodi Church -

Happy Friday!

Just a reminder: Registration for three Culturally and Linguistically Diverse AND Gifted courses will close on January 8th. The online (and self-paced) courses will open on January 9th. Take one or take all three! See the course flyer for more details. Contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org with questions. 

Jodi Church 

ECBOCES Website Login

by Emma Richardson -

We have changed our login process to the ECBOCES website.  Your account info has not been affected but we have had report login problems.

When you go to our website, please use the ECBOCES Login button.  This should direct you to a screen to enter your email or username.  Once you enter that, you should get a screen that prompts for your password and will then log you into the site.  (For those that had their login credentials saved so that they autofill, this will no longer do that when you first use this new process and you will need to know what your login info is.)

Sometimes you might see a session error.  If this happens, normally clicking the ECBOCES login button at the bottom of that page will direct you to the username screen.

We have had a few report that they are getting a page not available error.  If this happens, please clear your browser cache and return to the ECBOCES website and try the process again.

If you still are having problems, please submit a ticket at help.ecboces.org.

We apologize for the inconvenience.  We have changed our process to a Single Sign On login that will allow one login to access multiple ECBOCES services.

Congratulations!!!!

by Lorie Coonts -

We want to congratulate Craig Bailey, East Central BOCES Director of Financial Services, on his recent marriage to Marissa!  We are so happy for the both of you and wish you the best that life has to offer!!  


The DBQ Project- Winter 2022-23 Newsletter

by Megan Eikleberry -

ECBOCES has access to the online binders. If you teach Social Studies or English (4-12) and you do not have an account to access the DBQ binders and are interested in, please reach out to Megan Eikleberry at megane@ecboces.org

DBQ News

The DBQ Project - Winter 2022-23 Newsletter

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The DBQ Project is Disciplinary Literacy in Context 

It is a well-established point that teaching reading and comprehension strategies out of context is inefficient and ineffective for most students. Though the importance of learning to read in a context is well-documented, many teachers and school leaders continue to emphasize intervention strategies that do not build the content knowledge students need to move forward.


Elementary students with rich social studies instruction score almost 25% higher on literacy exams than their counterparts (CCSSO). Robert Marzano repeatedly emphasizes the importance of social studies instruction for building strong vocabulary. Students with strong content backgrounds score higher on the SAT and ACT than students who lack content knowledge. 

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The DBQ Project Approach

For years, the DBQ Project has been designing high quality content literacy lessons for social studies and English language arts. All of our lessons are inquiry-based and student-centered. As students grapple with a compelling question, they read and analyze a series of documents. Ultimately, students draw their own informed conclusions about the central question.

  • Our Six-Step Method breaks down what is normally a complex process into manageable, concrete steps.
  • Curious? Watch this quick video to learn from Dr. Laura Bacon and Sabrina Buggs about what happened in Aiken County a couple of years ago. Did you say scores increased 9.6%? In secondary? Yes. That happened. 
Staff Pick: The Louisiana Territory: Would You Have Supported the Purchase?

Staff Pick: The Louisiana Territory: Would You Have Supported the Purchase? 

Often students approach history as being an inevitable trajectory of events, as if it was all predestined. This sense of inevitability can make history seem a bit boring. But the progress of history was not preordained, rather it’s been ripe with uncertainty and controversy. Such is the case with the Louisiana Purchase.


The new Mini-Q, The Louisiana Territory: Would You Have Supported the Purchase?, brings this pivotal and uncertain moment in history to life, and helps kids understand the controversial nature of this event. Through a series of six documents, students consider the the native tribes occupying the vast Louisiana territory, and the economic incentives and disincentives surrounding the purchase. Further, students explore the rift between Federalist and Jeffersonian Democrats, as well as the constitutionality of the purchase.


In the end, students walk away with a deep understanding of a moment in history when our nation was at an important crossroads.

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New Mini-Q's in American History

New Mini-Q's in American History 

New American History units are here... We are excited about the addition of our New Mini-Qs in American History Volume 1 and New Mini-Qs in American History Volume 2 binders! These new binders provide an additional 27 units of content and supplement our original American History binders. Please click on the button below for more information on these new binders. 

New Features and Updates 

Side-by-Side Document Analysis
Assignment Sharing
Essay Builder +

Side-by-Side Document Analysis 

Assignment Sharing 

Essay Builder + 

The DBQ Project Tech Team, along with Sealworks Interactive Studies, have been busy making improvements, adding some updates, and designing new features in DBQ Online for this school year. This summer we added three new components into the DBQ Online platform, including...

  • Essay Builder + Teachers can now customize the language and structure of the essay builder all the way through the outline.
  • Side-by-Side Document Analysis Students will now see the Document Analysis Questions and Document Analysis Sheets next to the documents themselves!
  • Enhanced Assignment Sharing Teachers can now share assignments with anyone in their district (including district administrators) with one email click!

It Was Wonderful to See Everyone at NCSS! 

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The DBQ Project

The DBQ Project 

"Helping ALL students read smart, think straight, and write clearly"




High School Teachers: Virtual Biotech Training - Stipend & Credit Available

by Megan Eikleberry -

The Colorado BioScience Institute has a virtual high school science teacher training, specific to Biotechnology, coming up this winter (info below).

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Grow Your Biotech Classroom Lab Skills

 

High School Virtual Teacher Training: Biotechnology in the Classroom 

Interactive virtual sessions:

January 11th 4PM-6PM

January 18th 4PM-6PM

January 25th 4PM-6PM

February 1st 4PM-6PM

 

Stipend

$400 stipend paid to participants upon completion of the course.

*Teachers must plan to teach in 2022/23 to quality and attend all four sessions for the full stipend

 

Credit

 0.5 Graduate Level Continuing Education Credit offered from Colorado School of Mines (tuition covered by the Institute)

*Teachers must attend all four session for 0.5 credit

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Connect and build your community of practice with other Colorado educators teaching biotechnology! This is a unique opportunity for high school teachers to earn a stipend, credit, and classroom supplies all while learning virtually. 

 

The Biotechnology Experiences in the Classroom (Amgen Biotech Experience/LabXchange) teacher professional development program will provide high school science teachers the opportunity to learn a molecular biology curriculum designed to introduce students to the excitement of scientific discovery in the field of biotechnology. The curriculum is designed to allow teachers to have the opportunity to explore the methods scientists use to create biotechnology medicines.

 

You will have the opportunity to learn the Biotech Experience labs and lessons through a virtual experience utilizing ready-for-classroom materials. Through guest speakers, you will hear experts and employees in the local biotech industry share their insights. Through this course, you will gain valuable knowledge of the Biotech field to share with your students. 

 

Whether you are experienced with biotech or brand-new, we have an onramp for everyone!

 

Limited availability: This course has sold out previously — Apply now! Deadline December 22nd. 

 

 

Generous support for the Biotechnology Experience in the Classrooms training is provided by the Amgen Foundations and the Medtronic Foundation. 


What Participants Are Saying

 

“I think this is the most valuable PD I have ever been to in terms of increasing my abilities specifically as a science content teacher and gave me so much help in planning and executing my curriculum.”



Teacher, Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, AP Biology

 

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The Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provides educational activities and opportunities for individuals and companies, students and educators related to the life science industry in Colorado.

 

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Great Professional Development Opportunity

by Emma Richardson -

East Central BOCES has a great relationship with KAIDE (the Kansas version of VNETS).  Each year, they put on a Professional Development In Service day that offers a great amount of resources for any teachers or facilitators that work with Distance Learning - (of course that was everyone a couple of years ago!)

They have invited East Central BOCES members to participate remotely (or in person if you want a trip to Kansas!) in this inservice day free of charge.  The inservice is on January 23rd from 8am to 3pm.  ECBOCES will work with KAIDE to offer CE credit.

I have attached the flyer for the event.  If you have any questions about it, please contact Emma Richardson (emmar@ecboces.org)


Upcoming Early Childhood Cluster

by Lorie Coonts -

On Monday, January 30, 2023, Early Childhood Cluster is providing training for teachers on “Self-Regulation and Early Childhood Training”. The presenter, Brittany Healy an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant from Aurora Mental Health Center. This training will focus on the development of self-regulation in young children and what factors impact that skill growth. Participants will discover what age-appropriate self-regulation looks like at multiple early childhood stages, as well as how to develop self-regulation in young children by using coregulation. This training opportunity will be offered on Monday, January 30th, 2022, via Zoom.

If you plan to attend, please get registered ASAP.  A $25 stipend will be paid to all those who attend the whole 3 hour training. 

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse AND Gifted Courses

by Jodi Church -

Hello ECBOCES Educators, 

Are you looking for strategies to use with high achieving CLD students? Three 15-hour online, self-paced courses on supporting gifted and high potential CLD students will be offered starting Jan 9th. Participate in one or all three. By completing all three courses, you can earn up to 45 hours to fulfill the CLD re-licensure requirement. 

There is a $50 fee per course due at registration but ECBOCES will reimburse your course fee(s) upon completion of course requirements. See flyer for more information. You can register now using the link on the flyer. 

Contact Jodi Church at jodic@ecboces.org with questions. 

CLD - GT Courses Flyer Spring 2023


Robotics Training this Friday is Cancelled

by Emma Richardson -

Due to unforeseen circumstances, MindSpark has had to cancel the training on Friday.  We will be rescheduling and will let you all know when the new date will be.  We apologize for the short notice and the inconvenience.

Don't forget to sign up for Robotics this Friday and get a free Sphero Sprk Robot!

by Emma Richardson -

We still have slots available for this Friday's great Robotics training with MindSpark Learning.  Not only will the first 20 receive a Sphero Sprk Robot for their classroom but there will be a few other surprise giveaways as well.  Sign up today to take advantage of this great opportunity!  For all teachers, K-12.

Professional Development Reminder

by Megan Eikleberry -
There are two Zoom PD opportunities tomorrow, Nov. 29th!

  • Rescheduled PD for ALL: Scaffolding in Instruction: How to Support Low Level Readers. Zoom from 4:15-6:15.
  • Applying Mathematical Practices through Project-Based Learning K-12. Zoom 4:15-5:15 ($25 stipend included)

Make sure you register if you plan on attending! 


Free Robot for your Classroom!

by Emma Richardson -

MindSpark Learning has two great trainings coming up!  The first one is a robotics training on December 2nd and if you are among the first twenty to sign up, you will received a Sphero Sprk for your classroom.  Click HERE to register.

The second training is a two day Problem Based Learning training on January 19th and 20th.  You will walk away from this training with ideas/lesson plans/all you need to get started on this engaging method of getting your students involved in their learning.  The first 20 for this training will also receive a Sphero Sprk robot. Click HERE to register.


REMINDER: English Language Learner PD This Week!

by Megan Eikleberry -

Just a reminder we have two EL PD sessions this week. If you are looking for strategies to support your English Language students, make sure you register on our website. There will be a $25 stipend offered for each session. 

Tuesday, Nov. 15th- Help! I Have a Newcomer in Elementary with Beth Skelton. 

Wednesday, Nov. 16th- Assist-Based Instruction for Multilingual Learners with Rachel Fairchild. 

DBQ November News Letter

by Megan Eikleberry -

A message from Beth Montgomery:
Happy November! Many of you are diving into writing instruction now that the year is off and running. Check this out for ideas to reduce grading time and increase the effectiveness of feedback.
 

DBQ News: Online Support Series

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If AP Readers only spend 2-3 minutes scoring a DBQ essay, what are you doing?
You know you are a teacher, when you bring your bag home each night full of papers to grade, fall asleep and never get to it, and then do the same thing the next night. It's a daunting challenge that all teachers of writing face. Having students write means having to score/grade that writing. This month's DBQ Online support newsletter addresses those concerns. We hope this is helpful in speeding up the grading process and taking some of the fears away.
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Reduce Grading Time Through Rainbow Editing

Rainbow highlighting is a color-coded system that gives the writer a way to check their work for errors. It is a strategy designed to help students identify the elements of a proficient essay in their essays, each other’s essays, or sample essays. Students are to highlight each element of a proficient essay in a different color. Students can rainbow highlight their own papers in order to see what revisions need to take place. This strategy can also be done during a peer editing session. Highlighted papers also allow the teacher to draw their attention directly to what is being scored, what the student is interpreting as an element of a proficient essay, and cuts the grading time in half.

file type: pdfDBQ Online Rainbow Codes.pdf
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RUBRICSANDSCORINGGUIDES
Why Rubrics and Scoring Guides?

Rubrics and scoring guides provide students with a clear understanding of what is expected of them. Students have concrete directions about what makes a good science project, a good persuasive writing piece, etc... Many studies have proven that rubrics improve students' end products and thus increase the students' overall learning. Rubrics and scoring guides provide students with valuable information about the degree to which a specific learning outcome has been achieved. They provide students with concrete feedback that displays areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. Students can use this feedback as a tool to further develop their abilities.

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Rubrics and Scoring Guides in DBQ Online
DBQ Online contains the four main rubrics and scoring guides that are featured in the Teacher Toolkit section of the DBQ binders. The two rubrics include a comprehensive and a holistic rubric. The two scoring guides include a self-check guide and a one-point scoring guide. Both scoring guides provide opportunities for students to self-score before the teacher scores. Mollie does a great job going over each rubric and scoring guide in this screencast.
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Customizing Rubrics in DBQ Online
One of the new features added this past summer with DBQ Online is the ability for teachers and administrators to customize rubrics. Teachers and administrators will be able to create customized rubrics to score student work directly on the platform. Click HERE to view a short video of the features included in this summer's DBQ Online update. The video below explains how to use customized rubrics in the DBQ Online platform.
How To Customize Rubrics in DBQ Online

PROVIDINGFEEDBACKINDBQONLINE
For More on Giving Feedback in DBQ Online, Click Here

SAVETIMEWITHTHECUSTOMCOMMENTFEATURE

Did you know that you can save and apply frequently made comments using our Custom Comment feature? We have preloaded some comments, but you can edit and add to the list to address your students’ specific needs. Using a comment bank can be a HUGE time saver, and still allows you to provide meaningful feedback to your students. Watch the video below to get an idea of just how much time it can save you.

Click to play: Comment time

PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTOPPORTUNITIES
DBQ 101 Asynchronous Introductory Course
DBQ101 is a self-paced professional development course that familiarizes teachers with The DBQ Project Method and teaches them how to make the process engaging and powerful for students. It is designed to replicate our full-day introductory workshops. Participants will work through the steps of The DBQ Project Method at their own pace, pausing to reflect and practice along the way. Teachers will first experience a DBQ from the student perspective, learning what it is like to learn with a DBQ, before transitioning to the teacher perspective to learn how to build a unit and support their students. Two fall windows are open for registration at no cost to online subscribers. Courses will launch on November 8 and December 13. Each course window will remain open for one month to complete.
Register for the Introductory Course

HowdoyouintegrateNativeAmericanhistoryintoyourcurriculum?
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Missed Last Month's Newsletter? Click Here!

Rescheduled PD for All: Scaffolding Reading Instruction When a Student is Below Grade Level

by Beverly Blagg -

The PD for All Training- Scaffolding Reading Instruction When a Student is Below Grade Level that was scheduled for October 26th has been rescheduled for November 29th. If you had registered for the training your registration has been transferred over. If you are unable to attend on November 29th please go to the EC BOCES website and cancel your registration. If you did not previously register for the training on October 26th but would like to participate in the training go to the EC BOCES website and register for the training. The training will be from 4:15-6:15 via Zoom. 

CANCELLED TOMORROW NIGHTS PD FOR ALL

by Lorie Coonts -

PD for ALL # 2 - Scaffolding in Instruction:  How to Support Low Level Readers has been canceled due to illness.  We will be rescheduling this at a later date.  Thank you. 

EARLY CHILDHOOD CLUSTER TONIGHT!

by Lorie Coonts -

He included a handout as well as a google drive. 


Madison Copeland is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ecboces.zoom.us/j/93063231157

Meeting ID: 930 6323 1157
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 930 6323 1157
Find your local number: https://ecboces.zoom.us/u/avU2urE9A

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IF YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED FOR THE TRAINING AND PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE GO INTO THE EVENT AND REGISTER SO YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR STIPEND AND CAN PRINT YOUR CERTIFICATE.  

 


Free Online Depth & Complexity Resources

by Jodi Church -

ECBOCES educators have access to online Depth & Complexity Resources!

These are for teachers and students and you do not need prior D&C training to use these. There are five online trainings showing how to use the tools and videos. These live trainings will be recorded and educators will receive one CEU for each training. Let me know if you would like to receive links to the recorded trainings. See the flyer below. 

Online trainings:
To register for access to the videos and free tools: 
1. To access the online tools, please register here: COLORADO DEPTH & COMPLEXITY SOFTWARE REGISTRATION PAGE
2. To access the Video Library, please register here COLORADO STATE DCF VIDEO LIBRARY ACCOUNT REGISTRATION link
  • Once you are registered, bookmark this login page: DEPTH AND COMPLEXITY VIDEO LIBRARY LOGIN PAGE
  • If you are prompted to log in, once logged in, you still must paste the registration link into your web address bar in order to join our Colorado group.

3.Student Access - If you want students to access the tools, it is recommended that you set up a second, student-specific account.  All of the students can use the same account. You will need an additional email address (it can be fake) and a password. 

4. If you have tech or login issues, please email info@jtayloreducation.com.  

For general questions please contact Jodi Church at jodic@ecboces.org

Visible Learning for Social Studies K-12

by Megan Eikleberry -

We will be starting a book study with Stephanie Hartman from CDE focusing on Visible Learning for Social Studies. If you would like to be apart of the books study please email Megan Eikleberry at megane@ecboces.org so I can get a book ordered for you!

Visible Learning for Social Studies, Grades K-12

Help students move from surface-level learning to the transfer of understanding.

How do social studies teachers maximize instruction to ensure students are prepared for an informed civic life? VISIBLE LEARNING® for Social Studies, Grades K-12 shows how the field is more than simply memorizing dates and facts—it encapsulates the skillful ability to conduct investigations, analyze sources, place events in historical context, and synthesize divergent points of view.

The Visible Learning framework demonstrates that learning is not an event, but rather a process in which students move from surface-level learning to deep learning, and then onto the transfer of concepts, skills, and strategies. Encouraging learners to explore different facets of society, history, geography, and more, best practices for applying visible learning to social studies curriculum are presented through:

·         A scaffolded approach, including surface-level learning, deep learning, and transfer of learning

·         Examples of strategies, lessons, and activities best suited for each level of learning

·         Planning tools, rubrics, and templates to guide instruction

Teachers must understand the impact they have on students and select approaches to maximize that impact. This book will guide you through the process of identifying the right strategy for the right time to successfully move students through surface, deep, and transfer learning.


Book Study Zoom dates from 4:15-5:15:

Jan. 18th- Ch. 1
Feb. 22nd- Ch. 2
March 29th- Ch. 3
April 26th- Ch. 4 and 5

Depth & Complexity Courses

by Jodi Church -

If you're looking for differentiation strategies to use with your students, Depth & Complexity is your answer! The Depth & Complexity framework can be used in any content area and at any grade level. The best part is that the strategies and resources can be put to use immediately and can be used successfully with your current curriculum and with all students. 

See the flyer for more information and contact Jodi at jodic@ecboces.org with questions. 

Depth & Complexity Course Flyer


Help! I have a Newcomer in Secondary

by Megan Eikleberry -
REMINDER!! Zoom session from 4:15-5:15 for secondary teachers. 

Do you have students new to English in your content classroom? Join Beth Skelton as she provides concrete, practical strategies for making grade level content lessons comprehensible for students even on the first day. In this interactive session, you will experience learning content in a new language and apply those strategies to your own lessons. A $25 stipend will be given to those who attend. 

Upcoming Early Childhood Cluster

by Lorie Coonts -

Early Childhood Cluster is providing training for teachers on "SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) for Preschool". The presenter, Bill Brown is an Affective Needs/Serious Emotional Disability Consultant from Colorado Department of Colorado. This training opportunity will be offered on Monday, October 24, 2022, via Zoom.

Worlking Collaboratively to Create IEPs

by Beverly Blagg -

East Central BOCES is providing training for parents and teachers on "Working Collaboratively to Create IEPs. The presenter, Tracy Gershwin is an Intervention Specialist and Applied Behavior Analysis from the School of Special Education at UNC.  This training opportunity will be offered on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, from 4:30-5:15 via Zoom. To join the meeting click on this link: https://ECBOCES.ZOOM.US./J/96153784112

If you have questions please reach out to Bev Blagg at 719-740-0544.

Please Ignore previous Upcoming Event reminder

by Emma Richardson -
Earlier today, our website inadvertently sent out a reminder for an event.  We apologize for any confusion.  Please ignore the email - it was due to an event that was apparently set up in error.  

November 4, 2022 CPI Initial Class Added

by Beverly Blagg -

After hearing a need from districts we added a CPI Initial training on November 4, 2022.  Register for this training on the East Central BOCES website prior to October 21, 2022, to allow sufficient time to complete the virtual portion of the training. If we do not have 6 participants signed up for the course by October 21, 2022, the class may be canceled.

The intent and philosophy of CPI are to provide the best care, welfare, safety, and security at any given moment to the individuals in your charge even in violent moments. 

Registration: Please register online at www.ecboces.org Please make sure your email address is correct or one that you check often as a portion of the class will be completed online. The link will be sent to this email address from CPI Learning (no affiliation with ECBOCES).  The last day to register for each class is 2 weeks prior to the in-person class.  No online module links will be sent out after this date.

Fee for EC BOCES districts: Initial Certification - $43 Recertification - $38 

Location: All trainings are in a blended format with a portion completed online and finishing training at the East Central BOCES Training Room.  Online module completion is required to participate in the in-person training.

Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Contact CPI Certified Instructors: JoDee Ellis - jodeee@ecboces.org                                                             Callie Burgess-callieb@ecboces.org

In an effort to meet the Colorado State Board of Education Rules for the Administration of the Protection of Persons from Restraint Act, specifically: R-2.03 Staff Training – “All public educational programs shall ensure that staff utilizing restraint in schools or facilities are trained.” 

Training shall include "2.03(1) a continuum of prevention techniques; 2.03(2) environmental management; 2.03(3) a continuum of de-escalation techniques; 2.03(4) nationally recognized physical management and restraint, including, but not limited to, techniques that allow restraint in an upright or sitting position; 2.03(5) methods to explain the use of restraint to the student who is to be restrained and to the individual’s family; 2.03(6) and appropriate documentation and notification procedures.” 



DBQ Project at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

by Megan Eikleberry -

Please see the attached flyer if you are interested in this professional development opportunity. 

The museum is generously offering an additional benefit to teachers who participate in this program.  This workshop will qualify them to borrow artifacts from the museum's teaching collection for their classroom use. 

Quick Facts:
October 9, 2022
9 a.m. -1:30 p.m. 
Lunch and light breakfast included
Behind-the-scenes tour of museum's archaeology and anthropology collection
Certificate Verifying  Attendance

DBQ Flyer

Help! I have a Newcomer English Learner in my Secondary class!

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

10/11/2022 - Help! I have a Newcomer English Learner in my Secondary Class!

This will be a Zoom event.

DATE: Tuesday, October 11, 2022 

TIME: 4:15 - 5:30 P.M. 

PRESENTER: Beth Skelton 

DESCRIPTION: Do you have students new to English in your content classroom? This session provides concrete, practical strategies for making grade level content lessons comprehensible for students even on the first day. In this interactive session, you will experience learning content in a new language and apply those strategies to your own lessons. Make sure you register on the EC BOCES website if you plan to attend to get the Zoom link.

Welcome to DBQ Online

by Megan Eikleberry -


If you teach Social Studies or English and have not registered for DBQ Online, please follow the instructions below to access some amazing resources!
We're excited to work with you and help you get started with our platform. Below are several resources to help you launch the year.

For Teachers:

  • Teacher Login Instructions via Google (image below)
  • Getting Started Guide (download)

To Share with Students:


 
Once you've logged in, you're ready to set up classes and create assignments! Click the button below to learn how to get started with DBQ Online.
Check out our Getting Started Guide!
Looking for more help? We offer weekly, hour long demos to help teachers learn to use DBQ Online.
Sign-Up for a Demo

Downloads/Attachments

Getting Started Guide
Student Login Instructions

ATTENTION ALL PARAPROFESSIONALS

by Lorie Coonts -

The following are upcoming Paraprofessional Clusters and their topics: 

Sept. 19, 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. - over Zoom

Rescheduled from September 1st.  Roles and Responsibilities of a Classroom Paraprofessional!  

Oct. 3rd, 4:30-6:30 - over Zoom
Callie Dolan, a Family Resource Specialist for East Central BOCES will present on behaviors in students. She will discuss possible reasons for students to have behaviors and ways to minimize unwanted behaviors. She will also discuss strategies that can be used "in the moment" to help the student regulate their emotions and behaviors. 


Jan 10th, 4:30-6:30 - over Zoom
Kyle Pocock, a Family Resource Specialist for East Central BOCES will present on the triggers of trauma and appropriate ways to respond to those triggers.  Having an understanding of general trauma and triggers can help para educators mitigate potential behavior responses in students and create a safer more successful learning environment.

Register to attend so you can get the link for Zoom and a certificate for certification!  

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

by Megan Eikleberry -

IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF COLORADO: 

                           For kids from birth-age 5

Kit Carson and Lincoln County have recently been added to receive this program. 

The mission of the Imagination Library of Colorado is to increase literacy by ensuring all young children across the state may participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

Our goal is to provide support to current affiliates and launch new affiliates so all children in Colorado have access. 

We know that reading begins at birth, that the benefits of a home library go far beyond the books, and that parents and guardians are a child’s first and best teacher. By providing books every month at no cost to families, the Imagination Library increases childhood literacy rates, fosters a love of books, and promotes a culture of reading among all families in Colorado.

  • Imagination Library books are specially selected age-appropriate, high-quality titles.
  • Our books are delivered to registered children each month from birth to age five.
  • Each book is personalized with the child’s name and mailed directly to the child’s home.
  • This creates a gifting experience, making books exciting, showing the child someone is thinking of them. 

Share this with families in your communities, friends with young kids, or sign up your own young kids for free! Click on the link below and select enroll 

https://www.imaginationlibrarycolorado.org/?fbclid=IwAR2oEyzp1YuHCTzs7l4EFpaLOmWTy14CIS3r2iGw_cKbks2mJz2jhGlHCr8


English Learners: Redesignation, Screening and Identification Zoom: Join us on Wednesday, September 7

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2022 

Register on the EC BOCES website

TIME: 4:15 - 5:15 P.M. PRESENTER: JoAnn Anderson EC BOCES ELL Consultant -facilitated by EC BOCES Title III Coordinator Mitzi Swiatkowski 

LOCATION: Zoom 

Hi All,

As school district instructional teams begin reviewing their Home Language Surveys, screening students, determining language proficiency designations of students and notifying parents, many teams have questions about the process, or a specific situation.  Please join us tomorrow (Wednesday) if you have questions or would like to take part in the presentation, discussion and Q & A.

EL Consultant, JoAnn Anderson will review English learner identification requirements, in addition to information about data needed for Data Pipeline and other State and Federal guidance and obligations to be considered when serving English learners. There will be time for questions at the end of the session.

Upcoming SPED Fall Inservice

by Lorie Coonts -

DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 2022    

TIME: 9:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

PRESENTER: FBA-Bill Brown, CDE Consultant  Nicole Kollath, and Leah Price Sped Coordinators. 
Sped Updates; Nicole Kollath, Leah Price, Moira Hawks, and Beverly Blagg

REQUIRED FOR: SpEd Teachers and Related Service Providers ONLY!!

LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room
DESCRIPTION: NO ZOOM WILL BE OFFERED Topic is Functional Behavior Assessments - including discussions on replacement behaviors, data collection, interpretation of data, and related service providers' support.   Special education updates will include a review of the new sped teacher planning manual.  Lunch and recertification credit will be provided. 

Please Register on the website: www.ecboces.org by Tuesday, October 4, 2022 so we have a count for food and materials.  If you have any questions, please contact Tracy Grimes at 719-775-2342 ext. 101

Reschedule Para-Professional Cluster

by Lorie Coonts -

Hello Paras,

Last night's para cluster, Roles, Responsibilities and Confidentiality had some technical difficulties. This training has been rescheduled for Monday, September 19th from 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. 

I apologize to those who were trying to log on and couldn't.  I believe the situation is now resolved.

I look forward to seeing you over zoom on the 19th.  If you have not already registered, please do so ASAP.  

Please share with your colleagues.  Principals share this information with all new para-professionals.

Grant Opportunity - free tools for your classroom!

by Emma Richardson -

For the past few years, we have been able to provide professional development in Computer Science related areas (Robotics, 3D Printing, etc) and been able to provide some tools for your classrooms.  As I get ready to submit another application, I would request that you take a couple of minutes to complete this very brief survey to help me meet your needs in this area.

CLICK HERE TO RESPOND

Thank you.

MSU Denver Trauma-Informed Practices 4-Part Series

by Beverly Blagg -

MSU Denver is offering a free 4-part Trauma-Informed Practices training series. We were fortunate to be able to collaborate with MSU Denver and North East BOCES to have Part 1 of the series presented as our first PD for All Cluster to be held on September 22, 2022, via Zoom. The topic of this session is Understanding Trauma and Stress. To register for this training go to the calendar at the EC BOCES website.

MSU Denver would like to give BOCES and District Staff priority to register for the following 3 sessions that are part of the 4-part series. To save the date for the follow-up sessions go to:  https:tinyurl.com/TIP-qr-code.  

Anyone who attends all four training sessions is eligible to attend a week-long Training of Trainers Training offered during summer 2023. EC BOCES would like to support a team in attending the Training of Trainers. EC BOCES would pay for lodging and meals for participants to attend the Training of Trainers and would provide compensation when you train others within the EC BOCES Administrative Unit. 

If you are interested in being a part of EC BOCES Training of Trainers make plans to attend the 4-part series and contact Beverly Blagg at bevb@ecboces.org or 719-740-0544. 


Zoom Account Login Process

by Emma Richardson -

There have been changes made to the Zoom Login process and you are ONLY able to login using SSO login.  The first time that you use SSO login, it will prompt for a domain - please type ecboces in this box and then login with your ECBOCES login info.  This will only affect people that were using Google login to access their Zoom account. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause but the ECBOCES SSO login will also give you access to our website and the helpdesk without the need to login again.  On both of these sites, just use the ECBOCES SSO button to automatically log you in to these sites.

If you have any trouble, please put in a ticket at our helpdesk (help.ecboces.org) or email help@ecboces.org.

Thank you.

English Learners: Redesignation, Screening and Identification Zoom

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 2022 

TIME: 4:15 - 5:15 P.M. PRESENTERS: JoAnn Anderson EC BOCES ELL Consultant and Title III Coordinator Mitzi Swiatkowski 

LOCATION: Zoom 

DESCRIPTION: If you would like to review, or have questions about the redesignation, screening, and identification of English learners, this is the Zoom for you. EL Consultant, JoAnn Anderson and coordinator, Mitzi Swiatkowski will facilitate the hour long Zoom session addressing the noted topics, in addition to information about data needed for Data Pipeline and State and Federal Requirements. There will be time for questions at the end of the session.

READ Act Training Stipends Available for Consortium Member Teachers Responsible for Reading Instruction

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

ECBOCES is working to support consortium member district teachers as they complete the online modules and earn a certificate for the required K-3 reading training (CDE deadline Monday, Aug. 1).  

Consortium teachers responsible for reading instruction who are eligible for the stipends include teachers from the following districts: Agate, Arickaree, Arriba/Flagler, Bennett, Bethune, Burlington, Byers, Cheyenne Wells, Deer Trail, Genoa/Hugo, Hi-Plains, Idalia, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Liberty, Limon, Strasburg, Stratton, Woodlin.  (Title III consortium members working in districts outside of this list are not eligible.)

The current budget includes funding for ECBOCES to offer consortium member teachers (who have not yet completed the training) a stipend for completing the following CDE approved PD (while funds last):  Option 5-CDE-Provided Training (online course or face-to-face at no cost to the teacher).

Register for the CDE training at this link:  http://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/onlinecdetraining

Contact Mitzi Swiatkowski at mitziski@ecboces.org with any questions.



Upcoming CPI Classes August 2022

by Lorie Coonts -

Hello All - 

If you need an CPI Initial course or the CPI Refresher you need to sign up for these ASAP!  Space is limited!  

CPI INITIAL CLASS

DATE: Monday, August 1, 2022

TIME: 9:00 A.M. - 3: 00 P.M.
PRESENTERS: JoDee Ellis & Callie Burgess
LOCATION: East Central BOCES West Training Room
DESCRIPTION:
Please see information attached. You must register in advance in order to receive the written portion of the course to have completed by the in-person training. Lunch will be provided.

CPI REFRESHER

DATE: August 2, 2022
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
PRESENTER: Callie Burgess and JoDee Ellis
LOCATION: West Training Room, ECBOCES
DESCRIPTION: This is blended format training. All participants must register prior to the live training to receive access to the online part that must be completed prior to the training.

See information below:  

https://www.ecboces.org/pluginfile.php/16468/mod_forum/post/4401/CPI%20Training%202022-23.pdf?time=1656014706319


Teaching and Learning CoLabs Summer PD

by Megan Eikleberry -


Teaching and Learning CoLab logo

What is a Teaching and Learning CoLab?

Teaching and Learning CoLabs are locally hosted, multi-disciplinary events following a model developed and supported by the Colorado Department of Education. As the name suggests, these events are focused on teaching and learning and are designed for collaboration. Each one brings together stakeholders in K-12, higher education, Colorado's professional teaching organizations, and the Colorado Department of Education.

Who should attend?

Schools are encouraged to form teams that attend a CoLab, with teachers spanning across grades and content areas, along with instructional coaches, curriculum specialists, and building-level administrators. Our target attendance is 200 to 250 attendees per CoLab, with approximately 40% elementary teachers, 40% secondary teachers, and 20% administrators and C&I support staff.

How will attending a CoLab benefit me? How will it benefit my team?

CoLabs are being co-designed by multiple partner organizations to help shape the event into something meaningful and sustainable for teachers and educators across the state. The schedule allows both elementary and secondary teachers to dig into these content areas in 2022:

  • English Language Arts (Reading, Writing, and Communicating)
  • Health and Physical Education
  • Mathematics
  • Science and Computer Science

In addition, leaders and instructional coaches can attend these sessions or a program strand designed for school leaders. At the end of the day, school teams will come together for a facilitated hour of planning where they can make sense of the ideas from the day and consider how to carry them forward into the 2022-2023 school year.

What is the cost to attend? How do I register?

CoLabs are free to attend, although you will be responsible for your travel and any lodging you may need. Each CoLab site page will have registration and suggested travel information.

2022 CoLab Dates and Locations

Greeley CoLab

Wednesday, June 8, 2022

  • Registration
  • Program
  • Travel, parking, maps, and other logistics

Greeley CoLab

Pueblo CoLab

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

  • Registration
  • Program
  • Travel, parking, maps, and other logistics

Pueblo CoLab

Here are some tips as you prepare to register: 

·       Register as a Team: Ideally, we want you to register as a school-based team representing multiple grades and content areas, and we would like a school leader (such as your principal) to attend with you. You can either have each person register themselves as individual ticket holders in Eventbrite, or select multiple tickets and enter the information for each attendee. (If you enter someone else’s information, make sure it’s 100% correct and uses the email address they will be checking in June!) 

·       The Event is Free, But Capacity is Limited: As each CoLab is limited to 200 participants, we want to ensure that everyone who registers attends the event. We encourage registration from participants who can commit to attending the full day. We understand that some changes may arise and we will work with you to adjust your registration if event capacity becomes an issue. 

·       Use Sched to Select Your Sessions: You'll register via Eventbrite but then be prompted to log in to Sched and to select the sessions you wish to attend. Selecting your sessions now helps us make the best use of the venue and helps presenters know how many attendees to expect. 


Contact

For general questions and answers about Teaching and Learning CoLabs, contact Joanna Bruno (bruno_j@cde.state.co.us), director of CDE's Office of Standards and Instructional Support. For site-specific questions, contact information will be listed under each CoLab site page.


Feedback Requested

by Emma Richardson -

We are working on some website improvements and would value feedback from our member districts!  Please take a few minutes to respond to this brief survey and help us as we work on updating the website to better meet your needs.

CLICK HERE 

Thank you.

Emma Richardson

Attention K-6 Elementary Social Studies Teachers!!

by Emma Richardson -

Ute Knowledge History Kits for FREE!!!

Stephanie Hartman from CDE has shared an opportunity for elementary teachers. History Colorado has launched their new Ute Knowledge History Kits!  These free kits are available for educators across Colorado.  They are looking for a few teachers in our area who would be interested in piloting the kit.  If interested, please see more details on the attached flyer. 

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mL0SXJxIMeBcnBOUb5VSdNaP6tY6IanE/view?usp=sharing

REMINDER!! Free WIDA EL PD: Sign up and receive certificate through WIDA

by Megan Eikleberry -

Registration will close on March 22nd. If you plan on attending any of the sessions, please register using the link.

CDE is paying for this PD event presented by WIDA and is offering it only to members of EC BOCES.  Please register with WIDA at the link provided below.  This event will not be on our website calendar; and your certificate will come directly from WIDA.

Engaging Multilingual Newcomers (3 Virtual WIDA Webinars totaling 4.5 ED PD Hours)   

Registration Limit: 40 attendees

Registration Ends: 3/22


Format: Live webinars not to exceed 90 minutes each. Webinars will not be recorded. Alternate tasks available from WIDA  for participants not able to attend.


Webinar 1: Wednesday, 3/30, 4:15-5:45pm

Webinar 2: Wednesday, 4/6,   4:15-5:45pm

Webinar 3: Wednesday, 4/13, 4:15-5:45pm


WIDA Facilitator: Amy Faust Fraser (She presented in Burlington and Bethune about 6 years ago and was excellent!)


Attendance Certificate: Provided by WIDA after attendee completes survey questions following Webinar 3


One thing you must do before registering, is have the person in your district who creates WIDA Secure Portal accounts associated with your district (usually your DAC) create an account for you (unless you already have an account).  This will allow you to access webinars and training on the WIDA website. 

 

After someone in your district has created a WIDA Secure Portal account for you, register at this link: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/language-specialists-engaging-multilingual-newcomers-tickets-247346819997

 

Please contact Mitzi Swiatkowski at mitziski@ecboces.org or Megan Eikleberry at megane@ecboces.org if you have difficulty in registering or have questions about the PD.


READ Act Stipends Available-See Details Below

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

EC BOCES has received approval from CDE to use Title II funds for ($320) teacher stipends for successful completion of CDE approved READ Act PD.  There is funding available for about 90 teachers.  If you completed the required PD since last year’s deadline (May 28, 2021) and did not receive a stipend, please send your documentation, as you are eligible as well.

Terms:  The stipends will be paid out on a first come, first serve basis-until the funding runs out.  Be sure your superintendent signs the form before you send it to BOCES.  We will not be able to pay out the stipend without the superindent's signature (Plan ahead to be sure your superintendent is available to sign).  Once the budgeted amount has been expended, no more funding will be available to be paid out.  Hard deadline: May 28, 2022 (if the funding lasts through that date).  Please submit as soon as you have completed the training, and have the documentation you need to submit. (Form attached.)

Directions:  Email a scanned copy of stipend documentation including the attached form (signed by your superintendent), a completed W-9 (if you do not already have one on file with your current address at EC BOCES), and documentation 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 for payment to certified teachers for completing the following CDE approved PD:  

  • Option 5-CDE-Provided Training (online course or face-to-face at no cost to the teacher), or 
  • Option: 7-A Successfully Completed Training on CDE’s Advisory List of PD Programs.  
The following are not eligible for the PD stipends: Holding a State of Colorado Endorsement as a Reading Teacher or Reading Specialist, CDE-approved Alternative Assessment, Undergraduate or Graduate Reading Course.

To address districts' immediate needs, the payment of the stipend will be limited to K-3 teachers and other teachers (may possibly include admin.) providing literacy instruction for students grades K-3, such as a Title I teacher, EL teacher or Special Education teacher.

Please call or email me if you have any questions.

Best,

Mitzi

--
Mitzi Swiatkowski
EC BOCES
Federal Programs
(719) 775-2342 Extension 114

Free MindSpark Training

by Emma Richardson -

I wanted to let you know we just opened CS for ALL Teachers, a 2.5 hour self-paced learning course focused on integrating CS into 6-12 traditional content areas! 

This course is FREE to the first 250 teachers who enroll thanks to the Gill Foundation!!

Please check it out by enrolling in the course, or pass this along to someone you know who may be interested in learning about CS + 6-12 grade integration!


zGOgTqVNuJ7jjcF7YofTFIZtkEqzE3znVqkIn4NuRdOjd86amqzqyQBRqbUl17FS3GVLY1rEiVP7UB3cQLPwIS_XunTC3zd1DPBbdlroMGPYUDUBH8ZaxSBmbBKSZLDTXNBcQy7-

Educator Loan Forgiveness

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

Apply for the Educator Loan Forgiveness Program
 

The Colorado Educator Loan Forgiveness Program offers loan repayment assistance on qualified loans for educators, mainly for those who serve in rural and hard-to-fill positions in Colorado. Those who qualify may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for any given year. Individuals who continue to qualify may apply every year of the program for up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness annually. The program is funded for five years. The electronic application for the first round of awards will open on Wednesday, Dec. 15. More program details can be found on CDHE's website.

For More Information, Contact Megan McDermott at 720-394-3205 or megan.mcdermott@dhe.state.co.us


Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

by Megan Eikleberry -

IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF COLORADO: 

                           For kids from birth-age 5

The mission of the Imagination Library of Colorado is to increase literacy by ensuring all young children across the state may participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. 

Our goal is to provide support to current affiliates and launch new affiliates so all children in Colorado have access. 

We know that reading begins at birth, that the benefits of a home library go far beyond the books, and that parents and guardians are a child’s first and best teacher. By providing books every month at no cost to families, the Imagination Library increases childhood literacy rates, fosters a love of books, and promotes a culture of reading among all families in Colorado.

  • Imagination Library books are specially selected age-appropriate, high-quality titles.
  • Our books are delivered to registered children each month from birth to age five.
  • Each book is personalized with the child’s name and mailed directly to the child’s home.
  • This creates a gifting experience, making books exciting, showing the child someone is thinking of them. 

Share this with families in your communities, friends with young kids, or sign up your own young kids for free! Click on the link below and select enroll 

https://www.imaginationlibrarycolorado.org/?fbclid=IwAR2oEyzp1YuHCTzs7l4EFpaLOmWTy14CIS3r2iGw_cKbks2mJz2jhGlHCr8

READ Act Update for Teachers

by Megan Eikleberry -

During the Title I training on September 30th, there were many questions regarding the READ Act and wanting clarification on EL students, SPED students, and possible training. The SPED guidance for local districts in ECBOCES is to not include the READ Plan in a student's IEP. These should be two separate documents. Attached is READ Plans and Students with Disabilities Guidance Document from CDE with highlighted areas that contributed to East Central BOCES decision that the READ Plan would not be included in IEP’s. In addition, we have attached an EC BOCES document to assist in integrating components of the IEP into the READ Plan to ensure the documents complement each other.

 

Here is the guidance and response we received from the READ Act Team at CDE:

 

All students in grades K-3 that are identified as having a significant reading deficiency (SRD) should have a READ plan. 

This READ Act and English Learners document provides guidance and flowcharts for determining SRD for English Learners. The READ and EL webpage provides additional information on the READ Act and English Learners and provides a sample READ Plan for English Learners. 

Districts have the option to integrate READ Plan goals into an IEP based on the following language in the READ Act:

CRS 22-7-1206 (3) Notwithstanding any provision of this part 12 to the contrary, if a student is identified as having a disability that impacts the student's progress in developing reading skills, the local education provider shall, as appropriate, integrate into the student's individualized education program created pursuant to section 22-20-108 intervention instruction and strategies to address the student's reading issues in lieu of a READ plan.

 

However, most districts choose to keep these plans separate. This is a local-level decision, and it is recommended that district leadership (including Special Education leadership) consult with district legal counsel to determine the most appropriate related district policy. You may find the information and scenarios in this READ Plans and Students with Disabilities guidance document helpful as you make considerations.

It is important to keep in mind that students with an IEP who are identified as having a significant reading deficiency are entitled to all the supports outlined in the READ Act, including scientifically and evidence-based core instruction, READ Act assessments, and READ plan services, whether documentation of the READ plan intervention instruction and strategies are integrated into the IEP or kept as two separate documents. 

 

Our training team is currently providing the K-3 evidence-based training in teaching reading sessions and is not available to provide live READ Act training this fall. We are updating resources on our website and will be posting a voiceover READ Plan training that can be viewed by individuals or in a group. We will let you know as soon as this training is posted on our website. 

Survival Spanish Recordings Sessions 1-4 Available on the EC BOCES Website

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

Teacher, Alex Taylor, taught four Zoom sessions of "Survival Spanish for Educators" in September.

Links for all four sessions are available on the EC BOCES website (https://www.ecboces.org/), and can be accessed by clicking on the "Professional Development" tile on the homepage, then clicking on the "English Language Learners" tile, then scrolling down to "Survival Spanish Course for Educators". 

Reminder: Survival Spanish for Educators Session #4

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

Teacher, Alex Taylor, will facilitate "Survival Spanish for Educators" Session #4 on Friday, September 24 from 9:00-10:00 AM.  Links for the videos from sessions #1, #2 and #3 are available on the EC BOCES website (https://www.ecboces.org/), and can be accessed by clicking on the "Professional Development" tile on the homepage, then clicking on the "English Language Learners" tile, then scrolling down to "Survival Spanish Course for Educators".  The video for Session #4 will be added as well once the session is complete.

Special Education Paraprofessional Positions

by Beverly Blagg -

Full-Time Special Education Paraprofessionalneeded for our West Area Center-based Learning Program located in Strasburg.  Competitive pay and benefits including individual health insurance. $13-$17 per hour depending on experience. Rewarding position in a supportive work environment with same schedule as Strasburg School District. To apply for this position, please complete the Classified Application for Employment available for download on the ecboces.org website under "Jobs" or contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101.  Please fax completed application to 719-771-4001 or email it to tracyg@ecboces.org Equal Opportunity Employer 


Wrap Up Any In-Progress WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops Before August 31

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

WIDA Secure Portal Redesign and eWorkshops: Complete your coursework today!

If you took advantage of the WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops, and have worked on any workshops that you have not yet completed, you must complete the work before August 31 to be sure you receive the professional development contact hours from WIDA.  More details below: 

The WIDA Secure Portal is getting a makeover! The redesigned WIDA Secure Portal goes live on September 1. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure your professional learning coursework counts! The portal will be down briefly on August 31, so we encourage you to wrap up any in-progress coursework before then.
  • When you log in to the redesigned portal, you’ll notice some changes in how you access WIDA self-paced eWorkshops. Instead of going through the WIDA eLearning Center, you’ll select Professional Learning from the main menu and locate the course you want. Click Course Details and Enroll Now to join the course. From that point, you’ll interact with the course exactly as you’ve done in the past. The next time you log in, you’ll see an option to Enter Course.
  • WIDA will move over your account and course completion history, and you’ll keep your same login information. Have you changed schools or districts recently? Log in and update your account information so you’re ready to go on September 1. Need assistance with your account? Have additional questions about the WIDA Secure Portal? Contact the WIDA Client Services Center at 866-276-7735 or help@wida.us.


Mitzi Swiatkowski Awarded Roy G. Brubacher Award

by Beverly Blagg -

jason, mitzi and greg

Mitzi was award the the Roy G. Brubacher Award on July 12, 2021 at the Colorado BOCES Association meeting held in Colorado Springs. Mitzi is pictured above with Jason Westfall, EC BOCES Executive Director and her husband Greg. The Roy G Brubacher award recognizes outstanding leadership at the regional, state, or national level. Without question awardees show leadership that has impacted school districts in our region, across our state, and even at a national level. This is a well deserved award for Mitzi. She is voice for East Central BOCES schools and other rural schoosl at the state level. Mitzi is very skilled at her job and spends countless hours ensuring everything is completed appropirately and timely to ensure EC BOCES districts receive funding they need to provide services to students. As Jason shared in his nomitation letter, most of us are replaceable as someone could step in and take are place if needed, but that is not the case with Mitzi. The skills and knowledge she exhibits are outstanding and she it not replaceable. Congratulations Mitzi for this well deserved award!

(Edited by Jason Westfall - original submission Thursday, July 15, 2021, 8:43 AM)

Educator License Extension Beginning July 1

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

Educator Licensing

Professional license extension increased to 7 years

Recently passed Colorado House Bill 21-1104 extends all professional teacher, special services, principal and administrator licenses from five to seven years. Beginning July 1, all applications for professional licenses will be issued for seven years and all active professional licenses will automatically be extended two years, (as will any professional licenses issued in response to renewal applications already submitted).

This two-year extension also delays the deadlines for meeting any required English learner, special education and behavior health professional development activities at the time of renewal, thus granting educators additional time to meet these requirements. Visit the Educator Professional Development Requirements webpage for more information

Please keep in mind that READ Act requirements do not pertain to licensure so this extension does not apply to them. However, the deadline for individuals teaching reading in a K-3 classroom to meet this requirement has been extended to the beginning of the 2022-23 school year. Visit the K-3 Teacher Evidence-Based Reading Training Requirements webpage for more information about the READ Act and how individuals may fulfill its expectations.


In Case You Are Interested in Completing Free Self-paced EL PD by WIDA eWorkshops by August 31!

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

CDE has paid WIDA to provide these eWorkshops to Colorado teachers to earn EL PD hours for free.  This will not be available forever.  If you need assistance getting onto the WIDA website for access to the eWorkshops, contact the person(s) in your district who has/have an account to administer the ACCESS assessment, and they should be able to guide or assist you in gaining access to the site/workshops.  EC BOCES does not have the capacity (is not able) to assist with the WIDA website.

Hello, 
 
Have you been meaning to try a WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshop to earn EL PD contact hours? Or perhaps you started one, but didn’t get a chance to finish? Don’t worry, you have until August 31, 2021, to access this year’s self-paced offerings: 

  • WIDA Writing Rubric 
  • Doing and Talking STEM 
  • Classroom Educators: Engaging Multilingual Newcomers 
  • Leading for Equity: Classroom Walkthrough 
  • Social Studies: Engaging Multilingual Learners through Inquiry 
  • Developing Language for Learning in Mathematics 
  • School Improvement Planning for Multilingual Learners 
  • The WIDA ELD Standards Framework: A Collaborative Approach 
Visit the WIDA Self-Paced eWorkshops webpage to view eWorkshop descriptions, estimated time to complete each course, and more. 

If you’ve started an eWorkshop, and haven’t had a chance to complete it yet, follow these steps: 
  1. Log in to your WIDA Secure Portal account and click on the WIDA eLearning Center tile. 
  2. Click into the eWorkshop you started. Look to see if you have any green checkmarks on the Modules page (located on the left menu bar). This may help you determine where you left off. 
  3. Work through the eWorkshop modules, which may include videos, handouts, and activities. 
  4. When you’re finished, print a certificate to document your eWorkshop completion. 
Questions? Visit your member/state page on the WIDA website for specific instructions from your State Education Agency, or contact the WIDA Client Services Center at 1-866-276-7735 or help@wida.us
 
With gratitude, 
Your friends at WIDA 

FINAL REMINDER: DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR READ ACT STIPENDS FOR K-3 TEACHERS OF LITERACY IN THE EC BOCES CONSORTIUM

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

EC BOCES received approval from CDE to use Title II funds to pay out ($320) stipends to any teachers providing K-3 literacy instruction in EC BOCES Consortium schools for successful completion of CDE approved READ Act PD.

Colorado school districts are required to ensure all K-3 teachers complete evidence-based training in teaching reading as a result of changes to the Colorado READ Act in SB 19-199.  This would include Title I, ELD and SPED teachers working with K-3 students in the area of literacy as well.

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 for the stipends: May 28, 2021 (if the funding lasts through that date).  Please submit as soons as you have completed the training, and have the documentation you need to submit.  There is NO GUARANTEE THIS FUNDING WILL BE AVAILABLE AGAIN.

Contact Mitzi at mitziski@ecboces.org if you have questions

The stipends will be paid for with Federal funds and are approved for payment to certified teachers for completing the following CDE approved PD:  
  • Option 5-CDE-Provided Training (online course or face-to-face at no cost to the teacher), or 
  • Option: 7-A Successfully Completed Training on CDE’s Advisory List of PD Programs.  
The following are not eligible for the PD 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 (may possibly include administrators) providing literacy instruction for students grades K-3, such as a Title I teacher, EL teacher or Special Education teacher.




READ Act Stipend deadline approaching: May 28

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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.


Great News for K-3 Teachers in Reference to EL PD and READ Act Required PD-The READ Act Modules Could be Used to Serve Both Purposes!

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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.

Teachers will be required to align all of the EL PD with a standard element in the EL PD Matrix and will need to justify how it aligns with the element.  1 hour will be required in each element and the other hours can go under any of the elements as long as they can be justified under the element.  

CDE designed a new matrix that can be found at the link below (with a short video that explains how to use the matrix).  Scroll down to the blue box to find those items.  They have told me they will accept the old form as well, but the new form might be easier to complete.  I am unable to attach a document to this announcement, but I completed my 45 hours and have an example of the matrix if you would like a model.  Just email me at mitziski@ecboces.org

Thanks so much to the teacher for being proactive in understanding the online READ Act modules and thinking out of the box about meeting the EL PD requirements at the same time!  We will all benefit from her great thinking!

CDE Online READ Act Training Now Available

by Megan Eikleberry -

CDE provided reading training online is now available. 

Reading Course Details:
  • Registration for the online asynchronous training “Building a Strong Foundation: Developing Early Literacy Skills” by the Public Consulting Group, Inc. is now open.
  • After registering, participants will receive access to the course in the Pepper Learning Experience Platform.
  • Access to the online course will expire one year after the enrollment date.
  • Completion of all course modules and a score of 80% or higher on the end of course assessment are required to meet the evidence-based training in teaching requirements.
Use this link to sign-up for the online training with CDE

https://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/onlinecdetraining

Free EL PD to Support CDE Licensure Requirements

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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.


 

READ Act CDE Trainings

by Megan Eikleberry -

CDE has training courses available for K-3 teachers needing CDE hours to meet the READ Act requirements.

Reading Course Details:

  • All face-to-face sessions will be held virtually as synchronous sessions.
  • Class sizes will be capped at 30 participants.
  • If a minimum of 15 participants do not register for a cohort, the cohort may be canceled.
  • Registration for courses will close 2 weeks prior to the first training session to allow for manuals to be mailed to participants. 
  • Course manuals will be mailed to participants soon after registration closes.
  • Attendance at all training sessions and a score of 80% or higher on the end of course assessment are required to meet the evidence-based training in teaching requirements.
Visit this link to sign-up
https://www.cde.state.co.us/coloradoliteracy/cdeprovided-readingtraining-f2f

Great teacher opportunity!

by Emma Richardson -

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.

One Year out of High School - Survey Calls

by Nicole Kollath -
Hello Families, Students, Staff and Service Providers. 

As part of the Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP) results-based accountability process, OSEP requires states to gather information from students one year post high school exit as part of our State Performance Plan Indicator 14. In Colorado, districts are responsible for contacting students to collect data on special education students who have graduated, dropped out, or aged out and report that information to the Colorado Department of Education. This survey is intended for students who have left high school or a transition program, not those currently enrolled in a secondary education program. 

These calls will begin around June 1st to families of students that graduated one year ago.  Please respond to the call so that we can gather the appropriate data in order to support our special education programs. 

Thank you all! 

(Edited by Lorie Coonts - original submission Monday, May 11, 2020, 9:44 AM)

CDE Guidance to Support Districts in Implementing Federal Programs during COVID-19

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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:

  • COVID-19 and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
  • Colorado Provisional Identification and Placement of English Learners
  • Re-designation of English Learners
  • Colorado EL Distance Learning Guidance
  • COVID-19 and ESEA 

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





MS and HS Science Teachers Only

by Megan Eikleberry -

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 

COVID-19 Resources

by Emma Richardson -

East 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.

EL PD Tips from CDE's Educator Talent News: This should answer many of your questions

by Mitzi Swiatkowski -

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.

  • CLD (or related, such as ESL) endorsement, or
  • English Learner Professional Learning Designation Met=yes

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 webpageA 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.





Google Login for ECBOCES Website

by Emma Richardson -

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.