January 2 is a division-wide professional learning day. The following is a sampling of the many offerings on that day. Over the next few weeks, we will be highlighting more. To view and sign up for courses, please log into the PLMS website.
This week’s highlighted courses:
Literacy and Historical Thinking in Virginia Studies: Strategies for Diverse Learners
What do literacy and historical thinking look and sound like in diverse social studies classes? Join this hands-on session to learn interactive strategies to help prepare students to engage in literacy and historical thinking practices in Virginia studies. Participants will explore cooperative strategies and structures to support students’ acquisition of key social studies skills, including cause and effect, sequence, and analysis of primary and secondary sources. The discussion will include how to differentiate learning experiences for English learners, students with disabilities, and talented and gifted students. #14777
For Teachers, by Teachers: Best Practices in World Language Instruction
How can we implement best practices and strategies in world language instruction to improve student achievement? In this workshop, teachers will share their best practices and strategies with their colleagues. Participants will learn from each other and implement engaging and effective activities in their own instruction. Please contact Tanja Mayer-Harding if you would like to present an activity, assessment, strategy, technology tool, etc. #14497
Supporting Students with Disabilities for Special Education Paraprofessionals
How can we support students with disabilities in accessing the curriculum successfully? Participants will gain an understanding of the purpose of Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). They will be given examples of how to assist teachers with implementation in the co-taught and resource classes. Participants will also learn about special education intervention programs used to support SDI and how to assist with implementation in the classroom. #15265
Ensuring Mathematics Success for ALL: Constructing Performance-Based Assessments and Canvas Work Session (Gr. K-2)
How can we develop streamlined materials to support ACPS teachers as they follow the sequence and pacing of the ACPS mathematics curriculum? How can we develop student project-based inquiry materials to support high-need areas in mathematics? How can K-2 mathematics teacher leaders adapt, revise, or construct authentic performance-based assessments that can be used by ACPS teachers to monitor student progress in mathematics? This work session is a time for Math Leaders Cohort members to construct and format materials their K-2 colleagues can use this school year to implement the written curriculum. It will provide time for mathematics teacher leaders to learn and design engaging and authentic performance assessments aligned with the ACPS mathematics curriculum units. By the end of the work session, participants will have created at least two products to be included in Canvas. #15281
Coherence and Deep Learning: Leading Transformation in Schools
How can I learn about my own leadership style as I help transform my school? Leaders who thrive in turbulent, complex times develop learners who can innovate, apply thinking to new situations, and contribute to the betterment of humanity. Explore a coherence framework for building your team’s capacity to deepen student learning. This interactive session will use video, simulations, and case examples to examine strategies for developing learning cultures that support whole-system change. Drawing upon exemplars, the session will feature insights into innovation that transforms learning and leadership. #15292
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