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Secondary English Newsletter-5
Volume Six, Issue Five/January Issue 2023-24
January 16th English 6-12 PD Day-Winners Announced & Achieve3000 Follow-up
Congratulations to These PD DAY Winners!
Board Game Winners
Mary Brosovich, Columbus Online Academy 9-12
Chad Cecil, Mifflin High School
Melissa Charles, Mifflin High School
Elizabeth Cutler, Mifflin High School
Jennifer Harvey, Columbus Online Academy 6-8
Gwen Herdman, Mifflin High School
Kathy McQuate Columbus Online Academy 9-12
Joseph Morris, Berwick Alternative School
Trisha Roe, Dominion Middle School
Sarah Wadsworth, Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School
YOUR BOARD GAMES WERE SENT TO YOUR BUILDING IN SCHOOL MAIL.
Winter Wellness Activity Winners
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE WINNING WINTER CINQUAINS CRAFTED BY YOUR COLLEAGUES HERE.
Jennifer Bradley, Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys
Mary Brosovich, Columbus Online Academy 9-12
Chad Cecil, Mifflin High School
Melissa Charles, Mifflin High School
Joshua Dodge, Columbus Africentric Early College K-8 School
Renee Grice, Northland High School
Linette McDaniel-Corrigan, Briggs High School
Gina McGowan, Indianola Alternative School
Kathy McQuate, Columbus Online Academy 9-12
Sara Taggart, Mifflin High School
Kathy Ward, Siebert Elementary School
YOUR PRIZES WERE SENT TO YOUR BUILDING IN SCHOOL MAIL.
Achieve3000 Follow-up
January 16th PD Day!
Tuesday, January 16th, was the third District Professional Development Day of the school year. All English 6-12 teachers will have their sessions at the Fort Hayes Campus in Buildings 110 and 101.
- Register Here: #69088 English 6-12, January 16, 2024 PD Day in PD Planner as soon as you can prior to the end of the day on Thursday, January 12th to be sure your name will be on the sign-on/out sheets and you are in the running for some cool giveaways! Sign-in/out will be in Building 110 on the Fort Hayes Campus.
- SEE FLYER HERE.
NOTE: ATTENDEES MUST BRING THEIR OWN ELECTRONIC DEVICES!!
Sessions from internal, community, and vendor facilitators will be offered, as well as independent- and team-led learning via on-demand and planning sessions. This PD Day will feature:
- An opening orientation session to tour through the choices for the day and be introduced to items from Academic Services and SEL
- The second part of a four-part Literacy Chat series focusing on Comprehension
- Dyslexia Law/Screening training for 6th-grade teachers
- Achieve3000 training for 9-11th teachers
- Book Club Meetings for clubs formed at the November PD Day
- TeachingBooks: What's New session
- Third Space English session for those who teach this Columbus State course
- Snippets sessions for StudySync (fluency/word study/SEL) and Canvas (syncing grades)
- Creating Comics in the Classroom sessions facilitated by a former student
- Live and on-demand sessions for building capacity around curriculum resources & literacy tools from CCS, StudySync, and the Ohio Department of Education
- Some working rooms for building-based content teams to collaborate and plan for student learning
- Opportunities to check out and play classroom board games with English themes
- Winter Wellness Activity
- and more!
Power of the Pen Central District 1 Tournament Results
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS, TEAMS, AND COACHES!!!
The Power of the Pen Central District 1 Tournament was held at Circleville High School on January 27th!! Six Columbus City Middle Schools (Berwick, Columbus Africentric, Dominion, Indianola, Ridgeview, and World Language) competed with 11 other schools from across central Ohio. Each school could bring a team of up to six 7th graders and a team of up to six 8th graders. Students competed only against others in their grade level. Students spent the morning in three 40-minute extemporaneous rounds of writing. In each round, they responded creatively to a different open-ended prompt. Both individual and team awards were given. Congratulations to these schools, students, and coaches who placed at the tournament! CCS schools swept the top three spots in the 7th Grade Division, placed 2nd in the 8th Grade Division, and had 12 students (six 7th graders and six 8th graders) finish in the top 12 Individual Writers.
7th Grade TEAM
1st-Dominion
2nd-Ridgeview
3rd-World Language
8th Grade TEAM
2nd-Dominion
7th Grade INDIVIDUAL
2nd-Isa VanKuiken (Dominion)
3rd-Scotlyn Hensley (World Language)
4th-Zakiya Obayuwana (World Language)
5th-Mia Herbeck (Dominion)
7th-Oliver Kinder (Ridgeview)
9th Lilyana Dobelle (Ridgeview)
8th Grade INDIVIDUAL
2nd-Darcy Hazzard (Indianola)
4th-Jacob Meland (Ridgeview)
5th-Jane Wootton (Dominion)
6th-Madeline Marsh (Indianola)
10th-Natalie Shaull (Dominion)
11th-Gianna Lumpkin (World Language)
Winning writers/teams at the tournament, usually the top 50%, will be moving on to the Central Regional Tournament on March 2nd at Ann Simpson Davis Middle School in Dublin. We will know within the next two weeks the names of all students who will be competing at Regionals.
State Qualifiers-JustWrite Ohio Tournament
STATE QUALIFIERS ANNOUNCED
On December 2nd, students from CAHS, Eastmoor Academy, Fort Hayes, Independence, and Northland competed in the first JustWrite Ohio Columbus City Regional Tournament. Students were challenged to respond to one poetry prompt prior to the competition and three creative writing prompts during the competition. Students were divided into two divisions: Division One (9-10th graders) and Division Two (11-12th graders). Students in Division One wrote in Narrative Nonfiction, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction genres. Students in Division Two wrote in Realistic Fiction, Classic Horror, and Science Fiction genres. On January 1st, all of the STATE TOURNAMENT QUALIFIERS from the Columbus City Regional Tournament were announced. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE 16 STUDENTS WHO QUALIFIED FOR THE STATE TOURNAMENT!!
Division One
Caren Adjei, Independence (creative writing)
Niciya Austin, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Amaya Brown, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Ryder Caudill, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Cadence Hensel, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Jayah Hunt, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Shyla Nutt, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Division Two
Saja Al-Hashemi, CAHS (poetry and creative writing)
Akilah Bayless-Sizemore, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
Kim'Mya Byrd-Green, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
Houley Koundourou , CAHS (creative writing)
Sloan Mercerhill, Fort Hayes (creative writing)
Lucie Miller, Fort Hayes (poetry and creative writing)
Fennic Milner, CAHS (creative writing)
Brillyant Moore, Northland (poetry and creative writing)
Amaiya Moorer, Eastmoor Academy (creative writing)
The state competition will be held on May 9th at the University of Findlay.
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SOME NEXT STEPS FOR COACHES AND WRITERS
ALL writers who received a #1 paper within a round or submitted a winning poem at the JustWrite Ohio Columbus City Regional Tournament need to type their pieces and upload them into this GOOGLE FORM. They can use the scanned copies sent to the coaches from JustWrite Ohio on January 1st to type the stories. Each piece will require a separate upload. You can also find the link to upload on the website in the Columbus Regional folder. All stories must be uploaded in either document or PDF format, have the permissions set to allow others to view them, and must have the following information:
Writer Name
Writer Code/School
Round
Title
To be considered for possible State Tournament awards and publication, typed stories must be uploaded by Friday, February 2, 2024. Coaches, if you have questions, please reach out to Sara Nelson at sara.nelson@justwriteohio.org.
CJIT 2024 Registration is Closed
COLUMBUS JOURNALISTS IN TRAINING 2024
There were over 100 students who applied for the 30 slots available for CJIT 2024. Students will be selected based on interests in English, journalism, creative writing, podcasting, broadcasting and similar topics and those selected students will be notified this week via email. They will experience intensively interactive exercises while being coached by media professionals at four Saturday sessions: Jan. 20, Feb. 3, Feb. 17, and March 2 from 10am-2pm at Fort Hayes Construction Arts Building. Students will be paired with sets of at least two journalists from the print/digital and broadcast media. Teams will serve as mentors and help students complete a final project that will be presented on Saturday, March 16th from 10am-1pm (location TBD) and can be used by Columbus City Schools and/or Dispatch.com.
District Poetry Slam Registration Opening Soon
2024 POETRY SLAM-APRIL 27TH
The registration will open very soon for the 2024 CCS District Poetry Slam!! Now is the time to start forming your school's team!
Middle School Poetry Slam Rules
1. Each middle school may bring a total of eight (8) poets.
2. Each middle school will have four slots or times to perform (four individual and/or group poems total).
3. The same rules apply as in the high school slam:
- No props, costumes, instruments, or music.
- There is a three minute time limit with a ten second grace period.
4. No poet may perform in more than two poems (for instance, a poet may perform one individual poem and one group poem, or in two group poems.
5. Group poems may not have more than six (6) poets on stage at once.
6. Poets may bring their typed poem up on stage (there will be a music stand).
7. Poems must be school appropriate.
High School Poetry Slam Rules
1. Each high school may bring a total of six (6) poets.
2. Each high school will have four individual slots or times to perform (four poems total—one per poet).
3. The same rules apply as in the middle school slam:
- No props, costumes, instruments, or music.
- There is a three minute time limit with a ten second grace period.
4. Poets may bring their typed poem up on stage (there will be a music stand).
5. Poems must be school appropriate.
Optional High School Group Poetry Rules
There will be an optional group poem competition for the high school slam. Group poems follow the same rules as above, but schools may only have up to six poets on stage. The high school group poems will be performed prior to intermission.
Judging
There are five judges who will score the poems on a scale of 0-10 (out to one decimal point). The scores are not shown to the audience (which is different than a traditional slam).
Trophies and Medals
“Sandy Cox” Memorial Trophy-Winning High School Team
CCS Middle School Trophy-Winning Middle School Team
Medals-Top Three Middle and High School Teams
Medals-Top Three Middle and High School Poets
Medals-Top High School Group Poem
Newer Items & Events
JUSTWRITE OHIO JANUARY CONTEST
This contest is open to any 9-12 grade student in Ohio. The winning writer will not only receive an Amazon gift card but the teacher/school associated will win a $50 discount on the 2024/25 Regional registration fee! Click HERE to get more information about the contest and specific entry details.
JustWrite OhioCreative Writing Contest Prompt
Genre: Fantasy
Prompt: Use the photo to the right as inspiration for your tale
1. How to Enter
A student writes an original story, no more than 1,500 words in length, that matches the genre and prompt provided above
PDFs of stories and entry forms must be emailed to contests@justwriteohio.org
Entry deadline 2-2-24 by 5 PM.
2. Contest
Limit one entry per participant. Submission of an entry form and a PDF of written story constitutes permission for JustWrite Ohio to use the participant’s name, likeness, biographical information, information, and materials contained in the entry form, photographs, and any statements or remarks made about the contest for advertising and promotional purposes without additional compensation.
HELPING EL STUDENTS WITH OELPA PRACTICE
The CCS ESL Coordinators have shared the need for all ELs to do a practice OELPA test and asked if English teachers could help by giving ELs in their class this OELPA Goals Worksheet and asking them to take a practice OELPA. To make the OELPA practice easier for teachers, the ESL team has distributed the 3 available OELPA practices to all English Learners (even in general ed. classes) directly from the ESL Dept. to their Edcite accounts. (All middle and high school ELs already have an Edcite account). Teachers will need to tell students which OELPA practice to do. Tests 2 and 3 are the shorter versions. Students should not do all 3 practice tests. They will appear in orange when the student signs into Edcite (through Clever or Edcite.com) using their google sign in. This is a request and therefore, not a mandate. Students can do the test at home, you are just letting them know it exists. If there are any English Learners that cannot get into their Edcite account, please email Timothy Crabtree to register them with Student name and ID #. Reach out to Mark Paskert with any questions. All OELPA practice needs to end on January 26.
INFO FROM ODEW
College Credit Plus Teacher Credentialing Grants aim to increase the number of high school teachers credentialed to teach College Credit Plus coursework at their local high schools. An informational webinar will be held Jan. 24. Applications are due March 1.
STUDYSYNC'S 11TH ANNUAL MEDIA CONTEST
Get ready for StudySync's Student Media Contest. To enter, students can record and submit their own StudySyncTV video, podcast episode, preview video, concept definition video, novel poster, short graphic novel, or DailySync lesson about their favorite book outside the StudySync library. The grand prize for the top entry will be a $500 Amazon gift card (awarded to the submitting teacher) for classroom materials and a classroom Zoom chat with StudySync CEO Robert Romano. A $100 Amazon gift card will also be awarded to the submitting teacher for top middle and high school entries in each category listed below! Teachers have until May 1st, 2024, to send in submissions on behalf of their students, along with parent/guardian permission, and submit via this Google form.. Winners will be notified via email by Wednesday, May 15th. Be sure to email any questions to MySyncTV@studysync.com. They can't wait to see your submissions!
CONTEST CATEGORIES AND DETAILS
StudySyncTV
Student-created StudySyncTV episodes are the “most popular” of our annual contest. Students can collaborate to produce a 5-minute-or-less StudySyncTV-style or SkillsTV-style episode for any text or skill in the StudySync Library that currently does not include a video. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content and check the StudySync Library to ensure their choice does NOT already have a StudySyncTV video.
Podcast
Develop and record an original podcast about any text in the StudySync Library. Students can offer their perspectives on a theme or pertinent topic surrounding the text. Have your students listen to the podcasts embedded in some of our Blasts for inspiration, or even have them listen to one of their choice from Apple or Spotify! Have students take notes about what makes a good podcast to help them plan and script their own. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and/or content.
Preview Video
Produce a video mirroring the Preview videos in StudySync's Intro tab of a text. Students can highlight details about the title’s time period and theme. Please select a novel or text in the StudySync Library that does NOT currently have a Preview video or choose a favorite novel that is not yet in the StudySync Library and develop an audio-visual representation of what is typically found on a book's jacket. Create an introduction that entices fellow students to read the selection. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content.
Concept Definition Video
Produce a video mirroring the Concept Definition or SkillsTV videos! While it is ok to submit a concept definition that is already in the StudySync program, please advise students to rewrite their own script and new conversation between students. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and content. To get started, download a Concept Definition sample script!
Novel Poster
Students develop a digital poster image from an original photo, digital image, or artwork as a backdrop clearly identifying the author and title of the book, for one of their favorite titles from the StudySync Library. Students should use only original images, artwork, and content.
Graphic Novel
Let your writing shine! Students can create a graphic novel based on a favorite title of theirs that isn’t part of the StudySync Library. Text and imagery should be original and concise as well as 10 pages or less in length. Students' words should be their own! Students should use only original images, artwork, and content.
Daily Sync
Learn, create, and connect with your own Daily Sync lesson! Imagine you're a teacher preparing a lesson for your students using a favorite title in the StudySync Library. Students should use only original images, artwork, music, and/or content.
TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
- If you’re considering having students enter the contest, take a look at last year’s winners to get an idea of what they will need to produce.
- Assign the MyStudySyncTV Unit using the Contests filter in the Units tab within the StudySync Library. The MyStudySyncTV Unit engages students in the reading, writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills that are necessary to develop a multimedia project. Completion of the MyStudySyncTV Unit or assignments are NOT required to enter the contest.
- Have students watch several StudySync® TV, SkillsTV, and Preview videos in the Library to provide students with a framework for the project. Also, using the Blasts filter feature, locate podcasts in the Blasts Library by selecting Blasts with ‘audio’ to provide a model for podcast entries.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
Submissions are limited to five (5) entries per category per teacher. Consider having students peer review videos, podcasts, and posters to select the five (5) per category to be submitted. A parent or guardian permission slip must be included for each student participating. Submit each entry via this Google form by 5pm PST on May 1st, 2024. Email any questions to MySyncTV@studysync.com.
2024 CARNEGIE AUTHOR SERIES ANNOUNCED
The Columbsu Metropolitan Library announced their 2024 Carnegie Author Series. Join them for talks with engaging national authors, free and open to all.
- February 18, 2pm: Brendan Slocumb Symphony of Secrets
- April 7, 2pm: Rebecca Yarros Iron Flame
- May 19, 2pm: Lisa Scottoline The Truth about the Devlins
- September 8, 2pm Abby Jimenez Just for the Summer
- October 6, 2pm: Stephen Graham Jones The Angel of Indian Lake
- December 8, 2pm: Dr. Matthew Desmond Poverty, By America
Register and Check Out More Info Here: https://ow.ly/psBe50QpeN6.
OHIO WRITERS' CONFERENCE 2024
Learn more or Register for the Ohio Writers' Association Conference happening on May 4th at the OSU Fawcett Center HERE. Presenters and Keynotes include Danika Bloom, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, and Danielle D. Smith.
2023 OST Report with Recommended Actions
The CCS 2023 OST Report with Recommended Actions is available on the English 6-12 Webpage at the Standardized Testing Quick Link. Take a look at it to see how the district is performing on the ELA 6-8 & 10 Tests. Here are a few overall data points.
- When comparing the 2023 data to pre-pandemic numbers, it should be noted that students taking the ELA 7 & 8 tests matched or exceeded the 2018-19 proficiency results (7th-36%; 8th-30%) with the ELA 8 scores being the highest recorded on the OST at that grade level, and the students taking the ELA 10 test were only 1% behind the scores in 2018-19. This growth is exciting, but still does not mean our students are college and career ready. The writing scores for both the argument and information essays are bleak. Out of a possible 10 points on the essays, our students are averaging 3.45 points on both their Argument and Informational compositions.
- While the state scores in Grades 6-8 & 10 average at 59% proficiency, CCS averages at 30% (up slightly from 28% in 2022). This means that an average of 70% of our students at all grade levels (6th-75%, 7th-64%, 8th-70%, 10th-71%) are scoring at the Limited & Basic levels and only 9-13% of students (6th-13%, 7th-18%, 8th-10%, 10th-9%) are scoring Advanced or Accelerated.
- The percentage scored on single Reading questions on the OST ranged from 13% to 73% and averaged 46% for Literary Text and 40% for Informational Text on Released Questions.
- The weakest area in the writing section of the 2023 OST for all grade levels was EVIDENCE/ ELABORATION (worth 4 points on both the Argument and Informational Essay Rubrics).
Curriculum for Secondary English Courses
Overview Video
- This ENGLISH 6-12 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW VIDEO gives you an overview for Secondary English Curriculum.
Curriculum Maps & Folders
Every District English course has a Curriculum Map with a Scope and Sequence detailing a pathway through the course using adopted resources, and each course has a Course Folder with standard, novel, language, and strategy resources. You can find the Curriculum Maps and Course Folders in the places listed below.
1-Linked in these Google Docs:
2-On the English 6-12 Webpage: Use the Curriculum/Instructional Resources Quick Links on the ELA 6-12 Webpage for easy navigation to English Curriculum Maps and Folders.
NOTE: The ELA 6-12 Webpage Quick Links offer much more than the Google Doc with Links for your curriculum needs. They offer teaching strategies, guiding docs, and help with standards, testing, and more. To access many curricular and district items, you must be logged into Google using your CCS credentials and not a personal account.
Secondary Literacy Plan
- The CCS Secondary Literacy Plan provides teaching strategies/PD (how to teach) that can be used with the texts/lessons from your adopted resources (what to teach) to address these components of the plan: Academic Language, Reading Comprehension, Writing Competency, and Classroom Discussion. It is rooted in Ohio’s Plan to Raise Literacy Achievement and guided by the Adolescent Simple View of Reading. The plan spans from intermediate literacy that crosses curricular areas to disciplinary literacy that reflects the demands of specific disciplines while allowing for individualized intensive interventions, as needed. Inherent in the plan is that students are reading, writing, and discussing every day in classrooms.
- CCS Secondary Literacy Plan Info Page
Adopted, Intervention, and Supplemental Resources for Secondary English Courses
Course Descriptions and Adopted Curriculum Resources Lists
- Course Resource Spreadsheet with Visuals
- CCS Adopted, Supplemental, and Intervention Resources List
- Course Descriptions Quick Link
Adopted and Intervention Resources
The TIER 1 Instructional Resources
StudySync: English 6-12, Alternate English courses, and some Electives
- StudySync Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- StudySync Webinars (register for live Webinars)
Bedford Texts/Launchpad: Honors and AP English
- Bedford/Launchpad Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- Some Elective Courses will have single resource adoptions.
The TIER II/Tier III Intervention Resources and Courses
Resources
- iReady Pathways (6-8) These are below grade level and based upon BOY and MOY. They should not be used for Core instruction.
- Progress to Success (9-12) You can request copies by emailing Carla Mae Phillips.
- Achieve3000 (9-11) Achieve3000 Quick Link
Courses
- Core Enrichment (6-8) This course can be used for Tiers II/III Intervention.
- College/Career Ready Literacy (6-12) This course can be used for Tiers II/III Intervention.
- OST Test Prep-English (9-12) This course uses Springboard's Reading and Writing Workshop books. You can request copies by emailing Carla Mae Phillips.
Supplemental Resource
TeachingBooks is the site where the lists of novels available for teacher use from the warehouse, the curriculum office, in StudySync, and in Course Folders, are found.
- TeachingBooks Info Page (access, tutorials, trainings, and more)
- Accessing Novels (Digital and Hard Copy)
Canvas Integration
If you teach English 6-12 or an alternate English credit-bearing course (e.g. Humanities English 9 or 10, Humanities Language Arts 8, Major British Writers Seminar, African American Literature, Women's Literature, Shakespeare's Literature, etc.), you will need to pair your Canvas courses with your StudySync courses. This will give you access to the Curriculum Map divided into Modules and allow for StudySync to sync assignments and grades. Use the orientation video and document below to learn how to integrate Canvas and StudySync.
StudySync/Literacy PD & Professional Articles
STUDYSYNC WEBINARS
JANUARY
Monday January 8, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Basic Training: How to Navigate Your New StudySync Account Register Now
Tuesday January 9, 2024
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Explore the Power of WritePrecise Register Now
FridayJanuary 12, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Teaching a Blast Lesson: A Beginner's Guide Register Now
Tuesday January 16, 2024
- 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM Basic Training: The Reading Routine - Reading & Rigor in StudySync Register Now
Wednesday January 17, 2024
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM Project Based Learning with StudySync Register Now
Thursday January 18, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Customizing Assignments for Personalized Learning Register Now
Friday January 19, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Writing: From Tweets to Tomes - How Students Write in StudySync Register Now
Tuesday January 23, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Diversity and Representation in the StudySync Blast Library: Black History Register Now
Wednesday January 24, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Exploring the Extended Writing Project Register Now
Thursday January 25, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Word Study Lessons Register Now
Friday January 26, 2024
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Basic Training: Create and Grade Assignments Register Now
Tuesday January 30, 2024
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Diversity and Representation in the StudySync Library: Black History Register Now
Wednesday January 31, 2024
- 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Engagement: Increasing Student Engagement and Autonomy Register Now
STUDYSYNC COACHES' COMMUNITY SESSIONS
VALENTINA GONZALEZ-Making Texts Accessible to Middle and High School Students
-February 21, 2024, at 12:00 noon ET
DR. TIMOTHY SHANAHAN
-Watch the live recording of Dr. Timothy Shanahan's session on the Science of Reading.
OHIO LITERACY ACADEMY ON DEMAND
Literacy Academy on Demand from the Ohio Department of Education offers easily accessible professional learning about literacy for grades K-12. In each short course, educators will find:
- A short video from a nationally recognized expert on literacy instruction;
- Resources and tools to use in the classroom, coaching sessions or team meetings;
- Reflection questions to help review current practices and implement new learning; and
- Additional resource recommendations to expand educator learning.
Courses should take 30-60 minutes to complete. Users can take one or two courses to learn about a specific topic or multiple courses to get a more comprehensive understanding of literacy instruction and concepts.
Grades 6-12 Courses: All educators in middle and high school, including content area teachers, can play a significant role in improving students' reading, writing and communication. These courses can benefit teachers, coaches, directors and administrators who support classroom instruction, and any educator who wants to learn more about adolescent literacy.
TEACHINGBOOKS WEBINAR & JANUARY ITEMS
Plan for Summer Reading with TeachingBooks: Wednesday, January 24, 2024 1PM
Get excited about summer reading! Join us for a look at summer reading lists and programming ideas. Register
RECORDED STUDYSYNC PD & ARTICLES
StudySync for New Users (1:58:28)
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers who are new to StudySync (Adopted Resource)
The Reading Routine: Reading and Rigor in StudySync (54:50) Passcode: +p5mbg.M
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
From Tweets to Tomes: How Students Write in StudySync (60:00)
- Session Resources: Extended Writing Project; Data-driven Decision Making + EWP; Conducting Impactful Student Conferences; Student Generated Questions; Metacognitive Skill Building; Ongoing Self-Assessment Document; Tips for writing every day
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
Spark Collaborative Conversations Using StudySync (61:00)
- Slides Link and Resources: Slide Deck; StudySync TV; SyncTV 2 Column Chart
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
Scaffolding in StudySync (63:36) Passcode: kE#d9G6J
- Target Audience: English 6-12 Teachers
STUDYSYNC ARTICLES/RESOURCES
Mid-Year Reflection Coaches' Tool
StudySync Continuum of Practice NEW
Spotlight Skills in a Workshop Model
Getting Started with Foundational Skills
Digital Literacy Units: Watch this video to learn how to deliver these mini-units.
StudySync Supports the Science of Reading Video
Exploring the Role of StudySync Vocabulary in the Science of Reading
Blast + Texts Pairings: Thrilling Tales
Close Reading: StudySync's Routine
Writing Every Day with StudySync: 3 Tips for the New School Year,
Interpreting StudySync in the Classroom
About the AI Series AI Literacy Lessons and ELA Blasts are coming soon, and will explore its history and explain what it means for your classroom.
Visit the StudySync Blog for articles on curriculum resources, program authors' tips, StudySync's pedagogy, and more.
Literacy Symposium Replay
It’s time for some (bonus) learning!
The summer may be over, but the McGraw Hill Literacy Symposium bonus sessions are now live and ready to extend your professional learning! Sign in now using your Zoom account to:
- Access 30 on-demand professional learning sessions from the summer event.
- Watch five new bonus sessions on the Science of Reading, writing, tech in the classroom, and more!
- Discover and download resources you can use in your classroom.
Ready to dive in? Join them in the event space and watch the short Welcome video to get your bearings.
- Use the Sessions tab to access, search, and filter content.
- Explore the Exhibitor tab to access the event FAQ and symposium Playbook.
- Download the Playbook to take notes, learn more about the sessions, and find key takeaways and practical tips that you can put into use in your classroom.
- Certificates of Completion for each session are available for download in the individual session resources which can be used to get CEUs in PDS using the External Credit Requests tab.
Some Teacher Opportunities
OCTELA 24 CONFERENCE
Raising Our Voices: How Place and Space Shape Us as Writers and Thinkers
Saturday, March 2, 2024 with an evening event on March 1; Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center
- Tom Romano, Friday Evening Speaker
- Kelly Gallagher, Saturday Morning Speaker
- Robin Echols Cooper, Saturday Luncheon Speaker
- Dave Lucas, Saturday Afternoon Speaker
Learn more at the Conference Registration page.
EVENTS & MORE FROM FOLGER
Quiz: The Winter's Tale
There’s a bear, a jealous husband, two young lovers, a miraculous twist…. hmm, what else? Take our quiz to see how well you know The Winter's Tale. Take the Quiz.
Quiz: First Folio
How much did you learn about the Shakespeare First Folio of 1623 during the big anniversary year? Test your knowledge with this quiz from The New York Times. Take the Quiz
Birds of Shakespeare
Artist Missy Dunaway concludes her series on our blog with the greylag goose, the subject of Romeo and Mercutio's rapid-fire puns in Romeo and Juliet. Read the Blog Post
Folger Book Club via Zoom – Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30pm
This session will feature a presentation by Ivie Orobaton, a Researcher and Exhibition Specialist for the Center for the Study of Global Slavery at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture actively working on the “In Slavery’s Wake” exhibition project.
Participation is free. Click here to reserve your spot. Register for the discussion. Future Book Club Titles: Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 p.m.; Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong Thursday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m.; The East Indian by Brinda Charry Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.; The Latinist by Mark Prins Thursday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m.
“So, You Have to Read Shakespeare… Bring on Reluctant Readers…. And Reluctant Teachers of Shakespeare!” on January 24, 2024, at 8:00 pm Virtual on Zoom Register Now!
“Juicy Hamlet Lessons from the Creators of The Folger Guide to Teaching Hamlet’s 5-Week Unit” on February 21, 2024, at 8:00 pm Virtual on Zoom Register Now!
Camille T. Dungy, BLOOM: A Virtual Poetry Workshop, February 26, 2024 | 6:30pm (ET)
Virtual on Zoom In this virtual workshop acclaimed poet and essayist Camille T. Dungy, along with a horticulturalist, will present a generative poetry workshop with a botanical theme. Sign up
DICKENS DAY ON WRITING: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INVOLVING YOUR STUDENTS & COMMUNITY
If you are interested in bringing the Dickens Day on Writing to your building/school community, check out the opportunity here: https://teachers.ucsc.edu/dickens-day-of-writing/host-a-day-of-writing/
LIT CON: COLUMBUS
LitCon, the largest K-8 literacy conference in North America—now in its 39th year, is being held in Columbus on January 27-30! The conference is brought to you by the Reading Recovery Council of North America (RRCNA) for the broader literacy education community. Attendees will be among the first to know about current research findings, critical news, and leading practices in K-8 literacy education that go beyond theory to actual practice. Engage in LitCon to tap exclusive resources and build special bonds to move childhood literacy and Reading Recovery forward. Jason Reynolds is the Keynote Speaker. Check out the LitCon Conference Site for information about other speakers, sessions, registration, etc.
NCTE OPPORTUNITIES
- Submit a proposal for NCTE’s Annual Convention (November 21–24, 2024, in Boston)
- Apply to become part of the NCTE Research Foundation’s Cultivating New Voices among Scholars of Color (CNV) program, designed to provide two years of support, mentoring, and networking opportunities for early career scholars of color.
- Nominate yourself or a colleague for a Leadership Award.
Some Student Opportunities
OHIO POETRY ASSOCIATION HIGH SCHOOL POETRY CONTEST
The Ohio Poetry Association (OPA) sponsors an annual high school poetry contest, offering prizes and publication to winners in nine categories. A grand prize-winning poem will be published in Common Threads. Eligible poems will be sent to the Manningham Trust Student Poetry Contest sponsored by the National Federation of State Poetry Societies. The OPA contest is open to any student in grades 9–12. ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED OR EMAILED BY FEBRUARY 25, 2024.
Contest Categories & Sponsors
- Free Verse – A poem of 12 lines on any subject. Sponsor: Jessica Weyer Bentley
- Nature Poem – A poem of any style, up to two pages in length, about seasons, animals, weather, trees, climate, or anything else that expresses an appreciation of the natural world. AI-generated work is not acceptable. Sponsor: Kerry Trautman
- “A Seasoning of Sensations” – A free verse poem of up to 32 lines. Sponsor: Sandra Rivers-Gill
- Poem About Place – Write about where you live. Any length, any style. Sponsor: Jonie McIntire
- School Days – A poem of any style, titled, and one page in length about some aspect of school. AI-generated work is not acceptable. Sponsors: former classroom teachers and poets, Sandra Feen and Rikki Santer
- Meter and Rhyme – Write a poem in any form that has meter and rhyme. Examples include the sonnet, the limerick, the rondeau, the ballad, and the villanelle. 30-line limit. Sponsor: Mark F. Stone
- Lyric Poem – Any subject, i.e., sonnets, villanelles, pantoums, ghazals, elegies, odes and dramatic monologues. Sponsor: Simple Simons Press
- Ethos – Ethos is a Greek word defined as the distinguishing character, sentiment, moral nature, or guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution or the fundamental character or spirit of a culture. Write a poem that reflects in some way your own ethnicity or cultural heritage. Any form. 30-line limit. Sponsor: Chuck Salmons
- Surrealism – Write a free verse poem using surrealist elements, max 40 lines. Surrealist elements include dream-like or strange imagery and symbolism, distorted language, offbeat or unique effects created by the text, and illogical juxtapositions. Take note: surrealist pieces should exhibit their own internal logic, even if that logic heavily departs from the norm. Sponsor: Jeremy Jusek
Get all of the submission, prize, and contest information HERE.
MADLAB SHORT PLAY CONTEST
SUBMISSIONS DUE BY JANUARY 7TH FOR
YOUNG WRITERS SHORT PLAY FESTIVAL 2024!
- Each playwright may submit only one play.
Plays must run approximately 10 minutes.
All plays should include a cover sheet that includes play name, playwright's name, your teacher's name, and your high school's name; a list of characters; set and prop needs.
For complete Young Writers Short Play Festival 24 play submission guidelines and for details on how to submit your play, click this link.
Any questions? See the MadLab site or E-mail MadLab Artistic Director James Blackmon directly at JamesB@MadLab.net.
SEJONG WRITING COMPETITION 2024
Deadline: February 29, 2024
Sijo category The goal of this sijo category is to introduce students to a lesser-known style of poetry, the traditional Korean sijo. Read about how to write sijo, or see last year's winning entries. The sijo is a traditional three-line Korean poetic form organized technically and thematically by line and syllable count. Using the sijo form, participants will write one poem in English on a topic of their choice. Only one entry per applicant is permitted. For examples of sijo, more information, and teaching materials – including teaching guides for sijo, please visit this website for more information.
Adult division (age 19 & older); Pre-college division (age 18 & younger)
Essay category Focusing on introducing students and young adults to Korean culture and history through literature, this essay category utilizes folk tales and contemporary literature to explore Korean culture, past and present.
Adult division (age 19-30 years): Contestants are to read Kim Bo-young's short story “I'm Waiting for You,” and write an essay in response to the provided adult division prompt.
Senior division (grade 9th - 12th): Contestants are to read Kim Bo-young's short story “I'm Waiting for You,” and write an essay in response to the provided senior division prompt.
Junior division (grade 8th and younger): Contestants are to write an essay in response to one of two provided prompts regarding a folktale of the contestant's choice. Contestants must choose one of the stories listed on the folktales page.
Contest and Application Pages
HERE IS THE CONTEST PAGE. There are several helpful links in the body of this page and in the left column index.
HERE IS THE APPLICATION PAGE. Please let students know that they may edit their entries and applications until the competition deadline.
YOUNG WRITERS' STUDIO SPRING SEMESTER
"DON'T GET IT RIGHT, JUST GET IT WRITTEN." - JAMES THURBER
Every other week, local teens gather to write, create, and explore ways to get their stories on paper. Whether it's a passion, or just a hobby, any student in grades 9-12 is invited to gather for an opportunity to spend time with others who also like to write. Sessions take place on select Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm. Young Writers' Studio is held at Thurber Center, 91 Jefferson Ave, and simultaneously Zoomed for virtual participants. Each session is $17, or $150 for the season, and can be paid in advance by registering online. There are also have a limited number of scholarships available for students who would like to attend. For more information or to inquire about a scholarship, please email Meg Brown at megbrown@thurberhouse.org.
Tuesday, January 9th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, January 23rd from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, February 6th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, February 20th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, March 19th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 2nd from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 16th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 30th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, May 14th from 6:30–8:30 pm ET
THURBER HOUSE FLIP THE PAGE
Flip the Page is written, staffed, and produced by Central Ohio teens who have a passion for creating and sharing their work with others. Our mission is to provide a showcase for the work of young local writers and offer opportunities to learn about everything that goes into a publication, from the submission process, to critique, editorial design, and the final printed publication of the journal. All accepted writers and artists receive a complimentary copy of the journal, which is sold on Amazon. Flip the Page is a great way for young writers to find a community that is full of support and inspiration. The deadline to submit will be January 28th, 2024. Note: Flip the Page is a free program. Questions about Flip the Page? Email Katie Warner at kwarner@thurberhouse.org.
How to Submit Your Work
- CLICK THE SUBMIT BUTTON and create an account on the submission portal. Remember to keep your login information handy for the next time you use the submission portal.
- Navigate to "My Entries" and read the instructions.
- Click "Start Entry" to begin your entry form. When you're finished with your entry form, click "Submit Entry" to add it to your cart.
- In the cart, complete the "check out" process to officially send your submission for consideration. If you'd like to submit multiple pieces, complete another entry form and add it to your cart before checking out.
Writing Submission Rules
- Must be a resident of Central Ohio (Franklin, Delaware, Union, Madison, Pickaway, Fairfield, or Licking counties)
- Open to teens ages 13 to 19 years old
- We are interested in short stories, poems, songs, essays, and play excerpts
- Maximum of 800 words per piece
- Limit of two entries per person
- Accepted formats are Word documents and shareable Google documents
HOLOCAUST WRITING CONTEST
Echoes & Reflections is proud to partner with Chapman University for this year's 25th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing Contest: Answering the Call of Memory: Choosing to Act.
Middle and high school teachers can register now for this unique learning opportunity, which allows students to explore how survivors’ memories can inspire them to take action and engage in acts of tikkun olam, healing the world, even in small ways. Chapman University welcomes schools throughout the U.S. and abroad and invites them to submit up to three entries per school in any combination of the following categories: art, film, poetry, or prose. Submissions via postal mail are due by February 2, and digital submissions are due by February 5, 2024.
Engage Students with Digital Activities to Inspire Submissions: These dynamic activities combine the power of Holocaust survivor and witness testimony with inquiry-based learning pathways to encourage critical thinking, reflection, and understanding of this vital history and its ongoing meaning.
NCTE STUDENT WRITING AWARDS
Student Writing Awards
Achievement Awards in Writing (for 10th and 11th grade students)
This school-based writing program encourages high school students in their writing and publicly recognizes some of the best student writers in the nation.
Deadline February 15
Promising Young Writers (for 8th grade students)
This school-based writing program stimulates and recognizes student’s writing talents and emphasizes the importance of writing skills among eighth-grade students.
Deadline February 15
PRINCETON SUMMER JOURNALISM PROGRAM
The 2024 Princeton Summer Journalism Program application is now open!
The application for the 2024 Princeton Summer Journalism Program is now open and due on Thursday, February 15, 2024. PSJP is a free, year-long college preparation program for current juniors from limited-income backgrounds who are interested in journalism. Participants complete a multi-week journalism intensive during the summer after their junior year and receive personalized college application help during their senior year. Prior journalism experience is appreciated but not required. Successful applicants tend to be interested in writing, politics, current events, history, social justice, service or civic engagement, identity, art, culture, and/or economics. Review the eligibility requirements to determine if your students are eligible and nominate an applicant today!
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Princeton Summer Journalism Program Educator's "Coffee Hour" - Information Session
There is a virtual information session just for educators and program coordinators to answer questions about what the program is, who is eligible, why they should apply, and how we can help you support your students through the application process.
Dates: Thursday, December 14, 2023; 2:00pm ET or Monday, January 8, 2024; 2:00pm ET
Register today. Visit psjp.princeton.edu to view our full calendar of informational sessions for students, families, and educators or nominate an applicant today!
O’CONNOR INSTITUTE AMBASSADORS CIVICS & DEBATE CLUB
Calling all high-school-age leaders! Want to impress colleges, sharpen your leadership talents, connect with other driven students from around the country, enhance your civics knowledge and civil discourse skills, and debate the most important civics topics facing our communities and nation?
Look no further: The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is for you.
- Compete for a $5,000 college scholarship
- Hone your speech and debate skills
- Deepen your understanding of civics and how American government works
- Get involved and make a difference in your community
- Engage in online civics-related discussion and debate students from across the country
- Earn a cord for graduation
And . . . it’s totally free!
The O’Connor Institute Ambassadors Civics & Debate Club is a free, online program for 9th through 12th-grade students presented by the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. O’Connor Institute Ambassadors promotes the O’Connor Institute’s three pillars: civil discourse, civics education, and civic engagement. Learn More: https://oconnorinstitute.org/ambassadors/
Benefits of being an Ambassador:
- Ambassadors allows students to demonstrate to colleges their commitment to self-improvement, extracurricular learning, and civic mindedness
- Seniors can compete for a $5,000 college scholarship
- Seniors can earn an Ambassador high-school graduation cord
- Ambassadors facilitates productive online discussion and debate between student leaders from around the country
- Students gain the opportunity to build their civics knowledge and related skills
To be an Ambassador, students:
- Create Your Account Here!
- Participate in monthly online Ambassador civics and debate club meetings
- Volunteer for at least ten hours each school year for a nonprofit organization in their community
Song for January
Contact Information
Carla Mae Phillips
Southland Center, Suite 125
Previous Newsletters are available on the CCS ELA 6-12 Webpage.
Email: cphillips3865@columbus.k12.oh.us
Website: https://www.ccsoh.us/English6-12
Location: 3700 South High Street, Columbus, OH, 43207, USA
Phone: (380) 997-0463