
Elementary Instructional Updates
Newsletter Issue 2 ~ February 2024/Vol.1
Message from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Frances Baez
As the midterm assessment window closes on February 9th, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your unwavering dedication and leadership. Your tireless efforts to support our students are truly inspiring!
This February let's embrace the richness of cultural celebrations and the warmth of human connection. Celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans with city-wide events, programs, and personal reflection. Remember, kindness is contagious – even a small gesture like a kind word, a smile, or a helping hand can brighten someone's day.
In this month's newsletter, you'll find:
- Compelling professional development opportunities to deepen your skills and enrich your practice.
- Engaging programs and resources specifically designed to empower our students.
Remember, together, we are preparing students who are Ready for the World. Thank you for being a vital part of that journey.
With sincere appreciation,
Dr. Frances Baez, Chief Academic Officer
Division of Instruction
Contact Information
Website: https://www.lausd.org/instruction
Telephone: 213-241-4822
Follow us on social media!
- X- @LAUSD_Achieve
- Instagram- @instructionla
- FB- LASchools DOI
Inspirational Quote
— Wilma Rudolph, Olympic track and field athlete
Upcoming Dates
- February: DUE MIDPOINT NOTICES for 2nd Reporting Period: provided to parents to inform them if their child is not meeting grade level standards at each reporting period.
- February 9: DUE K-2 MOY DIBELS in grades K-2
- February 9: DUE i-Ready MOY Diagnostic in Reading in grades 3-5/6 and Math in grades K-5/6
- February 16: DUE i-Ready MOY Spanish Diagnostic in Reading and Math
Instructional Updates and Resources
Awards
California Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) Award Application is Now Open!
Schools may apply to be recognized by the California Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). The application window is open through May 10, 2024. To learn more about PBIS and the application process, click here to visit their website.
California School Board's Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards - Apply on April 1, 2024
The California School Boards Association (CSBS) Golden Bell Awards application window opens April 1, 2024 and closes June 28, 2024.
CSBS promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards throughout California.
Click here to visit their website and learn more about the application process.
All Elementary Teachers will receive a UFLI book!
The Division of Instruction (DOI) will provide the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations Phonics manual to all elementary teachers in the spring of 2024. The UFLI program is a structured, research-based supplemental literacy program designed to enhance foundational reading skills in students. DOI will send the books to the schools. Click here for additional information or contact Susan Spillane, Coordinator at sspillan@lausd.net, Andrea Goring, Coordinator at andrea.goring@lausd.net, or Fabiola Caceido-Garcia, Specialist at fcaicedo@lausd.net.
i-Ready Diagnostic: What It Measures?
- This slide deck links resources and guides to support an understanding of the i-Ready Diagnostic and Personalized Instruction including content, assessment methods, and information about the items presented.
- Join the Schoology Group: i-Ready Interim Assessment Resources Group-Access Code FMT8-XMS2-6M8M2.
- For i-Ready professional learning opportunities, please see the Updated i-Ready PD Office Hours, Banked Time Sessions, and Region led Learning Bursts.
i-Ready Diagnostic Growth Report
After completing the Middle-of-Year (MOY) i-Ready Diagnostic in Reading and Math, you can use the i-Ready Diagnostic Growth Report to evaluate growth and prioritize students for additional support to accelerate growth.
- To learn more about Diagnostic Growth, click here to watch the video: i-Ready Diagnostic Growth Report.
Outdoor and Environmental Education Program
- Beyond the Bell’s Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) Program offers immersive nature-based experiences for TK-12 students.
- Overnight science camps are available at Point Fermin and Clear Creek.
- The Day of Discovery Program offers field study opportunities at partner sites such as USS Iowa, Cabrillo Aquarium, and LA Zoo.
- The Skyhook Eco Van program visits schools and provides hands-on science investigations led by Naturalists.
- For more information, visit Outdoor and Environmental Education or view our program brochure.
- Contact: Gerardo Salazar, Coordinator, gerardo.salazar@lausd.net
Spark Student Curiosity this February with the Discovery Education Newsletter!
February promises a whirlwind of learning adventures with Discovery Education! Get ready to celebrate Black History Month, and Lunar New Year, explore exciting careers with CTE Month, learn about healthy habits during American Heart Month, and reflect on leadership during President's Day.
Here's what awaits you:
- Empower student creativity: Discover Studio is a user-friendly platform where teachers can build custom slideshows and quizzes in minutes! Let your students showcase their knowledge in engaging ways.
- Go on virtual field trips: Explore the world without leaving your classroom! Experience iconic landmarks, museums, and natural wonders through immersive virtual tours.
Discovery Education is your partner in empowering students to become curious, innovative, and impactful citizens of the world!
Ignite Joy in Learning with SEL! Celebrate with Our Educator Spotlight Campaign!
Get ready to celebrate our District's phenomenal Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) champions in our district! In SELebration of SEL Day on Friday, March 8, 2024, the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Unit presents the “Igniting Joy in Learning Through SEL” Educator Spotlight Campaign.
This campaign, aligned with Pillar 2C: Strong Social Emotional Skills, celebrates our educators' fantastic work to build thriving learners with solid social-emotional skills.
We'll spotlight their creative mindfulness exercises, which spark joy and build resilience, and their collaborative learning projects which forge strong connections.
In the meantime, join the conversation and connect with fellow SEL enthusiasts in our Schoology Group: Access Code: 7F56X-SFV4Z.
For additional information, contact Debra Schneider-Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Let's ignite joy in learning together!
Unlock the power of SEL: Resources to spark student growth and classroom well-being!
Dive into our diverse SEL curricula and discover a wealth of activities, strategies, and frameworks designed to:
- Increase growth across all learners: Our resources cater to various grade levels and learning styles, ensuring every student benefits from the power of SEL.
- Boost social-emotional competencies: Build student confidence, communication skills, and resilience with targeted activities for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
Remember, with the right SEL resources and strategies, you can unlock a world of possibilities for your students.
For additional information, contact Debra Schneider-Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Expanding Teacher Access to the AMS
Starting January 8, 2024, we're expanding your access to the Assessment Management System (AMS). This upgrade empowers you to create and customize assessments tailored to your students. With elevated permissions, you can design assessments that align perfectly with your teaching goals. Visit our website on how to get started.
Equitable School Performance Office and Data Champion Initiative (ESPO-DCI) February Newsletter
As we approach spring assessment season, the Equitable School Performance Office – Data Champion Initiative (SPO-DCI) team encourages data champions and school site leaders to lead efforts that examine historical test data, ongoing formative assessments, and individual student performance metrics. Schools can be attentive to subgroup performances, aiming to identify and address prevailing achievement gaps. Consider an evaluation of curriculum alignment, attendance rates, and engagement levels to foster an optimal learning environment.
LAUSD Students and Employees Can Access Digital Books For Free!
- The LAUSD Learning Library on Sora is a collection of ebooks, audiobooks, comics, and magazines available for all LAUSD students and employees. There is content for all grade levels UTK–12.
- The LAUSD Learning Library is a valuable resource for all readers. Teacher librarians curated each grade-level collection available in various formats to engage your students.
- You can access Sora via the waffle in Schoology PLS_Job_Aid_Sora.docx or https://soraapp.com/library/lausd.
- Watch this video to understand how to use Sora! Click this link for the Spanish SORA video.
- Happy Reading!
Kindergarten Continuance (Including Kindergarten Retention)
Reference Guide 6756.1 guides kindergarten retention, the required completion of the Kindergarten Continuance Form (Attach. A-1), and how to access the school's retention warning report in the focus dashboard. Kindergarten students who have previously attended TK or ETK are not eligible for retention. The date signed by the parent on the continuance form, must be before the first day of classes for the student. Please ensure all parties have submitted the necessary forms according to the policy. For additional information, contact Dr. Elizabeth Bernal, Administrator, Elementary Instruction at elizabeth.bernal@lausd.net.
Tutoring Services and Resources
Tutoring Vendor Satisfaction Survey
- Your responses will be completely anonymous and only used for program improvement.
- Please complete this survey by Friday, February 16, 2024.
Your voice counts! Thanks for helping us shape the future of tutoring programs.
Contact Caroline Walden, Administrative Coordinator at caroline.walden@lausd.net for additional information.
Information Sessions for On-Demand Tutoring Support
Learn about on-demand tutoring support for your elementary students with Paper.co.
LAUSD provides free, on-demand tutoring services for all students in all subject areas. Tutoring is available 24/7 from Paper.co. Choose one session to attend.
Paper Tutoring Professional Development Sign-up
Paper representatives are excited to discuss how to enhance the implementation of your school’s on-demand tutoring program.
They provide students with 24/7 access to expert tutors across various subjects, empowering them to get the help whenever needed. Additionally, Paper supports your staff by offering valuable insights into student learning and achievement.
Please select your preferred time and date to schedule a session through this Google Form.
High-Dose Tutoring Transportation Request
Tutoring designees may request transportation for students enrolled in high-dose tutoring through MiSiS. Please allow 5-10 working days for transportation to confirm the request. Click on this link for more information.
Home-Based Virtual Tutoring Now Available
Please share with your parents that Home-Based Virtual Tutoring is now available for eligible students. Tutoring is available for English Language Arts and mathematics. Visit the Tutoring Services website for more information. Parents can logon to the Student Enrollment Portal, select Enrichment & Other Programs to check eligibility and sign-up eligible children for tutoring support at home. For more information, please visit the Tutoring Services website.
Professional Development
Unlock the magic of computer science for ALL students with the Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp Program
Title 1 elementary schools, take advantage of this opportunity! Implement FREE computer science education for the 2024-2025 school year. Click here for more information and to apply. For questions, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Leading Edge Edtech Summit (LEETS24) - March 2, 2024
Join us at LEETS24, "EdTech for Global Citizenship: Connecting Purpose, Planet, and People" where we explore education technology as a catalyst for global citizenship and purpose-driven learning.
- Date: March 2, 2024
- Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City, CA 91608
Contact Dominic Caguioa, Coordinator, at dbc4785@lausd.net for additional information.
Save the Date - Computer Science Conference: #CS4LAUSD - May 18, 2024
ITI is calling all Los Angeles Unified educators! Join us for the #CS4LAUSD conference on May 18th. Engage in promising practices and expand your computer science teaching toolkit.
For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Level Up Los Angeles Esports Competition with Minecraft Education
In partnership with Microsoft, LAUSD is launching a two-level esports competition with Minecraft Education.
- Level 1: Students Reinventing Los Angeles
- Level 2: Region Rumble Esports Tournament - open to all PK-12 students
ITI Leadership Exchange
The Instructional Technology Initiative Leadership Exchange is designed as a cohesive instructional technology cohort experience. This program empowers schools to assess their unique educational needs, paving the way for the integration of cutting-edge technologies that enrich student learning and involvement. By working together, participants will identify their school's current needs, create a roadmap for the integration of educational technologies, and cultivate a continuous cycle of improvement with instructional technology. Complete the Leadership Exchange Interest Form to participate.
AI 101 for Teachers
Discover the groundbreaking world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative potential in education with code.org’s foundational online learning series for teachers and unleash the potential of AI in education! Join code.org for a free online series to demystify artificial intelligence, learn responsible integration, tackle bias, and revolutionize student learning outcomes.
ITI Professional Learning Opportunities
Calling all educators! Are you ready to level up your skills and embrace the future of education? The 2023-2024 ITI Professional Learning Catalog is now open for registration on MyPLN. Get ready to dive into cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity Education, Digital Citizenship, ISTE Student Standards Suite, and computer science. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your teaching toolkit and empower your students!
95 Percent Phonics Lesson Library (PLL) Refresher Teacher Training
This virtual training is a refresher course for TK-12 Resource Specialist Teachers trained in the 95 Percent Phonics Lesson Library (PLL). Take this opportunity to improve your phonics instruction.
- Date: February 15, 2024
- Time: 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Registration: MyPLN - Keyword: ED4ALL
For more information, contact Joyce Radcliffee, TK-12 Specialist, at joyce.radcliffe@lausd.net.
Orton-Gillingham (OG): A Structured Literacy Professional Development Opportunity
The OG Approach, grounded in the Science of Reading, focuses on teaching reading using the principles of a Structured Literacy Approach, which includes explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction in foundational reading skills. For additional information click here or contact Susan Spillane, Coordinator, at sspillan@lausd.net.
Core Knowledge Language Arts Menu of Supports
All schools implementing the CKLA curriculum are provided with ongoing professional development, on-site coaching, and an Ambassador program. Digital resources and videos are provided to support the implementation of the curriculum.
Core Knowledge Language Arts PD
Educators newly implementing the CKLA curriculum are invited to attend a 2-day initial training. Educators in year 2 or 3 of implementation are invited to a full day follow-up PD focused on planning, practice, and implementing the writing portion of the program.
Core Knowledge Language Arts Ambassador Sessions
Schools identify one teacher from grades K-2 and one teacher from grades 3-5 to serve as a CKLA Teacher Ambassador. CKLA Ambassadors will attend monthly, 90 minute PD sessions to strengthen lesson delivery, unit planning and program implementation.
Illustrative Mathematics
Open to Illustrative Mathematics Educators
Teachers attending will explore the materials and structure of the Unit Planning Guides and develop a plan for upcoming units that focus on major work of the grade levels.
Administrators New to Illustrative Mathematics
Leaders engaging in these professional learning opportunities will reflect on their role in supporting teachers with the structure of problem-based learning design, an overview of unit assessments, instructional routines, and centers.
Eureka Math
Eureka Math: Module by Grade Level & Small Group Instruction
Teachers by grade levels will unpack a module to understand better the structure of how lessons support key mathematical concepts presented in the module. Select sessions will also cover understanding how Exit Tickets support differentiation and small group planning.
Eureka Math: Administrators New to Eureka Math
Instructional leaders engaging in these series of professional learning opportunities will reflect on their role in providing teacher feedback and monitoring the effectiveness of math instruction using the Great Minds/Eureka curriculum.
Add+ Vantage Math
Add+ Vantage Math Recovery Course 1
Add+Vanage MR (AVMR) Course 1 supports educators engage with assessments in number words and numerals, structuring numbers and addition and subtraction strategies to recognize the student’s current level of numeracy understanding.
Add+ Vantage Math Recovery Course 2
Add+Vanage MR (AVMR) Course 2 supports educators with assessments on place value, multiplication, and division strategies to recognize the student’s current level of understanding. *Prerequisite is completion of AVMR 1.
Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI)
Differentiated support is offered to schools participating in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) depending on support model assigned based on years of CGI implementation.
ELEMENTARY AMPLIFY SCIENCE
In this professional development, participants will internalize their unit by engaging in a deep dive, and experiencing the instructional sequence of activities, lessons, and chapters from a teacher and student perspective while becoming more familiar with the texts, hands-on activities, and digital tools within the following units:
Participants will receive guidance from a Professional Learning Specialist in lesson planning and pacing, followed by an opportunity for independent planning. Registration is on MyPLN.
For more information, please see the Science PD Flyer or contact Lillian Valadez-Rodela at lillian.valadez-rodela@lausd.net.
Science 4th Grade Book Project
Scientists and engineers from the Aerospace Corporation with diverse backgrounds support this professional development. Participating fourth grade teachers will receive a class set of “Everyday Energy” science readers to enhance science instruction.
Registration is on MyPLN. For more information, please see the Science PD Flyer or contact Lillian Valadez-Rodela at lillian.valadez-rodela@lausd.net.
ELEMENTARY SCIENCE FOSS
Elementary Science Full Option Science System (FOSS) Curriculum
Earth Science Units Parts 1-4 Just in Time Series
- Participants in these virtual and in person sessions will join grade level colleagues to engage in “just in time” experiences to learn and plan for FOSS Earth Science teaching and examine student work that results from the lessons.
FOSS New Teacher Symposium
- Elementary teachers are invited to attend a focused session on the FOSS Curriculum. We will examine the materials' scope and sequence and organization of the materials for all three strands: Earth, Life and Physical Science.
Planning for CAST Using the FOSS Assessment System
- Participants will learn deeply about the FOSS assessment system and the alignment to the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS) and the California Science Test.
Registration is on MyPLN. For more information, please see the Science FOSS PD Flyer.
CONTACT: If you have any questions please contact: lillian.valadez-rodela@lausd.net.
Grant and Competition Opportunities
California Grant Watch Website
The California Grant Watch website lists grants for public school teachers for the improvement of education, innovative teaching strategies, and professional development opportunities.
Grant Writing Modules
The Division of Instruction has three online modules focused on Grant Writing. Each module is between 8-15 minutes in length. Module 1: A Grant Writing Guide; Module 2: Grant Application Process; Module 3: Key Components of a Grant Proposal. To access the modules, go to MyPLN, under the learning dropdown menu, select Search LAUSD Catalog, and enter keyword Grants in the Global Search. Click on the module you wish to view.
Observances and Commemorative Events
Click on the links below for activities and resources.
Months
American Heart Month
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Black History Month
African American History Month
Children’s Dental Health Month
National Dental Pulp Laboratory
Weeks
National School Counseling Week (February 6-10)
American School Counselor Association
National School Counselor Week
Take Your Family to School Week
(February 13-17)
Days
National Freedom Day (February 1)
13th Amendment to the Constitution
Lunar New Year - The Year of the Dragon (February 10)
Lincoln’s Birthday (February 12)
Susan B. Anthony Day (February 15)
National No One Eats Alone Day
(February 17)
Presidents’ Day (February 20)
Washington’s Birthday (February 22)