Florence 1 Schools | PD Blast
General Information
Please see frequently asked questions below.
Q: What is LETRS training?
A: The Lexia LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Suite is comprehensive professional learning designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. Developed by Dr. Louisa Moats, Dr. Carol Tolman and leaders in the field of literacy, Lexia LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.
Q: Where can I find the legislation requiring the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to provide LETRS training statewide?
A: Proviso 1A.73 of the SC General Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2023-24 requires the department to offer training in foundational literacy skills and work with districts on an implementation plan for training eligible educators.
Q: Which educators and staff are eligible for state funding for LETRS training?
A: Districts may request to begin with cohorts by school, district, and/or specific role. While districts may pay for additional staff to participate in the training, educators in the following roles are eligible for state funding:
Classroom teachers in grades K-3
Special education teachers in elementary schools serving grades K-3
Reading/literacy coaches and reading interventionists in elementary schools serving grades K-3
School administrators in elementary schools serving grades K-3
Q: I have my R2S endorsement. Do I need to take LETRS? A: Act 114 of the 2023-24 legislative session amends the Read to Succeed Act to include the following requirements in Section 59-155-170 (B)(1): The SCDE “shall deliver professional development that has demonstrated success in establishing deep knowledge of foundational literacy skills grounded in the science of reading and promoting student reading achievement. Each district shall participate in the implementation of this foundational literacy skills training with the goal of statewide implementation to include all kindergarten through third grade teachers certified in early childhood, elementary, or special education, and elementary administrators. This training shall be offered at no cost to the district or teacher.” LETRS is the professional learning the state is providing to meet the requirement in Act 114. Even if a teacher has earned the R2S Literacy Teacher endorsement, engaging in LETRS further enhances the individual’s professional knowledge, skills, and classroom practice. The training can be used for renewal credit, and any educator who has not previously earned the R2S Literacy Teacher endorsement can do so by successfully completing both volumes of the training and submitting the required documentation to the Office of Educator Services. Q: Does my license expire? A: A license is consumed when the assigned participant completes the associated course’s Intro/Welcome session that comes before Unit 1. Please see consumption policy for additional information: LETRS License Consumption Policy If you have not completed the training and are nearing the end of your license, or if your license expired before completion, you may contact Lexia at support@lexialearning.com to request a quote for a one-year extension. If you move schools or districts before completion, your license travels with you. Work with your district Point of Contact to have Lexia change your email address and transfer your data to the new district, if necessary.
Coaching Your Classroom
Maximize student self-efficacy and growth by providing high-quality feedback students can act on. In Coaching Your Classroom, authors Garnet Hillman and Mandy Stalets share a fresh perspective on effective classroom feedback for all grade levels and content areas. Explore the parallels between teaching students and coaching athletes, and then learn how you can coach every student to success every day.
Use this book to implement effective classroom communication and student feedback:
- Analyze the impact of learning-centered classroom language and formative assessment on student learning.
- Understand the importance of effective communication in the classroom, as well as how giving feedback works and what a student-centered culture looks like.
- Embrace the qualities of actionable classroom feedback and examine the effect on student engagement and intrinsic motivation.
- Learn how to deliver individualized next steps and support students through the feedback loop and the gradual release of responsibility.
- Read real-world accounts and examples from teachers who have successfully coached their classrooms with effective classroom communication.
Facilitating Teacher Teams and Authentic PLCs: The Human Side of Leading People, Protocols, and Practices: The Human Side of Leading People, Protocols, and Practices
As professional learning communities become more widespread, educators have learned that they can’t simply form grade-level or subject-area teams and call it a day. To profoundly affect teacher practice and student learning, PLCs need strong and knowledgeable leadership.
In Facilitating Teacher Teams and Authentic PLCs, Daniel R. Venables draws on his extensive experience helping schools and districts implement effective PLCs to explore this crucial but often-overlooked need. Taking a two-pronged approach to PLC facilitation, Venables offers targeted guidance both for leading the people in teacher teams and for facilitating their work. This practical resource provides
- Strategies for facilitating interactions among colleagues in PLCs and building trust and buy-in.
- Field-tested, user-friendly protocols to focus and deepen team discussions around texts, data, teacher and student work, teacher dilemmas, and collaborative planning time.
- Tips for anticipating and addressing interpersonal conflicts and obstacles that commonly arise during use of protocols.
Current and prospective PLC facilitators at every grade level will find this book an essential guide to navigating the challenging and rewarding endeavor of leading authentic PLCs. Build your skills, and help your team rise to the next level.
Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice: Building Capacity for Schoolwide Success 1st Edition
As a school administrator, instructional coach, or teacher-leader, you know that reflective teachers are effective teachers. But how can you help teachers become self-reflective practitioners whose thoughtful approach translates into real gains for student achievement?
In Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice — a companion volume to their teacher-oriented book Teach, Reflect, Learn — authors Pete Hall and Alisa Simeral draw on lessons learned from educators across grade levels, content areas, and district demographics to present a definitive guide to developing a culture of reflective practice in your school.
The South Carolina Department of Education Personalized Learning Team exists to support educators in the exploration and implementation of student-centered learning practices for the benefit of students. The work stems from the SCDE’s Vision to provide "an exceptional education for every South Carolina student." Explore this website to learn more about the many ways this professional learning opportunity can support you along your journey towards personalizing student learning!
Do you need professional support with:
- Meeting kids' needs at various ability levels?
- Classroom management and culture?
- Motivating and engaging students?
- Student-centered goal setting and conferencing?
- Formative assessment and feedback?
- Student discourse and academic conversation?
Well, PersonalizeSC PD is the right place! Personalized PD FAQ's
How Do I Access the PLL?
Ways to Access the Professional Learning Library Click HERE:
- SCLead.org
- SC Instruction Hub
- PowerSchool Professional Learning
- Ed Impact PLL
All Florence 1 Educators can access the PLL using their SCLead log in.
•Click Library, SCTS 4.0 or PADEPP Standards
•The PLL courses are listed alphabetically, or by standard
•Click the Course Title to view
•Courses may be assigned or open to self-registration
NOTE: If you do not have access to your SCLead login, you must contact a member of SCLead
customer support by dialing (877) 314-1412 or Online Support Form. Please provide customer support with your full name and South Carolina certificate identification number or CID.
Educational Webinars Highlights (Click Above to Access Entire Calendar)
October 7th
NSTA Webinars—FA24: Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service Elementary Science/STEM Teachers, Sponsored by NSTA (Science), 7:00 PM, REGISTER
Corwin Webinars—Overcoming the School Trauma Cycle, Sponsored by Corwin(All Educators), 6:30 PM, REGISTER
Amplify Webinars—The Science of Reading: The Next Chapter, Sponsored by Amplify (Literacy), 12:00 PM, REGISTER
NCTE Elementary Webinars—Enacting Inclusive Literacy Instruction: Centering Multilingual Learners, Sponsored by NCTE (Literacy), 7:00 PM, REGISTER (NCTE MEMBERS ONLY)
edWeb Webinars—Digital Citizenship for K-12: Thinking Outside the Box, Sponsored by Common Sense Education (Core Educators), 1:00 PM, REGISTER
edWeb Webinars—Empowering Educators in Diverse Classroom Settings: Understanding Your Instructional Power, Sponsored by Scholastic Education (All Educators), 3:00 PM, REGISTER
edWeb Webinars—Fighting Misinformation in the Age of AI: Tips & Techniques to Teach Students, Sponsored by KQED Education (Media Literacy | Core Educators), 3:00 PM, REGISTER
October 8th
edWeb Webinars—Unlocking Literacy for All: School Administrators & the Neuroscience of Learning Difference, Sponsored by Lexia Learning (Literacy | Administrators), 12:00 PM, REGISTER
edWeb Webinars—The Role of MTSS in District Improvement: Aligning Vision & Action, Sponsored by Branching Minds (Literacy | Mathematics), 1:00 PM, REGISTER
edWeb Webinars—Using Technology to Inspire Student Curiosity in Math, Sponsored by Amplify Desmos Math (Mathematics), 3:00PM, REGISTER
Afterschool with etv
Join us on November 7, 2024, for an AWEsome session featuring Dr. Paige Mitchell discussing afterschool and summer programming support.
Afterschool with ETV is a free one-hour virtual series offering educators an opportunity to learn about new and exciting tools and resources. Educators can choose to attend one of two planned session times, both conveniently offered shortly after school ends.
Grab your fellow educators and participate together. Attendees earn a certificate of participation for one hour of PD. *We also offer session recordings for those unable to attend the live events; see further below.
Save the dates for these upcoming AWE sessions: (*Dates and times are subject to change.)
- November 7, 2024: Building Playlists presented by Dr. Paige Mitchell
- January 16, 2025: Media Creation & Integration presented by Dr. LaToya Glen
- February 13, 2025: Financial Literacy presented by Sarah Ostergaard
- March 20, 2025: Workforce Preparation presented by Demeterius Smith, CDP
TeacherStep
If you're seeking an accredited online course to earn 120 renewal credits - or 3 graduate credits, TeacherStep is here to help, especially if you're seeking a math course!
Sorting through course options can be difficult sometimes, so TeacherStep offers the following ways to explore our 30+ course options:
- For a handy overview, download a course catalog containing an overview of the topics for each course.
- Ready to learn more about a particular course or two? Download a syllabus containing a detailed outline of the course framework including prerequisites, objectives, assignments and more.
- Of course, you can readily explore courses online too.
Option 1: Learning Liaisons Boot Camp
STEP 1:Please email Dr. Courtney Clayton for Learning Liaisons access code. cclayton@fsd1.org
STEP 2: Use the provided link to register for the online Praxis Boot Camp.
STEP 3: Watch the welcome video from Dr. A. Use the code to get free access to your Praxis test prep.
Serious inquires only. Participants will be required to finish all courses. Data analytics will be provided to district administration.
National Board Certification
edWeb.net
edWeb.net is an award-winning professional learning network that serves the global education community. Join communities to connect with peers and learn from experts on so many topics! Watch edWebinars live or on demand anytime to earn CE certificates. Listen to podcasts of selected edWeb programs.
