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Secondary Instructional Updates
Newsletter Issue 4 ~ April 2024/Vol.1
Message from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Frances Baez
As the days grow longer, the flowers begin to bloom, and a sense of renewal fills the air, I want to take a moment to say welcome to spring!
Spring offers a natural opportunity for a fresh start, both for you and your students. Spring is all about growth – both for plants and for your students' knowledge. Take some time to acknowledge the progress your students have made and celebrate their achievements.
Let's use this season to reignite a passion for learning in your students. Explore new topics, encourage curiosity, and make learning fun!
We appreciate your tireless dedication to education. May this spring season bring you renewed energy, joy, and a sense of accomplishment in your schools and classrooms.
Warmly,
Dr. Frances Baez, Chief Academic Officer
Division of Instruction
Contact Information
Email: instruction@lausd.net
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
~Benjamin Franklin
Instructional Updates and Resources
Spelling Bee Results
Thank you to our Regions for sending their 1st place winners to the LA County Spelling Bee competition. We are so proud of Alejandro Sanchez, 7th grade scholar from Region South, Peary Middle School, who secured third place. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and determination!
The California State Spelling Bee is coming up on April 27, 2024, at the San Joaquin County Office of Education in Stockton, CA. The Scripps Bee Week is scheduled for May 26-June 1, 2024 in National Harbor, Maryland.
CTE-Linked Learing Student Showcase
The CTE-Linked Learning Student Showcase will be taking place on:
- Date: Wednesday, April 17
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Los Angeles River Garden Center
Click on the flyer to register or contact Justin Frank at justin.frank@lausd.net for additional information.
LAUSD Districtwide Arts Festival 2024
Join us for our upcoming LAUSD Arts Fest on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Los Angeles City College. We are excited to announce that our talented students will showcase their creativity and hard work. We will have multiple stages of student performances, food trucks, dances, a fashion expo, a visual arts gallery, and more. Click here to register.
For more information visit our website or contact Danielle Evers, Arts Coordinator, danielle.evers@lausd.net.
ADMINISTRATION OF i-READY END-OF-YEAR (EOY) DIAGNOSTIC
ADMINISTRATION OF i-READY END-OF-YEAR (EOY) DIAGNOSTIC, revised April 12, 2024
Link to IOC: InterofficeCorrespondence
Schools are required to:
- Choose a specific testing window within the designated time frame for i-Ready.
- Assign the i-Ready EOY Diagnostic assessments in both reading and math between April 15th - June 5th, 2024
- Assign the Assessment of Spanish Reading (ASR) between April 9th - June 5th, 2024
For more information, contact Maricela Sanchez, Elementary Executive Director, msanch27@lausd.net.
Find Amazing Resources in Your April Discovery Education Newsletter!
Explore excellent resources and lessons in your April 2024 newsletter. Celebrate Financial Literacy Month, World Health Day, Poetry Month, Earth Day, and so much more! See page five of the newsletter for new on demand virtual experiences.
For additional information, contact Sarah Johangiry at SJohangiry@discoveryed.com.
Equitable School Performance Office and Data Champion Initiative (ESPO-DCI) April Newsletter
ESPO-DCI is pleased to announce informative sessions focused on distributive data leadership and Whole Child 2.0 User Interface. Sessions will feature information in i-Ready and data integration.
For additional information, contact Laura Londono, Data Specialist ESPO-DI, at llopez18@lausd.net.
Supporting Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycles through Schoology
Strengthen your continuous improvement journey with Schoology! We understand the importance of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycle in driving effective learning, and Schoology offers a wealth of resources to support each stage. For additional information, contact Leigh Ann Orr, Coordinator, at leighann.orr@lausd.net.
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!
Awards
California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards - Apply starting on April 1, 2024
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) Golden Bell Awards application window opens April 1, 2024, and closes on June 28, 2024.
CSBA 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.
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.
Summer School 2024
Summer School Staffing
ALL: Summer School Staffing Application (SSSA)
The Summer School Staffing Application (SSSA) window is now open for administrators, certificated, and classified staff who are interested in working for the Summer School UTK-8 Program, High School Summer Term, or Extended School Year (ESY) from June 20–July 19, 2024. Candidates may apply using their single sign-on. To access the SSSA platform from outside of an LAUSD internet connection, the following is required:
Log in to the GLOBALPROTECT site
Enter your single sign-on information
Under the “Application URL” dropdown, enter: summer.lausd.net
Click on “GO”
You will then be directed to log on to the SSSA platform with your single sign-on information
- Administrators can continue to apply to serve as a Summer School Principal; the application period has been extended! For summer employment opportunities, click on the UTK-8 Program or High School Summer Term.
- Contact information:
- For questions about the UTK-8 program, contact Ana Estevez, Director, ana.estevez@lausd.net.
- For questions about the High School Summer Term program, contact Betsy Castillo, Director, bac9874@lausd.net.
- For questions about ESY, contact Ra’Daniel McCoy, Administrative Coordinator, esy@lausd.net.
- For questions about Early Education, contact Raul Moreno, Principal, rmore13@lausd.net.
Summer Edgenuity Mentors
New Interoffice Correspondence: 2024 Summer Edgenuity Mentors
This correspondence is to inform principals about the opportunity for teachers to apply as an Edgenuity mentor during Summer Term 2024. For additional information, please contact Carol Alexander at carol.alexander@lausd.net.
Summer School Program Offerings
New Interoffice Correspondence: Summer School Program Offerings
This correspondence is to inform all principals about the 2024 summer program offerings. See the IOC for contact information.
Social Emotional Learning ~ SEL
Mindful Practices Linked to Improving Reading and Fluency
Did you know mindful practices are linked to improving reading fluency? The SEL Unit would like to remind you that all schools (TK-12) have access to Inner Explorer, an audio-guided mindfulness platform designed to support mental health and well-being in schools. Explore these resources to help increase mindful practices in your school community. Click here for additional resources or contact Debra Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Ignite the Joy in Learning with Social Emotional Learning Strategies
Ignite the Joy in Learning with Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies for all students. Integrate SEL using the curricula and resources available. Join the Social Emotional Learning Unit Schoology Group with Access Code 7F56X-SFV4Z. Click here to access the resources page. For additional information, visit the website or contact Debra Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Tutoring Services
On-Demand Tutoring for All Students
For more information, contact Rain Owens, High School Coordinator, at rain.owens@lausd.net.
Second Semester Tutoring Courses and Transportation
Please ensure students have been rostered into new courses for the second semester, and that transportation has been requested for those who ride the bus home from tutoring. For additional information, contact Rain Owens, Coordinator, at rain.owens@lausd.net.
Home-Based Virtual Tutoring Now Available
Please share with parents that Home-Based Virtual Tutoring is now available for eligible students. Tutoring is available for English Language Arts and/or mathematics. Visit the Tutoring Services website for more information. Parents can log on 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 and Opportunities
Save the Date - Computer Science Conference: #CS4LAUSD - May 18, 2024
For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
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. For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
ITI Professional Learning Opportunities
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! Click on the flyer to access the catalog. For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Digital Citizenship in the Age of AI Schoology Course
To proactively equip all students 13 years of age and older with the skills needed for the responsible use of generative AI in their learning journey, we have introduced a mandatory course titled "Digital Citizenship in the Age of AI". The course for students 13 years of age and older can be found in the L.A. Unified Educator Group in Schoology under resources in the Digital Citizenship folder. Teachers can facilitate this course during Advisory, Homeroom, or any other instructional setting as the school principal determines. Visit the IT website or email Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI) at ITI@lausd.net for additional information.
Empower Yourself as a Computer Science (CS) Educator
Join a Secondary Computer Science Cohort, a no-cost professional development program to transform your teaching practice!
- Intensive 5-day summer workshop: Immerse yourself in engaging learning (June 12-14 & 17-18, 2024)
- Quarterly follow-up sessions
- Dive into courses like Computer Science Discoveries, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, and more.
Click here to complete the interest form or email Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI) at ITI@lausd.net.
ITI Leadership Exchange
The Instructional Technology Initiative Leadership Exchange is 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. For additional information, contact Allison Jonas, Coordinator, at Allison.Jonas@Lausd.net.
Action Seminars for Secondary Schools
Empower your leadership team to prioritize evidence-based literacy instruction in secondary classrooms through professional development on the science of reading. For more information, click on the flyer or contact Alyssa Avila, Secondary ELA Coordinator, at alyssa.avila@lausd.net
Supporting Inclusive Practices Annual Conference
Join Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP) Annual Inclusion Virtual Conference - The SIP Project is gearing up for their third annual SIP Inclusion Conference. Attendees will gain the tools needed to ignite change and sustain an environment where inclusivity isn't just a concept but a reality.
- Date: May 9-10, 2024
- Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
Click on the link to register. For more information, contact Joyce Radcliffe, Specialist, at joyce.radcliffe@lausd.net.
95% Phonics Lesson Library™ (PLL) Training for Resource Specialist Teachers
This training is for all TK-12 Resource Specialist Teachers. Participants will learn strategies to support struggling readers and learn how the 95% Group’s PLL addresses the study of the sound structure of words in an explicit and systematic manner.
- Dates: April 16, 22, and 23, 2024
- Registration: MyPLN Keyword: Ed4all
For more information click here or contact Joyce Radcliffe, Specialist, at joyce.radcliffe@lausd.net.
Secondary ELA Academic Course Extension (ACE)
This professional learning is designed for secondary ELA (6th – 12th grades) to support academic course extension opportunities for students. Participants will develop an understanding of ACE, learn to implement ACE using the Division of Instruction-created materials, and access instructional materials to implement.
It is a self-paced, two-hour, asynchronous PD accessible via Schoology. Upon successful completion, the A-G office will compensate at the training rate (outside of contractual hours). For more information, click on the flyer or contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net.
School Requested Science Curriculum Professional Development
Secondary schools can request science professional development on their adopted curriculum. Schools have a menu of options, or they could request customized support. The professional development could be in person or virtual. Click here for more details. For additional information, contact Ayham Dahi, Coordinator, at ayham.dahi@lausd.net.
Climate Literacy Symposium
- Date: April 22, 2024
- Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.
- Location: Virtual
Click on the flyer for more information or contact Jerry Song, STEAM Coordinator, at jerry.song@lausd.net.
English Language Arts and Mathematics: Supporting Proficiency for all Students
Secondary ELA Intervention Supports: Accelerate to Proficiency
Please join us for a 3-hour, asynchronous, self-paced professional development opportunity for grades 6-12 ELA teachers. Learn instructional practices to accelerate student learning and grade-level proficiency during and outside of the regularly scheduled ELA period. Upon successful completion, compensation is available at training rate (outside of contractual hours). Click on the flyer or contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net for more information.
Secondary Mathematics Intervention Supports: Accelerate to Proficiency
Please join us for a 3-hour, asynchronous, self-paced professional development opportunity for math teachers grades 6-12. Learn instructional practices to accelerate student learning and grade-level proficiency during and outside of the regularly scheduled math period. Upon successful completion, compensation is available at training rate (outside of contractual hours). Click on the flyer or contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net for more information.
Performance Assessment Student Support (PASS) Credit Recovery
Join us for a professional development opportunity designed for high school ELA and math educators planning to implement PASS for credit recovery.
Participants will understand the PASS program and structure, explore best practices for classroom delivery, and learn how PASS supports students’ SEL competencies during credit recovery. Educators who complete the PD will be provided access to the PASS Math and ELA Schoology groups.
This self-paced, two-hours, asynchronous session is accessible via Schoology. Upon successful completion, compensation is available at training rate (outside of contractual hours). For additional information, click on the flyer or contact Richard An, Specialist, at rha2223@lausd.net.
Grant, Scholarships 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
Autism Awareness Month
Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month
Financial Literacy Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Mathematics Awareness Month
Month of the Young Child
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Poetry Month
School Library Month
School Library Month Resources
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)
Stop Sexual Assault in Schools
Weeks
National Library Week (April 7-13)
Days
Earth Day (April 22)
Armenian Martyrs Day (April 24)
Administrative Professionals Day (April 24)
Denim Day/Peace Over Violence (April 24)
Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day (April 25)