Coastal Plains RESA

1. Embracing the Season of Growth

Fall is a time of growth—not just for nature, but for our students and teachers as well. We are working hard to support schools across the region with targeted professional development opportunities. Whether it's integrating innovative teaching strategies or utilizing new educational technologies, our goal is to equip educators with the tools they need to foster growth in every classroom. Keep an eye out for upcoming training sessions and workshops designed to meet the specific needs of your school and district.

2. Innovative Approaches to Student Engagement

This season, we are also spotlighting the importance of student engagement and well-being. As educators, we understand the vital role that social-emotional learning (SEL) plays in a student’s academic success and overall well-being. Our team has been collaborating with districts to provide resources that help students build emotional resilience, empathy, and interpersonal skills. We’ve seen incredible examples of schools incorporating SEL into their day-to-day routines, and we encourage you to explore these initiatives within your own classrooms.

3. Technology in Action

As technology continues to reshape the educational landscape, we are committed to helping you stay at the forefront of digital learning. As new resources for technology integration emerge we want to ensure that our schools have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world. From digital literacy programs to virtual classroom support, Coastal Plains RESA is here to assist you in harnessing the power of technology for impactful learning experiences.

4. Celebrating Collaboration and Community

Fall is also a time for coming together. Across our region, we are seeing inspiring examples of collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations. These partnerships are key to creating a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. I encourage you to continue engaging with your communities, whether through family outreach programs, extracurricular activities, or community service initiatives. Together, we can create a network of support that extends beyond the classroom walls.

5. Preparing for What’s Next

As we move toward the winter months, our focus will shift toward preparing for the next phase of the academic year. Our team is ready to support you with data-driven strategies to address learning gaps and celebrate student achievements. We know that teaching is both rewarding and challenging, and Coastal Plains RESA is here to offer the resources, guidance, and encouragement you need every step of the way.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication that each of you brings to your roles. This fall, let’s embrace the opportunity to grow together, to innovate, and to inspire our students to reach their full potential. I look forward to seeing the incredible impact you will make in the months ahead.

Wes Taylor

Executive Director

CPRESA Specialists strive to provide professional learning that meets the needs of our districts. Workshops and trainings are available at RESA and within your districts. With so many demands on educators, it is important to make time for professional learning. Five key reasons that professional learning is important include:

1. Staying Current: Education is an evolving field with new research, technologies, and teaching strategies emerging regularly. Professional learning helps educators stay updated on the latest trends and best practices, ensuring they can provide high-quality, relevant instruction to students.
2. Improving Student Outcomes: When teachers engage in ongoing learning, they can refine their teaching methods and better meet the needs of their students. Research shows a direct link between teacher quality and student achievement, making professional development crucial for improving learning outcomes.
3. Adapting to Diverse Student Needs: Today’s classrooms are diverse, with students from different backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles. Professional learning helps educators develop strategies for differentiation, cultural responsiveness, and inclusive teaching, enabling them to support all students effectively.
4. Enhancing Pedagogical Skills: Teachers benefit from deepening their understanding of instructional techniques, classroom management, and curriculum development. Professional learning provides opportunities to explore new pedagogies, enhance lesson delivery, and foster more engaging learning environments.
5. Fostering Collaboration: Professional development often involves collaboration with peers, which encourages the sharing of ideas, resources, and problem-solving strategies. This sense of community and support among educators helps foster continuous improvement and innovation.

Please visit our website for workshop/training opportunities. You may also look for emails and information on our FaceBook page.

Regina Purvis

Professional Learning Director

Click here to access the New ELA Standards Newsletter.

In July 2024, over four dozen regional literacy coaches representing all sixteen Georgia RESAs came together with one goal in mind: improving early literacy for every student. The combination of rich experiences, extensive knowledge, and deep passion inherent in the delegation was the magic needed to launch Let’s READ, Georgia! LRG’s regional coaches rely on specialized coaching strategies and structured literacy-related instructional practices to support the common goal. I am honored to be the coach assigned to your district! Please never hesitate to reach out….jessierussell@cpresa.org

Growing Readers is equipping teachers with effective strategies that make a difference in their reading instruction. Through this project, reading educators have been organizing classroom libraries, building student stamina for independent reading, and using assessment data to adjust instruction for each student's needs. Developing and supporting literacy coaches to enhance student outcomes across Georgia is also a part of this project. Together, we’re fostering a love of reading and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive!

Looking at Growing Readers data from across our state, of the approximate 8,700 students with usable scores, 52% students grew at least 25% more than the expected year's growth. That means that more than half of the students in a Growing Readers classroom grew beyond what was expected in a year and actually made significant progress toward on grade level expectations. It also means that Growing Readers teachers are helping to make up ground with students and accelerate their learning.

Stephanie Butler

Growing Reader Specialist

Pictured are Mrs. Shiver, Mrs. McRae and their students from Turner County Elementary School working with CPRESA Growing Readers Specialist, Mrs. Butler.

Resources

GaMTSS Recognition for PBIS Schools Manual 2024-2025

GaMTSS Recognition for PBIS Schools Overview ppt 2024-2025

GaMTSS Recognition for PBIS Schools Overview presentation 2024-2025

PBIS Checklist

• Sign up/Clean up new staff on PBISAPPS.ORG
• Review FY25 PBIS Recognition Criteria
• Pick an Option for Recognition Path
• Schedule Annual Walk-throughs & PBIS for the year

Most educators are familiar with Khan Academy; their newest tool that you will want to take advantage of is called Khanmigo. You can access the free Khanmigo teacher tools with your regular Khan Academy login. Within Khanmigo, you'll see many of the same tools you're familiar with in web applications like Magic School. However, Khanmigo is based on the latest version of ChatGPT with greater reliability. In the video below, I've highlighted two Khanmigo tools in particular, the "Make It Relevant" tool and "Real World Context Generator". Both of these tools will help answer the all-too-frequent classroom question: "Why do we have to learn this?" Details in the video here.

Leanne NeSmith

Instructional Technology Specialist

I recall opening the box for the first computer at my high school. I expected some curiosity from my fellow teachers, but instead the event was met with a great deal of skepticism. The leader of my

English department informed me that computer use would block students’ creativity because they needed to put pen to paper to unleash their imaginations. I did not even know how to respond.

Currently, I am noticing a similar reluctance and distrust among educators with the latest creature of technology: Artificial Intelligence. History shows us that educators are often the slowest adopters of most innovative technologies. Indeed, Virtual Remote Learning thrived only recently when a devastating pandemic made it an educational necessity.

Resisting AI is no longer a viable option. To prepare students for a future in which AI will dominate the global job market and innovation landscape, educators must not only accept AI but actively embrace it. In fact, America’s competitive place in the world depends upon how well we prepare the next generation to navigate and lead in an AI-driven world. Nations such as China, South Korea, Japan, Germany, Israel, and Canada have already seen the digital writing on the wall and are demanding educator and student fluency in AI.

One of the biggest obstacles to AI adoption by educators is the same one that slowed their move to

computers decades ago. My fellow teachers were not against the computer revolution, they were

worried that they would appear unprepared and obsolete in their own classrooms. Just a few days of technology professional learning alleviated their very real anxiety. Even my very stubborn English

department colleagues quickly realized that computers and word processing software allowed

students to fully engage in the writing process and be better writers and editors. Just as computers

transformed education in the past, artificial intelligence has the power to revolutionize learning

today—if we let it. This is America’s next moonshot and failure is not an option.

Bobby Smith

School Improvement Specialist

Supporting Our Educators with Tailored Professional Learning

Dear Educators,

As we dive into the vibrant season of fall, South GLRS remains committed to supporting you in providing exceptional services to students with special needs. Whether you're navigating the complexities of Special Education, Georgia's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (GAMTSS), or working with new teachers, we're here to offer the technical assistance and professional learning you need to succeed.

Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) Training

One of our primary areas of focus this year is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Our team is actively working with districts to deliver impactful training on how to adapt instruction to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. We help educators design and implement effective instructional strategies that foster student engagement and success.

IEP Development and Goal Writing

A well-crafted Individualized Education Program (IEP) is the foundation for supporting student progress. We are offering specialized training to ensure educators feel confident in writing IEP goals that are specific, measurable, and aligned with student needs. From initial development to ongoing implementation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

New Teacher Support

We understand how challenging the first few years of teaching can be, especially when working with students requiring specialized instruction. That’s why we continue to offer training tailored to new teachers, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to support every learner in their classroom.

Our team at South GLRS is dedicated to partnering with districts across the region to ensure every student receives the high-quality education they deserve. Whether you need assistance with SDI, IEPs, GAMTSS, or new teacher mentoring, we’re here to provide ongoing support. If you haven’t already, reach out to schedule a session or discuss how we can support your district’s needs. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Warm regards,
Dane Heard, GLRS Director

Amber Stevens, GLRS Specialist

GEORGIA MOVIE ACADEMY is a digital storytelling competition sponsored by your local

RESA for the purpose of recognizing student work in the area of video production and

storytelling. This project-based learning opportunity allows students to work in teams to

produce a theme-based (GMA 2025 theme is: Curiosity Unleashed), standards-based,

three-minute video on a topic of their choice. Teachers serve as coaches or co-coaches. The

competition is for student teams in grades K-12. All video projects submitted for state

competition will become the official property of Chattahoochee-Flint RESA.

COACHES: A coach must be a teacher, media specialist or other professional staff member

providing instructional services to Georgia students. Coaches serve as guides instructing

students in the use of movie development software and offering advice on content and

design. Coaches are responsible for forming a team of 3-8 students, completing the team

registration process and providing guidance and assistance during the movie development

process. Coaches must have an active e-mail address for regular communication with the

Movie Academy contact(s).

Teams and coaches that are new to movie making are welcome and encouraged to enter the

Movie Academy competition. No prior movie-making experience is necessary. Enthusiastic

teachers with willingness to learn will become successful coaches!

Credit will be awarded to coaches and co-coaches whose teams complete projects for

Georgia Movie Academy. Two coaches may be associated with a team and receive credit.

Other adults may work with the team, but only two may receive credit and appear in the

program and on stage.

STUDENT TEAMS: A team will consist of 3–8 students and one or two coaches.

Individual students are not allowed to enter the competition as the Movie Academy

emphasizes teamwork and project-based learning. If a team falls below 3 members, the

team is subject to disqualification. Team members must be students enrolled in K-12

education. Team members are allowed to attend different schools, but must be identifiable

with ONE school. Teams may be students in public, private and home schools. A coach may

work with a maximum of 2 teams per division during the movie development process. A

student may be a member of only one team. A student may appear in another team’s

movie as an actor or speaker. Three to eight students may have names in the program and

appear on stage with each team. All teams must be associated with a school.

COMPETITION DIVISIONS: There are four categories for Movie Academy competition:

Submit projects with label provided on page 10.

Grades K-2: Movies will be video projects with a combination of still pictures and video.

Submitted projects will be 3 minutes 0 seconds maximum. Projects will need to be

submitted in a high quality MP4 format.

Grades 3-5: Movies will be video projects with a combination of still pictures and video.

Submitted projects will be 3 minutes 0 seconds maximum duration. Projects will need to be

submitted in a high quality MP4 format.

Grades 6-8: Movies will be video projects with a combination of still pictures and video.

Submitted projects will be 3 minutes 0 seconds maximum duration. Projects will need to be

submitted in a high quality MP4 format.

Grades 9-12: Movies will be video projects with a combination of still pictures and video.

Submitted projects will be 3 minutes 0 seconds maximum. Projects will need to be

submitted in a high quality MP4 format.

For more information, contact Leanne NeSmith (leannenesmith@cpresa.org or 229-873-1588).

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) Whole Child Initiative emphasizes a comprehensive approach to education that prioritizes the holistic development of each student. This approach recognizes that academic success is closely linked to students' social, emotional, and behavioral well-being. By implementing a multi-tiered framework, schools can provide varying levels of support tailored to individual needs, ranging from universal interventions for all students to more targeted strategies for those requiring additional assistance. To gain a broader understanding of this approach, please consider registering for the following GaMTSS sessions.

Key components of this approach include fostering positive relationships within the school community, addressing mental health needs, and encouraging family and community engagement. Schools are encouraged to create inclusive environments that recognize and celebrate diversity, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported. The MTSS Whole Child Initiative aims to equip educators with the tools and resources necessary to implement evidence-based practices, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and a thriving school culture. Through this comprehensive focus, GaDOE seeks to prepare students not just academically, but also as socially and emotionally competent individuals ready to navigate the challenges of the future.

Tammy Sellers

Wraparound Coordinator

Happy Fall Everyone!

Leadership Through Collaboration, Success Through Unity!

WG Nunn Elementary School Leadership Team along with administrators met to

review, discuss action steps and monitor their 2025 School Improvement Plan

Goal #1.

Gene Christie

Creacy Sermons

School Improvement Specialists

The “Great Leadership Retirement” continues across the US, Georgia, and our RESA as dozens of administrators have moved on to a quieter stage in their lives. Over 30% are poised to leave the profession in the next three years. Retirement experts tell us that all professionals should seriously consider the following questions several years in advance of pulling their ripcords.

• Can you live now on your available retirement income? Try it for three months before retiring.
• Do you still have major expenses like a new roof, new car, home repairs, etc.
• Can you maximize your revenue streams? Is part time work an option?
• Have you significantly reduced your larger bills like mortgage, college debt, etc.
• Can you carry affordable health insurance into retirement? Do not leave the GA plan!
• Do your grown children still need your financial support?
• Are you emotionally ready to retire? This may be the most important question.
• How will spend your time when you retire?

Bobby Smith

School Improvement

The dates for our second round of Leadership Academies sessions are shown below. Please join us at Coastal Plains RESA to share your questions as well as your expertise during these particularly challenging times for education. Many types of accountability data are scheduled to drop during the next six weeks.

The first Assistant Principal session listed is one that was rescheduled from September 26 due to Hurricane Helene.

Assistant Principals 10/16/2024 Auditorium (Rescheduled)

Primary/Elementary 11/13/2024 Auditorium

Middle/High School 11/14/2024 Annex - Room B

Assistant Principals 12/4/2024 Auditorium

(All Sessions are 9 am – Noon.)

A group of University of Nebraska students created a tool and Chrome Extension to help those with dyslexia, called Dyslexico.

Dyslexico is a spellcheck and autocorrect solution optimized for dyslexics that provides higher success for dyslexic grammatical patterns, as well as an experience uniquely designed to help teach dyslexics to improve their writing skills as they correct.

Shared from Buff Nuggets w/Brian Buffington. Click here to receive his email.

Assistant Principals Job-Alike 10/16

Hearing Officer Training (Virtual--last one offered!) 10/17

GaDOE Goodbye Burnout 10/21

New ELA Standards 10/23

Curriculum/PL/Special Education/MTSS Directors Meeting 10/24

Georgia Registered Teaching Apprenticeship Program 10/28

Enhancing Language Acquisition 10/29

Math: Using the Achievement Level Descriptors 10/29

Engage and Promote Literacy through EdTeach 10/30

District Testing Coordinators Job-Alike 10/31

New ELA Standards 11/6

GaLEADS 11/6

Deconstructed Drawing 11/7

PLCs for Induction Level Leaders 11/12

Integrating Creativity 11/19

Visit the CPRESA website for more information and registration links.