Secondary Instructional Updates
Newsletter Issue 5 ~ May/June 2024/Vol.1
Message from Chief Academic Officer Dr. Frances Baez
As we gear up to celebrate the achievements of our Class of 2024 graduates, let's draw inspiration from the upcoming 2024 Olympics, symbolizing not just physical prowess but also mental strength, determination, perseverance, and global unity. Let's seize this opportunity and share the Olympics' rich history with our students, and foster cultural awareness.
Amidst standardized testing season, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our students' growth and success. Exciting summer learning opportunities await in 2024; let's encourage student participation to maximize their growth.
Reflecting on our recent District-wide Arts Festival's success, with over 19,000 attendees, the festival emerged as a testament to the immense talent and creativity thriving within our schools and community. Congratulations to our students, teachers, school leaders, and support staff for orchestrating such a magnificent event, where exploration and learning flourished in abundance.
At the beginning of this month, many of our schools embraced the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and its significance through engaging activities in dance, art, music, and food!
This past week we also acknowledged Teacher Appreciation Week and honored our teachers for the hard work, dedication, and profound impact they have on the lives of our students and the future of our society. You all are appreciated.
Let's continue championing excellence and collaboration, inspiring and empowering future generations.
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
~ Confucius
Instructional Updates and Resources
Dr. Baez providing greetings
Students creating art in the Glow Room
Students on the turntables making beats with the latest technology
Summer School 2024
Summer School Staffing
- The Summer School Staffing Application (SSSA) window remains open for administrators and classified staff, and will reopen on May 22 for teachers and counselors 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 at https://gp.lausd.net/global-protect/portal/portal.esp
- 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
- Contact information:
- For questions about the UTK-8 program, contact Ana Estevez, Director, at ana.estevez@lausd.net.
- For questions about the High School Summer Term program, contact Betsy Castillo, Director, at bac9874@lausd.net.
- For questions about ESY, contact Ra’Daniel McCoy, Administrative Coordinator, at esy@lausd.net.
- For questions about Early Education, contact Raul Moreno, Principal, at rmore13@lausd.net.
- For questions about Virtual Enrichment, contact Vernail Skaggs, Program and Policy Advisor, at vernail.skaggs@lausd.net.
Summer Professional Development for Teachers 2024
The Division of Instruction is excited to bring you the 2024 edition of the Summer Professional Development for Teachers! Based on last year's feedback every day will include a planning session with colleagues and two choice breakout sessions.Visit our website at www.lausd.org/summerpd for more information.
We look forward to seeing you and engaging in:
Integrating writing across all content areas
Exploring generative artificial intelligence tools to differentiate learning
Deepening skills to support students in developing viable arguments
Discovering innovative strategies to engage students in real-world application and reasoning in all content areas
Register today on MyPLN! Go to https://bit.ly/SummerPD4T.
Spelling Bee Results
The Scripps Bee Week is scheduled for May 26 - June 1, 2024 in National Harbor, Maryland. Encourage your students to tune in for an enriching and educational experience. Many of our students participated in our local spelling bee events and this may encourage them to participate in future competitions.
Welcome New Community Schools ~ Cohort 5
Congratulations to the educators, families, and students of the 8 newly designated Community Schools:
24th St. ES
Charnock ES
Cheremoya ES
Coliseum ES
Hancock Park ES
Lexington PC
Public Service at Diego Rivera Learning Complex (9-12)
Woodland Hills Academy (6-8)
The fifth cohort adds eight (8) more schools to the LAUSD initiative for a total of 63 schools. Cohort 6 will be selected in the fall. If your school is potentially interested and would like additional information, please contact Cora Watkins, Director, at cwatkins@lausd.net or visit our website.
ADMINISTRATION OF i-READY END-OF-YEAR (EOY) DIAGNOSTIC
ADMINISTRATION OF i-READY END-OF-YEAR (EOY) DIAGNOSTIC
Students to be assessed by June 5, 2024
Link to IOC: InterofficeCorrespondence
For more information, contact Maricela Sanchez, Elementary Executive Director, at msanch27@lausd.net.
Upcoming Schoology User Role Access Data Clean-up
Attention all users! We're making improvements to user role access to the Learning Management System (LMS) Schoology. On July 26, 2024, the Personalized Learning Systems (PLS) department will conduct a user-role data clean-up to ensure employees are aligned with only their school building and appropriate job roles to optimize system efficiency. Visit the What’s New in the LMS page for complete details. For additional information, contact Antonio Hernandez, Change Management Coordinator, at antonio.hernandez@lausd.net.
Find Amazing Resources in Your May Discovery Education Newsletter!
This month's newsletter is bursting with resources! Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Space Day, Malcolm X Day, Memorial Day & more! Find ready-to-use lessons, grade-specific ideas, and exciting virtual experiences. Happy Teaching!
For additional information, please contact Sarah Johangiry at SJohangiry@discoveryed.com.
Equitable School Performance Office and Data Champion Initiative (ESPO-DCI) May Newsletter
This month, the ESPO-DCI team will host WC 2.0 training sessions to equip our Data Champions. Learn platform navigation, data gathering for Strategic Plan goals, and celebrate Champion success stories in a special symposium! Click here for more details or 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!
Dive into a treasure trove of reading delights with the LAUSD Learning Library on Sora. With over 306,000 ebooks, 37,000 audiobooks, and 280 magazines at your fingertips, there's something for everyone. Whether you are craving romance, delving into history, or exploring social-emotional learning (SEL), the LAUSD Learning Library on Sora has got you covered.
Books are available for checkout 24/7 through the app or on Schoology. Embark on your reading adventure anytime, anywhere!
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.
Tutoring Services
On-Demand Tutoring for All Students
For more 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
95 Percent Phonics Lesson Library Training- All TK-12 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: June 3, 2024 and June 4, 2024
- Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Location: Beaudry
- Register: MyPLN, Keyword: ED4ALL
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.
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, visit the website or contact Debra Schneider-Jelin, SEL Coordinator, at dschneid@lausd.net.
Expanded Learning Opportunity: Computer Science and Esports for Good Clubs
Get ready to establish "Computer Science for Good Clubs" (grades UTK-5 and 6-8) and/or "Esports Clubs" (grades 3-12) for enhanced student experiences beyond regular hours. Let's enrich learning before and after school, on weekends, and during winter and summer breaks. For additional information, click here or 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 (AI), 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 and June 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
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.
English Language Arts and Mathematics: Supporting Proficiency for all Students
Secondary ELA Intervention Supports: Accelerate to Proficiency
Please join us for a three-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 three-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-hour, 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 and Award Opportunities
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 opened 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 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.
MAY
Months
Asian Pacific Islanders American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific Islanders American Heritage
Federal Asian Pacific American Council
Better Hearing & Speech Month
American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc
Foster and Kinship Care Awareness Month
National Foster Parent Association
Labor History Month
Weeks
Celebrating Los Angeles School Police During National Police Week (May 12-18)
Los Angeles Unified School Police
National Law Enforcement Officers
California Peace Offices’ Memorial Foundation
Classified School Employee Week (May 19-25)
Classified School Employees of the Year
Days
Mother’s Day (May 14)
The History of Mother's Day - Almanac
Memorial Day (May 27)
JUNE
Month
Immigrant Heritage Month
Days
Flag Day (June 14)
Juneteenth (June 19)
Father’s Day (June 16)