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INFO: April 2022 Secondary ELA & Library Media Newsletter
by Watkins, Naomi 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: April 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: Two events have me thinking about literature and poetry about the land: 1) I recently spent a weekend hiking and camping in the San Rafael Swell gazing at the petroglyphs and pictographs of the people who inhabited this land long before you and me, and 2) Jeff Winget, Curriculum Specialist at the San Juan School District, was our lone attendee at the ELA Standards Public Comment Meeting in Richfield, so we had a discussion about some of the great writers of the American West (Ellen Meloy, Terry Tempest Williams, Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and more) as we swapped adventure stories of us discovering and recreating on this piece of earth. While April is National Poetry Month, Earth Day also falls within this month on April 22nd. Both experiences were reminders of how literature has the power to connect us to others and to the land on which we live. I also recently have had to reconcile my love of Stegner's Angle of Repose with news that he plagiarized significant portions of it<https://www.altaonline.com/books/fiction/a39179237/wallace-stegner-mary-hal…> from Mary Foote's journal. How does one come to terms with a beloved piece of art when you learn that it's not what you thought it was? Or that the creator is different from who you originally thought? I'm not entirely sure. These questions don't have easy answers. And while these wrestles with plagiarism are not entirely new, they seem relevant in this age of quick creation and sharing of information. Here's to hoping that you're able to spend some time enjoying springtime! Naomi My Current Read: An American Sunrise <https://www.joyharjo.com/book/an-american-sunrise> by Joy Harjo My Current Listen: "That's Where I Am"<https://open.spotify.com/track/4f1KkbXHnfIVZ9vmIExByJ?si=293e12ad9f464572> by Maggie Rogers My Current Watch: Coda <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pmfrE1YL4I> Apple TV+ Educator Spotlight Heather Wihongi, Riverview Jr. High English teacher, journalism teacher, and instructional coach [cid:image002.jpg@01D84F35.1E3E73E0] How long have you been teaching? I have been teaching for a total of 21 years. Who/what inspired you to become a teacher? I had several teachers and professors throughout my high school and college who inspired me to become a teacher and showed me the impact that teachers can have on students, but two stand out in my mind. My high school biology and botany teacher Mr. Francis instilled a love of learning about nature and the world around us, but also how important it is to make learning fun. My college humanities professor Dr. Parry showed me the life lessons to be found in literature and the importance of cultivating relationships with your students. What has been the most rewarding part of teaching? The most rewarding part of teaching is 100% my students. I love experiencing the impact I can have on their lives, but even more, I love the impact they have on mine. It is so rewarding to run into them years down the road and have them mention how they connected with a book they read in my class, still use the essay-writing strategies I taught them, or just loved the way they felt comfortable and accepted in my classroom. What are your hobbies/interests when you are not teaching? I love traveling with my family; our favorite destinations are New Zealand (where my husband is from) and New York City. I am also a huge foodie, and I love cooking/baking, feeding other people, and binge-watching The Great British Bake-Off and Somebody Feed Phil. Obviously, I adore reading as well, but my husband has recently gotten me hooked onto Korean K-dramas, which is seriously cutting into my reading time. What do you think is the most important thing about teaching ELA to kids? I think the most important thing about teaching ELA to students is showing them the power of words. Whether those words are in the books they are reading or the writing they create, I love showing them that words have power and can make a huge difference in the world around them. What is your favorite book? Author? Well, isn't this the most difficult question ever! While I have several books that have become my favorites throughout my lifetime, I'd have to say Beauty by Robin McKinley is probably one of my all-time favorites. Reading this book when I was young was what sparked my life-long love of reading. Beauty also made me fall in love with beautiful words and language, and the lessons I learned from this book about self-worth and compassion had a big impact in my formative childhood years. April is National Poetry Month! * 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month in your Classroom<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-m…> * Tips for Librarians for Celebrating National Poetry Month<https://poets.org/text/tips-librarians> * 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month at Home and Online<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/30-ways-celebrate-national-poetry-m…> * Submit to Dear Poet as a teacher or student<https://poets.org/national-poetry-month/dear-poet-2022> * In 2022, the Academy of American Poets invited twelve poets<https://poets.org/poem-day-guest-editors-2022> to each curate a month of poems. In this short Q&A<https://poets.org/April-2022-poem-a-day-guest-editor-naomi-shihab-nye>, Naomi Shihab Nye discusses her curatorial approach and her own creative work. * Poetry by Utah Poets<https://mappingliteraryutah.org/author?issearch=1&category_id=9&xf_1%5b0%5d…> at Mapping Literary Utah * If April is sparking a desire to be back outside or if you want to create outdoor memories with your students, then these Write Out poetry resources are for you. Whether you are in a city, a suburb, a rural community or small town, use these resources as inspirations. (And remember, #WriteOut<https://nwp.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=74fb19be0914ed81636ed0372&id=…> returns in October.) Read more here.<https://writenow.nwp.org/the-things-we-remember-writeout-for-poetry-month-a…> * Utah Poetry Festival<https://utahpoetryfestival.com/> P-12 ELA Standards Draft Open for Public Comment The draft of the preschool through Grade 12 Utah English Language Arts (ELA) standards are now open for public comment. This public comment period concludes on June 14, 2022. Feedback can be provided online at https://tinyurl.com/433du5cx or in person at two remaining public meetings: April 27, 2022, 6-8pm Washington School District 121 West Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770 May 17, 2022, 6-8pm Ogden City School District 1950 Monroe Blvd Ogden, UT 84401 Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration is open now. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Intermountain AP Summer Institute [cid:image003.png@01D84F35.0D6FA070] 2022-2023 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> * September 13, 2022 * November 15, 2022 * January 24, 2023 * March 21, 2023 Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Utah Poetry Festival 2022 + K-12 Poetry Contest
by Watkins, Naomi 31 Mar '22

31 Mar '22

The Utah Poetry Festival will be month-long and statewide throughout April 2022. The 2022 Utah Poetry Festival will be hybrid, with a variety of events taking place in person and virtually throughout the month of April across Utah. Core festival events will feature poetry workshops, readings, virtual craft talks on poetry and poetics, a K-12 original poem contest, and a virtual chapbook-making tutorial. The Utah Poetry Festival is hosted by Utah's poet laureate, Paisley Rekdal<https://mappingliteraryutah.org/utah-writers/paisley-rekdal>, and is funded by fellowships and grants from the Utah Division of Arts and Museums<https://artsandmuseums.utah.gov/>, and Utah Humanities<https://www.utahhumanities.org/>. Full schedule and information here: https://utahpoetryfestival.com/ Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO/ACTION: P-12 ELA Standards Draft Open for Public Comment
by Watkins, Naomi 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

The draft of the preschool through Grade 12 Utah English Language Arts (ELA) standards are now open for public comment. This public comment period concludes on June 14, 2022. Feedback can be provided online at https://tinyurl.com/433du5cx or in person at three public meetings: April 4, 2022, 6-8 pm Sevier School District Office 180 E 600 N Richfield, UT 84701 April 27, 2022, 6-8pm Washington School District 121 West Tabernacle St. George, UT 84770 May 17, 2022, 6-8pm Ogden City School District 1950 Monroe Blvd Ogden, UT 84401 Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Secondary ELA & Library Media News for March 2022
by Watkins, Naomi 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: March 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: The National Writing Project has shared two resources related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine: 1) in partnership with the News Literacy Project, "How to Teach News Literacy in the Midst of Unfolding Crises"<https://writenow.nwp.org/teaching-news-literacy-in-the-midst-of-unfolding-c…>, and 2) "How to Talk to Children about the Invasion of Ukraine"<https://writenow.nwp.org/how-to-talk-to-children-about-the-invasion-of-ukra…> that may be useful to you. This is also a powerful time for collaboration amongst our social studies, library media, and ELA colleagues to provide students with tools for empathy and identifying misinformation. Two books that may be of interest: 1. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman<https://penguinclassroom.com/books/the-blackbird-girls/?ref=PRH1C46FE441E07…> is set in Ukraine during the Chernobyl disaster with converging plot threads to WWII and how Jewish refugees came to Eastern Europe. It covers the disaster and the escape of two girls from Chernobyl, which the Russian military has taken over as of this writing, and shows that hatred, intolerance, and oppression are no match for the power of true friendship. 2. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys<https://penguinclassroom.com/books/between-shades-of-gray/?ref=PRH1C46FE441…> is set in the former Soviet Union during WWII and describes the Russian invasion, occupation, and destruction of many nations and could draw parallels to what is going on today. I was also reminded of this poem by Warsan Shire (poetry has been on my mind/heart a lot lately): what they did yesterday afternoon by warsan shire they set my aunts house on fire i cried the way women on tv do folding at the middle like a five pound note. i called the boy who use to love me tried to 'okay' my voice i said hello he said warsan, what's wrong, what's happened? i've been praying, and these are what my prayers look like; dear god i come from two countries one is thirsty the other is on fire both need water. later that night i held an atlas in my lap ran my fingers across the whole world and whispered where does it hurt? it answered everywhere everywhere everywhere. I know Spring Break is happening now or coming up soon for most of you, and I hope that you have a moment to enjoy the spring weather, spend time with family and friends, and care for any hurt that needs tending . My Current Read: Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith<https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/life-mars> My Current Listen: What's Her Name<https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com/> podcast My Current Watch: Rutherford Falls<https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11058054/> Educator Spotlight[cid:image001.jpg@01D839EC.37197530] Chris Thompson - English and ESL Teacher Spanish Fork Jr. High I have enjoyed teaching 7th and 8th grade English at Nebo's Spanish Fork Junior High for fifteen years and feel lucky to have a job I love. Every day is full of new challenges and adventures that can only be appreciated by other middle grade teachers. Daily junior high life does not lack for entertainment, and just when I think I have seen and heard it all, a new trend or saying comes along giving me the opportunity to learn even more from my students. Last year they taught me what it means to "Hit the woah," whereas this year I have mastered The Griddy and the proper use of the phrase, "That's cap." Learning from and connecting with my students is the most rewarding part of my career, so whether students are practicing reading or revision strategies with me, or I am learning the latest social constructs from them, my ELA classroom is a place to listen, learn, grow, and glow. Together. A place to put our phones away and connect through reading and writing. People who encouraged me as a young reader or writer all contributed to my becoming an English teacher. Whether it was Ron Galbreath wiping away tears as he finished reading Where the Red Fern Grows to our sixth grade class, or Jean Hawkins incorporating her literary knowledge into her weekly church lessons, I discovered a desire to read. Likewise, my parents and professors like Tom Romano celebrated my attempts at poetry and prose to the point where I not only wanted to develop that gift, but share it. Igniting that passion in my own students-to see themselves as lifelong readers and writers-is my number one goal in teaching ELA. When I am not teaching, grading, or preparing my next lesson, I enjoy decorating my home, refinishing furniture, spending time with my children, and listening to 80s and 90s country music. I can usually lure my adult children back into our home with the promise of a good meal or a Harry Potter marathon as we all share a love for J.K. Rowling's storytelling. However, right now I am engrossed in Niel Shusterman's Scythe series and recommend it to all my dystopian loving students. Teaching English/Language Arts has given me the opportunity to develop my passion as a reader and a writer while helping to instill that same enthusiasm in my students. I cannot think of a better way to connect with and influence future generations than by empowering them with the ability to navigate and express themselves through the written word. UEN PDTV: Information Literacy In a new episode of UEN PDTV, Humanities Coordinator, Robert Austin, and I talk to UEN's Katie Blunt about strategies for information literacy. It includes great features of Utah educators teaching kids about these skills. You can view the episode on the UEN website at uen.org/pdtv<https://www.uen.org/pdtv/> as well as the UEN YouTube channel<https://youtu.be/4I7Tsv9AS-Y>. March is Women's History Month * Utah Women & Leadership<https://www.uen.org/women-girls-lead/> resources at UEN * Connect to Local Women's History through Storytelling<https://www.socialstudies.org/system/files/publications/articles/yl_3103014…> * Resource Toolkit from the National Women's History Museum<https://www.womenshistory.org/sites/default/files/document/2022-03/NWHM%20W…> * Utah Women's History Toolkits and Resources<https://www.utahwomenshistory.org/> NCTE Creates Book Rationale Database NCTE's Intellectual Freedom Center<https://ncte.org/resources/ncte-intellectual-freedom-center/> website will soon have a new feature: an active database of book rationales. While NCTE has long had rationales available to members, this is the first time rationales will be available digitally on our website. NCTE is pleased to recognize new support in the form of a $10,000 grant from Penguin Random House Education to support the digitization effort. Book rationales are a strong way to document why a book is selected for use in the classroom and how it may help students master standards. NCTE has hundreds of rationales created by teachers that will be made available to NCTE members later this spring in digitized, searchable versions. Over the last year, the NCTE Standing Committee on Censorship has been updating the common rationale formats. The database will allow members access to this form and allow them to submit new rationales to add to our database. Further details will be announced in the next month. Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration will open at the end of March. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Intermountain AP Summer Institute [cid:image002.png@01D839EC.37197530] More info here<https://web.cvent.com/event/e64a4c0f-fd08-47dd-89f3-2b920832d2ba/summary>. 2021-2022 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> * March 22, 2022 from 1-3pm, virtual Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Opportunity to attend Railroads in Native America (RNA)
by Watkins, Naomi 10 Feb '22

10 Feb '22

A history gathering called "Railroads in Native America (RNA)" which will be the second gathering held May 19-21, 2022 in the Ogden Union Station. The first gathering was in Omaha, Nebraska in 2019. 2022 RNA website: https://indian.utah.gov/events/railroads-in-native-america/ RNA has been organized by the Utah Div. of Indian Affairs, and is sponsored by all of Utah's tribes and 20 history related organizations. RNA organizers will also be offering remote internet access for those who add their names and emails to the "I'm interested list." The program includes Native American scholars (Native Am. & non-Native Am.), from around the United States, and there will be various types of nontraditional presentations. This gathering is free of charge; however they have limited seating. The subject may seems remote but in short we are addressing Native American and non-Native American interactions, for over a 160 plus years, within predominantly Native American perspectives. Visit the above link to sign up. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Feb 2022 Secondary ELA & Library Media News
by Watkins, Naomi 04 Feb '22

04 Feb '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: February 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: The month of February has me thinking about poetry. Maybe because it's the month of love or because I'm in the middle of former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's new poetry book or because we finally made it through January and Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. Regardless, a memory surfaced from my time as a student in AP English. We were reading and studying John Donne's poem "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning," <https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44131/a-valediction-forbidding-mourn…> and I admittedly did not like poetry. It all felt too difficult, and I didn't care enough to struggle through the challenge. But this time, things went differently. I saw how the symbolism added depth and meaning to Donne's words. It clicked for me in that moment, opening my eyes to the wonder that language can hold, and I leaned into poetry after that moment. Do you have an experience like this one? And how do you cultivate similar experiences for students? My Current Reads: Call Us What We Carry<https://amandagormanbooks.com/> by Amanda Gorman My Current Music Listen: "Misty Morning"<https://open.spotify.com/track/6sJbj2bRgR3VQ0Jg7qjX7S?si=aa72b1a32b4346f6> by Sol Rising My Current Watch: Groundhog Day<https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107048/> (how was this movie made almost 30 years ago?) Educator Spotlight Gretchen Zaitzeff - District Library Media Specialist, Canyons School District How long have you been teaching? Education is my third career, and I have been working in school libraries for the last 13 years. [cid:image001.jpg@01D819BE.0EB911C0] Who/what inspired you to become a teacher? My inspiration for becoming a school librarian heralds back to my elementary librarian and fifth grade teacher at Layton Hall Elementary in Springfield, VA, and of course, there's a story there. Also the amazing school librarians of District Unit 5 and University High School in Normal, IL who served my children were inspirational in my choosing school librarianship as my current career. What has been the most rewarding part of teaching? Handing a book to the student who requested it and for whom you bought it is the happiest part of my job. The way that they light up and the joy they express is extremely fulfilling. I received a lot of spontaneous hugs from the recipients. What are your hobbies/interests when you are not teaching? I collect signed books, socks and Legos. When I am not working, I am enjoying my family and serving in my faith community. I like reading (no surprise), decorating, traveling and all the fandoms. What do you think is the most important thing about teaching ELA to kids? Readers are leaders. Students who can read can learn anything, be anything and achieve anything. What is your favorite book? Author? I am a HUGE Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice fan. I read all of the P&P mash-ups, re-works and fan fic. I also consume all the Austen movies, plays and other media. As you can see from my photo, I am also a big Harry Potter fan. My post COVID goal is to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in NYC. PHOTO: Gretchen Zaitzeff, Virtual Storytime Registration Open Now: Professional Learning Opportunity Robert Austin, USBE Humanities Coordinator, and I are excited to offer the following virtual professional learning series to secondary ELA and social studies folks (classroom teachers, instructional/literacy coaches, district leaders) with Cornelius Minor called "Put The Oxygen Mask on Yourself First: What it Means To Learn Right Now." This is a series on meeting the needs of a changing learning landscape by focusing on ENGAGEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, and CREATIVITY. Dates/Times: * Session #1: February 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #2: February 15, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #3: March 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST *Please note that this is a 3-part series. Participants will need to attend at least 2 of the 3 sessions. Location: Zoom Cost: FREE Registration: MIDAS<http://usbe.midaseducation.com/> course ID: 60758 | Receive 1.0 USBE Credit for 3 sessions; 0.5 for 2 sessions For the schedule, learning intentions, and success criteria, visit here<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXxXZalAqHWL_TKEq0qjmmhh_eQg411m7QXY-Uu…>. UCTE 2022 Conference Friday, Feb 11, 2022at Megaplex Theaters at Jordan Commons Registration is closed. The 2022 annual conference of the Utah Council of Teachers of English will feature exciting keynote speakers and inspiring teacher-led breakout sessions. Our keynotes this year will be about identity, inquiry, and identity led by Sara K. Ahmed and digital literacies led by Dr. Shelbie Witte and Dr. Sara Kajder. Our teacher-led breakout sessions will cover topics ranging from teaching literature to best writing practices to incorporating digital literacies into the classroom. Join us for what promises to be an energizing and inspiring day of professional development! UELMA 2022 Conference Registration for UELMA's annual conference is now open. The UELMA conference is Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Weber State University. Register now to receive a discounted rate at <https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.goo…> https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/home UELMA is in need of volunteers! If you would be willing to help at the conference, please let us know. More information here<https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/volunteers>. 2022 Round-Up of Children's & Young Adult Book Award Winners School Library Journal provides an overview of all of the recent book award winners <https://www.theclassroombookshelf.com/2022/01/2022-winter-childrens-and-you…> including: ? 2022 American Library Association (ALA) Youth Media Awards ? 2022 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Charlotte Huck Award ? 2022 International Literacy Association (ILA) Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CLR SIG) Notable Books for a Global Society ? 2021 National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Outstanding Science Trade Books Black History Month * Through children's books, interviews with Black children's authors and illustrators, classroom activities, online history resources, and powerful documentaries, Reading Rockets<https://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/blackhistory> celebrates and learns about the lives and contributions of African Americans. They encourage educators and librarians to look for opportunities to include these stories throughout the year and across the curriculum. * UEN Resources here<https://www.uen.org/core/socialstudies/africanamerican/> and here<https://www.uen.org/news/article.php?id=1018>. * 2022 Winners of the Coretta Scott King Book Award: https://www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards Standards Implementation Institute Summer 2022 See this flyer<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q2d34oWWEaeZcbdIEn4djbbVSGy_GJ3Q/view?usp=…> for information about this summer's Standards Implementation Institute. Registration will open at the end of March. Secondary ELA topics include: * Day 1: Strategies for Success in Argumentative Writing' * Day 2: Engagement and Endurance with Complex Text * Day 3: Informational Text and Writing * Day 4: Working Effectively with Students Who Face Reading Challenges Update on Acadience Reading Expansion SB 145<https://le.utah.gov/~2022/bills/static/SB0145.html> sponsored by Sen. Stevenson was heard in the Senate Education Subcommittee this week and moves forward with full recommendation from the committee. This bill would expand LEA access to Acadience Reading (a reading diagnostic assessment) through grade 8. 2021-2022 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! Next Meeting: March 22, 2022 from 1-3pm To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Utah Jazz Black History Art Contest
by Watkins, Naomi 26 Jan '22

26 Jan '22

The Utah Jazz have launched a Black History Art contest for 9th-12th graders to submit an original art piece on what Black History Month means to them, with the chance to have that design produced and featured on an apparel piece. Info here<https://gf.fan/utahjazz/jazzbhmdesigncontest?cid=jazz_email_marketo_2022.01…>. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Jan 2022 Secondary ELA & Library Media News
by Watkins, Naomi 18 Jan '22

18 Jan '22

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: January 2022 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: I know that things are very much in flux and many are feeling that extra burden right now. Please reach out for support and make sure to take as much care for yourselves as you are able. My Current Reads: Klara and the Sun<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/653825/klara-and-the-sun-by-kazuo-…> by Kazuo Ishiguro My Current Music Listen: "Speaking with the Trees"<https://open.spotify.com/track/4g7Jknv7dTQ1IDoqsBTg8N?si=b2e3cc35e02a4704> by Tori Amos My Current Watch: tick tick...Boom!<https://www.netflix.com/title/81149184> Educator Spotlight Cherie Kircalli - Mount Logan Middle School, Reading and Language Arts [cid:image001.jpg@01D80C7D.29D8F7C0]I have been a Utah teacher for 21 years now. Before that, I taught elementary and middle school, and college-age students in Istanbul, Turkey for 10 years. I was inspired to become a teacher because of my friendships with migrant children when I was a child in Australia. I didn't understand the grammatical structure of the language, but I quickly learned the importance of repetition, patience, and real-life exposure to language situations in helping my friends learn English. I was also influenced by middle-school and high-school English teachers who used popular songs to interest their students in poetry and language. The most rewarding part of teaching has been the life-long connections I've been able to make with my students and their families, and the little thank you notes that have appeared at random times on my desk over the years. When you hear, in a child's own words, that you have made a difference in their life it goes a long way to erasing any negative interactions you might have had with a disgruntled parent. I have had few interests outside of teaching in the past three decades apart from crafting cards and handmade books, as well as having a keen interest in family history. The bulk of my waking moments have been spent furthering education - my own and that of my students. The most important thing about teaching ELA to kids is to bring language to life with books they might be interested in, to show a passion for the meanings of words, and to be sincere in letting them know you care about them as students and as people. My favorite book series has been the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series by Anne McCaffrey. I love being skillfully mentally transported to another world and time. Registration Open Now: Professional Learning Opportunity Robert Austin, USBE Humanities Coordinator, and I are excited to offer the following virtual professional learning series to secondary ELA and social studies folks (classroom teachers, instructional/literacy coaches, district leaders) with Cornelius Minor called "Put The Oxygen Mask on Yourself First: What it Means To Learn Right Now." This is a series on meeting the needs of a changing learning landscape by focusing on ENGAGEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, and CREATIVITY. Dates/Times: * Session #1: February 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #2: February 15, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #3: March 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST *Please note that this is a 3-part series. Participants will need to attend all three parts. Location: Zoom Cost: FREE Registration: MIDAS<http://usbe.midaseducation.com/> course ID: 60758 | Receive 1.0 USBE Credit For the schedule, learning intentions, and success criteria, visit here<https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kXxXZalAqHWL_TKEq0qjmmhh_eQg411m7QXY-Uu…>. Utah Women's History Opportunities from Better Days NEW RESOURCES ABOUT MARTHA HUGHES CANNON First, we are commemorating 125 years since Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon's<https://www.utahwomenshistory.org/bios/marthahughescannon/> election as the first female state senator in the nation with new lessons and primary source sets<https://www.utahwomenshistory.org/tools-for-educators/>! To request a free digital toolkit to help teach your students about this remarkable Utah woman, please sign up here<http://shorturl.at/bpxV1>. More details can be found in the attached flyer ART CONTEST Second, we are thrilled to announce the second annual "She Started It For All of Us" art contest for 4-12 grade students. Last year, we had hundreds of submissions from students who shared their talents and brought Utah women to life in creative and impressive ways. Students must submit their art before January 24, 2022, more contest details can be found here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdNT14Dptw4rKlixT3QMJt2zjLu2ECX-zD…> and in the attached flyer. Please spread the word to all the teachers and students you know! Winners will receive cash prizes and have their art in a public display at the Utah State Capitol. FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITY - UTAH STATE CAPITOL BUILDING Last, but not least, on February 10, 2022, Better Days is hosting students and teachers on the 4th floor gallery of the Utah Capitol for a unique field trip opportunity. Join us that morning as we share stories of Utah women who made a difference in their communities through civic engagement. We will have hands-on activities, storytellers, and displays about Utah women's history, and a visit with Utah's Lieutenant Governor, Deidre Henderson. Sign up for this great opportunity here<https://forms.gle/RgcN6QdpGXm4yQTf7>! Join Better Days for one, two or all three of these inspiring events! We look forward to hearing from you soon. UCTE 2022 Conference Friday, Feb 11, 2022at Megaplex Theaters at Jordan Commons Registration closes February 1st! Register here<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-ucte-conference-tickets-204253496707>. The 2022 annual conference of the Utah Council of Teachers of English will feature exciting keynote speakers and inspiring teacher-led breakout sessions. Our keynotes this year will be about identity, inquiry, and identity led by Sara K. Ahmed and digital literacies led by Dr. Shelbie Witte and Dr. Sara Kajder. Our teacher-led breakout sessions will cover topics ranging from teaching literature to best writing practices to incorporating digital literacies into the classroom. Join us for what promises to be an energizing and inspiring day of professional development! UELMA 2022 Conference Registration for UELMA's annual conference is now open. The UELMA conference is Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Weber State University. Register now to receive a discounted rate at <https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.goo…> https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/home Do you have a service project idea? Do you know someone or a library in need? Let us know how UELMA and its members can help. More information here<https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/service-project>. We want to recognize the fabulous teacher librarians, paraprofessionals, and administrators in our state. Please consider nominating a fabulous library worker or supporter - More information here.<https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/information/awards> UELMA is in need of volunteers! If you would be willing to help at the conference, please let us know. More information here<https://sites.google.com/uelma.org/annual-conference-2022/volunteers>. USBE & DonorsChoose Launch $12 Million Effort for Educators The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) officially launches the allocation of $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds to directly help K-12 public school educators get classroom resources for the school year through DonorsChoose<http://www.donorschoose.org/>, a nonprofit crowdfunding website. The collaboration between USBE and DonorsChoose is the largest of its kind to date in the nation and will provide Utah educators with up to $1,000 in funding for their projects, empowering them to support their students' success with classroom resources. As part of the partnership with USBE, DonorsChoose will ensure any requests for instructional materials align with the Utah Core Standards. For any requests for non-instructional items, DonorsChoose will confirm that projects relate to one of the four main goal areas identified in USBE's strategic plan: safe and healthy schools; early learning; personalized learning; and effective teachers and leaders. Any Utah full-time equivalent K-12 public school employee who spends the majority of their time directly educating or counseling students is eligible to create a project. Eligible projects are anticipated to be funded within one week of posting. Projects will be funded up to $1,000 in total costs for student-focused resources. USBE will begin funding eligible requests on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January, 18, 2021 and for as long as funding is available. Educators can learn how to create an eligible DonorsChoose project in the organization's Help Center<https://help.donorschoose.org/hc/en-us/articles/4415576238487>. Nominate Local Educators "Utah Jazz Most Valuable Educator, presented by Instructure" invites the Utah community to nominate local educators who are making an impact in their schools and communities and who are an inspiration in the lives of their students. Through this program, 21 educators will be recognized during 21 home games throughout the 2021-22 Jazz regular season. Each honored educator will be guests of Instructure at the game and receive a personalized Jazz jersey. In addition, each recipient will receive a $1,000 classroom grant and a surprise classroom visit or organized assembly involving the Jazz Bear mascot, and personnel from the Utah Jazz and Instructure. More information here.<https://www.nba.com/jazz/MVE> Nominations end March 31, 2022. Civil Liberties in Times of Crisis: The Japanese American Experience JACL and the National Endowment for the Humanities<https://neh.gov/> (NEH) are inviting seventy-two educators to explore the historical significance and enduring legacy of the World War II Japanese American incarceration experience and the reparations movement. While past participants are primarily social studies and humanities teachers at the K-12 levels, all are invited to apply. More information can be found here.<https://jacl.org/2022-neh-landmarks?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=7a6c7ac5-a7…> Black History Month with Utah Film Center Utah Film Center is proud to announce their 2022 edition of Black History Month programming beginning February 1st! This year's selection offers free films and a special event at the University of Utah that delves into the artistry, inspiration and activism of our country's Black luminaries, past and present. Each Tuesday in February, The Utah Film Center will take you on a journey to uncover the stories you thought you knew and on Thursday the 17th, they will partner with Utah Presents for a unique in-person performance by DJ Spooky as part of their Through the Lens series with KUER and RadioWest at Kingsbury Hall. More information here.<https://www.facebook.com/UtahFilmCenter/events> Scrible Trainings by UEN UEN has developed online and in-person training on Scrible, the research, writing, and reading digital platform that USBE has adopted. All Utah public school educators and students have free accounts. For UEN videos about Scrible visit: https://sites.google.com/pd.uen.org/utah-scrible-amazing/home NEW OPPORTUNITY: For a self-paced MIDAS course about Scrible, go here. <https://uen.catalog.instructure.com/browse/mooc2022/courses/research-ready-…> To request a Scrible presentation by UEN at your school/LEA, complete this form<https://form.asana.com/?hash=09cb900a8f94bb4564f8feece9fdd6f935c8a1798d9b41…>. 2021-2022 Secondary Literacy Director Meeting Dates Mark your calendars! To receive a meeting invite, contact Brenda McMurtrey at brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> * January 25, 2022 from 1-3pm virtual * March 22, 2022 from 1-3pm Join the Listserve Want to stay in the loop of future newsletters? Join the Secondary ELA ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/secondaryela or the Library Media ListServ at https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media Have an item for the monthly Secondary ELA & Library Media newsletter, a research or teaching tip, or an educator spotlight nomination? Email brenda.mcmurtrey(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:brenda.mcmurtrey@schools.utah.gov> by the first of the month. **Please note: LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of these resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO/Action: Professional Learning with Cornelius Minor on Engagement, Critical Thinking & Creativity
by Watkins, Naomi 18 Jan '22

18 Jan '22

Hi All: Robert Austin, USBE Humanities Coordinator, and I are excited to offer the following virtual professional learning series to secondary ELA and social studies folks (classroom teachers, instructional/literacy coaches, district leaders) with Cornelius Minor called "Put The Oxygen Mask on Yourself First: What it Means To Learn Right Now." This is a series on meeting the needs of a changing learning landscape by focusing on ENGAGEMENT, CRITICAL THINKING, and CREATIVITY. [A person with a beard Description automatically generated with low confidence]Cornelius Minor is a Brooklyn-based educator. He works with teachers, school leaders, and leaders of community-based organizations to support literacy reform in cities (and sometimes villages) across the globe. His latest book, We Got This, explores how the work of creating more equitable school spaces is embedded in our everyday choices-specifically in the choice to really listen to kids. Whether working with educators and kids in Los Angeles, Seattle, or New York City, Cornelius uses his love for technology, hip-hop, and social media to bring communities together. As a teacher, Cornelius draws not only on his years teaching middle school in the Bronx and Brooklyn, but also on time spent skateboarding, shooting hoops, and working with young people. If you're familiar with Cornelius and his work, you know how much of a treat this will be. I attended several of his sessions at NCTE and learned so much from him and his work in classrooms. So please join us and encourage others in your circles to attend. Dates/Times: * Session #1: February 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #2: February 15, 3:30-6:30pm MST * Session #3: March 8, 3:30-6:30pm MST *Please note that this is a 3-part series. Participants will need to attend all three parts. Location: Zoom Cost: FREE Registration: MIDAS<http://usbe.midaseducation.com/> course ID: 60758 Schedule, Learning Intentions, & Success Criteria: Meeting I: February 8 Focus - ENGAGEMENT (how students engage with content & how we engage with them) What you'll learn. What you'll be able to do after this experience. Possible next steps after this experience. What it means to teach right now. So much has changed. There are so many demands on our energy and time. This will be a session on seeing through the haze of contemporary school-based urgency, (everything must be done RIGHT NOW!) identifying what's important for students, and setting realistic priorities despite the noise of "crisis" all around us. We cannot see young people authentically if we are always in "emergency" mode. You will be able to: 1. Think about & name your own professional needs/goals. 2. Consider the needs/potential growth areas of individual students & balance them with the demands of our institutions. 3. Think through school based challenges in sustainable, student centered ways. When we commit to real-world (Portrait of a graduate) learning outcomes for young people, that means we are committing to classroom based shifts for ourselves. Name some specific shifts that feel important to you. Make a plan for how these changes can go. How will you discuss these shifts with colleagues? Who? When? Meeting II: February 15 Focus - CRITICAL THINKING (how students think about the world and their experiences as texts & how we think about what it means to do school) What you'll learn. What you'll be able to do after this experience. Possible next steps after this experience. When we say that we are student-centered what, exactly does that mean? How does this connect to the idea of equity, inclusion, or diversity? This will be a session on the kind of adult mindset and classroom-based adjustments that we can make to ensure that all students get what they need in the time that they are with us. You will be able to: 1. Consider approaches like Personalized Competency Based Learning or Universal Design for Learning to sharpen instructional experiences for kids. 2. Plan lessons that reflect our belief in all children. We don't get better because we simply talk about teaching. We get better when we practice what we learn. Make a plan for how you will practice today's learning in terms of the content that you teach. Make a plan for how you will practice today's learning in terms of the methodologies that you employ. What systems will have to change as a result of today's learning? How will you change them. Sometime this month. Try all of these things. Be prepared to talk about them next month. Bring artifacts. Meeting III: March 8 Focus - CREATIVITY (how students move beyond scholastic compliance to real innovation & how we innovate for them) What you'll learn. What you'll be able to do after this experience. Possible next steps after this experience. Creating classroom-based change is not an overnight process. There will be mistakes, challenges, missteps, and misunderstandings. This is all part of the learning process. What does it mean to be culturally proficient in today's context? And how do we stay empowered and productive when things can feel so challenging sometimes. This will be a session on how to establish the kind of sustainable professional stance that puts children first while acknowledging our need for continued professional growth, rest, and care. Here we reflect on our experience so far and plan next steps for students and for ourselves. You will be able to: 1. Think about what we learn when we "assess" kids. 2. Make strategic adjustments to content and methodology. 3. Talk about how those adjustments connect to curricular outcomes, and how they speak to equity... Make a plan for how you will use the work that we shared here moving forward. Who, in this group, will you stay connected to? When will you meet with them? Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: USBE & DonorsChoose Launch $12 Million Effort for Educators
by Watkins, Naomi 18 Jan '22

18 Jan '22

Today, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) officially launches the allocation of $12 million in COVID-19 relief funds to directly help K-12 public school educators get classroom resources for the school year through DonorsChoose<http://www.donorschoose.org/>, a nonprofit crowdfunding website. The collaboration between USBE and DonorsChoose is the largest of its kind to date in the nation and will provide Utah educators with up to $1,000 in funding for their projects, empowering them to support their students' success with classroom resources. As part of the partnership with USBE, DonorsChoose will ensure any requests for instructional materials align with the Utah Core Standards. For any requests for non-instructional items, DonorsChoose will confirm that projects relate to one of the four main goal areas identified in USBE's strategic plan: safe and healthy schools; early learning; personalized learning; and effective teachers and leaders. Any Utah full-time equivalent K-12 public school employee who spends the majority of their time directly educating or counseling students is eligible to create a project. Eligible projects are anticipated to be funded within one week of posting. Projects will be funded up to $1,000 in total costs for student-focused resources. USBE will begin funding eligible requests on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January, 18, 2021 and for as long as funding is available. Educators can learn how to create an eligible DonorsChoose project in the organization's Help Center<https://help.donorschoose.org/hc/en-us/articles/4415576238487>. https://schools.utah.gov/file/dcd2837d-f3b8-4bae-9d9f-ffd3b9eafdae Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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