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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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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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Action Requested: Public Feedback on Creative Writing & Literary Magazine Supplemental Standards
by Watkins, Naomi 15 Dec '21

15 Dec '21

Standards for Creative Writing and Literary Magazine have been created to provide Utah educators with guidance on the specific knowledge and skills to be learned when enrolled in creative writing and/or literary magazine courses. USBE staff is seeking 30-day public feedback to gather stakeholder input to guide finalizing these standards. The 30-day feedback window opens December 15, 2021 and closes January 14, 2022. Please provide your feedback prior to the closing date. Link to survey: https://forms.gle/6BDXHnk8JsE7rS8AA If you have any questions about the standards or the survey, please contact naomi.watkins(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:naomi.watkins@schools.utah.gov> Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616

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INFO: Invitation to the Wasatch Range Writing Project 2022
by Watkins, Naomi 09 Dec '21

09 Dec '21

See below for another great opportunity. Participation in a National Writing Project also meets one of the competencies for the new competency-based secondary ELA endorsement. Naomi Watkins, Ph.D. Secondary ELA and Library Media Specialist Utah State Board of Education 801-538-7616 Dear Teachers: I am excited to tell you that we will have an incredible project this year. I invite you to join us in the 15th Invitational Institute of the Wasatch Range Writing Project, held this year from June 7th to June 24th. This institute will provide you an opportunity to work with other teachers to improve the teaching of writing in your schools. This year we will have a compact three credit hour course with amazing presenters and activities.The institute is held four days a week Monday thru Thursday, from 10:am to 2:30pm, over a three-week period. This year we are meeting in Ogden at the Weber State University main campus in Elizabeth Hall and from there we will venture to many educational locations such as the Ogden Nature Center, historical sites, and surprise adventures. We invite teachers in all disciplines and from all grade levels in Morgan, Box Elder, Cache, Davis, Weber and Ogden Districts. Teachers who complete the three weeks of the Institute receive three graduate credits from Weber State University, for free, save for the recording fee. The course is limited to 15 participants so contact me to reserve your spot. Registration for Summer semester begins in April 2022. At the institute, we demonstrate lessons in writing from our practice and then discuss their underlying principles and their applicability to other grades and subjects. We also write often and in many modes, and share our work in response groups. This year we will explore many topics in creative, technical, and creative writing in addition to those that you bring. The Wasatch Range Writing Project is one of the two hundred sites of the National Writing Project, the oldest and most successful, as demonstrated by research, educational initiatives in our nation’s history. More than one hundred teachers here in Northern Utah have participated in the Wasatch Range Writing Project summer institute and many have continued our work in their schools and in other professional meetings. You may find more information about the philosophy and the work of the National Writing Project at nwp.org<http://nwp.org/> and see our work from last year at https://sites.google.com/weber.edu/wrwp We would love to have you join us. Please let us know of your interest as soon as possible. If you have more questions, please feel free to contact us. If you decide to join us for this year’s institute, please register as soon as you can. You may use the contact information listed below for any questions or concerns. We look forward to working with you this coming summer. William John Pollett, Director, Wasatch Range Writing Project. Email at wpollett(a)weber.edu<mailto:wpollett@weber.edu> -- William Pollett Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities Department of English Weber State University Elizabeth Hall, room #268 Ogden, UT 84408-1904 Office: 801-626-6964<tel:801-626-6964> Website: (www.weber.edu/cah<http://www.weber.edu/cah>)

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INFO: Dec 2021 Secondary ELA & Library Media Newsletter
by Watkins, Naomi 07 Dec '21

07 Dec '21

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: December 2021 Dear Secondary ELA and Library Media Colleagues: Whew, friends! What a wild ride we're on. But last night, I had the opportunity to attend the Utah Chamber Artists' holiday concert, and it was just the thing to get this holiday season started amidst all of the busyness that this time of year brings. It was a good reminder of the joy of music and gatherings (and the Humanities)! I hope that you are able to enjoy a favorite holiday movie, tune, or book. I always make time to watch the Muppets' A Christmas Carol. It's the best movie version of the book! Take care, friends. Naomi My Current Reads: Make Meatballs Sing: The Life & Art of Corita Kent<http://www.matthewjohnburgess.com/make-meatballs-sing-the-life-art-of-corit…> by Matthew Burgess I learned about this recent winner of the Orbis Pictus Award at NCTE, and it is a delight. The illustrations are magical, and I really enjoyed learning about the life and work of artist Corita Kent. My Current Music Listen: Adele's 30 My Current Watch: Belfast<https://www.focusfeatures.com/belfast> -- A semi-autobiographical film which chronicles the life of a working class family and their young son's childhood during the tumult of the late 1960s in the Northern Ireland capital. Educator Spotlight Delise Fullmer - Millard High School - 2021 Millar School District Teacher of the Year 11th and 12th Grade English Language Arts [cid:image001.jpg@01D7EB5E.6BE19CC0] My name is Delise Fullmer. I am proud to be a teacher and a coach at Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah. I have been teaching for close to thirteen years, and it has been wonderful! I have had the opportunity to teach three of my four children so far, as well as the other juniors and seniors at Millard. I love my job! There have been so many terrific, influential people in my life, and besides the teacher grandma, my mom (who would've been a fabulous teacher), and my teacher sister, I would have to say that my own high school teachers were my inspiration for becoming a teacher. I had two English teachers: Verlene Phillips and Julia Stephenson Parkinson who taught with passion. Their love for the subject was infused in every assignment, discussion, and project. Another teacher who had a profound effect on me was Lloyd Brown who held high expectations for his students, and I strived to meet those expectations. He was tough but always fair, and I admired that. The most rewarding teaching for me is watching the spark light in the eyes of my students. It doesn't always have anything to do with English; often it's more about a truth they've discovered or a new determination they have fostered. Recently, I received a Facebook message from one of my former students. She wrote, "I always looked forward to your classes because I thought they were fun and I gained a love for reading" and "I believe that you've helped me have a love to constantly learn." This is the most rewarding thing I can think of-a positive impact on another life. My hobbies are what you might expect from an English language arts teacher: I love to read, and I am currently writing a book. My other love, besides my family, is running. It helps my mental health to put in some miles before school and on the weekends. I have run seven marathons and many half marathons. I try to run several every year. I love to set goals and work toward them, and like my former student said, I love to learn. I am endlessly curious about most subjects. One of the most important aspects of teaching ELA to kids is the opportunity they have to read and consider others. Whether it is a work of fiction or nonfiction, students have the opportunity to read the opinions of others, the secret worries of a protagonist, and the heartbreak and victories in both reality and make believe. Here are opportunities to not only practice empathy but also to form opinions and learn how to share them and listen to others' in a compassionate, mindful, and respectful way. The formation of these skills is life altering and world changing. Asking me to choose a favorite book is like asking me to choose a favorite child. There are many books that I love so much and that have become trusted and beloved friends! Instead of sharing one of my long-time loves, I'll share a more recent one: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman is a beautiful book. It reminds the reader that we never really know the story that others have lived or are living. It encourages taking a deeper look and practicing compassion in our interactions with others. Backman has become one of my favorite authors since I read A Man Called Ove. He's a master of weaving story threads together into a gorgeous tapestry, and his characterization is genius. *********************************************************************** Thanks to Chris Haught for the following librarian shout out. [cid:image002.png@01D7EB5E.6BE19CC0] "Just wanted to give a shout out to Melinda Overson. She has been doing a great job at Bryce Valley High. She has been working hard to genrify the library, creating book clubs and building a reading culture in her school. She applied for and received the ALA Transforming Libraries Grant<https://www.insiderutah.com/articles/bryce-valley-high-school-receives-nati…> for $3000, as well as the LSTA Physical Collection Grant for $2,000, it will be exciting to watch how this influx of new books will impact the students! I was at her school last week and took these photos. I was so impressed with the changes she has made! Keep up the great work!" Essay Contest to Win a Ticket to See Hamilton The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement is inviting high school students to participate in "One Utah: A 'Revolutionary' Contest." Seventy students will win a ticket to the Broadway touring production of "Hamilton" on Saturday, Jan. 22. To enter, Utah students are invited to write a letter to Gov. Spencer J. Cox or Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson about how to make Utah better. Details about the contest here<https://community.utah.gov/contest/>. Here's where to submit your entry<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y6S-N1KVcrJO9wrAHWR29c-8lgfcZdUycLGDPd5S2Y…>. Submissions accepted through Dec. 14 (cut off at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 14). Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation<https://preserveauschwitz.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4d5ca0c6ebf1f…> (ABMF) and the United Jewish Federation of Utah invite you to apply for the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship, a year-long, fully funded program for Utah high school teachers. ABMF's mission is to safeguard the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau through the preservation of its original artifacts and bringing education about Auschwitz to American students. We want more people to know what Auschwitz was with the ultimate goal of developing an understanding of what leads to genocide. Together with the United Jewish Federation of Utah - dedicated to preserving, enriching, and caring for the Jewish communities - ABMF brings lessons of Auschwitz to Utah high school students and broader audiences. As an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow, you will: * Travel to Poland in the summer for a week-long experience, which will include Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz-Birkenau, * Participate in a hybrid (online and in-person) educational program that revolves around a 45-minute educational film about WWII, the Holocaust, and Auschwitz-Birkenau, * Receive multiple resources for you and your students, with our 45-minute educational film at the center of the curriculum; the provided resources will allow you to meet relevant guidelines and standards, * Gain special access to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum's remote guided visits for your students (via a newly-designed, cutting edge app), * Become a life-long Auschwitz Legacy alumnus/a and learn from and contribute to a community of teachers from all across the U.S. for whom it is essential to address these topics in the classroom, * Establish a relationship with a significant educational institution in your home state that will provide you and your students with access to their resources. If you are interested in becoming an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow, you: * Will be expected to plan to be teaching in the classroom for at least another five years, * Need to be available to participate in a year-long hybrid program, including a week-long trip to Poland, * Should be prepared for an active experience in Poland, which will include a lot of walking and long days, * Can apply by clicking here<https://preserveauschwitz.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4d5ca0c6ebf1f…> no later than December 8, 2021. Eligibility: The program is available to high school teachers from all over the U.S. who have never visited Auschwitz-Birkenau before. Participation in the program is free of charge (double occupancy hotel accommodations, meals, and international flights included); upon acceptance Fellows will be charged a $150 administrative fee. Those who prefer single-occupancy will incur additional costs. This unique program focuses specifically on Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most notorious Nazi concentration and death camps and the most recognizable symbol of horrors of the Holocaust. It will teach our Fellows universal lessons through its lens. All questions can be sent to Gosia Szymanska Weiss, ABMF, to gosiasweiss(a)perserveauschwitz.org<mailto:gosiasweiss@perserveauschwitz.org>. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students<https://go.jfklfoundation.org/e/682543/ofile-in-courage-essay-contest/6qh43…> The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students<https://go.jfklfoundation.org/e/682543/ofile-in-courage-essay-contest/6qh43…> is officially open! We're now accepting submissions from high school students for the 2022 contest-and your students can win up to $10,000 for participating! Sixty-five years ago, John F. Kennedy described the stories of eight U.S. senators who demonstrated great courage under enormous pressure in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage. Although the problems facing our leaders today are different, President Kennedy's message transcends. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is a great way for students to strengthen their research and writing skills while recognizing courageous leaders who have inspired them. Contest Deadline is January 4, 2022. 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. 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. Resources from News Literacy Project Learn concrete strategies for talking to people who believe misinformation. NLP recently produced a webinar<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38900076/317516213/-803653937?v=Vqtt8vNqw3s…> focused on helping people have productive conversations about false beliefs without confrontation. This webinar - part of a series<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38900077/317516214/-274993585?utm_medium=em…> for older adults in partnership with AARP's OATS/Senior Planet program - is a perfect way to prep yourself for constructive holiday discussions. * Key points: People believe misinformation for a variety of reasons, but they're often sincere and well-intentioned. So it's important to engage false beliefs through conversation rather than confrontation, and to use patience, empathy and persistence (PEP). Preparing key phrases - such as, "That's interesting. Can you tell me where you heard that?" and "Can we search for more information about this together?" - might help keep things in friendly and fruitful territory. Resource: Infographic: "How to speak up without starting a showdown"<https://click.everyaction.com/k/38900078/317516215/1004089587?utm_medium=em…> (NLP's Resource Library). 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…> 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…>. Educational Equity in Schools Resources Note: the highlighted resources are new since last month's newsletter. In August 2021, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Administration Rules approved R277-328: Educational Equity in Schools<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/722ef396-b45a-4dbb-a974-00a9d9dbcac0> (PDF File)<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/722ef396-b45a-4dbb-a974-00a9d9dbcac0> This rule is intended to support school districts and charters with standards for educators and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding professional learning, guidelines and requirements for curriculum, and classroom instruction on educational equity. To support LEAs and educators in successful implementation of this rule, the Teaching and Learning team is developing supportive resources for educators to help advance educational equity in every Utah classroom. * The Four Keys to Successful Implementation: This resource shares four key themes we have curated from concerns shared with USBE leadership related to claims of Critical Race Theory (CRT) happening in classrooms. By employing these four keys to successful implementation, educators can increase their confidence in continuing to provide quality learning opportunities that respect each individual. * Orchestrating Productive Classroom Discussions: When orchestrating productive, respectful, and safe classroom discussions, it is essential to have ground rules, language frames, and discussion protocols to support students. This document shares some sample ground rules along with discussion language frames and protocols to assist teachers in facilitating discussions. * Creating Classroom Norms: The intended purpose of this resource is to support educators and students in feeling supported through constructing a classroom culture with explicit norms and expectations for engagement and respectful participation. * Policies and Resources Outlining Teacher Expectations * Leadership for Respectful Classrooms and Productive Classroom Discussions: <https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/f1d9ae47-7966-4d44-9952-0805c2b12f7d> This resource includes seven recommendations for district, charter, and school leaders to promote and support respectful classrooms and productive classroom discussions. Resources found here<https://www.schools.utah.gov/educationalequity/resources>. Resources for Handling Text Selection, Challenges, & Parental Rights Many LEAs are handling (potential) book challenges by community members and parents. Please note that we do not have an approved state book list or state policies about text selection practices and how to handle book challenges/removal. As a local control state, we strongly recommend that your LEA/school have policies about text selection for libraries/classrooms and how to handle book challenges and potential removal. Sample policies from a few Utah LEAs: * Jordan School District Policy: https://policy.jordandistrict.org/sub/library-books-media/ * Iron County Policy: https://sites.google.com/sedck12.org/icsd-policies-and-handbooks/district/s… <https://sites.google.com/sedck12.org/icsd-policies-and-handbooks/district/s…> Additional Resources for Policies You can refer to the Office of Intellectual Freedom: https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif. The OIF provides support and information about how to address book challenges. This page specifically: https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport Parental Rights Please note that these policies should be in keeping with parental rights to academic accommodations and to alternate texts. Parents/guardians always have the right to request an alternative text for their child(ren). However, if they request that a text be removed for all (i.e. removal from a library or classroom), they will need to follow your LEA/school's text challenge/removal policy. * Parental Rights to Academic Accommodations: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S803.html <https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S803.html> * Parental Rights to Alternate Texts R277-700-7(4) and R277-700-5(7): https://schools.utah.gov/file/87566e17-47ee-4f0d-9bd4-28ef5f947bc8 Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators I'm excited to announce that we have an update to the Toolkit for Struggling Readers. Please check out Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/698c8c65-8753-4609-a841-0af3951d6d59>. This guide can be accessed from USBE's Secondary ELA page under "Resources." Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/698c8c65-8753-4609-a841-0af3951d6d59> supports educators in providing high-quality, effective instruction for adolescent readers. This guide focuses on four key areas: 1) Assessment, 2) Framework and Planning for Reading Intervention Classes, 3) Evidence-based Instructional Practices, and 4) Adolescent Reading Motivation. Within each area, general information and specific evidence-based recommendations, tools, and strategies are provided to support educators in structuring, designing, and facilitating instruction to best support adolescents who are experiencing reading difficulties. As such, incorporation of the components represented in this guide may provide invaluable support for organizing effective reading instruction. Please use this guide in your LEAs. 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> * December 8, 2021 from 1-3pm virtual * 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: Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship Invitation
by Watkins, Naomi 02 Dec '21

02 Dec '21

This is an incredible opportunity! Apply, and spread the word. [https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d4d5ca0c6ebf1f490f17ad94b/images/4814c9ee-369…] In partnership with [https://mcusercontent.com/d4d5ca0c6ebf1f490f17ad94b/images/9808eded-ebb3-64…] The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation<https://preserveauschwitz.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4d5ca0c6ebf1f…> (ABMF) and the United Jewish Federation of Utah invite you to apply for the Auschwitz Legacy Fellowship, a year-long, fully funded program for Utah high school teachers. ABMF's mission is to safeguard the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau through the preservation of its original artifacts and bringing education about Auschwitz to American students. We want more people to know what Auschwitz was with the ultimate goal of developing an understanding of what leads to genocide. Together with the United Jewish Federation of Utah - dedicated to preserving, enriching, and caring for the Jewish communities - ABMF brings lessons of Auschwitz to Utah high school students and broader audiences. As an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow, you will: * Travel to Poland in the summer for a week-long experience, which will include Warsaw, Krakow, and Auschwitz-Birkenau, * Participate in a hybrid (online and in-person) educational program that revolves around a 45-minute educational film about WWII, the Holocaust, and Auschwitz-Birkenau, * Receive multiple resources for you and your students, with our 45-minute educational film at the center of the curriculum; the provided resources will allow you to meet relevant guidelines and standards, * Gain special access to Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum's remote guided visits for your students (via a newly-designed, cutting edge app), * Become a life-long Auschwitz Legacy alumnus/a and learn from and contribute to a community of teachers from all across the U.S. for whom it is essential to address these topics in the classroom, * Establish a relationship with a significant educational institution in your home state that will provide you and your students with access to their resources. If you are interested in becoming an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow, you: * Will be expected to plan to be teaching in the classroom for at least another five years, * Need to be available to participate in a year-long hybrid program, including a week-long trip to Poland, * Should be prepared for an active experience in Poland, which will include a lot of walking and long days, * Can apply by clicking here<https://preserveauschwitz.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4d5ca0c6ebf1f…> no later than December 8, 2021. Eligibility: The program is available to high school teachers from all over the U.S. who have never visited Auschwitz-Birkenau before. Participation in the program is free of charge (double occupancy hotel accommodations, meals, and international flights included); upon acceptance Fellows will be charged a $150 administrative fee. Those who prefer single-occupancy will incur additional costs. This unique program focuses specifically on Auschwitz-Birkenau, the most notorious Nazi concentration and death camps and the most recognizable symbol of horrors of the Holocaust. It will teach our Fellows universal lessons through its lens. All questions can be sent to Gosia Szymanska Weiss, ABMF, to gosiasweiss(a)perserveauschwitz.org<mailto:gosiasweiss@perserveauschwitz.org?subject=Re%3A%20Auschwitz%20Legacy%20Fellowship%20Application>.

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INFO: November 2021 Secondary ELA & Library Media Newsletter
by Watkins, Naomi 09 Nov '21

09 Nov '21

Secondary ELA & Library Media News: November 2021 Hello All: This fall has to be one of the longest and prettiest that I remember. It feels like a beautiful gift after our hot, smoky summer! I hope that you've made some time to get out and enjoy it. I've been reading from the new book, Notable Native People<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623292/notable-native-people-by-ad…> by Adrienne Keene. It includes short biographies with illustrations of Native people past and present in the U.S. Much of the little discourse and literature that exists about Native people focuses so much on the past, so I'm especially appreciating learning about the lives and work of those living today. It's a reminder of how important it is to read and include books that serve as windows into cultures and stories different from our own. I also had the opportunity to attend the American Association of School Librarians (AASL)<https://www.ala.org/aasl/> Annual Conference a few weeks ago here in Salt Lake City. There were numerous sessions about information literacy and how to teach students how to counter misinformation. I suggest checking out these sessions or viewing the webinar that I recorded with USBE Humanities Coordinator, Robert Austin, called "Countering Misinformation in Utah Classrooms."<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2mlQWc6H8s> In case we don't have an opportunity to connect before the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Find some ease and rest. Thanks for all you do. Naomi What are you currently reading, listening to, and watching? My Current Reads: Notable Native People<https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623292/notable-native-people-by-ad…> by Adrienne Keene My Current Music Listen: "Wildfire"<https://open.spotify.com/track/0wFsKxTwDroyhVOI8UxNJv?si=18e79c1208214c6d> by Leah James My Current Watch: Call the Midwife on PBS Celebrate Native American Heritage Month * https://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ * Native American Heritage Month Toolkit from National Women's History Museum<https://www.womenshistory.org/sites/default/files/document/2021-10/NWHM%20N…> * Native Nations in Utah <https://www.visitutah.com/things-to-do/history-culture/tribal-cultures> * American Indians in Children's Literature<https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/> * Techniques for Evaluating American Indian Websites<http://www.u.arizona.edu/~ecubbins/webcrit.html> Essay Contest to Win a Ticket to See Hamilton The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement is inviting high school students to participate in "One Utah: A 'Revolutionary' Contest." Seventy students will win a ticket to the Broadway touring production of "Hamilton" on Saturday, Jan. 22. To enter, Utah students are invited to write a letter to Gov. Spencer J. Cox or Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson about how to make Utah better. Details about the contest here<https://community.utah.gov/contest/>. Here's where to submit your entry<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y6S-N1KVcrJO9wrAHWR29c-8lgfcZdUycLGDPd5S2Y…>. Submissions accepted through Dec. 14 (cut off at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 14). 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> National Women's History Museum Journaling Project The NWHM is pleased to launch the Women Writing History: A Coronavirus Journaling Project <https://www.womenshistory.org/journal-project> and is asking women, girls, and gender non-binary individuals to participate in the simple act of recording their daily thoughts and personal experiences during this pandemic in order to document the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on women's lives. We invite individuals from all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic circumstances to be a part of living history by keeping a journal in 30, 60, 90, 120-day, or any longer OR shorter increments, and contributing their journalistic efforts to the National Women's History Museum. If life gets in the way of a daily, month-long journal, that's okay! Simply commit to what you can or what you already have. You do not have to journal daily. Journals can be written, orally recorded, video recorded, a series of photographs, or original artworks-the primary goal of this project is to capture the female voice and how the pandemic has impacted daily lives and perspectives. Journal entries might provide a summary of one's day, descriptions of the "new normal," coping techniques, explorations of challenges or even moments of joy, or inside views of how learning and working routines have altered. Resources for Handling Text Selection, Challenges, & Parental Rights It has recently come to our attention that many LEAs are handling (potential) book challenges by community members and parents. Please note that we do not have an approved state book list or state policies about text selection practices and how to handle book challenges/removal. As a local control state, we strongly recommend that your LEA/school have policies about text selection for libraries/classrooms and how to handle book challenges and potential removal. Sample policies from a few Utah LEAs: * Canyons School District: https://www.canyonsdistrict.org/policies/instruction/600-6/ * Jordan School District Policy: https://policy.jordandistrict.org/sub/library-books-media/ * Iron County Policy: https://sites.google.com/sedck12.org/icsd-policies-and-handbooks/district/s… <https://sites.google.com/sedck12.org/icsd-policies-and-handbooks/district/s…> Additional Resources for Policies You can refer to the Office of Intellectual Freedom: https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif. The OIF provides support and information about how to address book challenges. This page specifically: https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport Parental Rights Please note that these policies should be in keeping with parental rights to academic accommodations and to alternate texts. Parents/guardians always have the right to request an alternative text for their child(ren). However, if they request that a text be removed for all (i.e. removal from a library or classroom), they will need to follow your LEA/school's text challenge/removal policy. * Parental Rights to Academic Accommodations: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S803.html <https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title53G/Chapter6/53G-6-S803.html> * Parental Rights to Alternate Texts R277-700-7(4) and R277-700-5(7): https://schools.utah.gov/file/87566e17-47ee-4f0d-9bd4-28ef5f947bc8 Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators I'm excited to announce that we have an update to the Toolkit for Struggling Readers. Please check out Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/698c8c65-8753-4609-a841-0af3951d6d59>. This guide can be accessed from USBE's Secondary ELA page under "Resources." Supporting Adolescent Readers: A Guide for Secondary Educators<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/698c8c65-8753-4609-a841-0af3951d6d59> supports educators in providing high-quality, effective instruction for adolescent readers. This guide focuses on four key areas: 1) Assessment, 2) Framework and Planning for Reading Intervention Classes, 3) Evidence-based Instructional Practices, and 4) Adolescent Reading Motivation. Within each area, general information and specific evidence-based recommendations, tools, and strategies are provided to support educators in structuring, designing, and facilitating instruction to best support adolescents who are experiencing reading difficulties. As such, incorporation of the components represented in this guide may provide invaluable support for organizing effective reading instruction. Please use this guide in your LEAs. Educational Equity in Schools Resources Note: the highlighted resources are new since last month's newsletter. In August 2021, the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Administration Rules approved R277-328: Educational Equity in Schools<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/722ef396-b45a-4dbb-a974-00a9d9dbcac0> (PDF File)<https://www.schools.utah.gov/file/722ef396-b45a-4dbb-a974-00a9d9dbcac0> This rule is intended to support school districts and charters with standards for educators and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding professional learning, guidelines and requirements for curriculum, and classroom instruction on educational equity. To support LEAs and educators in successful implementation of this rule, the Teaching and Learning team is developing supportive resources for educators to help advance educational equity in every Utah classroom. * The Four Keys to Successful Implementation: This resource shares four key themes we have curated from concerns shared with USBE leadership related to claims of Critical Race Theory (CRT) happening in classrooms. By employing these four keys to successful implementation, educators can increase their confidence in continuing to provide quality learning opportunities that respect each individual. * Orchestrating Productive Classroom Discussions: When orchestrating productive, respectful, and safe classroom discussions, it is essential to have ground rules, language frames, and discussion protocols to support students. This document shares some sample ground rules along with discussion language frames and protocols to assist teachers in facilitating discussions. * Creating Classroom Norms: The intended purpose of this resource is to support educators and students in feeling supported through constructing a classroom culture with explicit norms and expectations for engagement and respectful participation. * Policies and Resources Outlining Teacher Expectations Resources found here<https://www.schools.utah.gov/educationalequity/resources>. 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 To request a Scrible presentation by UEN at your school/LEA, complete this form<https://form.asana.com/?hash=09cb900a8f94bb4564f8feece9fdd6f935c8a1798d9b41…>. John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students<https://go.jfklfoundation.org/e/682543/ofile-in-courage-essay-contest/6qh43…> The John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students<https://go.jfklfoundation.org/e/682543/ofile-in-courage-essay-contest/6qh43…> is officially open! We're now accepting submissions from high school students for the 2022 contest-and your students can win up to $10,000 for participating! Sixty-five years ago, John F. Kennedy described the stories of eight U.S. senators who demonstrated great courage under enormous pressure in his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage. Although the problems facing our leaders today are different, President Kennedy's message transcends. The Profile in Courage Essay Contest is a great way for students to strengthen their research and writing skills while recognizing courageous leaders who have inspired them. Contest Deadline is January 4, 2022. Do You Have a Pet Peeve about Reading? By Tim Shanahan Both parts are worth reading, including the comments/responses: * Part I<http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/do-you-have-any-pet-peeves-about-rea…> * Part II<http://www.shanahanonliteracy.com/blog/do-you-have-a-pet-peeve-about-readin…> 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> * December 8, 2021 from 1-3pm virtual * January 25, 2022 from 1-3pm * 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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