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[Secondaryela] FW: New title to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 17 Feb '26

17 Feb '26

FYI. See below. [cid:image001.png@01DC9FE7.B064CC90] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v> From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2026 5:11 PM To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Fw: New title to be removed from Utah public schools FYI - I am here to support you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Warm regards, [cid:a983d2fe-7375-4eee-be8c-499c1cb4e5ea] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:515e3457-c97f-4346-8671-cd0e5c622372]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> 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 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. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Friday, February 13, 2026 5:01 PM Subject: New title to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. BAG OF BONES, Stephen King The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:a983d2fe-7375-4eee-be8c-499c1cb4e5ea] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:515e3457-c97f-4346-8671-cd0e5c622372]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> 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 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.

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[Secondaryela] INFO: StoryCon Opportunities
by Naomi Watkins 09 Feb '26

09 Feb '26

1. Free opportunity for educators and administrators: Whether you are signed up for StoryCon or still deciding to join us, we want you to know about an amazing opportunity limited to 60 educators & administrators. We will have a Sponsor Session on Friday, February 27 from 10:00-10:45 at StoryCon. This is an incredible chance to share StoryCon with your administrators. [image.png] We invite you to attend this session as a pair: One classroom teacher or librarian paired with an administrator or School LAND Trust Community Council parent member are invited to fill out the form to attend this session. Our goal is to strengthen collaboration and decision-making around literacy initiatives through shared experiences. If you are not registered for StoryCon, don't worry-this special session is still available to you along with the morning keynote session by Soman Chainani. We will issue you a special ticket to attend both of these events. We invite you to come and see what StoryCon is all about. We think you will love it! Apply for the Sponsor Breakfast Session Here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYOr-HK0jxZbkY05QSC078QdQCIdEjsLi…> and join us for this engaging and collaborative start to StoryCon. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2. There are still spots in our Educator Book Banquets! This opportunity to eat a hot plated breakfast while networking with 11 authors "speed-dating" style and receiving a signed book from all 11 authors is one of the best parts of StoryCon. The great news? You don't even have to be attending StoryCon with a ticket to register for this experience! Bring your friends with you. And you can sign up for easy and inexpensive SUU graduate credit for attending and reading some of the books. Check out this amazing author lineup. Tween educators can attend the Middle Grade lunch while their students attend the Tween program on Friday. Register today at StoryCon.org/bookbanquet. [image.png] [cid:image003.png@01DC99B4.D7C46E50] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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[Secondaryela] Public Feedback on the proposed Secondary Mathematics Standards
by Naomi Watkins 29 Jan '26

29 Jan '26

What: The USBE is seeking additional public feedback on the proposed Secondary Mathematics Standards structure to help guide their decision when adopting the P-12 Draft Utah Core Mathematics Standards. Feedback can be provided through the survey link below. Who: Please share with your secondary mathematics teachers, administrators, other educators. When: Please respond by the closing date of February 27th. Action: The survey can be accessed at https://usbe.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6nXD9ScuYbFTITs Information: If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact USBE's Secondary Mathematics Specialist, Mike Spencer. Mike.spencer(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Mike.spencer@schools.utah.gov> As required by state code, it is noted that this survey response is being requested to respond to a specific request from the Utah State Board of Education but is not a survey that is required by federal or state code. The information being requested is not available elsewhere. There are no penalties if an LEA chooses not to respond to this email. [cid:image001.png@01DC911D.04081570] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/schools/u75jpwz58v>

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FW: Three (3) new titles to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 05 Jan '26

05 Jan '26

Dear colleagues, Please excuse any cross postings. Three titles have met the statewide threshold and are to be removed from student access in all Utah public schools: * Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire * Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult * The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky I am here to support you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. [cid:2a01b4e2-0990-415c-87d3-51652fa56dcd] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:a5ba8545-48b0-4c83-931c-56927b5bf602]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> 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 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. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov<mailto:Davina.Sauthoff@schools.utah.gov>> Sent: Monday, January 5, 2026 9:05 AM Subject: Three (3) new titles to be removed from Utah public schools Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials, We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage<https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia> under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold. Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect. I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, [cid:2a01b4e2-0990-415c-87d3-51652fa56dcd] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> [cid:a5ba8545-48b0-4c83-931c-56927b5bf602]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…> 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 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.

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INFO: Two PL Opportunities -- Applications close Friday!
by Naomi Watkins 05 Dec '25

05 Dec '25

Visual Narratives: Integrating Visual and Graphics Arts Mediums into Your Curriculum is designed for secondary school or LEA teams that include an ELA educator, a visual arts educator, and a school librarian to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and instruction. **Teams should represent more than one content area and need a minimum of two educators. * Two in-person workshops: March 2 & 3, 2026 (Salt Lake City) * Two virtual webinars: February 4 & May 6, 2026 * Optional 1.0 USBE credit * Sub and travel reimbursement available Apply here: https://forms.gle/1vSjb4N8QJvoodKz9 Foundational Literacy Skills for Middle Grades (6-8) is open to, and priority will be given to: * Grades 6-8 educators who teach reading/literacy intervention courses * Grades 6-8 educators who need to earn Utah's Secondary Literacy Interventionist endorsement * Grades 6-8 instructional coaches who support literacy intervention This USBE offering consists of: * A 40-hour asynchronous online course * Eight mandatory two-hour facilitated virtual sessions to support your implementation of research-based recommendations and strategies provided * A physical copy of The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy<https://keystoliteracy.com/product/training-book-the-essentials-of-adolesce…> by Joan Sedita * Literacy Integration Capstone Project * Completion of these components results in fulfilling requirements aligned with USBE's Secondary Literacy Intervention Endorsement and 3 USBE credits Apply here: https://forms.gle/11hHJq877Msc9Zzp7 [cid:image001.png@01DC62BA.281339E0] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO: PL Opportunity for Foundational Literacy in Middle Grades
by Naomi Watkins 17 Nov '25

17 Nov '25

Dear Secondary ELA educators and leaders: We are excited to share a significant professional learning opportunity, the Keys to Adolescent Literacy course, which is being fully sponsored by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and is available at no cost to eligible participants. This intensive professional learning opportunity is designed to equip middle grades (6-8) educators with the essential tools and research-based strategies needed to enhance literacy instruction across all subject areas with particular focus and emphasis on foundational literacy skills. Who Should Register (Priority Given To) This opportunity is specifically tailored for and gives priority to: * Grades 6-8 educators who teach reading or literacy intervention courses. * Grades 6-8 educators who need to earn Utah's Secondary Literacy Interventionist endorsement. * Grades 6-8 instructional coaches who support literacy intervention. Program Components and Outcomes Completion of this offering fulfills all requirements aligned with the USBE's Secondary Literacy Intervention Endorsement and results in 3 USBE credits. The opportunity consists of: * A 40-hour asynchronous online course. * Eight mandatory two-hour facilitated virtual sessions to support the implementation of strategies. * A physical copy of The Essentials of Adolescent Literacy by Joan Sedita. * A required Literacy Integration Capstone Project. Action Required: Registration Deadline Given this is a fully sponsored offering, interest is expected to be very high. Please note the critical deadline: * Cost: This opportunity is available at no cost to eligible participants. Registration Closes: Friday, December 5. Complete/Submit the application<https://forms.gle/B8mzqNUB8RqGz6So9> [cid:image001.png@01DC5577.3DF7EE40] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO: USBE Visual Narratives Professional Learning (Apply by Dec 5, 2025)
by Naomi Watkins 14 Nov '25

14 Nov '25

Dear Secondary ELA educators and leaders, We are accepting applications for the professional learning workshops: Visual Narratives: Integrating Visual and Graphics Arts Mediums into Your Curriculum. Who Should Apply? These professional learning workshops are specifically designed for secondary school or LEA teams that include: * An ELA educator * A Visual Arts educator * A School Librarian **Teams must represent more than one content area. Participation in the workshops includes: * participant support costs for in-person meetings (sub reimbursement, travel reimbursement if over 50 miles from USBE), * pedagogy texts/texts for students, * professional learning with national experts, and * 1.0 USBE credits (optional) Key Dates: * Two Full-Day In-person Workshop: * Monday, March 2 & Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (Salt Lake City) * Two Virtual 90-Minute Webinars from 4:00 – 5:30pm: * Wednesday, February 4, 2026 * Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Application deadline is December 5th, 2025. APPLICATION FORM<https://forms.gle/1vSjb4N8QJvoodKz9> **Note that applying does not ensure acceptance. You will be notified about your team’s acceptance/nonacceptance. [cid:image001.png@01DC54A2.A213E440] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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Fw: 📣Nominate Books for the 2026-2027 Utah's Battle of the Books: ! 📚
by Naomi Watkins 06 Nov '25

06 Nov '25

FYI: ELA teachers can nominate books, too. 😃 ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2025 10:36 AM To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org <library-media(a)lists.uen.org> Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] 📣Nominate Books for the 2026-2027 Utah's Battle of the Books: ! 📚 Good morning, Friends! We are thrilled to share that the Utah Battle of the Books (UBOB) is moving forward with tremendous momentum! Our new grade-level and Steering Committees are now active, and we are officially kicking off the Nomination Phase for the 2026-2027 competition book lists. Your expertise is crucial to making this inaugural year a success! We invite all educators to recommend high-quality titles that will promote literacy, critical thinking, and a love of reading for our students. How to Nominate a Title We are accepting nominations for the Elementary, Middle, and High School divisions. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025. * Nomination Form: Submit your book recommendations here: https://forms.gle/kqU93tJaTVZS9qRp6 Guide Your Recommendations To help ensure the final list is balanced and appropriate for the competition, we are sharing the official Book Selection Rubric adopted by the UBOB committees. We encourage you to review the criteria before submitting your recommendations. * Book Selection Rubric: Review the criteria here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12sTL_4-3Vuy2VJsneN8sH_W3vAwKHZEOoTa… Thank you so much for being a literacy champion in Utah! Your suggestions are important, and we're excited to see what amazing titles you bring to the table. Happy recommending! Sincerely, [cid:bf3e93fa-e3b4-47f2-be2d-6d0f4833834a] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> 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 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.

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FW: SCRIBLE 101 Training - For Utah educators new to Scrible.
by Naomi Watkins 28 Oct '25

28 Oct '25

USBE and Scrible are excited to offer Scrible training this year! Scrible is a FREE resource for all Utah teachers and students that can help supercharge the research and writing process! Benefits of using Scrible: * Students can... o curate, annotate, cite and write all in one workspace; o annotate and grab citation info of any source with one click; o easily create outlines and auto formatted bibliographies. * Teachers can.. o view robust data dashboards that help track progress from start to finish; o provide personalized feedback on each aspect of the research and writing process; o track time spent on various aspects of the writing process, mitigating the risk of AI plagiarism. Want to know more? Watch our short product explainer video<https://d2rpsn04.na1.hs-sales-engage.com/Ctc/W3+23284/d2rpsn04/Jks2-6qcW69s…> and come to the training! Details below: * What: Scrible 101: A Beginner's Guide * Whether you are brand new to Scrible or a seasoned user, join us to explore how this powerful platform can streamline research, and elevate student writing in your classroom. We will get you set up, walk you through how to annotate articles online and create an assignment. We will also review how you can use Scrible to battle AI plagiarism and scaffold the writing process for students and even introduce you to Rese, your personal AI research assistant!. By the end of the session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to begin using Scrible effectively with your students. * When: Wednesday, November 5th, 4 - 5 pm MT * How: We will meet via zoom. Please register<https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8M7YNcBoT-OBHye7RaS61Q#/registrati…> if you plan to attend! Once you register, a calendar invite with the zoom link will automatically be sent to you. [cid:dca8fda4-9fe9-4b92-8a54-be5aee88c986] Join the USBE Library Media list serve<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/listinfo/library-media> 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 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.

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INFO: October 2025 Secondary ELA Newsletter
by Naomi Watkins 08 Oct '25

08 Oct '25

Hello Secondary ELA educators and leaders, Please read and share the October 2025 Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Q-IB-De4d_ue0yiw7tutsdhxsLpTxuy/view?usp=…>. [cid:image001.png@01DC3871.4E299480] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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