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FW: New title to be removed from Utah public schools
by Naomi Watkins 06 May '25

06 May '25

FYI - I am here to support you so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Sincerely, [cid:a5c3cb86-6f72-45bd-9e30-d2a91edb85b3] 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. ________________________________ From: Davina Sauthoff Sent: Monday, May 5, 2025 4:41 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 USBE. As required by §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628, 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. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen 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:a5c3cb86-6f72-45bd-9e30-d2a91edb85b3] 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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TOMORROW: Final Secondary ELA Webinar of the School Year!
by Naomi Watkins 05 May '25

05 May '25

Don't miss our final webinar of the 2024-25 school year! Reflection & Writing Tuesday, May 6 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Webinar Description: Take one step back to reflect on the writing practices of your classroom this past year and then take two steps forward into the next year with specific methods for making reflection the foundation of your pedagogy. Come learn about teaching for transfer, modeling vulnerability and reflection as teachers, and the strategies to make it all happen. Presenters: Megan Russell, ELA Teacher at Payson High School & Associate Director of Central Utah Writing Project Brandon Merrill, ELA Teacher at Maple Mountain High School, Advisory Board Member of Central Utah Writing Project REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/Frgn4ui7Tbqla3qGbxA-CQ#/r…> [cid:image001.png@01DBBDC4.BE344D60] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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Recording of Secondary ELA Webinar: Playful Poetry
by Naomi Watkins 28 Apr '25

28 Apr '25

Hello everyone, I am sharing with you the recording of the Secondary ELA webinar we had last Thursday, titled "Playful Poetry," featuring the incredible Jason Stephenson. The session was truly engaging and informative, and I believe it will be a valuable resource for all of you. One of the attendees even mentioned that it was the best training they have ever attended! This feedback highlights just how impactful and enjoyable the webinar was. You can access the recording and the handout<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13i-vxIfRbre6Oia3rTOkVzR8aoNGM08c?us…> (this includes a link to Jason's slides). I encourage you to watch it if you couldn't attend and share it with colleagues. Don't miss our final webinar of the 2024-25 school year! Reflection & Writing Tuesday, May 6 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Webinar Description: Take one step back to reflect on the writing practices of your classroom this past year and then take two steps forward into the next year with specific methods for making reflection the foundation of your pedagogy. Come learn about teaching for transfer, modeling vulnerability and reflection as teachers, and the strategies from Dr. Shelly Reid<https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/rethinking/writing.pdf> to make it all happen. Presenters: Megan Russell, ELA Teacher at Payson High School & Associate Director of Central Utah Writing Project Brandon Merrill, ELA Teacher at Maple Mountain High School, Advisory Board Member of Central Utah Writing Project REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/Frgn4ui7Tbqla3qGbxA-CQ#/r…> Thanks, Naomi [cid:image001.png@01DBB85D.295AD6D0] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO: Skills for the Future Progressions Work Group
by Naomi Watkins 24 Apr '25

24 Apr '25

Dear Middle and High School Teachers, As many of you already know, ETS and the Carnegie Foundation have partnered to create Skills for the Future Learning Progressions for Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Communication. To ensure that these progressions support middle and high school students and teachers, we are seeking 12 experts (6 middle school and 6 high school TEACHERS) to 1) review these progressions and translate the research versions into language appropriate for educators and students, and 2) add levels to the progressions that precede the existing three levels that have been written for high school use. Following is an overview of what the work will entail. - We anticipate holding five (5) virtual meetings from 8:30-12:30 to occur after the end of the school year tentatively scheduled for June 9th-13th. - We will provide background on the development of the progressions and a full review of each progression. - During the work time, you will collaborate with other educators to create the teacher/student DRAFT of the progressions for middle and high school students. A stipend of $1,000 will be provided for your time, expertise, and feedback. Only respond if you are available all five days. Please complete this form<https://forms.gle/QuyuGEg5JAL1eRWV8> by April 30 if you (classroom teachers only) are interested and willing to join us for this exciting work. If you are a school leader, please share with middle or high school teachers who you think may be interested in participating. Thank you for your time and attention and I look forward to meeting and working with you! Sincerely, Jeri Thompson, Lyons Assessment Consulting Susie Bell State Engagement Lead Skills for the Future/ETS [cid:3920d34e-7f58-40d4-ad75-a5f823f9b220]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/b12ec13c23624564a4b25337d37ceefe…> Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/b12ec13c23624564a4b25337d37ceefe…> ________________________________ This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain privileged or confidential information. It is solely for use by the individual for whom it is intended, even if addressed incorrectly. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender; do not disclose, copy, distribute, or take any action in reliance on the contents of this information; and delete it from your system. Any other use of this e-mail is prohibited. Thank you for your compliance. ________________________________

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THIS THURSDAY: April's USBE Secondary ELA Webinar
by Naomi Watkins 23 Apr '25

23 Apr '25

Join for April's USBE Secondary ELA Webinar! Playful Poetry Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Webinar Description: April is National Poetry Month! Discover how to make poetry engaging and accessible all year long. In this interactive webinar, explore creative strategies like ekphrastic responses, Venn diagram structures, and a recitation contest. Through playful reading and writing activities, you'll gain practical tools to inspire students and bring poetry to life in your classroom. Presenter: Jason Stephenson taught high school English and creative writing for thirteen years in a suburb of Oklahoma City. Jason began attending Red Dirt Poetry open mics in 2017, and now serves as Red Dirt's Co-Director of Education, overseeing the monthly Red Dirt Writes workshops. His work has been published in Canary Collective, Oklahoma Humanities, and Oklahoma English Journal. REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvfu2hpjkjG9JW-qbbw9NKc…> [cid:image001.png@01DBB474.EB5F50E0] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO/ACTION: ELA Webinars & MLL Book Study
by Naomi Watkins 15 Apr '25

15 Apr '25

Below are three upcoming opportunities for professional learning in the Secondary ELA space. See the attached flyers. Join for April and May's USBE Secondary ELA Webinars! Playful Poetry Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Webinar Description: April is National Poetry Month! Discover how to make poetry engaging and accessible all year long. In this interactive webinar, explore creative strategies like ekphrastic responses, Venn diagram structures, and a recitation contest. Through playful reading and writing activities, you'll gain practical tools to inspire students and bring poetry to life in your classroom. Presenter: Jason Stephenson taught high school English and creative writing for thirteen years in a suburb of Oklahoma City. Jason began attending Red Dirt Poetry open mics in 2017, and now serves as Red Dirt's Co-Director of Education, overseeing the monthly Red Dirt Writes workshops. His work has been published in Canary Collective, Oklahoma Humanities, and Oklahoma English Journal. REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvfu2hpjkjG9JW-qbbw9NKc…> Reflection & Writing Tuesday, May 6 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Webinar Description: Take one step back to reflect on the writing practices of your classroom this past year and then take two steps forward into the next year with specific methods for making reflection the foundation of your pedagogy. Come learn about teaching for transfer, modeling vulnerability and reflection as teachers, and the strategies from Dr. Shelly Reid<https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/rethinking/writing.pdf> to make it all happen. Presenters: Megan Russell, ELA Teacher at Payson High School & Associate Director of Central Utah Writing Project Brandon Merrill, ELA Teacher at Maple Mountain High School, Advisory Board Member of Central Utah Writing Project REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/Frgn4ui7Tbqla3qGbxA-CQ#/r…> Transforming Instruction for Multilingual Learners in Secondary ELA: An Asynchronous Book Study Select one of five books to enhance your secondary ELA instruction, focusing on evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for MLLs. Learn alongside your PLC, department, or a chosen colleague in an asynchronous book study! Earn 0.5 USBE credit | Free digital book copy for Secondary ELA educators and leaders Book Options * CONTENT-AREA CONVERSATIONS: How to Plan Discussion-Based Lessons for Diverse Language Learners<https://www.ascd.org/books/content-area-conversations?variant=108035> by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, Carol Rothenberg * GROWING LANGUAGE & LITERACY: Strategies for Secondary Multilingual Learners<https://www.heinemann.com/products/e17081.aspx> by Andrea Hongisfeld * KIDS COME IN ALL LANGUAGES: Visible Learning for Multilingual Learners<https://www.corwin.com/books/kids-come-in-all-languages-263256> by Oscar Corrigan, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, John Hattie * UNLOCKING MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS' POTENTIAL: Strategies for Making Content Accessible<https://www.corwin.com/books/unlocking-mls-potential-284441> by Diane Staehr Fenner, Sydney Snyder, Meghan Gregoire-Smith * WRITING ACROSS CULTURE & LANGUAGE: Inclusive Strategies for Working with ELL Writers in the ELA Classroom<https://publicationsncte.org/content/books/9780814100615> by Christina Ortmeier-Hooper REGISTER<https://forms.gle/5VvPRgWaYu1xqu6u8> [cid:image001.png@01DBAE01.21606F50] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO: UVU Love of Reading ~ Scholarships and Literacy Champion Awards - Deadline Extended to April 30th
by Naomi Watkins 11 Apr '25

11 Apr '25

See the information below. [cid:image001.png@01DBAACC.6F86D800] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela> From: For The Love of Reading Conference <uvuengagedreading+uvu.edu(a)icontactmail6.com> Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 11:32 AM To: Naomi Watkins <Naomi.Watkins(a)schools.utah.gov> Subject: UVU Love of Reading ~ Scholarships and Literacy Champion Awards - Deadline Extended to April 30th [Image removed by sender.] Utah Valley University is pleased to present the For the Love of Reading Scholarship Award. The recipients will be recognized at the For the Love of Reading Conference at The Provo Marriott on September 29-30, 2025. Recipients of the scholarship will receive: * Full conference registration * Complementary 1-night stay at the Provo Marriott for September 29, 2025 Teachers, librarians, or literacy specialists who would like to be considered for a scholarship should submit the application form using the button below. Applications must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 1, 2025. Previous scholarship awardees are not eligible. [Image removed by sender.]<https://click-1887041.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45726571&msgid=231923&ac…> Utah Valley University is pleased to present the For the Love of Reading Literacy Champion Award. This award is given to distinguished literary professionals in the community that go above and beyond to instill a love of reading for children. The recipients of this prestigious award will be recognized at the For the Love of Reading Conference at The Provo Marriott on September 29th, 2025. The Literacy Champion—Teacher Award recognizes the herculean tasks that teachers undertake to foster a love of reading in and improve the literacy skills of their students. The recipient of this award consistently develops a love of reading in their students through a combination of pedagogical skill, interpersonal relationships, knowledge about age- and interest-appropriate literature, and a love for their students. These teachers inspire their students to achieve greater levels of learning and engagement when reading all types of texts. Furthermore, these teachers help other teachers improve their own practice of creating classroom environments that foster a love of reading. The Literacy Champion—Librarian Award recognizes the vital role that librarians play in the literate and intellectual lives of the community they serve, including students, teachers, and schools. Recipients of this award are innovative in how they reach out to their communities, consistent in their efforts to spread a love of reading and learning to those they serve, regardless of level or venue (school or public library) and committed to literacy and their communities. The Literacy Champion—Legacy Award recognizes those who have made and are still making significant contributions to the literacy of students. These efforts may include, but are not limited to, working directly with students, helping and leading teachers to become more effective and passionate literacy teachers, and/or advocating with the community on behalf of schools, teachers, and students over many years. Recipients of this award are both an inspiration and a resource for all parties interested in students’ literacy and love of reading. The decision to award this recognition will be based on the quality of nominated individuals and so may not be awarded annually. Recipients of each award will receive: * Full conference registration * Invitation to the Author Dinner on the evening of September 29th Click below to nominate an outstanding Literacy Champion! Nominations must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2025. [Image removed by sender.]<https://click-1887041.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=45726571&msgid=231923&ac…> Early Bird registration is now open! Scholarship Applications Due by April 30th Literacy Champion Nominations Due by April 30th 2025 For the Love of Reading Conference September 29th and 30th [Image removed by sender.] Manage Your Subscription <https://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.php?r=45726571&l=23887&s=NO45&m…> This message was sent to Naomi.Watkins(a)schools.utah.gov from uvuengagedreading(a)uvu.edu For The Love of Reading Conference Utah Valley University 800 W University Pkwy MS 126 Orem, UT 84058, US - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - [Image removed by sender. iContact - Engage, wow, and grow your audience]<https://www.icontact.com/pricing?utm_medium=poweredby&utm_source=footerlink…>

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INFO/ACTION: April 2025 USBE Secondary ELA Newsletter
by Naomi Watkins 02 Apr '25

02 Apr '25

Hello, Secondary ELA Educators, Leaders, and Designees: Please read and share the April 2025 USBE Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SXmv7dRsjsIrIt0IV-pSI_NX3yRRWoJ0/view?usp=…>. Thank you! [cid:image001.png@01DBA3EE.0392AE10] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO/ACTON: Two Secondary ELA PL Opportunities
by Naomi Watkins 02 Apr '25

02 Apr '25

Two days left to register! SUPPORTING WRITING INSTRUCTION (see attachment #1) Join for a half-day professional learning event designed for secondary (grades 6-12) school and district administrators, instructional leaders, and coaches. Learn how to champion and support evidence-based writing practices in your school or district. Event Details: Date: May 12, 2025 Times: 8:00 - 12:30 pm Location: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT Cost: Free! Agenda: * 8:00: Registration * 8:30: Welcome & Keynote Address * 9:45 - 11:00 - Session #1: What is Evidence-Based Writing Instruction? * 11:00 - 11:15 - Break * 11:15 - 12:30 - Session #2: How to Support Implementation of Evidence-Based Writing Instruction REGISTER NOW<https://forms.gle/jeymmdBi4o1djsgWA> - closes April 4 Note that this opportunity is not open to classroom educators unless they are also department heads or serve in another school/district leadership capacity. *** Transforming Instruction for Multilingual Learners in Secondary ELA: An Asynchronous Book Study (see attachment #2) Select one of five books to enhance your secondary ELA instruction, focusing on evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for MLLs. Learn alongside your PLC, department, or a chosen colleague in an asynchronous book study! Earn 0.5 USBE credit | Free digital book copy Book Options * CONTENT-AREA CONVERSATIONS: How to Plan Discussion-Based Lessons for Diverse Language Learners<https://www.ascd.org/books/content-area-conversations?variant=108035> by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, Carol Rothenberg * GROWING LANGUAGE & LITERACY: Strategies for Secondary Multilingual Learners<https://www.heinemann.com/products/e17081.aspx> by Andrea Hongisfeld * KIDS COME IN ALL LANGUAGES: Visible Learning for Multilingual Learners<https://www.corwin.com/books/kids-come-in-all-languages-263256> by Oscar Corrigan, Nancy Frey, Douglas Fisher, John Hattie * UNLOCKING MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS' POTENTIAL: Strategies for Making Content Accessible<https://www.corwin.com/books/unlocking-mls-potential-284441> by Diane Staehr Fenner, Sydney Snyder, Meghan Gregoire-Smith * WRITING ACROSS CULTURE & LANGUAGE: Inclusive Strategies for Working with ELL Writers in the ELA Classroom<https://publicationsncte.org/content/books/9780814100615> by Christina Ortmeier-Hooper REGISTER<https://forms.gle/5VvPRgWaYu1xqu6u8> [cid:image001.png@01DBA3E3.75609850] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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INFO/ACTION: Playful Poetry | April 2025 Secondary ELA Webinar
by Naomi Watkins 28 Mar '25

28 Mar '25

April is National Poetry Month! Join us for April's USBE Secondary ELA Webinar. Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 - 5:00pm Playful Poetry Webinar Description: Discover how to make poetry engaging and accessible all year long. In this interactive webinar, explore creative strategies like ekphrastic responses, Venn diagram structures, and a recitation contest. Through playful reading and writing activities, you'll gain practical tools to inspire students and bring poetry to life in your classroom. Presenter: Jason Stephenson taught high school English and creative writing for thirteen years in a suburb of Oklahoma City. Jason began attending Red Dirt Poetry open mics in 2017, and now serves as Red Dirt's Co-Director of Education, overseeing the monthly Red Dirt Writes workshops. His work has been published in Canary Collective, Oklahoma Humanities, and Oklahoma English Journal. REGISTER<https://schools-utah-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvfu2hpjkjG9JW-qbbw9NKc…> All monthly Secondary ELA webinars are recorded, and this recording is shared. [cid:image001.png@01DB9FCE.9D0D5E60] Subscribe to the Secondary ELA Newsletter<https://lists.uen.org/mailman/admin/secondaryela>

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