Events and Workshops

2019-20 Teacher's Choice

Teacher’s Choice is an opportunity for second year and beyond CREC teachers to identify and pursue learning experiences specifically tailored to the needs of your school and classroom. The Teacher’s Choice process reinforces CREC’s Core Values by providing time to engage in self-directed, collaborative learning in order to develop creative solutions to educational challenges to meet the needs of our students. Our hope is that as you work in partnership with your colleagues, you will see an immediate impact on your practice and your students’ learning. (Note: First year teachers and teachers new to CREC will be part of a New Teacher Cohort PLC on Teacher's Choice days. ASI and CLHS will work in designated teams for Teacher's Choice.)

CREC Schools Paraeducator Training

This session will cover DCF reporting and other current issues to supprt paraeducators in CREC Schools in their roles.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Council #2

Service Providers will share information to assist students with Augmentative & Alternate Communication needs. Members will be able to network with staff from other districts.Topic lists are developed by the group.

CREC's Next Generation Science Standards Assessment Development Series II Make-Up Sessions (Grades 6-8)

Assessment of the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a critical component of implementation. As a part of the CREC NGSS consortium’s work, we are offering a second series of assessment development sessions to support districts’ implementation of NGSS. This cohort of CREC’s NGSS consortium participants will engage in the assessment development process to produce summative components to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

CREC's Next Generation Science Standards Assessment Development Series II Make-Up Sessions (IEPS, Chemistry, Biology)

Assessment of the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a critical component of implementation. As a part of the CREC NGSS consortium’s work, we are offering a second series of assessment development sessions to support districts’ implementation of NGSS. This cohort of CREC’s NGSS consortium participants will engage in the assessment development process to produce summative components to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Early Childhood Special Education Referrals and Comprehensive Evaluations

Comprehensive and meaningful assessment in early childhood requires training and specialized experience in understanding family dynamics, culture, and child development. Also required is knowledge of assessment tools, techniques, and early childhood curricula to prevent detrimental decisions that results from misinterpretation of assessment data.

Understanding Children's Behavior

We will take a look at the developmental needs of the children in your class environment while addressing behaviors that may require implementing strategies not necessarily found in your album.Optional social hour to follow.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training (2 and 1/2 -Day training)

This 2 and 1/2 day training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district ( or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following the two in-person sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered either online or in person for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Participants must bring their own food/beverage. No cost to attend this event.

STEM Council (NEW Council for 2019-2020)

STEM educators, coaches, and coordinators in CREC districts meet to share best practices, resources and new thinking around interdisciplinary instruction in science, technology, engineering and math. Discussions may include topics ranging from implementing NGSS, Math CCSS, and ISTE standards to creating effective Makerspaces. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

TEAM Initial Reviewer Training

This one day training is required for anyone serving on a district or regional review committee. Districts must select potential reviewers to attend the training to learn the criteria for a successful reflection paper. Participants are given multiple opportunities to read and review a range of papers to assist them in making informed decisions. No cost to attend this event.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

Council members and district coordinators are invited to attend bi-monthly consortium meetings to share best practices, emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students, and to proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Common Core State Standards (CCSS), assessments, and the Connecticut English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district.

Curriculum Council Meeting 3-17-2020

Bi-monthly scheduled meeting of Directors of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendents and Instructional Leaders

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Early Childhood Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.e group.

Science Council

CREC region science teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend monthly council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

When ELs Struggle: Basic Strategies for General Education Teachers

This workshop will support general education educators who are working with or have a large ELL population at their school or district with assisting ELs with Basic Strategies through the lens of Second Language Acquisition. Teachers who attend this workshop may be teachers looking for ways to support ELL students in all content areas of the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build their “bag of tricks” while learning about how ELs learn and develop language.

21st CCLC - 2nd Networking Meeting

Professional Development for providers of after-school programs on various topics throughout the school year including State and Federal Laws, diverstiy, diagnostic and evaluation tools, etc.Note: Grantees are required to send at least two professional staff to Networking Meetings to represent programs and disseminate information back to staff at their programs.

CREC Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests.

The Choices Approach: Teaching about Contested Historical Turning Points

In this workshop, participants will be introduced to Choices award winning resources and approach to teaching about contested issues. Teachers will be immersed in the Choices Units: The Civil War and the Meaning of Liberty (new in 2019) and Immigration and the US Policy Debate (updated in Fall of 2018). Both resources bring new and diverse voices and perspectives to the classroom. Both curriculums are provided and teachers will discuss ways to adapt these programs for their classroom.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Booster Session - Tier I

Topics covered in this booster session are: Establishing universal behavior support systems; Building stakeholder buy–in; Data systems for decision-making; Preparation for implementation of Tier I systems; Ongoing monitoring of fidelity and progress; Implementing sustainable Tier I system.

School Structures to Support English Learner Writing Instruction

This full day workshop is divided into two sessions. The morning will focus on structural supports necessary to support the teaching of writing to English Learners. The intended audience for the morning is classroom teachers, EL teachers/tutors and building administrators. In the afternoon, classroom and EL teachers will learn several strategies to incorporate writing into the classroom and have the opportunity to work as a team to apply their new learning in their lesson plans.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

All Students Are Motivated

All human behavior is motivated. Sometimes, however, what students are motivated to do, and what the teacher wants them to do are not in harmony. Participants in this workshop will learn some myths of motivation which are omnipresent in schools today and concrete strategies to use in order to differentiate motivational techniques for their students.

TEAM Initial Support Teacher Training (COPY)

This two-day training is for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers. The training engages participants in the TEAM module process and how to guide beginning teachers through successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to host a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies. Food and beverages will not be served at this training. Please make arrangements to bring your own food and/or beverages or to purchase food from the CREC Cafe.Qualifications for Participation: Approval by building principal and Provisional or Professional Educator Certificate.

Using the CELP Standards to Assess Language Growth

As the population of English Learners (ELs) grows across the state of CT, it becomes increasingly important to monitor students’ language growth in order to determine what they can do in the mainstream classroom. Join us in this FREE professional learning experience to: Build a shared understanding of the purpose of assessing language growth, Become familiar with the ELP growth targets,Learn how to use the CELP standards to equitably assess growth, and Increase your capacity to advocate for equitable access and assessment of our ELs. NO COST TO ATTEND THIS EVENT

Business, Finance, and Marketing Standards Review

This one-day workshop is designed to review, align, and understand the standards developed by MBA Research on the three business-related CT Approved Career Clusters of Business Management & Administration, Finance, and Marketing. The agenda will cover the development and alignment of standards, the MBA Advisory Network, Pathway criteria congruent with Perkins V, and hands on application of performance elements and indicators through the "Business and Marketing Essentials" course lens.

Addressing Young Children’s Behavioral and Social-Emotional Needs Through a Multi-Tiered System of Support

This one day workshop will provide participants with a framework for establishing a multi-tiered system of supports for social-emotional growth and early intervention for behavioral concerns within a larger overarching, developmentally appropriate system of prevention of challenging behaviors. This framework is easily implemented within curriculum and instruction that is aligned to Connecticut’s Early Learning Development Standards (ELDS) and can be monitored through use of Connecticut’s Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (DOTS).

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

Library Media Specialists Council Meeting

CREC’s Library Media Specialists Council provides a unique opportunity for K-12 Library Media Specialists in the CREC region to come together to share best practices and engage in new thinking about digital literacy for the 21st century. Quarterly meetings will encourage input from participants regarding topics and speaker selections in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

Mindfulness Council - Session Topic: Mindfulness for Athletes and Coaches

Dr. Amy Saltzman, a nationally-known mindfulness teacher and author of “A Still Quiet Place”, will do a virtual presentation on mindfulness for athletes and coaches. In her new book, “A Still Quiet Place for Athletes and Coaches”, Amy discusses mindfulness practices that can help: 1) Strengthen mental focus, physical awareness, and emotional resistance 2) Teach how to respond rather than react in challenging situations 3) Deal with set-backs and injury 4) Create a positive and collaborate team culture This council session is appropriate for any coach, PE teacher, athletic staff member, parent or mentor working with kindergarten through college aged athletes of any sport.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Language Arts Council Meeting

CREC’s Language Arts Council provides Language Arts teachers in the CREC region monthly opportunities to share best practices and engage in new thinking about literacy instruction. Kindergarten to grade 12 Language Arts educators including teachers, literacy coaches, literacy coordinators, directors and department heads are encouraged to attend the bi-monthly meetings. Input from participants regarding topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

TEAM District Facilitator Meeting - Spring, 2020

TEAM District Facilitator Meetings occur twice each school year and provide program updates. The mission of the TEAM Program is to promote excellence, equity, and high achievement for Connecticut students by engaging teachers in the purposeful exploration of professional practice through guided support and personal reflection.

21st CCLC Middle and High School Meeting

The Connecticut State Department of Education and the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) are excited to announce the dates for the 2019-2020 21st Century Community Learning Center Middle and High School Meetings. 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grantees who serve students in the middle and high school grades are provided with opportunities to attend three Middle and High School Meetings each year. These meetings have been created specifically for after school professionals to help them meet the identified needs of middle and high school students and families.Participants will network with peers to share practices and resources from the field. National, state and local resources to support the implementation of practices will also be provided. Eligible grantees are encouraged but not required to send appropriate staff to represent programs and disseminate information back to their programs.

Recent Advances in Understanding Word-Level Reading Problems: Assessment and Highly Effective Intervention

The presentation will focus on how children learn to read words and why some children struggle. Understanding the nature of word-level reading development and word-level reading problems will guide both assessment and intervention. Studies consistently show that the most commonly used intervention approaches provide limited benefits for weak readers. However, other studies have shown that some approaches can yield very large reading gains for such students, and these will be the focus of the presentation.

Aligning Social and Emotional Learning to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

Social and emotional learning provides the structure and process for students to develop skills in understanding and managing emotions, setting goals, showing empathy, maintaining positive relationships and making responsible decisions. Participants will learn strategies and interventions to promote social and emotional learning based on standards.It will focus on Tier 1, 2 and 3 interventions.

When ELs Struggle: More Strategies

This is the second in a non-sequential series of instructional strategies. You do not have to have attended the first session to participate in this session. This workshop will support general education educators who are working with or have a large ELL population at their school or district with assisting ELs with Basic Strategies through the lens of Second Language Acquisition. Teachers who attend this workshop may be teachers looking for ways to support ELL students in all content areas of the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build their “bag of tricks” while learning about how ELs learn and develop language.

CSDE Communities of Practice at CREC - Occupational Therapy - Session 3

This community of Practice will bring together Connecticut School occupational therapy practitioners to focus on Best Practices in a Workload Approach. Through collective critical inquiry and reflection, participants will intentionally learn, pool knowledge, and share resources to better our practice.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Social Studies Council Meeting

CREC region social studies teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about social studies instruction, and proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Frameworks, Connecticut Core Standards, the SAT and Smarter Balanced Assessments. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Teach and Learn with IM 6-8 and IM High School

During this two-day event, teachers and coaches will be guided by an IM Certified facilitator to gain first-hand experience and fluency with the IM 6-8 and IM High School Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II curricula. Participants will understand the following aspects of the IM curricula: •Structure of an IM lesson and Instructional Routines •How to organize and plan for a lesson •Available assessment resources and their purposes •The five practices for orchestrating mathematical discussion •How math language routines support English-language Learners and students with disabilities •Techniques for setting classroom norms that support problem-based learning

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

CSDE Communities of Practice at EASTCONN - Occupational Therapy - Session 3

This community of Practice will bring together Connecticut School occupational therapy practitioners to focus on Best Practices in a Workload Approach. Through collective critical inquiry and reflection, participants will intentionally learn, pool knowledge, and share resources to better our practice.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

CREC's Next Generation Science Standards Assessment Development Series II Make-Up Sessions (Grades 3-5)

Assessment of the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is a critical component of implementation. As a part of the CREC NGSS consortium’s work, we will be offering a second series of assessment development sessions to support districts’ implementation of NGSS. This cohort of CREC’s NGSS consortium participants will engage in the assessment development process to produce summative components to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS.

Early Childhood Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

CSDE Communities of Practice at CES - Occupational Therapy - Session 3

This community of Practice will bring together Connecticut School occupational therapy practitioners to focus on Best Practices in a Workload Approach. Through collective critical inquiry and reflection, participants will intentionally learn, pool knowledge, and share resources to better our practice.

Assistive Technology for Students with Dyslexia - Secondary

Secondary students with dyslexia require appropriate instructional accommodations that allow them to access and be successful in instruction in the general education curriculum. This workshop explores assistive technology options across a variety of platforms. Access link and instructions will be provided to registrants prior to the session.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium H.S. Forensic Science Unit Writing (Spring 2020)

CREC’s Next Generation Science Curriculum Consortium provides a forum for teachers throughout Connecticut to share in the creativity of developing three-dimensional, NGSS-aligned curricula anchored in phenomena. During the initial course specific meeting, participants will be trained to develop story-lined curricula. The remaining consortium meeting dates will be facilitated curriculum and lesson development time. Any curricular documents generated will be reviewed, assessed using NGSS rubrics and tools, and edited prior to posting for classroom/district use. The participant’s district will be granted an access code to all of the grade specific curricular documents generated in the consortium. Science curricula will be integrated by the performance expectations set forth by the NGSS. PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL DAYS OF THEIR CONSORTIUM SERIES.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Council #3

Service Providers will share information to assist students with Augmentative & Alternate Communication needs. Members will be able to network with staff from other districts.Topic lists are developed by the group.

Charting the LifecCourse/Person Centered Planning

Charting the LifeCourse, a universally-designed person-centered planning framework, is a tool to assist individuals and families of all abilities and ages to develop a vision of a good life. Participants in this hands-on learning session will understand the importance of person-centered/futures planning, become familiar with the LifeCourse tools, and how to use them to support the development of the IEP and Transition Planning.

CSDE Communities of Practice at LEARN - Occupational Therapy - Session 3

This community of Practice will bring together Connecticut School occupational therapy practitioners to focus on Best Practices in a Workload Approach. Through collective critical inquiry and reflection, participants will intentionally learn, pool knowledge, and share resources to better our practice.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

CSDE Communities of Practice at ACES - Occupational Therapy - Session 3

This community of Practice will bring together Connecticut School occupational therapy practitioners to focus on Best Practices in a Workload Approach. Through collective critical inquiry and reflection, participants will intentionally learn, pool knowledge, and share resources to better our practice.

Executive Function Skills

Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks successfully. The brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritize tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses. These skills are crucial for learning and development. This workshop will describe each executive function and its connection to learning.

Empower Coaches and Teacher Leaders as Agents of Change for ALL Learners

Are you ready to make a real difference in the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students? Coaching is recognized as one of the most powerful ways to impact teacher growth and student learning. In order to meet the vision of all students learning mathematics at high levels, understanding how to lead a strong mathematics coaching program is critical.Join us as the president of NCSM, Mona Toncheff, facilitates a full day workshop that will address the following: developing a shared vision for mathematics instruction through the lens of Equity; utilize strategies to ensure a sustainable, systematic, equitable, high quality coaching program; learn how to leverage powerful teaching strategies. Bring your team, build your professional learning networking side by side using the wealth of materials provided to develop a strategic plan personalized to your coaching.

Yoga and Mindfulness in the Classroom: Trauma-Informed Tools to Support Social and Emotional Learning, Student Success and Positive Climate

Increasing numbers of students lack the skills of self-regulation, impulse control and focus which can negatively affect their behavior, ability to learn and overall well-being. These critical skills, essential to success at home, in school and throughout life, can be learned when taught in a developmentally appropriate, engaging way. Sharing yoga and mindfulness techniques, specifically designed for the time and space crunched classroom, is a convenient, engaging and effective way to promote these skills while cultivating a positive, peaceful productive classroom climate. This workshop is appropriate for PreK-12 classroom teachers, administrators, special educators, school counselors, school social workers, occupational therapists, SLPs, physical therapists, physical education teachers, health educators, and paraprofessionals. No prior yoga experience or mats are required! Price includes card deck, a $32 value.

STEM Council (NEW Council for 2019-2020)

STEM educators, coaches, and coordinators in CREC districts meet to share best practices, resources and new thinking around interdisciplinary instruction in science, technology, engineering and math. Discussions may include topics ranging from implementing NGSS, Math CCSS, and ISTE standards to creating effective Makerspaces. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

NGSS Unit Bundle Assessment Development Series (Physics): Recommended for high school teachers and coaches using the CREC NGSS curriculum.

Assessment of the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards is a critical component of implementation. As a part of the consortium's work, we will be offering assessment development sessions. These sessions will help districts develop a process of assessment to measure student progress towards the NGSS performance expectations. While the current units contain activities and summative work related to anchor phenomenon, data collection relative to each performance expectation is not present. This cohort of participants will develop an assessment process, including teacher rubrics and sample tasks, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. NOTE: This workshop series is ONLY available to districts using CREC’s NGSS unit bundles, and the same person must attend both days.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

21st CCLC - Networking/Showcase Meeting

Professional Development for providers of after-school programs on various topics throughout the school year including State and Federal Laws, diverstiy, diagnostic and evaluation tools, etc.Note: Grantees are required to send at least two professional staff to Networking Meetings to represent programs and disseminate information back to staff at their programs.

Curriculum Council Meeting 5-8-2020

Bi-monthly scheduled meeting of Directors of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendents and Instructional Leaders

TEAM Initial Reviewer Training

This one day training is required for anyone serving on a district or regional review committee. Districts must select potential reviewers to attend the training to learn the criteria for a successful reflection paper. Participants are given multiple opportunities to read and review a range of papers to assist them in making informed decisions. No cost to attend this event.

Building Tier II/III Supports for Chronic Absenteeism

From the researchers at Safe and Civil Schools and the publisher of the Tough Kid Series, nationally recognized expert, Jessica Sprick, will be presenting on best practices for building tier II/III supports for chronic absenteeism. Jessica’s practical experience in the classroom and as an administrator drives her passion to help school personnel develop and implement effective behavioral and academic approaches. She is a co-author of Functional Behavior Assessment of Absenteeism & Truancy (FBAAT) and Absenteeism and Truancy: Interventions and Universal Procedures.

Knowledge and Skills for Teachers Supervising the Work of Paraeducators

Teachers will be build their knowledge on working effectively with paraeducators by understanding :Their roles and responsibilities in supporting paraeducatorsHow to provide feedback that will encourage and assist paraeducators to grow professionallyHow to manage the paraeducator's time and effectiveness in supporting the learning environment

Wilson Reading Training

This workshop provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

RESC Alliance Foundational Skills for Evaluators of Teachers

The RESC Alliance Foundational Skills for Evaluators of Teachers training is designed to concentrate on the evaluator’s capacity to observe and analyze teacher performance and practice inherent in the CT Common Core of Teaching (CCT) and to provide supportive, high quality feedback to teachers. The primary focus of this training is on written feedback that focuses on areas of strengths and areas of growth explicitly connected to the rubric and observable classroom practices/evidence. The training is designed to link written feedback to verbal feedback and coaching strategies. This supports not only the evaluator’s ability to organize written feedback but consider how this feedback creates a platform for formal conferences that are instructionally focused, dialogic, and student-centered.Training includes both formative reviews of practice along with a final demonstration of proficiency. Participants take part in one formal and one informal video-based observation during the three-day training. Participants will receive feedback about their own practice that will help to codify key skills and prepare them to connect teacher practice to student learning.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Early Childhood Council

Early Childhood educators (Pre-K) in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

Council members and district coordinators are invited to attend bi-monthly consortium meetings to share best practices, emerging research on improving outcomes for EL students, and to proactively respond to the instructional shifts demanded by the Connecticut Common Core State Standards (CCSS), assessments, and the Connecticut English Language Proficiency (CELP) Standards. Members will engage in new thinking about instructional practices and collaborate to proactively respond to EL needs in their district.

Science Council

CREC region science teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend monthly council meetings to share best practices, engage in new thinking about science education, and continue to proactively respond to the demands of the Next Generation Science Standards. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

CREC Coaches Council

Instructional Coaches in the CREC region are invited to attend bi-monthly council meetings to share best practices and engage in new thinking about coaching. Topics will be determined based on participant interests.

Yellow Farmhouse Education Center Program

Teachers are essential partners in ensuring that the next generation is invested in a sustainable food system. The Yellow Farmhouse professional development program offers the opportunity for teachers to learn about key concepts of sustainable agriculture, including soil health, crop rotation, and composting. Teachers participate in experiential activities designed to spark dialogue around food system issues such as food waste, access, and seasonality. During this no-cost, day-long program, teachers work together to prepare and share a homemade meal centered around farm-fresh ingredients. Teachers will spend time on a working farm as well as in the kitchen and will have opportunities to network and collaborate on lesson planning and curriculum development.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Restorative Practices

This workshop will describe the rationale for Restorative Practices in schools, identify and demonstrate a continuum of restorative practices and discuss a restorative approach as an alternative to traditional discipline practices.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Yellow Farmhouse Education Center Program

Teachers are essential partners in ensuring that the next generation is invested in a sustainable food system. The Yellow Farmhouse professional development program offers the opportunity for teachers to learn about key concepts of sustainable agriculture, including soil health, crop rotation, and composting. Teachers participate in experiential activities designed to spark dialogue around food system issues such as food waste, access, and seasonality. During this no-cost, day-long program, teachers work together to prepare and share a homemade meal centered around farm-fresh ingredients. Teachers will spend time on a working farm as well as in the kitchen and will have opportunities to network and collaborate on lesson planning and curriculum development.

Math Council

CREC’s Mathematics Council provides new thinking about mathematics instruction for K-12 math teachers, coaches, and district leaders in an open forum type setting. Agenda topics are determined by district participants in order to serve the group’s needs.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training (2 and 1/2 -Day training)

This 2 and 1/2 day training for prospective mentors and cooperating teachers is available for individuals selected by the district ( or volunteered) to serve in one of these roles. Following the two in-person sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered either online or in person for more in-depth work on the modules or the process chosen by your districts. The training prepares participants to lead beginning teachers through the TEAM module process and a successful completion of the five mentoring modules. In addition, participants are prepared to support a student teacher while developing effective coaching strategies to assist both beginning and student teachers. Participants must attend all sessions. At the end of the training, participants qualify to work with either a new teacher or a student teacher. Participants must bring their own food/beverage. No cost to attend this event.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Test Preparation Class

CREC is now offering 2-hour test preparation classes for individuals who need to take the ETS ParaPro Assessment. As an official testing site, we are committed to providing services that will help you prepare for, and ultimately pass the test.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

ETS® ParaPro Assessment Testing

CREC is now a testing site for the ETS® ParaPro Assessment. ETS developed the ParaPro Assessment as a way to satisfy the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that Para educators serving in an instruction capacity: 1) Have an associate of arts degree. 2) Have completed two years of college. 3) Have demonstrated, through an academic assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Assistants Training Course - Elementary

The Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE) is pleased to offer the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Elementary Assistants Training Course directed by MTCNE staff. The course consists of class lectures, discussions and activities. Participants must also log 9 additional hours of observation in Montessori Primary and Elementary classrooms. Readings and three written papers will be assigned throughout the training. Participants successfully completing the course will be awarded an AMI Primary Assistants Course Certificate.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Assistants Training Course - Primary

The Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE) is pleased to offer the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary Assistants Training Course directed by MTCNE staff. The course consists of class lectures, discussions and activities. Participants must also log 9 additional hours of observation in Montessori Primary and Elementary classrooms. Readings and three written papers will be assigned throughout the training. Participants successfully completing the course will be awarded an AMI Primary Assistants Course Certificate.