Events and Workshops

2020-21 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: Beginning teachers will be part of a New Teacher Cohort PLC on Teacher's Choice 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.

Making Mindfulness a Daily Habit

With the pandemic raging and so much stress and uncertainty in our everyday lives it’s not surprising that more and more people are turning to mindfulness as a healthy and effective way of coping during these challenging times. But what is mindfulness and how does it work? In this free session geared to beginners as well as more experienced practitioners, we will practice a short meditation with time for reflection and sharing. We will explore the science behind the practice and you will leave with a list of resources including books, videos, and apps if you would like to learn more. No cost to attend!

Equity Council

CREC's Equity Council provides educators in the CREC region quarterly opportunities to share policies, practices, and procedures to move toward an equitable system of education. The Council will review strategies that eliminate the predictability of outcomes for students who are racially, linguistically, economically diverse, who identify as LGBTQ, and who receive special education services. The group will review successful examples of districts from across the country that are identifying gaps in opportunities and intentionally dismantling the barriers that exist in their systems. No cost to attend event.

Social Emotional Learning Council Meeting

The council will focus on current trends, research and interventions related to Social and Emotional Learning. Members will have the opportunity to network with staff from other districts, have access to resources, and learn the most current developments in the area. No cost to attend.

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.

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.

Mindfulness Council

This FREE forum, open to anyone interested in integrating mindfulness and yoga into their work with youth, will provide an opportunity to share best practices, activities, expertise and valuable resources. Each session will feature a presentation on a specific topic relevant to integrating mindfulness and/or yoga, and will include time for personal practice support and self-care. Whether you work in a school, a behavioral health or medical setting, or are a parent looking to incorporate mindfulness at home, come join us as we create an open forum for learning and growth. Participant involvement and feedback is essential to the Council’s success. No cost to attend event.

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. No cost to attend event.

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.

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.

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. No cost to attend this event.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Council

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. No cost to attend.

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.

Blueprint: LRE/Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant Disabilities

Participants will learn about various curriculum frameworks that can be readily used when developing challenging and appropriate instruction for students with significant disabilities. NOTE: Sessions will be from 9:00am–12:00pm (Professional Development), lunch break, 12:30-1:30pm (Activity). Participants will be assigned to breakout rooms for collaborative discussions and time will be provided for individual work out of the group. The facilitator will be available to participants from 1:30-3:00pm for individual questions/support..

AARC Open House Informational Session

Advanced Alternate Route to Certification Program for Special Education is an advanced program for certified teachers to earn a cross endorsement in Comprehensive Special Education (165). To qualify you must be a certified teacher in an approved area (e.g. elementary education, mathematics); have three years teaching experience (substitute experience will be considered); and have a desire to work with students with disabilities. Applications accepted November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020. AARC advantages are affordable tuition; flexible classes (summer, Saturdays, online); job-embedded portfolio assignments; 14-month program design for working professionals; working in a cohort with a regional mentor.

Knowledge and Skills for Teachers Supervising the Work of Paraeducators

Teachers will build their knowledge on working effectively with paraeducators by understanding 1) Their roles and responsibilities in supporting paraeducators 2) How to provide feedback that will encourage and assist paraeducators to grow professionally, and 3) How to manage the paraeducator's time and effectiveness in supporting the learning environment.

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.

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. No cost to attend this event.

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.

Mindfulness: An Antidote to Pandemic Anxiety

Much has been written about the increasing levels of stress and anxiety so many of us are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our physical, social, emotional and financial well-being. For many, times have never been more uncertain. Once we acknowledge that uncertainty is at the root of our stress and anxiety, we can begin to understand and accept that the only thing that is truly known is the present moment. Mindfulness and focused breathing practices can ground and connect us to a “present moment awareness” and have a positive impact on our health and well-being, especially during times of crisis. In this workshop, we will practice: •Mindfulness and learn how/why it can help (Yes, there’s science behind it!). •Focused breathing exercises you can do anywhere, anytime. •Gentle stretching to release tension and stress in the body. •Mindful eating strategies that can help us become more aware of our patterns around food.

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.

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. No cost to attend this event.

STEM Council

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. No cost to attend this event.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Language Learner district coordinators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

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.Participants will examine strategies for aligning and integrating Restorative Practices within a multi-tiered system of support.

Social Studies Council Meeting

CREC region Social Studies teachers and district coordinators are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

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.

Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Montessori Refresher Course 2021: The Art of Writing

MTCNE is hosting an Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Refresher Course in Hartford, CT. The Refresher Course is intended to provide AMI Diploma holders fresh perspectives and insights into the work they practice in the classroom daily. Gretchen Hall and Gerry Leonard, MTCNE’s very own Directors of Training, will be prepared to guide attendees through a deep dive into “The Art of Writing: Supporting Self-Expression.” The Refresher Course is open to all, though the AMI Refresher Course Certificate will only be awarded to AMI Diploma holders who complete the course requirements. Space is limited!

Structured Literacy Series: Systematic Teaching of Basic Literacy Skills

Join us for this FREE, virtual workshop sponsored by CSDE. Learn systematic, structured methods for teaching decoding, encoding, oral, and written expression to students with learning disorders and specific language disabilities. Participants will: Define and model strategies to teach students who have specific reading disabilities; Identify skills needed to develop basic proficiency in reading and spelling; and Learn the developmental progression of oral language skills that prepare students for reading proficiency. This workshop will begin with one, “live”, synchronous day of instruction. The rest of the coursework will be completed asynchronously by June 1. Asynchronous instruction will cover the following: federal and state definitions; the detection and recognition of, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for students with, or at risk for, SLD/Dyslexia or other reading-related learning disabilities; structured literacy lesson design and implementation; virtual structured literacy instruction; and assistive technology. Provided books include Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Moats Ph.D. and Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills by Judith Birsh Ed.D. and Suzanne Carreker. Participants are responsible for picking up books needed for the course from CREC, 111 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. Books will be available starting February 1 ,2021 . Please call 860-247-2732 prior to pick up for building hours.

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.

Curriculum Council Meeting

These council meetings will give CREC Region Directors of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendents, and Instructional Leaders an opportunity to receive professional development, collaborate on curriculum and instructional issues related to teaching and learning, as well as share concerns, issues and resources. Participants will have the opportunity to liaison with CSDE on legislative and policy issues related to schools. No cost to attend this workshop.

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

Structured Literacy Series: Systematic Teaching of Basic Literacy Skills

Join us for this FREE, virtual workshop sponsored by CSDE. Learn systematic, structured methods for teaching decoding, encoding, oral, and written expression to students with learning disorders and specific language disabilities. Participants will: Define and model strategies to teach students who have specific reading disabilities; Identify skills needed to develop basic proficiency in reading and spelling; and Learn the developmental progression of oral language skills that prepare students for reading proficiency. This workshop will begin with one, “live”, synchronous day of instruction. The rest of the coursework will be completed asynchronously by June 1. Asynchronous instruction will cover the following: federal and state definitions; the detection and recognition of, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for students with, or at risk for, SLD/Dyslexia or other reading-related learning disabilities; structured literacy lesson design and implementation; virtual structured literacy instruction; and assistive technology. Provided books include Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Moats Ph.D. and Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills by Judith Birsh Ed.D. and Suzanne Carreker. Participants are responsible for picking up books needed for the course from CREC, 111 Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, CT 06106. Books will be available starting February 1 ,2021 . Please call 860-247-2732 prior to pick up for building hours.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Booster Session

Through development and implementation a school using multi tiered systems of support can create and maintain safe and effective learning environments, ensuring all students have the social, emotional, and behavioral skills to succeed.

Autism Toolbox Part 2

Participants will learn strategies to help students on the autism spectrum into general education classrooms in further detail then Part 1. Attendance in Autism Toolbox Part 1 is not required to participate in this workshop. This workshop is designed for educators in grades K-6.

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.

NGSS and Universal Design for Learning - Making Instruction in the New Science Standards Meaningful and Achievable for Diverse Learners (6-12)

The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) allow students to actively engage with practices and apply crosscutting concepts to deepen their understanding of science and engineering through phenomena and design problems.The authors of NGSS explicitly name Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as a necessary tool for the creation of units that are meaningful, accessible and challenging for all students. UDL is a lens through which teachers can analyze curriculum goals, methods and materials to ensure that there are multiple pathways to success for all learners. This asynchronous workshop will run over the course of 4-6 weeks and provide participants with opportunities to become familiar with shifts in NGSS instruction, to become familiar with UDL guidelines, and to identify potential barriers in NGSS lessons and units and use strategies to make them more aligned with UDL. NOTE: Instructor will send out materials link day of workshop.

Addressing Challenging Behaviors in Young Children

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).

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This 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 sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered 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. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Illustrative Mathematics High School Curriculum Overview

Survey the IM curriculum with a focus on the philosophy and instructional shifts and the resourcesavailable in the curriculum for supporting teachers around student understanding and discourse, planning,assessment, and instructional routines.

Mindful Movement – Take 5ive!

Prior to the pandemic, students were expected to sit for long stretches of time but over the past year, they have become more sedentary than ever. With fewer opportunities for physical activity during and after the school day, it is critical for our student’s (and our own!) well-being that we provide opportunities for physical and mental breaks throughout their day, whether learning in-person or online. But how can you do this if you aren’t a PE or yoga teacher? In this workshop you will learn how to incorporate simple stretches and breathing techniques that can not only provide a break for students but can enhance focus and concentration, ease anxiety and create a sense of connectedness critical for mental health. Utilizing movement based practices can help students reset their nervous system so they are better prepared to pay attention and learn. In this workshop, we will: •Explore the connection between learning readiness and feeling safe and comfortable in body and mind. •Learn simple breathing exercises and yoga stretches that can be easily integrated throughout the day without any special equipment, space or training. •Understand the benefits of mindful movement over other in-class physical activities. •Connect these strategies to SEL framework. •Have fun and reduce stress for both students and teachers!

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.

NGSS for All Students (6-12)

This virtual, synchronous workshop encourages participants to recognize the diversifying student population and current achievement in Connecticut, and how Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can support all students achieve success in science. Real teaching scenarios written by teachers on the NGSS Diversity and Equity Team will be analyzed, and research and standards-based strategies will be reviewed. By identifying personal implicit biases, participants will be better equipped to address them within their own classrooms and schools, and apply strategies more effectively to best support all their students. NOTE: Required Text (not included): "NGSS for All Students".

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. No cost to attend 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.

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.

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.

Mindfulness Council

This FREE forum, open to anyone interested in integrating mindfulness and yoga into their work with youth, will provide an opportunity to share best practices, activities, expertise and valuable resources. Each session will feature a presentation on a specific topic relevant to integrating mindfulness and/or yoga, and will include time for personal practice support and self-care. Whether you work in a school, a behavioral health or medical setting, or are a parent looking to incorporate mindfulness at home, come join us as we create an open forum for learning and growth. Participant involvement and feedback is essential to the Council’s success. No cost to attend event.

Augmentative & Alternative Communication Council

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. No cost to attend.

Charting the LifeCourse/Person Centered Planning

Participants in this workshop will become familiar with the Charting the LifeCourse Materials and learn how to utilize them for futures planning. No cost to attend.

STEM Council

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. 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.

Equity Council

CREC's Equity Council provides educators in the CREC region quarterly opportunities to share policies, practices, and procedures to move toward an equitable system of education. The Council will review strategies that eliminate the predictability of outcomes for students who are racially, linguistically, economically diverse, who identify as LGBTQ, and who receive special education services. The group will review successful examples of districts from across the country that are identifying gaps in opportunities and intentionally dismantling the barriers that exist in their systems. No cost to attend event.

Social Emotional Learning Council Meeting

The council will focus on current trends, research and interventions related to Social and Emotional Learning. Members will have the opportunity to network with staff from other districts, have access to resources, and learn the most current developments in the area. No cost to attend.

English Language Learners Council (Title III)

English Language Learner district coordinators in the CREC region are invited to attend 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. No cost to attend.

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 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. No cost to attend.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training

This 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 sessions, there will be an additional time for follow up offered 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. Pre work is required. The instructor will send information to participants prior to the session. No cost to attend this event.

Wilson Reading Training

This workshop provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System.

Curriculum Council Meeting

These council meetings will give CREC Region Directors of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendents, and Instructional Leaders an opportunity to receive professional development, collaborate on curriculum and instructional issues related to teaching and learning, as well as share concerns, issues and resources. Participants will have the opportunity to liaison with CSDE on legislative and policy issues related to schools. No cost to attend this workshop.

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.

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. No cost to attend this workshop.

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. 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.

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. No cost to attend this event.

Teach and Learn with IM 6-8 and 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 curricula.

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.

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.