Events and Workshops

FREE: Improving Comprehension through Vocabulary Instruction - Tier 1 Strategies

Learn how to integrate vocabulary instruction into daily classroom lessons which will improve students reading comprehension. These strategies promote student discourse and participation, are student centered, encourage collaboration but also improve independence.

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 Teachers Academy 2018

FOR CREC STAFF ONLY: Please arrive at 7:30 AM to register on-site. All CREC teachers are welcome to attend this annual event! Sessions will encourage meaningful collegial conversations; inspire collaborative problem solving and innovative thinking; and result in resources for immediate classroom application. Sessions begin promptly at 8:30 AM on Monday, August 20. Registration opens at 7:30 AM. Breakfast and lunch are provided.

Support K-5 Math and Literacy Skills Using Computer Science Lessons

Join us to learn of computer science activities that directly support classroom instruction in math and literacy. Two lessons will be provided for each grade level (K-5).

Developing Effective Models for Inclusive/LRE Practices for Students with Significant Disabilities

This module discusses inclusive/LRE practices to ensure that the student's academic, social, and language needs are being met through the general education environment in early childhood special education. This module will teach participants to understand learner variability. This will enable teachers to create instruction that maintains high academic/social standards and meaningfully engages all student. Participants will also learn how to collect and use data for the evaluation and improvement of inclusive practices.

Early Childhood Literacy for Children with Significant Disabilities

This workshop will provide information on the development of literacy skills for young children with significant disabilities including students with cognitive disabilities, multiple disabilities, and complex communication needs. The following areas will be covered: developmental skills, instructional approaches; instructional materials and resources. A variety of materials will be available for participants to explore including low to high tech ways to adapt literacy materials.

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.

Illustrative Math 6-8

This 2-day workshop will provide teachers and instructional leaders with professional development designed around the illustrative Math 6-8 curricula and materials.

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.

CAYEN Training New Users Session

NEW USER Session - Are you a new grantee, a new hire or changing roles in your after school program?The new user trainings will provide:

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 - 9-20-2018

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

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

Echoes and Reflections: A Multimedia Curriculum on the Holocaust

Echoes & Reflections is the premier source for Holocaust Educational materials and dynamic content. In this in-person workshop, Echoes and Reflections provides and equips educators with research-based strategies for teaching about the Holocaust. The program is developed with the busy educator in mind, providing practical ways to confidently teach about the Holocaust. The lesson plans are created for middle and high school educators to teach about the Holocaust effectively and interactively. Lessons are organized by topic representing major themes, allowing for customization by school and grade level.

Systems and Structures to Support English Learners in the SRBI Process

In this session, participants will learn how to support English learners (ELs) in the Scientifically Research-Based Intervention (SRBI) process and analyze pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of the diverse population of English learners in both Tier I instruction and tiered interventions.By examining student cases, district data, and effective strategies, participants will utilize their new learning to outline best practices and decisions through the lens of second language acquisition, CELP standards, and state and federal policicies.Participants will: • understand how language development impacts success• engage in interactive learning experiences that examine factors for success for ELs, SRBI policies and procedures, and Second Language Acquisition• develop an advocacy toolkit to bring back to their districts and schools

Wilson Reading Training

This workshop provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System.

CAYEN Training Experienced Users Session

Experienced User Session- Are you an AS21 pro or just need a refresher? The experienced user training will provide:

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.

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.

Wilson Reading System® Level I Certification

Wilson Reading System (WRS) Level 1 Certification is designed to prepare teachers to effectively implement the Wilson Reading System Steps 1-6 with students who are reading and spelling below grade level as well as those diagnosed with a language-based learning disability, such as dyslexia. It consists of two components: WRS Intensive Instruction Online Course and WRS Level I Practicum. A critical factor for student success is teacher knowledge and skills, and the ability to apply those in the classroom with students. The WRS Level I Certification Program provides a course that deepens teachers’content knowledge in providing structured multi-sensory literacy instruction, while providing a supervised practicum that allows teachers to apply and practice skillful use of research-based strategies. Considerable time, effort, and study are required for the WRS Certification program and participants will have the 2018-2019 school year to complete their certification.

360 Degree Learning: An Engaging Approach to Addressing the Summer Slide

Learning should not cease when summer starts. In this one-day session, educators will develop an innovative plan for summer learning that is engaging and exciting - and that students actually want to do. In a collaborative learning environment, participants will explore summer success stories, and learn how to use tools and resources to create their own unique plan for summer learning.

Grade 1 Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training (2 day training)

This two-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.

Kindergarten Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

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.

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.

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.

Teaching about Genocide and Human Rights: The Choices Approach

The new CT Senate Bill 452 requires that all school districts in CT include Holocaust and Genocide Education as a part of their Social Studies Curriculum. 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 Unit: Confronting Genocide Never Again and will examine parts of Competing Visions of Human Rights: Questions for U.S. Policy. Both curriculums are provided and teachers will discuss ways to adapt these programs for their classroom.

Grade 2 Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

Grade 3 Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

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.

Grade 4 Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

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.

Math Council Meeting

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.

Grade 5 Launch for NGSS Curriculum Consortium

WITH THE UPCOMING NGSS HIGH STAKES CT ASSESSMENT, PREPARE YOUR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS! This opportunity allows for STEM coaches and team leaders to turn key launch sessions to their staff. To aid in NGSS unit implementation of these new units and pedagogical approaches to science instruction, CREC is offering grade specific launch series. These multi-session series occur after school hours and provide teachers with a hands-on approach to understanding the unit phenomenon, storyline, content, and instructional practices required for successful implementation.

CAYEN Training New Users Session

NEW USER Session - Are you a new grantee, a new hire or changing roles in your after school program?The new user trainings will provide:

Mindfulness Council (October): Topic TBD

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.

Title III Consortium

Effective Classroom / ESL Strategies For Teaching English Learners: Ways to get English Learners actively involved in your lessons.

Instructional Coaching Institute

The Instructional Coaching Institute is for current and aspiring instructional coaches at all grade levels, who are interesed in attending formal training. This 2-day workshop will provide participants with an understanding of various coaching frameworks, theory, research, and current perspectives and practices. Among the topics that will be covered over the course of the two days are working with adult learners, building networks for change, providing feedback, student-centered coaching, assessing student work, promoting teacher reflection, having better conversations, and using videotape for professional growth.

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 Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

ServSafe

This is one-day training in ServSafe practices; you will be tested for certification at the end of the session. You will have a broader knowledge of food handling, food safety, pest control, and sanitary practices, and upon passing the exam, you will have an industry recognized credential.

21st CCLC Networking 1st Mandatory 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.

Science Council Meeting

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,Connecticut Core Standards, and CAPT Science. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

CAYEN Training Experienced Users Session

Experienced User Session- Are you an AS21 pro or just need a refresher? The experienced user training will provide:

Rethinking How We Measure Student Growth - 2nd Annual RESC Alliance Thinkshop -

Do you struggle to find measures of student growth that reflect important goals for learning? Those things that matter most for long-term student success are the most difficult to measure, report, and evaluate. Join with colleagues from throughout the state to examinedifferent perspectives about assessing student learning.This full-day Thinkshop is designed to encourage new ways of thinking about assessment and measurement in your classroom, school, or district. KEYNOTE Speakers: Karin Hess, Competency-Based Assessment and Ken O'Connor, Standards-Based Grading

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 3rd Annual Family, School, & Community Engagement Conference - "Sparking Powerful Partnerships for Student Success"

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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.

Wilson Reading Training

This workshop provides an overview of the Wilson Reading System.

Digital Citizenship: What is Your Exposure?

A proactive approach to digital citizenship is imperative; don't wait for a problem to arise. Join us for a engaging and informative day of learning, exploration and collaboration. Participants will develop an awareness of digital citizenship policy and practice, and will be provided with tools and resources to assess the current status of their district implementation strategies and consider next steps. The day will also include an examination of best practices and real life examples of digital citizenship and its impact.

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.

Supporting ELs in the Math Classroom

The 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 math skills. Teachers who attend this workshop may be teachers looking for ways to support ELL students in math in the regular education classroom. The session will give educators various ways to build math fluency, provide appropriate strategies for the different language proficiency levels, how to build math vocabulary, strengthen and elicit math terms and ideas, offer ideas and examples on how to provide support, and provide resources to engage students in the math classroom.

Job Coach Training

Improve your Job Coaching skills through this training. Training topics include: Role of a Job Coach; Employability skills checklist/task analysis; Assessments-school and vocational rehabilitation; Industry skills standards; Social interaction skills/job-related behaviors; Executive functional skills; Transition law; Student self-advocacy and independence; Safety standards and "Scaffolding" - vs. - "Fading Out". Participants are encouraged to bring an electronic device if possible.

An Autism Behavior Toolkit for Teachers: Tips and Tricks that Work When Educating Elementary Students on the Autism Spectrum

In this half-day workshop, participants will learn strategies that they can incorporate into their classrooms immediately to support the academic and behavioral needs of students with ASD. The workshop is designed for general education and special education teachers that have students in their classrooms with ASD. We will cover strategies to support transitions, common behavior issues, sensory needs of students with ASD and much more. Participants will learn: sensory strategies to prevent common behaviors presented by students with ASD; strategies to support transitions in and out of the classroom for students with ASD; and proactive strategies to prevent challenging behaviors before they occur.

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.

Adolescent Stuttering: Evidence-Based Strategies

This session will discuss research and evidenced-based treatment options for students with fluency goals and objectives. Focus will be on middle school and high school level students.

Curriculum Council Meeting - 11-8-2018

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

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.

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, 2018 through April 1, 2019.

Assessment of Afterschool Program Practices Tool (APT) for 21st CCLC Programs

The Assessment of Afterschool Program Practices Tool (APT) was developed by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) with 21st Century Community Learning Centers in mind! The APT provides a way for after schools staff to access the quality of their services and use data to make program improvements. Quality after schools programs produce positive outcomes in youth!

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 Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

CAYEN Training New Users Session

NEW USER Session - Are you a new grantee, a new hire or changing roles in your after school program?The new user trainings will provide:

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.

SIM™ Helping Secondary Students Who Struggle with Reading: Accessing Content - Paraphrasing Strategy

Are you working with struggling secondary students, particularly in the area of reading comprehension? Would you like to know more about research-based strategies to support the development of reading comprehension skills with both fiction and non-fiction skills? Perfect for inclusive classroom, resource rooms, and all Tiers of intervention groups. These strategies are designed to enable students to cope effectively with curricular demands and to teach them how to generalize their use of these skills in a variety of settings.

Structured Literacy Series: Systematic Teaching of Basic Literacy Skills

Participants will learn systematic, structured methods for teaching decoding, encoding, oral and written expression to students with learning disorders and specific language disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to apply new skills in practice simulations and receive implementation coaching by experts. Participants will receive the books "Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers" by Louisa Moats Ph.D. and "Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills" by Beverly J. Wolf M.Ed. and Judith Birsh Ed.D. The series's curriculum is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association's Level 1 Dyslexia Specialist Standards.

Assistive Technology for Students with Dyslexia

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.

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.

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.

SIM™ Teaching Self-Advocacy: Tier 2 and Tier 3 Intervention for Increasing Student Independence

These strategies help students prepare for and participate in education or transition planning conferences. Students learn to determine and list their perceived strengths, areas in which they need to improve or learn, education and transition goals, needed accommodations, and more. They then use steps of the strategy to share their lists during conferences, listen and respond to others, ask questions, and communicate their goals.

Wilson Fundations Level K Workshop

This full-day workshop provides the practice and guidance needed to effectively begin teaching the Fundations curriculum for this designated level.

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.

Developing Tier 2 and Tier 3 Reading and Math Intervention Protocols

Participants will understand the elements of an intervention and its process in order to develop Tier 2 and Tier 3 protocols. The interventions will be targeted, with a specific concept or skill that will be developed over the set amount of weeks (8-20 weeks).

Raising Readers Parent Club Facilitator Training

The Raising Readers Parent Club (RRPC) facilitator training is perfect for anyone working with parents of young children (birth to grade 3). Participants will be trained to lead clubs that encourage literacy and learning activities in the home.

4th Annual CREC/CCSU Mindfulness Conference -

CREC and CCSU are co-hosting their 4th Annual Mindfulness Conference on December 7, 2018 on the CCSU campus. The conference will focus on mindfulness, yoga, and self-care practices that support social and emotional learning for students PreK – higher education. This year's conference keynote speakers are Ali Smith, Atman Smith and Andres Gonzales, founding members of Holistic Life Foundation. HLF is Baltimore-based non-profit committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in under-served communities. The work of the Holistic Life Foundation has been featured in O (Oprah) Magazine, Mindful magazine, The LA Times, The Chicago Tribune, Yoga Journal, and on NBC Nightly News, CBS Morning News, PBS, and The Doctors, as well as a social media article on Upworthy and .Mic that went viral, about “turning detention into meditation”. HLF teaches their own unique blend of many styles of yoga, mindfulness, and other self-healing practices and serve over 10,000 youth per week in Baltimore City Public Schools alone.

Title III Consortium

Effective Classroom / ESL Strategies For Teaching English Learners: Ways to get English Learners actively involved in your lessons.

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.

Math Council Meeting

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.

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.

Curriculum Council Meeting - 1-10-2019

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

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium H.S. Forensic Science Unit Writing

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 the EQuIP rubric, and edited prior to posting for classroom/district use. This forensics course has a chemistry focus and is an alternative to the NGSS Chemistry course offered for Track 1 in CREC’s NGSS Curriculum Consortium. The participant’s district will be granted an access code to all of the grade specific curricular documents generated in the consortium. Up to 10 NGSS-aligned units will be developed for each of the grade-levels and shared. Science curricula will be integrated by the performance expectations set forth by the NGSS. PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL DAYS OF THEIR CONSORTIUM SERIES.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium H.S. Physics Unit Writing

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 the EQuIP rubric, 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. Up to 10 NGSS-aligned units will be developed for each of the grade-levels and shared. Science curricula will be integrated by the performance expectations set forth by the NGSS. PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND ALL DAYS OF THEIR CONSORTIUM SERIES.

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.

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 Meeting

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,Connecticut Core Standards, and CAPT Science. 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.

Mindfulness Council (January): Topic TBD

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.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social and Emotional Learning

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.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 4

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

The Blueprint: LRE/Inclusive Practices for Students with Significant Learning Disabilities

Participants will learn about various curriculum frameworks that can be readily used when developing challenging and appropriate instruction for students with significant disabilities.

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.

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.

Math Council Meeting

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.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 5

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

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, 2018 through April 1, 2019.

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

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.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 7

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

Assessment of Afterschool Program Practices Tool (APT) for 21st CCLC Programs

The Assessment of Afterschool Program Practices Tool (APT) was developed by the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) with 21st Century Community Learning Centers in mind! The APT provides a way for after schools staff to access the quality of their services and use data to make program improvements. Quality after schools programs produce positive outcomes in youth!

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 8

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 10

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

PBIS New School Information Session

PBIS provides an organizational approach or framework for improving the social behavior climate of the schools and supporting the impact of academic instruction on achievement and increasing proactive management.

Title III Consortium

Effective Classroom / ESL Strategies For Teaching English Learners: Ways to get English Learners actively involved in your lessons.

TEAM Mentor Initial Support Training (2 day training)

This two-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.

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.

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.

Science Council Meeting

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,Connecticut Core Standards, and CAPT Science. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

Mindfulness Council (March): Topic TBD

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.

Curriculum Council Meeting - 3-21-2019

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

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

NGSS Curriculum Consortium-Assessment Development - Grade 11

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 formative and summative components, to assess student achievement in relation to the three dimensions of the NGSS. Participation in these development sessions is $300 per person; THE SAME PERSON MUST ATTEND BOTH DATES.

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.

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.

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.

The Coaching and Self Reflection Tool for Competency in Teaching English Learners

To best serve the increasing number of English Learners in our classrooms, educators need strategies and tools to help them reflect on their practice. In this workshop, participants will learn to use the resource, "The Coaching and Self-Reflection Tool for Competency in Teaching English Learners" in professional coaching conversations, in self-reflection on BEST Practices for English Learners, and for reflection and discussion for ANY teacher of English Learners.

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.

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. Early Childhood educators are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings. Topics and speaker lists are developed by the group.

Math Council Meeting

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.

Science Council Meeting

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,Connecticut Core Standards, and CAPT Science. In addition, input from participants regarding additional topic selections will be encouraged in order to best meet the needs of the council membership.

Facilitating Futures Planning

Futures planning is a collaborative approach that helps staff, parents, and students to develop a long range plan that will guide the IEP.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Social and Emotional Learning

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.

Curriculum Council Meeting - 5-9-2019

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

Title III Consortium

Effective Classroom / ESL Strategies For Teaching English Learners: Ways to get English Learners actively involved in your lessons.

Early Childhood Council Meeting

Early Childhood educators in CREC districts meet monthly to share best practices and engage in new thinking about instruction. Pre-K to grade 12. 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.

Instructional Coaching Institute

The Instructional Coaching Institute is for current and aspiring instructional coaches at all grade levels, who are interesed in attending formal training. This 2-day workshop will provide participants with an understanding of various coaching frameworks, theory, research, and current perspectives and practices. Among the topics that will be covered over the course of the two days are working with adult learners, building networks for change, providing feedback, student-centered coaching, assessing student work, promoting teacher reflection, having better conversations, and using videotape for professional growth.