Professional Learning Opportunities

Welcome to the future of STEELS education, where traditional multiple-choice tests give way to 3-Dimensional assessments, spotlighting science and engineering practices (SEPs) and cross-cutting concepts (CCCs) alongside disciplinary core ideas (DCIs). In this transformative workshop, we'll explore innovative strategies for assessing students' conceptual understanding through real-world, authentic scenarios. Empower your students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, preparing them for the complexities of the real world. Lunch on your own

Gifted Bootcamp is designed to support new and veteran gifted teachers with understanding who gifted students are, how to manage the documentation, and what strategies to use to write and implement GIEPS. Topics will include an overview of PA's definition of gifted education, Chapter 16 and a review of the forms that support gifted education.

Morning Sessions (Specialized Tracks) For Administrators (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) Dive into the essential framework of gifted education administration. This comprehensive session covers identification procedures, program structures, and compliance requirements that form the foundation of successful gifted programs. Gain practical knowledge to effectively advocate for and support your school's gifted learners and educators. For Gifted Educators (8:30 AM - 11:30 AM) Explore contemporary approaches to gifted support that align with today's educational landscape. Develop strategies for building meaningful partnerships with families and community resources, enhance your coaching skills for effective collaboration with general education teachers, and participate in a hands-on GIEP Clinic where you'll work directly on upcoming Gifted Individualized Education Plans with expert guidance. Afternoon Sessions (Combined - All Participants) Innovation and Enrichment (12:30 PM - 3:30 PM) Join administrators and fellow educators to explore cutting-edge topics in gifted education: • Harnessing AI tools to enhance gifted instruction and student creativity • Evidence-based enrichment strategies that challenge and engage advanced learners • Open Spaces collaborative session where participants drive the conversation on pressing topics in gifted education **This professional development day combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring all participants leave with actionable strategies to implement immediately in their schools and classrooms.

Join us for a fun and interactive day of learning and sharing about how to foster authentic and interactive communication among our language students. We will examine ways to combine the Integrated Performance Assessment model with Backward Design to create engaging and meaningful individual, paired, small-group, and full-class activities that are based on authentic resources and steeped in culture. The goal? To engage students in language use to the point where they forget they are using a "foreign” language! Lunch on your own

This workshop is designed for administrators, principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches, providing resources to demonstrate leadership, support educators, and promote student-centered learning. Participants will learn to use tools like walk-through forms, success criteria, action planning tools, and feedback forms to guide coaching conversations and enhance instructional practices. *Participants invited to attend by their district under an established contract are welcome to register at no additional cost (costs are already included in the established contract). For participants who want to attend a workshop outside of a previously established district contract, the cost is $79 for IU13 district participants and $99 for non-IU13 district participants.

This professional learning series prioritizes student-centered learning, starting with a focus on the station rotation learning model. Participants will gain hands-on experience and strategies for implementing personalized and individualized learning approaches through the three learning modalities: direct, small group instruction; focused independent work; and effective collaborative learning. In this 2-day workshop, attendees will engage in various instructional activities and strategies with direct applications in classrooms including active learning strategies and learner-centered techniques. *Participants who are invited to attend by their district under an established contract are welcome to register at no additional cost (costs are already included in the established contract). For participants who want to attend the 2 day series outside of a previously established district contract, the cost for IU13 Schools/Districts is $399 per a person and Non-IU13 Schools/Districts is $424 per a person.

These half-day job-alike gatherings will be facilitated by IU13 and open to any staff invested in supporting the academic growth of gifted/advanced learners and complying with Chapter 16 regulations. A key component of each meeting will be time set aside for collaboration with grade-level, job-alike colleagues. District/school staff will also have the option to plan as a team during a portion of the meeting. Communication for the Gifted Network will primarily take place through Schoology, and anyone interested may join this Group for updates, resources, and discussions. The access code is FBGZM-ZHCMD. Registration will be required for each meeting for planning and Act 48 purposes. There is NO COST for IU13 district and nonpublic school staff to participate in network meetings.