Weekly Teacher Download for November 1, 2021

ALL TEACHERS

Social and Emotional Learning

Educators are incredibly busy and in fact, research shows that educators make more minute-to-minute decisions throughout the day than neurosurgeons. This means that teachers need to take some time to take care of themselves. This could be a breathing break or a moment of mindfulness, which can help them re-center, decompress, self-regulate after a busy day, and model self-care for their family and/or students. Mindfulness practices can be implemented throughout the day, either alone or in the classroom. Please visit seven ways mindfulness can help teachers to learn more.

Student Enrollment

HISD is still enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. Parents can visit www.HoustonISD.org/Enroll to get started or stop by their local HISD school for one-on-one assistance. Student enrollment flyers can be downloaded here.

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS

The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Team is offering a series of virtual professional development sessions in November on the UDL Planning Guide for Reading, Language Arts, and Math for grade 3-5 teachers. The guide is to be used in conjunction with the UPG and has been created to assist teachers in planning holistically for all students with an intense focus on closing learning gaps for special populations. Click here for instructions on how to access the UDL Guides. Click on this link for sessions and times. We are offering UDL open labs for attendees.

Early Childhood

Tier ll Leaders PreK Meeting #2 on Nov. 1 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.: Teacher specialists, assistant principals, instructional coaches, and deans of instruction are invited to learn about CIRCLE assessment remote administration, teacher-qualification requirements, curriculum and instruction, and family and community engagement. Participants will dive into each of the HB3 high-quality pre-K components expected to be implemented in all 3- and 4-year-old classrooms. Register for course #1456160.

Lead Teacher Meeting #2 on Nov. 3 or 4 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.: PreK and early childhood special education teachers will meet to facilitate communication between each campus and the Early Childhood Department. These meetings will provide current information regarding district/state issues and district initiatives, as well as professional development opportunities. Register for course #1458022.

Elementary Math Sessions

November and December 2021 math sessions for K-5 can be seen here. All sessions will be offered synchronously (facilitator led). Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemMath #MathMatters.

 Grade 1 Math Snapshot Review on Nov. 1: Participants will gain a better understanding of the snapshot assessment. Explore how to use the snapshot outline and unit assessments to backwards plan. Get a sneak peek at some of our new assessment items. Register for course #1443850. 

Grade 2 Math Snapshot Review on Nov. 1: Participants will gain a better understanding of the snapshot assessment. Explore how to use the snapshot outline and unit assessments to backwards plan. Get a sneak peek at some of our new assessment items. Register for course #1443851.

Promoting Productive Struggle in Mathematics on Nov. 4: Participants will explore the meaning of productive struggle and how it encourages risk-taking in the classroom. They will learn the importance of valuing perseverance and how mental stamina can be built through problem-solving. Register for course #1460031.

Campus Administrator Collaborative on Nov. 9, Nov. 11: Participants will create and foster relationships with district administrators that support mathematics; explore researched-based ideas and strategies that assist with coaching and developing all math teachers; and collaborate with district math administrators on best practices that support and develop strong instructional mathematical thinking. Register for course #1443815. 

Math Lead Teacher Collaborative on Nov. 9, Nov. 11: Participants will serve as liaisons between the curriculum math department and their campus. Math lead teachers are tasked with enhancing the school’s instructional math leadership team. Participants will engage in activities aligned to the district curriculum, assessment, and resources throughout the school year. This course is designed to support the appointed elementary math lead teachers; however, all math teachers are welcome to attend. Register for course #1443822.

Elementary Science Sessions
On Nov. 11 virtual science professional learning sessions are offered synchronously (facilitator-led) from 3:30–5:00 p.m. See this flyer for more information. Share your experiences via twitter and tag @HISD_ElemSci.

K-5 Supporting Academic Language in Science on Nov. 11: Learn and practice strategies to support students with using science academic language when speaking and writing. Register for course #1456093.

K-2 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Participants will review upcoming Rewind mini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for course #1456098.

3-5 Mitigating Conceptual Gaps via the Mini-Lesson (Rewind) on Nov. 11: Review upcoming Rewindmini-lessons, approaches to facilitate within the instructional block, and resources to utilize these mini-lessons to help mitigate learning loss. Register for course #1456099.

SECONDARY TEACHERS

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

HCC Fire will provide insight to high school CTE students who are interested in the field of Fire Tech at 9 a.m. on Nov. 3. Click here to join. For more information, email Senior CTE Career Advisor Rodrick Pierson at Rodrick.Pierson@HoustonISD.org.

The San Jacinto Automotive Department will provide career insight into the automotive field to high school CTE students at 1 p.m. on Nov. 3. Click here to join. For more information, email Senior CTE Career Advisor Rodrick Pierson at Rodrick.Pierson@HoustonISD.org.

Please view this week’s CTE bulletin, November 2021, Volume I. Visit the HISD Career Readiness page here for all CTE bulletins.

Spotlight on CTE: To bring awareness to the district’s CTE programs of study and post-graduation opportunities, campus personnel are invited to showcase campus events, student work, and more. Please submit using the CTE Spotlight Form. You may enter:

• Photos
• Videos
• Event flyers
• Business partnerships
• Campus initiatives
• Professional learning
• Best practices and more!

Submissions will be highlighted on the Career Readiness website and social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, YouTube). Contact your campus’s designated senior CTE program specialist with any questions.