Mississippi State Board of Education to Meet Virtually on March 26
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) will hold a special-called virtual meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, to consider policy waivers for promotion and graduation and recommendations to manage the effects of the statewide school closure. We know you have questions on next steps on policy decisions. MDE is working to address policy questions and will present information to the SBE. You may view the meeting via livestream at bit.ly/SBElive.
Educators: How to Apply for a One-Year Extension on Your Standard License
Those educators holding a standard Mississippi educator license that is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2020, may request a one-year extension by printing and completing a paper Licensure Application for renewal. Please upload the application to your Educator Licensure Management System (ELMS) account for processing.
This extension applies only to standard Mississippi educator licenses held by administrators, teachers, and instructional support personnel that will expire on June 30, 2020. Those educators who have already completed all requirements for licensure renewal are encouraged to complete the application process for obtaining their five-year license.
Visit the MDE Licensure page for further updates: www.mdek12.org/OTL/OEL/Updates
Free LETRS Webinar Opportunity:
Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teaching Reading
Tuesday, March 31st at 2:00 p.m. CT
In this edWebinar, renowned literacy expert Louisa Cook Moats will present an overview of the concepts and language content that are essential for effectively teaching reading, spelling, and writing. Participants will gain insight into what there is to learn about the language essentials for teachers of literacy—speech sounds, spelling, sentences, and text structures. This edWebinar is ideal for educators responsible for teaching literacy or supporting intervention for students who struggle with reading and writing.
Distance Learning Educator Resources
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)
SREB has convened education leaders to find ways to help one another across state boundaries and to anticipate solutions to the challenges ahead. A few quick items to share:
Georgia Virtual Learning: Open educational resources from Georgia are freely available to all states:
- Full content from over 100 courses in grades 6 through 12, as well as individual modules
- Just in Time for Teachers: Digital Learning Days, a 1- to 2-hour micro-course to introduce digital learning basics and assist in planning for remote learning
- Online Support for Special Needs to help teachers accommodate special needs students online (Opens tomorrow, 3/25)
Webinars: SREB is bringing you quick webinars on issues of need right now, beginning with counseling, a subject near and dear to my heart. Our first webinar filled up fast, a second is scheduled, and the recordings will be available. School Counseling From a Distance
- COVID-19 Resources for State Leaders, K-12 and Postsecondary Education
For recommended resources, particularly for online teaching and learning and career and technical education, here. Check back often, as SREB coaches and analysts continue to curate helpful resources.
Tools for Schools & Educators During School Closures from edmentum
To help districts and educators navigate school closures and e-learning days, edmentum has been rolling out a variety of live webinars and resources. If you can’t attend the scheduled dates or times, register for the webinars of interest and you’ll receive the on-demand recording following the event.
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Upcoming Live Webinars
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How to Support Your Students During School Closures:
Wednesday, March 25 at 2:30 PM Central -
How to Support Your Students During School Closures, Part 2:
Thursday, March 26 at 2:30 PM Central -
How Educators Can Support Parents & Other Caregivers While Making the Transition to Online Learning:
Friday, March 27 at 11:00 AM Central -
How Teachers Can Support Special Education Students in Online Learning:
Tuesday, March 31 at 11:00 AM Central
Home-based Learning Resources to Support Parents From ExcelinEd
As of March 23, 2020, 46 states have decided to close schools, affecting at least 54.8 million school students. Here are some free resources developed by experts and partners that can help parents care for their families during the coming weeks.
INNERVIEW.org
InnerView is a no-cost resource for high schools and high school students who invest time in community service. School leaders can manage school-wide or group programs, post volunteer opportunities and events (including current needs for virtual peer tutors) and access reports and insights for overall school impact. Students access InnerView via their phone or computer and the system automatically builds a digital Service Resume based on their inputs. The Service Resume can help the student stand out when applying for jobs, scholarships, and college. Students are also eligible to earn a National Community Service Award; the deadline to qualify is April 15, 2020. This handout has all of the details for students. Interested in learning more? Email:help@InnerView.org.
Other Resources
- E-Learning Resource page: Tools and resources to support administrators and teachers during school closures
- Guide to Extending Learning During School Closures: Tips and resources for building and implementing an e-learning plan
- K-12 Printable Worksheet Bundles: Grade-specific, student activities for math, ELA, and science
- Lesson Plan Bundles: Math and ELA lessons that offer additional printable activities and practice
- Printable Gratitude Cards: Spread the love and say Thank You to your local nurses, doctors, and grocers