Comment on a Session

     I enjoyed attending the Science of Reading: What do I need to know. This session was very engaging, and I loved learning about the Reading League. I hope we can get a chapter in Virginia. It is so important to have a dedicated group promoting reading for all students. Educating others about what can be done prior to entering school is essential. One of the things I enjoyed today was the explanation of the strands that are used involved in reading. It is an intertwining. Sometimes, I receive resistance in why use this strategy instead of something else. The graphic that showed how the CER and Learning strategies fit perfectly with what makes good research-based reading instruction. 

The virtual conference flowed very nicely. It was great to hear of new routines on the horizon and the new mathematics intervention resources forthcoming. I am also very excited to hear more about the math cardres and virtual learning cadre. 

I learned a lot from Paula Lancaster's presentation on High Leverage Practices and how they support and align with SIM. She and Jocelyn led a "decomposition" of the practice of checking for understanding, and what should always be present vs. what should never be present. In my breakout group, there was a teacher who works with visually impaired students who are in a remote learning environment due to COVID19. This brought the concept of equity and inclusivity home to me in a vivid way. I appreciated the opportunity to learn from numerous colleagues -- and see lots of familiar Virginia faces! I feel connected to the SIM Network and energized to continue my work with SIM with teachers and students. 

I would love to have the slide of the Reading Rope and the SIM Learning Strategies.  I think this could be so strong information to use with other teachers and administration to show how tiered instruction using SIM supports struggling readers.  It takes more than just Tier 3.
This was a great session.

I enjoyed watching the Content Enhancement in the Math classroom with Sean Strickland. He did a wonderful job breaking down each element of the strategy and how he incorporates it within his math classroom.  He continually referred to the "co-construct" piece of the strategy to convey its relevance and importance.  The video of him rolling out the Unit Organizer was brilliant and insightful. 

WOW!  Ordered Hammond book after watching TedTalk that Janice referenced.
This session was fantastic and timely. Equity issues are deeply exposed through the current pandemic happenings.
Such an opportunity to look honestly at our practices and truly transform for students.
Janice is also fantastic presenter as she blends storytelling with practical, actionable information.

I enjoyed the session: Online Possible Selves with Mike Hock and Kelsey Ortiz. The process and research on students with disabilities accessing online learning is timely and relevant to the need to provide instruction distant due the pandemic.  I'm looking forward to the feedback provided by participants and practitioners after implementation process is complete.