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Schoology
Available to all students and educators in LAUSD.
Because of Schoology's array of features and possibilities, teachers should try a gradual rollout. Start out by creating a host course for additional resources like videos or informational text, practice assessments, and homework help discussions. After students feel comfortable with general navigation and use, teachers can engage students in rigorous tasks, assessments, and discussions using teacher-designed and -uploaded curriculum. Teachers can even evaluate and provide feedback to student work on the site, and then allow for students to apply the feedback and resubmit assignments to demonstrate growth.

 
 
 
 
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The Best Screencasting Tools for Classrooms
The beauty of screencasting tools is how easy they are to use, whether your students create videos to demonstrate learning or you record your own lessons to share with them. It can be tricky, however, to determine the best screencasting tool for the classroom, as most options have a limited free version along with a paid subscription.
 
 
 
 
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Virtual Field Trips Full of Learning Potential
There's nothing quite like a field trip: That legendary day when permission slips grant students golden tickets to an experience outside the classroom.

Although virtual field trips don't physically bring kids to new locations, they make use of the web and video to amplify online learning in an experiential way. And at their best, virtual field trips can be transporting, informative, and inspiring.
 
 
 
 
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3 Free Worksheets to Help Students Get the Most Out of Virtual Field Trips
Learning with technology, whether with a math app, a video how-to, or a wiki, opens up a new world of discovery for kids. As they access information in novel ways, kids are preparing for life in a new interconnected, global world. Learn how to spot the good stuff, find the right products for your kids' needs, and foster a love of learning.
 
 
 
 
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6 Free Tools for Teaching About Climate Change
As part of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students need to "ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century." Many teachers have little to no formal training in how to teach about climate change. Along with the ever-changing research and the controversy that comes with it, it's understandable that some teachers may shy away from the content, or even prevent students from digging in too deep.
 
 
 
 
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Congratulations: Digital Citizenship Certification
Check out the directory and map below to view all Common Sense Certified Educators and Schools across the District.
 
 
 
 
Digital Citizenship Certified Educators 
Los Angeles Unified School District as of May 2021
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Common Sense Education Recognition Program
L.A. Unified and ITI recognize schools and educators who achieve Common Sense Certification. For the School Year 2020-2021, we continue our partnership with Common Sense Education to offer a complete K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum. See the variety of materials and lessons available along with the application process on how your school and teachers can become part of the Common Sense Education Recognition Program:

Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified Educator
Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School
 
 
 
 
 
ISTE website link
 
 
 
 
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Turn Cloud Gazing into a Real-World NASA Science Project
When Alexandra Marlette joined her Atlanta area high school’s technology club, she was the only girl. Despite having experience programming complex robots, she was talked over, not listened to and a 15-year-old boy told her that her skirt was getting in the way of her programming.
 
 
 
 
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More Girls Choosing Computer Science Despite Roadblocks
In project-based learning, students achieve better results when they receive feedback and have time to make improvements in their final products or solutions. The same is true for PBL teachers. Critique and revision will help you improve projects so that your students experience high-quality learning from start to finish.
 
 
 
 
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Bring a Real Wildlife Safari to Your Classroom
Stacey Moore knew she couldn’t take her 30 Virginia third graders on safari in Africa, so she did the next best thing: She brought the safari to her classroom and connected her students to naturalists who offered narration and answered their questions in real time.
 
 
 
 
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7 NASA Citizen Science Lessons Any Teacher Can Lead
Even as a die-hard science geek, molecular biologist Melanie Peffer found her science classes painfully boring. It wasn’t until she started engaging in authentic scientific inquiry in real-world labs that she realized science is actually nothing like what she learned in school.
 
 
 
 
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Readiness Resource Center - In Preparation for Device Distribution
The Instructional Technology Initiative (ITI) offers District-wide instructional resources to support schools’ completion of the readiness resource items in order to distribute digital tools to students. Please visit the ITI website Readiness Resource Center for more information

For more information, please contact Allison Jonas, Readiness and Integration Coordinator, at allison.jonas@lausd.net.
 
 
 
 
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5 Awesome Ways to Teach Coding to Your Elementary Students
Are you an elementary school teacher who doesn’t have any experience teaching computer science? Do you want to provide your students with the opportunity to show their creativity and empower them with the necessary skills to be future-ready? If you answered “yes” to these questions, I want to thank you for your dedication and let you know it’s going to be an amazing journey!
 
 
 
 
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Computational Thinking - Creative Coding with BrainPOP
"Very few people grow up to be professional writers, but we teach everyone to write because it’s a way of communicating with others—of organizing your thoughts and expressing your ideas. I think the reasons for learning to code are the same as the reasons for learning to write. When we learn to write, we are learning how to organize, express, and share ideas. And when we learn to code, we are learning how to organize, express, and share ideas in new ways, in a new medium.” - Mitch Resnick, Scratch co-creator
 
 
 
 
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LEGO Education Launches Teacher Training Initiative
LEGO may be one of the best education brands in the world, which makes their work through LEGO Education highly relevant and potentially consequential. That is to say, it’s wise to keep an eye on what LEGO Education is up to because they move with purpose and reason.
 
 
 
 
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AI Is Changing the Workforce. At This District, It’s Changing the Curriculum Too.
Over the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been delivering competitive advantage to businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. By Deloitte’s most recent count, 37 percent of organizations have deployed AI solutions (up 270 percent from 2016) and a majority predict it will “substantially transform” their companies by 2023.
 
 
 
 
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ITI Practitioner Schools 6.0 Application Now Open
The application window for Practitioner Schools (PS) 6.0 Creative Communicator Program is now open. Apply to participate in our program that focuses on strategically and systematically ensuring L.A. Unified students leverage digital resources and develop foundational 21st century practices interconnected with computer science education and digital citizenship.

ATTACHMENT A: Intent to Participate


 
 
 
 
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Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp Elementary Computer Science Initiative - APPLICATION EXTENDED new date May 21, 2021
The Amazon Future Engineer + BootUp Elementary Computer Science program must be a Title 1 Elementary School looking to bring computer science education to their school. Find out how your school can apply for this initiative.


ATTACHMENT A: Intent to Participate
 
 
 
 
 
 
TEACH COMPUTER SCIENCE: Interested in Bringing Computer Science, CS Discoveries, Exploring CS, or AP CS Principles to your School in the Future? Applications are now open.

CS Discoveries (Grades 6 - 10)
Computer Science Discoveries (CS Discoveries) is an introductory computer science course that empowers students to create authentic artifacts and engage with computer science as a medium for creativity, communication, problem-solving, and fun. The application window is now open. Find out more about the program and application using this link. APPLICATION

AP CS Principles (Grades 9 - 12)
Computer Science Principles (APCS Principles) introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer science and challenges them to explore how computing and technology can impact the world. The AP Program designed AP Computer Science Principles with the goal of creating leaders in computer science fields and attracting and engaging those who are traditionally underrepresented with essential computing tools and multidisciplinary opportunities. The application window is now open. Find out more about the program and application using this link. APPLICATION

Exploring CS (Grades 9 - 12)
Exploring Computer Science (ECS) is an introductory high school course designed to engage students in computational thinking and practice. If you are interested in teaching Exploring Computer Science and would like more information on the 2020-2021 Exploring Computer Science cohorts, please complete the computer science interest form. INTEREST FORM
 
 
 
 
UPDATE: How to Set Up a CS First Class
1. Click on the Create class button.
2. Choose how you would like your students to sign in to CS First: CS First accounts.
3. Click on the card for the class you created.
4. Click on the Add units button.
5. Select a stand-alone lesson or a unit, by clicking the Add to class button.
6. Choose your materials preference. Please note that classroom kits are only available for multi-lesson units. You can add multiple stand-alone lessons or multi-lesson units to a class. Tutorial Video
 
 
 
 
Digital Citizenship Lessons for Teachers, By Teachers 
The Instructional Technology Initiative proudly unveils our “Digital Citizenship Lessons For Teachers, By Teachers” These resources are created by our Instructional Technology Facilitators with a special focus on practical and ready to implement lessons for the first ten days of school that span the range of building positive and safe online communities, cultivating digital citizens through social-emotional learning, to fostering inclusive online relationships.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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#EmpoweredByITI How-To Videos
The #EmpoweredByITI video collections are short, focused videos designed by ITI instructional technology facilitators with the goal of demonstrating instructionally rigorous ways of using digital tools and resources.
 
 
 
 
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ITI Professional Development Opportunities
ITI supports all schools district-wide with robust and rigorous professional learning by offering various models of support along a continuum to meet learners where they are. You can join our individual learning opportunities such as the Teacher Leader Network, ISTE Student Standards Suite; computer science sessions, or learn together as an Instructional Leadership Team through the Instructional Leadership Cohort. We invite you to join us in any of our learning sessions.  

Please visit the ITI website for more information about our Professional Learning Opportunities and register through MyPLN.
 
 
 
 
**IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the popularity of these sessions, waitlists have been added to each session. If the session you are interested in is full, you have the option to add yourself to its waitlist to be notified if a seat becomes available.
 
 
 
 
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#CS4LAUSD
ITI is kicking off the Summer of CS with the most up-to-date research and practices in instructional technology through keynote addresses, breakout workshops and panel discussions led by thought leaders and practitioners in edtech.

Date: June 12, 2021
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual
Registration: Mypln.lausd.net (keywords: ITI, CS, Computer Science)
Compensation: District Training Rate
 
 
 
 
 
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ITI Reaching Beyond the Classroom - Digital Citizen (Asynchronous Self-Paced)
This course is designed to support educators in preparing to engage with learners that need to be empowered to thrive in an increasingly evolving technological landscape. Through a variety of activities, this course will provide opportunities to learn L. A. Unified’s definition of Digital Citizenship, the District’s policies and best practices around engaging in digital learning environments, as well as provide a wealth of teaching and learning resources that educators can put into practice immediately. This course is offered through Schoology. The course can be completed at your discretion any time during the week since there will be no live webinar sessions conducted for this course.

Format: Ongoing Monthly - Asynchronous
Registration: mypln.lausd.net (keywords: ITI, ISTE, Digital Citizen)
Compensation: District Training Rate
 
 
 
 
 
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Instructional Technology Planning Cohort (ITPC)
Do you have a plan to use digital tools and resources to personalize instruction and create a mastery-based, learner-centered learning environment?

Do you believe it’s important for schools to teach digital citizenship to the digital age learner?
What tools and resources do you have to support educators to embrace change and create awareness as you begin to shift the instructional paradigm?

Is your school prepared to educate youth for the 21st century?

We invite school Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT's) to join ITI for a three-day cohort to develop an informed, effective school-wide plan for digital age learners.

Dates: June 14, 2021
   June 15, 2021
   June 16, 2021
Time: 9:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m.
Format: Virtual (2-hour Synchronous | 2-hour Asynchronous)
Registration: School leaders contact Maria Magnanimo-Toledo at mmagna1@lausd.net
Compensation: District Training Rate, salary point hours, or NBCT hours
 
 
 
 
L.A. Unified Google Certifications
 
 
LA Unified Google Certifications
 
Congratulations: L.A. Unified Google Certifications

Click on the map to view all Google Certified Educators across the District!

Want to add your name to the map? Upload your certificate at bit.ly/GCEverification






 
 
 
 
 
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Google Certified Educator Recognition Program
L.A. Unified and ITI recognize educators who achieve Google Certifications for Educators (Level 1 and/or Level 2), Coaches, Trainers, and Innovators. For the 2020-2021 School Year, we continue our partnership with Google for Education to offer professional learning for L.A. Unified educators. Learn more about the Google Certified Educator Recognition Program:
Google for Education Teacher Center: Certifications Overview
ITI Professional Learning Sessions for Google Certified Educator Program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GNAASF: The New Way Forward - Learning and Preparing for a World That Doesn't Exist Yet, The Sequel

Virtual
Saturday, May 15, 2021
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Gifted Network for African American Students and Families is hosting the spring quarterly meeting with the theme, “The New Way Forward, Learning and Preparing for a World That Doesn’t Exist Yet, The Sequel.” All gifted (identified and non-identified) African American/Black students and families are welcome to join this free event! Listen to inspiring keynote and guest speakers and participate in workshops for the parents and students grades 3rd-12th. 

 
 
 
 
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Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering

Hybrid synchronous and asynchronous
June 14 - July 30, 2021

Students join professors' research teams for authentic research and experiential learning, with one-on-one mentoring, in their choice of the range of cutting-edge engineering fields, from biomedicine to robotics. Like all USC research during COVID, SHINE provides both synchronous and asynchronous virtual research experience, builds a close-knit community of SHINE students for social and intellectual networking, and transforms good students into confident, capable
contributors to high-impact research.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS): 
Annual Meeting 2021

Virtual 
June 7-11, 2021

The 2021 Annual Meeting of the International Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS) is the first of its kind, the first of a new series of annual events that will bring together the international community of the Learning Sciences as a whole. This is a milestone in the evolution of our community and a good reason to reflect on and celebrate our achievements in the past, and to embrace and envision a bright future.
 
 
 
 
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ISTE 2021: Designing A New Landscape

Virtual and in San Antonio, Texas
June 27-30, 2021

Stay connected to receive updates on conference news.
 
 
 
 
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Opportunity for High School Students: LA Computing Circle Summer Program

Virtual
July 12-23, 2021

UCLA Summer School (LACC-21) applications are open. The program is targeted towards high school students (incoming Grade 10-12), is completely free and competitive. The instructors are Faculty, Ph.D., and master’s students from UCLA. This is the 10th year of the program. You can circulate it with the students in your circle.

The program is coordinated by CS-GSA.
 
 
 
 
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CSTA 2021 is Going Virtual!

Virtual 
July 14-15, 2021

Mark your calendars to join us from July 14-15, 2021! Registration for the CSTA 2021 Virtual Conference will open later this year. Keep an eye out for more information in your CSTA newsletters and on our social media channels.
 
 
 
 
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Scratch Conference 2021: Let’s Create Together

Cambridge, MA, USA
July 22-24, 2021

Join us for the Scratch Conference, an international gathering where educators, researchers, and developers share ideas for supporting creative learning with Scratch. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2021 SEL Exchange Virtual Summit

Virtual
Thursday, October 14 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm ET

Hosted by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Exchange is a unique and timely national forum for those who are committed to creating caring, productive, and equitable schools and communities that develop the whole child and ensure that all students can thrive. With demand for SEL at an all-time high, now is the time to come together, share what we know, and anchor ourselves in advancing high-quality research, implementation practice, and policies.
 
 
 
 
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Reduced-Cost Internet from California Emerging Technology Fund
We know you are keenly aware of the Homework Gap and the Opportunity Gap, cruel results of the digital divide between students who have home internet access and those who do not. These gaps impact low-income and rural area students, making it difficult to complete homework assignments and take advantage of other online opportunities. The California Emerging Technology Fund is partnering with schools and districts serving low-income students to spread the word about reduced-cost internet offers.
 
 
 
 
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Digital Inclusion for Angelenos
The City of Los Angeles, in partnership with the California Emerging Technology Fund and EveryoneOn, is helping Angelenos find options for low-cost internet services, access to computers, and digital literacy services.
 
 
 
 
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Aquarium of the Pacific - Virtual
The Aquarium of the Pacific is now offering an Aquarium Online Academy to bring educational programming as well as fun and entertaining activities to the public during the current closure. The Aquarium Online Academy includes both on-demand videos and activities for all ages and a schedule of interactive live programs with Aquarium educators. 
 
 
 
 
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The Los Angeles Public Library at Home - Virtual
While many of the Los Angeles Public Library locations are physically closed, you can still access their online resources. All L.A. Unified students are automatically assigned cards to access ALL online resources, so long as you have your library card number and PIN—you don’t need the physical card.
 
 
 
 
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Learning Management System (LMS) Announcement
The learning management system (LMS) and online gradebook, Schoology, is available for elementary and secondary schools. The LMS represents an opportunity to transform teachering and learning with access to 21st Century digital tools within an engaging online learning platform. To learn more about the LMS, please visit the PLS website:http://achieve.lausd.net/pls.
 
 
 
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Resources from Parent and Community Services
The Parent and Community Services office supports school efforts to implement effective family engagement activities that value partnerships with parents for the benefit of children’s learning and achievement. Resources for parents and families include: 
Guides and videos for parent portal and Schoology
Online learning videos
PCS COVID site provides family resources for Distant learning and also contains play cards, guides on logging in to Chromebooks, Clever, Schoology, Zoom, and creating an email account.

To learn more about the Parent and Community Services and resources and support they provide, please visit their website at https://achieve.lausd.net/pcss.
 
 
 
 
Nearpod Office Hours (LAUSD)
Nearpod Office Hours on Monday's from 3:00-5:00pm. Teachers can drop in without registering to get questions answered or just sit and listen! Here is the flyer.
 
 
 
 
 
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Tips for Social & Emotional Learning and Life Skills Instruction with Flocabulary
From ELA to social studies – there’s a Flocabulary for that. We know that these subjects aren’t the only topics covered in school. Our life skills videos teach racial & social justice, social & 
emotional learning, financial literacy, and health & wellness.
 
 
 
 
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Connecting SEL and Equity in Hybrid Learning Classrooms
Covid-19 has had a huge impact on students and teachers across the world. When the pandemic began, educators scrambled to ensure that both remote and face-to-face learners’ academic needs were being met. Over the last year, the priority has expanded from focusing largely on students’ academic learning to include equitable practices as well as social and emotional learning (SEL)—the same priorities many educators had in previous years.
 
 
 
 
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