Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Digital Citizenship Refresh: A Checklist for Your Classroom
2024-11-12 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Equip yourself with a checklist of strategies designed to help you build strong habits and routines surrounding tech in our schools in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Join Jennifer Ehehalt, Sr. Regional Manager at Common Sense Education as we discuss our digital wellness checklist, designed to introduce students to your Acceptable Use Policies (AUP), tech agreements, healthy online habits, cell phone policies and digital tools for learning. Check off the activities to start having conversations about using tech safely and building strong habits and routines in your schools/classrooms.
We will take a closer look at setting classroom agreements and expectations, and showcase quick and engaging lessons that include real world scenarios. Participants will gain insight into strategies that extend beyond a one-time lesson. Discover ways to integrate these into subject-specific lessons, ensuring continuous reinforcement all year. Participants will leave with a toolbox of strategies to effectively manage devices in the classroom.
Come One, Come All! We encourage you to bring a team of stakeholders together to use this time to learn and create a roadmap for your school/district. Show your community that your school is committed to teaching responsible, effective technology use and earn Common Sense Education Recognition
Congratulations to the following Recognized Districts:
Brentwood, Deer Lakes, Elizabeth Forward, Gateway, Hampton, Woodland Hills
Key Highlights of the Workshop:

Examine efficient methods for establishing clear agreements and expectations surrounding device usage in your classroom.
Discover a collection of quick and engaging activities while imparting essential digital citizenship concepts.
Explore NEW ways to integrate digital citizenship seamlessly into your subject area, making it an integral part of daily learning.
Address real-world challenges (including AI) faced by students by discussing practical solutions for issues like media balance and well being, online behavior and critical thinking.
Engage in collaborative discussions with fellow educators where you can share your experiences, ask questions, and brainstorm ideas.
Engage Families

*Registration deadline: October 15, 2024
Background | Common Sense Education supports K–12 schools with everything educators need to empower the next generation of digital citizens. Our innovative, award-winning Digital Citizenship Curriculum prepares students with lifelong habits and skills, supports teachers with training and recognition, and engages families and communities with helpful tips and tools. ?Schools everywhere rely on our free curriculum, expert advice, and edtech ratings to help kids thrive. Our vision: Students thriving as learners, leaders, and citizens in the digital age.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible
Who Should Attend | K-12 Teachers, Administrators, Tech Coaches, Librarians, Media Specialists
Lunch will be provided.
Register on Eventbrite
Learn more about transformED

TCCAC Meeting Series The Resources Around YOUth: What, Why, Who & When to Use Them
2024-11-12 08:30 - 14:30 | PA
Pennsylvania’s transition community has a rich history of helping youth and young adults successfully transition from school to adult life. Since 1990, PA’s Local Transition Coordinating Councils (LTCCs) have played an instrumental role in this process.

With cross vested partner representation, the TCCAC will host 4 meetings during the 2024-2025 school year. The meeting series will be conducted as a full day, in-person experience to afford attendees time for professional development, networking, coordination, and resource development. Each session is designed to educate transition coordinators, educational professionals, parents, and agency providers to better coordinate, collaborate, problem solve, and support transition age youth with disabilities successfully navigate their pathway toward graduation.

Please consider attending each council meeting to expand your professional network, enhance your knowledge and expertise, gather meaningful tools and resources, while learning about upcoming events to develop your professional or community network.

Navigating 504s Comprehensive Guidance for School Teams
2024-11-07 09:00 - 15:30 | PA
Join us for a focused professional development session to craft a streamlined Chapter 504 process. Tailored for school district teams which may include 504 administrators, coordinators, and other vested partners, this session covers legal history, eligibility, service agreements, LEA responsibilities, and current trends. Together, we’ll design an efficient process for conducting, evaluating, implementing, and progress monitoring 504 plans.

Word Wizards - ELA Grades 3-12
2024-11-07 09:00 - 15:00 | PA
This is the first day of a hybrid, multi-day series. The in-person format requires participants to attend all four sessions to receive credit.
Build your students into word wizards! This series presents educators with research and practical strategies to strengthen students’ word knowledge, through both indirect vocabulary exposure and direct vocabulary instruction.
Price: $450 per person
This series is offered in two formats: in-person and online asynchronous.
The in-person sessions will be held at the AIU Central Office on the following dates: Nov. 7, Dec. 10, and Jan. 29

Register to attend in-person
Register to attend online

Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

STEM Lending Library - transformED
2024-11-06 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit, East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, USA, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Want to try something new in your classes? STEM concepts can be infused in any content area.
Receive hands-on training to build your confidence and skills with items in our lending library before borrowing these items to use with your students for a period of time. We will also discuss best practices and lesson ideas for meaningful, curriculum-aligned implementation.
If you are familiar with some of our items but would like to learn about others, please attend!
Background | The transformED STEM Lending Library is made possible with support from the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation.
What to bring | A laptop or tablet
Who should attend | Teachers K-12 whose districts are served by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and who are interested in learning about and borrowing items from the transformED STEM Lending Library.
*No prior experience needed.
Lunch will be provided.

Direct Instruction Mathematics
2024-11-06 08:30 - 15:00 | PA
This training program helps teachers improve their math teaching skills using Direct Instruction (DI). Participants will learn the key ideas and strategies from the “Direct Instruction Mathematics” book. They will get practical experience and knowledge to effectively use DI in their classrooms. The course covers lesson planning, teaching methods, assessment techniques, and ways to support different student needs.The content in this series can be used for any learner, including those with higher support needs in autistic and life skills support settings to those students learning advanced mathematical concepts.

Implementing Check & Connect at Tiers 2 & 3
2024-11-05 09:30 - 11:30 | PA
Check & Connect is an intervention used with K-12 students who show warning signs of disengagement with school and who are at risk of dropping out. At the core of Check & Connect is a trusting relationship between the student and a caring, trained mentor who both advocates for and challenges the student to keep education salient. Students are referred to Check & Connect when they show warning signs of disengaging from school, such as poor attendance, behavioral issues, and/or low grades.

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – No School
2024-11-05, 2024-11-04 | PA
AIU-Operated Special Education Schools, Mon Valley, Pathfinder and Sunrise are closed today. Clerical Day for the Staff.

IES Practice Guide Reading Intervention for Students in Grades 4-9
2024-11-04 08:30 - 15:00 | PA
This session will review the research and practical application of the new practice guide for students in grades 4-9. This practice guide provides four evidence-based recommendations that teachers can use to deliver reading interventions to meet the needs of their students. Teachers will leave with practical activities that can be used to support all students. To preview the practice guide, visit https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/29.

Act 45 Course: Science of Reading for Administrators*
2024-11-01 09:00 - 12:30 | PA
*This session is part of multi-day series that requires participants to attend all sessions to receive credit.
Learn more

Building Blocks for Safety – School and First Responder Relationships
2024-11-01 09:00 - 12:00 | PA
AIU Central Office
Safety and Security

Promoting Instruction with PASA DLM Resources from the Dynamic Learning Maps
2024-11-01 08:30 - 15:00 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
This training aims to provide educators who deliver the PASA-DLM and their administrators with a deeper dive into the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). The focus is on improving student outcomes through standards aligned instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to explore multiple resources on the Dynamic Learning Maps website and find new strategies to support IEP development and/or instruction.

Adolescent Literacy Institute - Middle & High School English & Reading
2024-10-30 09:00 - 15:00 | https://www.aiu3.net/event/adolescent-literacy-institute-middle-high-school-english-reading/
This is the first day of a hybrid, multi-day series. The in-person format requires participants to attend all four sessions to receive credit.
Aligned with brain research on how adolescents learn, this workshop series engages participants in the research behind and modeling of effective reading and writing instruction for the secondary grades.
Price: $600 per person
This series is offered in two formats: in-person and online asynchronous.
The in-person sessions will be held at the AIU Central Office on the following dates: Oct 30, Dec 12, Jan 23, and Feb 25

Register to attend in-person
Register to attend online

Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

Engage and Explore: Assistive Technology for Transition-Age Students
2024-10-29 09:00 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Explore Assistive Technology (AT) to support students in a life skills program and/or those transitioning from school to post-school life at this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Join us for an engaging session focused on the role of Assistive Technology (AT) in helping students transition to life after school.
You’ll get hands-on experience with a variety of assistive technology devices that can support students beyond their school years. We’ll also explore effective ways to introduce these options to your students and their families. Many of the devices and strategies we cover will also benefit students in life skills programs, even if they aren’t yet preparing for transition.
Highlights include affordable and accessible tools like speech-to-text software, alternative computer setups, smart home technology, 3D printing, and adaptive gaming. In addition, resources will be shared to help participants learn where and how to obtain such items, including sources of funding.
*All attendees will receive an item made with a 3D-printer to take home with them.

Background | Inglis is a non-profit serving individuals with disabilities and older adults in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Inglis Assistive Tech Solutions (IATS) provides goals-based assistive technology services to help increase independence, improve quality of life, and support independent living.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible
Who Should Attend | Transition Coordinators/Teachers, Directors of Special Education, Life Skills Teachers, and others interested in AT in the educational context.
Lunch will be provided.

Register on Eventbrite

Learn more about transformED

LETRS VOLUME 2 COHORT
2024-10-29 09:00 - 15:30 | PA
*Completion of Volume 1 and 2 course meets PA Structured Literacy Chapter 49 requirements.

Developed by renowned literacy experts Dr. Louisa Moats and Dr. Carol Tolman, LETRS® is a flexible literacy professional development solution for preK–12 educators. LETRS earned the International Dyslexia Association’s Accreditation and provides teachers with the skills they need to master the fundamentals of reading instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language.
LETRS empowers teachers to understand the what, why, and how of scientifically based reading instruction

Structuring Small Groups to Support Social Emotional Behavioral Growth
2024-10-29 08:30 - 15:30 | PA
Do you want to systemtize your Tier 2 small group instruction or lunch bunches? This session will help participants to identify key features of an effective social academic instruction group including data, systems, and practices to ensure strong outcomes for group participants. Discussions will include how to select students and topics for groups, structure instruction, and use data to evaluate the effectiveness of groups. Information on selecting and installing SEL programs at Tier 2 will be shared.

Board of Directors Meeting
2024-10-28 18:15 - 20:00 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
2024-2025 AIU Board of Director Meeting Dates
All AIU board meetings begin at 6:15 p.m. in the McGuffey Room, with the exception of the November meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. All board executive sessions begin at 5 p.m. in the Rogers Room. There are no meetings in July or December. The board will meet on the following dates:
Monday, August 26, 2024
Monday, September 23, 2024
Monday, October 28, 2024
Monday, November 25, 2024
Monday, January 27, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Monday, March 24, 2025
Monday, April 28, 2025
Monday, May 19, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025

Writing Meaningful & Compliant IEPs
2024-10-28 08:00 - 14:30 | PA
The IEP process and product can be both educationally useful and legally compliant. Join the AIU TaC for a complete a comprehensive workshop series that is designed to build the internal capacity of special educators when writing compliant and meaningful IEPs. Participants will learn how to better engage in authentic assessment and data-driven decision-making to develop meaningful IEPs that also meet the compliant requirements from PDE and the Bureau of Special Education. Importantly, the participant will strengthen his or her ability and skill set to write comprehensive, legally defensible IEPs.
As a part of this workshop, participants will engage in enhancing an IEP for a student on their current caseload. Participants will need the following:

A computer
A current IEP for a student whose annual meeting date will occur within the next three months
A printed copy AND electronic version of the selected student’s current current IEP document (MSWord or Google Doc)

We will not be working on your district’s IEP paperwork platform

An Evaluation Report and/or Re-evaluation Report for the selected student
Printed copies and/or ensure digital access to the selected student’s assessment data (PSSA, Keystones, PASA)
Ensure access to district utilized assessment platforms (IXL, STAR, TeachTown, EdInsight) and the selected student’s data

Please note this workshop includes exercises in writing more meaningful and compliance IEPs. Edits made to an IEP during this workshop are for learning and practice purposes only.

The IEP is a legally binding document that is developmental collaboratively with all members of the IEP team. Any revisions must be made through an IEP meeting.

Western Pennsylvania Mathematics Teaching and Learning Conference
2024-10-26 08:00 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Come join us for a day of sharing ideas, strategies, and resources to foster equity and excellence in mathematics teaching and learning.

Welcome to the Western Pennsylvania Mathematics Teaching and Learning Conference!

The theme of the conference is Fostering Equity and Excellence in Mathematics Teaching and Learning. This exciting event will bring together educators passionate about mathematics teaching and learning and aspiring math teachers from colleges and universities across the region. Join us at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit for a day filled with engaging workshops, insightful presentations, and networking opportunities.
Whether you’re a seasoned math teacher, just starting your career, or an aspiring mathematics teacher, this conference is designed to inspire and enhance your teaching practices to create more equitable and engaging mathematics classrooms. Learn from experts in the field, exchange ideas with colleagues, and discover innovative strategies to make math more accessible for all students.
A special keynote address by Dr. Sararose Lynch, Associate Professor, Slippery Rock University, will share her wealth of knowledge and experience for making the mathematics classroom a space where all students, especially those students who are historically marginalized, can thrive and learn meaningful mathematics.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing math education in Western Pennsylvania. Register now and get ready for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration!

Throughout the day, attendees will select from multiple sessions related to mathematics instruction at all levels. Breakout sessions will feature presentations by classroom teachers and by education professionals. After lunch there will be a special poster session for pre-service teachers to showcase their mathematics learning journey

8:00 AM-8:55 AM Registration and Continental Breakfast with Networking
9:00 – 10:15 Opening Remarks & Keynote
10:20 – 11:15 Breakout Session Set 1 (K-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12)
11:20 – 12:15 Breakout Session Set 2 (K-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12)
12:20-1:30 Lunch & Networking
1:35 – 2:05 Poster Session: Aspiring Teachers
2:10 – 3:05 Breakout Session Set 3 (K-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12)
3:10-3:30 Closing Remarks, Evaluation, and Networking
Cost: Due to the generosity of our sponsors, this event is free and includes continental breakfast and a boxed lunch.

Registration deadline is October 18, 2024

Special thanks to our sponsors: Imagine Learning, Amplify, Duquesne University, Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Math & Science Collaborative

Text Dependent Analysis: Effective Instructional Practices (Grades 4-8)*
2024-10-24 09:00 - 15:00 | PA
*This session is part of a hybrid, multi-day series; the in-person format requires participants to attend all sessions to receive credit.
Learn more

Special Education Liaisons-New Directors Meeting
2024-10-23 13:30 - 15:30 | https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZmI3NWFhNWUtZGQ5OC00OTg2LWFjY2EtNTA1OWUwNWMxN2Q5%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%222588d1e3-7ead-4e50-b518-c7ad84eca17b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%222128c0e9-b5e4-4a49-994a-5c684abd91b5%22%7d
The New Directors Meetings are a follow up to the morning’s Special Education Liaison Meeting to provide more detailed information and address topics that may be unfamiliar to liaisons new in their role.
Special Education Liaisons-New Directors Meeting are Hybrid.
In-person meeting will be held at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in the Montessori Room.
Link to Online Meeting can be found below.

EVERFI Personal Finance Standards Resources (Afternoon Session)
2024-10-23 12:30 - 14:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Boost financial literacy!
Join us to explore free, easy-to-use resources aligned to the upcoming PA Personal Finance Standards in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Teaching students healthy financial habits is critically important for their long-term success, and it is never too early to expose them to financial literacy topics. EVERFI has financial literacy resources for elementary, middle, and high school students, all of which are available at no cost and aligned with Pennsylvania’s upcoming personal finance standards.
EVERFI combines asynchronous, digital content with supplemental materials to make introducing financial literacy a low lift for educators. Join EVERFI on October 23rd to learn more about how to implement these resources!

**Note: This session is in-person and is from 8:30am-11:30am. Lunch (optional) will be served immediately following the session. The afternoon EVERFI session will be the same content as the morning session; please register for only one or the other.
Background | EVERFI delivers digital resources that help teachers equip students with critical life skills. EVERFI’s entire K-12 platform and suite of products has earned a 2023 ISTE Seal and a research-based product certification from Digital Promise. Thanks to hundreds of partners who share our mission, all of EVERFI’s digital resources, training, and support are completely free to teachers, districts, and families.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible.
Who Should Attend | Teachers of all grade levels who need resources for upcoming personal finance standards
Lunch will be provided. Please see above note.

Register on Eventbrite

Learn more about transformED

K-3 Reading Apprenticeship*
2024-10-23 09:00 - 15:00 | PA
*This is the fourth session in a 12-part series that requires participants to attend all 12 sessions to receive credit.
Learn more

Discipline with Dignity Creating a Proactive and Restorative Discipline Process
2024-10-23 08:30 - 15:30 | PA
Do you want to learn new practices to support discipline at both the classroom and office level? This training aims to empower educators with knowledge and practical strategies to create a positive, supportive, and inclusive learning environment through restorative and preventative discipline practices. This series will support teachers and administrators in developing a classroom and office continuum of responses for their context. The sessions will focus on treating all students with dignity, building relationships, responsibility, and problem solving skills. Participants will leave with actionable insights and tools to foster positive behavior and enhance student success.

Using the VB-MAPP Assessment & Instructional Programming to Build Language
2024-10-23 08:30 - 15:00 | PA
The Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP) is one option to consider for assessment and program guidance when supporting elementary age students with autism and other individuals who demonstrate language delays. The VB-MAPP is a criterion-referenced assessment, curriculum guide and skills tracking system. It combines principles of ABA and Skinner’s analysis of verbal behavior to provide a behaviorally based language assessment program for all children with language delays.
Participants will learn how to administer the assessment, interpret results, and design instructional programming.
Follow up support in the district is available to teams to ensure effective practices are in place and address individual student programming needs.

Special Education Liaison Meeting
2024-10-23 08:30 - 12:00 | https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ODQ5MGQ1NDctZWIyZS00NGQ4LWIxNzMtNmRmMThjYzI4MzEy%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%222588d1e3-7ead-4e50-b518-c7ad84eca17b%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2297c0692d-3fcc-413f-88e2-fb2c33b67df0%22%7d
Special Education Liaison Meetings are Hybrid.
In-person meeting will be held at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in the Sullivan Room.
Link to Online Meeting can be found below.

EVERFI Personal Finance Standards Resources (Morning Session)
2024-10-23 08:30 - 11:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – 2 Hour Delay
2024-10-23 | PA
AIU-Operated Special Education Schools, Mon Valley, Pathfinder and Sunrise have a 2 Hour Delay today. Professional Development for the Staff.

No Jamboard? No Problem! Meet the Jamboard Alternatives (Virtual - Afternoon Session)
2024-10-22 13:45 - 14:30 | PA
As we say “goodbye” to Google’s Jamboard, look forward to discovering new, powerful alternatives in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
If you are sad to finally say “goodbye” to Google’s Jamboard this year, worry no more! In this 45-minute virtual session, we’ll explore a few alternatives that will each simulate some of Jamboard’s features and more.
The future is bright with new, powerful options!
A Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the event.
Background | Google’s Jamboard will no longer be available after December 31, 2024. Many educators are seeking an alternative application.
Who Should Attend | Former Jamboard Users or those who would like to learn about digital whiteboards and other tools that allow for digital collaboration among students
*Content will be the same as that shared at the later event of the same name.

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Learn more about transformED
