Allegheny Intermediate Unit

Building Thinking Classrooms: Part 1
2024-10-01 08:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Allegheny Intermediate Unit, East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, USA, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
If your students lack confidence and/or motivation to engage in mathematics, come learn how to Build a Thinking Classroom for K-12.

Building Thinking Classrooms: Part 1
Do your students lack confidence and/or motivation to do mathematics?
Are your students content to wait for the right answer from the teacher?
Do your students lack perseverance when the answer is not immediately obvious?
If so, come engage in a professional learning community to learn more about a thinking classroom and collaborate with peers to share ideas and implementation strategies. A thinking student is an engaged student!
Built on 14 key practices teased out over 15 years of research, it’s a way of teaching that gets students up on their feet, collaborating and thinking through challenging problems on a daily basis.
A thinking classroom looks very different from a typical classroom. Students are working in groups rather than individually, they are standing rather than sitting, and the furniture is arranged so as to defront the room. Closer inspection will reveal that the teacher is giving instructions verbally, is answering fewer questions, and has drastically altered the way they give “homework.”
Part 1 focuses on the following practices:
What Types of Tasks We Use
How We Form Collaborative Groups
Where Students Work
How We Arrange Furniture
How We Answer Questions
When, Where, and How Tasks are Given
What Homework Looks Like
How We Foster Student Autonomy
How We Use Hints and Extensions
How We Consolidate a Lesson
How Students Take Notes
All participants receive the book, Building Thinking Classroom In Mathematics, 14 Teaching Practices for Enhanced Learning.
Audience: K-12 educators and leaders
When: October 1, October 29, and December 3, 2024
Price: $450/participant*; Administrators may attend with the teacher(s) from their district/building at no additional cost
*The cost includes a copy of the book, Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl
Location: Allegheny Intermediate Unit, 475 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120
Act 48 hours will be awarded pending approval by PDE for those who attend all sessions and complete related assignments.
**Part 2 of BTC will be offered in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for more details.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow! See you there at East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, USA.

Creating Engaging (& Enjoyable!) Lessons in the Elementary Classroom
2024-10-01 08:30 - 15:30
Design meaningful experiences using engaging strategies that boost problem-solving & critical thinking skills within the content you teach in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Do your students love to create?
This hands-on workshop will focus on how to design meaningful experiences for your students that incorporate concepts from all content areas including math, ELA, science, social studies, arts & engineering. You will learn how to utilize design thinking processes as you engage in exciting activities that are easy to replicate and adapt. Discover how these processes can immerse students in the content you teach while also developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Join us to explore resources that best support student learning and engagement, and leave this workshop with plans to create meaningful lessons and units for your students.
Background | The mission of Fluxspace is to help educators, schools, and organizations experience the future of learning environments and understand the innovative programs, products, experiences, and mindsets that should take place in them.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible
Who Should Attend | K-5 Teachers
Lunch will be provided.

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MTSS Networking for Administrators & Core Teams
2024-09-30 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-09-30 10:00 - 11:00
Please join us for monthly virtual networking opportunities designed to create a robust Professional Learning Community (PLC) around the topic of MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports).
Meetings in the 2024-2025 school year will be offered in two strands:

The morning session for Administrators leading efforts to scale implementation of MTSS at their district or building
the afternoon session intended for MTSS Core Team members working at the school level Administrators are free to join either or both sessions.

The focus for Networking is on fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and providing mutual support to enhance the implementation and management of MTSS frameworks, ensuring comprehensive academic support for all students.

Assistive Tech for Transition-Age Students: An Overview (Virtual)
2024-09-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Explore how utilizing Assistive Technology in schools supports students’ transition to education, work, and independent living in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
This virtual session highlights the importance of considering Assistive Technology (AT) in the transition process as students prepare for life after school. AT has benefits for students transitioning to post-secondary education, the workforce, and/or independent living with recreational pursuits. We can begin introducing students to AT in our schools so students are comfortable using such technology upon graduation.
In this session, we will review some common devices that are used in the three areas mentioned above: post-secondary education, the workforce and independent living. We will also discuss important considerations when introducing some of these devices.
For individuals wanting to learn more or to try out some of the devices firsthand, consider registering for the in-person workshop on this topic taking place at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit on October 17.
*Note: A Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the event.
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.
Who Should Attend | Transition Coordinators, Directors of Special Education, Life Skills Instructors

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RAC Reading Specialists' Network
2024-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Join the RAC Reading Specialists’ Network for an opportunity to connect with other reading specialists in Allegheny County.
Each hybrid session will feature research-based best practices and strategies that specialists need in order to be effective in their role as they work with students, teachers, and parents in all three tiers of literacy. The network is open to Reading Specialists who have participated in past networks as well as new participants.
Cost: Free
2024-25 Meeting Dates: September 27, November 22, February 7, April 4
Registration

Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – Sunrise Open House
2024-09-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Sunrise School, 550 Aura Drive, Monroeville, PA, 15146, United States
Sunrise welcomes students and families for an Open House.

Media Production Role-Alike
2024-09-26 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Build knowledge and community with others teaching media production in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Build your skills, gain new ideas, and create community with those teaching media production.
Lunch will be provided.
Register on Eventbrite

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IES Practice Guide: Assisting Elementary Students Struggling with Mathematics
2024-09-26 08:30 - 15:00
This practice guide provides evidence-based practices that can help teachers tailor their instructional approaches and/or their mathematics intervention programs to meet the needs of their students. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/26

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – Pathfinder Open House
2024-09-25 17:00 - 19:00 | Pathfinder School, 50 Donati Road, Bethel Park, PA, 15102, United States
Pathfinder welcomes students and families for an Open House.

Special Education Liaisons-New Directors Meeting
2024-09-25 13:30 - 15:30 | https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDIwNjdiYzAtZjEyNC00MjNmLWE4ZTEtNTA1MTA4NDk4ODg4%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.

STEM Educator and Innovator Role-Alike
2024-09-25 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Join our role-alike group for STEM/STEAM teachers to share ideas and build skills in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
This role-alike group is designed for STEM/STEAM teachers and coordinators to build skills and gain new ideas. Hear how others are integrating everything from maker education to coding and beyond. This group will meet multiple times during the school year. You are welcome to join us for one, some, or all sessions.
Background | What is a role-alike? Role-alike events bring together educators from around the region holding a similar position or role.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible
Who Should Attend | Both experienced STEAM educators and those newer to STEAM education are encouraged to attend.
Lunch will be provided.
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Emotional Support Teacher Training & Networking
2024-09-25 08:30 - 15:30
Join us for a professional learning series that will support teachers of students with Emotional Disturbance in implementing best practices within their classrooms. Teachers will begin with two days of training where they will establish beginning of the year expectations and routines through the creation of a classroom matrix with a trauma-informed lens. Teachers will also learn how to use the Pennsylvania Career Ready Skills Continuum to center social emotional skill development in their daily teaching. Additionally, teachers will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing networking sessions throughout the year, which will focus on topics targeted at the core components of being an emotional support teacher.

Special Education Liaison Meeting
2024-09-25 08:30 - 12:00 | https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YmMwYTQyYzYtNWQzZi00NWI4LTkwYTUtYTY1NzY1MGM3MTEx%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.

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – 2 Hour Delay
2024-09-25
AIU-Operated Special Education Schools, Mon Valley, Pathfinder and Sunrise have a 2 Hour Delay today. Professional Development for the Staff.

AIU-Operated Special Education Schools – Mon Valley Open House
2024-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Mon Valley School, 555 N Lewis Run Road, Jefferson Hills, PA, 15025, United States
Mon Valley welcomes students and families for an Open House.

Text Dependent Analysis: Effective Instructional Practices Part 2 – Grades 4-8
2024-09-24 09:00 - 15:00 | https://www.aiu3.net/event/text-dependent-analysis-effective-instructional-practices-part-2-grades-4-8/
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.
This three-module series is open to participants who attended “TDA: Effective Instructional Practices” during a previous school year. In this series, participants will deepen their understanding of the reading, thinking, and writing processes necessary for TDA success.
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: Sep 24, Feb 4, and Mar 11

Register to attend in-person
Register to attend online

Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

Secondary Science Institute (Fall 2024)
2024-09-24 08:30 - 2024-09-25 15:39
Content foci are primarily life science and physical science, with some Earth & space science.
Who: Open to all grades 6-12 science teacher (e.g., life science, chem, physics, Earth space science at middle school or high school) teachers
When: September 24, November 12, and December 17, 2024
Where: In-person at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Price: Free to all member district educators; Educators outside of the AIU: $450
Administrators are strongly encouraged to attend with the teacher(s) from their district/building
Attendees will develop a shared understanding of phenomenon-based and problem-driven science teaching and learning that effectively incorporates all three dimensions of the science standards (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, & crosscutting concepts) and provides equitable, inclusive instruction.
Participants will engage, as learners and as teachers, with the pedagogical practices that foster reasoning and sense-making in the science classroom and support equity and access for all students. They will also gain access to tools and resources for the teaching and learning of science at their grade band as they become familiar with what instruction in science looks and feels like when implementing the science standards from PA STEELS.
Over the course of the three days, participants will explore the progression of the science standards from the PA Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards within the middle school and high school grade bands.
Act 48 hours will be awarded pending approval by PDE for those who attend all sessions and complete all related assignments.

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Canva for Beginners
2024-09-24 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Learn to use Canva to effortlessly create stunning materials to utilize in your work in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
By now, you’ve probably heard how much people love using Canva. Come find out what the buzz is all about!
Canva allows us to design beautiful media (think digital and hard copy flyers, signs, student activity sheets, presentations and more) with ease. Even your students will love creating with Canva.
Gain confidence as we work through Canva’s most essential features, step by step. You will leave with some re-designed and new materials ready to be used right away. Prepare to be inspired!
*Note: The content of this workshop will be very similar to that of the Spring 2024 workshop “Canva Basics for Teachers.” This workshop is for all educators.
What to Bring | A laptop or tablet, if possible
Who Should Attend | Anyone curious about Canva who has never used it or wants to be more comfortable with Canva’s most basic, fundamental features. All are welcome; please note the context of the workshop is geared toward educators.
Lunch will be provided.
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TCCAC Meeting Series The Resources Around YOUth: What, Why, Who & When to Use Them
2024-09-24 08:30 - 14:30
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.

Board of Directors Meeting
2024-09-23 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

Play Included Brick-by-Brick® Advanced Facilitator Training
2024-09-23 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Level up your Brick-by-Brick® skills! Join Advanced Facilitator Training for hands-on play and boosted confidence in Brick Club facilitation.
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s transformED is pleased to be hosting Carnegie Mellon University’s Center for Transformational Play (CTP) for this workshop.
The Play Included Brick-by-Brick® Advanced Facilitator Training is a day-long, hands-on, in-person course for Brick-by-Brick® Program Certified Facilitators (Previously Level 1) who are looking to bolster both their understanding of the methodology and their confidence in delivering the Brick Club experience. Participants will take part in a day of facilitated play designed to explore and generate discussion around the intricacies of running Brick Clubs.
Cost | $400 (This is marked “free” on Evenbrite as we are not billing via Evenbrite. The CTP will bill districts/organizations directly for a fee of $400. Please see note below.)
*Billing address/contact information will be collected at time of registration. The organization (or individual, if the individual is paying the fee) will receive an invoice from the Center for Transformational Play (CTP).
Background | Project Baseplate is a partnership between Play Included and the Center for Transformational Play at Carnegie Mellon University to use LEGO to bring play-based learning to students across the region.
The Play Included Brick-by-Brick® Programme
The Center for Transformational Play (CTP)
Who Should Attend | Educators who have completed the Brick-by-Brick® Program Certified Facilitator (Formerly Level 1/Initiates) Training; Completion of the Certified Facilitator course is a pre-requisite for this Advanced Facilitator training.
Lunch will be provided.
Please email agwing@andrew.cmu.edu for questions specific to the training or billing.
Please email rachel.mcveagh@aiu3.net with any other questions.
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Text Dependent Analysis: Effective Instructional Practices (Grades 4-8)
2024-09-19 09:00 - 15:00 | https://www.aiu3.net/event/text-dependent-analysis-effective-instructional-practices-grades-4-8/
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.
This series focuses on effective teaching practices that help teachers help students overcome some of the biggest struggles with the text-dependent analysis portion of the PSSA, including instructional practices to support students with composing TDA on the online PSSA.
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: Sept. 19, Oct. 24, Dec. 9, and Jan. 29

Register to attend in-person
Register to attend online

Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

K-3 Reading Apprenticeship*
2024-09-19 09:00 - 15:00
*This is the second session in a 12-part series that requires participants to attend all 12 sessions to receive credit.
Learn more

Chromebook Features to Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
2024-09-19 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Learn all about UDL from an expert, and discover how you can use features built into student Chromebooks to increase accessibility for all in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Commercial devices include many universally-designed “hidden” features that are necessary for some people, but beneficial to many more. This workshop will introduce participants to these gems to improve access and remove barriers for a wide range of students and users.
Skill Level: Beginner (no previous knowledge expected or needed)
Background | Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a general education mindset that is built on the belief that better design makes it possible to avoid many common barriers to learning.
What to Bring | A Chromebook, if possible
Who Should Attend | Those in special education as well as educators interested in using Chromebook features to make learning more accessible for all of their students
Lunch will be provided.

Register on Eventbrite

Learn more about transformED

Elementary Science Institute (Fall 2024)
2024-09-19 08:30 - 15:30
Content foci include life science, physical science, and Earth & space science.
Who: Open to all grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 science teachers
When: September 19, October 24, and November 18, 2024
Where: In-person at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Price: Free to all AIU member district educators; Non-member districts: $450 (School district will be invoiced.)
Administrators are strongly encouraged to attend with the teacher(s) from their district/building
Attendees will develop a shared understanding of phenomenon-based and problem-driven science teaching and learning that effectively incorporates all three dimensions of the science standards (disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, & crosscutting concepts) and provides equitable, inclusive instruction.
Participants will engage, as learners and as teachers, with the pedagogical practices that foster reasoning and sense-making in the science classroom and support equity and access for all students. They will also gain access to tools and resources for science teaching and learning at their grade band as they become familiar with what instruction in life, physical, and Earth/space science looks and feels like when implementing the science standards from PA STEELS.
Over the course of the three days, participants will explore the progression of the science standards from the PA Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards within their grade band.
Act 48 hours will be awarded pending approval by PDE for those who attend all sessions and complete all related assignments.
Questions? Contact Dr. Corinne Murawski, corinne.murawski@aiu3.net, 412-394-4629

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Promoting Instruction with PASA DLM Resources from the Dynamic Learning Maps
2024-09-19 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.

K-3 Reading Apprenticeship
2024-09-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Note: This is the first session of a 12-part series. Participants must attend all 12 sessions to receive credit.
Pricing:
Option 1: $3,800 per participant (includes 1-on-1 support)
Option 2: $2,800 per participant (no 1-on-1 support)
Series Length: 12 modules
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face – 12 in-person sessions at the AIU on scheduled dates listed below
2024-25 Meeting Dates: September 18-19; October 22-23; November 13-14; December 17; January 23; February 20; March 19; April 24; May 22
Developed with the primary teacher in mind, the K-3 Reading Apprenticeship Model consists of 12 intensive, comprehensive training in reading pedagogy, theory, research, and proven instructional practices; meets requirements for PDE Chapter 49 Structured Literacy.
Option 1 only: Individualized data-driven planning and coaching to support teachers with meaningful implementation of content and strategies from sessions; virtual informal observations with feedback.
Administrators may accompany their registered participants to any or all sessions at no cost.
Register
Learn more about the Reading Achievement Center

iPad and iPhone Features to Support Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
2024-09-18 08:30 - 15:30 | Allegheny Intermediate Unit Central Office, 475 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA, 15120, United States
Learn all about UDL from an expert, and discover how you can use features built into student iPads or iPhone to increase accessibility in this free transformED Educator Workshop.
Commercial devices include many universally-designed “hidden” features that are necessary for some people, but beneficial to many more. This workshop will introduce participants to these gems to improve access and remove barriers for a wide range of students and users.
Skill Level | Beginner (no previous knowledge expected or needed)
Background | Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a general education mindset that is built on the belief that better design makes it possible to avoid many common barriers to learning.
What to Bring | An iPad and/or iPhone, if possible
Who Should Attend| Those in special education as well as educators interested in using iPad/iPhone features to make learning more accessible for all of their students
Lunch will be provided.

Register on Eventbrite

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Setting Up for Success A Training for New Autistic & Life Skills Support Teachers
2024-09-18 08:30 - 15:30
This training will explore planning and design choices that special education teachers serving students with complex needs in specialized autistic support or life skills classroom should consider during classroom setup. Topics will include space planning, classroom layout, and use of visual supports for both schedule management and student independence with routines. Participants will be asked to consider their student’s social emotional needs and sensory preferences in their design. In addition, we will discuss different ways to build relationships with students, support staff and families to ensure collaboration and maximize resources to ensure student success.
