The Maryland College and Career Readiness Conferences are designed to ensure that educators in every public school in Maryland are supported in their professional learning needs for effectively implementing all aspects of the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards. The focus of these conferences is to build leadership capacity and examine differentiated instructional approaches to the implementation of the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards.
Sessions organized around these strands:
Sessions are offered for administrators, central office staff, and teachers of English/language arts (ELA), mathematics, social studies, science, special education, English Language Learners (ELL), and Gifted and Talented.
OTHER INFORMATION
Send questions and comments to the Professional Learning Team
Materials from the Conference Sessions
In 2014 eight conferences were held around the state, presenting similar information, to accommodate all Maryland Educators.
Classroom-Focused Improvement Process (CFIP)
The Classroom-Focused Improvement Process (CFIP) is a multi-step, data dialogue technique for increasing student achievement that is planned and carried out by teachers meeting in grade level, content, or vertical teams as a part of their regular lesson planning cycle. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
Disciplinary Literacy
E107 - How to Read a Text like a Historian or Scientist Participants will examine strategies and skills that support the understanding of Social Studies and Science texts through close reading.
E108 - Integrating Literacy in the Science and Social Studies Classroom Participants will explore examples of best practices of meaningful integration of literacy in the Social Studies and Science classroom. Using models and text resources provided, participants will develop an integrated learning sequence that supports the understanding of content (concepts/standards/core ideas/objectives).
S102 - Choosing a Text Worth Reading in Science and Social Studies Participants will identify the components and tools used to assess text complexity. Work time will be provided to practice using text complexity tools to select an appropriate text for a science or social studies classroom. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
S103 - Developing Text Dependent Questions for a Close Reading in a Science Classroom Participants will identify how to construct text dependent questions for a close reading of a science text. Work time will be provided to create a close reading lesson with text dependent questions. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
S104 - Developing Text Dependent Questions for a Close Reading in a Social Studies Classroom Participants will identify how to construct text dependent questions for a close reading of a social studies text. Work time will be provided to create a close reading lesson with text dependent questions. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
S107 - Introduction to Disciplinary Literacy Participants will explore the role of disciplinary literacy in the content classroom. This session is intended to be an introduction for participants new to disciplinary literacy instruction. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
S110 - Writing in the Science Classroom Participants will explore the role of writing in the Science classroom using the College and Career Readiness Literacy Standards in Writing and Next Generation Science Practices. The components, best practices, and progression of explanatory and argument writing in Science will be examined. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
S111 - Instructional Implications of the PARCC Sample Assessment Items for Disciplinary Literacy PARCC sample items and protocols provide educators with a valuable picture of the format and content of the PARCC assessments. Participants in this session will have an opportunity to view these items and discuss the instructional implications for the science and social studies classroom. Participants are encouraged to bring their own technology. This session will discuss strategies for disciplinary literacy in grades 6-12 related to the assessments.
English Language Arts
E112 - Speak up! Listen to me! Speaking and Listening in the Elementary Classroom Participants will engage in a Speaking and Listening session in order to implement CCRS strategies and methods to effectively collaborate in a range of discussion with diverse partners on grade level topics and texts, while building on others’ ideas and expressing ideas clearly.
E118 - Writing in the Elementary Classroom Participants will examine Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards in order to analyze types of writing and components of each by applying best practices for writing instruction, such as developing vocabulary usage and grammar skills. They will evaluate scoring rubrics and student samples as well as develop CCRS aligned writing prompts.
H112 - Writing in the College and Career Ready Standards Participants will engage in a writing session in order to examine the components of a written argument using College and Career Ready Standards State Standards and student samples. Participants will identify best practices of teaching writing.
H108 - Speaking and Listening in the College and Career Ready Standards Participants will engage in a speaking and listening session in order to learn how students should initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, integrating multiple sources to evaluate a speaker’s point of view.
M111 - Writing in the College and Career Ready Standards Participants will engage in a writing session in order to examine the components of a written argument using the College and Career Ready Standards State Standards and student samples. Participants will identify best practices of teaching writing.
M107 - Speaking and Listening in the College and Career Ready Standards Participants will take part in a speaking and listening session in order to learn how students should engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, analyzing the purpose of information to delineate a speaker’s argument and present claims and findings.
English Language Learners
A110 - The Power of Two: Collaboration to Support ELLs Content and ESOL teachers will share practical tips and tools to enhance collaboration and the academic achievement of ELLs in meeting rigorous content standards This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A111 - What’s in a Word? Academic Vocabulary Development for ELLs Academic vocabulary development is essential for ELLs success in schools, and this session shares types of academic vocabulary as well as practical strategies to support the learning and application of academic vocabulary. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
S109 - Writing for ELLs: Supporting the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards The session will focus on fostering the development of writing skills for ELLs in all content areas. Specific ideas and strategies will be shared to support both argumentative and narrative writing. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
Formative Assessment
A114 - Using Technology to Facilitate the Formative Assessment Feedback Process Gone are the days of spending weekends scoring papers long after the students completed them. Technology now provides many free and easy to use options for providing immediate teacher-to-student and student-to-student-feedback. Learn how Maryland teachers are using this free technology in their classroom to enhance the formative assessment feedback process.
A113 - Standards Align vs. Standards Based Assessment Tasks: Using the Assessment Passage and Item Quality Criteria Checklist to Evaluate Assessment Materials Navigating today’s educational resources can be overwhelming. How do you know if a product/tool for teachers is worth the investment? Student Achievement Partners has published the TOOKLKIT for Evaluating Alignment of Instructional and Assessment Materials to Common Core State Standards. In this session participants will have the opportunity to learn how to use the Quality Criteria Checklist in the Toolkit in order to evaluate classroom assessment materials.
Gifted and Talented
E104 - Differentiating the Mathematics MCCRS for Advanced/Gifted and Talented Students: A Problem-Based Learning Approach (Grades 3 – 5) Participants will be introduced to fully developed GT/MCCRS Mathematic curriculum units which model acceleration and enrichment strategies to meet the learning needs of advanced/gifted and talented students.
ES_GTMath_Units Place You Go
Olympic Field Day
Third Bridge
Armour for All
E103 - Differentiating the English Language Arts MCCRS for Advanced/Gifted and Talented Students (Grades 3 – 5) Participants will be introduced to fully developed GT/MCCRS ELA curriculum units which model effective differentiation practices to meet the learning needs of advanced/gifted and talented students. They will learn design principles and key instructional strategies that can be applied to other units.
ES_GTELA_Units Concept of Change
Authenticity
M102 - Differentiating the English Language Arts MCCRS for Advanced/Gifted and Talented Students (Grades 6-8) Participants will be introduced to fully developed GT/MCCRS ELA curriculum units which model effective differentiation practices to meet the learning needs of advanced/gifted and talented students. They will learn design principles and key instructional strategies that can be applied to other units.
MS_GTELA_Units Perspectives
H103 - Differentiating the English Language Arts MCCRS for Advanced/Gifted and Talented Students (Grades 9-10) Participants will be introduced to fully developed GT/MCCRS ELA curriculum units which model effective differentiation practices to meet the learning needs of advanced/gifted and talented students. They will learn design principles and key instructional strategies that can be applied to other units.
HS_GTELA_Units Concept of Identity
Diversity
Instructional Technology
A109 - The Power of Digital Resources Power Level 1: Discover digital resources within the MSDE’s Blackboard Learn site Power Level 2: Power up the beginning of your school year by electrifying a lesson with authentic, engaging, and meaningful digital content. In this session participants will navigate MSDE’s Blackboard Learn to discover the wealth of resources available to Maryland educators, students, and parents and integrate digital resources into a lesson to make it more engaging for students This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
Leaderships
A102 - Coaching Skills Matter for Current and Future School Leaders Explore coaching strategies that: support another person in taking action toward his/her goals; use highly effective skills of listening and speaking; practice using powerful questions, become skillful in using communicative feedback; and recognize that “Advice is Toxic”. Discover of the power of coaching for yourself during practice labs. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A103 - Instructional Implications of the PARCC Sample Assessment Items PARCC sample items and protocols provide educators with a valuable picture of the format and content of the PARCC assessments. These items include UDL components, accommodations for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, and accessibility features. Participants in this session will have an opportunity to view these items and discuss the instructional implications. Participants are encouraged to bring their own technology. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A105 - Introduction to Instructional Leadership & CCR Standards (Achieve the Core) This session is designed to guide school-level instructional leaders in beginning the work of understanding and implementing the CCR Standards. It will address the following four areas: 1) Knowledge of the shifts, 2) Setting a vision for college and career readiness, 3) Building capacity in the school, and 4) staying engaged in the work. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A106 - Managing Change for all Levels of School Leadership Change is often the elephant in the room when implementing College and Career Readiness Standards. This session provides a practical approach to building a positive school culture that supports change, and unpacking the components of complex change. This is an interactive session where dialogue and networking opportunities are provided. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A108: EQuIP Student Work Protocol This folder contains the materials for the Session on the EQuIP Student Work Protocols for ELA and mathematics. Your instructor will give you direction on which files to use for your session.
A112 - Emphasizing the “L” in Professional Learning Communities In this session, participants will explore the key components of Learning Forward’s Learning Communities standard and gain insights into how to establish and maintain learning communities that increase teacher effectiveness. Topics include an overview of the critical attributes of successful professional learning communities and the cycle of continuous improvement. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
A115 - The Art of Facilitation for All Leaders Facilitation is the art of leading people through processes to improve your school/offices ability to sustain Career and College Ready Standards in a manner that encourages participation, ownership, and creativity from all involved. In the session you will learn what facilitation is and is not and discover how the four flows of facilitation will improve your leadership skills. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
S112 - Building capacity of content teachers through a comprehensive literacy initiative The success of the new CCR literacy standards will depend heavily on the ability of school leaders to implement school wide literacy initiatives in their schools. In a literacy-rich school environment, cross-content or school wide literacy instruction has moved from an option to a necessity. This session will address strategies for building capacity of content teachers through a comprehensive literacy initiative.
LEA Created Sessions
L103 - Deconstruction of Standards for Instructional Planning This professional Learning session will focus on a process for deconstructing and reconstructing ELA and Math Common Core State Standards for the purpose of instructional planning. Participants will identify what students should know, understand and be able to do to attain the standards of the Common Core. Exploration of anchor standards, grade specific standards and the progression of standards will be included in this professional Learning. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-12.
L108 The A's and B's of RTI As all educators are moving to a growth model for student achievement, structures need to be put in place to ensure that students' needs are being met. Bay View is a large Title I school in Cecil County. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and many were presenting a variety of ACADEMIC and BEHAVIORAL concerns. Our team collaborated to develop a research-based, Multi-Tiered System of Support for teachers and staff to plan for student needs through systematic support, problem solving, and data analysis.
L102 - Formative Assessments Aligned to MCCR and PARCC Standards Participants in this session will walk away with a deeper understanding of the formative assessment development process. The session will cover assessment item and rubric development aligned to the Maryland College and Career Readiness and PARCC Frameworks. Participants will also walk away with a deeper understanding of the data collection process and how formative data is used to guide instructional decisions.
Arts Integration and the MCCRS Creativity, Collaboration, Problem-solving and Communicating, the skills we strive for through the implementation of MDCCRS, have always been integral in any fine arts class. With the high demands of the MDCCRS and time constraints in the school day, administrators have concerns about increasing arts time, at the expense of other subjects. So, without changing time allotments for fine arts programs, let’s explore how ARTS INTEGRATION can be the key to success in MDCCRS reading and math.
Mathematic
E101 - A Quick Look at Critical Topics in Elementary School Mathematics Reform from Past Academies This session will review the critical highlights of the elementary school mathematics reform from the past three academies.
E111 - Some Elementary School Standards are More Difficult to Interpret and Understand in Mathematics This session will examine standards that teachers typically have difficulty understanding what is expected content-wise and instructionally. Examples of how these standards could be integrated with the Standards for Mathematical Practice in Elementary School and ideas on how to use Universal Design will also be included.
E116 - The Importance of Coherent Lessons in Elementary Mathematics This session focuses on a thorough examination of the elementary school progressions to highlight related content skills/concepts from prior grades, instructional connections between prior knowledge with middle school content in this Major Domain, and with content from relevant to Supporting and Additional Clusters.
H101 - A Quick Look at Critical Topics in High School Mathematics Reform from Past Academies This session will review the critical highlights of the high school mathematics reform from the past three academies.
H107 - Some High School Standards are More Difficult to Interpret and Understand in Mathematics This session will examine standards that teachers typically have difficulty understanding what is expected content-wise and instructionally. Examples of how these standards could be integrated with the Standards for Mathematical Practice and ideas on how to use Universal Design will also be included.
H111 - The Importance of Coherent Lessons in High School Mathematics This session focuses on a thorough examination of the progressions to highlight related content skills/concepts from prior grades, instructional connections between prior knowledge with middle school content in this Major Domain, and with content from relevant to Supporting and Additional Clusters.
M101 - A Quick Look at Critical Topics in Middle School Mathematics Reform from Past Academies This session will review the critical highlights of the mathematics reform from the past three academies.
M106 - Some Middle School Standards are More Difficult to Interpret and Understand in Mathematics This session will examine standards that teachers typically have difficulty understanding what is expected content-wise and instructionally. Examples of how these standards could be integrated with the Standards for Mathematical Practice and ideas on how to use Universal Design will also be included.
M110 - The Importance of Coherent Lessons in Middle School Mathematics This session focuses on a thorough examination of the progressions to highlight related content skills/concepts from prior grades, instructional connections between prior knowledge with middle school content in this Major Domain, and with content from relevant to Supporting and Additional Clusters.
Science
E106 - Evaluating NextGen-Aligned Materials Using the Equip NGSS Rubric The EQuIP NGSS Rubric is a tool for educators and education leaders to use in identifying high quality, NGSS-aligned instructional materials through a criterion-based, peer-review process. Specifically the Rubric will allow users to evaluate materials based on their alignment to the dimensions of the NGSS, the strength of instructional supports and the use of regular assessments of both teaching and learning.
E110 - NextGen101: Introduction to NGSS/Model Lessons Develop and understanding of the collaborative, state-led process, which lead to the development of the new K–12 science standards that are rich in content and practice and arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. The Next Generation Science Standards are based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education developed by the National Research Council. Provide examples of strategies classroom teachers can use to ensure that the NGSS are accessible to all students using the 5E model.
E115 - Summative and Formative Assessment for Next Generation Science Standards Assessments, understood as tools for tracking what and how well students have learned, play a critical role in the classroom. Assessments for the Next Generation Science Standards will incorporate an approach to science assessment to meet the vision of science education for the future as it has been elaborated in A Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). New assessments will be needed as soon as states and districts begin the process of implementing the NGSS and changing their approach to science.
H104 - Evaluating NextGen-Aligned Materials Using the Equip NGSS Rubric The EQuIP NGSS Rubric is a tool for educators and education leaders to use in identifying high quality, NGSS-aligned instructional materials through a criterion-based, peer-review process. Specifically the Rubric will allow users to evaluate materials based on their alignment to the dimensions of the NGSS, the strength of instructional supports and the use of regular assessments of both teaching and learning.
H106 - Introduction to NGSS/Model Lessons Develop and understanding of the collaborative, state-led process, which lead to the development of the new K–12 science standards that are rich in content and practice and arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. The Next Generation Science Standards are based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education developed by the National Research Council. Provide examples of strategies classroom teachers can use to ensure that the NGSS are accessible to all students using the 5E model.
H110 - Summative and Formative Assessment for Next Generation Science Standards Assessments, understood as tools for tracking what and how well students have learned, play a critical role in the classroom. Assessments for the Next Generation Science Standards will incorporate an approach to science assessment to meet the vision of science education for the future as it has been elaborated in A Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). New assessments will be needed as soon as states and districts begin the process of implementing the NGSS and changing their approach to science.
M103 - Evaluating NextGen-Aligned Materials Using the Equip NGSS Rubric The EQuIP NGSS Rubric is a tool for educators and education leaders to use in identifying high quality, NGSS-aligned instructional materials through a criterion-based, peer-review process. Specifically the Rubric will allow users to evaluate materials based on their alignment to the dimensions of the NGSS, the strength of instructional supports and the use of regular assessments of both teaching and learning.
M105 - NextGen101: Introduction to NGSS/Model Lessons Develop and understanding of the collaborative, state-led process, which lead to the development of the new K–12 science standards that are rich in content and practice and arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. The Next Generation Science Standards are based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education developed by the National Research Council. Provide examples of strategies classroom teachers can use to ensure that the NGSS are accessible to all students using the 5E model.
M109 - Summative and Formative Assessment for Next Generation Science Standards Assessments, understood as tools for tracking what and how well students have learned, play a critical role in the classroom. Assessments for the Next Generation Science Standards will incorporate an approach to science assessment to meet the vision of science education for the future as it has been elaborated in A Framework for K-12 Science Education (Framework) and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). New assessments will be needed as soon as states and districts begin the process of implementing the NGSS and changing their approach to science.
Social Studies
A104a - Introduction to C3: Elementary This session will provide an overview of the C3: College, Career and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies. Highlights will include an introduction to the Inquiry Arc pedagogical approach, designing social studies lessons and integration with current state curriculum and Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards. This session will discuss strategies in grades K-5.
DISCLAIMER: Some of the Master Teachers have made small changes to the PowerPoints in order to accomodate their teaching styles and experiences. Please be advised that the PowerPoint for this presentation may be different than this resource. All of the PowerPoints for this session, including those edited by Master Teachers. will be made available at the end of all the conferences.
A104c - Introduction to C3: Secondary This session will provide an overview of the C3: College, Career and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies. Highlights will include an introduction to the Inquiry Arc pedagogical approach, designing social studies lessons and integration with current state curriculum and Maryland’s College and Career Ready Standards. This session will discuss strategies in grades 6-12.
E117 - Using Primary Sources Using primary sources will provide elementary teachers with tools, models and guidelines for incorporating primary sources in the classroom. The session will allow time for teachers to create lesson plans using primary sources.
H102 - C3 & the HSA This session will focus on how the new C3 framework can enhance instruction in the HSA government course. Special emphasis will be given to aligning the HSA assessment with C3.
S106 - How to Plan Historical Investigations Historical investigations are one of the ideal methods for teaching social studies through a problem-based, inquiry arc approach. In this session teachers will learn how to plan historical investigations, including finding primary source documents, crafting compelling questions and designing HI tasks and assessments. This session will discuss strategies through grades 6-12.
Below is an Addendum to the Historical Investigations PowerPoint with a list of resources.
Special Education
E102 and S101 - Ensuring student access to CCRS instruction Session Description: Through a Community of Practice (CoP) format participants and facilitators will provide perspective and share insights across the State as well as solutions to challenge(s) around the implementation of inclusive practices and access to instruction and assessment that students with disabilities might face in learning the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS).
E105 and S105 - Specialized Instruction Outcome: Build the capacity of specialized educators to ensure instruction and assessment implementation of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards (CCRS) and STEM Education that meets the diverse learning needs of ALL students. Through universal design for learning principles, appropriate strategies will be discussed for scaffolding, accommodating and modifying the learning tasks.
Session Description: Through a Community of Practice (CoP) format participants and facilitators will provide perspective and analyze scenarios to address diverse learning needs with tools and resources that support effective implementation of the CCRS.
E113 and S108 - Assessment Outcome: Facilitate critical conversations regarding the achievement of students with disabilities as Maryland moves forward with the implementation of the CCRS and Standards Based IEPs.
Session Description: Through a Community of Practice (CoP) format participants and facilitators will provide perspective and share insights across the State. Solutions to challenge(s) around formative and summative assessment that students with disabilities might face in sharing their learning of the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS) and considerations for allowable accommodations in Standards-Based IEPs will be generated.
STEM
E109 - Integrating Standards through STEM Education for Elementary Teachers Elementary School teachers will explore an integrated approach to instruction. Using real-world context and collaborative interaction, participants will work together to develop an outline for a potential lesson or unit that integrates standards from multiple content areas.
E114 - STEM 101: Elementary Version This session is designed to provide a review of STEM Education for elementary school teachers who need a refresher or want to know more. The session will focus on the what, why, and how of STEM Education, present a foundation for Maryland’s vision for STEM, and provide the participant with the background necessary to begin implementing STEM-Centric learning experiences in the classroom.
H105 - Integrating Standards through STEM Education for High School Teachers High School teachers will explore an integrated approach to instruction. Using real-world context and collaborative interaction, participants will work together to develop an outline for a potential lesson or unit that integrates standards from multiple content areas.
H109 - STEM 101: High School Version This session is designed to provide a review of STEM Education for high school teachers who need a refresher or wants to know more. The session will focus on the what, why, and how of STEM Education, present a foundation for Maryland’s vision for STEM, and provide the participant with the background necessary to begin implementing STEM-Centric learning experiences in the classroom.
H113 - Maryland’s STEM Innovation Network - STEMnet In 2010, at the Governor’s request and in partnership with MSDE, local school districts, and STEM teachers across the state, MBRT took the lead in planning and developing STEMnet – Maryland’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Innovation Network. STEMnet provides the platform that ensures universal access to Maryland’s vast STEM resources. In this session, participants will analyze resources available on STEMnet aimed at accelerating teacher and student growth in STEM.
M104 - Integrating Standards through STEM Education for Middle School Teachers Middle school teachers will explore an integrated approach to instruction. Using real-world context and collaborative interaction, participants will work together to develop an outline for a potential lesson or unit that integrates standards from multiple content areas.
M108 - STEM 101: Middle School Version This session is designed to provide a review of STEM Education for middle teachers who need a refresher or wants to know more. The session will focus on the what, why, and how of STEM Education, present a foundation for Maryland’s vision for STEM, and provide the participant with the background necessary to begin implementing STEM-Centric learning experiences in the classroom.
