Welcome to PD Center

The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of the newly adopted Pennsylvania Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) standards, including the foundation boxes supporting the standards. Additionally, educators will explore the STEELS Hub on SAS and explore phenomena-based instruction.

"In this module, participants will examine Standards for Mathematical Practice (SMPs) 5 through 8: Standard 5: Use Appropriate Tools Strategically Standard 6: Attend to Precision Standard 7: Look for and Make Use of Structure Standard 8: Look for and Express Regularity in Repeated Reasoning The course emphasizes the importance of these practices as essential components of mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of each practice's meaning, its relevance across various grade levels and subjects, and strategies for integrating these practices into teaching. Educators will benefit from participating as this course provides actionable insights into how to effectively incorporate these SMPs into their classrooms. By understanding and implementing these practices, they can empower their students to think like mathematicians, equipping them with valuable skills for success not only in math but also in analytical thinking across various disciplines and real-world scenarios."

While designed for educators who serve as or plan to serve as a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter Adviser, FCS educators can access and utilize the materials and resources to enhance their Family and Consumer Sciences and Related Career and Technical Education curriculum.

The goal of this course is to increase educators’ understanding of the purpose and use of accommodations that can be used to help a student access academic content. Occasionally, a student that has not yet been identified as needing special services requires an accommodation for both instruction and assessment. This course also examines the types of accommodations that may be helpful to a student as provided by general educators, special educators, EL educators, and educators in support roles such as guidance counselors and administrators. Documentation must be kept in a student’s record regarding the need for an accommodation for both instruction and assessment.

Participants will gain extensive experience with monitoring and adjusting student learning, providing feedback to students, and facilitating student self-assessment and progress monitoring. This module also explores uses for authentic and performance assessment as well as increased uses of formative assessment (aligned with outcomes and PA Core Standards).

In this module, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in education. The course covers the definition of AI, its stages of learning, and its functionalities, such as reactive machines and limited memory. Participants will explore the benefits of AI in education, including virtual learning environments and personalized learning experiences, while also considering challenges like cost and privacy concerns. Ethical considerations, such as bias and discrimination and the potential replacement of human teachers, will be discussed, along with resources for responsible AI integration. The course aims to provide insights into effectively integrating AI in the classroom, emphasizing reflection, testing, and fostering ethical thinking in students. Educators will be able to make informed decisions and positively impact student learning experiences through AI use in the classroom. NOTE: While the information represented in this course reflects industry best practices at the time of writing, you should always follow the policies and procedures of your employer. The module’s content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the PDE, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the PDE.

In this module, participants will explore foundational computer science (CS) concepts and practices that prepare students to be responsible citizens. Considerations for various CS implementation models and an assortment of role-based resources will be provided. Participants will be able to establish their professional CS identity and consider opportunities to develop their CS knowledge and practices.

The purpose of this module is to introduce the key features and content of the Structured Literacy approach to Pennsylvania educators. The goal is to understand the underpinnings of this approach, to deepen literacy instruction knowledge, and to examine/align current instructional practices to Structured Literacy. Recent legislation in Pennsylvania has mandated changes in preservice training and in the professional development section of local education agencies’ (LEAs) Comprehensive Plans. 22 Pa. Code § 49.14(4)(i) requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to identify competencies and develop associated standards for educator training in structured literacy. Structured literacy supplements core instruction with an increased focus on the five essential components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension). Act 55 of 2022 (Section 1205.8). The continuing professional development plans of each school entity must include training in structured literacy competencies/standards for the five specified certification programs.

This tutorial is designed to provide you with a method for establishing measurable language learning goals for your ELs, guidance on using EL data, how to collect and interpret additional information about your program, and how to engage in program improvement efforts.

In this module, you will examine evidence-based literacy strategies that help build skilled readers.

In this module, participants will explore how to keep accurate records of instructional and noninstructional events, including completion of assignments, student progress in learning, school records outside of the classroom, and student responsibility for contributing to and maintaining these records. NOTE: The information in this course does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Be sure to check your district and school's policies on record maintenance.

This module explores seamless integration of transitions, routines for handling materials and supplies, and performance of noninstructional duties. Participants will explore how to encourage students to assume responsibility for ensuring efficient procedures in a well-managed classroom.

Instructional Methods and a Standards Aligned System are inherently linked. To provide meaningful instruction, you must have a clear understanding of what students need to know and be able to do. While the standards are a constant, your students and your teaching style are dynamic and flexible. Some may say that this is the intersection of the art and science of teaching. You can choose teaching strategies and methods that meet the standards, value critical thinking, and prepare students for the future. In this course, participants will examine instructional strategies focusing on the key concepts, skills, essential questions, and enduring understandings aligned to the PA Academic Standards and the PA Core Standards to enhance instruction.

In this module, participants will explore mental health factors that could impact them personally. Considerations for adult SEL (social emotional learning) and a variety of self-assessments will be provided. Participants will be able to establish their place in the wellness continuum and consider opportunities to increase personal wellness.

Participants will explore subtle and preventative behavior monitoring. This module covers the strategies and skills teachers and students need in order to monitor behavior, offer respectful corrections, utilize appropriate verbal and nonverbal responses, and acknowledge appropriate behavior.

This tutorial is meant to help you plan for meeting your responsibilities as an EL Coordinator and plan for implementation of your program. When you complete this tutorial, you should have a collection of resources including the information that we will cover along with your notes, a [plan for addressing areas that need attention, and contacts for assistance if needed.

Participants will analyze needs and make adjustments to ensure a safe physical classroom environment. They will examine appropriate resources for classroom and student use, furniture arrangement conducive to activities, designing the physical layout of the classroom, and selecting resources for classroom and student use to ensure that all students can see and hear classroom events.

After completing this course, you should be able to define structured literacy and describe the rationale for structured literacy; explain the importance of structured literacy; identify and describe the six key features of structured literacy; and identify and describe the elements of structured literacy.

In this session, you will examine: why a new set of standards for early childhood educators is being implemented , the development of the Pennsylvania Professional Standards, the main aspects and the components of the Pennsylvania Professional Standards, and key shifts found throughout the Pennsylvania Professional Standards.