District 196 Community Education

2E: Understanding Our Twice Exceptional Students 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 The term “twice exceptional” or “2E” refers to intellectually gifted students who have one or more learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD, OCD or autism. Twice-exceptional students may think and process information differently. Like many other gifted children, 2E children may be more emotionally and intellectually sensitive than children of average intelligence. At the same time, due to their learning differences, twice exceptional kids struggle with what other kids do easily. This course outlines characteristics of 2E learners, shares the perspective of stakeholders in a 2E child’s life, and provides classroom strategies for work with 2E students. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Differentiating for Advanced Learners 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Participants in this course will learn to plan for how to extend the learning for students who are already proficient. Participants will learn quality differentiation strategies within their core instruction for advanced learners in their classroom. This course begins with examining current thinking about advanced learners and instruction for advanced students. Participants work through self-paced learning modules for leading a differentiated classroom, curriculum compacting, quality questioning, and higher-level thinking. Participants plan, teach, and reflect upon a lesson that implements strategies from the course for their final project. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $25.00 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Engaging the Disengaged 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Any student can disengage from the school experience. Some students see school as the place that identifies them as being not quite “as good as” their peers. For other students, their academic success and resulting acknowledgements are not enough to maintain a sense of engagement. And some students fly under the radar, while waiting for the school year to be over: they are present, assignments are completed and they pass the grade. This course will cover how to determine the “why” behind academic disengagement, understand underlying challenges which could manifest as a lack of motivation, and strategies to increase independence in the classroom setting. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Feedback to Promote Learning 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Feedback is a rich source of information for both formative and summative purposes. K- 12 educators’ in this class will gain new insights on making decisions about the use of formative assessment to achieve curriculum and student achievement goals. There will be an emphasis on student self-assessment, giving feedback digitally, and grading for learning. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24, 2022. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $25.00 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Filling In the Gaps: Educating Post Pandemic 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 The foundation of our current educational system has faced unprecedented challenges over the last year. Educators have an opportunity to be a beacon of change. We now have a new awareness of the deficits our students have experienced academically, and as equally important, socially/emotionally/behaviorally. This course provides an opportunity to create and implement change in the academic and social/emotional work we do with our students. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5 – August 24th, 2022. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. This course fulfills three areas of Minnesota license renewal: Positive Behavior Interventions Mental Illness Awareness Accommodation, modification and adaptation of curriculum, materials and instruction This course is for: All K-12 licensed staff Special education teachers new and veteran EL teachers new and veteran GTD new and veteran Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSA) Counselors new and veteran Psychologists and Social Workers new and veteran * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Genius Hour: Fostering Passion and Inquiry In the Classroom 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Are you interested in promoting creativity and finding more ways to inspire students in their learning? This course is designed to teach you ways to implement a “Genius Hour” (student selected inquiry project) into your classroom. This blended class format will focus on developing inquiry questions, teaching students how to find good information, and turning research into an action. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24, 2022. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $25.00 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Helping Students Succeed with Brain Aligned and SEL Strategies 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 This course outlines the positive impact of well implemented SEL strategies to improve learning, emotional regulation and behavior. The course provides research on student brain development and structure. The course will promote the practice of considering student deficits through an emotional/behavioral co-regulation process. The material covers the shift in student focused management to adult intervention that takes into consideration an adult regulated brain and body responses. Adults will learn how their own self-awareness positively impacts students. The goal is for there to be an introduction into social emotional learning themes and how to implement strategies that educators can use when students cope and succeed in their classrooms. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Nature Matters: The Why and How of Bringing Nature Into your Classroom & Life 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Time spent near nature matters. World-wide children spend less and less time outside and in natural environments each year. The benefits of nature exposure are significant: increased knowledge retention and better focus, physical and mental health benefits, and improved soft skills such as leadership and environmental ethics development. Research indicates that nature-based learning is even a tool to build equity in the classroom, leveling the playing field across a variety of disadvantaged students. This class focuses on examining the current research around nature-based learning, exploring the many ways to bring nature into your classroom or school, and developing as a naturalist yourself. Some course hours outside! Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 15 (4 week course work, 2 week Project Implementation). 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit This course fulfills two areas of Minnesota license renewal: Positive Behavior Interventions Accommodation, modification and adaptation of curriculum, materials and instruction This course is for all licensed staff: All Pre-K-12 licensed staff, Special education teachers, EL & GTD teachers, TOSA, Counselors, Psychologists and Social Workers. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Not Light, But Fire: How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations In the Classroom 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Using the text Not Light, But Fire; How to Lead Meaningful Race Conversations in the Classroom, and additional articles/ podcasts this course will offer district colleagues the time and guidance to reflect and prepare to facilitate meaningful, productive dialog about race in their schools. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Project Based Learning 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Are you interested in promoting creativity and finding more ways to inspire students in their learning whether it is in the classroom or in Distant Learning? This course is designed to teach you ways to implement Project Based Learning into your classroom or into your Distant Learning model. This online class will focus on understanding how Project Based Learning can improve motivation and test scores; how to run and manage Project Based Learning in the classroom and through distant learning, and how to use assessment to guide Project Based Learning. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Students Not Meeting Expectations: Strategies to Help Build Their Capacity 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 As students transition through their K-12 educational experience, teachers expect students to continually meet grade level expectations (social, emotional, academic, executive functions) and achieve at higher and higher levels. When students struggle to be successful, teachers need to be resourceful, creative and efficient in finding solutions to the child’s challenges. For some students, the mysteries are easily solved, but at other times, we are left at a loss on how to best advocate for the student and keep them on track. This course will provide strategies for identifying underlying deficits with a problem solving approach. We will provide tools for scaffolding support and building student capacity when there are recurring, unmet expectations in the classroom. With a greater understanding of a student's areas of need, teachers can create more inclusive learning environments and nurture the interests and assets of all students. The material shared in this course expands on material shared in Understanding Executive Functions in the Classroom course. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. This course fulfills three areas of Minnesota license renewal: ●Positive Behavior Interventions ●Accommodation, modification and adaptation of curriculum, materials and instruction This course is for all licensed staff: All K-12 licensed staff, Special education teachers, EL & GTD teachers, TOSA, Counselors, Psychologists and Social Workers. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Teaching with your SOUL 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Using the text, SOUL!: Fully Forming Your Professional Life as Teacher and Life, ( the follow-up to the book, HEART!: Fully Forming Your Professional Life as Teacher and Life) will help you Search for, Overcome, Unify, and Live your own personal and professional soul story. Through research and reflection, you will learn how to use your soul story to help you overcome professional obstacles, and help you become more confident and joyful in your professional life. Teaching with your SOUL will help remind you, K-12 educators of all the positive impact you have had on our students and each other and the reason why we went into teaching. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

The Depth & Complexity Framework: Differentiating to Elevate Student Thinking 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Participants in this course will learn to plan for and implement the elements of the Depth and Complexity Framework to elevate and extend the thinking for students to investigate content with more depth and complexity. Participants will this learn how to use this powerful differentiation tool within their core instruction. Participants work through self-paced learning modules for the prompts for Depth and Complexity, the Content Imperatives, Universal Themes, Thinking Like a Disciplinarian, and Scaffolds and Organizers for Depth and Complexity. Participants will plan, teach, and reflect upon lessons that use the elements of the Depth and Complexity Framework throughout this course. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Understanding Executive Functions 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 Adolescence is a time of growth, as well as a time for much needed support in regards to academics and social/emotional health. Often, adolescent difficulties can be directly related to a lagging skill-set in executive functioning. Unfortunately, many parents and educators are not versed in the language of executive functions, and specifically how they relate to and impact ADHD. To implement growth, educators and parents need: access to executive function language and definitions; understanding the impact lagging executive function skills can have on a child’s development; and specific, research-based strategies to support students by increasing their executive functioning skills. Educators and families working together can create opportunities to support all of our children with ADHD and executive functioning areas of need. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5– August 24, 2022. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. This course fulfills three areas of license renewal: -Positive behavioral intervention strategies. -Key warning signs of early-onset mental illness in children and adolescents. -Accommodation, modification and adaptation of curriculum, materials and instruction. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.

Using Questioning Techniques to Differentiate the Curriculum 1.5 quarter credit through District 196 or a 1 semester credit co-sponsored by Concordia University and District 196 This course is designed to guide K-12 educators’ differentiation skills through the application of effective questioning strategies. Research indicates that these techniques enhance critical and higher-order thinking in all students. Participants will learn about different types of questions and how to use them to differentiate curriculum to best meet the learning needs of students. Specifically, educators will explore how to adapt questioning strategies to a particular lesson, ability level, or subject area. Research that supports the use of questions and shows how this can contribute to significant improvements in student learning will be examined during the course, too. Coursework can be completed at your own pace between July 5-August 24. 35 hours of instruction equals one semester credit. * District graduate quarter credits can be used for movement on the salary schedule but generally will not transfer from district to district. For an additional $175.00 fee an individual may obtain 1 semester graduate credit from Concordia University. Tuition is due and payable in full by the first class session. Course approval forms need to be completed. Courses may be used for renewal units. ** Individuals at MA+60 may audit any courses for $28.15 per quarter credit. Individuals “auditing” classes are expected to complete class assignments.