Compass - ESC3 · During this Time of Crisis This newsletter is aimed at providing you information and resources to improve your instructional technology tool box and accessibility

May 4, 2020

CompassHelping Districts NavigateDuring this Time of Crisis

This newsletter is aimed at providingyou information and resources toimprove your instructional technologytool box and accessibility features offavorite online platforms. Whateveryour need, we have you covered!

With our best wishes for the healthand safety of every member of yourcommunity.

Academic NetworkMeeting

Join our Academic Network meeting. Weaim to keep you and your district oncourse while staying the course duringthese uncertain times.Please register here.

Zoom Link

Online Learning Tools and Resources

Digging Deeper

It's been a few weeks now since our rapid transition into onlinelearning. Many teachers are ready to kick it up a notch. Check outthis podcast from EdSurge On Air that discusses how teachers canensure they are using technology to support deeper learning andmove to more student- centered teaching practices.

Instructional Technology

Technology changes almost overnightand staying digitally fluent is aconstant challenge especially duringthis sudden change to online learning.Region 3 is dedicated to helping yourdistrict stay up to date on the newestand most influential technologyavailable to your educators. Checkout this playlist of trainings from ourown digital learning specialist, LauraSprinkle. Topics covered: GoogleClassroom 101, YouTube 101,Creating Digital Learning Centers,Browser Tips, and FlipGrid 101.

Training Videos

Laura J. SprinkleDigital Learning Specialist, Academic Services

361-573-0731 ext. 277Virtual Office Hours

M,W,F 2:20 pm - 3:30 pmT, TH 10:00 am - 11:00 am

https://zoom.us/j/5841622612

A Collection of Resources

TeachForAmerica has created groupof resources to support communitiesand teachers during this pandemic.This document addresses topics suchas how to be a great virtual teacher,internet and online platform access,teaching and talking about the

coronavirus, academic learningresources, supporting specificpopulations and psychological tips formanaging coronavirus concerns. Toaccess this document click below.

TeachForAmerica

Looking for free tools to help power your digital learning activities? Withthe right mix of instructional support and appropriate devices, thesedigital tools can help strengthen student creativity, collaboration andcritical thinking skills. Check out this collection of tools from DigitalLearning Day.

Free Subscriptions!

This blog is by a Dallas mom and is full of usefulresources. There is a list of education companiesoffering free subscriptions , 40 virtual field trips,and my favorite, a whole section on Pete the Cat. j

Choice Boards/Learning Menus

Choice boards and learning menus are not new. They are a great a way toprovide differentiated learning that gives students a menu or choice of learningactivities. They can be created in a variety of ways.such as digital formats,playlists or paper form. These boards should outline a variety of instructionaloptions that are targeted towards a specific academic goal. If you haven't usedchoice boards in the past, now is great time to try them out! Check out some

examples and resources we've collected!

Click for Choice Boards

Accessible Instructional Technology

Providing services to students with disabilities in a virtual environment can bechallenging but we are here to help! There are many great resources out there!Check out our collection of resources for making digital learning accessible.Got questions? We have answers! Contact one of our Assistive TechnologySpecialist today!

Accessibility Resources

Shannon Beyer-KaminskiEducation Specialist - Special

Education361-573-0731 Ext. 329

Virtual Office HoursM,W,F 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmT, TH 9:00 am-10:00 pm

https://zoom.us/j/636195382

Mary Kathryn Evans-GarciaEducation Specialist- Special

Education361-573-0731 Ext.235

Virtual Office HoursM,W,F 3:00 pm - 4:00 pmT, TH 9:00 am-10:00 pm

https://zoom.us/j/5183333030

The National Center on Accessible Educational Material has been around forawhile. During this time of COVID-19, they have hosted a series of webinarsfocusing on tools and resources to support the transition to remote learning.You can watch the recordings and access supporting resources (slides andhandouts) by visiting Supporting Accessibility in Distance Education: Practicesfor Teachers. Additional webinars will be announced soon, with information onhow to register available on the AEM Events page. Check all they have to offerin the realm of accessible educational material.

Stay on top of your district’s state fundingduring COVID-19!

According to TEA guidance, they will take the average dailyattendance (ADA) as calculated through the end of the fourthsix weeks, and then adjust the resulting ADA to account for

historical differences in rates of attendance from the first foursix-week periods and the last two six-week periods. Now isthe time to review your current year budget! Contact Maggieto assist with completing your district’s Summary of Financetemplate.

Click to email

Texas Gateway has a wealth of vetted professional development courses,lessons, and resources geared towards the needs of teachers, administrators,para-professionals and parents. A user login is free and is needed to accessTexas Gateway resources. A Texas Gateway tutorial can be found here.

Overwhelmed by Printing?

The Region 3 Print Shop is open! Justemail your request and let us helpyou! Deliveries made directly to yourdistrict.

EMAIL

Compass