Teaching and Learning CoLab 2024: Full Schedule

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10:00am MDT

Eliciting and Interpreting Student Thinking

Brain science research indicates that activating and integrating prior knowledge is one of the most powerful teaching strategies one can utilize in the classroom. In this session, elementary educators will focus on ways they can uncover the prior knowledge and experiences of their students through formulating and posing questions, listening and interpreting ideas, and probing and unpacking student thinking. Teachers will walk away with new tools they can immediately employ in the classroom; strategies that elicit students’ preconceptions and encourage metacognition across various content areas.

Speakers

Tamera Sakotas

Teacher Programs Consultant, DMNS

Tamera Sakotas serves as a Teacher Programs Consultant at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) where she provides training and support for educators in three areas: Best Practices in Science Education, Mind and Brain Education and Nature and Environmental Literacy.Tamera... Read More →

CoLabs 2024 Presentation pdf

CoLabs Notecatcher 2024 pdf

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
ES French Room 125

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

10:00am MDT

Math Education Mastery for Leaders: Transformative Strategies for Math Education Success

Unveil the magic of math education leadership! Dive into the secrets of successful math classrooms, even if numbers aren't your forte. Discover the keys to engaging, fun math experiences and learn how to support them. Gain expert tools to evaluate any classroom in a 5-minute walkthrough, empowering you to boost student and teacher math enthusiasm and effectiveness. No equations needed—just a passion for transforming math education! Join us to revolutionize teaching practices, make math enjoyable, and empower your entire school community.

Speakers

Jason Cushner

Math Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Jason Cushner is a PAEMST awardee who comes to us from Estes Park, where his career has included teaching, instructional coaching, and service as a school board member.

Colabs Leadership math presentation pptx

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
ES French Room 126

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

10:00am MDT

Social Emotional Learning in Schools: Creating a Caring Classroom Environment

Our schools and classrooms are in a constant state of change, particularly over the past few years. This session will discuss how to assess what students need from a social/emotional wellness perspective; how to ensure we provide supports for social/emotional learning for all students and will give some ideas for how we can redesign schools with a focus on building stronger relationships.

Speakers

Michelle Malvey

Behavioral Health Training Specialist, CDE

Michelle Malvey is a Behavioral Health Training Specialist in the Heath Education Unit at CDE. She is a former principal, district MTSS Coordinator, school psychologist and teacher with a passion for making sure everyone in the school environment gets what they need on a daily... Read More →

Creating a Caring Classroom CO Lab presentation, final.pptx pdf

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Hays Student Center TAG

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

10:00am MDT

Supporting Oral Language Development using Content Language Objectives

The Science of Reading provides a roadmap for effective foundational reading instruction that supports all students, but some important adjustments, considerations, and teacher knowledge are required to ensure that Multilingual Learners and Multilingual learners with disabilities have access to the content. This session will focus on how to create lesson plans that focus on content and language through the creation of Content Language Objectives.

Speakers

Hunter Smith

Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Hunter Smith, Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, CDE Hunter Smith was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. He began his teaching career as a bilingual teacher in the primary grades in Denver Public Schools. Subsequently, he became a special educator for... Read More →

Brie Johnson

Senior Literacy Consultant/Multilingual Learner Focus, CDE

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
ES French Room 218

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

10:00am MDT

Transforming the Status Quo: Adaptive AI's Uncharted Territories in Public Education

In this interactive session, we will challenge the status quo use of AI as a mere technical tool, urging a more thoughtful approach. Participants will delve into the distinctions between technical and adaptive AI, reflect on their pedagogy, and design learning ecosystems to foster innovation and measurable outcomes, steering away from perpetuating ineffective practices. Learning Objective: Participants will explore how AI transcends its technical tool status in education and apply strategies to emphasize its potential benefits in redesigning teaching methods, personalizing learning, and meeting the needs of diverse students.

Speakers

Antonio Vigil

Director of Innovative Classroom Technology, Aurora Public Schools

Born and raised in North Denver, Antonio is a servant leader who has taught in, learned from, opened up, transformed, and regenerated schools throughout the city and country over the past twenty-six years. As a throughline for all these professional experiences, Antonio has dedicated... Read More →

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
ES French Room 124

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

10:00am MDT

Digital Treasures: Exploring the Library of Congress

This workshop delves into the extensive collection of digital primary sources accessible via the Library of Congress website. Housing over 70 million digital resources available for free and out-of-copyright, our nation's library offers an unfettered look into the history of the United States. No matter the age or subject area, primary sources inspire critical thinking through the use of inquiry and analysis. Join us to discover teacher-created, ready-to-use materials suitable for enhancing lessons in literacy, social studies, STEM and beyond.

Speakers

Keith Patterson

Director, TPS Western Region

Kile Clabaugh

Program Manager, TPS Western Region @ MSU Denver

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about Library of Congress primary sources or granting opportunities.

Wednesday May 29, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Hays Student Center Room 219

Disciplinary Literacy Standards Implementation Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

11:15am MDT

Developing Oral Language using Collaborative Talk Structures

Oral language is the foundation from which literacy skills emerge. Developing Oral language is a process that occurs throughout the day, over time, with skilled preparation and planning. This session will model collaborative talk structures that can be implemented in the classroom to support all students including Multilingual Learners and students with disabilities.

Speakers

Hunter Smith

Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Brie Johnson

Senior Literacy Consultant/Multilingual Learner Focus, CDE

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
ES French Room 126

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

11:15am MDT

Math classroom Routines for Reasoning - Secondary

This session details classroom structures designed to support robust learning experiences and introduced in the bestselling books "Teaching for Thinking" and "Routines for Reasoning". Multiple grade bands, from kindergarten through high school, will benefit from this exploration into ways to enhance math classroom practices and pedagogies.

Speakers

Beth Schroeder

Elementary Teacher, Mountain Valley School District

Tabitha Nickerson

CDE

Joe Brenkert

Math Content Specialist, CDE

Contemplate then Calculate Handout docx

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 207

Best First Instruction

Company 3 - 5, K - 2

11:15am MDT

DEI in the Science Classroom: A Practical Approach to Inclusivity

Have you been wondering what DEI is, how to implement it, and what it has to do with science? In this presentation teachers will learn what DEI is and how we as science educators can use it in our classrooms. You will also learn how to use scientifically accurate inclusive language and how that supports your students. A curriculum audit tool specific to DEI created by myself in conjunction with, UCCS and CU Denver's SHED department graduate school faculty will also be available for you to take back to your schools and use.

Speakers

Joanne McGuire

CAST Board, Stargate School (Charter in Adams 12 Five Star)

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
ES French Room 125

Disciplinary Literacy

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

11:15am MDT

Integrating Social Studies and RWC in the Elementary Classroom

This session will provide elementary teachers with strategies for integrating social studies and reading, writing, and communicating in the classroom. Research shows that students who receive instruction in social studies have improved literacy scores. Learn more about the importance of social studies instruction in the elementary classroom!

Speakers

Olivia Gillespie

Literacy Content Specialist, CDE

Stephanie Hartman

Social Studies Content Specialist, CDE

Learn more about the state social studies organization!

Integrating Social Studies & RWC in the Elementary Classroom pptx

Copy of WindowFrameSourceAnalysis docx

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 219

Disciplinary Literacy

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

11:15am MDT

Building Health Skills to Support SEL

This session will explore Colorado Comprehensive Health Education Standards related to social emotional learning. Based on the standards participants will identify key health skills of communication, self-management, decision making, and advocacy. Participants explore and create strategies for introduction, reinforcement, and mastery of the skills.

Speakers

james hurley

Health and Physical Education Content Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Health Skills and SEL pptx

wrightfamily pdf

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 230

Standards Implementation Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12
Skills Resources Website https://rmc.org/resources-tools/

11:15am MDT

You Got ANTs - Stop Ranting and Start Living

Your mind is naturally prone to Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). Uncover the most persistent types of ANTs and acquire techniques to halt these troublesome patterns. ANTs wreak havoc in your life. This program empowers participants to enhance their self-awareness and communication skills, enabling them to overcome obstacles in work, school, and home. Are you prepared to break free from what's hindering your progress? Have negative beliefs and behaviors taken root? Everything begins with a thought. Align your thoughts, transform your life.

The most effective way to address the Mental Health crisis is through a proactive mental fitness program. Stay ahead by nurturing your mental well-being. And nurture enhanced communication within yourself and with others to positively impact the lives of one another and our students.

Speakers

Cindy Saylor

NLP-P & Mental Wellness Speaker, Saylor's Journey, LLC

Visit Saylor's Journey to learn more about Mental Fitness Bootcamps. Personal & professional development programs focusing on emotional, social, and mental fitness. You got ANTs... and not what you think. ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts).

Wednesday May 29, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center TAG

Standards Implementation Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

1:00pm MDT

CANCELLED - Trauma-informed strategies in Visual Arts Education

Art can plan an important role in the education of students who have experienced various forms of trauma. Effective and evidenced-based interventions can help provide a sense of agency within students and encourage a sense of safety and empowerment. This session introduces a variety of resources, strategies, and tips for teachers that can be incorporated into art-making.

Speakers

Donna Goodwin

Visual Art Content Consultant CDE/Director of the School of Art and Design at UNC, CDE

I am the Visual Arts Content Consultant for CDE in the Standards and Instructional Support office as well as the Director of the School of Art and Design at the University of Northern Colorado and am so happy to be with you today discussing CDE's researched Best, First Instruction... Read More →

Wednesday May 29, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
ES French Room 218

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

1:00pm MDT

Leaders Building a Culture of "We Care" for School Staff

This session will provide an opportunity for school leaders explore how to create a culture of "We Care". Our schools and classrooms are in a constant state of change, particularly over the past few years. This session will discuss how school leaders can assess what students and staff need from a social/emotional wellness perspective; how to ensure we provide supports for social/emotional learning for all student and staff and will give some ideas for how we can redesign schools with a focus on building stronger relationships.

Speakers

Michelle Malvey

Behavioral Health Training Specialist, CDE

Leaders Building a Culture of We Care for School Staff (CoLab Sterling), updated.pptx pdf

Wednesday May 29, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
ES French Room 126

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

1:00pm MDT

Math classroom Routines for Reasoning - Elementary Focus

Speakers

Beth Schroeder

Elementary Teacher, Mountain Valley School District

Tabitha Nickerson

CDE

Joe Brenkert

Math Content Specialist, CDE

Decide and Defend Handout docx

Wednesday May 29, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 207

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

1:00pm MDT

Open Educational Resources to expand your curriculum options

The OERColorado Project is a statewide initiative to provide digital collections of free openly licensed curriculum resources for PK-12+ educators to use in their teaching and classrooms. Open Education is a movement to increase access to educational resources across all disciplines and subject areas. The resources in the OERColorado digital library include free lessons, classes, textbooks, simulations, games, rubrics, icebreakers, and many other tools for teachers to use in face-to-face, online and blended learning environments. OERColorado as a searchable repository of free resources supports teachers in customizing their classroom experience to their learner demographic and context. Educators attending the session will create an OER adoption plan for their classroom, school or district context with the support of the OERColorado professional development coordinator. Learn more about adopting OER textbooks, complete curricula or just locating support materials. All at no cost to you or your district. Think “Teacher’s pay teachers,” but Free!

Speakers

Mallorie Klemm

Blended Learning Education Senior Consultant, Colorado Department of Education

Mallorie Klemm, Blended Learning Education Senior Consultant

Wednesday May 29, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 230

Disciplinary Literacy Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

Accommodations for Dually Identified Students

Students with disabilities often require accommodations so that they can access and benefit from the rigorous standards-based instruction in the general education classroom with their grade-level peers. This session will focus on how to incorporate accommodations and language learning supports for Multilingual Learners with disabilities in the classroom by using the Principles of Universal Design.

Speakers

Hunter Smith

Multilingual Learners with Educational Disabilities Specialist, Colorado Department of Education

Brie Johnson

Senior Literacy Consultant/Multilingual Learner Focus, CDE

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
ES French Room 126

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5

2:15pm MDT

CANCELLED - Equity Toolkit Introduction

This session will introduce the NEW Equity Toolkit, developed through a CDE/WestEd partnership and designed to support educators to understand self, understand others, and understand community context to notice things we may not have noticed before. This work will support increased intentionality in effectively serving all students, families, and staff, being responsive to individual and group identities defined by race, ethnicity, socioeconomics, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and ability. Resources for preparing teachers and leaders to examine and impact mindsets, policies, practices that will support culturally responsive instruction will be highlighted.

Speakers

Christina Adeboye Sullivan

Program Coordinator, Colorado Department of Education

Dr. Christina Adeboye Sullivan is a native of Iowa, a long-time educator in Minnesota, and now a proud resident of Colorado. She served as a principal and district administrator for 20 years, prioritizing equitable and effective instruction for each student. She earned her PhD in... Read More →

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
ES French Room 218

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports: Improving education by supporting the whole human

Colorado Multi-Tiered System of Supports (COMTSS) is a prevention-based framework for school improvement. In order for it to be effective, leaders need to understand and support both staff and students’ whole human needs. Staff and students need to believe that school is somewhere to feel safe, seen, accepted, and believed in as well as challenged to learn and grow. This session will provide a research base surrounding the positive impact of teacher-student relationships and administrator-teacher relationships, as well as provide concrete examples from the field of how to build those relationships. In this session, participants will also learn how to support the key human needs we all share to create an environment of safety and support that encourages engagement and achievement. Presenters will share practical strategies and content from the research and their experiences.

Speakers

Rebecca Knighton

Multi Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Specialist, CDE

Rebecca Knighton is an MTSS Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education. She has a background in middle school general education behavior intervention, gifted education, and systems-level change. She has led professional development at the school, district, and state levels... Read More →

COMTSS CDE CoLab 2024 pdf

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 230

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

St. Vrain Valley Schools' Approach to AI Training for Educators

In today's rapidly evolving society, St. Vrain Valley Schools are prioritizing AI in education to prepare students for a globalized world. Through the year-long "Exploration AI" professional development program, educators are equipped with the skills to use AI effectively, ethically, and critically. This program includes a Professional Learning Network (PLN) using social media and online platforms, blending asynchronous and synchronous learning, and gamified incentives. Monthly after-hours events feature an EdCamp/Unconference format, tailored to educators' interests. The biggest takeaway for participants is a comprehensive understanding and practical skillset in utilizing AI within educational contexts, aimed at deepening their grasp of AI's potential and ensuring that well-informed teachers can facilitate students' effective use of AI in learning.

Speakers

Jason Kelsall

Learning Systems Strategist, St. Vrain Valley Schools

Learning Systems Strategist District Technology Services Helped to lead our district wide Generative AI PD "Exploration AI" Presenting at ISTE, COSN on similar topics

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center TAG

Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

The Power of Student Choice in K-12 Physical Education

When students have choice within the physical education curriculum, instruction, and assessment process, they develop a sense of autonomy that can be highly motivating. The purpose of this session is to introduce strategies for integrating student choice and voice into your K-12 physical education program.

Speakers

Brian Dauenhauer

UNC

TBE

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Gymnasium

Standards Implementation

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

Utilizing the Highly Effective Evaluation Process

This session will offer the opportunity to explore utilization of the Highly Effective Evaluation Process. The part-information session, part-collaborative discussion will explain the Highly Effective evaluation process as well as the process for determining whether it is a good fit for your district. Key considerations and ideas for leveraging stakeholders (e.g., 1338 councils) in planning for implementation for the 2024-25 school year will also be discussed. Districts will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and collaboratively discuss the merits of utilizing the Highly Effective evaluation process in their schools.

Speakers

Leslie Burkholder

Educator Effectiveness Manager, Colorado Department of Education

CDE Educator Effectiveness Manager, Leslie Burkholder

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 207

Standards Implementation

Company K - 2, 3 - 5, 6 - 8, 9 -12

2:15pm MDT

Facilitating Standards-aligned Inquiry Lessons at Elementary

Have you ever led an inquiry lesson and had it fall flat because students struggled to form questions or structure their inquiry in a way that would lead to learning? Have you ever looked at an evidence outcome that has inquiry or process skills embedded in it and wondered how to help students master it? I will share strategies to help structure and facilitate inquiry lessons with K-5 learners. The examples I use will mostly be from science, but the strategies can be applied across contents. Participants will takeaway strategies they can apply right away.

Speakers

Sam Messier

Director - Standards and Instructional Support, CDE

Facilitating Inquiry at Elementary pptx

Sterling presentation notes docx

Wednesday May 29, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm MDT
Hays Student Center Room 219

Standards Implementation Best First Instruction

Company K - 2, 3 - 5