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LEUSD Professional Development 2025-2026
Type: Science clear filter
Monday, August 4
 

8:00am PDT

Amplify Science: Explore, Plan, and Launch with Confidence-AM SESSION (PAID)
Monday August 4, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
Get ready to dive into Amplify! In this session, you’ll explore the new Amplify/Canvas course layouts and then spend time team planning with support. We’ll set science goals for Q1, plan for hands-on activities, adjust pacing, and get comfortable navigating the platform. Leave with a plan, and confidence, for the year ahead!
Speakers
avatar for Dionna Fitch

Dionna Fitch

Elementary Instructional Coach EES & MES, LEUSD
ELSINORE ELEMENTARY & Machado Elementary Instructional Coach 3rd--> 5th grades
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
avatar for Amanda VonRosen

Amanda VonRosen

Instructional Coach, Lakeland Village School
avatar for Diana Engels

Diana Engels

Instructional Coach, 201144-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
LUISENO SCHOOL
avatar for Kassandra Zulewski

Kassandra Zulewski

Instructional Coach, 211317-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
COTTONWOOD CANYON ELEMENTARY
avatar for Kasey Edgell

Kasey Edgell

Instructional Coach, Rice Canyon & Withrow Elementary
Monday August 4, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
Old Staff Development Room (DO - Bldg. A)

12:00pm PDT

Amplify Science: Explore, Plan, and Launch with Confidence-PM SESSION (PAID)
Monday August 4, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Get ready to dive into Amplify! In this session, you’ll explore the new Amplify/Canvas course layouts and then spend time team planning with support. We’ll set science goals for Q1, plan for hands-on activities, adjust pacing, and get comfortable navigating the platform. Leave with a plan, and confidence, for the year ahead!
Speakers
avatar for Dionna Fitch

Dionna Fitch

Elementary Instructional Coach EES & MES, LEUSD
ELSINORE ELEMENTARY & Machado Elementary Instructional Coach 3rd--> 5th grades
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
avatar for Amanda VonRosen

Amanda VonRosen

Instructional Coach, Lakeland Village School
avatar for Diana Engels

Diana Engels

Instructional Coach, 201144-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
LUISENO SCHOOL
avatar for Kassandra Zulewski

Kassandra Zulewski

Instructional Coach, 211317-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
COTTONWOOD CANYON ELEMENTARY
avatar for Kasey Edgell

Kasey Edgell

Instructional Coach, Rice Canyon & Withrow Elementary
Monday August 4, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Old Staff Development Room (DO - Bldg. A)
 
Tuesday, August 5
 

8:00am PDT

(PAID) K-5 Amplify Science: Explore, Plan, and Launch with Confidence-AM SESSION
Tuesday August 5, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
DESCRIPTION:  Get ready to dive into Amplify! In this session, you’ll explore the new Amplify/Canvas course layouts and then spend time team planning with support. We’ll set science goals for Q1, plan for hands-on activities, adjust pacing, and get comfortable navigating the platform. Leave with a plan, and confidence, for the year ahead!

 
Speakers
avatar for Dionna Fitch

Dionna Fitch

Elementary Instructional Coach EES & MES, LEUSD
ELSINORE ELEMENTARY & Machado Elementary Instructional Coach 3rd--> 5th grades
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
avatar for Amanda VonRosen

Amanda VonRosen

Instructional Coach, Lakeland Village School
avatar for Diana Engels

Diana Engels

Instructional Coach, 201144-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
LUISENO SCHOOL
avatar for Kassandra Zulewski

Kassandra Zulewski

Instructional Coach, 211317-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
COTTONWOOD CANYON ELEMENTARY
avatar for Kasey Edgell

Kasey Edgell

Instructional Coach, Rice Canyon & Withrow Elementary
Tuesday August 5, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am PDT
Old Staff Development Room (DO - Bldg. A)

12:00pm PDT

(PAID) K-5 Amplify Science: Explore, Plan, and Launch with Confidence-PM SESSION
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
DESCRIPTION:  Get ready to dive into Amplify! In this session, you’ll explore the new Amplify/Canvas course layouts and then spend time team planning with support. We’ll set science goals for Q1, plan for hands-on activities, adjust pacing, and get comfortable navigating the platform. Leave with a plan, and confidence, for the year ahead!
Speakers
avatar for Dionna Fitch

Dionna Fitch

Elementary Instructional Coach EES & MES, LEUSD
ELSINORE ELEMENTARY & Machado Elementary Instructional Coach 3rd--> 5th grades
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
avatar for Amanda VonRosen

Amanda VonRosen

Instructional Coach, Lakeland Village School
avatar for Diana Engels

Diana Engels

Instructional Coach, 201144-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
LUISENO SCHOOL
avatar for Kassandra Zulewski

Kassandra Zulewski

Instructional Coach, 211317-Lake Elsinore Unified School District
COTTONWOOD CANYON ELEMENTARY
avatar for Kasey Edgell

Kasey Edgell

Instructional Coach, Rice Canyon & Withrow Elementary
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Old Staff Development Room (DO - Bldg. A)
 
Wednesday, August 20
 

8:00am PDT

Creating Common Assessments for PLC Teams - INVITE ONLY
The Science Assessment Pull-Out Day is designed to provide the opportunity for PLC teams to collaborate on designing CAST-style common assessments and build them directly in Canvas. Together, they will learn how to create NGSS-aligned outcomes, link those outcomes to Canvas’s Mastery Gradebook, and use the results to guide PLC conversations about student learning. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use assessments and a deeper understanding of how to leverage Canvas as a tool for monitoring student progress toward mastery.

Agenda:
1. Welcome & Opening (20 min)
• Greeting and purpose of the day
• Quick team check-in
• Review meeting goals
2. Review of Curriculum Maps (1 hr)
• Walk through curriculum maps by course/content area
• Meet with content areas to review NGSS standards
• Identify priority standards across content areas
• Whole group discussion and consensus-building
3. Standards & CFA Focus (1 hr 15 min)
• Select standards to assess with CFAs
• Discuss assessment types
• Breakout by content area to decide specific CFA targets Break (15 min)
4. Science Workshop Collaboration – Question Bank Creation (1 hr 30 min)
• Use Science Workshop material to develop question banks
• Focus on rigor and NGSS alignment
• Cross-check for balance and depth of questions Lunch (30–45 min)
5. CFA Development by Content Area (1 hr 30 min)
• Teams create at least one CFA for their content area
• Ensure alignment with curriculum maps and chosen standards
• Build drafts collaboratively in shared docs/forms (Canvas) Break (15 min)
6. Sharing & Feedback (50 min)
• Each content team presents CFA draft
• Peer feedback and suggested revisions
• Discussion on consistency and common grading expectations
7. Next Steps & Action Items (20 min)
• Assign responsibilities for CFA refinement
• Set timeline for piloting CFAs
• Plan follow-up PLC work
8. Closing & Reflection (20 min)
• Group reflection on progress made
• Final thoughts/questions
• Confirm next PLC meeting
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
 
Wednesday, August 27
 

8:30am PDT

How to Assign and Use CAST IA Data to Drive Instruction - INVITE ONLY
Wednesday August 27, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
This PD will cover the basics and help teachers feel comfortable getting started.
This training will provide:
  1. An overview of curriculum maps and assessment calendars
  2. How to use the TOMS to view and assign assessments
  3. How to use the CERS to view and analyze data for instruction
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Wednesday August 27, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Elsinore Middle School - Room 309
 
Thursday, September 4
 

8:00am PDT

Creating Common Assessments for CLMS PLC teams - INVITE ONLY
Thursday September 4, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PDT
The Science Assessment Pull-Out Day is designed to provide the opportunity for PLC teams to collaborate on designing CAST-style common assessments and build them directly in Canvas. Together, they will learn how to create NGSS-aligned outcomes, link those outcomes to Canvas’s Mastery Gradebook, and use the results to guide PLC conversations about student learning. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use assessments and a deeper understanding of how to leverage Canvas as a tool for monitoring student progress toward mastery.
Agenda:
Welcome & Opening (20 min)
• Greeting and purpose of the day
• Quick team check-in
• Review meeting goals
2. Review of Curriculum Maps (1 hr)
• Walk through curriculum maps by course/content area
• Meet with content areas to review NGSS standards
• Identify priority standards across content areas
• Whole group discussion and consensus-building
3. Standards & CFA Focus (1 hr 15 min)
• Select standards to assess with CFAs
• Discuss assessment types
• Breakout by content area to decide specific CFA targets Break (15 min)
4. Science Workshop Collaboration – Question Bank Creation (1 hr 30 min)
• Use Science Workshop material to develop question banks
• Focus on rigor and NGSS alignment
• Cross-check for balance and depth of questions Lunch (30–45 min)
5. CFA Development by Content Area (1 hr 30 min)
• Teams create at least one CFA for their content area
• Ensure alignment with curriculum maps and chosen standards
• Build drafts collaboratively in shared docs/forms (Canvas) Break (15 min)
6. Sharing & Feedback (50 min)
• Each content team presents CFA draft
• Peer feedback and suggested revisions
• Discussion on consistency and common grading expectations
7. Next Steps & Action Items (20 min)
• Assign responsibilities for CFA refinement
• Set timeline for piloting CFAs
• Plan follow-up PLC work
8. Closing & Reflection (20 min)
• Group reflection on progress made
• Final thoughts/questions
• Confirm next PLC meeting
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Thursday September 4, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PDT
Canyon Lake Middle School - CLMS Staff Room
 
Thursday, October 2
 

8:00am PDT

StarLab Teacher Training - Invite Only
Thursday October 2, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PDT
Our training will be led via Zoom by the StarLab consultant, who will walk us through the basics of the three included programs: Starry Night, Layered Earth, and Meteorology. We’ll also:
  • Set up and break down the StarLab dome
  • Practice folding and storing the lab
  • Explore example lessons
  • Learn how to operate and navigate the digital curriculum
In addition to hands-on practice, I’ll provide a survey during the training that will allow each teacher to select:
✔ Preferred StarLab topics
✔ Grade level blocks they’re most comfortable teaching
✔ Dates they are available to be a "guest teacher" at another site
What is the Guest Teacher Model?
Teachers who attend this training will become part of a small group of StarLab guest teachers, who will rotate out to school sites 1–2 times per year. These teachers will have sub coverage and deliver engaging 20–30 minute StarLab lessons to small groups of students, who will cycle through the dome with their classroom teacher. As more teachers are trained, individual commitments will drop to just one day per year.


Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Thursday October 2, 2025 8:00am - 3:00pm PDT
Lakeland Village School - MPR
 
Thursday, October 16
 

8:00am PDT

Creating Common Assessments for Luiseño PLC teams - INVITE ONLY
Thursday October 16, 2025 8:00am - 2:00pm PDT
The Science Assessment Pull-Out Day is designed to provide the opportunity for PLC teams to collaborate on designing CAST-style common assessments and build them directly in Canvas. Together, they will learn how to create NGSS-aligned outcomes, link those outcomes to Canvas’s Mastery Gradebook, and use the results to guide PLC conversations about student learning. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use assessments and a deeper understanding of how to leverage Canvas as a tool for monitoring student progress toward mastery.
Agenda:
Welcome & Opening (20 min)
• Greeting and purpose of the day
• Quick team check-in
• Review meeting goals
2. Review of Curriculum Maps (1 hr)
• Walk through curriculum maps by course/content area
• Meet with content areas to review NGSS standards
• Identify priority standards across content areas
• Whole group discussion and consensus-building
3. Standards & CFA Focus (1 hr 15 min)
• Select standards to assess with CFAs
• Discuss assessment types
• Breakout by content area to decide specific CFA targets Break (15 min)
4. Science Workshop Collaboration – Question Bank Creation (1 hr 30 min)
• Use Science Workshop material to develop question banks
• Focus on rigor and NGSS alignment
• Cross-check for balance and depth of questions Lunch (30–45 min)
5. CFA Development by Content Area (1 hr 30 min)
• Teams create at least one CFA for their content area
• Ensure alignment with curriculum maps and chosen standards
• Build drafts collaboratively in shared docs/forms (Canvas) Break (15 min)
6. Sharing & Feedback (50 min)
• Each content team presents CFA draft
• Peer feedback and suggested revisions
• Discussion on consistency and common grading expectations
7. Next Steps & Action Items (20 min)
• Assign responsibilities for CFA refinement
• Set timeline for piloting CFAs
• Plan follow-up PLC work
8. Closing & Reflection (20 min)
• Group reflection on progress made
• Final thoughts/questions
• Confirm next PLC meeting
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Thursday October 16, 2025 8:00am - 2:00pm PDT
Luiseño - Room #39
 
Monday, October 20
 

8:00am PDT

California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) Training - Invite Only
Monday October 20, 2025 8:00am - 3:30pm PDT
The California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) represents a significant step forward in comprehensive sexual health education, ensuring that California students receive accurate, inclusive, and relevant information.
This workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement CHYA requirements and related legislation in their classrooms.
Key Takeaways:
  • Teaching sensitive topics with confidence
  • Answering challenging student questions
  • Creating safe, inclusive classroom climates
  • Trauma-informed instructional strategies
  • Reproductive justice and keeping personal values separate from instruction
  • Updates on human trafficking prevention, menstrual health, and related laws
  • Modeling and discussion of key activities
  • Time to collaborate with colleagues, review curriculum, and plan together
Schedule:
  • Day 1: Core Skills – interactive learning
  • Day 2: Deep Dive – lesson planning, curriculum collaboration (bring your materials!)
Speakers
Monday October 20, 2025 8:00am - 3:30pm PDT
Riverside County Office of Education - Murrieta 38670 Sky Canyon, Murrieta, CA 92563
 
Tuesday, October 21
 

8:00am PDT

California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) Training - Invite Only
Tuesday October 21, 2025 8:00am - 3:30pm PDT
The California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) represents a significant step forward in comprehensive sexual health education, ensuring that California students receive accurate, inclusive, and relevant information.
This workshop is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively implement CHYA requirements and related legislation in their classrooms.
Key Takeaways:
  • Teaching sensitive topics with confidence
  • Answering challenging student questions
  • Creating safe, inclusive classroom climates
  • Trauma-informed instructional strategies
  • Reproductive justice and keeping personal values separate from instruction
  • Updates on human trafficking prevention, menstrual health, and related laws
  • Modeling and discussion of key activities
  • Time to collaborate with colleagues, review curriculum, and plan together
Schedule:
  • Day 1: Core Skills – interactive learning
  • Day 2: Deep Dive – lesson planning, curriculum collaboration (bring your materials!)
Speakers
Tuesday October 21, 2025 8:00am - 3:30pm PDT
Riverside County Office of Education - Murrieta 38670 Sky Canyon, Murrieta, CA 92563
 
Wednesday, October 29
 

9:30am PDT

Creating Common Assessments for TCMS PLC teams - INVITE ONLY
Wednesday October 29, 2025 9:30am - 3:00pm PDT
The Science Assessment Pull-Out Day is designed to provide the opportunity for PLC teams to collaborate on designing CAST-style common assessments and build them directly in Canvas. Together, they will learn how to create NGSS-aligned outcomes, link those outcomes to Canvas’s Mastery Gradebook, and use the results to guide PLC conversations about student learning. Teachers will walk away with ready-to-use assessments and a deeper understanding of how to leverage Canvas as a tool for monitoring student progress toward mastery.
Agenda:
Welcome & Opening (20 min)
• Greeting and purpose of the day
• Quick team check-in
• Review meeting goals
2. Review of Curriculum Maps (1 hr)
• Walk through curriculum maps by course/content area
• Meet with content areas to review NGSS standards
• Identify priority standards across content areas
• Whole group discussion and consensus-building
3. Standards & CFA Focus (1 hr 15 min)
• Select standards to assess with CFAs
• Discuss assessment types
• Breakout by content area to decide specific CFA targets Break (15 min)
4. Science Workshop Collaboration – Question Bank Creation (1 hr 30 min)
• Use Science Workshop material to develop question banks
• Focus on rigor and NGSS alignment
• Cross-check for balance and depth of questions Lunch (30–45 min)
5. CFA Development by Content Area (1 hr 30 min)
• Teams create at least one CFA for their content area
• Ensure alignment with curriculum maps and chosen standards
• Build drafts collaboratively in shared docs/forms (Canvas) Break (15 min)
6. Sharing & Feedback (50 min)
• Each content team presents CFA draft
• Peer feedback and suggested revisions
• Discussion on consistency and common grading expectations
7. Next Steps & Action Items (20 min)
• Assign responsibilities for CFA refinement
• Set timeline for piloting CFAs
• Plan follow-up PLC work
8. Closing & Reflection (20 min)
• Group reflection on progress made
• Final thoughts/questions
• Confirm next PLC meeting
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Wednesday October 29, 2025 9:30am - 3:00pm PDT
Terra Cotta Middle School - Room #102
 
Thursday, November 6
 

8:00am PST

CAST Calibration & Intervention Planning Days ~ 6th Grade Science Teachers
Join us for a grade-level specific pull-out session dedicated to deepening our collaborative assessment practices. During this session, teachers will:
  • Calibrate on open-ended questions from the CAST Interim Assessments
  • Score student work together to ensure consistency and reliability
  • Examine data trends across classrooms and grade levels
  • Identify key areas of student need
  • Develop targeted intervention strategies to address those needs
Each grade level (6th, 7th, 8th, and high school) will meet on its own designated day, creating space for focused collaboration around the student work and standards most relevant to that group.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
 
Monday, November 17
 

8:00am PST

CAST Calibration & Intervention Planning Days ~ 7th Grade Science Teachers
Monday November 17, 2025 8:00am - 2:30pm PST
Join us for a grade-level specific pull-out session dedicated to deepening our collaborative assessment practices. During this session, teachers will:
  • Calibrate on open-ended questions from the CAST Interim Assessments
  • Score student work together to ensure consistency and reliability
  • Examine data trends across classrooms and grade levels
  • Identify key areas of student need
  • Develop targeted intervention strategies to address those needs
Each grade level (6th, 7th, 8th, and high school) will meet on its own designated day, creating space for focused collaboration around the student work and standards most relevant to that group.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Monday November 17, 2025 8:00am - 2:30pm PST
DO - ISS Collaborative Space (Backside of Building C)
 
Thursday, November 20
 

8:00am PST

CAST Calibration & Intervention Planning Days ~ 8th Grade Science Teachers
Join us for a grade-level specific pull-out session dedicated to deepening our collaborative assessment practices. During this session, teachers will:
  • Calibrate on open-ended questions from the CAST Interim Assessments
  • Score student work together to ensure consistency and reliability
  • Examine data trends across classrooms and grade levels
  • Identify key areas of student need
  • Develop targeted intervention strategies to address those needs
Each grade level (6th, 7th, 8th, and high school) will meet on its own designated day, creating space for focused collaboration around the student work and standards most relevant to that group.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
 
Wednesday, January 28
 

5:00pm PST

District Science Fair
Wednesday January 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PST
Wednesday January 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PST
 
Tuesday, April 7
 

8:00am PDT

CAST IA Data Deep Dive (15 Subs needed)
Join us for a collaborative session focused on exploring and learning from our CAST Interim Assessment (IA) data. During this session, teachers will recalibrate on the CAST IA administered in the fall, score their student assessments together, and compare pre- and post-assessment results to examine student growth. We’ll analyze the data to see what progress occurred between administrations, then share the intervention strategies used between the two assessments and discuss what seemed to make the biggest difference for students.This will be a great opportunity to learn from one another, gather new ideas, and gain insight into how CAST IA data can inform instruction and future planning. Teachers will leave with a clearer understanding of how these assessments can help highlight student thinking and guide instructional decisions.Important:
  • Please administer the same CAST IA you gave in the fall prior to the March 26 meeting so we can analyze both pre- and post-assessment data.
  • If you did not attend the fall pull-out day, you are still welcome to participate. You will simply need to administer the appropriate CAST IA before the meeting. Please reach out to me directly and I will provide the specific IA for your grade level.
This session is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade science teachers who are interested in digging into their data and collaborating with colleagues.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith

Science Instructional Specialist, LEUSD - ISS
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
 

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