Counteract the Summer Slide - Become a More Proficient Galileo User

We are all familiar with the concept of summer slide in terms of regression of student skills during summer break. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education has a series of blog posts* regarding this topic as well as student resource suggestions such as NGA Kids** (National Gallery of Art) or a summer reading list offered from Study.com***. In this blog, we are going to turn the tables and look at it in the perspective of an educator. We will apply the concept of summer slide to educators and what can be done over the summer to become a more proficiency user of Galileo K-12 technology.

As summer time begins and you start planning, ask yourself some questions before you get started: How much time will you dedicate to this? What resources will you need? Do you have appropriate access or will you need specialized access? Are there continuing education credits available? 

Once you have set some goals, do little research to figure out what resources are available and how to begin exploring them in Galileo. A few resources that might help in your journey to becoming a more proficient user follows:  

• ATI Professional Development Help Files: This will likely be your best resource as a user. The Galileo interface includes a direct link to Help Files (knowledge base) with step-by-step instructions that guide users through a variety of tasks, as well as links to pre-recorded video tutorials, quick reference guides, and user manuals.
• Learning on Demand:  Learning on Demand sessions are webinars that guide educators in becoming proficient users of Galileo K-12 technology with the goal of enhancing student learning. The sessions are scheduled throughout the year, and a library of recorded sessions are available on a variety of topics to listen to at your convenience. The sessions can be found in the Help Files. Continuing professional development credit is offered for those who register and participate in the live session. 
• ATI YouTube page: Galileo Tours and Did You Know videos series offer insight into the tools and capabilities of Galileo K-12. The videos dig deeper into the technology in a step-by-step format.
• ATI Support web page: Technical support documentation offers guidelines to ensure a successful year of implementing Galileo. We highly recommend you frequent the System Requirements/Security page to ensure that your online testing plans are in sync with the system requirements and security recommendations. 
• ATI web page: The ATI website offers materials that give a general overview and highlight specific features available in Galileo. Check out the Resources/Publications page where videos, FAQs, research briefs, and white papers can be found offering an in depth understanding the possibilities found in Galileo K-12. 

As you start to explore these resources and dig deeper into the knowledge base materials, we trust that they will ultimately better equip you to help your students and fulfill your educational goals. But don’t forget to enjoy your respite from the classroom. 

* Amatucci, D. (2014, March 4). Stopping the Summer Slide [Blog post]. https://blog.ed.gov/2014/03/stopping-the-summer-slide/
** National Gallery of Art (2018). National Kids Art Zone. https://www.nga.gov/education/kids.html
*** Johnson, A. (2017, July). Why is Summer Reading so Important for Kid’s Success [Blog post]? https://study.com/blog/why-is-summer-reading-so-important-for-kids-success.html 

Proactive Professional Development - Upcoming Learning on Demand

The Galileo Online professional development program includes a variety of topics designed to prepare all users to take full advantage of all that Galileo technology has to offer. We know that flexibility is important, so our professional development team provides a variety of training options. These include on-site large-group professional development sessions at District provided computer labs as well as web-based training through small-group live and recorded webinars, Learning on Demand sessions, pre- and recorded video tutorials, and quick reference guides accessed through the Help Files. 

One of the most popular resources is the complimentary Learning on Demand webinar and video series. Several Learning on Demand sessions are approaching for both K-12 and Pre-K users. Register on the "Upcoming" tab to take full advantage of these offerings. Each session is offered first as a live webinar and then as a recording of the webinar available through the Galileo Help Files. Sessions focus on a single topic related to the basics of Galileo. With live demonstrations and interaction from ATI's professional development team, this is a great opportunity to increase your proficiency as a Galileo user.

UPCOMING LIVE SESSIONS

• K-12: Interpreting Student Growth and Achievement Data Across Pre/Post Assessment Data, Wednesday, May 1
• K-12: Completing the Assessment Planner, Tuesday, June 11
• Pre-K: The Galileo Pre-K Parent Center, May 15
• Pre-K: Agency-Created Custom Child Forms, June 18

Register on the "Upcoming" tab.

For more information contact us at 1.800.367.4762 or by emailing us at GalileoInfo@ati-online.com. Thank you for your ongoing interest in Galileo!

ATI On-Site Professional Development and Consultation with Time-Limited Promotional Pricing

Let's work together to design on-site professional development and consultation tailored to meet your needs and those of your teachers and administrative staff.  ATI’s NEW On-Site Professional Development (PD) sessions include options for both K-12 and Pre-K Galileo users. Our experienced ATI PD team will work together with you to determine the specific needs your school, district, or program may have and will ensure the individualized sessions support your educational goals. eMail the Professional Development team today.  

K-12 On-Site PD and Consultation Series: 3 Full-Day Sessions
The customized on-site series consists of 3 full-day sessions tailored to your specifications. Topics may include:

• Getting New Teachers Ready for Using Galileo
• Grouping Students for differentiation and Intervention Purposes
• Utilizing Educational Resources Available in Galileo Such as Instructional Dialogs, KHAN ACADEMY®, LearnZillion, and EngageNY
• Creating Formative Tests for Use in Classrooms and Interventions
• Creating District or School Item Banks
• Integrating Existing Curriculum Content into Galileo, Developing New Curriculum Content, and Modifying Curriculums as Needed
• Aggregating, Disaggregating, and Extracting Data for Progress Monitoring and for Reporting Purposes

Promotional pricing for the on-site PD and Consultation series is available until June 1st.
Learn more and schedule K-12 on-site PD with the Professional Development team


Pre-K On-Site PD and Consultation Offerings
Several sessions are designed to address the fidelity of Pre-K implementation, school readiness, assessment, curriculum, and reporting needs. Some of the sessions are:

• Assessment & Curriculum Fidelity
• Data Exploration with the Experts
• School Readiness: Preparing Children for Kinder
• Encouraging and Documenting Children’s Growth and Progress
• Empowering Children as Learners and Parents as Partners
• Linking Assessment and Curriculum with Galileo
• Fundamentals of Galileo Online, Merlin, and Online Curriculum
• Inter-rater Reliability Offerings: Model 1 Best Practices and Model 2 Unpacking Galileo G3 Scales

Promotional pricing for the on-site PD and consultation series is available until June 1st.
Learn more and schedule Pre-K on-site PD with the Professional Development team.

eMail the Professional Development team today. 

ATI Releases Learning on Demand Schedule

ATI offers comprehensive, customized professional development and training provided by a team of experienced trainers well-versed in both educational theory and practice. Professional Development options address all aspects of Galileo Online implementation and management. We understand flexibility is important and that is why we offer multiple ways to become proficient users. We are excited to announce that the Learning on Demand fall schedule is now released. Take a look at the offerings and register today.

Learning on Demand
Offered throughout the year, at multiple times and on multiple days, these complimentary webinar sessions focus on a single component within one of the three main PD topic areas. Once recorded, they are available on demand in the Online Help Files.
New fall schedule:  K-12 Learning on Demand  or  Pre-K Learning on Demand.

On-site Professional Development
These offerings are grouped into three main topic areas (integrated assessment, curriculum, and instructional effectiveness). Offerings in each can be configured to meet the unique needs of your district or charter school. Sessions offer innovative and practical solutions sensitive to the everyday challenges faced by educators.


Small Group Webinars
Live, customized webinar trainings reflective of individual districts’ needs. These complimentary, small group webinar trainings generally focus on a single component within main topic area.

For more information about our professional development offerings contact the ATI Professional Development Department. 

Galileo® Pre-K Online: Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool

Galileo Pre-K Online provides early childhood educators a complete curriculum, fully integrated into an assessment and reporting system that links curriculum, assessment, planning, individualization, and program outcomes. Galileo provides a data-driven, research-based, and standards-aligned approach to providing developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for infants, toddlers, and children ages 3 through 5.

An integrated assessment and curriculum system such as Galileo Pre-K is most effective in promoting children’s learning when implementation is consistent, managed and monitored. Fidelity of implementation occurs when programs use the Galileo Pre-K Online system in the way that ATI designed it to be used. To assist programs in evaluating the fidelity of implementation, ATI has created the Galileo Pre-K Online: Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool. Through monitoring efforts and observational data collected with the Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool, appropriate use of Galileo Pre-K can be verified. The Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool is divided into four focus areas: monitoring Galileo use, the physical classroom environment, professional practices, and management and instruction.  Each focus area is made up of guiding questions to assist the administrator in monitoring implementation and includes a Specific Examples/Notes section for documenting evidence, data sources, and special comments or notes. The administrator utilizing the Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool can identify areas where support, feedback, training and professional development can further continuous improvement.

Learn more about this tool by attending the Assessment and Curriculum Fidelity Tool Learning on Demand Webinar.

Date:  Wednesday, July 12

Time: 1:00-1:30 pm EDT / 10:00-10:30 am MST

To register for the session contact ATI’s Professional Development Department at 1-800-367-4762 or register by clicking the Upcoming Tab.

ATI Professional Development Offerings and New Spring Learning on Demand Schedule

“I loved this course. I feel so much more confidant because of it. I must say all the trainings I have done on Galileo have been excellent. Not only are they of high quality but largely free of charge or at very small cost. Thank you for all the help you have given us,” says Dr. Chrissy Lindsley, Educational Coordinator, Clay Center, KS.

ATI offers a comprehensive, customized Professional Development (PD) and training program which is complimented by our variety of online resources. The trainings are provided by our PD staff who come to you direct from the classroom and are well-versed in both educational theory and practice. In addition to degrees in education, they have substantial educational experience and are sensitive to the needs and challenges facing today’s educators.

Learning on Demand (LOD) webinar sessions are part of the comprehensive ATI PD offerings and are provided at no cost. The spring schedule of Pre-K and K-12 LOD sessions is now available for registration (click the “Upcoming” tab in the Training Center). LOD webinar sessions are offered at multiple times and on multiple days throughout the year. Once recorded, the sessions are available on demand in the Galileo system. 


Register today for a Learning on Demand spring webinar session:
K-12 spring schedule 
Pre-K spring schedule

Access the recorded sessions:
K-12 Learning on Demand webinar recordings
Pre-K Learning on Demand webinar recordings

If you need assistance or would like further information on training offerings, contact ATI’s Professional Development Department at 800.367.4762 or e-mail ProfessionalDevelopment@ati-online.com.

Galileo Pre-K Online: Linking Planning, Individualization, and Program Enhancements

ATI spent last week in Nashville at one of the largest conferences designed specifically for early childhood educators, the NHSA Annual Conference. We were thrilled to connect with so many preschool educators, researchers, and teachers at the conference. In case we missed speaking with you at the conference, we wanted to share what so many people were excited to hear about. 

Galileo Pre-K Online, is a research-based assessment, curriculum, and reporting system reflecting early childhood state standards, school readiness goals, and the Head Start Child Development and Learning Framework. It’s a complete system linking planning, individualization, and program enhancements. Here’s a snap shot of some of the features and services offered through Galileo Pre-K Online:

Galileo G3 Alignment with Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework 
The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework: Ages Birth to Five outlines and describes the skills and behaviors that programs should foster in all children, including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. ATI has completed an analysis of the most recent framework and developed a document illustrating the alignment of the Galileo G3 scales with the framework. The Galileo G3 scales are included in Galileo Pre-K Online. We appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting Head Start partner programs offering stimulating learning experiences for young children and preparing them to be ready for school. 

Outcomes Analysis Report 
The Outcomes Analysis Report was designed specifically to address the needs of Head Start programs. This report allows programs to analyze progressive data for one or several of the Galileo G3 assessment scales over multiple time periods in one report. The report may include aggregated and disaggregated data for an entire program, center, class or at the individual child level. 

Galileo School Readiness Scales 
Share child development goals and progress with families of program participants more easily with updated Galileo School Readiness Scales available in both English and Spanish. Galileo School Readiness Scales are reporting tools that provide reliable assessment of children’s development to inform educational decision-making. 

Learning on Demand Professional Development Sessions 
All Galileo users can take part in free, online Learning on Demand professional development sessions. New sessions are regularly added and cover a wide range of subjects. Recent topics include “Are Your Children Ready for School?” and “Galileo Parental Toolkit for Spanish-Speaking Parents.” Whether you are new to Galileo or you have been using Galileo for years, you are sure to benefit from these short, online training sessions. Plus, if you can’t attend the live session, Learning on Demand sessions are recorded and can be accessed easily from the Galileo Help files.

If you didn’t make it to the Conference, give us a call and we can chat about how Galileo Pre-K Online might be just the right fit for your preschool. Call one of our friendly Field Services Coordinators at 1.877.358.7611 or email us at GalileoInfo@ati-online.com. Let’s chat today.

Galileo Reporting

The reports found in Galileo provide a wealth of information. Teachers, administrators, and specialists can obtain actionable, real-time data on student learning with Galileo. Reliable and valid assessment results from district-wide benchmark, instructional effectiveness pretests and posttests, end-of-course, computer adaptive, formative, and an array of other Galileo assessments are rapidly available. Report data details student mastery of standards, next steps in the design of instruction to promote learning with continuous tracking of student progress, and forecasting of student performance throughout the year.  

Educators can easily access a variety of reports and act on data that is available from the Galileo Dashboards. Dashboards provide a single location from which to view and interact with curriculum, assessment, and actionable assessment results. This data can quickly inform differentiated instruction decision-making for individual students, classes, and tiered intervention groups based on their skill mastery, standards mastery, and/or pattern of progress.  

To learn more about various reports in Galileo, register for complimentary ATI Professional Development Learning on Demand (LOD) sessions. This month we will be featuring two sessions on commonly used reports, the Test Monitoring Report and the Item Analysis Report. To register for these sessions, click here or contact the ATI Professional Development team directly at ProfessionalDevelopment@ati-online.com.

Test Monitoring 
Date: Wednesday, February 3 
Time: 5:00-5:45 pm EST 
Audience: Teachers and Test Administrators responsible for monitoring students during online test administration 
Description: This session walks participants through accessing and interpreting the new Test Monitoring Report. In addition to detailing how the report may be used during and after testing, the session will highlight the page’s new capabilities, such as displaying TE (technology enhanced) items and linking to the Score Test page.

Interpreting Item Analysis Data 
Date: Wednesday, February 17 
Time: 4:30-5:15 pm EST 
Audience: Educators interested in analysis of student performance on an assessment by standard and item 
Description: This session walks participants through accessing and interpreting the Item Analysis Report views.

View the full schedule of Learning on Demand sessions.

Counteracting the Summer Slide

Most readers will be familiar with the concept of summer slide in terms of regression of student skills during summer break. In fact, the U.S. Department of Education has a series of blog posts* regarding this topic as well as student resource suggestions from Edutopia**. But let’s turn this around and look at how we can apply this concept to teachers and administrators. Although we will be specifically looking at this in terms of gaining proficiency with Galileo K-12 Online, this could apply to other educational technology.

Ask yourself some questions before you get started: On which system(s) will you focus? How much time will you dedicate to this? What resources will you need? Do you have appropriate access or will you need specialized access to these systems? Are there continuing education credits available? 

Once you have set some goals, you can do a little research to help figure out what resources these systems offer and how to begin your work. In the case of Assessment Technology Incorporated (ATI) Galileo K-12 Online, here are some suggestions: 

• Public web page: ATI offers materials that give a general overview and highlight specific features available in Galileo. There are also videos that offer user-friendly explanations of Galileo features. In addition, there are case studies that highlight how other districts/charters have implemented Galileo along with discussion of their successes and best practices. Lastly, there is a treasure trove of information to be mined from our research documents (e.g., technical documents, research documents, white papers, and FAQs).  
• Support web page: Technical support documentation can sometimes overlap Professional Development (PD) information. ATI offers documentation of system requirements and general use/optimization of Galileo. You can also familiarize yourself with the various support options should you need them in the future. 
• ATI Professional Development Forum: This will likely be your best resource as a user. In the Galileo Professional Development Forum, you can access: quick reference guides on specific features/reports, short videos on how to use Galileo, and previously recorded Learning on Demand sessions that go into more depth on a variety of topics (more on this later). 
• ATI Field Services Coordinator or Professional Development team: Contact ATI’s friendly Field Services Coordinators or PD team so that they can share their wealth of knowledge and experience. Perhaps they can point you to information you seek.
• Learning on Demand: The ATI Professional Development Department offers live online Learning on Demand sessions to assist educators in becoming proficient users of Galileo K-12 Online technology with the goal of enhancing student learning. The sessions occur throughout the year as often as 4 to 5 times per month.  The topics change throughout the year so be sure to check back regularly. Continuing professional development credit is offered for those who register and participate in the live session. The content is also recorded and available for later viewing in the Professional Development Forum. 
• Seminars and conferences: In partnership with various school districts, ATI hosts a number of regional/statewide seminars covering various topics relevant to the educational community. We also participate in a number of conferences and often host discussions/presentations during the conferences. Check our Events page for the latest schedule. 

Hopefully, as you learn more about the systems your district/charter has opted to use, you will be more proficient and ultimately be better equipped to help your students and fulfill your goals. But don’t forget to enjoy your respite from the classroom because fall will be approaching all too soon! 

Baron Reyna
ATI Field Services Coordinator

* Jasper, C. (n.d.) Become an “Education Coach” and Keep the Summer Slide at Bay All Season [Blog post]. Retrieved from: http://www.ed.gov/blog/tag/summer-slide/

** Davis, M. (2013, June 4). Resources to Prevent Summer Slide: Virtual Field Trips, DIY Projects and Summer Reading [Blog post]. Retrieved from  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/resources-prevent-summer-slide-matt-davis

Year-End Review and Preparing for the New School Year

As the end of the school year approaches, it is time for district and charter school administrators to reflect on the past school year and begin planning for the approaching year. To help K-12 school districts with this process, ATI recently hosted a Learning on Demand session titled Year-End Review and Preparing for the New School Year. Topics of this session included:

• Reviewing the past year’s goals for Galileo-use and acknowledging successes and challenges. Special emphasis is placed on highlighting successes and the making of action plans to address challenges.
• Exploring ATI innovations and how these tie into new district initiatives.
• The planning process for next year including determining the testing calendar, the data importation schedule, and desired professional development.

If you missed the webinar, the session was recorded and is now available on demand from the Professional Development Forum.  If not already a Forum user, learn how to gain access to the Professional Development Forum by contacting ProfessionalDevelopment@ati-online.com.