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From the Desk of Anne Schiano, Assistant Director

February 21, 2007

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On February 13, 2007, the State Board of Regents and State Education Commissioner Richard Mills announced the appointment of three distinguished individuals to key positions in the State Education Department:

NYSED Curriculum Update: Presentations for NYS Audiences
Do your teachers and/or administrators need a NYSED update presentation on initiatives relating to the New York State learning standards, core curriculum, or instructional technologies? If yes, and you have an audience of 75 or more individuals who would like to speak with a member(s) of our Curriculum, Instruction and Instructional Technology (CIIT) Team, please contact Christina Pepe, Administrative Assistant, with your requests at cpepe@mail.nysed.gov. We will try our best to work out a face-to-face or video conference to meet your needs.

The State Education Department (SED) encourages teachers, administrators and professionals to become involved in the development of a variety of curriculum materials and resources related to the seven learning standard areas. In an effort to maintain up-to-date contact information and to allow you to select projects and committees that best fit your interest and expertise, task-specific Call for Expertise opportunities are now available on the Call for Expertise website. For more information or to view a current list of these opportunities, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/call.htm.

NYSED invites you to attend the New York State Governor's Dr. King Leadership Symposium, Pathways to Peace, on April 26, 2007. Schools are also encouraged to participate in an essay competition culminating in the presentation of a peace pole at the event. Please see the attached Save the Date card (PDF document) for additional information. Further details, including materials on registration and the competition will be forthcoming.

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NYSED has awarded 66 statewide Learning Technology Grant Projects. The purpose of the Learning Technology Grant (LTG) program is to improve student academic performance in relation to the New York State learning standards with a particular focus on mathematics and science Pre-K-12 and English language arts including early literacy through the integration of educational technology in classroom activities. The full list of grant winners announced for January 2007 can be viewed at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/InstrTech/ltgwinners2006_09.html.

Office of Innovation and Improvement
The 2007 grant competition for the Voluntary Public School Choice (VPSC) program is now underway and is scheduled to close on April 2, 2007. Copies of the application package may be obtained by visiting http://www.grants.gov. VPSC supports efforts to establish or expand intra-district, inter-district, and open enrollment public school choice programs to provide parents, particularly parents whose children attend low-performing public schools, with expanded education options. Grant funds support: planning and implementation costs associated with new programs; tuition transfer payments to public schools that students choose to attend; and efforts to strengthen the capacity and quality of schools to meet the demand for choice and provide equitable access to such programs. For more information on VPSC, visit http://www.ed.gov/programs/choice/index.html.

State funds in the amount of $5 million are available from the State Education Department (SED) for grants to colleges and universities in New York State for the costs of providing college or university-based summer training for teachers necessary to implement rigorous pre-engineering curricula in the middle and high school levels. New York State college or university applicants must partner with public school district(s), charter school(s) and /or nonpublic schools and serve teachers that are or will be implementing rigorous pre-engineering programs at the middle and high school levels. Consortiums of colleges and universities may not apply. Deadline for applications is March 12, 2007. To view the RFP and read frequent grant application Q&A, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/funding/currentapps.htm.

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2007 Summer Workshop Schedule
The Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is pleased to announce its 2007 Summer Workshop Schedule, which can be found at http://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/Schedule.asp. Regional workshops will be held in 22 cities across the United States to provide free high-quality professional development opportunities for teachers. Prominent educators will share best practices in all grade levels and content areas. This year’s co-hosts include the National Park Service, NASA, Microsoft, Siemens, EMC, AMD, Symantec, University of Nevada, Motorola, General Motors, and Target.

Teacher Updates

Teachers may receive electronic updates from the Department by signing up for Teacher Updates. These e-bytes address topics such as federal education policy, provide links to classroom teaching and learning resources, and share information about nominations for American Stars, workshops, and eLearning. For more information, please visit https://www.t2tweb.us/Updates/About.asp.

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English Language Arts Core Curriculum (2005)
The revised English Language Arts Core Curriculum 2005 provides grade-by-grade delineation of the performance indicators: what students should know, and be able to do, in Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, as a result of skilled instruction. The four ELA learning standards approved by the Board of Regents in 1996 remain the same. The 2005 Core Curriculum also features a literacy strand, Pre-kindergarten through Grade 8. To view the 2005 Core Curriculum, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/cores.htm.

WRITING NEXT
The Alliance for Excellent Education has published a new report, Writing Next, that "trumpets writing as an important component to literacy instruction ... a predictor of academic success... and a basic requirement for participation in civic life and the global economy." The report in its entirety is available at http://www.all4ed.org/publications/WritingNext/index.html.

American Stars of Teaching
Each year, the U.S. Department of Education honors one outstanding classroom teacher from each state and the District of Columbia. Nominations are accepted from mid-January to early-April and the American Star recipients are announced the following fall. Nominations will be accepted through April 1, 2007. View previous recipients or nominate a teacher for the award at http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html.

Teachers’ Choices List of Titles
Since 1989, the Teachers’ Choices project of the International Reading Association has developed an annual annotated reading list of new books that will encourage young people to read. These are books that kids will enjoy-and that contribute to learning across the curriculum. For more information, please visit
http://www.reading.org/resources/tools/choices_teachers.html.

Children’s Choices List of Titles
This is a booklist with a twist: Children themselves evaluate the books, and provide reviews of their favorites. Since 1974, Children’s Choices have been a trusted source of book recommendations used by teachers, librarians, parents-and children themselves. For more information, please visit
http://www.reading.org/resources/tools/choices_childrens.html.

U.S. Department of Education products
ED Pubs Online Ordering System is a source for Department of Education Publications. This system is intended to help you identify and order U.S. Department of Education products. All publications are provided at no cost to the general public by the U.S. Department of Education. Please use the searching options to identify the specific products you are seeking, such as Helping Your Child Become A Reader, Put Reading First, and A Child Becomes A Reader http://www.edpubs.org/webstore/content/search.asp.

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Mathematics Core Curriculum (2005)
The Mathematics Core Curriculum approved by the Board of Regents Pre-kindergarten through commencement level (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/cores.htm) provides grade specific performance indicators for the content and process bands and strands. This information is available through the NYSED Virtual Learning System at www.nysvls.org.

NYS Mathematics Resource Center
The NYS Mathematics Resource Center, in coordination with the BOCES district superintendents, the superintendents of the Big 4, and NYC School Improvement Team has conducted a statewide survey to assess the professional development needs of district personnel and teachers of mathematics. There was a return rate of 75% on this survey the results of which are currently being analyzed. A complete report along with a plan for building regional mathematics leadership teams will be posted on the NYSED Mathematics website when they become available. Click here for a briefing on the Mathematics Resource Center.

Regulatory Changes Related to Commencement Level Mathematics Requirements Approved
At its May 22-23, 2006 meeting, the Board of Regents approved changes to Sections 100.5 (a)(3)(iv), 100.5 (a)(5)(b)(2), 100.5 (b)(iv)(c), 100.5 (b)(v)(a), and 100.5 (b)(x) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The action clarifies policy changes for commencement level mathematics, including graduation requirements, units of credit, and types of diplomas, during and after the transition from Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B to Regents Examinations in Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. These changes are effective June 15, 2006 and will primarily affect students who first enter grade 9 in September of 2008.
View the chart that summarizes the changes.
View the revised regulatory language and related policy statements.

Rulers and Protractors for the Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests

Rulers and Protractors for the Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests For the 2007 Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests, the Department will provide plastic versions of rulers and protractors. For current information about the above go to: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/rulersandprotractors.pdf/

Charging Students for Calculators
Clarification regarding the responsibility of school districts to provide students with calculators is available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/mgtserv/charging_for_calculators.shtml.

Guidance for Calculator Use in the Classroom and on State Assessments in Mathematics
This chart summarizes the policy decisions made regarding the use of calculators in classrooms and on State Assessment in Mathematics. Integration of technology into the classroom is a powerful student motivator. The usage of calculators helps students visualize concepts and ideas. To view, go to http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/CalcChart.html.

PreK-8 and Commencement Mathematics Toolkits
The PreK-8 and Commencement Toolkits are available on the CIIT Mathematics homepage, and are also posted on the NYSED Virtual Learning System. The Toolkits include updates to the Glossary, Crosswalks between the 1999 and 2005 Curricula, Sample Tasks, Instructional Recommendations, Templates for the Analysis of Mathematics Programs, Alignment Guides, and other helpful resources. Please visit,
PreK-8: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/guidancepk8.htm
Commencement: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/guidance912.htm

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The National Youth Science Camp application deadline has been extended until February 28, 2007. The National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) http://www.nysc.org offers a fantastic opportunity for graduating seniors who intend to pursue an education and profession oriented toward science, mathematics, engineering, or medicine. Feedback from past attendees has been very positive and speaks very highly as to the rewards reaped by attending the camp. The NYSC is a residential science education program that honors and challenges the two most promising high school science students from each state. Applications are due by February 28, 2007. More information and applications may be found at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/science/natyouth.html.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide which includes information related to safety in the high school chemistry laboratory is available on-line. The NIOSH Publication No. 2007-107: School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide, November 2006 may be accessed at http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/NIOSH2007107.pdf.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that free tree seedlings are available to schools across the State for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program. The program provides tree seedlings or a mixed packet of wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate in the program and to plant the seedlings on school grounds or other community space. This program provides schools an opportunity to apply the interconnections between the K-12 NYS Learning Standards in science and real-world applications and experiences that enhance the environment in respective communities. To participate, schools should contact DEC’s Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 587-1120 or (518) 581-1439, starting January 2, 2007, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office and request a “School Seedling Program” brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order. All orders must be received at the nursery by March 31, 2007. For more information please visit http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/press/pressrel/2006/200603.html.

The New York State Education Department, in partnership with the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), is implementing a multi-year science education systemic change initiative – New York Enhancing Collaborative Leadership for Improved Performance in Science Education (NY ECLIPSE) – that will build leadership teams within local school districts. This initiative provides research-based products and services to assist New York State school districts in initiating, implementing, and sustaining effective inquiry-centered pre-kindergarten through grade twelve science programs for all students. NY ECLIPSE is based on the NSRC’s program, Leadership and Assistance for Science Education Reform, which is a nationally renowned professional development model that provides a comprehensive approach to district-wide systemic change in science education. The NY ECLIPSE initiative targets “renewal” efforts in each of the State’s large urban school districts including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Yonkers and New York City. In addition, the initiative targets leadership teams from Capital Region BOCES, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES, Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, and Western Suffolk BOCES. Click here for a briefing on the ECLIPSE initiative.

National Science Olympiad
The New York State Education Department, in cooperation with the National Science Olympiad and the New York State Science Olympiad, invites your students to participate in a Statewide Science Olympiad competition. Teams of students from public and nonpublic middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools are eligible for participation in this event. This New York Statewide Olympiad will consist of academic, interscholastic competitions between individuals and between teams. Registered students would prepare during the year for scheduled regional, state, and possibly national competitions. Competitions follow the formats of popular board games, Olympic games, and TV shows. These challenging and motivational events are well balanced among the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, and technology. There is also a balance between events requiring knowledge of science content, concepts, processes, skills, and applications. Competitive teams will be made up of students from grades 6-9 and from grades 9-12. Additional information and registration forms may be found at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/Olympiad.htm.

Presidential Awards for Mathematics and Science
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) identifies outstanding teachers in mathematics and science at the national level. In 2007, teachers of grades 7-12 will be eligible for this award. New York State is looking for nominations for outstanding mathematics and science teachers who bring state and national standards to life in their classrooms, spark students’ imaginations, have a belief that all students can learn, engage students, and have an overall passion for teaching and learning. If you know of a teacher you feel qualifies for this prestigious honor, visit our website at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/science/presawardsci.htm and click on “Presidential Awards” to find out how to nominate them. Nominees must submit their applications by May 1, 2007 to be considered.

Conserving New York State’s Biodiversity is a new, 100-page, full-color book offering a remarkable glimpse into the vast array of life and beauty in New York State and to help improve the understanding of the state’s biodiversity and to identify both challenges and solutions to protect it. Included are the birds we see at our backyard feeders, giant salamanders that quietly eat crayfish, “bottomless” lakes, alpine tundra, forests that need fire to survive, and much, much more. Access additional information from the NYS Biodiversity Research Institute website: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/bri/index.html . To order a free copy, email BRI@mail.nysed.gov.

TE-MAT Teacher Education Materials for Mathematics and Science Professional Development Providers
http://www.te-mat.org/
TE-MAT is an on line database of reviews of materials for K-12 Mathematics and Science to support professional development providers as they design and implement programs for pre-service and in-service mathematics and science teachers. TE-MAT was originally funded as an NSF grant to Horizon Research. NSTA and AMTE will continue to provide resources to the database in the future. This site includes a Conceptual Framework section (http://www.te-mat.org/conceptual-framework.aspx) that highlights key elements critical to the design and implementation of effective professional development programs, with numerous links to relevant reviews of materials and practitioner essays. The Reviews of Materials section (http://www.te-mat.org/overview-reviews.aspx) is a searchable collection of reviews intended to help K-12 mathematics and science professional development providers more readily select materials appropriate for their program goals. Reviews may be browsed by purpose, subject/grade level, topic area, features, or author and title, using the navigation bar to the left.

Building a Presence (BaP) Points of Contact still needed in every school in NYS!
The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), with funding from the Exxon/Mobil Foundation instituted a national initiative to create a comprehensive communications and professional development network of science education advocates which is referred to as Building a Presence BaP. The objectives of the project are to create a state and national network for K-12 teachers of science to share resources about effective science teaching and learning, lessen science teacher isolation, help science teachers implement state and national science education standards in their schools, stimulate professional development opportunities for science teachers, and provide teachers with resources to help all students learn science. NYS is seeking a point of contact in each school to receive email announcements and to share them will colleagues. Please forward this information to teachers of science in your district and have interested teachers contact Nancy Ridenour at nvr1943@clarityconnect.com for further details.

Teacher Workshops at the New York State Museum
The Museum Education Institute at the New York State Museum was established in 2001 to support a community of professionals dedicated to improving education. The Institute provides practicing teachers with opportunities to participate in the research process with access to current research information, and to interact with Museum research and collections staff. The Institute aids in the accomplishment of the Museum’s mission by fostering working relationships between teachers and researchers in the fields of geology, biology, anthropology and history. For more information about upcoming teacher workshops, please visit http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/education/teacher/workshops.html.

New Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics
The 2006 edition of the Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics is an updated edition of the 2002 edition of the Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics and replaces all previously released editions. New Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics, 2006 Edition have been sent to school districts. Upon receipt of the new edition, please discard any 2002 Editions and use the 2006 Editions exclusively. The 2006 Edition of the Physical Setting/Physics Reference Tables is similar in layout and content to the 2002 Edition. A memorandum that includes the specific modifications made to the reference tables, as well as the Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics 2006 Edition, are available online and may be accessed or downloaded at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/osa/scire/reftable.html.

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The New York State Archives' Student Research Awards
Three awards (grades 4-5, 6-8, and 9-12) will be presented in Fall 2007. All entrants must use historical records, which include photographs, letters, diaries, maps, broadsides/posters, deeds, and more. An official entry form must accompany each entry. Categories include: computer-based projects, exhibits, documentaries, performances, proposals for a historical marker, and research papers. The deadline is June 1, 2007. For official guidelines and entry forms, please visit http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/grantsawards/ga_student_sraguidelines.shtml.

Online Survey for All Social Studies Rating Guides (Now Through Spring 2007)

The social studies unit of the Office of State Assessment is asking you to help by providing feedback on how social studies rating guides are used and how they might be improved. The survey pertains to the rating guides for the Grades 5 and 8 Social Studies Tests, and the Regents Examinations in Global History and Geography and U.S. History and Government. The survey asks what parts of each rating guide are particularly helpful or perhaps not as helpful to teachers as they score each examination. It is NOT intended as a method of critiquing each individual rating guide or examination, but rather affords teachers and supervisors the opportunity to comment on what they like and do not like about these rating guides in general. This survey can be completed and submitted online at http://www.forms.nysed.gov/emsc/osa/exameval/ssratingguides.htm.

NYSCSS / NYS4A 68th Annual Conference: March 21-24, 2007 in Rochester
"Social Studies: The Global Tapestry" is the theme of the 68th annual conference of the New York State Council for the Social Studies and the New York State Social Studies Supervisory Association. The conference will be held in Rochester, March 21- 24, 2007, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center and Hyatt Regency Hotel. For more information, please visit www.nyscss.org.

Write for the NYS Social Studies Regents Examinations: 2007 Dates
The item writer training for the United States History and Government Regents Examination will be held on Thursday-Friday, March 8-9, 2007 at the State Education Department in Albany. Preference will be given to people currently teaching. Participants' travel related expenses will be reimbursed in compliance with New York State travel regulations, and they will be paid an honorarium for the 2-day session. Participants attending these sessions must agree to accept an item writing assignment, and will be paid an honorarium for completing and submitting items. Download and print out an Item Writer Application form at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/osa/inform/informarch/itemwriterapp.html.

Social Studies Leaders’ Guide Survey Posted!
The Social Studies Leaders’ Guide is an online publication designed as a reference tool for school leaders and teachers of social studies. It is designed to provide essential information and resources to support standards based education programs to students of NYS schools Prekindergarten through Grade 12. It was posted in late February 2006 at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/leadersguide/ssintro.html. A survey has been added to provide NYSED feedback on this publication. Please take a few moments to review the Social Studies Leaders Guide and provide us feedback.

World Communities: What Is a Culture? Now Available Online
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/grade3/home.html
A new online teacher resource guide for grade 3 social studies includes is available and includes:
“What Is a Culture?” a short paper on studying cultures through anthropology; “Culture: A Geographical Perspective,” a short paper on studying cultures through geography; a Crosswalk connecting each article to the NYS Learning Standards for Social Studies and the Grade 3 Units and Understandings as outlined in Social Studies Instructional Strategies & Resources: Prekindergarten through Grade 6; tips on “How to Select World Communities,” along with planning templates for the world communities selected; a Glossary of terms found throughout the papers; a “Call for Content,” where teachers can submit grade 3 standards-based learning experiences (lessons plans, units, teaching strategies) for future posting on this resource.

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Charts that contain multi-year tallies of statewide student enrollments and teaching assignments in music and theatre education have been updated and posted. The Music Education Data chart covers approximately 30 years from 1975-76 until 2005-06. The Theatre Education Data chart includes information from 1999-2000 until 2005-06. Both are accessible at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/arts/musictheatredata.html.

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Physical Education Requirement
The State Education Department has issued a field memo dated January 2007, regarding Physical Education Programs in response to concerns that certain school districts may not be providing programs that lead to the attainment of NYS learning standards. This memo provides guidance for schools to better ascertain their compliance with Section 135.4 of the Commissioner's Regulations. School districts are encouraged to review the field memo to ensure that they are in compliance with the number of days per week and total minutes per week that are required for physical education at each grade level. The field memo and regulations may be accessed at www.fieldmemoPEjan07.pdf.

The New York State Physical Education Profile is a set of State-developed local assessments that may be used to provide evidence of the levels of student achievement for the physical education portion of the New York State learning standards for health, physical education, and family and consumer sciences (1996). This program is to be used at the discretion of local school districts to provide that evidence for physical education. Click here for a briefing on the NYS Physical Education Profile.

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The Office of Curriculum, Instruction, and Instructional Technology has launched its new website for Driver Education in New York State, at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/drive.html. This new site directs readers to information regarding the New York State Driver and Traffic Safety Education Guidelines, Driver Education Summer School Application Forms, News, Teacher Preparation and Accreditation information, and a helpful Q&A.

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New Website
The Middle Level Education initiative has a new website to post timely notices regarding middle level initiatives. For ongoing information, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mle/middle.html.

2006 Essential Elements: Schools-To-Watch: Models of Academic Excellence, Social Equity, Developmental Responsiveness, Organization and Structure
New York State has chosen its first cohort of Essential Elements Schools to Watch. Schools to Watch is a national recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. New York State has joined the Schools-To- Watch program and is one of 16 participating states. For more information, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mle/news/schools2watch.htm.

Essential Elements Schools-To-Watch (EE-STW) Application Available
Is your Middle Level Program a model of Academic Excellence, Developmental Responsiveness, Social Equity and Organization and Structure ? Can you show evidence of effective school programs that have put your middle level program on a trajectory for increased student achievement? Is your school a School-To-Watch? The updated application for the third cohort of EE-STW is available on the New York State Middle School Association Website located at www.nysmsa.org. Click on “Schools-To-Watch” on the blue bar. Applications are due the third week of October. Click here for a briefing on NYS Essential Elements Schools-To-Watch.

Professional Development Opportunity - Fifth Annual Middle Level Institute
The New York State Middle School Association will once again be offering a Middle Level Institute on June 25-26 at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, NY. Participants will select and participate in one of six instructional strands being offered by practitioner experts. Each session will provide participants with the tools needed to apply what is taught in practical ways. Instruction will include hands-on components with twenty-five or fewer individuals in each session. For more information please visit www.nysmsa.org.

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The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), has published a policy statement on global education. Formulated at their Annual Summer Institute in July 2006, the statement updates a version released in 1985. Five major challenges faced by education policymakers are examined. Strategies to address the challenges include defining 21st century global knowledge and skills and redefining graduation requirements to include a thorough understanding of global studies. The policy statement can be found in its full-text at:

Asia Society Presents: Chinese Language in the Schools
Asia Society is working with partners in the public and private sector to address the disparity between our need for more Chinese language programs in American schools and our current limited capacity. Find out more about schools that teach Chinese; sources of teachers; state certification and licensure; and links to other professional organizations at www.askasia.org/chinese/.

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New York State Alternate Assessment Administration Manual
The 2006-2007 New York State Alternate Assessment Administration Manual provides procedures for assessing the academic achievement of students with severe cognitive disabilities and for constructing a New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) datafolio of student performance. In response to a 2005-06 review of the New York State Testing Program by the United States Department of Education, NYSAA has been restructured effective 2006-07. Please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/alterassessment/manual/admin0607.pdf.

High School Examination Schedules
Additional schedules for May 2007 Component Retesting and August 2007 Regents Examinations can be found at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/osa/sched.html.

Important Dates Added to English Language Arts Timeline
The 2007 3-8 English Language Arts Important Dates are online, including the Testing Schedule for Administration of Tests and Makeup Testing (Updated January 24, 2007: More Dates Added) Please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/eladates-07.htm.

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NYS Education Department Virtual Learning System (VLS)
The NYSED VLS has been enhanced and expanded with interesting visuals and additional content and can be found at www.nysvls.org. Recent changes include updated home pages with added informational items. Thousands of lesson plans and instructional tasks are available by exploring the learning standards and performance indicators in the seven content areas. In response to several suggestions, a new VLS Resource Search has been implemented. A user can easily access VLS resources and related information with just a few mouse clicks (two-to-three). Additional search options continue to provide quick access to SED and GEM (Gateway to Educational Materials) resources. Click here for a briefing on the Virtual Learning System.

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Foreign Languages
Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition
The Center for Advanced Research on Language Acquisition offers lessons and classroom tasks for teachers of French,German, and Spanish. A virtual assessment center helps teachers develop proficiency-oriented instruction and performance measures. A database tells where in North
America students may study less commonly taught languages.
http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1842

English Language Arts
Language Arts and Literature: Peace Corps
The Peace Corps features lessons based on folk tales, poems, and letters from the experiences of Peace Corps volunteers. Examine writing techniques: vivid images, powerful descriptions, balanced sentences, parallelism, and more. Read folk tales from Togo, Macedonian, Romania, and Russia. Learn about structure and patterns in folk tales.
http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1845

Mathematics
National Library of Virtual Manipulatives
The National Library of Virtual Manipulatives provides interactive online math lessons, activities, and assessments. Topics include fractions, functions, geometric transformations, integer arithmetic, patterns and sequences, probability, right triangle trigonometry, slope, triangle geometry, and writing equations of lines. Calculate what an excavation company should charge for digging a hole, analyze three pollution reduction plans, determine the best rate for repaying a loan, all at: http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1851.

Science
Space Science Institute presents: Alien Earths
The Space Science Institute examines the formation of stars and planets and the quest for a habitable planet. Create a virtual a community of microorganisms. Build the perfect solar system. See how planets react with one another, and how some planets help keep our solar system stable. http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1852

National Center for Atmospheric Research presents: Educators' Bridge
The National Center for Atmospheric Research provides lessons and guides for teaching about earth's climate and the role of carbon, weather, the sun, wildfires, the water cycle, clouds, storms, atmospheric science, and other earth science topics. http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1843

National Institute of General Medical Sciences presents:

Inside the Cell
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences explores the smallest form of life: the cell. Discover what's happening inside your body. See basic structures that let your cells accomplish their tasks. Learn about functions shared by virtually all cells: making fuel and proteins, transporting materials, and disposing of wastes. Find out how cells specialize to get their unique jobs done -- and how cells reproduce, age, and die. http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1850

National Institute of General Medical Sciences presents:
Medicines by Design
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences explains how scientists unravel the many different ways medicines work in the body and how this information guides the hunt for drugs of the future. Learn about the science of pharmacology, how drugs work in the body, and recent research developments.
http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1849

Social Studies
Africa: Peace Corps
The Peace Corps offers lessons based on stories, letters, photos, and study units from experiences of Peace Corps volunteers across Africa. Topics include patterns in folk tales, racial prejudice in South Africa, life in a village of Tanzania, traditional healers and HIV/AIDS, the meaning of "wealth," sharing and generosity, what it takes to be a hero, time and punctuality, perspectives of different cultures, and water. http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1844

Asia and Pacific Islands: Peace Corps
The Peace Corps material on Asia and the Pacific Islands features stories, letters, and folk tales that focus on experiences of Peace Corps volunteers in Asia and the Pacific islands. Topics include arranged marriages, learning a new language and culture, different cultural perspectives, rural Mongolian nomadic culture, cultural and economic complexities in China, learning to speak Chinese, what constitutes a "good" job, resolving contrasting values between cultures; for example, Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea. http://free.ed.gov/resource.cfm?resource_id=1847