From the Desk of Anne Schiano, Assistant Director
Curriculum, Instruction & Instructional Technology

May 29, 2007

NYSED / Funding Opportunities / Professional Development

English Language Arts / Mathematics / Science / Social Studies

The Arts / Physical Education / Driver Education / Middle Level Education

Global Education / Testing / Virtual Learning System

Web Resources / Employment Opportunities

PLEASE SHARE WITH NETWORKS AS APPROPRIATE

NYSED

NEW! Statewide Graduation Results Report

The new statewide graduation results report, press release, PowerPoint presentation, data including enrollment outcomes of students, a list of effective strategies that school leaders are using to improve graduation rates, and a database of public schools and school district data can be found on the Office of Information and Reporting Services webpage at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/press-release/20070425/home.htm 

Message from Johanna Duncan-Poitier
Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-16

The Board of Regents and Commissioner Mills have recently announced a new P-16 structure within the State Education Department to improve achievement and close performance gaps across the Prekindergarten through higher education (P-16) continuum. To help carryout these goals, Johanna Duncan-Poitier has been named Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-16 and will provide leadership for the combined offices of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education (EMSC) and Higher Education. http://www.p12.nysed.gov/welcome.htm

Latest Information on the 2007-2008 State Budget

The new 2007-08 State budget includes an unprecedented increase of over $1.7 billion in aid to school districts across the State to improve student performance. The latest information on the budget, including State Aid projections by district, is now available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/latest_information_on_the_20072.htm . Information has been posted for Superintendents and District Superintendents statewide on using the additional State Aid, accountability standards, Contracts for Excellence, allowable programs, and other budget highlights. Updates and additional budget-related information will be shared on the Web as it becomes available.

New York Learns: A New Agenda for Education
New York Governor Elliot Spitzer has outlined a bold, innovative education budget with reforms that build upon what the Regents and many others have been doing. These long needed reforms and the resources to achieve them will create an opportunity for success for all the students of the state. New York State Education Department Commissioner Richard P. Mills explores these themes in a conversation with WNYT news anchor Lydia Kulbida. Joining the conversation are New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, Deputy Chancellor Andres Alonso, Yonkers Superintendent Bernard Pierorazio, Syracuse Superintendent Daniel Lowengard and Buffalo Superintendent James Williams.

• Go to http://nysed.nyit.edu and click Enter.

• Enter the keyword Agenda for Education and hit Search.

• Click on the video New York Learns: A New Agenda for Education - Education for a Global Economy.

• The default player is QuickTime. If you don't have QuickTime, then you have to choose which player you want to use. The options are directly below the box with the play button. After you choose your player, hit Play.

Call for Expertise
The State Education Department (SED) encourages teachers, administrators and professionals to become involved in the development of 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 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.

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FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

NEW! Summer Training for Engineers of the Future Program
State funds in the amount of approximately $3.5 million in grant contracts have been competitively awarded to six colleges and universities in New York State to provide college or university-based summer training for teachers necessary to implement rigorous pre-engineering curricula in the middle and high school levels. The colleges have partnered with public school districts, charter schools and /or nonpublic schools to identify teachers that are or will be implementing rigorous pre-engineering programs at the middle and high school levels in the coming school year. A list of the awardees is now posted at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/EngineerFutureGrant/EOTFGrantWinners.html

NEW! Technology and Media Services for Individuals with Disabilities:
The Institute on Technology Effectiveness for Children with Disabilities: Web-Supported Instructional Approaches program is to: (1) Improve results for children with disabilities by promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology; (2) support educational media services activities designed to be of educational value in the classroom setting to children with disabilities; and (3) provide support for captioning and video description that is appropriate for use in the classroom setting. The Deadline for Transmittal of Applications is May 30, 2007. Additional information is available online at:
http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/announcements/2007-2/043007c.html 

Invent America! Funds for Student-Designed Inventions
The United States Patent Model Foundation announces the Invent America! Contest for student-designed inventions, K-8. Students identify a problem and create an innovative solution, keeping an inventor's log and naming their invention. Awards are made for each grade level: first place receives a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a medal of honor; second place wins a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and an award certificate; third place receives a $250 U.S. Savings Bond and an award certificate; and the honorable mentions (2 for each grade level) receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and award certificate. A free handbook is available for classroom use. Deadline for Applications: June 15, 2007. For more information, visit http://www.inventamerica.org/ .

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NEW! What is Scientifically Based Research? A Guide for Teachers
More than ever, educators are expected to make decisions that guarantee quality instruction. As knowledge emerges, so do philosophies, opinions, and rhetoric about definitions of instructional excellence. From policy makers to classroom teachers, educators need ways to separate misinformation from genuine knowledge and to distinguish scientific research from poorly supported claims. Effective teachers use scientific thinking in their classrooms all the time. This booklet, provides a brief introduction to understanding and using scientifically based research. Visit
http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/ScientificallyBasedResearch.pdf 

Free Videos On Demand from the Annenberg Channel

In addition to offering the Annenberg Channel, a free satellite channel for schools, colleges, libraries, public broadcasting stations, public access channels, and other non-commercial community agencies, Annenberg Media's Teacher Resources presents Free Videos On Demand documenting teacher-researchers putting innovative curriculum and instructional strategies in action. Browse through the selection of Teacher Resources at www.learner.org .

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 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.

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ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

NEW! Center on Instruction Resource Update: Adolescent Literacy Resources
The Center on Instruction (COI), a partnership of five organizations, provides resources and expertise to the Regional Comprehensive Centers in reading, mathematics, science, special education, and English language learners. COI has added a new resource, Adolescent Literacy Resources: An Annotated Bibliography, to its website: http://www.centeroninstruction.org/resources.cfm?category=reading&subcat . This array of research, summaries, and policy documents on reading and reading comprehension for students in grades 4-12 includes discussions of all the current important research issues in adolescent literacy and the development of state and district level policies to support improvements in adolescent literacy outcomes. Visit the Center on Instruction at http://www.centeroninstruction.org/index.cfm .

NEW! New Alliance for Excellent Education Report:

Making Writing Instruction a Priority in America's Middle and High Schools
This new Policy Brief, published by the Alliance for Excellent Education, offers a succinct overview of the data on student writing achievement, the need for more and better writing instruction, and a number of ways in which policymakers can support school improvement in this area. Please visit http://www.all4ed.org/publications/WritPrior.pdf (pdf). For more information about adolescent literacy, please visit the Alliance for Excellent Education page on adolescent literacy http://www.all4ed.org/adolescent_literacy/index.html

NEW! Academic Literacy Instruction for Adolescents

A Guidance Document from the Center on Instruction, 4-12
This document developed by the Center on Instruction's Reading, Special Education and ELL Strands makes recommendations for improving literacy-related instruction in the content areas or across the entire school day, interventions for students reading below grade level, and recommendations for supporting literacy development in adolescent English language learners. Please visit http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/Academic%20Literacy.pdf (pdf)

NEW! What is Scientifically Based Research? A Guide for Teachers
More than ever, educators are expected to make decisions that guarantee quality instruction. As knowledge emerges, so do philosophies, opinions, and rhetoric about definitions of instructional excellence. From policy makers to classroom teachers, educators need ways to separate misinformation from genuine knowledge and to distinguish scientific research from poorly supported claims. Effective teachers use scientific thinking in their classrooms all the time. This booklet, provides a brief introduction to understanding and using scientifically based research.
http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/ScientificallyBasedResearch.pdf 

NEW! Office of Teaching Initiatives
A new link to the state Office of Teaching Initiatives has been added for informational purposes to the ELA home page at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/ela.html. The goal of the Office of Teaching Initiatives is to provide qualified and certified teachers for employment in the State's public schools. The office issues certificates, develops teaching policy, and provides supportive services for teachers, schools, and the public.

Statewide Summer Reading Program: Get a Clue @ Your Library
Summer break is not that far away! And that means schools need to start encouraging their students to take part in the New York State Summer Reading Program, Get a Clue @ Your Library. Studies have shown that library summer reading programs raise student learning levels. The positive impact is most evident in those communities where reading and literacy resources are less available to students and the achievement gap is most evident. Giving young people the chance to read for fun and enjoyment over the summer builds literacy skills, helps those from less advantaged environments catch up to their more advantaged peers and fosters future success in learning and school. Educators and school administrators across the state are urged to work with their school library media specialists to share information about this program and encourage K-12 youngsters to sign up for the Summer Reading Program at their local public library. For more information about Get a Clue @ Your Library, go to the New York State Library’s web site at www.nysl.nysed.gov and click on Statewide Summer Reading. Printer-friendly fliers in multiple languages for parents will be available online soon.

The 21st Century Literary Map Project
Literary maps have long been used to help students and readers learn about literature, writers, and places. Inspired by all these maps, the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is sponsoring the 21st Century Literacies and The 21st Century Literary Map Project. The invitation is open to you, to your colleagues, and to your students--to create a literary map of your specific locale, region, or state, designing maps through: (1) researching literature, and (2) using the medium best suited to achieving your intended purpose. Chosen literary maps will be for showcased at the 2007 NCTE Annual Convention in New York City on November 15-18. To join, email your interest to Kathleen Yancey at affsec@ncte.org . Additional information will be forthcoming. http://www.ncte.org/announce/126207.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 .

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MATHEMATICS

NEW! 2006 Presidential Award Winner
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Heather Shaw of Spencerport Central School District as the 2006 K-6 Presidential Award winner in mathematics. The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) identifies outstanding teachers in mathematics and science at the national level. Ms. Shaw will receive a citation signed by the President, a paid trip to Washington, DC, to attend a week-long series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation. More information can be found at www.paemst.org.

NEW! Item Writers Needed for Integrated Algebra and Geometry
New York State Regents Examinations are written by New York State constituents. Item writers for the Regents Examinations in the new Integrated Algebra and Geometry courses are needed for July 10-13 in Albany, NY. Stipends and travel expenses will be included. Please fill out the Call for Expertise at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/call.htm if you are interested in either of these committees.

NEW! FREE Teaching and Learning Resources
The Federal Resources for Educational Excellence: Teaching and Learning Resources from Federal Agencies site links to 16 resources in Numbers and Operations,19 resources in Geometry, and more in other content areas of the core curriculum. For other mathematics resources from FREE, please visit http://free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=33 .

NEW! 100 Recommended Math Sites
The Association of Mathematics Teachers of New York State (AMTNYS) Publications Committee has compiled a list of 100 Recommended Math Sites. Sites are organized according to grade levels K-12, offer a brief summary of what type of material the site addresses, and outlines whether the site best serves teachers, parents, or students. To view the AMTNYS 100 Recommended Math Sites, visit http://www.amtnys.org/links/100sites.html.

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

Grant Winner Announcement
A list of the Summer Classes and/or Institutes for Teachers in Mathematics and/or Science Grant Winners 2007 is now posted at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/SummerClassTcher/GrantWinnerList2007.html

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.

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.
PreK-8: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/guidancepk8.htm
Commencement: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/guidance912.htm

NYS Mathematics Resource Center
The NYS Mathematics Resource Center, in coordination with the BOCES district superintendents and the superintendents of the Big 4, has assembled Regional Coordinating Councils (RCC) who have reviewed region reports from the statewide survey. On order to build mathematics leadership, the RCCs are inviting schools in need of improvement to attend regional two day summer training sessions that address their individual needs. NYC is planning on incorporating the two day sessions with their summer professional development training. Click here for a briefing on the Mathematics Resource Center.

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SCIENCE

NYS Museum: Earth Science Workshop
Held from July 8-13th, 2007 (Sun 6pm-Fri 6pm) The Earth Science Workshop is intended for science teachers who are assigned to teach Earth Science/Physical Setting during the school year. This workshop is designed to help Earth Science teachers improve Regents Examination scores by becoming more familiar with the geologic environment and geologic history of New York State. For a registration form and more information, please visit http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/education/teacher/workshops.html .

Grant Winner Announcement
A list of the Summer Classes and/or Institutes for Teachers in Mathematics and/or Science Grant Winners 2007 is now posted at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/SummerClassTcher/GrantWinnerList2007.html

NY ECLIPSE

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 NY ECLIPSE initiative

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.

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SOCIAL STUDIES

NEW! Court System Launches New Youth Website

The Unified Court System (UCS) launched a youth-focused website as part of the Law Day celebration held at the Court of Appeals on April 30, 2007. The new educational site provides information about New York courts, proceedings and laws that involve and affect youth. It will also serve as a clearinghouse for information on statewide and local youth-oriented programs, activities and support resources. The UCS youth website can be found at http://www.courts.state.ny.us/whatsnew/index.shtml

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. Deadline for Applications: June 1, 2007. For official guidelines and entry forms, please visit http://www.archives.nysed.gov/a/grantsawards/ga_student_sraguidelines.shtml.
 

NYS Museum: Mohican & Dutch in New Netherland Workshop
Held on July 10, 11, and 12, 2007 (9:00AM - 5:00PM) this workshop is designed for teachers of middle school and high school social studies. This workshop is a collaborative offering by the NY State Museum, the State Library, and the State Archives, at the Cultural Education Center in Albany, NY. Featured are the cultural and historical legacy of 17th century Dutch settlement and Dutch interactions with Mohican Indians. We will compare Mohican and Dutch symbols of community, economic and social decision-making, adaptations to change over time, and lasting cultural influences. For a registration form and more information, please visit http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/education/teacher/workshops.html .

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THE ARTS

Report on Middle Level Music Education

The New York State School Music Association’s Classroom Music Committee has produced A Report on PreK-12 Music Education in New York State with a Special Focus on the Middle Level. The report provides an overview of the status of classroom music education with specific information on middle level music programs, NYSSMA benefits/services, and the effect the learning standards have had on music education programs in the State. The report can be accessed at http://www.nyssma.org/committees.cfm?subpage=111 .

Music and Theatre Education Data Available

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

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. 

Physical Education Profile

The NYS 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.

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DRIVER EDUCATION

Application for Approval

The "Application for Approval of Summer Secondary School Driver and Traffic Safety Education 2007" must be postmarked by Friday, June 1, 2007. Programs that do not have teachers with current MV 283 as of the date of the application will not be approved. Approval is contingent upon school district compliance with other NYSED summer school registration processes. This application must be filed even though as of March 2007, the State Education Department no longer requires submission of “Certification of Intent to Conduct Summer School” or the “Summer School Enrollment Summary Report” to operate a summer school program. Applications and more information on submission are available at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/de/StopReadNotice.html .

Summer School Driver Education 2007

Districts, BOCES and nonpublic schools that will conduct summer schools in 2007 will not have to submit to the State Education Department a “Certification of Intent to Conduct Summer School” and the “Summer School Enrollment Summary Report”. The Department will continue to provide support to all districts, BOCES and nonpublic schools that do conduct summer school and will continue to provide support to SAANYS at its annual training conference on May 22-23, 2007 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs. The 2007 Handbook for Summer School Administrators will be placed on the summer school website at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/SummerSchool/home.html by March 8, 2007.

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MIDDLE LEVEL EDUCATION

NEW! 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, 2007 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 . 

NEW! 2007 Essential Elements: School to Watch Announced

NYSED in partnership with the New York State Middle School Association is pleased to announce the designation of the North Salem Middle School of North Salem NY as a 2007 Essential Elements: School to Watch. North Salem joins seven other middle schools in the state to earn this designation. Schools to Watch is a national recognition program developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. New York State is one of 18 participating states in this program. The school has undergone a rigorous application process and proven itself to be a model of Academic Excellence, Social Equity, Developmental Responsiveness, Organization and Structure. For more information, please visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mle/news/schools2watch.htm .

Home and Careers Skills Resource
The Family and Consumer Science (FACS) Associate in Career and Technical Education has just posted a brand new web page dedicated to Middle Level and the Home and Careers Skills course. This is a very comprehensive page and offers fantastic resources for Middle Level Administrators and teachers. Click on the Middle Level FACS link for Home and Careers Skills information or the FACS Home link for other important links to FACS information.

Middle Level FACS www.emsc.nysed.gov/cte/facse/middle
FACS Home www.emsc.nysed.gov/cte/facse

Middle Level 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.

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.

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GLOBAL EDUCATION

NEW! 2007 Louis E. Yavner Awards Information
The Board of Regents invites nominations for the 2007 Louis E. Yavner Teaching and Citizen Awards. These awards provide recognition of a teacher and a citizen who have made outstanding contributions to New York State education about the Holocaust and other violations of human rights. The awards were established by the Regents and funded by the late Regent Emeritus Louis E. Yavner. State Education Department staff are not eligible for these awards. Complete information, including nomination forms, are available at www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/yavner.html. The deadline for submission of nominations is Friday, February 1, 2008. For more information, contact Larry Paska, Associate, at lpaska@mail.nysed.gov. 
 

Inclusive Service Learning Manual
Service Learning is an approach to teaching and learning that combines real and needed community service with prescribed academic learning goals. The Magellan Foundation in collaboration with the New York State Education Department Learn and Serve America Program, with funding from the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) and the Corporation for National and Community Service, worked with numerous school districts in recent years to assist schools with including children with disabilities in service learning programs. As a result of this inclusive service learning project a Service Learning Manual was developed to provide instruct and technical assistance to other districts who are interested in students with and without disabilities working side-by-side on service learning activities. You may download a copy of the manual from the link below. If you are interested in obtaining a CD copy of the manual, please contact Fran Hollon at the NYS Education Department fhollon@mail.nysed.gov or Kerry Wiley at kwiley@ddpc.state.ny.us or call 1-800-395-3372.

CCSSO Publishes Policy Statement on Global Education

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:

http://www.ccsso.org/content/pdfs/Global%20Education%20FINAL%20lowrez.pdf .

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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TESTING

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. Visit http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/eladates-07.htm .  

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VIRTUAL LEARNING SYSTEM

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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WEB RESOURCES

NEW! What is Scientifically Based Research? A Guide for Teachers
More than ever, educators are expected to make decisions that guarantee quality instruction. As knowledge emerges, so do philosophies, opinions, and rhetoric about definitions of instructional excellence. From policy makers to classroom teachers, educators need ways to separate misinformation from genuine knowledge and to distinguish scientific research from poorly supported claims. Effective teachers use scientific thinking in their classrooms all the time. This booklet, provides a brief introduction to understanding and using scientifically based research. Visit
http://www.centeroninstruction.org/files/ScientificallyBasedResearch.pdf

NEW! Center on Instruction
The Center on Instruction (COI), a partnership of five organizations, provides resources and expertise to the Regional Comprehensive Centers in reading, mathematics, science, special education, and English language learners. This array of research summaries and policy documents for students in grades 4-12 includes discussions of all the current important research issues and the development of state- and district-level policies to support improved learning outcomes. Please visit the Center on Instruction at http://www.centeroninstruction.org/index.cfm

NEW! The National High School Center
The National High School Center (NHSC) is part of a national network of Content and Regional Comprehensive Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education to help build the capacity of states across the nation to effectively implement the provisions and goals of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). It is one of five content centers covering a spectrum of topical areas especially relevant to NCLB and school improvement.
http://www.betterhighschools.org/ .  
 

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. Use the searching options to identify the specific products you are seeking. http://www.edpubs.org/webstore/content/search.asp.

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