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From
the Desk of Anne Schiano, Assistant Director
Curriculum, Instruction & Instructional
Technology
August 24, 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
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NYSED
NEW! Guidance on
Locally Required Summer Reading Assignments
The New York State Education Department has long
encouraged students to read during the summer. Summer reading provides an
excellent opportunity for students to stay connected to literature and to
enhance literacy skills developed throughout the school year. Visit the
Office of Curriculum & Instructional Support or
download the PDF
for a briefing on Guidance on Locally Required Summer Reading Assignments.
NEW! General
Education & Diploma Requirements
In response to many field inquiries, the Department
has produced a website with updated information on General Education & Diploma
Requirements, Commencement Level (Grades 9-12). The site provides access to
charts highlighting the diploma requirements for students. The centerpiece of
the site is a new chart, which reflects changes in regulations enacted within
the recent past, such as the phasing out of some local diploma options and the
phasing in of new mathematics examinations and courses. Each column of the chart
is hyperlinked to a page that provides more detailed information in html format. The
site is available at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/intro.html.
Statewide
Graduation Results Report
The new statewide graduation results report, press
release, PowerPoint presentation, data including enrollment outcomes of
students, 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/latestinfo2007bud.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.
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FUNDING
OPPORTUNITIES
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! NSTA New
Science Teacher Academy Associate Fellowships
The National Science Teachers Association's NSTA New Science Teacher Academy
Associate Fellowships are available for promising first- and second-year
teachers. Fellowships with the New Science Teacher Academy offer a yearlong term
with access to a wide array of professional development opportunities. Deadline
for applications is September 30, 2007. For more information, visit
http://www.nsta.org/academy/ .
NEW! Staples
Foundation for Learning Grants
The Staples Foundation for Learning is offering
grants for $5,000 to $25,000 for education programs that support or provide job
skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged
youth. Deadline for applications is August 3, 2007. Visit
http://www.staplesfoundation.org/foundapplication.html for more
information.
NEW!
Grants for Art and Music Education Programs
The Airborne Teacher Trust Fund provides support to
elementary and middle school teachers from public and private schools for art
and music programs that are in jeopardy of being lost due to budgetary
limitations. Teachers and their schools may apply for grants from $200 to
$10,000 to be used to implement their programs. Visit
http://www.airbornetrust.com/ for more information.
NEW! Smaller
Learning Communities Program
The U.S. Department of Education is offering 45 grant awards to LEAs to
support the implementation of SLCs and activities to improve student academic
achievement in large public high schools with enrollments of 1,000 or more
students. SLCs include structures such as freshman academies, multi-grade
academies organized around career interests or other themes, "houses" in which
small groups of students remain together throughout high school, and autonomous
schools-within-a-school, as well as personalization strategies, such as student
advisories, family advocate systems, and mentoring programs.
Deadline for applications is July 17, 2007. Contact
smallerlearningcommunities@ed.gov for more information.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
NEW! Free 2007 Summer Workshop
Session Materials
The Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is underway and although many of these
opportunities are filled to capacity, the Session Materials from these
workshops can be accessed for free on the Teacher-to-Teacher website by
following the Session Materials by Subject Area links at
http://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/Sessions.asp?Content=Literacy . The 2007 Summer
Workshop Schedule can be found at
http://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/Schedule.asp .
NEW! 2007 Albany
Institute Teacher Workshop Opportunities
The Albany Institute is a great resource for
teachers who are looking for ways to integrate art, objects and primary sources
into the classroom, and the Albany Institute’s Education Department welcomes the
opportunity to collaborate with schools in curriculum development and special
projects by designing and implementing teacher workshops to meet specific needs
within the classroom. Sessions can occur at your site or at the museum. Contact
education@albanyinstitute.org
or visit
http://www.albanyinstitute.org/Education/teachers.htm for more
information about collaborative partnerships with the Albany Institute.
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 .
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! NCTE Literacy Resource
The National Council of Teachers of
English (NCTE) has a website which includes teaching resources intended to help
improve adolescent literacy. NCTE states, "Adolescents are already reading in
multiple ways when they enter secondary classrooms, using literacy as a social
and political endeavor in which they engage to make meaning and act upon their
worlds. Their texts range from clothing logos to music to specialty magazines to
Web sites to popular and classical literature. In the classroom it is important
for teachers to recognize and value the multiple literacy resources students
bring to the acquisition of school literacy."
http://www.ncte.org/collections/adolescentliteracy
NEW!
NCTE Multimodal Literacy Website
The National Council of Teachers of
English (NCTE) also has a website that addresses multimodal literacies. NCTE
states that, "In today’s world literacy means--in addition to interacting with
print texts--recognizing how texts are produced and understanding how multimodal
forms of representation convey meaning. This means that students engage with a
variety of texts, both print and multimodal, as they learn. NCTE is taking the
lead in defining how emergent technologies are used to teach language,
literacies, and critical thinking skills as well as how ethical considerations
can guide the use of various technologies." Please visit
http://www.ncte.org/edpolicy/multimodal
NEW!
Summary Results for the 2007 ELA Assessments in Grades 3-8
The New York State Education
Department announces the results of the 2007 ELA Assessments in Grades 3-8.
Included on this website are the press release memo and the Commissioner's Press
Conference (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/press-release/20070522/home.htm).
Additional information about the Grades 3-8 ELA Testing program may be accessed
at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/3-8/home.html
NEW!
FREE Teaching and Learning Resources
This site provides free teaching and
learning resources from federal agencies, including resources for reading,
literature, and language arts.
http://www.free.ed.gov/subjects.cfm?subject_id=78
NEW! Learning Disabilities Resource Kit
A new resource, Learning Disabilities
Resource Kit: Specific Learning Disabilities Determination Procedures and
Responsiveness to Intervention, has just been added to the Center on
Instruction website at www.centeroninstruction.org.
The National Resource Center on Learning Disabilities (NRCLD) has
developed this kit to help schools and districts navigate changes related to
specific learning disability (SLD) determination and responsiveness to
intervention (RTI). Included in the kit is general information on SLD
determination and RTI, tools for getting started, PowerPoint presentations, and
resources for parents. The kit is available for download at:
http://www.nrcld.org/resource_kit/
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
http://www.nysl.nysed.gov/libdev/summer/ . Printer-friendly fliers in multiple languages for
parents will be available online soon.
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 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
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)
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
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.
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!
Improvement in 3-8
NYS 2007 Assessment Results
Achievement in grade 3-8 math has improved
overall this year, according to State test results. The improvement is notable
in middle school, from grades 5-8. This year, 73 percent of students across
grades 3-8 achieved the math standards, compared to 66 percent last year.
Further details can be found at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/irs/press-release/20070612/home.htm
NEW! General Education & Diploma Requirements (June
2007)
A new chart is available which
reflects changes in regulations enacted within the recent past, such as the
phasing out of some local diploma options and the phasing in of new mathematics
examinations and courses. This chart highlights the general education high
school diploma requirements for students entering Grade 9 in 2002-2009.Each column of the chart is linked to a page
that provides more detailed information in html format. The site is available at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/gradreq/intro.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.
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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
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! 2007 Yavner Awards
The Board of Regents invites nominations for the Louis E. Yavner Teaching
and Citizen Awards for 2007. 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 deadline for submission of nominations is
Friday, February 1, 2008. Award winners will be notified in April 2008.
Their names will remain confidential until the award ceremony in May 2008.
For more information, please contact: Lawrence Paska, Associate in Social
Studies at lpaska@mail.nysed.gov.
For applications and more information, visit
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/yavner.html
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
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 .
NYS Museum: Using Archaeology to Teach
Native American History
On
July 23-27, 2007, teachers will work alongside Museum scientists and
researchers in the archaeological investigation of primary source material
in Native American history. This workshop is designed for social studies
teachers in grades 3-7. Teachers will experience the process of archaeology
and receive training in regional history through classroom lectures,
fieldwork, and analysis of material objects in the Museum. In team
exercises, participants will collect and organize specimens, record data,
formulate hypotheses, defend explanations, and present findings in Native
American history. For a registration form and more information, please visit
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/education/teacher/workshops.html .
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THE ARTS
High School
Media Contest to Promote Jury Service
The New York State Unified Court System is
planning a statewide expansion of its Annual High School Media Contest to
Promote Jury Service. The contest involves high school students in
creatively learning about the jury system while developing various
components of a media campaign for raising public awareness about the
importance of serving as a juror. With teacher’s guidance, students can
create posters, public service announcements, juror orientation videos,
Internet banners, or redesign a jury summons. High School teachers are
invited to review the current academic (2006-07) year’s categories and
guidelines at
http://www.nyjuror.gov/contest,
although the deadline to participate has past. On the website teachers may
sign up to receive next academic (2007-08) year’s information for student
participation.
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 about the
administration of physical education 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
NEW! NYS Department
of Health: Passenger Safety Tip Cards
The NYSDOH Bureau of Injury Prevention has developed
a passenger safety tip
cards for teen drivers and their passengers as part of their Teen Driving Safety
Project. This publication is available at no charge, and can be viewed
here. Contact
the Bureau of Injury Prevention to request cards at
injury@health.state.ny.us.
Application for Approval
The "Application
for Approval of Summer Secondary School Driver and Traffic Safety Education 2007"
must have been 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. The 2007
Handbook for Summer School Administrators is currently available on the summer school
website at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/SummerSchool/home.html.
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MIDDLE LEVEL
EDUCATION
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 in Social Studies 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
New! Student Achievement Improves Across
Grades 3-8 on 2007 Math Tests
On June 12, the Commissioner and Board of Regents publicly released the
results of the 2007 grades 3-8 mathematics assessments. Achievement in
mathematics has improved overall, with 73 percent of students across
grades 3-8 meeting the standards compared to 66 percent last year.
Congratulations to the students and to the parents, teachers and school
leaders on your successful efforts to help improve student achievement
in math. Across grades 3-8, the number of Black students achieving the
standards increased from 46 percent last year to 55 percent this year.
The number of Hispanic students achieving the standard increased from 52
percent last year to 61 percent this year. White students increased from
76 to 82 percent. The results for students with disabilities also
improved overall. The press release, PowerPoint presentation and link to
school and district data are available at
http://www.p12.nysed.gov.
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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
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
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
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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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NEW! Assistant in Instructional Services:
Technology Education
The New York State Education Department’s Office of Curriculum, Instruction and
Instructional Technology (CIIT) is seeking candidates to fill the vacancy of
Assistant in Instructional Services. This team is responsible for providing
statewide leadership in relation to the New York State learning standards and
core curriculum in the areas of English Language Arts, Social Studies,
Mathematics, Science, Technology Education, Physical Education and Instructional
Technologies. Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited
to: assist with providing technical assistance to the field via mail, phone and
e-mail in the area of technology education and instructional technology; provide
assistance in the development of standards-based online resources to support the
curricular area of technology education; assist in developing and managing
related grant programs; assist in developing and maintaining databases of
contacts, grant information and related web resources; serve as liaison to
Technology Education committees and stakeholder groups both nationally and
Statewide, and the State’s Large City School Districts; provide assistance in
keeping the Technology Education web page content timely and relevant for the
field. Visit
http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/flyers/ALG487.htm for more
information. Deadline for Applications: July 23, 2007.
NEW! NYSED Graduate Student Internship Program
The NYSED Graduate Student Intern Program is intended to provide a diverse group
of graduate students with work assignments that provide an opportunity to
participate in educational leadership and learning situations in the areas of
public policy and administration. Each internship is part-time when school is in
session. Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a
graduate program approved by the State Education Department. Visit
http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/flyers/GSISpring07/GSIFlyer07.html for more
information.
Office of
Teaching Initiatives
A new link to the state Office of Teaching Initiatives has been added to our
curriculum homepages for quick access to teaching certification information. 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. The Office of Teaching Initiatives website
can be found at
http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/.
NYSED
For a complete listing of current NYSED Employment Opportunities, please visit
http://www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/.
NYS Government
NYS Government vacant positions
are posted on the Department of Civil Service website at
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/. A list of current state
exams being offered is posted at
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/announ/scheduled/oc/opencompetitive_evt.cfm.
We suggest you bookmark all three sites and view them periodically as
they change from week to week. For more information, please visit the
NYS Civil Service website at
http://www.cs.state.ny.us/jobseeker/public/opportunities.cfm.
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CI&IT E-Blast
Archives
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
November 2006
December
2006
January 2007
If you would like to receive email notifications of the monthly
CI&IT E-Blast
news and updates,
please send an email request by clicking on the link below. Please submit all
relevant contact information in your request.
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