The Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance sponsors a listserv for mathematics educators in Maine. Membership in this list connects you with mathematics teachers around the state. Many organizations, including the Maine Department of Education, use the Maine Math ListServ to get information out to teachers. This is a free service, and a great way to stay connected!
Cross Discipline Literacy Network (PD Opportunity) (9/24/12)
Just a reminder that registration for the Cross Discipline Literacy Network (CDLN) is open through October 5, 2012.
This is a terrific opportunity to take part in high quality professional learning focused on literacy across the disciplines that includes both face-to-face meetings and use of webinars. The cost of participating in the network is only $25 per person for the year and is open to all K-12 educators. Information describing the CDLN, the face to face locations, and the webinar strands, as well as the link to register for this opportunity can be found at: http://www.maine.gov/doe/literacy-for-me/cdln.html. Please contact me if you have any questions. I hope you will consider taking part!
Lee Anne Larsen - 207-624-6628, Leeann.larsen@maine.gov
Upcoming NASA Webinar - MSL Landing Success: Curiosity's Journey Begins! (9/14/12)
Thank you for your input on times that would work for you to be able to participate in the Expedition Earth and Beyond upcoming classroom connection event – MSL Landing Success: Curiosity’s Journey Begins. Based on your input and the amount of interest in this webinar, this event has been scheduled for two different dates and times:
- Tuesday, September 25th from 1 - 2pm Eastern (12 - 1pm Central; 11-12pm Mountain; 10-11am Pacific)
- Friday, September 28th from 12 - 1pm Eastern (11 - 12pm Central; 10-11am Mountain; 9-10am Pacific)
- Note: Presentation on each day will be ~45-50 minutes; Additional 10-20 minutes provided for extra Q&A for those who wish to remain on the line. *Note: AZ is currently on Pacific time.
I tried my best to accommodate as many of you as possible, but apologize to those of you who might not be able to participate. I will likely schedule additional events in the future on this topic, so stayed tuned for more opportunities!
Event Description:
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) has landed safely on Mars and scientists and engineers are now preparing to decide the rover's next steps. This event, geared towards students and teachers in grades 4-12, will discuss the successful landing, instrument checkouts, and future plans for Curiosity. The presenter is a scientist from the Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science (ARES) Directorate at the NASA Johnson Space Center. She is currently working at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as she supports the MSL mission.
Registration Information:
If you would like to participate in the event, please register at one of the following links (look for the “Registration Form” link at the bottom of the page): As you register, please fill in information estimating your number of participants for the event.
Feel free to pass this information on to others who may wish to register. I will send out connection information only to those who have registered for the event.
Looking forward to connecting with you and your students!
By the way, there is still time to register for one of the NASA Expedition Earth and Beyond Program Overview Teacher Trainings being held on 9/18, 9/19, and 9/20. For more information and to register for these events visit the following links:
Cheers!
Paige Graff, ARES Education, Expedition Earth and Beyond Project Lead – paige.v.graff@nasa.gov
MDOE ESL/Bilingual Programs October 18 Workshop Announcement - Registration Now Open (9/14/12)
Thursday, OCTOBER 18, 2012 MDOE ESL/Bilingual Programs workshop:
“The 2012 Amplification of the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards”
Hilton Garden Inn, Freeport – 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Doors open at 8:00)
Register now at http://www.maine.gov/education/esl/conferences.htm
Presenter: Amy King, WIDA Senior Professional Development Consultant
An agenda for the workshop will be available soon.
Questions? Email esl.doe@maine.gov
Note: additional Professional Development dates can be found on the above website.
Some information regarding the 2012 Amplification:
Additions and enhancements to the standards framework include strengthening links between WIDA standards and content standards with illustrations at individual grade levels, overlaying cognitive demand on linguistic model performance indicators, and clarifying the features of academic language.
[WIDA] considers the 2012 Edition to be an additional resource for educators working in elementary and secondary schools with English language learners (ELLs). Note that from 2004 to 2007 and now to this 2012 edition, WIDA has maintained the identical ELD standards. What has evolved over time is our understanding of how to characterize the academic language needed for ELLs to access grade-level content and succeed in school. Therefore, the 2012 Edition of the ELD Standards should be used alongside the 2007 Edition so that educators have more examples of how WIDA represents its standards. The Resource Guide to the 2007 Edition also provides critical information about the flexibility of the standards, along with other valuable information.
For additional background and information about the 2012 Amplification, see both http://www.cde.state.co.us/CoEngLangProf/Documents/WIDA_FAQ.pdf and www.wida.us.
Oct. 29 Conference - Experts Down the Hall (9/13/12)
Please forward to other school staff !!
Connect ▪ Discuss ▪ Share ▪ Learn: Join us for one of the most significant professional development opportunities of 2012:
Experts Down the Hall
A one-day conference offering best practices in Response to Intervention, Standards-Based Learning, and Effective Learner-Centered Instruction. Exciting presentations by educators from Elementary, Middle, and High Schools
across the state of Maine.
Sponsored by the Maine Department of Education.
www.maine.gov/education/rti/conference2012.shtml
- Monday, October 29, 2012 at the Augusta Civic Center
- 8:00-3:00
- Registration Fee: $100 (Seating is limited, so register early!)
Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity! For more information about the conference and to register go online to www.maine.gov/education/rti/conference2012.shtml. For questions please email: Ansley.Newton@maine.gov or Sheryl.Banden@maine.gov
Financial Literacy Info to Share (9/11/12)
Financial Literacy Resources and Events – We would like to let you know about some exciting initiatives that we are working on for the coming year:
We are pleased to announce The Maine Jump$tart Coalition Financial Educator of the Year Award. This award was created to recognize a Maine educator who has distinguished themselves through their efforts to improve the financial capability of the students and families that they serve. To kick off the inaugural year of this award, we are pleased to announce that the 2012 award recipient will receive up to $1,000 in travel reimbursement to attend the 2012 National Jump$tart Educator's Conference on November 2-4 in Chicago! The nomination form must be submitted by September 21, 2012.
Mark your calendars, spread the word and save the date for the 2013 Fostering Financial Literacy Conference on Thursday, May 2, 2013 at the Augusta Civic Center. Stayed tuned for more info!
New knowledge-based competition for Maine high school students! LifeSmarts...The Ultimate Consumer Challenge is a national program and a great way for your high school students to sharpen their knowledge of personal finance and other life skills. Here are the details:
- Online competition between Maine school teams takes place through the fall and early winter and culminates with Maine state finals on the UNUM corporate campus in Portland, Maine on March 1, 2013.
- The winning team will receive an all-expense paid trip to compete in the national finals in Atlanta, Georgia on April 20-23, 2013!
We have heard through the grapevine that the Federal Reserve of Boston is discontinuing the Federal Reserve Cup - LifeSmarts is a great alternative!
For more information about LifeSmarts, contact info@mejumpstart.org and tune in to a special webinar on September 20, 2012 at 3:00 pm.
Maine Jump$tart Webinars for 2012-13: The LifeSmarts webinar listed above is the first in a new series of webinars on selected financial education programs or resources. Future webinar dates and topics are being finalized.
Stay tuned for more information on the Teach Children to Save Day (April 23, 2013). This campaign is designed to help young people develop lifelong savings habits.
Money Smart Week (MSW) is coming to Maine! MSW runs from April 20-27 and provides a week's worth of activities, events and educational programs on a myriad of financial education topics and is organized through community and school libraries with support from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and American Library Association. Stayed tuned for more info!
Please don't hesitate to email us if you have questions about any of these initiatives and let us know what program, curriculum or activity you are using to promote financial education in your class or school. We'd love to hear from you! Want to get more involved with Maine Jump$tart on our Educators' Advisory Committee? Shoot us an email info@mejumpstart.org and we'll be in touch.
NCTM: Professional Development Grants for Grades PreK-5 Teachers (9/7/12)
Welcome back to another school year! I hope all is going well! Below is a grant opportunity for pre-K-5 math teachers from NCTM:
NCTM: Professional Development Grants for Grades PreK-5 Teachers
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Professional Development Grants for Grades PreK-5 Teachers support professional development to improve the competence in the teaching of mathematics of one or more classroom teachers.
Maximum award: $3,000. Eligibility: current (as of October 15, 2012) Full Individual or E-Members of NCTM or teachers at a school with a current (as of October 15, 2012) NCTM Pre-K8 school membership currently teaching at the grades PreK-5 level and with three or more years teaching experience.
Deadline: November 9, 2012.
http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1312
Upcoming EEAB Webinar - MSL Landing Success: Curiosity's Journey Begins! (9/5/12)
The Expedition Earth and Beyond (EEAB) Program is planning to schedule its next classroom connection distance learning event. This event will feature an interactive presentation, led by a scientist from the NASA Johnson Space Center and will focus on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Lander. The title of this event will be called, “MSL Landing Success: Curiosity’s Journey Begins!” The presentation will last approximately 50 minutes followed by an optional 10-25 minutes of Q & A from you/your students.
To participate in this event, all you would need is 1) an internet connected computer and 2) a speaker phone to hear the speaker. (Note: If you want to have sound through your computer, you can call in using Skype or Google Voice (if you have account with either of these and know how to use them).
Due to the date/time constraints of our presenter, who is a team member on this mission, we hoping to schedule this presentation on one of the following days: September 19, 20, 24, 25, or 28th. The event will be scheduled for 1 hour (although we will stay on the line for additional Q & A). If you are interested in participating in this event, let us know which date/times would work for you. To indicate your interest, do the following:
Go to this doodle link: http://doodle.com/zpdeuxtk6qkrx2zn
Type in your name
Put a check mark next to all times you would be able to participate
Click Save
I will work to schedule this event according to the availability of the majority of those of you interested. If you are interested, please provide your feedback by Wednesday, September 12th. If you are not interested, please disregard this email. I will send out a follow-up email once the event has been officially scheduled so you can register if you wish to participate. If you would like to be removed from this distribution list, please let me know.
Thanks! I look forward to possibly connecting with you and your students!
Report on what leads to positive change in teaching practices (8/1/12)
What leads to positive change in teaching practice?
This report presents findings of an NFER (the UK's National Foundation for Educational Research) study that looks at the research evidence about what leads to positive change in teaching practice in schools.
A literature review, which focused primarily on literature published in English since 2006, identified four factors that impact teaching practice: leadership, planning and preparation, practice development, and monitoring and evaluation. The report also highlights gaps in the evidence that may benefit from further research.
Read the report.
President Obama Announces Plans for a New, National Corps to Recognize and Reward Leading Educators in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (7/25/12)
Administration will also immediately dedicate $100 million to supporting STEM teachers
Today, the Obama Administration will announce the President’s plan for the creation of a new, national Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Master Teacher Corps comprised of some of the nation’s finest educators in STEM subjects. The STEM Master Teacher Corps will begin with 50 exceptional STEM teachers established in 50 sites and will be expanded over 4 years to reach 10,000 Master Teachers. These selected teachers will make a multi-year commitment to the Corps and, in exchange for their expertise, leadership and service, will receive an annual stipend of up to $20,000 on top of their base salary. The Administration will launch this Teacher Corps with the $1 billion from the President’s 2013 budget request currently before Congress.
Read more
New Grants/Funding Opportunities (7/23/12)
NCTM: Mathematics Course Work Scholarships for Grades PreK-5 Teachers
The National Council for the Teachers of Mathematics Course Work Scholarships for Grades PreK-5 Teachers provides financial support for improving teachers' understanding of mathematics by completing course work.
Maximum award: $2,000. Eligibility: individual classroom teachers or small groups of teachers currently teaching mathematics in grades PreK-5 level who are also (as of October 15, 2012) Full Individual or e-Members of NCTM or teach in a school with a current (as of October 15, 2012) NCTM PreK-8 school membership. Deadline: November 9, 2012 - http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1332
Lowe's: Toolbox for Education
Lowe's Toolbox for Education funds school improvement projects initiated by parents in recognition of the importance of parent involvement in education.
Maximum award: $5,000. Eligibility: K-12 schools (including charter, parochial, private, etc.) or parent groups (associated with a nonprofit K-12 school). Deadline: October 12, 2012 - http://toolboxforeducation.com/
Air Force Association: Educator Grant Program
The Air Force Association Educator Grant Program promotes aerospace education activities and encourages innovative aerospace activities within a prescribed curriculum. Each school year, the association awards grants to worthy projects that significantly influence student learning. The program also encourages establishing an active relationship between the school and the local Air Force Association organization.
Maximum award: $250. Eligibility: K-12 classrooms. Deadline: October 17, 2012 - http://www.afa.org/aef/aid/educator.asp
NCTM: Using Mathematics to Teach Music (7/2/12)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics' Using Mathematics to Teach Music grant encourages the incorporation of music into the elementary school classroom to help young students learn mathematics. Any acquisition of equipment must support the proposed plan but not be the primary focus of the grant.
Proposals must address the following:
- the combining of mathematics and music;
- the plan for improving students' learning of mathematics; and
- the anticipated impact on students' achievement.
Maximum award: $3,000.
Eligibility: individual classroom teachers or small groups of teachers currently teaching mathematics in grades PreK-2 level who are also (as of October 15, 2012)
Full Individual or e-Members of NCTM or teach in a school with a current (as of October 15, 2012) NCTM PreK-8 school membership.
Deadline: November 9, 2012 - http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1318
Summer Institute - Math Cohorts (6/7/12)
The annual MLTI Summer Institute is scheduled for July 24 - 26th at Bowdoin College in Brunswick. Like last year, we'll continue to draw on the expertise of the MLTI Integration Mentors and content specialists who will share their knowledge and experience as they guide participants in an intensive three day immersion in the topic of choice from our list of Summer Institute Cohorts. This intensive structure is a departure from previous Institutes where a variety of shorter sessions exposed participants to brief experiences with topics.
Although many cohorts apply to all content areas, we wanted to ensure you saw the two sessions designed specifically for math teachers. Sessions are limited to 15 people per session so sign up now to secure your spot. If you are an educator interested in attending but do not have a MLTI Device, please contact us to make arrangements for a 'rental device'.
Using GeoGebra to Create Resources to Target Critical Mathematics Concepts facilitated by Dr. Pam Buffington
Watch the Trailer! - http://maine.edc.org/file.php/1/training/mlti-trailer2012.html
This summer institute strand focuses on the use of the dynamic, interactive Open Education Resource GeoGebra to create and share lessons targeted at key mathematics concepts as described in the Common Core Mathematics Standards for middle and high school students. Over the three institute days participants will engage with a range of GeoGebra features from introductory to advanced in order to create tools and resources for the specific use in the mathematics classrooms in which they teach. The session will be designed to nurture and promote collaboration between and among participants and workshop leaders to support the continuous improvement and extension of resources related to the dynamic mathematics software GeoGebra.
Target Audience: Appropriate for grades 7-12 Math teachers.
MLTI Software: GeoGebra.
8th Grade Mathematics and Then Some, Understanding Algebra Through Polynomials And Technology facilitated by Alex Briasco-Brin
Learn about and explore a Common Core aligned, 8th grade/algebra course, which comes complete with interactive GeoGebra applets and Chipmunk Basic math programs. Become familiar with the accompanying software, and then get firsthand experience with the conceptual based, textbook alternative, which will appear on next year’s MLTI image.
A working copy of the in progress, digital, 8th grade/algebra course, complete with interactive applets and math programs, will be included with this class.
Topics to be covered:
- Quick overview of the course
- Familiarization with the software, as needed
- Active exploration and use of course material
Target Audience: Appropriate for grade 8 mathematics teachers, algebra teachers, and anyone else with an interest in mathematics.
MLTI Software: Chipmunk Basic (MLTI 2012 Image), GeoGebra, Grapher, OmniDazzle Scribble.
Please visit our website to view all of the cohorts available (http://maine.gov/mlti/events/institutes/cohorts.shtml). When registering, you'll select the cohort of your choice and spend the institute working with the same group in order to maximize the learning experience. Each cohort is limited to 15 participants (unless otherwise stated), so don't delay in registering! Registration for cohorts will be first come, first serve but we will make our best efforts to accommodate everyone's first choice. Please note on registration, there is an option to select a back up cohort!
Along with MLTI cohorts being offered, MLTI has joined forces with the Maine Cohort for Customized Learning to offer a cohort designed for school teams. To learn more about this opportunity, please visit the cohort page. Costs associated with this cohort are slightly different due to extra meeting times schedule in the fall and more information can be found at http://maine.gov/mlti/events/institutes/registration.shtml.
More information on the Summer Institute can be found at http://maine.gov/mlti/events/institutes/index.shtml.
Want to attend but are looking to save some money on registration? If you are an ACTEM individual member or a teacher at an ACTEM institutional member school, ACTEM is offering 40 $75.00 scholarships! Please visit http://maine.gov/mlti/events/institutes/registration.shtml FMI.
Registration: Online Registration can be found at http://maine.gov/mlti/events/institutes/registration.shtml.
Cost Information -
MLTI Cohort:
- $115.00 - 3 day commuter includes lunch, dinner and materials
- $215.00 - 3 days includes overnight accommodations, meals and materials
- $260.00 - Out of state teachers includes overnight accommodations, meals, materials and MLTI device to use during the event
If you have any questions, please contact Juanita Dickson at juanita.dickson@maine.gov.
Free Weeklong PD at Maine School of Science and Mathematics for STEM Teachers 6-12 (6/4/12)
Greetings, Colleagues,
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) is sponsoring a week-long science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Collaborative for Educators this July 23-27. This week-long experience is free for any Maine educator, ed tech, and/or administrator, 6th-12th grade. Room and board is also provided at no additional costs. Educators can earn 3.0 CEUs for participation in the Collaborative.
STEM educators will be able to choose from 22 different week-long STEM cohorts. The cohort choices are currently available for viewing on our website athttp://www.mssm.org/outreach/STEM_Collaborate_Educators_Camp/. Dan Meyer, a former high school mathematics teacher and current doctoral candidate at Stanford University will be joining us as the keynote speaker. Dan has appeared on CNN, Good Morning America, TED (http://ted.com/), and Everyday with Rachel Ray, and will be discussing ways to make science and math engaging in the modern classroom. He is also teaching a week-long cohort.
There will also be time each day for participants to debrief and collaborate with other teachers from across the state. We hope to encourage Maine STEM educators to share their passions and talents with one another and form a community vested in improving STEM learning opportunities.
Registration forms are available on our website (http://www.mssm.org/outreach/STEM_Collaborate_Educators_Camp/). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact MSSM at 207-325-3303 or email me at smithl@mssm.org.
Clarification around Smarter Balanced Opportunity for Item Authors (6/1/12)
A clarification:
The message I forwarded about the SBAC call for item writers seems to have caused some confusion.
- This is an opportunity presented to SBAC governing state teachers. Maine is a governing state.
- Many items are needed, therefore many item writers are needed. However, the applications are processed by SBAC and its vendors. The pool is nationwide.
- Errors made during the application process cannot be altered by MDOE staff.
- “Honorarium” is a term used to indicate payment made without the givers recognizing themselves as having any liability or legal obligation. In other words, it is a way to make payment without actually increasing staff. The payee is responsible for all taxes, etc.
- Since this effort reaches across the nation, there will not be a physical meeting. All work will be done electronically. Please make sure you confirm the technology specifications listed in the message before you apply.
- This is the first of several opportunities presented by SBAC. I will continue to forward the announcements as they come to me. Stay tuned.
-Michele
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is Seeking Educators to Participate in Item and Task Development Activities (5/30/12)
We are very sorry for the short notice, but this just came to us. The application deadline is next Monday, June 4.
Would you like to expand your professional knowledge and get paid for it ($3500 – $4500)? Read on:
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (www.smarterbalanced.org) is seeking educators to participate in item and task development activities.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is developing a system of valid, reliable, and fair next-generation assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts/literacy (ELA/literacy) and mathematics for grades 3 through 8 and 11. The system will use computer-adaptive testing technologies to the greatest extent possible to provide meaningful feedback and actionable data, which teachers and other educators can use to help students succeed.
Smarter Balanced assessments will go beyond selected-response questions to include constructed-response and technology-enhanced items as well as performance tasks that allow students to demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Performance tasks challenge students to apply their knowledge and skills to respond to complex real-world problems. They can best be described as collections of questions and activities that are coherently connected to a single theme or scenario. These activities are meant to measure capacities such as depth of understanding, writing and research skills, and complex analysis, which cannot be adequately assessed with traditional assessment items.
On behalf of Smarter Balanced, CTB/McGraw-Hill invites qualified educators from Smarter Balanced Governing States (which includes Maine) to participate in the process of developing items for this assessment system.
Educators will develop approximately 5000 items in English language arts/ literacy and mathematics from grades 3 through 8 and high school. These items will be a combination of selected-response items, constructed-response items, and performance tasks. Many of the items will be designed with technology enhancements. This work will be guided by the Smarter Balanced Content Specifications and Item/Task Specifications (http://www.smarterbalanced.org/smarter-balanced-assessments/) for English language arts/literacy and mathematics.
Participating educators will attend online training sessions and work in small groups to develop items. The small group work will be done remotely via technology interfaces. Assessment specialists from CTB, AIR, DRC, and CAE will facilitate small groups of three to six educators who will focus on a specific grade level and content area as defined by the Content Specifications. Participants will have a specific item-writing assignment that they will be expected to complete during June and July. The assessment specialist will provide ongoing coaching and feedback as participants complete their item-writing assignments and will facilitate peer review sessions within the small groups.
How will participants benefit?
Participants must have expertise and a deep understanding of the CCSS to be eligible for item writing. They will receive training in the Smarter Balanced Content Specifications and item specifications. Benefits will include:
- Intensive training on Content and Item/Task Specifications
- Practical training in writing assessment items
- Collegial discussion of assessment targets, evidence, etc.
- Opportunity to support the Consortium activities
- Certificate of participation for local district
Who is qualified?
Qualified educators will be certified teachers with content degrees in mathematics, ELA, or a closely related field and teaching experience in the grade/content area for which they apply.
Participants will meet the following qualifications:
- Currently certified or licensed to teach ELA and/or mathematics in a K-12 public school.
- Currently teach in a public school located within a Smarter Balanced Governing State.
- Have taught ELA and/or mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and/or high school within the past three years. Second-grade teachers will also be recruited to participate in the development of grade 3 items and/or tasks.
- Have previously reviewed part or all of the Common Core State Standards for the content area in which they are interested in writing items and/or performance tasks.
In addition, all educators who are interested in serving as an item or performance task writer must submit a statement of interest that is at least one paragraph in length and describes
the reason(s) for their interest in developing items and/or performance tasks for the Smarter Balanced assessment system and
their qualifications for doing so.
What is the commitment?
Educators will need to be available for online training during the first two weeks in June and for weekly check-in sessions and small group webinars from June 1 through August 15. We anticipate that educators will spend about 30 working days to complete their item-writing assignment during this window. Educators will receive a stipend of between $3500 and $4500 upon successful completion of their item-writing assignment.
Technical Requirements
Participants must have a secure work location where their work will not be observed by others. In addition, participants will need to have the following:
- Email address (organizational or personal). This should be an email address that you will be checking regularly.
- Internet connection to support online meetings such as WebEx (www.webex.com), including local technical support with firewalls or other issues if required.
- Telephone connection to support conference calls to a toll-free number.
- Computer capability to support free Mozilla Firefox browser software (www.mozilla.org).
- Computer capability to support free Adobe Reader software (www.adobe.com).
Online Application Link: http://ctb.com/smarterbalanced14/itemwriterapplication
NCTM: PreK-6 Classroom Research Grants (5/29/12)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics PreK-6 Classroom Research Grants support and encourage classroom-based research in pre-college mathematics education in collaboration with college or university mathematics educators. The research must be a significant collaborative effort involving a college or university mathematics educator (a mathematics education researcher or a teacher of mathematics learning, teaching, or curriculum) and one or more PreK-6 classroom teachers. The proposal may include, but is not restricted to, research on curriculum development and implementation, involvement of at-risk or minority students, students' thinking about a particular mathematics concept or set of concepts, connection of mathematics to other disciplines, focused learning and teaching of mathematics with embedded use of technology (any acquisition of equipment must support the proposed plan but not be the primary focus of the grant), and innovative assessment or evaluation strategies.
Maximum award: $6,000. Eligibility: classroom teachers currently teaching mathematics at the grades PreK-6 level who are current (as of October 15, 2012) NCTM members or who teach in a school that (as of October 15, 2012) has a NCTM PreK-8 school membership.
Deadline: November 9, 2012
http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1330
NCTM: Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry Grants (5/21/12)
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Improving Students' Understanding of Geometry grant is to develop activities that will enable students to better appreciate and understand some aspect of geometry that is consistent with the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics of NCTM. The project should include applications of geometry to, for example, art, literature, music, architecture, nature, or some other relevant area and may integrate the use of technology into the teaching of geometry. Proposals must address the following: geometry content, the appropriateness of the application, the link between the Geometry Standard and the project's activities, and the anticipated impact on students' learning.
Maximum award: $4,000. Eligibility: teachers preK-8 who are NCTM members as of October 15, 2012 or teach at a school with a preK-8 NCTM school membership as of October 15, 2012.
Deadline: November 9, 2012
http://www.nctm.org/resources/content.aspx?id=1324
Advanced Placement Summer Institutes (4/2/12)
Here is information regarding the Advanced Placement Summer Institutes that are available (there is still scholarship money available as well). – Michele
SERC Institute hosts a variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. Their summer institutes take place on the Schoodic Education and Research Center campus located at Schoodic Point within Acadia National Park. They are endorsed by the College Board as an Advanced Placement Summer Institute site.
Please visit the website for more information: www.sercinstitute.org.
Public Feedback Request for Math and ELA SBAC Assessment – Deadline March 16, 2012 (3/5/12)
Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, Maine’s assessment system will transition from our current use of NECAP and SAT components to those of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) –a 29-state testing collaborative. This state-lead collaborative has been designed to tap the best thinking and best practices of all member states and the following opportunity is an example of one of the many ways SBAC is developing a set of next generation assessment s utilizing that expertise.
The SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium is built on transparency of the process of designing a next generation assessment system, as well as the goal of encouraging educator involvement in this process. I’m pleased to let you know that there is opportunity for educators, including teachers, administrators, and higher education faculty (and any other interested members of the public) to review and provide feedback on the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium item writing specifications and guidelines for English Language Arts and Math. These are documents that the Consortium will use to develop test items for the assessment. This opportunity gives individuals in our state an excellent opportunity to:
- further their understanding of the CCSS and how it can be assessed,
- gain insight into the SMARTER Balanced assessment system, and
- be involved and provide feedback into to the development process.
All of the documents available for review, including a review survey, are accessible via the SMARTER Balanced web site, http://www.smarterbalanced.org/smarter-balanced-assessments/#item. The specific items and survey can be located on this page by scrolling down the page to the materials listed under Showcase #3. Reviews must be completed by March 16.
For your reference, here is a list of the documents available for review:
- Accessibility & Accommodations Guidelines
- Bias & Sensitivity Guidelines
- ELA Specifications
- Math Specifications
- Performance Task Specs
- Stimulus Specs
- Style Guide
- Technology Enhanced Item Specifications
Reviewers who have a familiarity with the Common Core State Standards (available at www.corestandards.org) will be best able to provide informed commentary on the ELA, Math, Performance Task, and Stimulus Specifications. The SMARTER Balanced content specifications and a webinar power point that outlines the materials in Showcase #3 are also important background reading for reviewers and these materials are available at http://www.smarterbalanced.org/smarter-balanced-assessments/#item.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to ensure that these assessments benefit from the perspectives and expertise of educators in our state.
Register Today for Free Webinars: Bringing Common Sense to the Common Core (2/22/12)
Get valuable advice from the experts. In this three-part webinar series, Scholastic Achievement Partners offers sensible approaches for successful implementation as your district transitions from theory to practice with the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Assessments.
Next Generation Assessments: What to Expect
March 1 (Thursday), 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Expert insight into the Next Generation Assessments and practical strategies for preparing students for success on these more rigorous assessments.
The Importance of Reasoning and Discourse in Math
March 27 (Tuesday), 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST
Students need math to make sense. We explore ways to use discourse to help students “make sense” of math and deepen their understanding of essential math concepts.
Understanding Text Complexity
April 11 (Wednesday), 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. EST
An examination of the role of text complexity in the Common Core State Standards, with strategies for assessing and incorporating suitable text to boost literacy achievement for all students.
Register online: http://link.scholastic.com/u.d?B4Gj5vzLqESrFD8HQjV-N=791
National Financial Capability Challenge (2/22/12)
The National Financial Capability Challenge runs from March 12 through April 13, 2012. The Challenge is a free, voluntary, online series of financial questions for high school students to check their knowledge of earning, spending, saving, borrowing, risk protection, and more.
You can sign up for free at challenge.treas.gov to administer the Challenge to your students. As educators, it is critically important to use this opportunity to help prepare our students for financial independence!
- It's quick. It takes only about 30 minutes to administer the Challenge online, but the lessons your students will learn in preparing will last a lifetime.
- It's easy. Comprehensive lesson plans and sample questions are available in the online Educator Toolkit to help you prepare your students for the Challenge.
- It's rewarding. Educators and top-scoring students in each school will earn personalized award certificates and states with the highest participation will also be recognized.
Any high school educator can do it. Even if you’re not a math or personal finance educator, I encourage you to register so your students can participate. The website also provides tools you can use to easily spread the word about the Challenge, including:
- Content you can email to other educators,
- A flier with all the details for you to attach to your email or post in the teachers' lounge,
- Content you can submit for publication in your district's newsletter,
- Content you can post on websites, blogs, and other online sites.
Please don’t delay! Register today at challenge.treas.gov. Your students’ financial futures depend on you!
Conference Offers Resources, Strategies on Financial Literacy (2/2/12)
The Maine JumpStart Coalition is inviting teachers at all levels to attend the Fostering Financial Literacy in Maine Schools Conference at the Augusta Civic Center on April 26.
The daylong professional development workshop will offer participants resources and strategies for integrating personal finance into classroom instruction.
Visit the JumpStart Coalition’s Maine website to learn more about the conference.
The Financial Literacy conference dovetails with the passage of LD 184: An Act to Promote the Financial Literacy of High School Students in May 2011. As a result of the legislation, Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §254, sub-§13 was enacted and encourages school administrative units to implement an integrated model for personal finance instruction in social studies or mathematics.
Visit the Maine Department of Education’s Social Studies web page for a list of suggested financial literacy resources that can help teachers integrate financial literacy instruction in the classroom.
For more information, please contact Kristie Littlefield, the Maine DOE’s Social Studies Specialist, at kristie.littlefield@maine.gov or 207-624-6828.
SMARTER Balanced Item Specifications Review and Feedback Opportunity (2/1/12)
Date: January 31, 2012
To: LEA, teachers, vendors
A significant milestone in the assessment development process for the SMARTER Balanced assessment program is the development of Item Specifications and Guidelines. This is the next logical step in the process after the development of content specifications. The item specifications provide specific guidance to item writers on how to translate the Common Core Standards (as articulated through the SMARTER Balanced Content Specifications) into actual assessment items.
On Thursday, January 26, our contractor Measured Progress and ETS held a webinar to describe the item specifications documents that require state review. This is an iterative process. SMARTER Balanced work group members and K-12 member state leads did an earlier round of review this month and we are now enlarging the circle to include teachers, LEA staff, the vendor community, and others. The revised documents are available currently at http://www.k12.wa.us/SMARTER/Resources.aspx . (Under the SBAC 04 Showcase 2 header)
We are seeking feedback through an online survey, also available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SBACItemTaskSpecsSurvey.
Feedback on these documents will be due February 9.
As you will see, this is a large collection of information. Here are suggestions for who might be best to review these documents:
SBAC-04 Accessibility & Accommodations Specifications (PDF): Directors of Offices for Students with Disabilities or special education specialists; Specialists on English Language Learners or administrators who run programs for these students.
SBAC ELA Specifications (PDF): ELA Specialists, coaches, teachers
SBAC Math Specifications (PDF): Mathematics Specialists, coaches, teachers
SBAC Performance Task Specifications (PDF): Both ELA and Mathematics Specialists, coaches, teachers
SBAC Stimulus Specifications (PDF): Both ELA and Mathematics Specialists, coaches, teachers
SBAC-04 Style Guide (PDF): Academic specialists in educational measurement (detailed guidance on language use for item writers)
SBAC-04 Technology-Enhanced Item Specifications (PDF): Technical audience
Showcase 2 Slide Deck (PDF): Provides useful background on the development process for specifications and an introduction to the showcase documents listed above.
Showcase 2 Recording (streaming video): A recording of the presentation of the showcase materials.
Survey Link (online SurveyMonkey): A survey designed to collect feedback from LEA personnel, teachers, vendors, and others.
Thank you in advance for your efforts to ensure that these assessments benefit from the perspectives and expertise of a wide range of individuals. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Bobst at bobst.linda@measuredprogress.org
Noetic Learning Math Contest (1/23/12)
Opportunity for elementary (grades 2, 3, and 4) students... small fee to participate. - Michele
Searching for the Perfect Springtime Learning Activity for Your Students? Host the Noetic Learning Math Contest!
- Fun, friendly academic competition
- A chance for top students to shine
- A terrific math learning opportunity
The Noetic Learning Math Contest is a biannual problem-solving contest for elementary students. The contest is in its 4th year and it is quickly gaining popularity in elementary schools across the country. It’s convenient for you to set up and it is fun for your students to participate in.
Here’s how it works:
- Register at http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest
- Administer the test between April 12 and April 19 at your own school
- Grade the test papers and report the scores
- We announce the winners and send you the medals
The Noetic Learning Math Contest Scores Big With Teachers, Parents, and Students Alike!
- Works specifically on math problem-solving skills
- Helps to increase standardized math test scores
- Sends a positive message: it’s cool to be good at math!
Don’t Miss Our Next Math Contest Date: Thursday, April 12, 2012
For more information, please visit: http://www.noetic-learning.com/mathcontest
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