Instructional Technology Newsline
February 2006: Volume 7, Number 4 

Newsline Submission Guidelines


 Inside this Issue

Instructional Technology Update 

From the Director’s Desk

Technology Solutions that Work

National News

  • EdTech Action Network to host Washington Advocacy Day during CoSN Conference

  • 2006 Federal Budget Update

State and National "Technology Days"

E-rate Program

  • Funding Year 2005 News

  • Funding Year 2006 News

Ed Tech Research, Publications, Resources, Special Events

  • The New Fundamentals of Leadership: Building Learning Communities

  • What Makes a True Teacher Community

  • Research on the Bully Problem

  • Major Study to Probe Ubiquitous Computing

Missouri Schools and Programs in the News  

  • North Kansas City Featured in Education in Hand

  • eMINTS Teacher Pam Lowe Named Technology and Learning Semi-Finalist

  • St. Louis Public School District Contributes to White Paper

MOREnet Update

  • Legislative Update

  • Distance Learning Web Seminar Sponsored by MOREnet

  • MOREnet Spring Technical Conference Registration Open

METPA Update

Regular Featured Items 


Index by Topics
Archives

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or age in it's programs and activities. (more)

As with many of you, winter and spring are especially busy times. Instructional Technology staff are busy with budget amendments and inquiries on next year’s funding levels, reviewing FY06 program mid-year reports and developing FY07 program application materials, reviewing district Title II.D competitive grant evaluation plans, working on a new five-year state education technology plan and approving 400 district technology plans, and readying for the annual technology census. In essence, all of these activities deal with helping schools and educators use technology in meaningful ways that lead to improved teaching and learning. No matter the funding  source, program, or cause, the end goals are the same. We have a lot of history and evidence that indicates vision and leadership are better predictors of success than economics. Forward thinking schools use technology to help teachers teach and students learn in new ways, while schools that use technology to continue doing the same things fall further behind. Help frame Missouri’s future by participating in the state planning efforts that includes, among other things, the identification and showcasing of effective practices already in place across Missouri’s schools.  Deborah Sutton

 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

 Budgets/Grant Programs

Fiscal Year 2005-06 – There are no changes for current budgets and grant programs.

Fiscal Year 2006-07 – Federal Funding
Funding for the federal Title II.D Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) Program has been set at $275 million, a 45% cut from the current appropriation of $496 million. Application information for the 2006-07 Title II.D Competitive Grant Program was distributed in the Department’s January 11, 2006, weekly mailing to school administrators. Posted on the Instructional Technology website is a copy of the cover letter, a program FAQ, the administrative manual and application forms, and eligibility lists (based on U.S. Census poverty data).

The FY07 program will continue to operate under the current structure. Competitive grant proposals must focus on school-wide reform or systemic renewal through implementation of the eMINTS instructional model. Approved projects are funded for two years. Applicants may request up to $400,000 for year one and up to $150,000 for year two. Districts submitting new (year one) applications must meet eligibility requirements. A district may only submit (or participate in) one application or project.

Instructional Technology and eMINTS will co-host an information workshop on February 17, 2006, from 9:00 AM until noon. The workshop will be held live in Jefferson City (in Room 510 of the Truman State Office Building), and distributed to multiple remote sites via Illuminate videoconferencing. A listing of the remote sites – as well as driving directions and copies of the presentation slides and handouts – are  posted on the Instructional Technology website. See: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/federalfunded/TitleIID/Fy07_Workshop_Locations.doc 

Fiscal Year 2006-07 – State Funding
Governor Blunt presented his proposed budget in his January 11 State of the State Address. That budget includes level funding of the Safe Schools Grant Program. Details about the 2006-07 Safe Schools Program will be distributed to districts in late February or early March. 

While the Governor did not propose reinstatement of the Technology grants program (that supported TAG grants), he did propose level support of the MOREnet programs that include the  Technology Network Program (TNP). The Department and MOREnet have already begun discussions regarding next year’s district fee schedule for TNP participants. The intent is to finalize and distribute the proposed schedule to schools by late February. Note that the fee structure is subject to change should there be any changes in the state allocation.

 Technology Data Collection

Census of Technology – Core Data Screens (30-31) to be available by mid-February

Instructional Technology distributed a Census of Technology (COT) update in the Department’s January 4, 2006 weekly mailing to school administrators. Note that Informational Technology staff are working on revisions to Core Data Screens 30 and 31 which make up the COT. Usually collected during the April cycle of Core Data, these screens will be made available on or around February 15 this year to allow districts more time in completing data entry by the April 15, 2006 deadline.  Districts can preview a facsimile of the items and the manual instructions which are posted on the Instructional Technology website at: http://www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/statefunded/census/index.htm. Read through this information to determine district strategies for collecting and reporting timely and accurate data.

 Technology Planning

District plans due spring 2006 – 131 districts submit one-year plans in January; 284 districts have three-year plan due March 1.

Over 400 districts, with district technology plans due for state approval in 2006, were given the option of submitting one-year or three-year plans. This one-time option allowed districts the choice of waiting for the new state technology plan and then developing new three-year plans that align with the new state plan. In January, 131 districts submitted new one-year plans, leaving 289 districts with three-year plans due March 1, 2006. An email reminder was sent to those 284 districts during the week of January 23.

While Department Instructional Technology staff are reviewing the one-year plans, panels of readers will review the three-year plans. The three-year plan review will occur on March 15 at six sites across the state.  Missouri educators, technology coordinators, and school administrators are encouraged to participate in reviewing district technology plans. Training is provided and each site will have a veteran reader serving as a site leader. Contact Instructional Technology staff or complete the form provided on the website to sign up to be a reader.

Development of 2006-2011 State Technology Plan – Draft goals and objectives available for review

Committees of state technology planners met in Jefferson City on January 12, 2006 to review updated versions of the 2006 plan’s vision, mission, and goal statements and to draft objectives related to student learning; teacher preparation and the delivery of instruction; administration, data management, and communications; distribution of resources; and technical support. A listing of the goals and objectives is available on the state technology planning website. Documents can be accessed from the "Ed-Tech Documents" link on the main navigation menu. Please take time to review this information and post your ideas in the comments area. See: http://www.successlink.us/motechplan/

Participation and feedback from all stakeholders is essential in the creation of the next Missouri Education Technology Strategy Plan! You can participate by registering for a free account with this website and taking part in discussion board forums, provide feedback on specific articles using the "Comments" section below each article, or submit your own recommendations using the "Submit News" link available to registered users of the site.  

 Technology Solutions that Work – Free resource for Missouri schools

Information was distributed to schools in the Department’s January 18, 2006 weekly mailing about the Technology Solutions that Works (TSW) website and database. The Department purchased a TSW subscription from the Metiri Group, Inc. that is effective through October 2006. Missouri schools can use this resource to help get good returns on their technology investments and inform their decision-making about technology-based curriculum resources.

TSW is an online database to learn which content area software or technology-based learning solutions have sound research. Two active databases are available at this time, on Early and Adolescent Literacy and Middle and High School Mathematics. The Metiri Group and its consultants undertake rigorous, unbiased, and independent reviews of a software/learning solution, examining the product in terms of its theoretical base and impact studies.

The criteria and associated rubrics used for the cumulative intervention rating are designed to consider the entire research base that supports an intervention and, based on this evidence, make a judgment about the demonstrated efficacy of the program. Metiri assigns one of four possible ratings: What Works, New & Promising, Inconclusive, and Can’t Recommend. To learn more about TSW and how to get user privileges, visit the Instructional Technology website or click here: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/TWS_letter_1-18.doc.
 

NATIONAL NEWS
EdTech Action Network to host Washington Advocacy Day during CoSN Conference
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), and the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), invite interested educators to an Advocacy Day, which will occur March 7-8, 2006 in Washington, DC. Held in conjunction with the CoSN K-12 School Networking Conference, Advocacy Day is an opportunity to present messages and stories on the importance of education technology directly to key decision-makers. Advocacy Day equips first-time participants with a primer on advocating before Congress and an issue briefing on ISTE/CoSN’s legislative agenda. Following the briefing, Advocacy Day participants will go to Capitol Hill to speak directly with their state’s legislators. The meetings on Capitol Hill will be arranged for you once you have registered. To learn more about the CoSN conference and Advocacy Day events, visit: http://www.cosn.org

2006 Federal Budget Update
According to David A. DeSchryver, the federal budget is final and it does not please the education community. The FY 2006 budget provides the first cut in federal education spending in over a decade and it terminates many state-based programs that were not deemed to be effective. Overall, the Department of Education will receive $56.5 billion in discretionary funds for FY 2006, which began October 1, which is $59 million less than it received in 2005. Education technology did not avoid the knife. The program lost $221 million from FY 2005, yet that is, oddly, good news for many in the sector. Early in the year the program faced termination, but for some fierce lobbying (making it clear that it is difficult to have a data driven technology culture without technology funding) the entire program would have vanished. Other programs did not fare as well. Forty-eight programs will be eliminated and their funds will be used to buttress other areas and absorb the loss. To read the full article, see:  http://www.thedoylereport.com/default_article.aspx?page_id=spotlight&id=1391

STATE AND NATIONAL "TECHNOLOGY DAYS"

Show-Me TechKnowledge Day Held
 Submitted by Becky Chancellor, Planning Committee Chair

The 5th annual Show-Me TechKnowledge Day was held January 18th in the third floor rotunda of the State Capitol. Students from ten school districts exhibited technology-based learning projects to state legislators and other interested visitors. Students were presented in the House and Senate, and one group witnessed Newt Gingrich address the Missouri Senate. Several schools were treated to personal tours of the Capitol, and were able to interview their legislators.

The committee would like to thank the students and districts that presented:

  • Bunker R-III
  • Branson R-IV
  • Richland R-IV
  • The Missouri Virtual School, MSU
  • CSD Show-Me a Movie 2005 winners
  • Concordia R-II
  • Jefferson College Area Technical School
  • Cooper R-IV (2 groups)

and recognize work and contributions that made the event possible:
  • Randy Raw, MOREnet
  • Chris Davis, SuccessLink
  • Jennifer Brumback, Cooper Co. R-IV
  • A+ Awards, Knob Knoster
  • Hawthorn Room, State Capitol
  • Shannon Snow, R-I
  • Amy Shaw, Stockton R-1
  • AT&T
  • MO Distance Learning Association (MoDLA)
  • MO Education Technology Professionals Association (METPA) 
  • Becky Chancellor, Moniteau R-1
    •

E-RATE PROGRAM
    Funding Year 2005 News
On February 1, 2006 the SLD will issue Wave 32 of funding commitment decision letters for Funding Year 2005 that provides support for services delivered July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006. The funding associated with this wave addresses Priority One (telecommunications services and Internet access) services and Priority Two (internal connections) services at the 90% discount level. To date, the SLD has committed over $1.214 billion in more than 26,981 letters. Those eligible for discounts below the 81% level are being advised their requests for internal connections must be denied due to insufficient funds. 

January 30 was the last date to invoice USAC for non-recurring services that had a delivery and installation deadline of September 30, 2005.
    Funding Year 2006 News
The Form 471 application filing window for Funding Year 2006 will close at 11:59 pm EST on Thursday, February 16, 2006. January 19, 2006 was the last possible date to post a Form 470 on USAC’s website to meet the 28-day posting for the competitive bid requirement and submit a complete Form 471 by the filing window close date. USAC encourages applicants to file and certify Forms 470 and 471 online, as online filing ensures applicants of meeting minimum processing standards and allows for early acknowledgement and quicker decisions. For more information, visit the USAC website at http://www.universalservice.org/, call toll-free at 888-203-8100, or send a fax to 888-276-8736.

ED TECH RESEARCH, PUBLICATION, RESOURCES, SPECIAL EVENTS
The New Fundamentals of Leadership: Building Learning Communities
According to Mike Schmoker, most people agree principals are the most important leaders in our school system. Most also agree effective leadership in schools is still dismayingly, exceedingly rare. The key to improving school leadership begins with demystifying it. We must clarify the most high-leverage routines and procedures for bringing effective leadership within reach of "average" human beings. To do this, leadership must be redefined around professional learning communities: team-based, cooperative arrangements between instructors and administrators. At the heart of such professional learning communities is a commitment to having all teachers meet regularly with their colleagues for two primary purposes: 1) to determine, in common, the essential standards they will teach in each course on a common schedule; and 2) to prepare lessons and units together, assess their impact on student learning, and refine their instruction on the basis of these assessment results. If administrators focus on and coordinate such work, we will see record proportions of "average" human beings become highly successful school leaders.  See: http://www.sedl.org/pubs/sedl-letter/

What Makes a True Teacher Community?
Educators tend to throw the term "community" around quite flippantly, says researcher Sam Wineburg. While we hear of school community, learning community, teacher community, professional community, or communities of practice, "We often assign the term when there is no semblance of community life taking place." What distinguishes a community of teachers from a group of teachers sitting in a room for a meeting? Wineburg and colleagues explore this question in their paper, "What Makes Teacher Community Different from a Gathering of Teachers?" It's a highly engaging but lengthy paper -- if you have limited time to read it, you might begin on page 44 with the section "Toward Community," or on page 49 with "Why Care about Community?" See: http://depts.washington.edu/ctpmail/PDFs/Community-GWW-01-2001.pdf

Research on the Bully Problem
A wave of research over the past two decades has documented bullying's harmful and lasting impact on children of all ages. Results clearly show the psychological damage inflicted by violence, insults, and intimidation. But less clear has been what schools can actually do to prevent bullying. Some anti-bullying programs have gotten good results, some haven't, and the jury is still out on others. In this article, Amy Wilson surveys the bullying research and looks at what schools have done recently to try to address bullying among their students. She explores the complexity of developing effective anti-bullying programs, but she also identifies several principles and methods that distinguish the effective programs from the rest. The article from the most recent issue of Greater Good is a valuable resources for teachers, school administrators, and parents alike. See: http://peacecenter.berkeley.edu/FallWinter0506_Wilson.pdf

Major Study to Probe Ubiquitous Computing
Two leading educational consulting groups, Hayes Connection and Greaves Group, have launched a survey intended to document the deployment of one-to-one programs nationwide and further investigate the role of laptop and notebook computers in the instructional process. Sponsored by discovery Education and Pearson Education and supported by multiple education technology organizations, survey findings will be used to influence future policy decisions and initiate actions to bridge the widening achievement gap faced by U.S. students when compared with their counterparts in other industrialized nations. The survey is voluntary and will be distributed to 2,500 of the nation’s largest school districts (those with 4,000 or more students). In preparation for the survey, the two groups released a report “America’s Digital Schools 2006: A Five-Year Forecast.” To read full article see: http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/PFshowstory.cfm?ArticleID=6060. Link to the America’s Digital Schools survey at: http://www.ADS2006.org/.

MISSOURI SCHOOLS AND PROJECTS IN THE NEWS
North Kansas City Featured in Education in Hand  
http://www.districtadministration.com/page.cfm?p=328
In December, the District Administrators Journal released a special issue on the use of handheld computers. Education in Hand features the North Kansas City school district and its experiences with handhelds in seventh and eighth grades in Eastgate Middle School, and two Title 1 elementary schools. Also discussed is the range of software used, how the software and technology have been integrated into the curriculum throughout the district, and administrative uses for handhelds.

eMINTS Teacher Pam Lowe Named Technology and Learning Semi-Finalist
Pam Lowe, 4th grade eMINTS teacher from Poplar Bluffs School Dostrict, was named as a semi-finalist in Technology and Learning Magazine's Leader of the Year 2005 competition. Thousands of teachers from across the US were nominated. The recognition is a real honor for Pam and her work as an eMINTS teacher. Pam is an avid user of the eMINTS My eCoach online professional learning community. To view her classroom website see: http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/poplarbluff.k12.mo.us/lowe/

St Louis Public School District Contributes to White Paper
http://www.centerdigitaled.com/highlightstory.php?docid=97222 
The St. Louis Public School District was cited as a contributor to the whitepaper Call. Communicate. Create Community. Effective Use of School-to-Parent Communication Technology in Creating Trusted Relationships within K-12 Schools. The paper provides an overview of the school-to-parent communication ASP model that brings 21st century technologies to high volume messaging, while allowing administrators, educators, and volunteers to focus on their core educational missions, rather than stuffing envelopes or dialing phones.

MOREnet Update
submitted by Eric Nicklas

MOREnet Legislative Update
Last week, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt presented his recommendations for the FY07 state budget to the General Assembly and all Missourians in his State of the State Address. We are pleased to inform members that his recommendations include flat funding (level with FY06) for MOREnet. We support this recommendation and will continue to communicate with members of the General Assembly to educate them about what MOREnet does, and how our members use our services in meeting their goals.

As the budget process continues through the year, we will continue to keep you informed of legislative activities impacting MOREnet and its members.

Distance Learning Web Seminar Sponsored by MOREnet
 K-12 schools, find out how Cooperating School Districts of St. Louis (CSD) can help you take your students anywhere in the world, connect with experts, and collaborate with other students in different locations using the easy technology tool of videoconferencing!  Research has shown that distance learning can increase student motivation and learning by figuratively tearing down the walls of the classroom, providing students with experiences and relationships that they would otherwise never be able to have.  Come learn about all the virtual field trips and collaborative projects available from Cooperating School Districts that will promote higher order thinking skills and increase motivation in your students.  Hear from teachers who have participated in these videoconference events!  Learn how they planned and implemented the videoconferences and what their impact was on students.

To register for this February 16 Web Seminar go to: http://www.more.net/conferences/seminars/genevents.html#csd  For those unable to attend the live event, this Web Seminar will be recorded and available for viewing from the above URL following the live event.

 MOREnet Spring Technical Conference Registration Open
On March 22-23, 2006 MOREnet will hold its annual Spring Technical Conference at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, Missouri. Online registration will be available through March 10, 2006. The registration fee for members is $175 and $275 for non-members.

This conference provides information on current technologies and offers insight into future directions of technology in education. It is targeted for those who manage and support technology in public libraries, K-12 schools and higher education, including, but not limited to, technology coordinators and technology support specialists who are current members of MOREnet.  Online registration information is available at http://www.more.net/conferences/spring2006/

METPA UPDATE
submitted by Dee Wiecher, president

Watch for activities of METPA:

  • METPA strand at the spring technical conference

  • One day drive-in technology coordinators’ session in May in Columbia

Drive-in Technology Coordinators’ Meeting: For the drive-in technology coordinators’ session in May, we want to know what you need. Currently, the plans include some birds-of-a-feather sessions where users of some of the common products in our districts—SIS, Powerschool, Novell, Microsoft Server 3000—can gather to share information. Groups may be formed to begin work on some position papers about what METPA recommends for Missouri school districts.

If you would like to be part of the planning for the Technology Coordinators’ Meeting in May, please join us in Columbia on February 8, 10:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M. Please email me at metpa@sbcglobal.net, and I will forward you directions for this meeting.

eMINTS UPDATE
submitted by Monica Beglau

New eMINTS Digital Stories:
http://www.emints.org/about/video/
There are eight new digital stories created by Missouri eMINTS teachers and eMINTS trainers. The stories are available on the eMINTS website. Look in the blue box on the right hand side for the names of the stories. Our contributors to this year's stories include: Anne Jeschke (Chillicothe R-II), Dave Mathys (Moniteau R-I), Brenda McDorman (Morgan Co R-II), Karen Largent (Sullivan C-2), Sharon Sumner (Sullivan C-2), Kristie Tallent (Steelville R-III), Cindy Campbell (Morgan Co R-II), and Kristen Hermann (Steelville R-III). The stories are available in several streaming formats - be sure to download the most recent version to view these great stories properly. A special thanks to these teachers and trainers for sharing their eMINTS journeys and what teaching means to them. They are powerful examples of how to transform stories using technology. Special recognition is also due to the eMINTS staff members who guided the storytellers through on their journeys: Stephanie Bengtson and Julie Szaj. Each participant received a free copy of ULead Studio 9 along with the knowledge and skills needed to bring digital storytelling to their classrooms and districts.

eThemes Statistics
 http://www.emints.org/ethemes/calendar.shtml
There are now over 1,700 eThemes topics! The highest number of requests received during 2005 was in March when 36 requests were processed. Some of the most popular topics (based on the number of hits) include: Physics: Water Bottle Rockets, Animals: Food Chains and Webs, Writing: Similes and Metaphors, Back-to-School Activities, and Literature: "Lost," "Because of Winn Dixie," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Be sure to check out all of the features of eThemes, including the eThemes Calendar, and the search feature at http://www.emints.org/ethemes/search.shtml. There is a special section of eThemes topics under the heading "Teaching Tips" that includes web resources for topics ranging from Graphic Organizers to Technology Grants for Teachers.

eMINTS Question of the Month

Q: Where can I find out information about the Missouri state assessment alternative test for students with disabilities?

A: The Center for Innovations in Special Education provided a great article about this topic in their September electronic newsletter at      
      http://www.cise.missouri.edu/publications/innovations/september-2005/numerick2.html

COPYRIGHT QUESTION OF THE MONTH

Q.  May an educator (e.g., administrator, classroom teacher, substitute teacher, or student teacher) other district employee, volunteer, or others create and retain a multimedia project which contains allowable portions of copyrighted materials to be used in face-to-face instruction for an undetermined period of time?

A.  No. The project may be used for a period of up to two years from the first instructional use with a class.  Use beyond the two year time period, even for educational purposes, requires permission for each copyrighted portion incorporated in the project.

Note: If the educator does not obtain permission to use the copyrighted portions past the initial two year period, the project may be retained only in a personal portfolio for later personal uses such as tenure review or job interviews.

UPCOMING 2006 CONFERENCES

2006

 

February 23-25

Interface A 2006:  Making Connections for Student Success (Grades K-6)
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO

February 26-28

Interface B 2006:  Making Connections for Student Success (Grades 7-12)
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
February 28-March 1 The 17th Annual Southwest Education & Technology Conference
MSU Campus Springfield, MO. Contact Debbie Nelson, RCET-SW, 417.523.5560 for more information.
http://associations.missouristate.edu/rcet/conference.htm

March 22-23

MOREnet 2006 Connections Conference
Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach, MO
http://www.more.net/conferences

June 17- 22

Teaching and Learning Conference
Holiday Inn Select, Columbia, MO
 http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curriculum/conference/schoolleadersconf.htm


GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Deadline Grant
Ongoing Educational Foundation of America Grants
http://www.efaw.org
Ongoing The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation’s Education Grants Program
http://www.hewlett.org
Ongoing Intel’s Model School Grant Program
http://www.intel.com/modelschool
Ongoing Adopt a Classroom Grants
http://www.adoptaclassroom.com
Ongoing Build an Outdoor Classroom at Your School
 http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&p=AboutLowes/outdoor/index.html
2006  
February 1 Innovation and Learning and Leadership Grants
http://www.nfie.org
February 1 The American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
The Information Technology Pathfinder Award
http://www.ala.org/aasl/awards.html
February 24 Civiconnections
http://www.socialstudies.org/civiconnections/
March 1 The NEC Foundation of America Grants
http://www.necfoundation.org
March 1 Starbucks Foundation Grants
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp?cookie%5Ftest=1
March 15 Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation Grants
http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/
March 31 VIVA! Garden for Schools Contest
 http://www.vivagarden.com/schools/contest.html
March 31 Mantis Awards for Charitable And Educational Garden Programs
http://www.kidsgardening.com/grants/mantis-criteria.asp
April 1 12th Annual Kids Growing with Dutch Bulbs Awards
http://www.mailordergardening.com/mga-kidsgrant.cfm
April 7th The History Channel Save Our History National Honors Contest
 http://www.saveourhistory.com/awards/get_involved.html
June 1 Innovation and Learning and Leadership Grants (NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education)
http://www.nfie.org
October 15 Healthy Sprouts School Garden Awards
http://www.kidsgardening.com/healthysprouts1.asp
November 1 Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation Grants
http://www.toolboxforeducation.com/
 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

February 1

Newsline published online

February 17

FY07 Title II.D Competitive Grant Workshop, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

February 24

Newsline articles due
March 1 Technology in Education Month
 
March 1 Three Year LEA Technology Plans Due
 

March 15

Three Year LEA Technology Plan Reading
March 31 Title II.D Competitive Grants due
 
April 17 - 19 Title II.D Competitive Grant reading
 


FROM THE MAILBAG  

High School Financial Planning Program
http://www.nefe.org/hsfppportal/index.html

The National Endowment for Financial Education®  (NEFE) High School Financial Planning Program® (HSFPP), in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture-Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and participating Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension Services, Credit Union National Association, Inc.; and Americas Credit Unions, was initiated in 1984 as a public service to increase the financial literacy of America's youth. The six-unit program provides teens with a greater understanding of and ability to manage personal finances in the areas of goal setting, budgeting, and saving. The program uses unique games, simulations, case studies, and interactive exercises to provide hands-on experience for students to test and apply the financial principles and concepts being taught. To date, it has been taught to over three million students in all 50 states. The program is strictly noncommercial in content, does not promote financial or other products, and is provided without charge. An Instructor's Manual is provided for each teacher, and every student is given their own Student Guide at no cost.

Adding It Up Teaches Financial Skills
http://www.addsup.org/frameset1.html

 Adding It Up was developed at Cornell University to help young people ages 12 - 18 build strong financial knowledge and skills as they approach adulthood. The site has activities and resources to help young people understand how to get a good financial start in life and to avoid expensive mistakes commonly made when people lack good consumer information and skills.

From Apple eNews for Education
Visit http://www.apple.com/enews/subscribe/ to subscribe.

Harnessing Technology in Out-of-School Time Settings
 http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/afterschool/resources/snapshot7.html

 Another publication from the Harvard Family Research Project’s "Out-of-School Time Evaluation Snapshots" series is now available on their website. The Snapshot "Harnessing Technology in Out-of-School Time Settings" provides an overview of out-of-school time (OST) programs that use technology. It examines the diverse ways in which these programs utilize technology, how they are being evaluated, the outcomes associated with participation in these programs, and common implementation challenges and successes. The report is also available as a printable PDF.

 Community Relations
 http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/communityrelations/

New forms of technology are giving those inside school buildings easier and more effective ways to address key stakeholders on the outside. The editors of eSchool News Online (http://www.eschoolnews.com/) have compiled a collection of stories and features about how technology can strengthen school ties to the community, thereby taking weight off educators' shoulders.

The History Channel Offers Free Resource to all Educators
http://www.saveourhistory.com/index.html

The History Channel offers Save Our History Educator's Manual, a free resource to all Educators! Save Our History instills a sense of community pride in students and teachers and provides a unique, interactive, way for youth to study and appreciate national and local history. Monthly lesson plans were created in collaboration with the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Using key topics from American History, the lesson plans include local history activities that focus on developing key preservation skills in students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Additional lesson plans are available via email every month. Teachers will be able to download the manual and lesson plans then apply them to their in-class curriculum. Each lesson plan is designed to stand alone; however, when used in sequence, teachers can scaffold important historical research and analysis skills from one lesson plan to the next.

NEA Jazz in the Schools Curriculum Now Available
www.neajazzintheschools.org

NEA Jazz in the Schools is a web-based curriculum. The five-unit, multimedia curriculum is designed for high-school social studies, U.S. history, and music teachers, to help their students explore jazz as an indigenous American art form and as a means to understand American history.  A free multimedia toolkit containing a modified version of the curriculum, designed primarily for high schools without adequate web access, can be ordered on the website. Each unit can be taught in a day or expanded into a more comprehensive series of lessons, and includes a short introductory video; a lesson essay; links to a wealth of multimedia resources (musical excerpts, period photographs, and additional sources of information); a teacher's guide with teacher tips, cross-curricular activities, and assessment methods; and student activities. The  units include The Advent of Jazz: The Dawn of the Twentieth Century; The Jazz Age and the Swing Era; Bebop and Modernism; From the New Frontier to the New Millennium; and Jazz: An American Story. If you have any questions or would like further information on the program, please contact info@neajazzintheschools.org.

 Space Foundation Teacher Liaison Program
http://education.spacefoundation.org/

The Space Foundation is accepting applications for its prestigious Teacher Liaison program. Applications are due to the Space Foundation by Feb. 24, 2006. Space Foundation Teacher Liaisons serve as an active link between the Space Foundation, NASA, and their school and school district.

All kindergarten through 12th grade educators, or other professionals or informal educators, who have a desire to integrate space education into their classrooms, are eligible to apply. Additional information and applications are available at http://education.spacefoundation.org/ or by contacting Jonathan Ogg, director of education, at (719)576-8000. Selected teachers will be notified in March.

USA Mathematical Talent Search (USAMTS)
http://www.usamts.org/

This mathematics competition is open to all U.S. middle and high school students.  Problems are published on the website four times a year one month before solutions are due.  Problems range in difficulty from being within the reach of most high school students to challenging the best students in the nation. Students may use any materials -- books, calculators, computers -- but all work must be their own.  This year's special topic is "expected value." 

Family Involvement Storybook Corner
http://www.gse.harvard.edu/hfrp/projects/fine/resources/storybook

The Family Involvement Storybook Corner is a unique source for information on using children's storybooks with family involvement themes to engage families in their children's education and encourage family-school-community partnerships, all while supporting literacy. Launched in partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, the Storybook Corner offers resources to help educators, families, and those who work with families promote family involvement in children's education in a wide range of settings. Resources include a bibliography of storybooks with family involvement themes for ages 4-8, as well as teacher, trainer, and parent tools for using a multicultural storybook to promote involvement.

Bring History to Life with Free Video Conferencing Workshops
 http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/educationservice/video.htm

 Bring History to life in the classroom with videoconferencing workshops from the National Archives of England, Wales, and the United Kingdom. Students can learn how to read original Tudor handwriting or meet a First World War soldier and talk to him about his life in the trenches. All workshops are free of charge and preparation pack materials for some workshops can be downloaded from the website.

Virtual Cave
 http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/

This interactive site has tons of information about cave types and formations complete with photographs, diagram maps, and more. To find a cave near you: http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/showcave/menu.html

 From Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE)
 http://www.ed.gov/free

  • America from the Great Depression to World War II: Color Photographs from the FSA and OWI (1939-1945)
    http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/collections/fsac/history.html

    Offers 1,600 color photos from 1939-1945 -- photos of rural and small-town life, migrant labor, the Great Depression, railroads, military training, aircraft manufacturing, and mobilizing for World War II.  A special feature, "Collection Connections," suggests ideas for studying New Deal work programs, farm workers, relief programs, military training and women in the war effort. 
     

  • James Madison Papers -- American Memory
     http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/madison_papers/

    Includes 12,000 letters, notes, legislation, and other documents from the man considered the Father of the Constitution.  These documents (1723-1836), including an autobiography, help illuminate Madison's pivotal role in the Constitutional Convention as well as his nine years in the House of Representatives, his tenure as Secretary of State, and his two terms as our fourth President.  Essays discuss Madison's life and his role at the Constitutional Convention.
     

  • The Last Days of a President: Films of McKinley and the Pan-American Exposition, 1901 -- American Memory http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/papr/mckhome.html



    • View 28 films that include footage of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, President McKinley at his second inauguration, and McKinley's funeral.  Two brief essays recall the politics and status of the U.S. at the turn of the century.

Online Workshop: Teaching About the Holocaust
http://www.ushmm.org/education/foreducators/guidelines/

View videos from workshops on teaching about the Holocaust.  Videos include historical photos and text. 

National Wildlife Federation provides Wildlife Resources
http://www.nwf.org/

The following resources can be accessed for the “price” of a FREE subscription!

  • Backyard Wildlife Habitat(tm) Program - Find out how to turn your backyard, garden or balcony into a haven for butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife.
     

  • National Wildlife magazine online -  Peruse stunning photography and riveting articles from our award-winning magazine, available online.
     

  • Conservation Programs - Stay informed with up-to-the-minute news and special features on how NWF is protecting wildlife and their habitats.
     

  • eNature.com - Take advantage of this unique resource provided by NWF which features field guides for over 5,000 plant and animal species, an extensive ParkFinder, and much more!

NSF Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes
 http://www.science-house.org/CO2/activities/index.html

This site provides activities for exploring carbon dioxide and polymers. Learn how much carbon dioxide is in a soda.  Make carbon dioxide and observe its effects.  Create silly putty and oobleck to learn about polymers.  Test how much water can be absorbed by polyacrylate (the absorbent polymer in disposable diapers).

 Harvest of History Curriculum
 http://www.harvestofhistory.org/

 Few schoolchildren today understand how food travels from farm to table or the importance of agriculture in the history. Harvest of History addresses these concerns by providing a technology-focused experience for people to learn about agriculture and rural life in a fun and exciting way. The Web site focuses on New York State agriculture and will help students understand their rural roots, while meeting state and national education standards for social studies and science. Visit the Harvest of History Web site to learn more and to download materials.

 Growing a Green Generation
 http://horticulture.unh.edu/ggg.html

 Growing a Green Generation is an online gardening curriculum from the University of New Hampshire for preschool and kindergarten educators. Visit their Web site to view lessons, activities and videos.

 Spring's Journey North: New projects Begin Feb. 1
http://www.learner.org/jnorth/spring2006/index.html

 Join more than 11,000 schools watch spring sweep across the northern hemisphere by following the migration patterns of monarch butterflies, bald eagles, whooping cranes, and other animals; the budding of plants; changing sunlight in “mystery class” locations; and other natural events -- all for free! This premier Internet-based “citizen science” projects lets students share field observations with classmates across North America and analyze live maps and data from other classroom and professional scientists. Each Journey North study features standards-based lessons and challenges, stunning photos and video clips, weekly migration updates, interactive maps, reading selections, connections with field scientists, and compelling migration “stories.” Guidance is provided for helping students conduct local inquiries and fit them into a global context. Visit the website for links to all spring Journey North projects.

Seeking Pilot Classrooms for Pollinator Curriculum
 http://eeingeorgia.org/net/content/item.aspx?s=37101.0.68.4863

 Nature's Partners: Pollinators, Plants, and You is designed for students in grades 3-6. Is an informal science curriculum that includes six sessions, each with multiple activities that can be adapted to a variety of teaching environments. The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign is administering the pilot program.

Start Something with Tiger and Target
www.target.com/startsomething

Inspired by the book Start Something, written by Tiger and Earl Woods, Start Something is a program for youth ages 8 to 17 that keys on three national education priorities: character education, service learning, and career exploration.
Available absolutely free to teachers, classroom, youth groups, club and community centers nationwide, Start Something helps to inspire and guide youth in the belief that they can act on their dreams, make a difference in their communities and realize their potential. The Start Something scholarship program is available to young people ages 8 to 17 living in the U.S. (the 50 states or D.C., not including territories and affiliated jurisdictions) who complete the Start Something program. Students may apply for scholarships of up to $5,000 to help them continue to develop their talents and pursue a dream or goal. Students can use scholarship money on almost any activity they choose to continue to pursue their goal or dream. Examples include music lessons, sports camps, special educational programs, travel, and equipment. Target Corporation awards up to a total of $300,000 each year in Start Something scholarships. Applications are screened and scholarships are awarded three times a year in May, September and January.

 Habitat for Humanity's Teacher and Youth Leader Resources
http://www.habitat.org/ccyp/teacher_youth_leader/default.aspx

Habitat for Humanity has a handy collection of no cost Teacher and Youth Leader resources including a full Habitat for Humanity Curriculum with rubrics, worksheets, assessments, etc. Students can build a model Habitat for Humanity House, use a housing simulation, and much more! This is a great resource for teaching about housing issues around the world. It's also a great way to remind your students of all the families still left homeless from Hurricane Katrina.

INTERNET SITES OF INTEREST

From Science News for Kids
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/

The International Children's Digital Library
http://www.icdlbooks.org/about/index.html

The International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) is a research project funded primarily by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), and Microsoft Research to create a digital library of outstanding children's books from all over the world.

 Biology Research Overview
 http://www.nsf.gov/news/overviews/biology/index.jsp

This site includes an interactive tour of the cell and discussions around questions:  How do viruses attack cells?  How will technology open new doors in biology?  How can the mustard plant help us understand animals?   How can neuroanatomy help us understand diverse life forms?  How are fish and maple trees connected?  What is life? 

Chemistry and Materials: Research Overview
 http://www.nsf.gov/news/overviews/chemistry/index.jsp

 This site looks at the sciences of stuff and some of the greatest challenges in the field today:  understanding "emergence"   (when the whole adds up to much more than the sum of its parts), creating new materials (high-strength plastics, superconductors, photovoltaic devices), mimicking products and processes of nature, and finding green ways to manufacture products, create chemical reactions, treat waste, and generate energy.

Concord.org Five Lessons
 http://www.concord.org/publications/newsletter/2005-fall/five.html

Review activities and software for exploring key math and science concepts.  A grapher without numeric values introduces calculus concepts in early grades.  Students create populations that reproduce according to Mendelian genetics. They design molecules and watch molecules self-assemble.  When keys on their calculator are disabled, students must develop work-around solutions.

NSF Current
 http://www.nsf.gov/news/newsletter/dec_05/index.jsp

Featuring cutting-edge science and engineering research and education, the December 2005 issue looks at research on stress and the brain, the light-activated switch in plants, microevolution in penguins, fluids racing through carbon nanotubes, gardening and scientific investigations in urban areas, and environmental sciences and minority internships.

 From The Classroom Flyer by Riverdeep
http://rivapprod2.riverdeep.net/

NEWEST eTHEMES

Career Path: Business, Management, and Administration
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001686.shtml

Find out how to get involved in business, management, and administration. These websites detail the occupations available and career information such as education needed, salary, and job growth information. Includes links to eThemes on career exploration and career interest assessments.

 Career Path: Finance
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001757.shtml

Find out what careers are included in the finance career cluster. Learn about the careers, what kind of training they require, and what the working conditions are for the career cluster. Includes links to eThemes on career exploration, career interest assessments, and personal budgeting.

 Country: Estonia
http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001756.shtml

These sites are about Estonia. Learn about the people, history, culture, government, and natural environment of this small Baltic nation. There are facts, maps, and photos. Students can listen to a recording of a native bird's song, hear the Estonian National Anthem, and watch a short movie about the Setu, an ethnic minority in Estonia. Referenced is an eTheme about Russia.

 Country: Singapore