Science Standards Update:
I am happy to announce that the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science were adopted at the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting yesterday! The next step will be for the standards to go through legislative consideration. You can find a link to the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science on the OSDE science webpage: http://www.ok.gov/sde/science
I would like to take the time to thank each and every OKSci educator who participated in the revision process. On top of the everyday efforts you make to ensure our students are engaged in learning about and discovering the science, you spent countless hours assisting with the revision of the Oklahoma science standards. Many of you participated in the Writing Team, Draft Team and Focus groups. Your expertise and experience was vital to the revision of the science standards. I also know many of you took the time to submit comments through the public draft. The Writing Team addressed the comments that were received and made several changes based on the feedback.
I was honored to represent such an outstanding group of educators at the board meeting yesterday. I know many of you have e-mailed asking what the next steps are. I’ve outlined a few of them below:
- The Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science still have to go through legislative consideration. I encourage everyone to contact your legislators about the new science standards. They do listen to the public concerning educational issues and who better to provide them with information about the new science standards than the educators who have devoted their lives to science education. Here is a quick link to help you find contact information for your legislators:http://www.oklegislature.gov/FindMyLegislature.aspx
- Many educators have already begun making comparisons between the PASS (2011) standards and the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science that were in draft form.
- Please make sure you now utilize the final version of the standards on the OSDE science webpage.
- Share how you and your district are becoming acquainted with the new standards on the OKSci Facebook page or through twitter #OKSci.
3. We are currently working with groups of educators to develop the following resources that will be available by the end of the school year.
- Recommended Implementation Plan – The implementation plan will provide educators and districts with information and options to assist them in developing their own implementation plans for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science.
- PD on Your Plan Modules – A series of PD on Your Plan modules will be developed to assist educators and districts with analyzing and implementing the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science.
4. As a reminder the science assessments will continue to be aligned with the PASS 2011 standards in 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016. The science assessments will be aligned to the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science in 2016-2017.
5. Professional Development – Look for announcements for professional development opportunities throughout the state this summer.
6. The OSDE Vision 2020 Conference will be a great opportunity to attend professional development sessions targeting support with the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. http://www.okvision2020.ok.gov/
O-A-S-Science FAQ Survey: In an effort to develop an FAQ document to address questions of OKSci educators around the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science, please link to complete the FAQ survey. Your questions and comments are greatly appreciated.
Science Assessment Spring 2014 Update:
Based upon feedback and recommendations from the Content Bias Review Committee, Biology Formula Reference Sheets will be included for the Spring 2014 Biology EOI for ALL students. The reference sheet will be provided by CTB as a separate sheet of paper for both online testers and paper/pencil testers. The reference sheet is based upon page 48 of the Biology Test & Item Specifications. The provided formulas for calculating averages, population growth rates, probabilities, etc. are representative of formulas frequently encountered in biology instruction.
Biology Formula Sheet: http://ok.gov/sde/sites/ok.gov.sde/files/documents/files/Biology_Formula_Sheet.pdf
Science Assessment FAQ:
- Science assessments will continue to be aligned to the current Oklahoma Academic Standards (2011) in 2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.
- Assessments aligned to the new science standards are expected in 2016-2017.
- Science assessments will continue to be given for grades/subjects 5, 8, and Biology 1.
- Students might have a passage and questions on their Reading test (grades 6-8) or English II/III test in 2014-2015 that requires them to respond to an informational text about science. The literacy assessed on the English exam in 2014-2015 will only assess students’ literacy skills associated with informational text in science. The students will not be assessed on science content on the Reading/ English state assessments.
For more information, contact the Office of Accountability and Assessments at (405) 521-3341.
Professional Development Opportunities:
2014 National Lab Day: May 13th at Oklahoma State University
National Lab Day (NLD) has received high praise from high school students, teachers, administrators, and OSU STEM Faculty who have participated in the past. Participants attending NLD will visit STEM labs on the OSU campus, engage in hands-on activities, learn about current research, and visit with STEM faculty about career paths. Teachers wanting to participate in the 2014 OSU-NLD event can bring up to 7 students currently in their sophomore or junior year in high school. There is no cost to attend and lunch is provided by participating Oklahoma State University colleges. Registration will be on a first come first serve basis, so secure your spot soon!
- Teachers can register at the College of Education website: education.okstate.edu
- For more information, please contact: Julie Angle: 405-744-8147
- See attached flyer for details.
Ag in the Classroom
Ag in the Classroom is offering two one-day rolling workshops to put teachers up close and personal with the agriculture industry featuring beef. These workshops will incorporate Ag in the Classroom lessons and resources aligned to Oklahoma Academic Standards as the bus rolls through the country. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. We also have our 3-day Summer Road Trip to the Panhandle as well.
- See attached documents to register.
K20 and Oklahoma EPSCoR Present: Authentic Research Experiences for Teachers
Who: Oklahoma science teachers in grades 6-12
What: 4-Day Authentic Research Experience for Teachers with Follow-up
Lodging and Stipend included.
Where: Participants will either be on-site working with Research Scientists at:
- Kiamichi Forest Research Station near Idabel or
- Integrated Grassland Observation Sites (iGOS) near El Reno
Areas of Study:
- Kiamichi: Ecological response of plants and animals to drought iGOS: Land cover and land use changes or
- Fluxes in ecosystems and atmosphere
When: Monday-Thursday, June 9 – 12, 2014
To register, go to: https://k20.wufoo.com/forms/summer-authentic-research-experience-for-teachers/
- See attached flyer for details.
North Canadian River Watershed Workshop
The Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Oklahoma Blue Thumb, and Oklahoma Project WET invite you to attend a three-day summer workshop to explore the North Canadian River Watershed. This workshop is a great opportunity for educators to get out of the classroom and explore one of Oklahoma’s big rivers. Participants will receive the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide along with a binder full of materials about the North Canadian River and its watershed. Plus 36 hours of professional development credit!!
- See the attached flyer for details.
Contact Karla B. Beatty for questions 405.521.6788 (phone) karla.beatty@conservation.ok.gov
Opportunities for Students:
Summer College STEM Academy June 9-12: Murray State College
The STEM Academy is for 8th and 9th Grade students. Students can stay on campus at MSC-Tishomingo and experience dorm life.
- Cost of Camp – Free!
- See attached documents:
- Teacher recommendation form
- Student Registration form
Stay Connected
Follow me on Twitter: @tiffanyneill Facebook: #OKSci Hashtags: #oksde #OKSci #OKSTEM Sign Up for a Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ OKSci Resources: Classroom Strategies: http://www.scoop.it/t/oksci-classroom-strategies Website Resources Elementary: http://bit.ly/OSDE-SciElemLinks Website Resources Secondary: http://bit.ly/OSDE-SecScienceLinks Accessing Archived Science Messages: You can access Archived Science Messages I’ve sent out since March via the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) website. Scroll down to see previous posts. Science Listserv: Please encourage others to register for the science listserv and pass along the following registration link: Register for Science Listserv As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have! -Tiffany _________________________________________________________________ Tiffany Neill, M.Ed. Director of Science Education Office of Instruction Oklahoma State Department of Education P: 405.522.3524 Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov @tiffanyneill Science Webpage PE & Health Webpage