April 22nd, 2013 Bob
By Janet Barresi, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Monday, April 22, 2013
As I meet with teachers from across the state, I hear a common theme. I talk with working groups of teachers here at the state department. I’ve had the opportunity to visit with past and present teachers of the year. I also have roundtable discussions with teachers at the school districts I visit on my Raise the Grade Together tours. I listen to superintendents in my leadership advisory group. These educators tell me they are frustrated with “teaching to the test.” Parents and community members often mirror these sentiments. I agree!
The time has come to have a serious discussion about this. I want teachers to know I am committed to working with them and the rest of the education community. This summer and in the fall, together with these groups, we will conduct an audit of all the different assessments given across the state, including federal, state and district level assessments.
I am proposing this study to help identify the best assessments that will provide feedback regarding instructional strategies so teachers can better meet the needs of their students. As we move to new assessments in the next few years, educators will use some familiar tools, including data, technology and texts. They will also use new instructional strategies that are a critical component of all our new Oklahoma C3 Standards. These include strategies to promote critical thinking and problem solving as well as practical application of securely held foundational knowledge. Working together, we can identify areas of duplication and unproductive assessments. Perhaps, we may even find places where we can save money and put dollars back into the classroom.
Through my advocacy and policy work over the past 17 years, and now serving as your state superintendent, there is one thing I know for sure. Our current state tests are by and large memory tests. (emphasis added) Every educator knows that tests that rely more on rote memory of facts yield very little in retained knowledge. Our current OCCT tests are aligned to the Oklahoma PASS standards. The state is currently transitioning to the new Oklahoma C3 Standards through the rewrite, revision or replacement process. The PASS Standards are a “mile wide and an inch deep.” The new Oklahoma C3 Standards are characterized as “narrower, deeper, higher.” They are narrower in focus to allow teachers to develop foundational knowledge in their students. They are deeper so teachers are able to spend more time on content to assure mastery of subject matter and higher because they focus on developing critical thinking skills that are a must for success in the 21st Century. In other words, we are teaching children to master information that is critical to their success and also teaching them how to think.
A close comparison of the two sets of standards explains why. With the old PASS Standards, teachers tend to be boxed into a system of teaching that reduces itself to drill work of students. That helps no one. It is not engaging to students, does not lend itself to mastery of subject matter and does not allow the teachers to develop thinking skills in their students. In other words, the old system makes the teacher work to “get the kids through the test.” Very little information is provided to the teacher and all that is really known is whether or not the student passed and did they improve?
Teachers need more detailed information about what a student should know and be able to do. A math teacher needs to know more than whether or not the student got the right or wrong answer on a test item. That educator needs actionable information on whether or not the student set up the formulae correctly to answer the question. They need to know if they arrived at the correct answer, and if the variables in the problem are changed, how well does the student understand the principle being taught in order to adjust the formulae to arrive at a correct answer for the new variables. The assessment yields better information more precisely targeted to what is being taught and will yield information that is actionable. In other words, instead of the teacher working for the test, the test must work for the teacher. The new academic assessments being developed for social studies, science, for English language arts and mathematics are academic tools for teachers because they evaluate students’ knowledge base across all domains of knowledge.
These should provide teachers with critical information about the strengths and weaknesses of each of their students. They will help teachers know how to adjust instruction. The information derived from them will provide the entire education team including principals and superintendents the valuable information they need to work together as a team to provide the most optimal opportunities for each child. Our state’s new academic assessments are being designed to do just that. If you think about it, we are promoting effective teaching practices, assuring mastery of subject matter, developing cognitive skills and are developing an academic assessment for students that measures all of those skills and informs future practice by educators.
We have engaged teachers and principals in a comprehensive effort of professional development to prepare educators for the new system. Our goal is to create an environment of continuous learning spurred on by innovations in instructional strategies that are student centered, research based and data driven.
My next column will be about how we’re communicating with educators and the public and the training we’re providing to support educators throughout the state.
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October 21st, 2012 Bob
It’s time to check your schedule and finalize plans to be in attendance at the 2012 OSTA Fall Conference
“Saving The World Through Science”
First and foremost, this is the best science staff development conference you will find in Oklahoma this year. Second, the conference agenda brings together some of the most relevant topics for science teachers that you will find anywhere at any time.
Want to learn about the Next Generation Science Standards? Learn about it here, from Vanessa Westbrook, one of the NGSS writers!
How about Forensic Science? At Saving the World Through Science you can learn from professors who teach the top Forensic Science school in the country at UCO!
Wondering about how to work with students in studying glocal Climate change? Learn from climate scientists who are actively engage in climate research at the University of Oklahoma!
Need to know how scientists determine the age of ancient artifact through radiometric dating? Learn about the techniques and process from a scientist that does the work himself!
Trying to implement the Common Core State Standards ELA guidelines for science, social studies and technical fields into your course work? See how science graduate students at OU utilize these same recommendations as tools to develop effective communication and writing skills in the science research they produce.
Need more information of the AP Biology redesign, yep, we got that too!
Look at the OSTA Conference Agenda below. From keynote address to one hour sessions, to two half-day institutes, OSTA’s Saving the World Through Science promises to be a full day of fantastics learning experiences that will reap dividends for you and your students.
Don’t forget the OSTA Awards Reception at the Zoo on Friday evening at 6:30 PM. Help honor the recipients of the Annual OSTA Awards and mingle with science education leaders from around the state and nation! Sign up when you register. Thanks to generous contributions from the OKC Zoo and Pearson, the Awards reception is now FREE! Details are found here.
Click the link to register for the 2012 OSTA Fall Conference. The special pre-conference rate has been extended until November 8th!
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September 26th, 2012 Bob
Whom: Grades 2nd – 8th pre-service and in-service classroom teachers within any subject area
What: an 11-day summer NASA STEM teacher institute
When: June 5th – 15th, 2013
Where: the University of Oklahoma
Why: The Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Consortium is sponsoring a summer institute for NASA’s Space Science Mission Directorate. We call this Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE). Use the excitement of aerospace education to motivate students with a research-based, hands-on STEM curriculum across all subject areas. Enhance your teaching by aligning these motivational activities with the National Standards and the Oklahoma CORE.
Cost: Selected participants will receive NASA funding that covers the cost of: ten nights lodging, meals for eleven days, morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, handout materials, curriculum notebooks, “mini ground school”, orientation flight in University owned aircraft, flight materials and logbook, model rocket projects, and more!
Course Topics
*Basic Principles of Flight
*Classroom Application of Remote Sensing
*Unmanned and Manned Satellites
*Living and Working in Space
*Hands-On Rocketry and Model Rocketry
*Robotics
–Experience Interactive Flight in University-Owned Aircraft
–Field excursions to Science Museum Oklahoma, Sam Noble Museum, History of Science Museum, the National Weather Center, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, and the Oklahoma Geological Survey.
2013 MTPE Teacher Applications are due in the Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Office at the University of Oklahoma no later than 5PM on Thursday, October 11th , 2012. All applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis. To receive an application, please contact Kat Rigby at 405.325.5537, or via e-mail: KatOKSG@ou.edu .
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August 23rd, 2012 Bob
Welcome back science educators!
I hope you enjoyed the summer and found opportunities to both relax and become rejuvenated! I had the great pleasure of meeting several amazing educators through the Math Science Partnership Grants this summer. I participated in the “Math Amazing Races” in downtown Tulsa and took a tour of an amazing small aircraft facility in Ada.
I know many of you found opportunities to learn this summer and I thank you for your willingness to do so and take back to your students!
I also spent the summer gaining information and experiences that I look forward to sharing with science educators in the state this year!
Here are just a few of the things I’d like to share:
Science Matters Online:
Science Matters Online provides several short videos showcasing 5E lessons from Picture Perfect Science. The videos allow educators to see other educators conducting lessons with students and reflecting on the power of those lessons in the classroom. The lessons also focus on the integration of literacy in science.
The lessons are geared towards elementary. However, the videos can serve as a powerful tool for educators K-12.
Click the following link to access the videos: http://sciencemattersonline.com/videos-2
The Teaching Channel:
The Teaching Channel currently provides 120 videos pertaining to the implementation of Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Some of the videos provide an overview of CCSS. However, the majority of the videos provide exemplar strategies for classroom practice.
I strongly encourage you to check out a few of the videos! I have utilized many of the strategies showcased in the videos for professional development and teacher discussion this summer!
You can access the videos by clicking on the following link: https://www.teachingchannel.org/
Once on the webpage, scroll down to Common Core on the left side.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association:
I also had the pleasure of working with several members of the Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA). OSTA shares valuable resources through their OSTA listserv and they serve as a support system to science educators around the state! OSTA has many exciting opportunities for educators in the upcoming year that you won’t want to miss out on!
Find out more and join through: http://www.oklahomascienceteachersassociation.org/
I will continue to share resources throughout the year and I would welcome any resources you might have for me to share on the science listserv.
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Review Update:
Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will meet in the spring of 2013
We wanted to update you on the proposed timeline for adoption of the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards. The Oklahoma State Department of Education has decided to begin the process of Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Revision in the spring of 2013. This will not impact the schedule for science textbook adoption this year. Committees will still be selected through an application process. Applications for the Oklahoma C3 Science Standards Committees will be distributed through the science listserv and on the OSDE website.
If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact me at 405-522-3524 or Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov .
Resources for Teachers:
New Teacher Tips from the National Science Teachers Association
NSTA shared several helpful tips for new teachers in their free newsletter this month bit.ly/NXi8T3. I encourage you to share this resource with new science teachers in your district. Many of the tips provided are great for veteran teachers as well.
Oklahoma Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Fall Conference:
November 10th
The OSTA Fall Conference, “Saving the World Through Science “will take place Saturday, November 10th at the University of Central Oklahoma.
· Submit your proposal to present. This year all proposals will be submitted using our convenient on-line form. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE! Space is limited.
o All program presenters must register for the conference.
· Register for the Conference at the following link: Register Securely Online
Free Admission for Educators to 5 OKC Attractions:
September 15th 9:00 a.m -1:00 p.m.
Calling all teachers and principals! You’re invited to get a Sneak Peek in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District. For one day only, visit five Adventure District locations to learn about educational programs and speak with representatives about educational resources. Oklahoma City’s Adventure District, located at the crossroads of I-35 and I-44, has it all for you – all in one
Visit all five attractions and receive Free Admission for you and your family for the remainder of the day to the location of your choice (total of four free admissions including teacher).
Participating locations:
- Remington Park
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Oklahoma City Zoo
- ASA National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum
- Science Museum Oklahoma
Visit http://www.okcadventure.com/teachers-sneak-peek for pre-registration and complete details.
Grant Opportunities for Teachers:
Environmental Education Grant Opportunity
The Oklahoma Association of Environmental Educators (OKAEE) is partnering with the Environmental Education Association (EEANM) in the Small Grants Program. Members of OKAEE have been involved with the design and implementation of this program and will be assisting with the review process for any applications from Oklahoma.
Attached you will find the RFP for Region 6 and the application form if you are interested in the program. If you have questions, feel free to contact:
Karla Beatty I 405-521-6788 I karla.beatty@conservation.ok.gov
First Robotics Team Information Sessions and OSDE Grants
First Robotics is hosting information sessions in Edmond and Tulsa (see attached memo) for anyone interested in starting a First Robotics Team at their school. The information session is also designed to provide information to mentors of First Robotics Teams.
Also, the Oklahoma State Board of Education will provide grants up to $5,000 per school to facilitate recent start-up and existing team opportunities. Grant applications and further details can be found at http://ok.gov/sde/node/4024
Opportunities for Students:
Air Force Association Cyber Patriot Competition
CyberPatriot is the premier national high school cyber defense competition designed to excite, educate, and motivate the next generation of cyber defenders critical to our nation’s future security. The competition has a tournament-style tiered structure with a series of web-based competition rounds and culminating in the national championship in Washington, D.C. in March 2013.
Interested students can attend “free” classes on Saturdays at Rose State College during the fall semester. This is truly a remarkable opportunity for students! You can find out more about the competition and its benefits through the links provided below:
· The home page: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Pages/default.aspx
· Benefits for Schools: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/schools.aspx
· Information for Parents: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/parents.aspx
· Information for Teachers: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/HowYouFit/coaches.aspx
· Registration Link: http://www.uscyberpatriot.org/Register/default.aspx
· Important dates: https://www.uscyberpatriot.org/CP5/dates.aspx
If you have questions, please feel free to contact:
Dr. Dave Wagie 405-815-5258 I Dave_Wagie@odoc.state.ok.us
STEM Competition for High School Students
Siemens Foundation, in partnership with the College Board, is sponsoring the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, which recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. Students or teams of students can enter to win scholarships of up to $100,000 for their work. Registration is open. Visit the College Board website for more information. The deadline for project submission is Monday, October 1, 2012, at 5:00 pm EST.
Again, I welcome you back to the start of another school year! Your efforts will certainly have long-lasting impacts on the students who pass through your doors! I look forward to working with you this year and sharing in your successes!
As, always please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
-Tiffany
Tiffany Neill
Director of Science
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Office of Instruction
Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov
Phone: 405-522-3524
Fax: 405-521-2971
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August 10th, 2012 Bob
Who is developing the NGSS?
National Research Council (NRC) – independent, nonprofit institution (part of National Academies) which developed the Framework upon which the NGSS is based. (NRC previously developed National Science Education Standards (NSES), released in 1996.)
Carnegie Corporation – nonprofit, philanthropic trust providing grant money to NRC for this project
Achieve – bipartisan, nonprofit organization selected by NRC to facilitate state-led process of developing NGSS based on Framework
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) – supporting NGSS process as strategic partner
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) – supporting NGSS process as strategic partner
(AAAS previously developed the Benchmarks for Science Literacy (BSL), released in 1993.)
NGSS Lead States – 26 states applied to act as lead state partners to support the NGSS development efforts and address common issues related to adoption and implementation:
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia
NGSS Writing Team – 41 members from across US, includes members with expertise in elementary school science, middle school science, high school science, students with disabilities, English Language learners, state-level standards and assessments, and workforce development. To help ensure fidelity to Framework, the Framework design committee chairs are acting as chairs of NGSS writing team committees.
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What is the Framework, and how does this relate to the NGSS?
The NGSS are being developed from a foundational document released by the NRC called the Framework for K-12 Science Education. The Framework drew upon current research in science and science education to provide an outline of the content and sequence of learning expected of all students by the end of high school. The Framework also identified three dimensions critical to this student learning: Scientific & Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas. The final version of the Framework was released in July 2011 and work on the NGSS started immediately afterwards.
Are the NGSS associated with the Common Core?
No, the NGSS is a separate effort from the Common Core State Standards Initiative. However, the NGSS are similar in some respects to the CCSS: the NGSS are being developed through a state-led process, state adoption of the NGSS is optional, the NGSS are performance-based expectations that emphasize deeper understanding and application and are organized by learning progressions. There are also similarities between the scientific practices in NGSS and the practices in CCSS ELA and Math. The NGSS are being cross-articulated with the CCSS in ELA and Math at the same grade levels; the NGSS identify the cross-links to CCSS ELA and Math.
Will the NGSS be assessed by the Consortia?
No, the PARCC and SBAC consortia are being funded by RTTT grants to develop assessments based on the CCSS in ELA and Math only. Currently, there is no RTTT funding for any new Science assessments. NCLB/ESEA has not been altered since its 2002 reauthorization, so the same requirements remain in place for Science: states must have “challenging” standards in Science, and states must administer annual Science tests in each of three grade ranges: 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12. (NOTE: The NRC has recently started developing a Science Assessment Framework that will make recommendations for how to best assess the NGSS.)
Will the NGSS be organized grade-by-grade or by grade ranges?
A mix of the two: The NGSS performance expectations are currently listed for each grade level in grades K-5. However, the NGSS will be grouped by bands for grades 6-8 and 9-12, allowing states to determine how to best sequence or organize them in middle school and high school. However, models will eventually be provided of different pathways by which the NGSS could be sequenced across each of these grade bands (e.g., such as HS courses, etc.).
When will the NGSS be released?
The second (and last) public draft of NGSS will be released in fall 2012. The final NGSS will be released end of 2012 (or early 2013).
How many states will adopt the NGSS?
This remains to be seen, but there is a lot of interest and support surrounding the NGSS. The 26 lead states have pledged to give “serious consideration” to adoption. NGSS-focused meetings by the Council of State Science Supervisors have drawn attendees from over 40 states. The NRC and Achieve are promoting the NGSS adoption as “all or nothing”: states that decide to adopt must adopt the NGSS in its entirety without modification. NGSS Lead States that choose to adopt have been asked to publicly share their transition and implementation plans, including a timeline. Transition and implementation will most likely occur over several years.
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What are the three Dimensions in the Framework, and how will these be used in the NGSS?
Each NGSS performance expectation will integrate the 3 dimensions: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas.
Example NGSS Performance Expectation (from First Public Draft) with its Foundations from the Three Dimensions:
MS.PS-SPM.d: Construct an argument that explains the effect of adding or removing thermal energy to a pure substance in different phases and during a phase change in terms of atomic and molecular motion.
Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
7. Engaging in Argument from Evidence
- Use oral and written arguments supported by empirical evidence and reasoning to support or refute an explanation for a phenomenon or a solution to a problem.
Dimension 2: Crosscutting Concepts
2. Cause and Effect: Mechanism and Explanation
- Relationships can be classified as causal or correlational, and correlation does not necessarily imply causation. Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems. Phenomena may have more than one cause, and some cause and effect relationships in systems can only be described using probability.
Dimension 3: Disciplinary Core Ideas
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
- In a liquid, the molecules are constantly in contact with others; in a gas, they are widely spaced except when they happen to collide. In a solid, atoms are closely spaced and may vibrate in position but do not change relative locations.
- The changes of stat that occur with variations in temperature or pressure can be described and predicted using these models of matter.
PS3.A: Definitions of Energy
- The term “heat” as used in everyday language refers to both thermal motion (the motion of atoms or molecules within a substance) and radiation (particularly infrared and light).
- Temperature is not a measure of energy; the relationship between the temperature and the total energy of a system depends on the types, states, and amounts of matter present.
Dimension 1: Scientific and Engineering Practices
1. Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering)
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Dimension 2: Cross-Cutting Concepts
1. Patterns
2. Cause and effect: Mechanism and explanation
3. Scale, proportion, and quantity
4. Systems and system models
5. Energy and matter: Flows, cycles, and conservation
6. Structure and function
7. Stability and change
Dimension 3: Core Content Ideas
Life Sciences
LS 1: From molecules to organisms: Structures and processes
LS 2: Ecosystems: Interactions, energy, and dynamics
LS 3: Heredity: Inheritance and variation of traits LS 4: Biological evolution: Unity and diversity Earth and Space Sciences
ESS 1: Earth’s place in the universe
ESS 2: Earth’s systems
ESS 3: Earth and human activity
Physical Sciences
PS 1: Matter and its interactions
PS 2: Motion and stability: Forces and interactions
PS 3: Energy
PS 4: Waves and their applications in technologies for information transfer
Engineering, Technology, and the Applications of Science
ETS 1: Engineering design
ETS 2: Links among engineering, technology, science, and society
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May 23rd, 2012 Bob
Greetings science educators!
I know many of you have or are about to leave your classrooms for the summer. However, I wanted to send you titles and descriptions for the science strands of the Vision 2020 Conference.
As a reminder, on June 12th there will be a science strand focus and a science luncheon and on June 13th there will be a STEM strand focus and a STEM luncheon. However, there will be several science sessions on June 13th as well.
You can view the titles, descriptions, and author bios for the sessions in the document attached to this e-mail. There are several STEM sessions on June 13th which are not detailed in the document. These sessions include presentations by Project Lead the Way and PITSCO.
Also, there are over 200 sessions outside of the science strand being offered at the Vision 2020 Conference. Several of them will provide valuable information, resources, and tools applicable to the science classroom. The at-a-glance agenda for the entire conference will be up on the Oklahoma State Department website soon!
Links for the Vision 2020 Conference:
General session speakers and keynotes speakers: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/OSDEVision2020/general_session_speakers/?&&
Register at: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/OSDEVision2020/HOME/?&
I hope to see you there! Have a great summer!
-Tiffany
Tiffany Neill
Director of Science
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Office of Instruction
Tiffany.Neill@sde.ok.gov
Phone: 405-522-3524
Fax: 405-521-2971
Join us for the Vision 2020 Conference
http://ok.gov/sde/events/vision-2020
Vision 2020 Conference: Science Strand
Tuesday June 12, 2012
Science Luncheon Tuesday June 12th, 2012
The Year of Science: Celebrating, Connecting, and Collaborating
Description: Join us for this energizing luncheon as we honor and celebrate two very special science educators from our state, Sarah Vann, winner of the 2011 Milken Educator Award and Lance Doss, a finalist in the 2011 Shell Lab Challenge. The luncheon will also provide an opportunity to connect with Tiffany Neill, the new Oklahoma Director of Science Education as she shares exciting new initiatives in science education and resources that support the implementation of Common Core State Standards for Literacy in Science. This unique luncheon will also offer attendees a chance to collaborate and share strategies for enhancing science education in their schools and in our state.
Science Strand Sessions Tuesday June 12th, 2012
Title: Common Core in the Science Classroom-Sara Vann
Description: What does a good Common Core lesson/activity look like? There will be a variety of hands-on activities that will model Common Core implementation in the secondary science classroom, and an opportunity to brainstorm new ideas as well!
Author Bio: Sara taught 7th -10th grade Science in Tahlequah for 2 years and has been at the Owasso 8th Grade Center for the past 8 years, currently teaching Advanced Physical Science. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and was awarded the 2011 Milken Educator Award.
Title: Congratulations! You’re a Grandparent!-Mary Butler
Description: Participants will work in pairs and use modeling to create a child, then partner with another ‘couple’ to create a grandchild using 11 easily observed characteristics. ‘Grandparents’ will prepare a written birth announcement for their grandchild and provide a phenotypically correct drawing of him/her.
Title: Virtual Labs-Mary Butler
Description: In this session, participants will explore virtual labs and the value they add to existing science curriculum. Mary will share websites and her personal insights into incorporating both wet-labs and virtual labs into instruction.
Author Bio: Mary Butler is a science and mathematics teacher from Muldrow Public Schools. Mary has a B.S. in education from Northeastern State University as well as an Masters in education from Northeastern State University. Mary has taught both at the middle school and high school levels.
Title: Assessment for Learning rather than Assessment of Learning- Janis Slater
Description: In this session, participants will explore strategies for formative assessment that can be integrated into lessons to inform instruction and reveal student thinking. As participants experience assessment strategies in a lesson context, they will discover how learning and assessment can be combined into a cohesive learning experience.
Title: Zen and the Art of Data Representation – Janis Slater
Description: In this session, participants will explore strategies for guiding students as they collect data and construct representations allowing them to explain or make predictions about phenomena encountered in the natural world. Participants will create visual representations of data that reflect diverse ways in which scientific ideas can be illustrated and analyzed.
Author Bio: Janis Slater is a Science Professional Development Specialist at the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center. She is a former middle school science teacher with 13 years of experience in the classroom. She has a B.S. in microbiology from the University of Arizona and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design from the University of Oklahoma. Janis works extensively with teachers and administrators in schools across the state of Oklahoma to facilitate authentic, student-centered learning in the classroom with a focus on research based instructional practices. She is on the Board of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA) and is pursuing a PhD in Instructional Psychology.
Title: The Challenges and Rewards of Teaching High School Laboratory Science in a Minimalist Setting-Lance Doss
Description: Students can learn and be successful in less-than-perfect educational environments. Teacher creativity, parental, and community involvement all work together to introduce and reinforce the skills and objectives which ALL students need to know from the sciences. Attendees will learn about making the most of a sparse teaching environment and will be given new ideas about how to get more resources for their classroom.
Author Bio: Lance is currently completing his 28th year as a special education teacher. He teaches biology, environmental science, and physical science to 9th-12th grade students at Wagoner High School. Lance obtained his B.S. in education and Masters in education from Northeastern State University.
Title: How does Science Fit into the Common Core? (K-2)- Patricia Turner
Description: Can you really see in the dark? How does light travel? How do I teach these concepts? The activities in this session are organized by the stages of the learning cycle. How to use a formative assessment probe to learn about your students thinking and integrating math and literacy into science is a key focus of the session. We will discuss as a group how science is an integral part of the new Common Core State Standards.
Title: How does Science Fit into the Common Core? (3-5)- Patricia Turner
Description: Can you really see in the dark? How does light travel? How do I teach these concepts? The activities in this session are organized by the stages of the learning cycle. How to use a formative assessment probe to learn about your students thinking and integrating math and literacy into science is a key focus of the session. We will discuss as a group how science is an integral part of the new Common Core State Standards.
Author Bio: Patricia has worked as an elementary teacher in Oklahoma, Ohio, and New Jersey. Science has always been a key part of her students’ curriculum and she is a strong believer of incorporating the science and mathematics practices into students daily activities. Patricia is currently employed at the University of Oklahoma’s K20 Center, where she provides professional development for teachers across our state. Her emphasize of instruction includes: implementation of the Common Core State Standards, science using the 5E model and science, literacy, and mathematics integration.
Title: STEM-What does it mean for Oklahoma and K-12 Classrooms?
Description: Advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are vital to the overall wealth, health, and success of our state and efforts in STEM education today will determine our ability to solve 21st century challenges in such areas as energy, health, and national security. Join us for this exciting session as Dr. Stephen McKeever, the Oklahoma Secretary for Science and Technology and the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at Oklahoma State University, shares the state of STEM in Oklahoma and how K-12 education, higher education, and business and industry partnerships will enhance the Oklahoma’s STEM pipeline.
Title: K20alt: A Virtual Professional Learning Community (PLC) for Teachers-Tiffany Neill
Description: Have you wondered what other teachers across the state are doing in their classrooms? Are you a teacher that loves to share resources and ideas about education? Join us for this exciting session as we introduce a Free web-based portal for Oklahoma Teachers to connect, collaborate, and retrieve resources.
Wednesday June 13th, 2012
STEM Luncheon Wednesday June 13th, 2012
Speaker: Ben T. Robinson
Mr. Robinson is the Owner/President of Sentry One LLC. Sentry One is an aerospace industry consulting company specializing in a wide spectrum of expertise from military command and control operations to the growth and sustainment of American aerospace through future investments in workforce and business development and leadership. Sentry
One LLC has aerospace clients in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Through his Sentry One
LLC, Ben is an Executive-in-Residence with Oklahoma Career Technology Center. In addition, Ben teaches aerospace courses for Oklahoma State University as an adjunct professor.
Click the following link to read more about Mr. Ben Robinson: https://www.eiseverywhere.com/file_uploads/258b0c1c8854524b3865bdf568dc0a93_BIOrobinson.pdf
Science Strand Sessions Wednesday June 13th, 2012
Title: Inquire Within – Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Standards- Douglas Llewellyn
Description: This session will provide an overview of the different levels and approaches to teaching and learning through science inquiry. Topics include:
- What is scientific inquiry?
- What are the myths and misconception about scientific inquiry?
- How can I modify an existing activity or lab to make it more inquiry-based?
Title: Ready or Not, Here They Come – The Common Core State Standards and its Implication for Scientific Argumentation-Douglas Llewellyn
Description: The Common Core State Standards for Literacy in Science provides a glimpse into what’s ahead for curriculum and professional development for science educators. The word “argument” or “argumentation” appears in the documents repeatedly – a fact that illustrates its importance. To prepare science educators for the practice of argumentation in their classrooms, the session will focus on several questions:
- What is the role of argumentation in science instruction?
- How do students make and defend arguments in the science classroom?
- How can inquiry-based investigations be modified to accommodate students forming and justifying scientific arguments?
Title: Modifying a Traditional/Structured Lab-Douglas Llewellyn
Description: Using a differentiated inquiry format, participants will modify a previously-taught traditional or structured lab and “tweak” it to be more inquiry-based. Participants should bring two or three labs to the session.
Author Bio: Douglas Llewellyn teaches science education courses at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY. Previously, he was the K-12 Director of Science at the Rochester City School District, a junior high school principal, and a middle school science teacher.
Llewellyn’s interests are in the areas of scientific inquiry and argumentation, constructivist teaching, and science leadership.
Llewellyn is a frequent speaker at state and national conferences on inquiry-based teaching. He has three books published by Corwin Press – Inquire Within: Implementing Inquiry-Based Science Standards in Grades 3-8, Second Edition; Teaching High School Science through Inquiry; and Differentiated Science Inquiry.
Title: From Elementary to AP, STEM work!- Kimberly Batten
Description: This presentation includes hands-on STEM activities with adaptations from elementary to AP Biology included. It is easier than you think to engage all of your students regardless of reading level. From isopods to Rat Island, come experience labs for yourself.
Author Bio: Mrs. Batten is currently a middle school science teacher, chair-person, and STEM club sponsor. Her teaching experience includes high school biology, elementary, and special education. She is experienced in classroom STEM projects, after-school activities, and field trips.
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May 14th, 2012 Bob
The Oklahoma State Department of Education is excited to share with you news about it’s upcoming VISION 2020 conference. VISION 2020 is right around the corner and online registration, hotel accommodations, and conference information are now available to you.
VISION 2020 will be Oklahoma’s first ever all-encompassing conference brought to you in one central location. It offers learning opportunities, professional development, and training to the parent, teacher, counselor, librarian, technology instructor, principal, district superintendent, & others.
This conference will host more than 900 concurrent sessions with dynamic content, nationally-recognized keynote speakers, and engaging professional development.
Focus Schedule
June 11th: Parent Power Night
June 12th & 13th: Teacher-Focused Professional Development
June 14th: Teacher-and-Administrator-Focused Professional Development
June 15th: Administrator-Focused Professional Development
$25 Attendee Fee includes:
All professional development sessions
One luncheon with keynote speaker
$100 Out-of-State Attendee Fee includes:
All professional development sessions
One luncheon with keynote speaker
For general conference information & to register, please visit: VISION2020REGISTRATION or https://register.wciconferences.org/OSDEVision2020
We look forward to sharing this highly-anticipated conference with you June 11th-15th.
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May 4th, 2012 Bob
The Oklahoma Writing Project hosts:
Common Core Conference
Come Learn How Common Core Will Impact You and Your Classroom
For Grades K-12th
- Presentations will include practical, developmentally appropriate ideas to build writing skills and literacy while transitioning to Common Core Standards.
- Participants will learn the writing process and other helpful classroom strategies.
- Participants will be actively involved and leave with lessons that can be immediately implemented.
June 22, 2012
USAO Campus
Chickasha, Oklahoma
Cost: $50.00 per person
Tentative Schedule:
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-10:30 Session 1
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Session 2
12:15-1:30 Lunch on your own
1:30-3:00 Session 3
June 29, 2012
Mid-America Christian University
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Cost: $50.00 per person
Tentative Schedule:
8:30-9:00 Registration
9:00-10:30 Session 1
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45-12:15 Session 2
12:15-1:30 Lunch on your own
1:30-3:00 Session 3
Register online on the OWP Website:
As schools prepare for Common Core Assessments, come learn about writing activities to integrate into your current curriculum and school day. All sessions will provide packets of resources, current research and active learning. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity! Register online today!
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April 13th, 2012 Bob
The OSU Department of Entomology runs a Cooperative Extension Service program throughout the state entitled Insect Adventure. They are Oklahoma’s only live bug petting zoo and specialize in interactive presentations to schools, 4H, fairs and many other events. These presentations are very engaging and fun for kids of all ages and they strive to make them as full of good science as is possible in 60 minutes. Insect Adventure focuses on the PASS requirements and tailor presentations to meet the needs of educators in the state, not remain merely a “cool” field-trip.
Watch a tour of Insect Adventure featuring OSU President Burns Hargis
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April 6th, 2012 Bob
Posted in Events, Opportunities | 1 Comment »
