May 7th, 2010 Bob
From the 4/26/2010 – NSTA Reports—Henry Kepner, Jr.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative adds a new twist in American education: the creation of common core state standards in mathematics and English/language arts, which each state may choose to adopt. The National Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) launched the initiative in March 2009 after the nation’s governors agreed in concept to adopt a uniform set of standards. To date, 48 states have signed on to the effort. Subsequently, the Department of Education applied increased leverage for implementing these standards by linking some funding to the adoption of the standards. In contrast to previous federal attempts, state leaders are driving this movement toward “national standards” with accountability consequences.
Establishing common standards across the country is an important, but minor piece of the action for U.S. educators and students. Greater challenges lie ahead before the standards will have impact. Until accountability measures are completely revised, it is foolish to expect educational focus to change at the school or classroom level. Similarly, substantive reworking of curriculum materials and instructional practices—along with the placement of topics—is needed before implementation by teachers. Finally, comprehensive professional development will be necessary to support teachers in preparing their students.
In the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989), NCTM made a clear statement: This is the mathematics we value for all K–12 students. The NGA-CCSSO standards take on a heightened position: This is the basis for educational accountability through state and federal assessment initiatives. Initially, the NGA-CCSSO effort omitted connections with and input from the professional education organizations, as well as classroom teacher representation. The current mathematics document has core mathematics standards for understanding and skills at each grade, K–8, and standards for mathematical categories at the high school level (Algebra, Functions, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and Modeling). The draft standards are consistent with NCTM’s recommendations over the decades. Many reviewing populations have expressed strong concerns about specific topics, uneven levels of detail, and the use of what is known about student learning progressions in making grade placements.
Standards for Mathematical Practice (pages 4–5), which I view as an extremely important and potentially powerful component, support much of the NCTM Process Standards history. These standards require students to
- make sense of problems and persevere in solving them;
- reason abstractly and quantitatively;
- construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others;
- model with mathematics;
- use appropriate tools strategically;
- attend to precision;
- look for and make use of structure; and
- look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
From the NCTM perspective, these Standards for Mathematical Practice form a basis of student learning and must be applied consistently to the implementation and classroom instruction of the remaining two sets of standards focused on what students should understand and be able to do. I see the greatest challenge and responsibility of NCTM and our sister professional organizations as providing guidance in professional development, materials creation, and assessment that support building these mathematical practices in our students.
For the mathematics-science connections, there is recognition of the importance of experiencing mathematical connections—both within mathematics, such as algebraic-geometric and numerical-algebraic-data representations, and beyond. The Mathematical Practice of modeling with mathematics recognizes an opportunity to build and use mathematical models that fit experimental data and provide ways to describe natural phenomena. Our collaborative role is to ensure curricular and instructional opportunities—along with assessments—are tied to specific understanding and skills standards.
Students’ strategic use of appropriate technology in solving problems is a standard for mathematical practice. This standard is not well connected to grade-level or content-area standards for understanding and skills in the remainder of the document. We are concerned this omission will limit use of technology in instruction and assessment. Collaboration with science teachers is necessary to ensure all students are prepared to use technology strategically in settings where real data, messy numbers, and complex relationships are involved. We seek your help in identifying assessments and instructional settings where students demonstrate competence in doing mathematics in real-world scenarios.
The Common State Standards Initiative builds on a current public acceptance of a lockstep standards/curriculum at each grade level. While compelling politically, the result will minimize curricular innovations and sequencing that have been a positive influence in building varied curricula in this country. If this set of standards is widely adopted, it is likely each grade, K–8, will have the same content focus and outcomes. This national approach does not address the responsibilities of dealing with student diversity.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative has generated provocative discussion within the mathematics education community and beyond. However, the development process for these standards unfortunately has produced something that falls short of the best this country could have produced for its students. There must be a well-developed process for rapid and repeated standards revision based on findings and critical review of professional development efforts and student assessments in each state.
The anticipated adoption process is yet to unfold in each state, and the subsequent consequences—especially the unanticipated ones—will provide us with many challenges!
Drafts of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies and Science are available online at www.corestandards.org/Standards/K12.
Posted in News | No Comments »
February 10th, 2010 Bob
The Oklahoma Legislative session began last week and it doesn’t take long to realize it’s an election year . Attached is a list of the bills that have something to do with education. The list contains the bill numbers, the author, and usually the words “An Act Related to Schools…” Some of the bills are funding measures for may state agencies that are necessary each year, others are “shell” bills that have very little other than a number ascribed to them as yet because there will be other measures rolled up into them or they are awaiting budgetary figures and conference reports.
And there are the others…
Some of the bills have already garnered public attention such as Tom Ivester’s sb1338 which is ” An Act relating to schools; authorizing independent school districts to offer elective courses on Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament to certain students; stating purposes; prohibiting a requirement that students use specific translation as text; requiring certain courses to follow applicable law and certain guidelines; prohibiting certain courses from promoting or disfavoring any religion or nonreligious faith or religious perspective; stating Legislative intent; directing State Board of Education to adopt certain curricular standards by certain date; requiring Attorney General to review standards and ensure compliance with certain provisions; prohibiting Board from adopting standards without approval of Attorney General; directing Board to approve certain teacher training materials and resources by certain date; directing State Superintendent of Public Instruction to distribute list of approved training materials and resources to districts by certain date; requiring certain districts to provide certain materials to teachers of certain courses; prohibiting certain construction; prohibiting requirement of additional funds for certain authority; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.; Effective Date: 11/01/2010″. By the way, Bible as Literature courses are already perfectly legal and have been for some time.
and
Brian Renegar’s HB3047 ” An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2001, Section 1210.513, which relates to participation in the National Assessment of Educational Progress; clarifying language; and providing an effective date.; Effective Date: 11/01/2010. ” Which proposes full state participation in NAEP and a audit of the state curriculum standards.
and
Gary Stanislawski’s, sb1391 “An Act relating to schools; amending 70 O.S. 2001, Section 1210.508, as last amended by Section 8, Chapter 456, O.S.L. 2009 (70 O.S. Supp. 2009, Section 1210.508), which relates to the Oklahoma School Testing Program Act; providing certain exemption for certain students; modifying required end-of-instruction tests for Geometry and Algebra II ; requiring students to take ACT assessment; directing State Board of Education to contract for administration of ACT assessment; limiting responsibility for certain fees or costs; modifying testing window dates; amending Section 6, Chapter 432, O.S.L. 2005, as last amended by Section 11, Chapter 456, O.S.L. 2009 (70 O.S. Supp. 2009, Section 1210.523), which relates to mastery of state academic content standards; modifying requirements for graduation from public high school; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.; Effective Date: 07/01/2010 Emergency. ” Which proposes elimination of all EOI test other than English II and Algebra I and substitute the ACT as the state graduation test (be careful what you ask for is all I can say…)
These may or may not be perfectly good ideas, but it’s easy to see why they might have an impact on schools and students across the state. To help you be a better informed Legislature watcher, I’ve attached a list of the prefiled measures that are directly related to education. That doesn’t mean something won’t get changed or amended over the next few months, but it is a starting point. If you wish to know more about each measure and follow it as it changes along the way, go to the Legislature’s web page at http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/. There you can read the text of each bill and follow it’s progress through the legislative process.
Posted in News | No Comments »
December 7th, 2009 Bob
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 curriculum across all subject areas. Enhance your teaching by aligning these motivational activities with the National Standards and the Oklahoma PASS.
Pre-service and in-service classroom teachers in any subject area whom teach Grades 2nd – 8th can apply to this 10 day teacher institute, June 2nd – 12th, 2010 at the University of Oklahoma.
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, and model rocket projects. There will be a $250 stipend to all participants!!!
The Application deadline has been extended past the date originally posted and applications are now due in the Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Office at the University of Oklahoma no later than 5PM on January 20, 2010. All applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis. For further information please contact Stephanie Ponder via email or call 405.325.6559.
Download the Workshop flier here.
Download the Application form here.
Posted in Opportunities | No Comments »
September 23rd, 2009 Bob
ScienceFest is designed to foster scientific literacy while educating children about protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and using alternative fuels and technologies. Educators plan a day packed with exciting exhibits, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations all developed to show the importance of scientific applications in the environment.
ScienceFest is designed to promote scientific diversity. The hands-on activity stations use basic geology, biology, physical science, health and environmental sciences to teach the children how science impacts everyday life. Examples of alternative fueled vehicles are also on location for the students to view. The event provides opportunity for the students to be exposed to science in a fun and different setting.
One teacher stated, “ Our students very much enjoyed the day, and experienced and learned much more about our environment than they would have in the classroom.”
“All of the booths were very informative and run by friendly and professional people,” reported a ScienceFest attendee.
The bonus for teachers – ScienceFest meets your educational curriculum goals and IT’S FREE.
4th and 5th grade students statewide are invited to participate in this annual event. Visit the Archives button to the left for a sample of the event from previous years.
ScienceFest is a positive contribution to the environmental education of Oklahoma’s students. By exposing them to the arena of science, we not only enhance their awareness of science and possibly stimulate some to pursue careers in science, we also help them be better citizens and stewards of the environment.
This event is held at the Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, April 22, 2010. There is no fee to participate in ScienceFest, but registration in advance is required as space is limited. Registration opens November 2nd!
Posted in Events, Opportunities | No Comments »
September 16th, 2009 Bob
“Evolution in Extreme Environments” Symposium to be Webcast Live
> from NABT Conference in Denver
>
> Are you interested in evolution, but unable to attend this year’s
> National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) conference in
> Denver? Would you and your students like to learn more about how
> life evolves, adapts and flourishes in some of the most extreme
> environments on Earth, such as high altitude, in the deep-sea, or in
> caves? If so, you will be excited to learn that for the first time,
> the annual NABT Evolution Symposium will be accessible via live
> webcast on Friday, Nov. 13th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, MST.
> Teachers and students are encouraged to tune in to all or part of
> the webcast for an opportunity to hear internationally renowned
> researchers discuss their fascinating, cutting-edge work in
> “extreme” evolutionary biology. Classrooms all over the world will
> even be able to submit their questions online and have the speakers
> respond in real time!
>
> For more information, including speaker names, talk titles and
> times, and the link to view the live webcast, please see http://www.nescent.org/NABT09Webcast.php
> or contact eog@nescent.org.
>
Are you interested in evolution, but unable to attend this year’s National Association of Biology Teachers(NABT) conference in Denver? Would you and your students like to learn more about how life evolves, adapts and flourishes in some of the most extreme environments on Earth, such as high altitude, in the deep-sea, or in caves? If so, you will be excited to learn that for the first time, the annual NABT Evolution Symposium will be accessible via live webcast on Friday, Nov. 13th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, MST.
Teachers and students are encouraged to tune in to all or part of the webcast for an opportunity to hear internationally renowned researchers discuss their fascinating, cutting-edge work in ”extreme” evolutionary biology. Classrooms all over the world will even be able to submit their questions online and have the speakers respond in real time!
For more information, including speaker names, talk titles and times, and the link to view the live webcast, please see http://www.nescent.org/NABT09Webcast.php or contact the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent) at eog@nescent.org.
Posted in Conference, Events, Opportunities | No Comments »
August 17th, 2009 Bob
Please see the very important information listed below from the Assessment
Office. Be sure to download the Blueprints for the assessed science
grades/content and also download the new performance level descriptors.
These documents will be very valuable as you plan your school year. You
can find the documents at the SDE web site at:<www.sde.state.ok.us>, click
the Teachers link (top of the page), Click Accountability and Assessment
link. If you have any problems finding the documents or if you have
questions, please contact Gaile Loving at <Gaile_Loving@sde.state.ok.us>
or contact me at <Jana_Rowland@sde.state.ok.us>.
Jana
Jana Rowland, Science Director
Standards and Curriculum
Oklahoma State Department of Education
2500 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 522-3524
FAX (405) 521-2971
Jana_Rowland@sde.state.ok.us
—– Original Message —–
Good afternoon,
The Accountability and Assessments homepage documents have been updated.
Please share with your list serve or others as needed.
Academic Performance Index:
Letter to Superintendents Regarding Cut Scores – June 2009
General Assessments:
All tests Blueprints
OSTP Math Blueprints effective 2010 – 2011 school year – grades 3 – 8, and
ACE EOI Geometry
Performance Level Descriptors, Grades 3 – 8 Math and Reading, Biology I,
English II, and U.S. History
OMAAP Assessments:
Test Blueprint – U.S. History
Performance Level Descriptor, U.S. History
Testing Dates:
Testing calendars for the next five years (2009 through 2014) have been
posted.
Presentations:
Oklahoma’s Accountability System Moving Forward With Academic Performance
Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
Oklahoma State Testing Program (OSTP) and Achieving Classroom Excellence
(ACE) Update
OK PASS Graphing Tool, and Making A Difference: Interpreting and Using
Data Results and Resources
Resources for Test Administrators and Coordinators
Letter to Superintendents Regarding Cut Scores – June 2009
OK PASS Graphing Tool
Making A Difference: Interpreting and Using Data Results and Resources
Videoconference Schedule – Test Interpretation Videoconference Dates set
Achieving Classroom Excellence ACE – links to several documents related to
assessment and ACE, including; Cumulative Record, EOI Alternate
Assessment, EOI Flowchart for Alternate Assessments, Notification of OAC
210:10-13-16
Test Interpretation Manuals, Grades 3 – 8 and EOI
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Test Sites: This is an updated list of alternate sites offering a reading
test in order for students who did not pass the grade 8 OCCT Reading Test
and need to prove reading proficiency in order to obtain a Driver’s
License.
From State Science Director Jana Rowland:
Please see the very important information listed below from the OSDE Assessment Office. Be sure to download the Blueprints for the assessed science grades/content and also download the new performance level descriptors.
These documents will be very valuable as you plan your school year. You can find the documents at the SDE web site, click the Teachers link (top of the page), Click the Accountability and Assessment link. If you have any problems finding the documents or if you have questions, please contact Gaile Loving or me (Jana).
—————————–
The following Accountability and Assessments homepage documents have been updated.
Academic Performance Index:
Letter to Superintendents Regarding Cut Scores – June 2009
General Assessments:
All tests Blueprints
OSTP Math Blueprints effective 2010 – 2011 school year – grades 3 – 8, and ACE EOI Geometry
Performance Level Descriptors, Grades 3 – 8 Math and Reading, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History
OMAAP Assessments:
Test Blueprint – U.S. History
Performance Level Descriptor, U.S. History
Testing Dates:
Testing calendars for the next five years (2009 through 2014) have been posted.
Presentations:
Oklahoma’s Accountability System Moving Forward With Academic Performance Index (API) and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
Oklahoma State Testing Program (OSTP) and Achieving Classroom Excellence (ACE) Update
OK PASS Graphing Tool, and Making A Difference: Interpreting and Using Data Results and Resources
Resources for Test Administrators and Coordinators
Letter to Superintendents Regarding Cut Scores – June 2009
OK PASS Graphing Tool
Making A Difference: Interpreting and Using Data Results and Resources
Videoconference Schedule – Test Interpretation Videoconference Dates set
Achieving Classroom Excellence ACE – links to several documents related to assessment and ACE, including; Cumulative Record, EOI Alternate Assessment, EOI Flowchart for Alternate Assessments, Notification of OAC 210:10-13-16
Test Interpretation Manuals, Grades 3 – 8 and EOI
8th Grade Reading Proficiency:
Test Sites: This is an updated list of alternate sites offering a reading test in order for students who did not pass the grade 8 OCCT Reading Test and need to prove reading proficiency in order to obtain a Driver’s License.
Posted in Janagrams, News | No Comments »
February 20th, 2009 Bob
Even though February is a short month, A LOT of stuff is happening in science education. Catch up on the latest, including information about these legislative actions in a special edition Janagram:
House Bill 1706
House Bill 1706 ( proposed committee substitute) calls for the elimination of Grade 5 Science assessment, all Social Studies assessments (grade 5, 7, 8, and high school EOI), as well as high school geometry EOI, and the Arts Assessment process in Grade 3-8.
Senate Bill 1111
This bill creates a new “Education Oversight Board” and moves all student assessment, school data collection (the WAVE), and supporting federal monies to this new agency. The bill requires an outside organization to do a curriculum crosswalk of Oklahoma PASS with the NAEP framework and also eliminates the Grade 5 Social Studies assessment and the Grade 8 U.S. History/ Constitution/ Government assessment.
Senate Bill 766
SB 766 requires the State Department of Education to adopt readiness standards for high school level preparation for middle school students, including standards for math, science and English.
Oklahoma Legislature Home Page
See <http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/> to read the full text of the bills listed above, track a bill, or locate your senator or representative.
Posted in Janagrams, News | No Comments »
February 8th, 2009 Bob
Over on the left side of this page are links to a number of other science associations of interest. KABT (Kansas Association of Biology Teachers) member Scott Sharp has just posted a new item on the KABT BioBlog that is intriguing given it’s alignment with the intent of Oklahoma’s process skill standards and stated emphasis on inquiry. I found it interesting and worth sharing…
“At the EduCon 2.1 conference in Philadelphia, late this January, I came across the most profound, succinct, and employable explanation of “best practice” that I have ever seen. I would like to make the argument that if all teachers in our schools employed this simple model, education would be revolutionized in this country. On posters throughout one of Philadelphia’s top public schools, the Science Leadership Academy, were the following five core values, constituting what I see as the best roadmap to best practice that I have seen: Inquiry; Research; Collaboration; Presentation; Reflection…”
You may view the latest post at
http://www.kabt.org/2009/02/08/best-practice-simplified/
Posted in Commentary | No Comments »
September 9th, 2008 Bob
The Oklahoma State Department of Education Curriculum Team Leader and content directors are proud to announce that the brand new Parent PASS documents are available to view and download from the OSDE website.
You can find them HERE
Grades PreK – 8 are arranged by grade level, HS is by subject.
This has been a huge project for all involved and we hope that you find the
documents useful as you reach out to parents. There will not be any hard
copy documents available, you can only find it as a .pdf document online.
Let me know what you think! (e-mail Jana Here)
Best,
Jana Rowland, Science Director
Standards and Curriculum
Oklahoma State Department of Education
Posted in News | No Comments »
