Teaching Profession Deserves More Respect
Perhaps what America needs is another Paul Revere, a patriot with intellect and a booming voice to warn us that a mounting crisis is about to threaten the nation’s economic viability and, in turn, our way of life. Thus begins an interesting short article from the Lawrence Journal from Kansas titled Teaching Profession Deserves More Respect.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2006/aug/06/teaching_profession_deserves_more_respect/

Are States Doing Enough to Ensure Minority Students Receive Highly Qualified Teachers?
There is an interesting article about the failure of states to ensure that minority students are receiving their fair share of qualified teachers. The analysis was done by The Education Trust.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/08/11/teacher.quality.ap/index.html .

[When ever I read these articles, I wonder about the organization that is the source of the information. In this case, according to their website, The Education Trust works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, pre-kindergarten through college, and forever closing the achievement gaps that separate low-income students and students of color from other youth. Their basic tenet is this — all children will learn at high levels when they are taught to high levels. More information can be obtained from their website http://www2.edtrust.org/edtrust/about+the+ed+trust.]

ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM ……

Helping Your Child Learn Science
This e-Book suggests ways parents can interest their children from about 3 to 10 years old in science. It includes: some basic information about science; a sampling of activities for children to do – some alone, some with supervision – in both the home and the community; and an Appendix with practical tips on how to encourage schools to develop good science programs, a brief description of nine scientific concepts, and a list of recommended science books and magazines. Many of the activities cost little or nothing and require no special equipment.

This text is from the United States Department of Education and available on-line: http://www.ed.gov/pubs/parents/Science/title.html. As a former classroom teacher I was always looking for items to put into my newsletter and/or website that helps parents support education. This is one of those resources.

 
MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM ……

Adapting to the Deep Sea
Over the past decade, much has been learned about the ocean’s secrets and especially about the creatures of the deep sea. The deepest parts of the oceans are currently the focus of many new discoveries in both the physical and biological sciences. From the abyssal plains to the animal communities around the hydrothermal vents, our knowledge is rapidly increasing. Middle school students find the deep sea fascinating and especially seem to enjoy its mysterious and “spooky” side. Bringing the deep sea to a landlocked classroom…thus begins a fascinating unit, complete with outcomes about sea life…for more…http://www.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_scope.php?news_story_ID=52197

 
HIGH SCHOOL CLASSROOM……

Perkins Bill Is Approved by Congress: Career, tech programs face more accountability
Career and technical education programs will face new pressure to show that they are academically rigorous and guiding high school students through a lineup of courses that prepares them for college or the workplace, under a bill approved by Congress.

The measure requires that career-oriented programs receiving federal funds report test scores and graduation rates more consistently, under the rules of the 4½-year-old No Child Left Behind law. And it requires that states take a more active role in spelling out specific sequences of core academic and technical classes that students should follow from grade to grade. To read more, follow this link.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2006/08/09/44perkins.h25.html

 
NSTA RELATED ……

Where Can I Go for Help?
A website that offers advocacy and resources that support science learning designed for students, parents, administrators, and teachers is http://www.nsta.org/explore5 . It is part of the NSTA Help Your Child Explore Science.

Professional Development– NSTA Conference in Baltimore and/or St. Louis
Next in the series of NSTA Research Dissemination Conferences: Science for English Language Learners (ELL): Research, Practical Approaches, and Policy Directions for Classroom Teachers, School and District Level Administrators, and University Teacher Educators. The conference will address the needs of all English Language Learners, with recognition that although the achievement gap for science is closing, the gap remains static at best for ELL. For more information: http://www.nsta.org/conferencesupport&record_id=142&Meeting_Code=2006BAL

Need Funds to Attend the 2007 NSTA Conference in St. Louis ?
NSTA offers many award and recognition programs for PreK-college science educators and principals – all of which reward recipients with funds to attend NSTA’s 2007 national conference in St. Louis (March 29 – April 1). Do you have an innovative science program that encourages students to explore and investigate science? Let NSTA know by applying for one of the many awards. You can also nominate one of your colleagues for his or her outstanding work or contributions to our profession. To download applications, visit www.nsta.org/awardscomp . Act soon and you’ll be sure to make the October 15 and November 30, 2006 deadlines.

 
FROM MY DESK……

“Teaching has always been an emotional profession. The difference nowadays is that it is transparently emotional, open for all to see and criticize. In the short run, this new visibility can be destructive. In the long run, we believe that it is both inevitable and desirable because it holds open the promise of mobilizing resources, without which the job of teaching can no longer be done.” (Hargreaves & Fullan, 1998, p.vii)

As the new academic year begins, it is nice to know that what we do in the classroom matters. After reading this book, I felt a sense of renewal, renewal that my causes, my issues are part of a national set of causes and issues. It is nice to know I am not alone.

Hargreaves, A. & Fullan, M. (1998). What’s worth fighting for out there? New York, New York: Teachers College Press.

Respectfully,

Joe Sciulli, Ed.D.
Program Director – NSTA BaP

PS Stop and say hello…NSTA Area Conference in Omaha – Thursday, October 19 th – BaP Meet and Greet – 4:00-5:00