Oklahoma High Schools That Work

2009-05-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT DATES TO CALENDAR

May 14, 2009 HSTW “End of Year” Telephone Conference
May 19, 2009 HSTW “End of Year” Telephone Conference
June 3, 2009 Teachers as Advisors Workshop - Stillwater
July 8-11, 2009 SREB 23rd Annual Summer Staff Development Conference - Atlanta, GA
September 9, 2009 Literacy Training Team Orientation - Oklahoma City
September 10, 2009 HSTW Site Team Workshop - Oklahoma City

CLASSROOM RESOURCES

Dropout Prevention
The National Dropout Prevention Center/Network has a great article: Twelve Suggestions on Counseling in an Educational Setting. Download and/or read the article at http://www.dropoutprevention.org/resource/featured_articles/pay_attention.htm.

About.com: Presentation Software
Integrate technology into the classroom. Look at this site for tips on making classroom presentations and lesson plans. Teachers and students can be impressive in the classroom with these tips, tricks and free tutorials for using PowerPoint, Windows Movie Maker and Open Office. http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/classrooms.

E-transcript Exchange through OKcollegestart.org
E-transcript exchange allows students to log on and fill out applications to Oklahoma colleges and universities. The site will notify their counselor to send an accompanying official transcript. What a time saver for counselors!! The advantages in e-transcripts are they will not be lost, no additional equipment is needed, and you can track when transcripts are received! Better yet -- it’s FREE!! Check it out by logging on to http://www.okcollegestart.org/

In addition, local technology centers now have the opportunity to take part in this program to receive e-transcripts. High school counselors will be able to directly send transcripts electronically to the tech center for students attending! Technology center superintendents have until June 1, 2009, to decide if they want to participate. Contact your tech center superintendent’s office and let them know if you want them to participate and be able to send transcripts to the technology center electronically. Contact Tommi Leach with e-transcript questions at tleac@okcareertech.org or 405-743-5524.

Contact Sandy Decker, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, at sdecker@OSRHE.edu or 405-225-9190 if you are interested in signing up to receive the training for OKcollegestart.org.

National Network of Partnership Schools!
Working Together for Student Success was established at Johns Hopkins University in 1996. NNPS invites others to join together and use research-based approaches to organize and sustain excellent programs of family and community involvement that will increase student success in school.

“Based on more than two decades of research on parental involvement, family engagement, and community partnerships, NNPS’s tools, guidelines, and action team approach may be used by all elementary, middle, and high schools to increase involvement and improve student learning and development,” explains Dr. Joyce L. Epstein, Founder and Director of NNPS. Researchers and facilitators at the Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships at Johns Hopkins University work with the members of NNPS to study the nature and results of involvement. The NNPS website provides updated information, research results, and ideas for action from the NNPS staff and members across the country.
http://www.csos.jhu.edu/p2000/index.htm

Eye on Education
Eye On Education publishes practical reference books for teachers, principals, administrators, and other educators that are peer-reviewed. Their books provide practical information on professional development, educational leadership, school improvement, student assessment, data analysis, teaching skills, and other related topics. Check out their resources at http://www.eyeoneducation.com/

Tales from a Teachers Heart
This website shows a series of movies that tell heartwarming stories about students, schools, and teachers like you. From the lives of our authors, these true stories celebrate and explore all the ways you can meet student needs and enhance their educational lives. Check out some of the stories at http://www.talesfromateachersheart.com/include/index2.asp

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Register for the SREB 23rd Annual Summer Conference!
Registration closes June 12, 2009

Teachers as Advisors Workshop June 3, 2009
Teachers as Advisors is a classroom guidance delivery system where middle school and high school students are divided into small groups. Each group is facilitated by a local educator to receive support services that includes personal/social development, academic development and career development. The Teachers as Advisors Program –
• Organizes career development into a manageable time frame and with team effort.
• Ensures consistent curriculum exposure to all students.
• Provides an opportunity for shared responsibility for career education by including parents, students, teachers and counselors.
• Enables students to gain skills and background necessary to make good educational and career decisions.
• Increases students’ choices and access to jobs and postsecondary education through adequate knowledge.
• Encourages students to set career/educational goals and construct a plan to meet those goals.
• Improves relations between school, parents, business, industry, and other community members.

Registration closes May 20th, 2009. Register for the TAA Workshop to be held at the Oklahoma Department of CareerTech, Stillwater by accessing this registration form: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/bulletin_board/bulletin_board2.htm

LEAP TRAINING
June 10, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch on your own)
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Class Description: The Leadership, Education and Achievement Program (LEAP) is an exceptional program targeted toward those middle/junior high school students who exhibit the potential for both academic and leadership success. The objective of this program is to help prepare students to strive for achievement in these areas. The LEAP curriculum is a powerful and compelling resource for students. It is instrumental in allowing them to develop leadership potential, prepare for further academic success, build positive relationships, serve in their communities, conduct research and observation, and improve their problem solving skills.For further information, please go to http://www.okhighered.org/MTRC/leap.shtml. To register go to:

https://icat.okcareertech.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OKCT.woa/wo/8.37.7.3.15.3.2.0.1.0.3.5.3.

ACE TRAINING
June 11, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch on your own)
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Class Description: The Academic Commitment to Education Program (ACE) is an exemplary program targeted to those students who possess high academic and leadership standards. These students are chosen to participate in this program that encourages them to consider teaching as a viable career. However, those who do not become educators evolve into strong advocates for teachers and proponents for education.The ACE curriculum is a powerful educational tool that is designed to take academically successful students and propel them into a rigorous journey filled with exciting, new opportunities for development and growth. The course focuses upon aspects of the teaching profession from learning styles and diversity issues, to lesson planning and presentation skills. There are also activities for college preparation planning. For further information, please go to http://www.okhighered.org.

Register at

https://icat.okcareertech.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OKCT.woa/wo/8.37.7.3.15.3.2.0.1.0.3.5.3.

STEM Equity Pipeline Training
It is not too late to enroll in the STEM Equity Pipeline offered in May even if you missed the April's webinar. The webinar has been archived for your convenience. All you will need to do is click on the following link to register for one of the two sites where the training will be provided and review the archived webinar before you attend (May 15 deadline for registering): http://www.stemequitypipeline.org/StateTeams/OKwebinar.aspx

The STEM Equity Pipeline 5-Step Workshop is designed to help schools eliminate gender disparities and help all student succeed. The Oklahoma Department of CareerTech and the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) will host the workshop that will utilize strategically planned activities to improve nontraditional enrollment while assisting the state and local sites in meeting their Carl Perkins Performance Equity Standard.

Is your school producing a diverse workforce? If not, join in for the 5 Step Process in creating a more diverse workforce. The workshop will be conducted in two sessions. The first session, for all participants, attended or can view the archived webinar. The webinar is designed to assist in utilizing current data. Part two will include a face to face workshop on May 27 (in Tulsa) or May 28th (in Norman). Participants will receive stipends to assist with travel, which will be determined based on your school location. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to call Lou Hargrave at (405) 743-5128 or Debbie McElroy at (405) 743-6817 or mailto:dmcel@okcareertech.org

2009-04-27T08:11:00.000-07:00

UPDATES

DATES TO SCHEDULE

END OF YEAR TELECONFERENCE MEETING
Mark your calendar for Thursday, May 14, 2009 to participate in our end of the year meeting. An agenda and dial in details will be emailed next week.

REMEMBER TO REGISTER
The 2009 HSTW STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE in Atlanta online registration is open at http://www.sreb.org/SummerConference/index.asp. You can also download and print a copy of the registration form at this Web site and send it to:
Southern Regional Education Board
Attention: Leslie Noles
592 10th St. N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30318-5776
Fax: (404) 872-1477

FY 10 LITERACY TRAINING
Be sure to complete the Literacy Training Survey before May 6, 2009 at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22943LMRF33
Mark your calendar for the September 9, 2009 Literacy Training Orientation if your team plans to attend. Further details on cost per site will be forthcoming.

FALL EPAS TEST WINDOW
The EPAS testing window for fall 2009 is August 24 through October 9. ACT will be sending ordering information before June 1.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PAY ATTENTION
Most of today's students can be labeled as "Digital Learners." They love to use technology whether it be texting, YouTube, My Space, Face Book, Tweeter, and who knows the other technological means I am not even aware of at this point. So, why do so many teachers refuse to enter the digital age and allow these to be used in their teaching practices? This YouTube video will cause us to think about the need for “Digital Learning” for students - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEFKfXiCbLw. (You may have to copy and paste the link into your URL)

REGIONAL SAFE SCHOOL SUMMITS
The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services have scheduled Sis (6) regional safe school summits. These 3 hour sessions, led by professionals, will address the prevention of substance abuse and violence prevention in our communities.
Sessions for youth and adults will meet in the evening (5:00 to 8:00 pm) so no school classroom time is missed. A light dinner and some freebie items will be provided!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Kiamichi Technology Center
301 Kiamichi Drive
McAlester, OK 74501
(918) 426-0940 -Main
(888) 567-6630 -Toll Free
For Information Contact: Kibois -The Oaks APRC at (918) 421-3560

Monday, May 4, 2009
Tulsa Technology Center Riverside Campus
801 E. 91st
Tulsa, OK 74132
(918) 828-4000
For Information Contact: ROCMND - Tulsa APRC at (918) 493-6322

Thursday, May 14, 2009
Moore Norman Technology Center - South Penn Campus
13301 S. Penn
Oklahoma City, OK 73170
(405) 809-3500
For Information Contact: Norman Addiction Info. Center – APRC at (405) 321-0022

SCHOOLS ATTUNED PROGRAM
FOR TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATORS, COUNSELORS, AND SPECIAL EDUCATION PERSONNEL

The Schools Attuned Program prepares educators to understand a student’s unique learning profile of strengths and weaknesses. It gives them the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to manage specific learning breakdowns and help frustrated students experience success.
The Schools Attuned program includes interactive face-to-face coursework, optional post-course learning opportunities, ongoing online implementation and sustainability support. Several Course Options are available to meet the unique needs of elementary, secondary, guidance, and administrative educators:
GENERALIST PATH – Focuses on elementary to early adolescent developmental challenges. It is recommended for K – 8 classroom teachers who teach multiple content areas, school psychologists, social workers, and counselor, special education teachers supporting students across content areas, and administrators.
SUBJECT SPECIALIST PATH (SSP) – Focuses on early to late-adolescent developmental challenges and draws upon teacher experiences in their subject areas. It is recommended for middle or high school teachers who teach in one or two focused content areas, department chairs, guidance counselors, administrators, and special education teachers supporting students in one or two content areas.
Teaching All Kinds of Minds, 3 day – open to all educators
Understanding Learning and Learners, 1-day – open to all educators
Cost: Course fee subsidized by the OK State Department of Education and the OK State Legislature.

Contact: State Coordinator – Dr. Sheryl Flowers: 918.760.4435
Regional Implementation Coordinator – Laurie Morris: 405.365.0962
Register at www.allkindsofminds.org/sa/traininglocations.aspx

RESOURCES

OKCIS – OKLAHOMA CAREER INFORMATION SYSTEM
Do you have some money that needs to be spent before the school year is over? No matter what your expiration date, purchase your OKCIS site license and get 1 year added on to your current site license. Give your students an advantage by adding the ACT/SAT/GED or the AP test prep package on to your OKCIS site license. Click this link for an order form and to see prices: http://okcis.intocareers.org/materials/orderform.htm.

ANNOUNCING SREB’s EIGHTH ONLINE NEWSLETTER

High Schools That Work (HSTW) is pleased to present the final newsletter in a series highlighting best practices presented at the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference in Nashville. The eight newsletters contain information about successful actions schools across the nation are taking to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century workplace and further studies.
The theme of the eighth newsletter is SCHOOLS WITH HIGHER GRADUATION RATES WORK HARD TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN LEARNING. The newsletter contains 12 stories of high-graduation-rate schools that are improving school and classroom practices and engaging more students in learning.
To access this newsletter, click on this link: http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/newsletters/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp .
You can also find the newsletter by going to the SREB Web site at www.sreb.org. Click on the High Schools That Work tab at the top of the page and then click on Publications and Materials in the side panel. When that page appears, click on the heading, "Newsletters of Best Practices from the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference."

2009-04-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

UPDATES

2009 SUMMER CONFERENCE – CALL FOR PROPOSALS
An excellent conference requires some great “best practice” presentations. SREB is looking forward to an excellent Summer Conference this year in Atlanta. Many promising sessions are scheduled and, with your help, they hope to have many more scheduled soon. Nearly 250 presentation proposals have been submitted. You have important stories to tell, and we want Oklahoma represented for its best practices.

The deadline for submitting a proposal to present at the 2009 Summer Conference is April 17, 2009. Proposals can be submitted online at http://www.sreb.org, by fax at (404) 872-1477 or mailed to SREB, 592 Tenth St., NW, Atlanta, GA 30318-5776.

REMINDER: FOLLOW UP SURVEY OF 2008 GRADUATES
It is critical that you provide graduates encouragement to complete the online survey. Remember to provide them with their Assessment ID number and their school's HSTW Site Code so the school will receive the results that SREB can also use in their research. The survey will be available for graduates to complete until May 29. Administration materials can be found at:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/assessindex.asp#Follow-up

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

TRANSITION INSTITUTE – CATCH-UP FOR HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS
The HSTW Summer Staff Development Conference will offer a pre-conference designed for school teams seeking to help more students be successful at critical transition points. This will offer rising or entering freshmen a chance to quickly “catch-up” and be successful in high school and seniors a last chance to enter college or the world of work more fully prepared.

All institute strands will begin at 9:00 a.m. Monday, July 6 and end at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 8 to permit participants to attend the Opening General Session at 3:00 p.m.

RESOURCES

STIMULUS FUNDS
How will your school spend the Stimulus Funds? Secretary Duncan said, “This is really a chance to avert an educational catastrophe and to save a generation of kids.” The amounts available to Oklahoma school sites can be viewed at:
http://www.leadered.com/stimulusFunding.html
http://www.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/ok.html

It is important to develop a plan that can be strategic in how to invest stimulus funds in programs and goals that will produce sustainable results after the funding ends. Use this opportunity to build sustained programs, such as:
• Long-term distributive leadership teams with appropriate training/development to sustain school improvement efforts (Target SREB Leadership Module Training:
http://www.sreb.org/main/Leadership/Modules/login.asp

• Strategic planning for long-term success through the analysis of effective and efficient use of resources (Effective leadership teams in place to drive and make school improvement decisions such as implementing the HSTW Framework/Model:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/publications/pubindex.asp

• Using data to make decisions (Compiling and sharing available data such as EOI, ACT, HSTW, attendance, discipline, tardies, etc.:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/TechAssist/TAindex.asp)

• District-wide professional development for general education, career-technical, and special education teachers (Decision on PD based on data, has an on-going focus that includes follow-up and cascading of information/knowledge:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/publications/profdev/00V02_ProfDevGuide.pdf and http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/professionalDev/profdevindex.asp

LEADERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN ACHIEVING GOALS
The Competent Leaders Make the Difference in Achieving School and Student Goals newsletter contains nine stories of school, district and teacher leaders in who are leading changes in school and classroom practices to improve student achievement and engagement in learning. To access this newsletter, click on this link:
http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/newsletters/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp.

Share this newsletter with school staff and ask them to consider the following points for your school:
• Are there any ideas in the newsletter that you would like to see us try in this school?
• Did you discover something another school is doing about which you would like to learn more and about which you would be willing to contact that school and share the information with others?
• Are there exemplary or outstanding leadership we would like to share at the 2009 HSTW Summer Staff Development Conference?

2009-03-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma High Schools That Work

UPDATES

HSTW Third Quarter Reimbursements - Due by April 15
This should also remind you of something else that is to be filed by April 15!

Only a few HSTW sites have filed for reimbursement. Please consult with your business manager to file reimbursement claims through March 2009. OCAS code 600 items require the HSTW state coordinator pre-approval. Also, have your leadership team meet to review the implementation of your school improvement goals/strategies and how remaining funds can be encumbered before the end of April. Remember, HSTW funds do not carry-over and are only good for this fiscal year. Reimbursement forms may be downloaded at http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm.

2008 HSTW Assessment Follow-Up Survey
As of March 9th the postcards should be in the mail to provide the graduates with the link to complete the follow-up survey. Additional information can be located at:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/assessindex.asp#Follow-up

Stimulus Package Information
The white paper Maximizing Education Reform in the Stimulus Bill: Building State Innovation Funds (http://www.ecs.org/clearinghouse/79/91/7991.pdf) released by the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and Teach for America (TFA) offers states advice on how they can best compete for and use education funds in the stimulus bill's stabilization fund (SBSF). Of the $53.6 billion that is appropriated for state fiscal stabilization (SFSF); there is a $5 billion "Race to the Top" fund that will be used to improve school reform efforts. In addition, there are $40 billion of the SFSF that is designated for education and another $8 billion for "high priority needs," that include education. ECS and TFA suggest that states can put themselves in a prime position to gain access to these funds through the creation of state innovation funds.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

“Assistive Technology Software for Students with Disabilities” Webinar
March 30th from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education and Oklahoma ABLE Tech join to bring you a one hour webinar presentation to discuss the features and benefits of innovative literacy software tools designed to enhance the reading, writing, and educational process for individuals with unique reading and writing difficulties. Assistive technology (AT) products are available to borrow from the CareerTech AT Center in Information Commons to allow individuals an opportunity to compare features and to determine which products meet their individual needs. Software products reviewed will be: TextHelp Read Write Gold, WYNN Wizard, Test Talker, Kurzeil 3000, and Key to Access.
Registration is available at this link -
https://icat.okcareertech.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OKCT.woa/wa/room?id=Lw989&bid=15310

Advanced Placement Summer Institutes
Applications for the Oklahoma Advanced Placement (AP) Summer Institutes for 2009 are available at http://www.sde.state.ok.us in the site index under “Advanced Placement.” Oklahoma public school teachers attending will have their registration paid by the state. A limited amount of lodging, on a first come basis, is also provided for teachers who live more than 65 miles from the institute site. Register with the AP director at the location for which you would plan to attend. Additional information is available from Cathy Douglas, AP and Gifted Education, SDE at 405.521.4287.

Teachers as Advisor Workshop
When: June 3, 2009
Where: Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education - Tuttle Seminar Center
What: Schools and/or districts are encouraged to bring teams (i.e., administrator, secondary counselor, career and technology teacher, academic teacher). Pre-registration is required with NO ON-SITE REGISTRATION, due to meal function guarantees and space limitations. Contact Janet Hawkins, Career Information Specialist, ODCTE for additional information at 405.743.5123. Team registration is available at this link -
http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/bulletin_board/bulletin_board2.htm

RESOURCES

18 Ways for Faculty to Promote Equity in the Classroom
Helping students explore career options in an ever changing global marketplace can provide challenges if we get stuck in our traditional mindset. Techniques, March 2009, provides 18 suggestions for any classroom teacher in how to encourage and empower all students equitably.
http://www.acteonline.org/uploadedFiles/Publications_and_E-Media/files/files-techniques-2009/theme3(1).pdf

Curriculum and Instructional Materials Catalog (CIMC) Newsletter and Updates
Check out the new CIMC) Spring 2009 Update newsletter at: http://www.okcimc.com/about/index.htm

• View featured products and download samples at http://www.okcimc.com/sample
• The CIMC staff promote teacher helps such as:

Jami Church – help students who struggle with reading by processing class notes, save as a PDF file and allow students to listen to them using Adobe Acrobat “Read Out Loud” Feature listed under the View menu.
Ann Wolfe – suggests an easy way to create your own videos is using animot – http://animoto.com.
Tracy Boyington – recommends Teacher Tube at http://teachertube.com/.

GRANTS

ITEST - Innovation Technology Experiences for Students (k-12) and Teachers
Grant Resource - National Science Foundation
Description - The ITEST program responds to current concerns and projections about the growing demand for professionals and information technology workers in the U.S. and seeks solutions to help ensure the breadth and depth of the STEM workforce. ITEST supports research studies to address questions about how to find solutions. It also supports the development, implementation, testing, and scale-up of implementation models. ITEST projects may include students or teachers, kindergarten through high school age, and any area of the STEM workforce. Projects that explore cyberlearning, specifically learning with cyberinfrastructure tools such as networked computing and communications technologies in K-12 settings, are of special interest. Four types of projects are invited: (1) Research projects enrich the understanding of issues related to enlarging the STEM workforce; (2) Research projects may conduct efficacy and effectiveness studies of intervention models; (3) conduct longitudinal studies of efforts to engage students in the STEM areas, develop instruments to assess engagement, persistence, and other relevant constructs of student motivation; or (4) conduct studies to identify predictors of student inclination to pursue STEM career trajectories. The program is especially interested in projects that target students from groups that are underserved and underrepresented in STEM and ICT-intensive careers, including those residing in rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
Web - http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf09506
Deadline Date - August 25, 2009
III Innovation through Institutional Integration
ITEST Letter of Intent - January 19, 2010
ITEST Full Proposal - February 12, 2010

Teacher Incentive Program - ARRA - CFDA 84.385
Grant Resource - US Department of Education
Description - These supplemental funds, appropriated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), are intended to help stimulate the American economy. The purpose of the Teacher Incentive Fund is to support programs that develop and implement performance-based teacher and principal compensation systems, based primarily on increases in student achievement, in high-need schools. The goals of the Teacher Incentive Fund program include:

Improving student achievement by increasing teacher and principal effectiveness;
Reforming teacher and principal compensation systems so that teachers and principals are rewarded for increases in student achievement;
Increasing the number of effective teachers teaching poor, minority, and disadvantaged students in hard-to-staff subjects; and
Creating sustainable performance-based compensation systems.

The purpose of ARRA is (1) To preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery; (2) To assist those most impacted by the recession; (3) To provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health; (4) To invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and (5) To stabilize State and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. Agencies with differentiated compensation systems already in place may apply for a TIF program grant to expand their programs so that they reach additional high-need school sites or to include teachers or administrators in high-need schools who are not participating in the current system.
Award Amount - 15 awards totaling $200 million
Web - http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=45890
Deadline Date - TBA

HP Innovations in Education
Grant Resource - Hewlett Packard (HP)
Description - The HP Innovations in Education grants for secondary school districts in the US fund school districts to launch innovative pilot initiatives that support the administrators and teachers responsible for student success in math and science in middle schools and/or high schools. In the US, HP plans to award approximately 25 grants to public or qualified private school districts.
Size of Grant - 25 grants of $270,000 in HP technology, cash, and professional development
Web - http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/grants/us/2009-HPIIE-Secondary-US.pdf
Deadline Date - March 30, 2009

National Council on Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award
Grant Resource - National Council on Social Studies
Description - The NCSS Teacher of the Year Awards recognize exceptional classroom social studies teachers for grades K-6, 5-8, and 7-12 who teach social studies regularly and systematically in elementary school settings, and at least half-time in middle or junior high and high school settings. Award winners receive $2,500, complimentary one-year membership in NCSS, and present a session on their work at the NCSS Annual Conference, and up to $500 in transportation/lodging reimbursement to attend the Annual Conference.
Size of Grant - $2,500, NCSS membership, transportation to NCSS Annual Conference
Web - http://www.socialstudies.org/awards/teaching
Deadline Date - April 1, 2009

Summer Research Experiences for Students and Science Teachers
Grant Resource - US Department of Education
Description - The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announces the opportunity for investigators and United States institutions/organizations with active NIH Research Grants to request administrative supplements for the purpose of promoting job creation, economic development, and accelerating the pace and achievement of scientific research. These supplements will also encourage students to seriously pursue research careers in the health related sciences, as well as provide elementary, middle school, and high school teachers, community college faculty, and faculty from non-research intensive institutions with short term research experiences in NIH-funded laboratories. Support for these supplements will come from funds provided to NIH through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act" or "ARRA"), Public Law 111-5. In addition, Recovery Act funds allocated to NIH specifically for comparative effectiveness research (CER) may be available to support supplements.
Web - http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-09-060.html
Deadline Date - Multiple dates

Oklahoma HSTW March Updates

2009-03-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

RESOURCES

FOLLOW UP SURVEY OF 2008 GRADUATES OPERATIONAL
SREB indicates the HSTW Follow-Up Survey of 2008 Graduates is up and running. Your patience and assistance with the new web-based format is appreciated. All schools can now use the postcards to contact graduates to inform them of the survey if you have not already done so.

As of Friday, March 6, 300 graduates had responded to the survey. However, it is critical that you provide graduates with their Assessment ID number and their school's HSTW Site Code. If you do not, the graduates' surveys will be unusable (the school will not receive the results nor will SREB be able to use them). Please be sure to provide these two numbers. You can quickly find these numbers by referring to the roster form that was included in your mailing from SREB. The survey will be available for graduates to complete until May 29.

Additional copies of the administration materials can be found on our website:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/assessindex.asp#Follow-up

SREB PUBLICATIONS
High Schools That Work (HSTW) presents the sixth in a series of eight newsletters highlighting best practices presented at the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference in Nashville. These newsletters provide successful actions to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century workplace and further studies.

The sixth newsletter, Guidance and Advisement Programs Are Proof That Schools Want Their Students to Succeed, contains nine stories of high schools, technology centers and school districts that are helping more students recognize their interests and achieve their goals through effective guidance and advisement programs.

Access this newsletter and others by clicking on this link:
http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/newsletters/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp.

SURVEY MONKEY
Piedmont High School realized after last years technical assistance (TA) visit their communication with parents needed improvement to allow them a voice in improving the school. Teacher 'focus groups' were formed, with a teacher on each focus group. One group developed a parent survey and incorporated some interview questions asked during the TA visit parent interview using survey monkey. They couldn't believe how easy it was to design and set up the questions, email the survey to parents for feedback and compile the results. Their cost was only $20.00 for a month worth of time to get results.
To learn more about this amazing tool go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/ or contact Clay McDonald, Piedmont HSTW site coordinator at 405.373.5011 or clay.mcdonald@piedmontschools.org.

EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS FRAMEWORK (E/E FRAMEWORK)
The International Center for Leadership in Education states that while educators anticipate an infusion of federal economic stimulus dollars, these one-time funds will not completely eliminate the fiscal challenges they face as they seek to improve the performance of all students. The E/E Framework guide school and districts in allocating their limited resources to those tools, strategies, and procedures that will result in the most efficient and effective use of dollars. The E/E Framework compares the efficiency (cost) and effectiveness (student performance) of a wide variety of tools, strategies, professional development programs, organizational configurations, and procedural decisions that schools make. Learn more about the E/E Framework as well as other practices, tools and strategies at http://www.leadered.com/MaximizingResources.html.

If you are aware of other best practices and resources that conserve time and money please pass it along for us to share with everyone.

http://www.okcollegestart.org/home.aspx
Check out the website. It's the transcript exchange powered by XAP and is free to all high schools. The site also allows students to set up an account to plan for college, explore colleges, access a career center, learn about college costs, get test prep help and develop personal portfolio with their search information.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

REGISTER NOW—23rd Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference
http://www.sreb.org/summerconference/index.asp

DIGITAL PRAIRIE WORKSHOP
If you are a Digital Prairie novice and your school is not using these valuable online resources, register for the workshop that will demonstrate EBSCO, a general periodicals database, SIRSDiscoverer, a children's product, and R.R. Bowker's Books In Print. In a time of financial crisis schools can access these online full-text magazines, atlases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and more at no charge.

The “free” Digital Prairie workshop is conducted by The Library Media/ITV section of SDE. Seating is limited so register early. The workshop will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, 2500 N. Lincoln Blvd., Room 215 computer lab from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Register online at http://www.sde.state.ok.us/Teacher/LibraryMedia/prairie.html, or contact Vickie Hale at vickie_hale@sde.state.ok.us or (405) 521-2956.

TEACHERS AS ADVISORS WORKSHOP
Pre-registration is required for the June 3, 2009 Oklahoma Department of CareerTech (ODCTE) Teachers As Advisors Workshop. Team attendance (i.e., administrator, secondary counselor, career and technology teacher, academic teacher) is encouraged. A $20 registration fee per person provides a continental breakfast, breaks, lunch, and materials. To help offset travel costs up-to-four stipends will be paid per district/school when participants complete stipend forms at the end of the workshop.Registration will not be available until April 22 and close on May 20, 2009, by following the link:
http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/bulletin_board/bulletin_board2.htm

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

HP Innovations in Education Seeks Proposals From Secondary School Districts
Grants valued at more than $270,000 in HP technology, cash, and professional development will be awarded to U.S. school districts or school systems working to enhance learning in pre-engineering, mathematics, science, and computer science.
Learn more at:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=242000026.
Deadline: March 30, 2009
Posted: January 26, 2009

2009-02-06T13:50:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

ASSESSMENT

2008 HSTW GRADUATE FOLLOW-UP SURVEY

The follow-up survey will be administered on-line and will take approximately five minutes for graduates to complete. All you will have to do is complete the postcards SREB sends (with students' names, address, your school's site code and students' assessment ID number) and mail them to graduates who participated in the 2008 HSTW Assessment. SREB will send a roster of students who participated in the assessment, including their assessment ID number, making it easier for schools to identify those graduates to contact.

Who: Schools that participated in the 2008 HSTW Assessment
What: Administration materials will be mailed in February. School reports will be mailed to schools in fall 2009 as PDF files on CD-ROMs
When: Complete between March 2 - May 29, 2009
Why: To validate SREB's predictive validity study of the new assessment as well as compare the HSTW assessment to the SAT, ACT and high school GPA to determine the relationship between the HSTW assessment and post-high school pursuits.

Additional information is forthcoming.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

COUNSELOR CONFERENCE
March 3rd – Moore-Norman Technology Center - South Penn Campus
Registration is online at: http://sde.state.ok.us/Services/Conference/default.html

THE 2009 OKLAHOMA KEYTRAIN USERS MEETING!
February 25th – Tulsa Technology Center - Riverside Campus, Jenks
February 26th – Metro Tech - South Bryant Campus (Automotive Center Auditorium), OKC
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Lunch provided)
(Optional KeyTrain 101 training update session: 3:05pm-3:55pm)

What We Do – Sessions:
- What We Do In Oklahoma (panel) - KeyTrain use in various agencies
- What's 'Doing' at the KeyTrain National Office - update on what's new and what's coming from KeyTrain
- Meeting Employer Expectations - What role can KeyTrain play in better preparing future employees?
- What's Being Done About Soft Skills A how-to on the effective use of KeyTrain's Career Skills
- What we do in Oklahoma High Schools - High School representatives share their successful KeyTrain programs.
- Does What We Do Make a Difference? Identifying research models for WorkKeys and KeyTrain studies

Don't miss the opportunity to gain ideas and learn the many ways to implement and expand the KeyTrain program at your school. Register at: http://www.keytrainnews.com/Emails/OK/OK2009Announcement.html

Contact Jack Reese at 918-369-9710, mobile 847-507-1015 or e-mail reesej@keytrain.com with any questions.

GANG AWARENESS TRAINING
Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association hosts different trainings throughout the year. Go to http://ogia.us/ to find additional information.

February 5th – Gangs 101 Training, Tulsa
April 28th – May 1st State Conference, Tulsa

Why Students Struggle with Algebra and How Schools Are Helping
Free Live Webinar: Why Students Struggle with Algebra and How Schools Are Helping
When: Tuesday, February 10th at 1pm Eastern time.
Free registration is now open at: http://edweek.org/go/algebra

23RD ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
This year's summer conference theme is Heads-On, Hands-On Learning: Key to Student Motivation and Achievement. The purpose of the conference is to inform state, district, school and teacher leaders about practices in the middle grades, high schools and technology centers that will increase student motivation and learning, students' readiness for high school studies, high school completion rates, and students' success in postsecondary studies and careers.

The online announcement brochure is available at http://www.sreb.org/SummerConference/index.asp

The Announcement Brochure describes the eight conference objectives, registration information, a proposal to present form and further conference information. Check out the pre-conferences to deeper implement the High Schools That Work framework. Submit proposals for presentations demonstrating how implementation of the HSTW, Making Middle Grades Work and Technology Centers That Work designs is improving student achievement at your school.

Please read over the brochure and make plans to join us in Atlanta this July!

GOVERNOR'S GLOBAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
J.C. Smith, Oklahoma State Department of Education, encourages Oklahoma high school counselors to attend the Governor's Global Education Conference at the University of Central Oklahoma on Feb. 13, 2009. This conference will provide invaluable exposure as to why and how young Oklahomans must become more internationally engaged and our campuses that consistently provide these opportunities. For more information contact Erin Taylor, PhD, Coordinator, Academic Affairs Projects with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Phone (405) 225-9163 if you have questions.

Registration is online at www.okglobaled.org.

THE SKILLS IMPERATIVE: SOLVE THE U.S. TALENT SHORTAGE
This interesting publication may prove useful to enhancing the quality of career and technical courses and building a partnership with your local chamber of commerce.
http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/eciaj45n6o5jxdngkikp6zgphwy4gqbkt3vyv7q4eu5xlcpms7escmdu5koxwfyvrgdpxukqamx35ljclqfydbuob2g/CTEPaperFINAL.pdf

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2009-01-23T13:20:00.000-08:00

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

GANG AWARENESS VIDEOCONFERENCE
Dr. Michael Wilds, Northeastern State University and the Oklahoma Gang Investigation Association and other law enforcement officials will present the live, interactive VIDEOCONFERENCE on THURSDAY, January 29th from 1:30 to 3:30 at your closest videoconference site. Please call and reserve your space NOW. (Site locations are listed at http://www.sde.state.ok.us/Services/Videoconference/locations.html)

The presenters were at the Safe and Healthy Schools conference and shared their expert knowledge on gang awareness, signs, activities, prevention strategies and intervention.

If you have questions please contact Gayle Jones, SDE at 405-521-2106.

23RD ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE
This year's summer conference theme is Heads-On, Hands-On Learning: Key to Student Motivation and Achievement. The purpose of the conference is to inform state, district, school and teacher leaders about practices in the middle grades, high schools and technology centers that will increase student motivation and learning, students' readiness for high school studies, high school completion rates, and students' success in postsecondary studies and careers.

The announcement brochure is now available online at http://www.sreb.org/SummerConference/index.asp

The Announcement Brochure describes the eight conference objectives, registration information, a proposal to present form and further conference information. Check out the pre-conferences to deeper implement the High Schools That Work framework. Submit proposals for presentations demonstrating how implementation of the HSTW, Making Middle Grades Work and Technology Centers That Work designs is improving student achievement at your school.

Please read over the brochure and make plans to join us in Atlanta this July!

GOVERNOR'S GLOBAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE
J.C. Smith, Oklahoma State Department of Education, encourages Oklahoma high school counselors to attend the Governor's Global Education Conference at the University of Central Oklahoma on Feb. 13, 2009.

Registration is online at http://www.okglobaled.org/ This conference will provide invaluable exposure as to why and how young Oklahomans must become more internationally engaged and our campuses that consistently provide these opportunities. For more information contact Erin Taylor, PhD, Coordinator, Academic Affairs Projects with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Phone (405) 225-9163 if you have questions.

RESOURCES

THE SKILLS IMPERATIVE: SOLVE THE U.S. TALENT SHORTAGE
This interesting publication may prove useful to enhancing the quality of career and technical courses and building a partnership with your local chamber of commerce.

http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/eciaj45n6o5jxdngkikp6zgphwy4gqbkt3vyv7q4eu5xlcpms7escmdu5koxwfyvrgdpxukqamx35ljclqfydbuob2g/CTEPaperFINAL.pdf

UNDERSTANDING ISSUES FACING MILITARY KIDS
Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has a website dedicated to assist educators in better understanding and being responsive to the unique issues facing military kids whose parents or loved ones have been or are currently deployed. It provides practical, hands-on information to help those in school settings deal with the tough to talk about topics students experience in the schools
http://www.k12.wa.us/OperationMilitaryKids/Resources.aspx

AIDtoCHILDREN.com
Bluesky emailed another great charity site resource AIDtoCHILDREN.com. It donates money to children in need through World Vision. Check it out at http://www.aidtochildren.com

STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

DESIGNING QUALITY REAL-WORLD PROJECTS
All projects should engage students in authentic learning and require them to use their technical and academic skills and knowledge. To help teachers design real world projects that meet high standards review the following publication on how to design good projects:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/publications/site-guides/00V03_UsingRealWorldProjects.pdf

STEM CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
See how Oklahoma Department Career Technical Education is focusing on the need for more employees in the S.T.E.M. related fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).
http://www.okhorizon.com/2000/Show0903/STEMOverview.htm

This website focuses on getting more females interested in those same fields.
http://http://okhorizon.com/2009/Show0903/VA_IntvWMimiLufkinRickLarkey.htm

December 2008

2008-12-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Wishes for a relaxing break from school and that you have a joyful and fun filled time of visiting friends and family and time to pamper yourself by doing activities that are renewing!

UPDATE:

Reading and Writing Skills Emphasized in Latest Newsletter
Gene Bottoms has announced the availability of another online Best Practices newsletter. This third newsletter in the series focuses on the importance of reading and writing skills in all educational and career pathways. The newsletter includes a variety of strategies for integrating reading and writing skills across the curriculum - in academic, career/ technical and fine arts courses - in ways that improve student achievement in reading and writing and in the content area.

To access this newsletter, click on this link: http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/newsletters/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp

You can also find the newsletter by going to the SREB Web site at http://www.sreb.org/. Click on the High Schools That Work tab at the top of the page and then click on Publications and Materials in the side panel. When that page appears, click on the heading, "Newsletters of Best Practices from the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference."

As you examine practices other schools are implementing, I hope you will work with your staff to identify a practice your school has implemented to successfully integrate reading and writing into all subject areas. Please think about having your school share that activity at the 2009 HSTW Staff Development Conference
If you would like to add anyone to our announcement list about the newsletters, please send names, titles, schools, locations and e-mail addresses to Leonard Gatungo at leonard.gatungo@sreb.org. If you do not want to receive further announcements, please notify Leonard.
Coming Soon—Online Newsletter #4: Middle Grades Schools Take Their Role Seriously in Preparing Students for Rigorous High School Studies

RESOURCE

Emphasis on Reviewing Subject Area Skills or Feeding the Hungry
Check out http://www.freerice.com/ . Here's a fantastic website that all teachers can use. All you have to decide is how to use it! Over the holidays you can even have your children or grandchildren experiment with it.

Are you wanting students to review information in math, geography, chemistry or English or even art or foreign languages? Do you want them to increase their skills? The level of difficulty of the questions can be changed. Or are you interested in having students contribute to a charity that feeds the hungry?

All these goals can be met by assigning students to go to this website. English vocabulary automatically comes up. (The subject can be changed.) For every vocabulary definition you get correct, FreeRice donates 20 grains of rice to starving people in other parts of the world. It is in conjunction with the World Hunger Association. FreeRice has already provided rice for hundreds of thousands of hungry people. Just check out the website and the video and then start playing.

FreeRice has two goals: Provide education to everyone for free. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free. This is made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who advertise on this site. Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your education can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself. Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide.

CONGRATULATIONS

To Jorja Jacobs, Innovation Support Service Liaison, Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, who is retiring from her career in education after 37 years of service – 17 of them at ODCTE. Her last day will be January 9, 2009.

Here’s a note from her:

Dear Fellow Educators:

I will miss the friends I made in education and helping schools in Oklahoma improve experiences they provide for students. I have been privileged to have a career filled with ever expanding learning experiences and opportunities to assist school districts.

I feel lucky to have worked with such dedicated school staff. I believe we have greatly contributed to students’ lives and enabled them to become happy and productive individuals who are contributing members of society. I enjoyed being part of your team as we improved the schools in Oklahoma.

While I will miss all of you and working with your schools, I look forward to being able to spend more time gardening, taking photographs, traveling, visiting with friends and relatives, and volunteering. I will enjoy hearing from you. Please stay in touch! Best wishes to you all, as you continue your adventures in learning and helping students!

Jorja Jacobs 918/836-9191 JorjaJacobs@gmail.com

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

UPDATE

SECOND 2008 BEST PRACTICES NEWSLETTER ANNOUNCED
Integration is the theme of the Second 2008 BEST PRACTICES NEWSLETTER announced by Gene Bottoms. The second of a series of eight Best Practices newsletters is now available online. These newsletters describe best practices presented at the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

The focus of the second newsletter is revealed in its title: Integrated Academic and Career/Technical Learning Shows Real-Life Applications of Education. The newsletter includes vignettes about schools that are effectively integrating academic and career/technical (CT) studies to help more students find meaning in their learning and to motivate students to make great effort to achieve.

You are encouraged to share this newsletter with school staff (including academic and career/technical teachers), community and business members, parents and students. You can use these newsletters as focal points for conversation at faculty and teacher team meetings. To access this newsletter, click on this link: http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/publications/2008/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp

You will also find the newsletter by going to the SREB Web site at http://www.sreb.org/. Click on the High Schools That Work tab at the top of the page and then click on Publications and Materials in the side panel. When that page appears, click on the heading, "Newsletters of Best Practices from the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference."

As you examine practices other schools are implementing, you are encouraged to work with your staff to identify a practice to effectively integrates academic and CT studies that your school can share at the 2009 HSTW Staff Development Conference. Programs are particularly being looked for that have evidence that integrating academic and CT studies results in greater student motivation and improved achievement in both academic areas and in technical content and procedures.

Between now and December, watch for e-mail announcements of more Online Newsletters of Best Practices. If you would like to add anyone to our announcement list about the newsletters, please send names, titles, schools, locations and e-mail addresses to Leonard Gatungo at leonard.gatungo@sreb.org. If you do not want to receive further announcements, please notify Leonard.

COMING SOON Online 2008 Best Practices Newsletter #3:
"Reading and Writing Are Essential Skills for All Educational and Career Pathways"

GRANTS

Music Matters Grants – Feb 04, 2009 deadline

Source: The Muzak Heart and Soul Foundation
The Muzak Heart & Soul Foundation’s mission is to support and redefine music education. Through music education, a child can better achieve his/her full potential and stimulate personal and educational growth.

Music Matters Grants for 2009 will focus on educational reform in school music programs and independent music programs. Grants will be awarded in April 2009 (money will be distributed by October 2009), to schools and music programs throughout the United States. Grant amounts for this cycle are between $1,000-$12,000 each and are made on an annual one-time basis.

Education, Community, and Medicine/Health Grants - March 06, 2009 deadline

Source: RGK Foundation
RGK Foundation awards grants in the broad areas of Education, Community, and Medicine/Health. The Foundation's primary interests within Education include programs that focus on formal K-12 education (particularly mathematics, science and reading), teacher development, literacy, and higher education.

Within Community, the Foundation supports a broad range of human services, community improvement, abuse prevention, and youth development programs. Human service programs of particular interest to the Foundation include children and family services, early childhood development, and parenting education. The Foundation supports a variety of Community Improvement programs including those that enhance non-profit management and promote philanthropy and voluntarism. Youth development programs supported by the Foundation typically include after-school educational enrichment programs that supplement and enhance formal education systems to increase the chances for successful outcomes in school and life. The Foundation is also interested in programs that attract female and minority students into the fields of mathematics, science, and technology.

The Foundation's current interests in the area of Medicine/Health include programs that promote the health and well-being of children, programs that promote access to health services, and Foundation-initiated programs focusing on ALS.

Although there are no geographic restrictions to the Foundation's grantmaking program, the Foundation no longer accepts unsolicited requests for international agencies or programs. While the Foundation occasionally awards grants for operating expenses, capital campaigns, endowments, and international projects, such grants are infrequent and usually initiated by the Foundation. Multiyear grants are rare; most grants are awarded for a one-year period. Click here to view listing of recent grants awarded by the Foundation.

FOR TEACHERS

Scholarships

College Scholarships – due March 12, 2009
Source: Horace Mann Educators Corporation
Horace Mann is dedicated to serving the needs of the educational community. The Horace Mann Companies is offering $30,000 in scholarships for public and private school K-12 educators to take college courses.

In May 2009, The Horace Mann Companies will announce the recipients. One recipient will receive $5,000 in scholarship funds payable over four years, and fifteen other recipients will receive $1,000 each in scholarship funds payable over two years. Twenty additional recipients will each receive one-time $500 awards. Scholarship money will be paid directly to each recipient's college or university for tuition, fees and other educational expenses.

Scholarship applicants will be judged on a written essay and school and community activities. Financial need is not a consideration, but applicants who have all educational expenses paid through other scholarships and/or grants are ineligible

Awards

Astronauts Memorial Foundation - January 16, 2009 deadline
Source: Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) in partnership with the Space Foundation and NASA: Alan Shepard Technology In Education Award
There is a continuing effort to recognize outstanding contributions by K-12 educators and District level personnel in the field of Educational Technology. The Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) in partnership with the Space Foundation and NASA is pleased to present the Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award. The Award recognizes outstanding contributions made by technology personnel or classroom teachers to technology education.

The Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award rewards excellence in the development and delivery of technology programs. Programs which focus on aerospace and/or aeronautics will be given priority to other programs. Applicants must demonstrate how their programs ultimately benefit the students in a school or district.

RESOURCES

Did you notice these articles in previous blog postings? Scroll down on the Blog to the June 17, 2008 entry in the “Professional Development” and “Student Opportunities” sections for all the information about these topics.

Involve The Community To Change College-Going Cultures
Community involvement is an important factor to sustain a college-going message and change the behaviors of students.

Are Wired Kids Well Served By Schools?
Many teens are hyper-motivated with special skills to create podcasts, directing YouTube videos, or publishing a website.

Encourage Teen Writing Through Blogging
Research shows that teen bloggers write more frequently both online and offline. Use this interest to enrich classrooms.

Environmentally Green Schools
Is Your School Clean? Ok, But Is It Green Clean? What a great science project for students.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2 Million Minutes
This You Tube video about the 2 million minutes our students have during high school is only 3 minutes long. It compares attitudes and activities of 6 students in the United States, India and China. View it with your staff to start a discussion about the global competion our students face.

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

UPDATES

First 2008 BEST PRACTICES NEWSLETTER was announced by Dr. Gene Bottoms. Learn what school leaders, teachers and national experts say about improving school and classroom practices to prepare more students for college and careers. A series of on-line newsletters describe best practices about successful actions schools are taking to implement the Key Practices.

The first newsletter, Quality Career/Technical Programs Prepare Students to Succeed in a New, More Challenging Economy, is now available online. This newsletter covers assessing the quality and effectiveness of CT programs, preparing students to succeed in an increasingly demanding workplace, building effective career academies, and engaging students in CT studies through real-world applications.

Access the newsletter at: http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/newsletters/08SummerConferenceNewsletter.asp. You can also find the newsletter at http://www.sreb.org/. Click on the High Schools That Work tab at the top of the page and then click on Publications and Materials in the side panel. When that page appears, click on the heading, "Newsletters of Best Practices from the 2008 HSTW Staff Development Conference."

As you and your staff review the newsletter, consider the following points for discussion:
- Are there any ideas in the newsletter that you would like to try in our school?
- Did you discover a best practice at another school that you would like to learn more about?
- Are you willing to contact that school and share the information with others?
- Are there outstanding practices in one or more of our career/technical programs that we can
share at the 2009 HSTW Summer Staff Development Conference?

CONGRATULATIONS

To Karen Dawson
The Oklahoma School Counselor Association (OSCA) announced the 2008-2009 Counselors of the Year at the Encyclo-Media Conference in September. Congratulations to Karen Dawson, East Central High School, Tulsa for being named The Counselor of the Year. A picture of each Counselor of the Year is available on the OSCA’s Web site, <http://www.okschoolcounselor.org%3e/. On the home page, scroll down and click on their names. Margaret Durham, President of OSCA, is shown congratulating each Counselor of the Year. Congratulations to all the Counselors of the Year!

STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Arlington Cemetery - Jeopardy Question
Use the following website and YouTube video as an inquiry based research for students in U.S. History. These type questions create an interest for student learning. For example, how many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why? Additional questions and information can be located at:
http://www.hwva.org/HWVA%20Website%20Info/Arlington%20National%20Cemetary.pdf YouTube video located at:
http://inchesawayfromsanity.blogspot.com/2008/08/arlington-cemetery-jeopardy-question.html

RESOURCES

Career And Academic Connections Website:
Check out Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education’s Career Clusters link. http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/Career_cluster/careerclusters.htm A few examples of what you will find there:
1) Powerpoint to introduce clusters(PowerPoint version)- a powerpoint you can download and adapt to use to introduce clusters. The slides also have notes on them so you have a script from which to work.
2) Career Cluster Pathway Sample Plans of Study Each pathway plan of study (71 plans) is now online in a Word format so you can take and adapt to your school offerings.
3) Revised Career Cluster Plans of Study will take you to the state's career cluster website and you will find the new and revised plans of study for the 16 clusters.
4) Archived Original Career Cluster Plans of Study these are the "original" format for the plans of study for the 16 clusters.
5) Career Cluster Crosswalk -chart that crosswalks the World of Work map (that Explore, Plan and ACT use) to the 16 career clusters.
6) Career Cluster Interest Inventory in both English and Spanish.

Free Spanish Language Publications
As you begin to see a change in your student demographics and need Spanish language publications, the following publications may be of value from ED Pubs (edpubs.ed.gov.)

Tips For Reading Tutors Tips For Reading Tutors/Consejos Para Los Tutores En Lectura
No Child Left Behind: Character Education No Child Left Behind: Character Education...Our Shared Responsibility/La educación moral ... Nuestra responsabilidad compartida
Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence/Cómo ayudar a su hijodurante los primeros años de la adolescencia

Middle-Schoolers Design Web Site with Career Resources

Three hundred middle school students from all over the country worked closely with developers to design a Web site called Funworks that links the interests and hobbies of young people, ages 11 to 15, to future careers. The site, created by the Gender, Diversity, and Technology Institute at Education Development Center, features information about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, as well as games, quizzes, and more. In addition, Funworks provides educational resources for guidance counselors, teachers, media specialists, and parents.http://www.thefunworks.org/

Other Websites:
The U.S. Department of Education recently unveiled http://www.college.gov/ a new web site that aims to motivate students with inspirational stories and information about planning, preparing and paying for college. It includes an interactive tool for students to create an "I'm going" personalized roadmap that details the steps to take to get to college. Content is also organized and presented in a way for students to easily find the answers to their higher education questions: Why Go? What to Do? and How to Pay?

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Gangs Workshop:
The Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association (OGIA) will be hosting a Gangs 101 presentation open to teachers, counselors and administrators. Date is Dec. 12, 9:00 - 5:00 at the Mid-Del Technology Center, registration is $25.00. If you are interested in attending this presentation you can log onto the website listed below for more information.
http://www.ogia.us/101_okc_2008.htm

CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS

Being an American: 2008-2009 Essay Contest – Dec 1, 2008 deadline
Source: The Bill of Rights Institute
The Question: What civic value do you believe is most essential to being an American? Trace the enduring importance of this value throughout the American story by discussing: a Founding document that reflects this value; a figure from American history who embodies this value; and ways you can personally put this value into practice.
Both teachers and students can win cash and other prizes for submitting an essay. Listed below are the prizes that will be given out in each region during the 2008-2009 competition. To see which region you are in, click here.

Cash prizes for Students in the 2008-2009 Competition
First place - $5,000
Second place - $2,500
Third place - $1,250
Honorable Mentions (7 prizes awarded in each region) - $250

Cash prizes for Teachers in the 2008-2009 Competition
If you are the teacher-submitter of the essay, you will win an amount equal to what the student wins for First, Second, or Third place.
First place - $5,000
Second place - $2,500
Third place - $1,250

Win a trip to Washington, D.C. for an Awards Weekend!

The top three essays' writers and their teachers will win an expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the 2008-2009 Essay Contest Awards Weekend and Gala! To see what last year's winners did on their weekend in Washington, D.C., please click here

Career Poster/Poetry Contest – December 5, 2008 deadline
Source: National Career Development Association/OK Dept. of Career and Technology Education
Students celebrate their favorite career by entering the K- Adult Career Poster and Poetry Contest. This year's theme is "Inspire Your Career, Develop Your Dreams." The contest is designed to bring attention to the importance of life-long career development and the personal empowerment of all people.

State winners win a monetary amount of $5, third place, $10, second place, and $15, first place. Send your school's top three winning entries for each category no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5th, 2008. The top three state winners for each category will be mailed to the national competition. Entry forms will are available at: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/resources_products/Classroom/Career_Poster_Contest_2008.pdf
http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/resources_products/Classroom/Career_Poetry_Contest_2008.pdf

GRANTS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Teaching of Writing Grant – November 21, 2008 deadline
Source: College Board
Bob Costas Grants for the Teaching of Writing
Each year the College Board recognizes exceptional teachers of grades 6 through 12 for the innovative methods they use to develop their students' writing skills. Grants of $3,000 each will be awarded to teachers who are doing an inspiring job of teaching their students to write and who will benefit most from a grant to enhance a successful project.

Grants for Manufacturing Camps – Dec 12, 2008 deadline
Source: FMA FOUNDATION and the Nuts, Bolts, & Thingamajigs Foundation
A demographic shift in the U.S. work force caused by retiring baby boomers is taking place, and the manufacturing sector is already feeling the impact. While improvements in technology have increased efficiency rates and reduced the amount of unskilled labor needed, there is an ever-increasing demand for highly skilled professionals such as engineers who can design, program, and operate technology being employed.

The purpose of manufacturing camp grants is to provide a positive, hands-on experience so young people will consider manufacturing as a future career option.

Suggested curriculum for a week of manufacturing camp might include a day or two of introduction to CAD software, a day or two in a fabrication shop or training facility, and a day of touring regional fabricating or tube & pipe facilities. If assistance is needed, the FMA Foundation is a resource for locating local manufacturers in the metal forming industry. Please see the application procedures before applying.

Grant funds may be used for the expenses related to curriculum development and instruction, as well as direct expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and supplies. Expenses related to the purchase of software or other capital expenditures do not qualify.

Arts for Students with Disabilities – December 12, 2008 deadline
Source: VSA arts and MetLife Foundation
The goals of Arts Connect All are to:
- Enable more students with disabilities to experience social, cognitive, and cultural
development through arts learning alongside their peers without disabilities;
- Create educational access and inclusion in the arts for students with disabilities; and
- Document the contributions that arts organizations make to inclusive education in public
schools.

Advanced Placement (AP) Test Fee Program – Dec 15, 2008 deadline
Source: U.S Dept. of Education
The AP Test Fee program awards grants to eligible State educational agencies (SEAs) to enable them to pay all or a portion of advanced placement test fees on behalf of eligible low-income students who (1) are enrolled in an advanced placement course and (2) plan to take an advanced placement exam. The program is designed to increase the number of low-income students who take advanced placement tests and receive scores for which college academic credit is awarded.

http://www.ed.gov/programs/apfee/index.html

GRANTS FOR TEACHERS

Teachers in Space Program - December 4, 2008 deadline
Every journey begins with a single step. The Pathfinder program is the first step in the journey toward our goal of putting a thousand astronaut teachers into American classrooms. Pathfinders will be the first astronaut teachers to fly in space and return to the classroom. These Pathfinders will not only fly in space, they will also help us design the three-week training course for the large number of teachers who follow. We hope that Pathfinders will also return each summer to help us teach the course. (Can you think of a more exciting summer job?)

We are currently accepting applications for the first two Pathfinders. (We aren't sure how many Pathfinders there will eventually be. This is the first time we've run a program such as this—in fact, the first time anyone has—so we're learning as we go.)

We're looking for one Pathfinder who is knowledgeable in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) subjects. Applicants for the STEM Pathfinder slot are asked to submit a proposal for an experiment that could be performed on a suborbital flight.

We're looking for another Pathfinder who has strong skills in lesson plan development. Applications are asked to submit a lesson plan or curriculum module based on any aspect of human spaceflight. Teachers from all subject areas, STEM and non-STEM, are encouraged to apply.

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Oklahoma Distance Education Association Meeting
Members: no fee;
Non-members: $50 buys attendance and membership;
To register as an attendee, presenter and exhibitor, please go to
http://www.odla.org/

GRANTS

Project Learning Tree
Category - Student Environmental Projects
Description - Project Learning Tree (PLT) is accepting applications for its GreenWorks! Grants. These grants provide funding to help PLT educators and their students engage in hands-on environmental projects in their communities.
There are two grant categories for this program. The applications for both the large and the smaller grant awards are downloadable from the website. A list of state coordinators is available at the website as well.
Deadline Date - October 31, 2008
Size of Grant - $5,000
Cost Sharing or Match - No
Web - http://www.plt.org/cms/pages/21_22_21.html

National Gardening Association and Home Depot
Category - Youth Garden Grants
Description - The National Gardening Association (NGA) teamed up with Home Depot stores to offer Youth Garden Grants for schools or community organizations with child-centered garden programs. Judges will look for garden programs that demonstrate: an educational focus or curricular integration; environmental education or awareness; entrepreneurship; nutrition or plant-to-food links; and the social aspects of gardening, such as developing leaders or service learning.
The winning programs will receive gift cards to the Home Depot and educational materials related to youth gardening from the NGA.
Deadline Date - November 1, 2008
Size of Grant - Gift cards for $1,000
Cost Sharing or Match - No
Web - http://www.kidsgardening.com/YGG.asp

Young Adult Library Services Association
Category - Young Adult Reading or Literature Program Award
Description - The Young Adult Library Services Association is accepting applications for the MAE Award for a Young Adult Reading or Literature Program. Sponsored by the Margaret A. Edwards Trust, the MAE Award for Young Adult Reading or Literature Program is open to members of the Young Adult Library Services Association. This award was created to honor a member or members of the Young Adult Library Services Association who has developed an outstanding reading or literature program for young adults. This money will support the winning member's attendance at the upcoming American Library Association Annual Conference. The applicant must directly work with young adults and be a personal member of the Young Adult Library Services Association.
Deadline Date - December 1, 2008
Size of Grant - $1,000 to attend American Library Association Annual Conference
Cost Sharing or Match - No
Web -
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/awardsandgrants/ReadingAward.pdf

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-09-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

HSTW UPDATES:

1. September 30 - the SREB Annual Report is due today.
2. OCTOBER 6 is the hotel reservation cut-off date to receive the $83 + tax rate for the October 30 workshop.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE!
PLEASE use the NEW ON-LINE REGISTRATION PROCESS to register for the October 30 OKLAHOMA HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK 2008 ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP for using Data to Enhance the School Improvement Workshop. Note check-in registration begins at 7:30 A.M. and the workshop starts promptly at 8 A.M. If unable to access the link copy and paste the following into your browser link: http://icat.okcareertech.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/OKCT.woa/wa/room?id=85uPJ

Next week, additional information will be posted under UPCOMING MEETINGS at: http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm.

COUNSELOR'S CONFERENCE
Have your counselors SAVE the DATE -- March 3, 2009 to attend the Counselor's Conference at Moore Norman/South Penn campus.

SREB LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE FOR ONLINE TEACHERS
Check out the resources and tools! SREB has launched a first-of-its-kind Web site for teachers of middle grades and high school online courses. The Web site, www.srebonlineteachers.org, will help online teachers in SREB states connect with each other, find and share best practices, pursue professional development, and more. It is funded by a grant from the AT&T Foundation.
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative created the first national standards for K-12 online teaching and online courses, and all 16 SREB member states now have or are creating state virtual schools.

LARRY BELL - RETURNING TO THE OKLAHOMA!
"Closing the Achievement Gap" Seminar October 27-28, 2008 from 8:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. with National Presenter Larry Bell, Author of the book, 12 Powerful Words That Increase Test Scores and Help Close the Achievement Gap. The seminar will be held at the Waterford Marriott, 6300 Waterford Blvd., Oklahoma City.

Get Practical Help with the No Child Left Behind Act!
Whether your achievement gap is related to socioeconomic conditions, cultural differences or gender, this seminar will provide practical research-based strategies every teacher can use. The seminar is designed for all educators preschool through 12th grade with new ideas to make AYP.
Day 1: October 27 - "Data Directed Instructional Techniques"
-- 12 Powerful Words that trip up "at-risk" students on standardized tests
-- 20 standardized activities for classroom teachers
-- "UNRAAVEL" a systematic reading test taking strategy that teaches reading and builds
self confidence
-- 10 strategies from "model" schools
-- Ways to increase teacher expectations
-- Plus other critical areas will be covered
Day 2: October 28 - "Converting High Expectations into Actions"
-- 5 actions that totally alienate African American males from their teachers
-- 17 mistakes made by administrators when preparing schools for standardized tests
-- 16 correctable, unintentional errors that annihilate "at-risk" students chances on standardized tests
-- Overcoming the 7 characteristics of low-achieving students
-- Plus other critical areas will be covered

Closing the Achievement Gap Seminar Registration Form
Please fill in the registration form below -- purchase orders, checks and money orders accepted. Make payable to Multicultural America, Inc. Fill in the proper box and send a PHOTOCOPY along with payment to: Larry Bell, Multicultural America, Inc. 12689 Crossbow Dr., Manassas, VA 20112

You can fax your PO and registration to 703-794-8372. (If 10 or more are coming, call for an additional discount!)
____ I am registering for the two day seminar, Monday, October 27, 2008 and Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Cost: $595.00 per person.
"Early Registration" $550.00 must be postmarked by October 13, 2008
____ I am registering for Day 1 only, Monday, October 27, 2008. Cost: $300.00 per person.
"Early Registration" $275.00 must be postmarked by October 13, 2008.
____ I am registering for Day 2 only, Tuesday, October 28 2008. Cost: $300.00 per person.
"Early Registration" $275.00 must be postmarked by October 13, 2008.

Name: _______________________________
Position, subject or grade:__________________

Email: ___________________________
Work #___________________________

School or district name:_______________________________

School or district address:_____________________________

A continental breakfast and buffet lunch is included for both days. No portion of the registration fee can be returned after October 13, 2008. There are a limited number of rooms blocked at a reduced conference price under the name Closing the Achievement Gap. If no more rooms are available call Larry at 703-690-0413 and we will try to secure more rooms at that rate. To make hotel reservations or get directions call the hotel directly.

Waterford Marriott
6300 Waterford Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
(405) 848-4782

RESOURCES:

Guidance (now Career and Academic Connections – CAC) Re-designed Website.
http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/guidance/guidance.htm

Graduation and College Admission Requirements information is located at: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/guidance/guidance.htm#graduation.
· Academic Course Implementation Guidelines for Career and Technology Education Students
· Credit Chart for Career and Technology Education Options for Computer Technology
· Basic Career and Technology Education Options in ACE
· Curriculum Chart for College Prep/Work Ready, Core and Oklahoma Promise Requirements

Teachers As Advisors resources can be found at: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/guidance/guidance.htm#taa
· Rubric
· Team Manual from Louisiana
· Career Development Program Manual, June 2005 - Georgia
· Georgia Teachers as Advisors Page
· South Dakota Teachers as Advisors Website:
· The National Career Development Guidelines (NCDG)
· Sample Chapter
· Information Sheet
· Teachers as Advisors PowerPoint:

SUBSTANCE ABUSE & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (SAMHSA)
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) developed a back to school resource for parents. The Family Guide Web site features articles and resources about sending children back to school. Whether students are starting second grade or senior year, you'll find information to keep them mentally healthy and drug free. SAMHSA's Family Guide Web site has dedicated a section to "Back to School" resources on topics such as helping with homework, issues with making friends, dealing with back-to-school blues, etc.
HTTP://WWW.FAMILY.SAMHSA.GOV/SET/SEPTEMBERBACKTOSCHOOL.ASPX

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-09-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

QUICK HSTW REMINDERS
1. SREB Annual Report is due online by September 30, 2008.
2. October 30, 2008 is the HSTW 2008 Data Workshop. Look for registration details next week.
3. Contact Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org if you’d like to serve on a HSTW technical assistance visit. They are:
· U.S. Grant High School – October 27-29, 2008
· Durant High School (pacesetter site) – November 4-5, 2008
· Drumright High School – November 11-12, 2008
· Shawnee High School – February 11-12, 2009

STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Help for Literacy Coaches
Literacy coaching provides teacher support and development while simultaneously increasing students' literacy skills. For resources to support a coaching program at your school, check out the following link: http://lists.ncte.org/t/1520916/7538683/855/0/.
Literacy Coaching Teacher Resource Collection (G), includes numerous articles and links to additional materials.

Healthy Lifestyles Video Contest
First Lady Kim Henry has joined State Superintendent Sandy Garrett and the Oklahoma State Department of Education in coordinating a healthy lifestyles video contest for students age 13 and up that begins Wednesday, October 1 and runs through the end of the school year. Students must submit videos promoting healthy lifestyle choices and that can be used for public service announcements (PSA). Monthly winners will be chosen for first place prizes of $3,500 and second place prizes of $1,500. Plus the schools of a first place winner will receive $1,000 worth of fitness equipment.
www.mytakeonhealth.com/
Deadline: May 2008
Contact: Shelly Hickman, Administrative Services, SDE (Phone – 405.521.3371)

Letters about Literature
“Letters about Literature” is a national reading and writing contest for students in Grades four through 12 sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, the Oklahoma Center for the Book and Target. Students can enter by writing a letter to an author, explaining how one of the author’s books changed the student’s view of the world or of themselves. Students must be at least 9 years old and enter in categories of Grades 4-5, Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12. State winners will received a $50 Target Gift Card and cash prizes. Six national winners will receive a $500 Target Gift card, plus a grant of $10,000 for their school or community library. Twelve national winners will receive a $100 Target Gift card and a grant of $1,000 for their school or library.
Deadline: December 6, 2008
Contact: Bill Young, Public Information Manager, Oklahoma Department of Libraries (Phone: 405.522.3562)
www.loc.gov/letters

“Fossil Fuel Fund” supports Museum Field Trips
Funding is available to help cover the cost of transporting students to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, in Norman. The funding covers the cost of an educational program for students (laboratory programs not included). Student admission is $1.75 per student. The Fossil Fuel Fund uses a competitive application process; applications will be reviewed as they are received. All funded trips must take place October 2008 through March 2009.
Deadline: Saturday, February 28,2009
Contact: Carmen Eppler, Education Department, Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (Phone: 405.352.4712)
www.snomnh.ou.edu/schoolprograms

RESOURCES

PASS for Parents
The Pass for Parents can now be found at http://sde.state.ok.us/Curriculum/PASS/Parents.html.
Pass them along to other curriculum areas and let your principals know they can print them out for use at PTO meetings and open house. The colorful document can be used to help explain the curriculum to parents.

Win Books for Kids!
What Book Got You Hooked? Please take a moment to click the following link and help OK kids get 50,000 free books. The only field that must be filled out is the state that you are voting for. The others are optional.
You can vote once every 24 hours. Please share this link with your Oklahoma friends and ask them to vote too. http://www2.firstbook.org/whatbook/index.php
Oklahoma won last year. Let's go for a repeat by voting early and voting often.

New Competency Model Clearinghouse Resources
The U.S. Department of Labor has added two tools to their Competency Model Clearinghouse, Build a Competency Model Tool, and Build a Career Ladder/Lattice Tool. Both tools are accessible at www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel/careerpathway/cpwoverview.aspx . Also included are emerging industry skill needs, curriculum development resources, information on career pathways, and skill based job descriptions. Access the home page at www.careeronestop.org/CompetencyModel.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Oklahoma Career Information System (OKCIS)
"Train the Trainer" sessions will be held in Stillwater as well as offering user webinars. Contact Jo Kahn at jkahn@okcareertech.org or 405.743.5404 for more information on OKCIS. Many OKCIS resources can be located on the Career and Academic Connections Website at http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/OKCIS/okcis.htm .

POWER POINT PRESENTATIONS
The following presentations are available on the web:
Summer Conference Presentations for Tech Prep are posted here: http://www.okcareertech.org/techprep/presentations.htm

You can get the Guidance Division Summer Conference Presentation here: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/Pages/guidance/SC2008/2008presentations.htm

In other news, the CAC Division (formerly Guidance) has a new home on the web: http://www.okcareertech.org/cac/

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

CABLE TV LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Time Warner Cable is accepting applications for the Teacher Showcase for Learning Grants program. Time Warner Cable will award grants to teachers to develop creative learning experiences using cable television resources (examples include: programming, websites, and streaming video). Grant winners will use that money to create a project for Time Warner Cable's National Teacher Awards (which take place next year). The grants also may be used to pay for technology projects, training, or services. This funding initiative is open to full-time, K-12 teachers and school library media specialists.
http://www.timewarnercable.com/midohio/education/teachershowcase.html
Deadline: October 3, 2008
Grant: $500

TEACH AWARDS - K-12 TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
Best Buy Teach Awards provide gift cards to schools to purchase technology for their students. The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms. Winning programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children aren't able to use hands-on. The purpose of the Best Buy Teach Award program is to reward schools for the successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology. Please do not be discouraged from applying if your school does not have the most current equipment.
http://www.bestbuyinc.com/community_relations/teach_awards.htm
Deadline: October 12, 2008
Grant: $5,000 - 15 awards of $10,000 for 9th grade programs
Cost Sharing or Match - No

STATE FARM® GOOD NEIGHBOR SERVICE-LEARNING GRANTS 2009
Fear of failure does not motivate those use to failure. State Farm Companies Foundation, Youth Service America is offering the annual State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant for youth-led community improvement projects. Grants up to $1,000 support teachers and service-learning coordinators to engage students (ages 5-25) to implement service-learning projects for Global Youth Service Day, April 24-26, 2009. State Farm encourages semester-long projects that are launched on Martin Luther King Day on January 19, 2009 and extend through Global Youth Service Day.
1. To download the Introduction and Requirements (pdf). http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/grants/statefarm/StateFarm_GrantRequirements2009.pdf
2. To preview the application form and guidelines (pdf).
http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/grants/statefarm/StateFarm_GrantAppPreview.pdf
3. To download our NEW web-based application form (htm).
http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/grants/statefarm/StaTeFarmGoodNeigbor_Form2009.htm Save the application and complete it at another time. Please note the following:
a. The entire application must be completed in one session, including the budget template. Information that you fill in cannot be saved.
b. Connect to the internet to access the online resources provided as hyperlinks in the application.
c. Submit the completed form and budget spreadsheet on-line.
d. Upon successful submission of a completed application, an automated confirmation is sent via email. If a confirmation is not received, your application was not submitted correctly.
Contact: goodneighbor@ysa.org
Deadline: October 15, 2008
Grant: $5,000

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION READING LIST PREPARATION
The American Library Association is accepting applications for the Carnegie-Whitney Awards, which were created to provide grants for the preparation and publication of popular or scholarly reading lists, indexes, and other guides to library resources that will be useful to individuals who use all types of libraries (public, school, college, etc.). Also, the Association notes that the grants may be used for print and electronic projects, and the projects may vary in length. The grant money covers preparation costs that are appropriate to the development of a useful product. This includes the cost of research and compilation.
Deadline: November 3, 2008
http://ala.org/ala/ourassociation/publishing/alapubawrds/carnegiewhitney.cfm

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR TEACHERS
Applications are available for Teacher Scholarships for Professional Development to support educators in attending top-quality regional and national conferences. Scholarships help cover tuition, travel, lodging and to pay substitute teachers. Applications will be posted online in early October, with a mid-November deadline. Scholarships are offered in Tulsa, Stephens and Carter counties, to Oklahoma special education teachers and to math and science educators in Oklahoma City metro area. Other categories will be added soon.
Contact: Brenda Wheelock, Director of Communications and Development, Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence (Phone – 405.236.0006)
www.ofe.org
Deadline: mid-November

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-08-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

HSTW ANNUAL SITE PROGRESS REPORTS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 30, 2008

HSTW schools should submit their Annual Report online before September 30, 2008. The Web address for the online report is:
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/assessindex.asp

Instructions may be found by going to: http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/2008/Instructions.asp

Allow the completion of this report to help your planning process for the 2008-2009 school year. All your school’s faculty and advisement staff should be involved to discuss accomplishments, obstacles and plans for addressing site challenges. A few important notes:

Download a hard copy of the Annual Report as a guide for gathering information before completing the report online.

Sites can log in and partially complete sections of the report and return again later where they left off. The report does not need to be completed in one sitting.

Please contact hstwannualreport@sreb.org or by phone at (404) 962-9628 if you have questions or encounter any problems entering data online. Response should be made within two business days. Or you may contact Aaron Boyd, Research Assistant, Southern Regional Education Board at 404-879-5611 or aaron.boyd@sreb.org.

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE AND READING COMPREHENSION

Knowledge begets knowledge. Students draw upon what they already know to master new vocabulary and content. For example, students who already know something about World War II will bring that knowledge to bear when reading an unfamiliar text on the subject. Research has shown that building and activating students' prior knowledge of concepts and vocabulary can increase reading comprehension.

Some suggestions for building and accessing background knowledge:
http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=Cpbqt4CbpM00On97ocjq2Q. Use Easy Nonfiction to Build Background Knowledge

http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=Mo4ta-pBbvPMXAG_dT292Q. Expect Students to Activate, Connect and Summarize Daily

http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=fPa5VijxNT_ivRy4DnAPvg. Use and Teach Content Vocabulary Daily

http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=7S3lTNNIicGmWXHyWYXp5Q. Linking the Language: A Cross-Disciplinary Vocabulary Approach

http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=8jVY_x5qbKR9jokg0Fa9tg. How to Help Students See When Their Knowledge is Superficial or Incomplete

http://weta.convio.net/site/R?i=HyGsRY2T7OuMHRam2pAWKQ. How Knowledge Helps dotted line - section separator

SUCCESS, FAILURE IN FIRST TWO WEEKS SHAPE THE SCHOOL YEAR

Dr. Guskey is a foremost authority in the country on assessment. Carefully think about his remarks, especially in the frame of our at-risk freshmen students.
Posted on Sun, Aug. 03, 2008
By Thomas R. Guskey
http://www.kentucky.com/589/story/478728.html

PARENT TEEN RESOURCES

The Partnership for a Drug Free America just released "A Parent's Guide to the Teen Brain," a digital, science-based resource for parents that explains adolescent brain processes and offers tips for communicating and helping teens make good decisions.

With video, humorous interactive segments, role-playing and advice from experts, parents learn that ongoing brain development contributes to the vexing teen behaviors that confound and often put parents off - impulsiveness, rebellion, high emotions, questionable judgment and risk-taking. This might work well with Parent Universities or as a resource you could give to parents.
www.drugfree.org

COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE SPOTLIGHT

Last year, Oklahoma high school students in area technology centers had a very successful year. There were over 4,400 enrollments earning over 31,000 transcripted college credit hours.

Sunday, August 24, Oklahoma Horizon showed the latest installment of Cooperative Alliance Spotlights. You can see when the Horizon show will play in your area at: http://www.okhorizon.com/.

If you missed the video last year, we invite you to view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g21L-6J1Zts or http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d08f1f1e7244f663b470.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

HSTW “NEW” SITE COORDINATOR AND ADMINISTRATOR WORKSHOP

NO registration fee is required. Please email Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org if you plan to attend the September 4, 2008 – “NEW” site coordinators and administrators. All new site coordinators and administrators should attend the HSTW Update and Networking Workshop on the Francis Tuttle Technology Center –Reno Campus, 7301 West Reno Avenue, Oklahoma City in Room 2160 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The purpose of the workshop is to learn more about the expectations of your role and to gather information to help prepare for the coming year as you work to implement the HSTW framework.

SEPTEMBER –GUIDANCEFEST 2008

GuidanceFest is an opportunity to learn about the CareerTech System and where we are headed in the future. Speakers will talk about the impact of career clusters moving programs to courses, how CareerTech aligns with Oklahoma’s Promise, and many more topics valuable to you as an education professional.

Learn more and register for an event in your area at http://www.okcareertech.org/techprep/guidancefest.htm.

SEPTEMBER OKLAHOMA EPAS WORKSHOPS

Educators are invited to attend one of the Fall Regional Workshops to assist in using the valuable EXPLORE and PLAN assessment reports (DATA.) Administrators, counselors and
curriculum specialists and other educators are encouraged to attend.

Register at: www.okhighered.org/epas.
For assistance call Marie Ruder at 405.225.9320 or email her at mruder@osrhe.edu.

EXPLORE and PLAN Testing Windows for the next three years are:
August 25 through October 10, 2008
August 24 through October 9, 2009
August 23 through October 8, 2010

If you haven’t received or can’t locate your information for ordering EXPLORE and/or PLAN, please call Alexa Moretsky at 512.345.1949 or email Alexa.Moretsky@act.org.
Please contact one of the following for assistance relative to EXPLORE, PLAN, ACT, or other matters related to student preparation:

North of I-40 - Cari Lousch at clousch@osrhe.edu or 918.813.3199
South of I-40 - Matt Higdon at mhigdon@osrhe.edu or 405.517.0301
Cindy Brown - cbrown@osrhe.edu or 405.225.9156

HSTW DATA WORKSHOP

October 30, 2008 – Mark your calendar and prepare to identify your team. The “Using 2008 HSTW Assessment Data” Workshop will be held on the Francis Tuttle Technology Center-Reno Campus, Oklahoma City. Additional details for registration will become available in September.

The "CD" copy of your 2008 HSTW AssessmentReport should be received by the end of next week.

FOLLOW-UP TO THE SREB ANNUAL HSTW SUMMER CONFERENCE

The purpose of the 22nd Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference was to inform state, district, school and teacher leaders about practices in high schools and middle grades schools that will increase high school completion rates and postsecondary and workplace success of students.” — Gene Bottoms

Complete the evaluation if you attended as well as download session handouts and materials for further learning opportunities.
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/professionalDev/SummerConference/2008ConferenceIndex.asp

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Youth Literacy Grant
Here is an opportunity to supplement your transitional English classes or reading programs. If you live within 20 miles of a Dollar General store, you are eligible for a $3,000 Youth Literacy Grant for programs to support struggling readers--the target students for this class.
Maximum Award: $3,000
Application Deadline: September 24, 2008
http://www.dollargeneral.com/Community/Pages/GrantPrograms.aspx.

Prepare for the 22nd HSTW Summer Staff Development Conference

2008-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

Cascade The HSTW Summer Conference Information To Help Meet Your HSTW School Improvement Goals

Download the 22nd Annual Staff Development Conference program
· Page 11-12 to describe session types, guidelines and program use tips.
· Page 18-19 to develop your personal schedule template.
· Page 130-132 to review Gaylord Convention Center map layout.
· Page 20 to NOTE the shuttle schedule IF not lodging at the conference hotel.
· Registration to be located in Delta Lobby B
· State Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 9 at 4:30 p.m. in Bayou E.
· DURING THE CONFERENCE: Appropriate clothing is business casual with layered clothing recommended for personal comfort. Comfortable walking shoes come highly recommended.
· Last, but critical – PLEASE PUT CELL PHONES ON SILENT during sessions.

To prepare your team for this conference:
1. Set your team expectations for attending sessions. To get the most from the conference each team and individual team member should develop a schedule designed to address school improvement needs focused around your school improvement goals. Require attendees to --
· Study the maps of the convention meeting space to get a general idea of the locations.
· Target a strand, goal, or floor to prevent the need to “roam” and not get a seat in a session.
· Attend sessions during all available time slots. Each attendee should identify a first, second and third choice session for each time slot for alternate choices.
· Arrive at sessions on time and remain for the entire session if it meets your need. If the session is not addressing what you expected, politely excuse yourself and go to your second choice session.
· Obtain handouts to take home and share. (Presenter handouts will be posted at www.sreb.org after the conference.)
· Network with representatives from other schools.

2. Participate in planning and delivering information to colleagues. Assign each team member a strand/goal (page 11-14 of program) to become “an expert.” Ask them to carry back the maximum amount of useful information for the purpose of reporting back to the school site team/faculty during monthly scheduled faculty/staff meetings.

3. For each general session and breakout session, collect at least one best practice/idea. Describe the practice in detail, how it was accomplished, what were the results, and how you might implement it at your school.

4. Get the name of at least one presenter in which to network or who would be good to conduct a local staff development workshop at your school. Provide a “quality expert” name to state coordinator for future professional development conferences and workshops.

5. Arrange a time (meeting rooms may be reserved between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. by signing up at the SREB Conference Headquarters) and location for your school site team to meet daily. Discuss what each person has learned. This is critical in helping each individual clarify his/her ideas and focus on the goals for the remaining sessions that will have the most impact on your school improvement efforts.

6. Network over lunch and dinner to identify quality sessions/presenters.

7. Over 8,000 participants will be attending this conference. Practicing conference etiquette will ensure a more pleasant learning experience for all attendees. Please abide by the following guidelines to make for a more enjoyable conference:
· Turn off cell phones during presentations.
· Take a seat quickly in the session room.
· Do not save seats. Move to the inside of the row to avoid individuals having to crawl over you.
· Do not leave empty seats between yourself and the next person—rooms will be crowded and every seat needs to be used.
· Find time to visit the exhibit area.

8. Due to luggage weight limits you may wish to collect your teams session handouts/materials and ship them back to the school.

9. Go home prepared to report to all teachers what you have learned at the conference. Get each attendee to serve as a team member on one or more of your site focus teams:
· Curriculum and Standards
· Guidance and Public Information
· Professional Development and/or
· Evaluation-Using Data

Contact Cheryl Bell for the Session Planning Worksheet to capture "One Big Idea" for your lunch or evening networking discussion at the conference.

2008-06-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

Closing Out FY08
FY08 fiscal year-end of June 30 is quickly approaching. Review outstanding encumbrances, travel, and invoices to satisfy the HSTW reimbursement obligations. Please make sure all claims are filed prior to July 31, 2008 to meet the FY08 deadline to accept any reimbursement claims.

Thank you for your assistance to close-out FY-08!

Student Awards in the Mail
Thursday, June 5 via UPS Ground SREB mailed the 2008 HSTW Award of Educational Achievement certificates and individual student reports. All schools should have received their materials by Friday, June 13.

The names printed on the certificates and reports are based on how names were bubbled-in on the assessment answer documents. Some names may have been bubbled incorrectly or the scanner may have misread them. In the event a student name is misspelled, a corrected certificate and/or student report can be printed and mailed. Contact Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org for a form that must be completed if your school needs to have a certificate or name corrected. Requests for corrections must be sent to ETS by June 27. ETS will reprint and mail all corrected certificates after June 27.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SREB Summer Conference
If attending a pre-conference: All pre-conference workshops will end at noon on Wednesday, July 9, 2008. Certificates of participation will be issued at noon on Wednesday ONLY to those who participate in the entire workshop. Pre-conferences P-2 through P-15 will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2008. The $225 registration fee includes continental breakfast on Tuesday and Wednesday, lunch on Tuesday, breaks and workshop materials.

Continue to check the SREB Website. They will post the full conference program to help your team plan which sessions to attend in order to gain the most from the conference!

Personal Growth Plans
What are the different ways to obtain professional development without having to travel?

Read, read, read! There are many professional learning opportunities. We must block time for our personal growth and learning. Such as:
· Web blogs like those at inspiringteachers.com or edweek.org
· Staff meetings that focus on small group discussions concerning school and education issues
· Observe and be observed by our peers – Demonstration classrooms and mentoring

2 Million Minutes
View a You Tube video “2 Million Minutes” with faculty for a discussion – “How will our students spend their 2 Million Minutes preparing for the global marketplace?” http://www.youtube.com/2MillionMinutes
Website: http://www.2Mminutes.com

State Superintendent's Regional Curriculum Conferences
There's still time to register for the State Superintendent's Regional Curriculum Conferences, "Oklahoma PASSages." Select the "SDE Conferences" button on the Oklahoma State Department of Education homepage, <www.sde.state.ok.us>. Register for a conference close to you by selecting the "Oklahoma PASSages" icon. On site registration is also available. Conference dates and locations include:

June 17 -- Southwest Regional, Lawton Central Middle School
Southeast Regional, McAlester High School
June 18 -- Oklahoma City Regional, Westmoore High School, Moore, OK
Tulsa Regional, Tulsa Will Rogers High School
June 19 -- Northwest Regional, Woodward High School
Northeast Regional, Grove High School

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

ENVIRONMENTALLY GREEN SCHOOLS
Is Your School Clean? Ok, But Is It Green Clean? What a great science project for students. To see the effect and cost on your schools budget and how going green can also provide health benefits. To learn how a school in Illinois benefited read the following articles:
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=184833
http://www.tylerstarnews.com/News/story/new77_572008103105.asp

ENCOURAGE TEEN WRITING THROUGH BLOGGING
What do educators need to learn for blogging to become a part of our classroom? A recent survey explored the links between formal writing and informal communication which teens do for school to exchange email and text messaging. eSchool news staff report that emoticons and abbreviations have crept into students' formal writing assignments. However, another interesting finding that proves promising was blogging helps many teens become more prolific writers. Teen bloggers write more frequently both online and offline. In fact, 47 percent of teen bloggers write outside of school for personal reasons at least several times a week compared with 33 percent of teens without blogs. In addition, 65 percent of teen bloggers believe that writing is essential to later success in life.
http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=53663;_hbguid=e0da166a-2d66-434d-9c7c-01286ec3b126

ARE WIRED KIDS WELL SERVED BY SCHOOLS?
Many teens are hyper-motivated with special skills to create podcasts, directing YouTube videos, publishing a website or hacking an iPhone, reports Stefanie Olson for CNet NewsBlog. However, teachers largely have not kept up with this trend and remain unable to inspire much of the same ingenuity. Researchers have noticed that digital media is minting a new brand of kids who are creators of media rather than simple passive consumers. Within digital environments, kids who create and evaluate media derive a sense of competence, autonomy, self-determination and connectedness among their peers. In fact, many kids are drawn to create media online because their work can be immediately recognized and evaluated by their peer groups and potentially a much larger audience. In contrast, it can take kids much longer to reap the rewards or build recognition from hard work in school. So, can we balance learning with the use of media to motivate student learning?
http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9928174-7.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=NewsBlog

INVOLVE THE COMMUNITY TO CHANGE COLLEGE-GOING CULTURES
Community involvement is an important factor in any college access marketing campaign. Many campaigns forego this vital element. Outreach and engagement within a community will sustain a message and change the college-going behaviors of students. All events, presentations, outreach, partnerships and publications should be strategized and leveraged into a comprehensive community engagement plan. Pathways to College Network provides a new brief with information on how best to target the various community audiences of a college access marketing campaign.
http://www.pathwaystocollege.net/pdf/CAM_Community-Engagement.pdf

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

"Staples Grants for Disadvantaged Youth"
The Staples Foundation for Learning provides funding that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with an emphasis on disadvantaged youth.
Maximum Award: $25,000.
Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations.
Deadline: June 16, 2008.
http://www.staplesfoundation.org/foundapplication.html

"Mini-grants for Public Schools and Public Libraries"
Ezra Jack Keats Mini-grant Program supports educators, parents and children in their efforts to spread literacy and love of learning.
Maximum Award: $500.
Eligibility: public schools and libraries anywhere in the United States and its protectorates. Deadline: September 15, 2008.
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/programs/minigrant.html

"Grants for Math Mentoring Programs Using Actuaries"
The Actuarial Foundation Advancing Student Achievement Mentoring Program awards grants to schools and groups to develop a viable mentoring program involving actuaries in the teaching of mathematics to children in private and public schools. Collaboration among school systems, local actuarial clubs, corporations and other stakeholders in education is encouraged in order to enhance the chances of success, particularly on a long-term basis. (Contact your local banks & insurance agents)
Maximum Award: $30,000.
Eligibility: All schools and groups willing to undertake a math mentoring program that involves local actuaries as volunteers.
Deadline: N/A.
http://www.actuarialfoundation.org/grant/bestpractices.html

"Children's Dental Health Grants"
The American Dental Association Samuel Harris Fund for Children's Dental Health Grants Program awards grants to oral health promotion programs designed to improve and maintain children's oral health through community education programs.
Maximum Award: $5,000.
Eligibility: community-based, not-for-profit, oral health promotion programs in the United States. Deadline: July 17, 2008.
http://www.adafoundation.org/ada/prod/adaf/prog_access_harris.asp#eligibility

"Grants for Music Programs"
The Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation donates new and refurbished musical instruments and to underserved schools, community music programs, and individual students in existing K-12 schools that have no other source of financing to purchase additional musical instruments and materials to help them be better students and inspire creativity and expression through music.
15165 Ventura Blvd. • Suite 220 • Sherman Oaks, CA 91403Phone: 818.784.6787 • Fax: 818.784.6788 • E-Mail: info@mhopus.org

Two programs are:
Melody Program helps k-12 school instrumental music programs that take place during the regular school day.
· Schools must have an established instrumental music program (i.e. concert band, marching band, jazz band and/or orchestra) that is at least three years old.
· Schools must apply separately (please provide information for the applying school only, do not include information for other schools within the district even if the music teacher teaches at more than one school.)
· Grants typically range from $500 - $8,000 worth of instruments.
· If your school offers music only, it is NOT eligible to apply.
Eligibility: After-school music programs that are at least three years old or have a music-related umbrella organization that is at least three years. Maximum Award: $8,000.
http://www.mhopus.org/index.asp

Special Projects Program helps after-school music programs.
· After-school music programs must be at least three years old OR have a music-related umbrella organization that is at least three years old to apply.
· Grants typically range from $500 - $8,000 worth of instruments.
· If any portion of your music program takes place during the regular school day, please use the Melody Program application.
Deadline: August 1, 2008
Maximum Award: $500 - $20,000
http://www.mhopus.org/app_special_0.asp

2008 Technology Grant for Rural Schools Program
Technology Grants for Rural Schools program was created to help meet the growing need for innovative technology in the classroom. The grants are funded by a donation from Rural Telephone Finance Cooperative (RTFC) and strive to help public schools in rural areas served by OPASTCO members bring modern computers to every classroom, connect schools to the information superhighway and make sure that effective and engaging software and online resources are an integral part of the school curriculum.
Eligibility: Foundation for Rural Education and Development (FRED) schools must be in an OPASTCO member’s service area. Contact you local phone company to see if you’re in an OPASTCO service area.
Deadline: September 13, 2008
Maximum Award: $4,000 - $10,000
http://www.fred.org/tech.html

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-05-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

CLOSING OUT FY08

FY08 HIGH SCHOOLS THAT WORK GRANT PROGRESS REPORT
All HSTW network sites are expected to show progress and measurable gains in changing school and classroom practices to raise student achievement for meeting the SREB goals in reading, mathematics and science. As site coordinator, please work with your HSTW site leadership team to report your sites progress.

Due May 30 –Please return the completed report before your last day of school or May 30. E-mail to cbell@okcareertech.org or mail to Cheryl Bell, State HSTW Coordinator, 2605 East Main, Weatherford, OK 73096. The report form and calendar (page 3) are posted at - http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm.

SUPPLEMENTAL PERKINS GRANTS
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education (ODCTE) will be offering the opportunity to apply for specific competitive Reserve Fund Grants in the following focus areas:
Bridging Postsecondary Transition, Career Academics, Gateway to Technology, Guidance and Advisement for CTE students, Mentoring for Underrepresented Students, Priority Career Majors, Tech Now, Summer Bridge, and Technology Centers That Work. Learn more about eligibility, funding amounts, and the application process at: http://www.okcareertech.org/fla/09perkins/perkinsindex.htm.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

SREB PRE-CONFERENCES
SREB 22nd ANNUAL SUMMER STAFF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE

STATE SUPERINTENDENT’S REGIONAL CURRICULUM CONFERENCES
The web site is now up and ready to enroll participants in the 2008 State Superintendent's Regional Curriculum Conferences PASSages will be held Tuesday-Thursday, June 17-19, 2008. Master Teachers from around the state conduct the sessions. The six regional areas are - Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. From the SDE web site (http://sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultns.html) look in the column “What’s Hot” and scroll down to the blue oval marked SDE Conferences. Click to locate the Oklahoma PASSages Regional Conferences registration and additional information about the conference sessions. Many different curriculum areas covered! Consider attending a conference outside of your region! Register today. (Important: put your SUMMER email address so we can shoot you a reminder email!) Please pass this information along to others who might be interested.

OKLAHOMA COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS (OCTM)
The Annual OCTM Summer Conference is Friday, June 20th at Oklahoma City Community College located at 7777 S. May Avenue in Oklahoma City. Registration begins at 8 A.M. with breakout sessions are from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. A business meeting, with door prizes, will follow the last session. Also, an exhibit area with textbook and technology representatives will be set up to review new teaching and learning resources.

Download a flyer/registration form at www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm and scroll down to “Upcoming Meetings.” A draft of the program can be located on the OCTM website (www.octmok.org) after May 20th or you can contact Stacey Weinand, OCTM President, at weinand@cox.net or 405.447.4103 to receive the information directly by email.

ALL ABOUT MANUFACTURING
Linda Emrich, Deputy Secretary of Commerce for Workforce Development Executive Assistant announces the Manufacturing Summer Academies: K-12 Teacher/Counselor Summer Program at OSU-Okmulgee/MAIP. Four, two-day sessions are scheduled for the summer of 2008. Eighty attendees can be served through these four sessions. Industrial partners will provide a panel discussion on the challenges they face with their workforce as well as an overview of their manufacturing operations. Also, partners will provide tours of their facilities. Contact information for the academies are:
OSU-Okmulgee/MAIP
Scott Fry 918-825-4678
E-mail: scott.fry@okstate.edu

Caddo-Kiowa Technology Center
Jack Bryant, Redlands Community College 405-422-1256
E-mail: bryantj@redlandscc.edu

Francis Tuttle Technology Center
Malcolm Fowler 405-717-4311
E-mail: mfowler@francistuttle.com

CAREER CLUSTER INSTITUTE
The annual Career Clusters Institute will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 16-18. By popular demand, this year's emphasis is on practical, useable information for implementing and using the Career Clusters framework. There is a new "strand" feature in the agenda, which will assist you in determining which sessions best fit your needs. Visit our website, www.careerclusters.org, for information about registration, lodging, etc.

REGIONAL COUNSELOR WORKSHOPS
Save one of the dates! The ODCTE will sponsor Regional Counselor Workshops, targeted for both comprehensive and technology center counselors this fall. Topics will include career majors, cooperative alliances, career and academic planning/advisement, and CTE options and ACE.

Dates and locations include:
-September 9 at Indian Capital TC, Muskogee campus
-September 10 at Northwest TC, Fairview campus
-September 16 at Tulsa Tech, Riverside campus
-September 17 at Metro Tech, Springlake campus
-September 24 at Great Plains TC, Lawton campus

FALL 2008 EPAS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
Professional development workshops for administrators, counselors and curriculum leaders will be held statewide in September. Workshops will begin with registration and refreshments at 8 a.m., with presentations lasting from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Topics will include:
-Legislative and State Regents Update Relative to Student Preparation for College
-Strategic Planning Using EXPLORE and PLAN Data
-EXPLORE and PLAN Item Response Summary Reports
-A Six-Year College Planner for Each Student
-New Crosswalk Between EPAS Standards to PASS
-ACT's Update: Information for the Class of 2009 and Beyond
Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. Weblink for dates, locations, more information and online registration: http://okhighered.org/epas/epas-prof-dev.shtml

RESOURCES and INTERNET LINKS

FINANCIAL LITERACY PARTNERSHIP
ODCTE CIMC is partnering with Shryk, LLC to respond to training requirements in Oklahoma's "Passport to Financial Literacy Act of 2007” that identifies 14 competencies of required instruction. The CIMC is producing a print curriculum to address these areas. In addition, (www.shryk.com) Shryk is developing online banking software to help teach financial literacy as students make banking transactions. Shryk will make a free version of the software available to schools, which can set up student training accounts using play money as a training aid.

HELP OKLAHOMA WIN FIRST BOOK COMPETITION
Leslie Gelders, Literacy Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Libraries shared the following:

This would be a great “READING” activity for the end of school. Have students vote for Oklahoma. Remember that each time you correctly answer a trivia question about a children’s book you get one vote. You may answer as many questions as you want and vote as often as you like.

Oklahomans moved from 17th place on May 6 to first place today in the current national competition for First Book. Oklahoma can win 20,000 new books for at-risk children if we are in one of the top five positions on June 15. Competition is sure to “heat up” in the next few weeks. Just this morning we bumped Nebraska from the number one spot and they are hot on our heels to reclaim the position. Just click the following link to participate.
http://www2.firstbook.org/johnlithgow/

COPNET PROGRAM
Gayle Jones, SDE, shared that the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics has implemented a new program – COPNET. The COPNET program is a partnership between the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and AmeriCorps to offer twenty part-time instructors, stationed throughout the State of Oklahoma, who will present drug education and awareness programs to school children from kindergarten to 12th grade. These OBN instructors will also provide drug education programs to concerned Oklahoma citizens who want to educate themselves on drug abuse issues facing our state. This includes, but is not limited to, youth marijuana use, prescription and date rape/club drug trends, and the escalating methamphetamine problem, as well as signs and symptoms of substance abuse.

To arrange programs or inquire further contact the COPNET program at 1-800-522-8031 or at 405-521-2885. OBN Headquarters include: COPNET Program Director – Dub Turner, OBN Agent-in-Charge/Training – Michael Snowden, and OBN Public Information Officer – Mark Woodward.

MAPPING YOUR FUTURE
Mapping Your Future has listed May, June and July tasks for graduating seniors to aide in their transition toward postsecondary plans. To see the article, go to http://mappingyourfuture.org/downloads/05-2008EAENews.html#article1

AMERICA’S CAREER RESOURCE NETWORK (ACRN)
The website for America's Career Resource Network (ACRN) is operational once again after moving to a new hosting platform. The site contains extensive information that can help in career planning with students.
http://www.acrnetwork.org/

EMOTIONAL PREPAREDNESS FOR COLLEGE TRANSITION
http://www.edutopia.org/dispatches-redefine-college-prep

WEBSITE TOOL
Editorial Projects in Education Research Center has developed an online tool that allows users to find their school district (or any school district in the nation) and download a special report for the district with detailed information on graduation rates that includes an analysis of where students are lost from the high school pipeline. The reports also compare district results with state and national figures.
http://www.edweek.org/apps/maps/

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IS GREAT, BUT DON'T FORGET CAREERS
Can you ensure high school graduates are college ready or more important career ready? According to a new report from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), it appears this part has fallen by the wayside. Educators, policymakers and the public have been too willing to define "success" as a four-year college degree and concentrate most resources toward that single goal. Many Americans have in their minds a particular kind of learner who fits a traditional academic picture. The disconnect between post-secondary schooling and careers begins with high schools as they direct most of their guidance and counseling services toward students pursuing further study. Consequently students going to community colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship programs or directly to work are often overlooked. The SREB report recommends that high schools, school districts and states offer career guidance and information about technical postsecondary programs to students who are ready to enter the workforce, rather than simply allowing students to drop out and settle for low-paying jobs. This would require schools to either provide technical training or direct students to programs that allow them to become certified for skilled, higher-paying and high-demand jobs.
http://www.sreb.org/publications/2008/08V01_LostInTransition.pdf

TECHNOLOGY COUNTS!
Have you seen the new Technology Counts report from Education Week? Check it out! Technology Counts STEM: The Push to Improve Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/03/27/index.html

PUBLICATIONS FOR PARENTS
Cathy Douglas, SDE, shared a list of the top 10 publications for parents from the Intercultural Development Research Association. The list, provided to IDRA, by the National Institute for
Literacy is found at:
http://www.idra.org/IDRA_Newsletter/February_2008_Quality_Teaching/Top_10_Publications_for_Parents/

IDRA also provided a list of online resources for parents and families as the first teachers of their children. The links include:

About.com: Parenting of K-6 Children
http://childparenting.about.com/od/elementaryschool/

Go.edu: Parents Online
http://www.parentson-line.com/

Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY): Parents Page
http://www.hippyusa.org/Parents/parents_page.html

Internet4Classrooms: Sites to Help Parents Help Their Children
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/parents.htm

Kidsource Calendar/Homework Helper: Activities and Resources for Parents of School-Age Children
http://www.kidsource.com/education/homework.calendar.html

MVParents.com
http://www.mvparents.com/

National Child Care Information Center: Child Care/Child Development/Early Learning
http://www.nccic.org/poptopics/childdev-res.html#child

National Education Association: Parent Resources Online
http://www.nea.org/parents/resources-parents.html

Parenthood.com
http://parenting.parenthood.com/schoolage.html

Penn State: Better Kids Care
http://betterkidcare.psu.edu/page09.html

U.S. Department of State: Choosing a Safehaven: Considerations for Parents of School-Age Children
http://www.state.gov/m/dghr/flo/c23181.htm

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

"CHALLENGE 20/20 PARTNERSHIP"
The National Association of Independent Schools has created Challenge 20/20, a program that brings together two schools: one from the United States and one from outside the country. Teacher-student teams from both schools work together throughout the fall 2008 school semester to come up with a solution to a global problem. Challenge 20/20 is based on Jean Francois Rischard's book, High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them.
Maximum Award: n/a.
Eligibility: All U.S. schools, elementary and secondary, public or private.
Deadline: August 15, 2008.
http://www.nais.org/resources/index.cfm?ItemNumber=147262

OKLAHOMA CAREER TECH FOUNDATION
The Oklahoma Career Tech Foundation has established a web site that will contain information regarding the foundation and all available scholarship applications available through the Career Tech Foundation.
http://www.okcareertech.org/foundation/

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-04-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

Test Taking Tips
The following was shared by Cathy Douglas, Director of Language Arts, SDE. A pdf file can be located at http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm for your classroom! Joyce Divinyi, MS, LPC, from the human connection.net suggests that even teachers are having test anxiety these days because so much is riding on test results. Dealing effectively with test anxiety can help both students and teachers. Remember that most anxiety is exacerbated by negative self-talk. Teach positive self-talk and test-taking skills to get students prepared for their next test.

Suggestions to help students manage testing fears:

1) Recognize that fear is only a feeling not a fact. Just because a person is afraid that he/she doesn’t know something does not mean that they don’t. Fear is a natural response to the unknown and is only an emotion. Repeating, “fear is a feeling, not a fact” can bring anxiety levels down.

2) Affirm that “It is okay to do your best” and that perfection is not necessary.

3) Take deep breathing breaks throughout the test. Answer 5-10 questions and then take three deep breaths. Deep breathing can clear away confusion and reduce worry.

4) Move quickly through the test to answer all the easy questions first. There will be time to finish the rest.

5) Time always seems too short when one is taking a test. The fear of running out of time is even more prevalent than the fear of not knowing the answer. It is important to be reassured that there is enough time. Repeat “I have all the time I need to answer all the questions correctly” over and over.

6) Tell yourself “This is only a test. I will do my best and that will be good.” It is not a full-scale measurement of everything about me. The test is important but not the end of the world

7) Visualize a positive outcome. Actually imagine yourself getting the test back with the grade you want on it. Let your imagination be as detailed as possible. Imagine walking up to the teacher and getting the test and looking it and heaving a big sigh of relief. Imagination is quite powerful. It's best to replace images of negative things with positive ones.

8) STUDY. Test anxiety is greatly reduced when a person is well prepared. It's easier to imagine good things happening. Do not be concerned that you might be encouraging lazy students not to try hard enough. Students who suffer from test anxiety generally have a need to do well. The same is true of teachers. The teachers who worry most about test results are usually the ones who have the highest need to do well and to be judged accordingly.

Cell Phone Etiquette
View the attached You Tube video with students (maybe even staff) and help document for tips to improve on cell phone etiquette. Have a cell phone etiquette discussion as it relates to school and the workplace that allows them to provide other examples of when individuals were rude due to their cell phone. State that if they recognize themselves in the rude behaviors they should take a moment to improve their cell phone manners.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CKK8CVKMrgY

FREE Summer Academies on college campuses
These academies could be a “lifesaver” for students that might be at-risk in math and science and can help get them excited about college and give them a new view of what their future could hold.
Encourage middle and high school students to apply now for a program that lets them experience college life for free while they explore future careers in math, science and technology.
The 2008 Summer Academies in Math, Science and Technology are offered in June, July and August lasting four days to two weeks. Several academies allow students to live in the campus residence halls, while others let students travel to and from campus each day. The free, fun, hands-on academies, sponsored by OSRHE, are open to upcoming eighth through 12th graders to explore the latest trends in math, science and technology, giving students an opportunity to learn about fields such as aerospace, video game graphics and forensic science, to name a few. Many academies also include field trips to some of the state’s top companies, science facilities and museums.
Applications are being accepted for the academies, and many have deadlines. Because the academies are free and enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to apply early. To qualify, students need to be entering eighth through 12th grade this fall. Officials emphasize the academies are not exclusive to top students, but instead are designed to give all students an opportunity to increase their interest and confidence in math, science and technology, and ultimately, expand their career and educational aspirations.

Academy descriptions and contact information are available at www.okhighered.org/student-center. Students also can get information from their school counselors or by calling (800) 858-1840.

Summer Academies include:
Cameron University, Lawton
- Science Detectives, June 1-7 (Grades 8-9)
Connors State College, Warner
- Ecological Investigations and Wilderness Adventure, Session I: June 1-6, Session II: June 8-13, Session III: June 15-20 (Grades 9-12)
East Central University, Ada
- Secret Messages: The Lottery, Game Shows and Other Mathematical Pursuits, June 1-6 (Grades 11-12)
Langston University, Langston
- An Intensive Summer Academy in Mathematics and Science for Grades 10-12, June 8-21 (Grades 10-12)
Northeastern State University, Broken Arrow
- Quest for the Treasure Chest: GPS-Style, June 9-13 (Grades 9-11)
Northern Oklahoma College, Enid
- CSI: Northern Summer Academy, June 23-26, (Grades 9-12)
Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City
- Opportunity Bytes, June 16-20 (Grades 9-12)
Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Goodwell
- Computer Graphics: Getting Into the Game Industry, June 17-20 (Grades 9-12)
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
- Exploring Quantitative Analysis: A Basic Introduction, June 1-14 (Grades 9-10)
- Fired-Up About Research Science and Engineering, July 13-18 (Grades 10-12)
- OSU High School Aerospace Academy, June 8-19 (Grades 11-12)
Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City
- Remote Controlled Basics of Technology and Science (RC BOTS), June 16-27 (Grades 10-11)
Oklahoma State University Technical Branch – Okmulgee
- Emerging and Converging Technologies, July 6-11, (Grades 8-10)
Redlands Community College, El Reno
- Exploring Natural Resources, Session I: June 15-21, Session II: June 22-28 (Grades 8-9)
Seminole State College, Seminole
- Peek Into Engineering (PIE), July 27-Aug. 1 (Grades 10-12)
Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford
- Oklahoma Giants – Exploring the Science, Math, Engineering and Technology of Oklahoma’s Wind and Natural Gas Energy, Session I: July 6-11, Session II: July 13-18, Session III: July 20-25 (Grades 10-12)
- Summer Science and Mathematics Academy, June 2-13 (Grades 11-12)
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond
- Engineering Physics Explorations, Session I: June 2-6, Session II: June 9-13 (Grades 8-10)
- UCO Forensic Science Summer Academy, Session I: June 9-13, Session II: June 16-20 (Grades 9-11)
The University of Tulsa
- Summer Electrical Engineering Academy for Pre-college Students, July 7-11 (Grades 8-11)
- Technology Education and Collaborative: Summer TEC, Session I: June 7-16, Session II: July 28-Aug. 6 (Grades 8-9)
Western Oklahoma State College, Altus
- Plant Biology and Genomics, June 16-20 (Grades 8-9)

FIRST Robotics – Oklahoma’s First Year of Competition
Meridian Technology Center students have shared a cool video of their FIRST Robotics Team that is part of their Pre-Engineering Academy. View at
http://www.youtube.com/user/FirstMTC08

Other team videos on the web include:
Team 2435: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ph9YZrYQM
Ponca City: http://www.youtube.com/user/RobotTeacher476
Horizons Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMPsSc4fsAQ
Horizons Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiqjJPrJix0
Horizons Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgOS09P6-0E
Horizons Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQtgSCRevo

Project Based Learning with Technology
Provides resources, articles, and links to technology-infused classroom projects.

RESOURCES:

Adolescent Literacy Website
The strategies are research based and the site includes information about ELL students - www.centeroninstruction.org.

IT in the Classroom
A new collaborative resource for using IT in instruction. Site includes lesson plans, instructional videos and best practices.
http://www.nortellearnit.org/

New Product
Career Cluster Posters
Brightly colored posters list descriptive statements about each Career Cluster. Students may read the statements to see which Career Cluster interests them. All levels of educational requirements are represented in the sample occupations given. It is a set of eight posters and each poster lists two clusters.
Inventory Number: CS9040
Price: $13.
Contact: CIMC 1-800-654-4502
On-line Catalog at http://www.okcareertech.org/cimc/catalog/index.htm

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

SREB 22nd Annual High Schools That Work Announcement Brochure Available
The 22nd Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, July 9–12, 2008. Block your rooms and register for the conference NOW!
http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/professionalDev/SummerConference/07V57_22ndSummConfbrochure.pdf

HOT TOPICS Still Wanted for OkACTE Summer Conference – August 5, 2008
We need HSTW and TCTW sites to offer presentations based on best practices in their school, especially in the classroom setting. Please complete and return the short proposal to present no-later-than Friday, April 4, 2008. This is an excellent opportunity to focus on instructional improvement and student achievement activities that are occurring in your school. Download and complete a “Proposal to Present” at http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm or by contacting Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org. Center your session topic around Career Clusters and Instructional Improvement/High Expectations - Utilizing Career Clusters to Increase Student Achievement. Two roundtable sessions (45 minutes each) will be held in the Ballroom of the Cox Center on Tuesday, August 5. Approximately 30 table presentations will occur during each session. The first session will be from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and the second session from 9:45-10:30 a.m.

HSTW’s TRANSITION SUMMER INSTITUTE
Monday, June 9 – Friday, June 13, 2008
Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center
800 Apring Street, N.W.
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Phone: 800.706.2899 and Fax: 404.838.2099

Five intensive institutes will help redesign the ninth-grade experience and offer seniors a last chance to avoid postsecondary remedial studies. Institute registration at http://data.sreb.org/HSTW/SummerTransitions/ or call 404.879.5614.

MIDDLE GRADES TO HIGH SCHOOL
1. Getting Students Ready for College-Preparatory English: A Catch-Up Course for Ninth-Graders
2. Getting Students Ready for “Real Algebra”: A Catch-Up Course for Ninth- Graders
3. Career Exploration – Redesign

HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE AND CAREERS
4. Getting Students Ready for College and Careers: A Transitional Course for 12th-Graders
5. Getting Students Ready for College and Careers: A Transitional Mathematics Course for 12th-Graders

Send a team to help under-prepared middle grades students be successful in high school. Or, send a team to help seniors successfully transition to college and/or a career. School teams will use a standards-based planning process to:
· Develop mathematics and English/language arts “catch-up” courses usable at eight or ninth-grade levels.
· Develop dynamic, project-based career exploration courses.
· Develop transitional courses for seniors at risk for remedial studies at the community college level.

April ITV Schedule for Reading and Language Arts Teachers
The April ITV schedule is available at <http://apps.sde.state.ok.us/itv/>. Programs are broadcast on OETA. To view and record them, please see your local cable or satellite viewing guide.

Into the Book - April 15-16
Introduction to Parts of Speech - April 21
Perfect Writing - April 23

Teachers are welcome to record these programs for classroom use or to view at a more convenient time and can be retained as long as the SDE continue to purchase the broadcast rights. When a program is canceled, you are expected to destroy any copies you made. Notices will be sent by email to let you know about canceled programs or the information is available at http://apps.sde.state.ok.us/itv/. Ask your library media specialist to help with the recording, or you can set your VCR at home.

“MAX” Teaching – October 6-7, 2008
“MAX Teaching” is scheduled for October 6-7, 2008 for comprehensive high school teachers at Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City. The training is limited to 50 instructors willing to be a train-the-trainer and responsible for training local staff and teachers. “MAX” Teaching, by Mark Forget, will provide classroom activities using literacy skills – reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking - for helping students learn subject matter. Schools interested in sending a teacher to become a “train-the-trainer” should contact Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org for additional details and to reserve a spot.

All Kinds of Minds Training – Oklahoma Schools Attuned
Oklahoma Schools Attuned is offering professional development that includes 35 hours of coursework, 10 hours of post-course work, and going online implementation and support. This training is free for certified Oklahoma educators. Several books by founder, Dr. Mel Levine, M.D. may also be used in book studies that include: The Myth of Laziness, A Mind at a Time, and Ready or Not, Here Life Comes. Review the Oklahoma calendar for future training at: http://www.allkindsofminds.org/calendar.aspx?month=0&category=3&region=7.

Professional Development and Student Scores
Research shows that high quality professional development has a positive effect on student achievement.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2008/02/13/23prof.h27.html?tmp=721513552

Hot Career News Blog
We have added a new Blog to the ODCTE list. You can now get all the career related news that you need at http://hotcareernews.blogspot.com/

Connecting CTE with College and Career Readiness
A report from Achieve http://www.achieve.org/files/Achieve-CTEPolicyBrief-02-07-08.pdf

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

Beginning Grant Writing Workshop
June 9, 2008 - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
OSRHE – 655 Research Parkway, Regents Conference Room
See www.okhighered.org/grant-opps for registration and more information.

"Wireless Lab Sweepstakes"
Discovery Education and CDW-G will award wireless labs to five schools.
Maximum Award: wireless lab valued at more than $50,000.
Eligibility: legal residents of the United States who are 18 years and older and who are employed at accredited public, private or parochial school in the United States containing any class with students from kindergarten through Grade 12.
Deadline: May 1, 2008.
http://cdwg.discoveryeducation.com/new/site/index.cfm

"Award for Breakthrough Middle and Secondary Schools"
The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the MetLife Foundation are calling for entries in the search for the nation's top "Breakthrough Schools." Applicants should be high achieving middle or high schools, or schools that are making dramatic improvements in student achievement, whose best practices and outstanding results can inform other schools as they further their own improvement efforts. Honorees will be chosen based upon documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of NASSP's Breaking Ranks II publication. Those three areas are collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Maximum Award: $5,000.
Eligibility: high-achieving middle and high schools where 40 percent or more of students are eligible for free and reduced-priced meals.
Deadline: May 15, 2008.
http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec_inside.asp?CID=66&DID=66

"Grants for Math and Science"
The Toshiba America Foundation makes grants for projects in math and science designed by classroom teachers to improve instruction for students in grades K-12.
Maximum Award: $10,000.
Eligibility: Grades K-12.
Deadline: Decisions about grants under $5,000 (K-6: $1,000) are made on a rolling basis and applications are accepted throughout the year. Deadline for large grants grades 7-12: August 1, 2008.
http://www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/home/default.jsp

"Books Across America"
The National Education Association's Books Across America Library Books Awards Program enables public school libraries serving economically disadvantaged students to purchase books. Maximum Award: $1,000.
Eligibility: Practicing pre-kindergarten through grade12 school librarians, teachers, or education support professionals in a U.S. public school in which at least 70 percent of the students are eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program.
Deadline: November 7, 2008.
http://www.neafoundation.org/grants/NEA-Grants_bro-web.pdf

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-03-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Project Moves Welding Program
There will be a short term Welding Program offered at Metro Tech’s Bryan Road Campus starting on March 24, 2008. The hours will be from 3 pm to 9 pm Monday thru Thursday for Youth ages 18 to 21. All applicants must register with the Workforce Investment Act and score at a Bronze Level on the Work Key exam. The class will consist of 180 hours of class room/shop training, a 40-hour un-paid internship, and a 240-hour paid Work Based Learning Experience. Students will be paid $8.50 per hour for this final phase.

Successful graduates will be offered employment at $10+ per hour. There are numerous openings for welders in the metro area and this is a great opportunity for a young person to start a promising career. Any interested applicants should call Barrett Richardson at 405-880-0831 ASAP.

Pamela Kirby, MHR Program Coordinator, Program Monitor
Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board
3813 N Santa Fe Suite 135
Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Ph [405] 622-2029 Fax [405] 622-2032

Oklahoma College and Universities Summer Academies
2 FREE Summer Academies will be held this summer at different Oklahoma colleges and universities. These math, science and technology academies are for Oklahoma residents who will be entering the 8th – 12th grades in the fall 2008. Contact and general information about each academy is available at: www.okhighered.org. The information may be found at http://www.okhighered.org/student-center/jrhigh-highscl/summer-academies.shtml.

If unable to access the Internet, call 1-800-858-1840 for information. Encourage your students to APPLY EARLY because these academies fill up fast.

Cynthia N. Brown, Ed.D.
Senior Coordinator for Student Preparation
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
(405) 225-9100

Touring Oklahoma Curriculum
Download a complete unit from the forthcoming "Touring Oklahoma" curriculum at:
http://www.okcimc.com/titles/tourism/. This new curriculum may be of interest to Oklahoma History teachers bringing focus to the Hospitality and Tourism cluster and industry of Oklahoma. The student book will be available for $30 (in-state price). The teacher edition will be a student edition plus a CD with quizzes and answers. The cost reflects the use of color throughout the curriculum, the heavy glossy paper required for the color, and a heavy-duty coil binding.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
HOT TOPICS WANTED for OkACTE Summer Conference – August 5, 2008
WE WANT YOU to present during The Hot Topics Sessions at the 2008 Oklahoma Association of Career and Technology Education (OkACTE) Summer Conference in Oklahoma City. Session topics will center around Career Clusters and Instructional Improvement/High Expectations - Utilizing Career Clusters to Increase Student Achievement. Two roundtable sessions (45 minutes each) will be held in the Ballroom of the Cox Center on Tuesday, August 5. Approximately 30 table presentations will occur during each session. The first session will be from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and the second session from 9:45-10:30 a.m. Our hope is for HSTW and TCTW sites to offer presentations based on best practices in their school, especially in the classroom setting. Please complete and return the short proposal to present no-later-than Friday, April 4, 2008. This will be an excellent opportunity to focus on instructional improvement and student achievement activities that are occurring in your school. Download and complete a “Proposal to Present” at http://www.okcareertech.org/hstw/resources.htm or by contacting Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org.

GRANT WRITING FOR BEGINNERS
The Grant Writing for Beginners will be offered by Dr. Linda Mason, Thursday, March 13, 2008 – 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in the OneNet Conference Room, Oklahoma State Regents, Oklahoma City, 655 Research Parkway. There is no registration fee, but you must register to attend by sending an email to lmason@osrhe.edu. You can request this workshop be made available by videoconference!

6TH ANNUAL CAREER CLUSTERS INSTITUTE
With ONE exciting, new location, THREE nationally-recognized general session speakers, and 60+ breakout sessions, “Career Clusters: The New Horizon” will be a Career Clusters Institute you won’t want to miss! As leaders, the Career Clusters Institute is the place to find out what is new, learn from best practices, and discover innovative strategies for implementing and integrating Career Clusters and Pathways. Register early to secure your spot and your copy of the recently revalidated Career Cluster and Pathway Knowledge and Skills statements. Register online at www.careerclusters.org before the deadline of May 2, 2008.

June 16-18, 2008
Marriott Atlanta Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia
Strand A: Career Clusters as a Model for Collaboration - designed for state/regional system leaders of education, workforce development, economic development, CTE, and post secondary systems
Strand B: Career Clusters as a Tool for School Reform & Improvement - designed for district/system administrators, counselors and general education teachers
Strand C: Implementing the Career Clusters Model – Issues & Ideas - designed for state/district administrators and teachers
Strand D: Career Cluster-Specific Instruction & Implementation - designed for state/district administrators and teachers

Make your hotel reservations at www.careerclusters.org or call 1-866-469-5475 and request the Career Clusters Institute room block to be assured the special room rate of $129.00 plus tax per night. At the time of your lodging reservation, you will be charged a first night’s deposit. This deposit is refundable up to 72 hours before your reservation is to begin.

For more information, please contact our office at 202-737-0303 or email us at institute@careertech.org.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams Grant
The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams grants initiative is to foster inventiveness among high school students and excite them about science, mathematics, engineering and entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to empower students through hands-on problem solving and to encourage a sustainable culture of invention in schools and communities. We encourage your career/technical, mathematics and science teachers to pursue this opportunity to pique students' interests in STEM-related studies.

Each year, Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams offers grants up to $10,000 for teams of high school students and their teachers to identify a problem and invent a technological solution to it. These teams can function as an entire class or extracurricular activity. Deadline for initial application for 2009 is April 28, 2008. Use the following link
(http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html>http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/apply.html)
to retrieve an application and learn more about the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams program. Last year, 16 high schools received InvenTeams grants, and one was a High Schools That Work school.

Provide more learning opportunities for your students!

Grants Available for School In-Service Training
Need financial support for your school’s in-service math training needs? NCTM’s Mathematics Education Trust (MET) can help. In 2009-2010, grants of up to $4,000 each will be awarded to elementary, middle, and secondary schools for in-service education in mathematics.
Apply by May 9, 2008.

http://www.nctm.org/met.aspx
Established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Mathematics Education Trust (MET) supports the improvement of mathematics teaching and learning at the classroom level through the funding of grants, awards, honors, and other projects.

Oklahoma HSTW Updates

2008-02-25T07:54:00.001-08:00

2008 HSTW ASSESSMENT
Assessment Opportunity for Ninth-Graders
2008 HSTW Ninth-Grade Student Survey – SREB announces the opening of registration for the 2008 HSTW Ninth-Grade Student Survey! The Ninth-Grade Survey is optional for HSTW sites, but many schools have found it helpful in their school improvement efforts. The survey cost is $1,000 for a random sample of 100 students. Orders are due by March 28, 2008. The survey administration window is April 1-30, 2008.

The Web-based survey asks students about their use of the habits of success, including reading skills, note-taking skills, and other study skills that all students must master in order to successfully complete the HSTW-recommended curriculum. The survey also provides valuable information regarding how prepared ninth-graders felt for high school, their guidance and advisement experiences, the expectations teachers had for them, and extra help they may have received.

The Ninth-Grade Student Survey takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. The survey should be administered by rotating groups of students through an adult-supervised computer lab over a period of one or more days. The computers used for survey administration must be connected to the Internet and equipped with an up-to-date web-browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Safari). Students may not complete the surveys outside of school.

Additional instructions regarding random sampling of students and survey administration are available on the SREB website. Survey results will be distributed to sites as PDF files on CD ROMs in early fall of 2008.

For more information and to order the Ninth-Grade Student Survey, please visit SREB at http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/Assessment/assessindex.asp#Ninth. Contact aaron.boyd@sreb.org or allison.timberlake@sreb.org if you have any questions.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Oklahoma Counselor Conference
The For Counselors Only Conference will be Thursday, March 6 at Moore Norman Technology Center, South Penn Campus, 134th and South Penn, Oklahoma City. Online registration is available on the State Department of Education’s home page under SDE conferences at http://sde.state.ok.us/home/defaultns.html. Contact J.C. Smith, Coordinator of Counseliing, SDE, (405) 521-3549 if you have questions.

ACT's 12th Annual Southwest Region Assessment Conference
This year's conference will be held at the Historic Menger Hotel in sunny San Antonio, Texas from Tuesday, April 29, 2008 through Thursday, May 1, 2008. Conference and registration information is now available at http://www.act.org/southwest/placement.html. Secure your hotel room before the deadline of April 1, 2008!
SREB’s 22nd Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference – Register NOW!
The 22nd Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference will be held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, July 9–12, 2008.

“The purpose of the 22nd Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference is to inform state, district, school and teacher leaders about practices in high schools and middle grades schools that will increase high school completion rates and postsecondary and workplace success of students.” — Gene Bottoms

Obtain additional information, download the brochure, and register on-line at http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/professionalDev/SummerConference/2008ConferenceIndex.asp.

22nd Annual HSTW Staff Development Conference
Block your rooms now! Skills for Success in the 21st Century is this years conference theme hosted at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee -- Wednesday, July 9 - Saturday, July 12, 2008. Register on-line, complete a call for proposal to present a best practice, review opportunities for pre-conferences, and other conference details can viewed at: http://www.sreb.org/programs/hstw/professionalDev/SummerConference/2008ConferenceIndex.asp.

RESOURCES
Oklahoma Career Information System (OKCIS) Blog
OKCIS is the latest addition to the CareerTech Blogging Community in an effort to provide timely updates. The Blog will replace the bi-monthly newsletter so be sure to sign up for the email notification of new postings. It is as easy as entering your email address on the Blog page at http://okcis.blogspot.com. Contact Natalie Gay, Career Systems Specialist, ODCTE 405-743-5573 or ngay@okcareertech.org if you have questions.

Be sure to visit the rest of our Blogging community

Business and Industry Service: http://okbis.blogspot.com/
Pre-Engineering: http://okpreengineering.blogspot.com/
High School That Work: http://okhstw.blogspot.com
Tech Centers That Work: http://oktctw.blogspot.com

KeyTrain Resource
Jack Reese, KeyTrain representative, shared a publication that was developed by KeyTrain and a Tennessee higher education professor to examine the PASS objectives and match them to the skills taught within KeyTrain. This document can serve as a tool to help you continue to prepare students to succeed in both academic and career objectives. While this document is helpful in addressing student learning gaps for EOI tests and other purposes, it should be noted that no official endorsement is attached to this resource and it should not be used to award academic credit for work on KeyTrain. If you are interested in a copy of the KeyTrain Resource contact Cheryl Bell at cbell@okcareertech.org.

Assistive Technology Center at ODCTE
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education is partnering with Oklahoma AbleTech to expand the statewide reach of the assistive technology demonstration and loan programs. The Information Commons, on the second floor, at ODCTE in Stillwater houses the ODCTE/AbleTech program. Oklahoma ABLE Tech provides a broad array of AT (assistive technology) on a statewide basis to persons across the life span. ODCTE has customized their AT equipment inventory to focus on resources needed in CareerTech programs across the state and may include communication, computer access, vision, hearing, daily living, environmental adaptations, learning/development, health, safety and recreation. Print and online software and equipment is available to assist people with disabilities access information. ODCTE not only has students and teachers who may benefit from accessing AT in traditional classroom settings, but can also impact the employment of individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in specific trades and industry courses. Appropriate AT accommodations for these students may open up career opportunities never before considered. ODCTE/AbleTech offers opportunities to explore and try before you buy and short-term loan of AT equipment and devices.

Contact the ODCTE/AbleTech Assistive Technology Center at 405-743-6882 or 405-743-5162
www.okcareertech.org/informationcommons for additional information. To receive the ABLE Tech e-News via email send an email to abletech@okstate.edu to sign up.

Welcome to Blogging HSTW

2008-02-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

SPRING IS COMING!! What an exciting time this is. I want to welcome you to the Oklahoma High Schools That Work Blog. I hope you take the time to visit us online to learn obtain forms , review calendar updates and other pertinent information. Now we will be blogging to share many exciting resources and professional development opportunities for school improvement efforts. This will help as you prepare Oklahoma students to pursue high tech, high wage, and high demand jobs.

We are located on the web at www.okcareertech.org/hstw. Come and visit us. High Schools That Work is one of the nation's fastest growing school improvement initiatives. Our goal is to get 85 percent of the students to meet the reading, mathematics, and science goals established by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB.) If you want to learn about Oklahoma's HSTW efforts at your school you can contact one of HSTW site coordinators or the state HSTW coordinator.

We hope that you will bookmark us and come to visit often. We will showcase many of the exciting opportunities to enhance student engagement and opportunities for learning across Oklahoma.