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 EtiquetteView 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=CKK8CVKMrgYFREE Summer Academies on college campusesThese 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 CompetitionMeridian 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/FirstMTC08Other team videos on the web include:
Team 2435:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9ph9YZrYQM Ponca City:
http://www.youtube.com/user/RobotTeacher476Horizons Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMPsSc4fsAQHorizons Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiqjJPrJix0Horizons Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgOS09P6-0EHorizons Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQtgSCRevoProject Based Learning with TechnologyProvides resources, articles, and links to technology-infused classroom projects.
RESOURCES:Adolescent Literacy WebsiteThe strategies are research based and the site includes information about ELL students -
www.centeroninstruction.org.IT in the ClassroomA new collaborative resource for using IT in instruction. Site includes lesson plans, instructional videos and best practices.
http://www.nortellearnit.org/ New ProductCareer Cluster PostersBrightly 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.htmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:SREB 22nd Annual High Schools That Work Announcement Brochure AvailableThe 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.pdfHOT TOPICS Still Wanted for OkACTE Summer Conference – August 5, 2008We 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 INSTITUTEMonday, 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 SCHOOL1. 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 CAREERS4. 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 TeachersThe 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 AttunedOklahoma 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®ion=7.
Professional Development and Student ScoresResearch 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 BlogWe 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 ReadinessA report from Achieve
http://www.achieve.org/files/Achieve-CTEPolicyBrief-02-07-08.pdfGRANT OPPORTUNITIES:
Beginning Grant Writing WorkshopJune 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
