Updated April 7, 2008
American Stars of Teaching
The U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is accepting nominations for 2008 American Stars of Teaching until March 31. Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching.
We are seeking nominations of teachers across the United States who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored as 2008 American Stars of Teaching this fall. To nominate a teacher, go to: <http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/index.html>.
The U.S. Department of Education received more than 4,000 nominations for the 2007 school year. A list of previous honorees can be found at: <http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/tools/initiative/american-stars-teachers.html>. You can read archived news stories about some of our 2007 American Stars at <https://www.t2tweb.us/Updates/Archives.asp>
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From the ITEA Tide Publication- Einstein Fellowship Seeks Candidates for 2008-2009 School Year, Attention K-12 teachers:Are you an experienced educator who is ready to make a difference on a national scale? If so, consider applying for an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship and prepare for a year of unique opportunities. For more information about the Einstein Fellows program, visit www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm Online applications opened October 1, 2007—the
deadline date for all applications is January 13, 2008. Apply online at
https://applicationlink.labworks.org/applicationlink/default.htm. 10-21-2007
- From the Sally Ride Toy Challenge web site-TOYchallenge is
A chance for teams of imaginative kids to create a new toy or game.
Toys are a great way to learn about science, engineering, and the design process! As girls and boys create a toy or game, they experience engineering as a fun, creative, collaborative process, relevant to everyday life.
If you are interested in competing please click here for more information http://www.sallyridescience.com/toychallenge , the registration deadline is December 12th. We will also have a link on our resources page, click here to go to the contests list.
From the ITEA TIDE newsletter
“Extreme Redesign” Global Design and 3D Printing Contest
The Dimension 3D Printing Group, a business unit of Stratasys, Inc., has announced the launch of its fourth annual “Extreme Redesign: The Ultimate 3D Printing Challenge,” a global design and 3D printing contest for high school and college students that awards scholarships to the winners. Again this year Dimension calls on computer-aided-design (CAD) students worldwide to submit their most creative, useful, and innovative Extreme Redesigns. Whether it’s a new perspective on an everyday product or a fresh vision for updating a famous piece of art, animation, or architecture, Dimension will award student winners $2,500 or $1,000 scholarships based on their design’s creativity, usefulness, part-integrity, and aesthetics. Dimension also will award teachers of the three first-place student winners a laptop computer for use in the classroom. This year’s contest will include an “art and architecture challenge,” open to both high school and university students, in addition to the high school and university engineering categories included in previous years. Final submissions must be postmarked by December 31, 2007. Winners will be selected in February 2008. Complete contest rules and submission information is available at www.dimensionprinting.com/education/ extremeredesign.shtml.
For video, photos, and descriptions of last year’s winning Extreme Redesigns, visit www.dimensionprinting.com.
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From the ITEA-I know that the end of the school year is approaching. However, I wanted to personally invite every ITEA member to join the Idea Garden.
The Idea Garden is a teacher-to-teacher network of professionals who work each day to grow thoughts and resources. The garden plants knowledge, ideas and resources that the community nurtures for the benefit of you, your students, and the profession. The Idea Garden is more than just a listserv. The garden is a positive community that produces a bountiful yield every day due to its unique culture of respect and collaboration. If you want to be "in the know" or "want to know more" about teaching TIDE (Technology, Innovation, Design and Engineering). For more information click on the following link http://www.iteaconnect.org/Networking/networking.htm
- From the The Junior Engineering Technical Society JETS
WOD/JETS 2007-2008 NEDC competition is a cross curricular experience that will help you use your skills in problem solving, math, science, research, writing, presenting and drafting/design. You will also grow in understanding of the employment related challenges encountered by people with severe disabilities.
Your team could win an all expense paid trip to Washington DC, on February 15, 2008, $3,000 for the school plus lots of other great prizes.
Mark your calendar for these important dates:
| Registration Opens |
September 5, 2007 |
| Round I: Take the Challenge! |
Due: October 26, 2007 |
| Round II: Start Building! |
Due: December 19, 2007 |
| Round II: National Finals! |
February 15, 2008 |
If you are interested in this competition click here for the link http://www.jets.org/programs/nedc.cfm
- The Department of Education is seeking educators to serve as members of the MCAS English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering (STE), and History and Social Science (HSS) Assessment Development Committees. Members of these committees are directly involved in assisting the Department with the process of developing MCAS test items. We are looking for members with content expertise, familiarity with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, and teaching experience. This is a rewarding professional development opportunity for educators who are interested in learning about large-scale, standards-based assessment. Assessment Development Committee members assist the Department of Education in the review of MCAS test items and scoring rubrics. Responsibilities include reviewing MCAS items for:
- alignment with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and MCAS performance standards
- clarity and precision of language
- content accuracy
- developmental appropriateness
- instructional worthiness
Committee members are charged with reviewing all questions and making suggestions for refinements prior to field-testing. After items have been field-tested, committee members review the items again along with item performance data.For more information and the application form, please see http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.asp?id=3754. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, November 9, 2007.
- Pre-College Engineering for Teachers (PCET)
“Engineering is Elementary!” 2007 Summer Workshops
PCET workshops are designed to prepare elementary school teachers to include engineering using the Engineering Elementary Curriculum. PCET is an NSF sponsored program.
• 5 day workshops (dates and locations below)
• Grades 1-2 or 3-5 Teachers
• Earn a $375 stipend and 40 PDPs (NO grad. credit)
To apply go to: www.mos.org/eie/pcet.php
Click here to view the flyer
- Summer LEGO Engineering Institute for Educators
Through attending the Institute, educators will learn LEGO building techniques and programming with either one of two softwares (NXT-G or ROBOLAB) while they work on hands-on design challenges. The Institute will be held July 9-13 on Tufts Medford campus.
Participants will:
*- Learn about the Engineering Design Process
- Learn LEGO building techniques
- Learn about programming with ROBOLAB or NXT-G
- Explore Gearing and Gear Ratios
- Explore the educational pedagogy and theory of using hands-on engineering projects
- Investigate how to teach other content (math, science, reading) through engineering based projects
- Discuss and develop classroom management strategies
Additional information about the Summer LEGO Engineering Institute for Educators is available on our web site.
http://ceeo.tufts.edu/content/view/66/53/ITEA-CATTS and NASA STS-118 Design Challenges
Announcing Professional Development Workshops
Join STEM educators across the country this summer and learn about the
ITEA-CATTS and NASA STS-118 Design Challenges
Design Challenge Focus: Lunar Growth Chamber
CURRICULA AVAILABLE SUMMER 2007 FOR FALL IMPLEMENTATION:
Elementary, Middle, and High School Design Challenges
Standards-Based Units Complete with Assessments and Teacher Resources
THESE COMPREHENSIVE UNITS:
Coordinate with ITEA-CATTS Engineering by Design™ Curricular Offerings
Reflect a Unique Partnership between NASA Scientists and Engineers and Education Professionals
Incorporate Leading Edge Insight and Practical Experiences for Students on How NASA Works and Plans
Coordinate with the STS-118 NASA Mission Scheduled for August 2007
For more information click on this link http://www.iteaconnect.org/EbD/HE/workshops.htm
- SUMMER OFFERINGS AT FITCHBURG STATE
Summer Session I is going to be starting in early June. Here is the lineup
A. Power & Energy in Tech/ Eng Ed at FSC (Mark O’Malley). This course starts on June 5 th and is over June 27 th.
B. Construction in Tech/Eng Ed is being offered at Mt Hope H.S. in Bristol R.I. with Steve Eaton. Again special scheduling allows you to complete the course before the end of June.
Go to www.fsc.edu for more details and to register online.
Summer Session II will start late July.
A. Curriculum Development in Tech/Eng Ed with Dr Wayne Whitfield
If you have any questions e-mail stherrien@fsc.edu
- Your input is needed. Public Comments requested by the Commissioner:
At the March, 2007 meeting, Commissioner Driscoll presented to the Board of Education a proposed recommended high school core program of studies, called MassCore. MassCore is one component in a comprehensive plan to increase high school graduation and college-and career-readiness rates. It describes a list of subject area credits, specific courses and other learning opportunities students should complete in high school. MassCore will also serve as one criterion for the Certificate of Mastery. MassCore was developed in collaboration between the Board of Higher Education and the Department of Education.
The survey results will be provided to the Board of Education later this spring when they consider whether to approve this recommended program of studies. The closing date for survey responses is May 25, 2007. MassCore Survey: http://vessunapp3.doe.mass.edu/surveys/take.do?n=141640359 5-6-2007
- In August 2007 the Department of Education will convene MCAS standard-setting panels for grade 3 Mathematics and for high school Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering. These panels will assist the Department in establishing cut scores for each of the MCAS performance levels (Above Proficient/Advanced, Proficient, Needs Improvement, and Warning/Failing) for these tests. To assist with these tasks, the Department of Education invites classroom teachers, administrators, higher education personnel, and members of the community to apply to serve on the panels.The High School Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering Standard-Setting will be held August 14-16. The Grade 3 Mathematics Standard-Setting will be held August 15-16. The meetings will be held at the Marriott in Burlington. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, May 25, 2007. For more information about the Grade 3 Mathematics Standard-Setting Panel, please see http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.asp?id=3409. For more information about the High School Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/EngineeringStandard-Setting Panels, please see http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.asp?id=3408.
Please share this important information with members of your staff and community.Mathematics & Science Teachers Scholarship Program
- The Department of Education and the Board of Higher Education are pleased to announce that the state legislature has funded a pilot scholarship program for mathematics and science teachers who have received waivers from certification regulations and/or are "out of field teachers."
These funds are designed to help to increase the number of public school teachers in the Commonwealth who are certified in mathematics and science. Scholarships will cover the cost of tuition, fees and related expenses for math and science teachers for up to three courses per semester at higher education institutions to meet teacher certification requirements.
Eligible mathematics and science teachers (including technology/engineering
teachers) can apply this scholarship to courses at eligible Massachusetts
public or independent (private) colleges and universities. Recipients of the
scholarships will be required to commit to continue teaching mathematics and
science in the Commonwealth for a term of service after becoming licensed.
The program has been designed to give priority for scholarships to teachers
from high-need districts.
Information about application materials is now available for the 2007
summer semester at www.osfa.mass.edu/default.asp?page=mathScienceScholarship.
Barbara J. Libby
Massachusetts Department of Education
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Tel. 781-338-3460
Fax 781-338-3395
blibby@doe.mass.edu
- The Tufts Center for Engineering Educational Outreach's Workshop for
Educators
The CEEO is offering several workshops during the 2006-2007 school year.
Workshop descriptions and additional details can be viewed on the CEEO
web site, www.ceeo.tufts.edu <http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu> in the
"Services" section. Update, registration through the above links is not working see the link below.
Teaching Robotics Using LEGO Robotics
December 2, 2006, 9am-noon
The focus of this workshop is to introduce high school physics teachers to the work that has been done in the area of kinematics. This workshop will feature hands-on activities to conduct investigations with distance, velocity, and acceleration using the LEGO RCX and NXT systems
and ROBOLAB's data-logging capabilities for collection, calculation, and documentation of experimental work. 3 PDPs
Update, the registration site is down and you can click here to download a registration form.
Introduction to the NXT
January 27, 2007: 9am-3pm
Attendees will learn to use the NXT and new software as they participate in hands-on activities. 5 ½ PDPs
LEGO Science Explorations Educators Workshop
April 28, 2007: 9am-3pm
Attendees will work through design challenges that combine LEGO engineering with investigations in science topics such as animal motion, tropical ecosystems, and strong structures. 5 ½ PDPs
- The Tufts University Center for Engineering Educational Outreach has
posted workshops for educators for the 2006-2007 school year.
3) Introduction to the NXT- Learn how to use the NXT and LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Software. Participants will work through hands-on challenges to gain experience with the new LEGO toolset.
January 27, 2007 from 9am-3pm
4) LEGO Science Exploration Workshop- Use the RCX and ROBOLAB to investigate science topics such as animal motion, tropical ecosystems, and strong structures. April 28, 2007 from 9am-3pm
Additional information and registration forms can be found on the CEEO
web site (www.ceeo.tufts.edu) under "services".
- LEGO Science Explorations Educators Workshop
At this workshop, you will be guided through instructional activities
that use LEGO designing and building to explore big ideas in science.
Use the LEGO RCX and ROBOLAB to investigate science topics such as
animal motion and tropical ecosystems that will work in grades 3-5. This
workshop will be held on April 28th from 9am-3pm.
Additional information is available on our website.
http://ceeo.tufts.edu/content/view/122/53/
Please contact Elissa Milto (elissa.milto@tufts.edu ) with questions about either workshop.
- Dear Teachers and Educators,
The CEEO has decided to reschedule the 3rd Annual New England LEGO Engineering Conference to Friday, April 27, 2007 due to unexpected facility restrictions that would greatly effect the quality of the conference. Anyone currently registered for the conference will automatically be registered for the April date. If you are unable to attend the conference on this date, please contact Christopher right
@ Christopher_G.Wright@tufts.edu or Morgan Hynes @Morgan.Hynes@tufts.edu for a full refund. The conference will till be held in Enfield, Connecticut and the registration deadline has been moved to Friday, April 6, 2007. We still encourage you to forward this announcement to any colleagues that may be interested in participating in this event. We apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause and look forward to your participation at the April conference.
Sincerely,
Christopher Wright
- From the ITEA Trendscout- Apply Now for the 2007-08 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
Attention K-12 teachers: Are you an experienced educator who is ready to make a difference on a national scale? If so, consider applying for an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship and prepare for a year of unique opportunities. As an Einstein Fellow you will spend a school year in Washington, DC sharing your expertise with policy makers. You may serve your Fellowship with Congress or one of several government agencies such as the Department of Energy, NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The goal of the Einstein Fellows program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to inform national policy and improve communication between the K-12 STEM education community and national leaders. Selection is based on excellence in K-12 mathematics, science, or technology teaching; demonstrated leadership; an understanding of national, state, and local education policy; and communication and interpersonal skills. The Fellowship program was created in from the MacArthur Foundation. formalized the program the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act. The administers the program of the Department of Energy. deadline is January 8, http://applicationlink.labworks. applicationlink/ default.htm. For about the Einstein Fellows www.trianglecoalition. Andrea Bodmann at bodmanna@trianglecoalition. org.
- Get on board this summer with 3 exciting teacher institutes in arts and culture -
Boston Public Library: Art Architecture and the Public Square
Boston Public Library, Boston, July 10-14, 2006 and November 18, 2006
Kinetic Sculpture and the Art of Wind Dynamics
DeCordova Museum & Sculpture Park, Lincoln, MA, August 7-11, 2006 and December 1, 2006
Explorations in Puerto Rican Culture
Meline Kasparian Center, Springfield, MA, July 10-20, 2006
Immerse in the study of artistic masterworks and Puerto Rican culture and
bring new expertise, tools, and curriculum back to your classroom!
Cost: Free
Register early, space is limited to 20.
Each participant will receive a $150 stipend following implementation of
their curriculum unit in Fall, 2006.
For more information click here http://massculturalcouncil.org/programs/institutes.html
- 2006 Summer Content Institutes
The Department of Education is pleased to announce that we will again be offering Content Institutes, our statewide program of free, graduate-level, academic institutes for educators across the Commonwealth. In its eleventh year, this highly successful and popular program will sponsor more than 32 institutes during the summertime with follow-up sessions in the fall and winter to support educators as they implement content instruction in the classroom. All institutes will offer professional development points (PDPs) and optional graduate credit that can be applied toward educator re-licensure. For a list of all content institutes please go tohttp://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/cinstitute/. Please share this information with your networks and school faculties.
Joyce Bowen
Massachusetts Department of Education
Office of Mathematics, Science, & Technology/Engineering
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
Phone: (781) 338-3540
Fax: (781) 338-3395
- The PowerUP! project at the Museum of Science is pleased to announce mini grants for high school classrooms preparing students for the MCAS Technology/Engineering exam in June of 2007. These grants can provide up to $500 to support curriculum materials or course development. Recipients of the mini grants will be part of a research project that will help us identify areas where the National Center for Technological Literacy© can help support engineering/technology instruction and resources. Click here for the posting from the MOS
- Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas is hosting the National Metal Casting Instructors Seminar June 18th to 21st 2006. Instructors of metals manufacturing courses in Secondary Schools and Community Colleges will have the opportunity to learn the latest techniques in the metal casting field from leading foundry technologists.
Program Flyer: http://www.fefinc.org/downloads/2006MCIS.pdf
Russ Rosmait
Russ Rosmait, Professor
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
AFS Advisor/FEF Key Professor
ΣΦΕ Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter Counselor
Pittsburg State University
Kansas Technology Center S124D
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 235-4375
(620) 235-4004 – Fax
Web Site http://members.cox.net/rrosmait/
- Museum of Science
Free Lecture
Monday, June 12 at 3 p.m.
Cahners Theater
“The New Navy”
Rear Admiral Kevin M. McCoy, USN, Deputy Command for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering, will discuss the Navy’s next generation destroyer, the DD(X). The lead ship in the class is being named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R. “Bud” Zumwalt, Jr. Compared to the present Arleigh Burke-class destroyers now in use, the Zumwalt-class will be a vastly improved, hi-tech, multi-mission surface combatant tailored for land attack and littoral dominance with capabilities that defeat current and projected threats and improve battle force defense. If you are unable to attend, RDML McCoy will be delivering his presentation that evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Old South Meeting House on Washington Street. For more information about the Admiral or the DD(X), please visit the links below. Rear Admiral McCoy’s biography http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=209 About the DD(X) http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/ddx/
- Summer LEGO Engineering Institute for Educators
Summary:
The Tufts Center for Engineering Educational Outreach Summer LEGO™ Engineering Institute is a way for educators to gain knowledge of engineering concepts, LEGO™ hardware & software (ROBOLAB™), and associated pedagogy/educational theory. Exploration of the LEGO bricks and related theory will primarily be done through participation in hands-on, open-ended design projects. The institute is open to any K-12 teacher, informal education provider, volunteer, or member of industry interested in learning about LEGO™ Engineering.
Dates:
July 10th-14th – 9am-4pm, Friday the 14th will end at 3 pm. (Tufts University, Medford, MA – Eliot Pearson Curriculum Development Lab) Cost:
$600
For the complete details go to http://www.ceeo.tufts.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=53
- Free Teacher-to-Teacher Workshops and $100 million Teacher Incentive Fund
On April 27, in Philadelphia, Secretary Spellings kicked-off the first of several No Child Left Behind summits, discussing the role of teachers and administrators in ensuring every child is capable of learning on grade level by 2014. "Business as usual doesn't always serve the needs of teachers or students," she said. "For example, today, you're likely to find the most experienced and qualified teachers in our wealthiest communities. But, in high-poverty middle and high schools, only half of math teachers majored or minored in the field they're teaching. For science teachers, that number drops to only a third. We don't serve teachers or students by placing our least experienced teachers in our most challenging environments. Nor do we serve teachers by asking them to teach subjects they don't know much about."
To support teachers, the Department is spending more than $3 billion this year. The Secretary also highlighted two specific initiatives to the audience of 300 education leaders: free Teacher-to-Teacher workshops <https://www.t2tweb.us/Workshops/About.asp>), by which "teachers may even obtain highly qualified teacher status without ever leaving their homes," and the newly created $100 million Teacher Incentive Fund <http://www.ed.gov/programs/teacherincentive/> applications are now available), to encourage more experienced teachers to go to high-poverty schools and reward them for results. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2006/04/04272006.html.
- Standards-based Vignettes Needed!
The Department of Education is in the process of updating the Science and Technology/Engineering Framework. The updated Framework will include the 2001 (unchanged) PreK-8 standards, the recently revised high school standards, the October 2005 alternative dissection policy and updated resources and references. We plan to include standards-based vignettes to illustrate how high school teachers are actively involving their students
in standards-based learning.
Please consider submitting a vignette to share with fellow teachers. We are looking for vignettes or experiences that:
*Support/reinforce the content learned in any of the 5 high school subject areas: Earth and Space Science, Chemistry, Introductory Physic, Biology, or Technology/Engineering;
*Narrate and describe how the lesson/activity, or laboratory was carried out;
*Show student involvement and/or inquiry;
*Show the progression of student activity through the lessonor experience;
*Include Assessment Strategies;
*Include the revised high school standards to which the vignette applies;
*Reflect the format established in the "What it looks like in the Classroom" vignettes in the 2001 Framework. For an example, see the vignette Weather Stations, pg. 27,
<http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/scitech/2001/standards/weather.html>.
When submitting a vignette, please include the following: your full name
and district; the title and subject area of your vignette; and the source,
if adopted from a web site, literature, or a colleague. For copies of the
Revised High School Science and Technology/Engineering Standards, please
visit <http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/current.html>.
Please submit your entry by June 16, 2006 to Joyce Bowen via email at
jbowen@doe.mass.edu <mailto:jbowen@doe.mass.edu>. You may also contact
Joyce
if you have questions or would like assistance in crafting your vignette.
Several submissions will be incorporated in the updated Massachusetts
Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework, and your name and
district will be included in the list of contributors.
- Science and Technology/Engineering Information Forum
The Office for Mathematics, Science and Technology/Engineering at the
Department of Education (DOE) is pleased to offer informational sessions
about science and technology/engineering education. These sessions will
highlight:
*The 2006 revised high school science and technology/engineering (STE)
standards;
*The integration of the high school standards into the Framework;
*DOE initiatives to support STE education;
*Updates on the STE MCAS program; and
*State STE data.
We will also elicit your input about supporting and improving STE teaching and learning; your successes and challenges, as well as suggestions and comments for the Department. District staff, school department heads, and others involved in science and technology/engineering education are invited to attend.
Each session is scheduled from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Monday, June 5
Revere High School Library, Revere
Tuesday, June 6
Bridgewater State College, Rondileau Campus Center, Bridgewater Wednesday, June 14
Assabet Valley Regional Vocational-Technical High School Conference Room, Marlborough
Thursday, June 15
Meline Kasparian Professional Development Center, Room 212, Springfield
Each session can accommodate a limited capacity. Please register online for
a session you wish to attend, using the DOE conference registration:
<http://www.doe.mass.edu/conference/?ConferenceID=206>
- MEMORANDUM
TO: Superintendents, Principals, Directors of Charter Schools,
Approved Special Education Schools, Institutional Schools, and
Collaboratives
FROM: David P. Driscoll, Commissioner of Education
DATE: January 5, 2006
RE: Update on Spring 2006 High School Science and
Technology/Engineering MCAS Test Administration
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide details for districts and schools regarding the participation requirements and administration of the spring 2006 MCAS tests in high school Science and Technology/Engineering. The guidelines provided in this memo refer only to the spring 2006 administration. As the date of the Science and Technology/Engineering Competency Determination requirement approaches, we will communicate further updates on participation requirements. The high school Science and Technology/Engineering MCAS tests will be administered in Biology, Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and Technology/Engineering at grade 9 and grade 10 as indicated in the table below.
High School Science and Technology/Engineering Tests
Administered by Grade, Spring 2006
Biology Chemistry Intro. Physics Technology/ Engineering
Grade 9 * (optional) * (optional) * *
Grade 10 * * * *
Test Participation Requirements for Grades 9 and 10
* All students in grades 9 and 10 must participate in one of the tests that corresponds to the course she/he will complete, or has completed, in the 2005-2006 school year (e.g., a student enrolled in a "semester block" course in fall 2005 must participate in the spring test). Exceptions to this requirement include grade 9 students enrolled in biology or chemistry; participation for these students is optional. The principal should decide whether to administer the test to grade 9 students in these two courses based on whether the school plans to administer these tests at this grade when Science and Technology/Engineering testing becomes part of the high school Competency Determination.
* When ordering test materials, the principal should request the
appropriate number of tests that match each student's course of study.
For example, the table below shows the number of students enrolled
by grade in each science course.
Biology Chemistry Intro. Physics Technology/Engineering
Grade 9 0 0 100 100
Grade 10 200 100 0 100
Therefore, the enrollment survey for that school will include the
following information.
* Biology - 200
* Chemistry - 100
* Introductory Physics -100
* Technology/Engineering - 200
* A student who is enrolled in two of the listed science and technology/engineering courses should participate in only one test. While the Department has not yet made a final determination regarding who should make the decision about which test a student should take, we believe that the parent(s)/guardian of the student, with guidance provided by the principal, teachers, and guidance counselor, are in the best position to
act in the student's interests. If you wish to provide comments to the Department about this decision, please send an e-mail with your recommendations to mcas@doe.mass.edu.
* A student who took either the Introductory Physics test or the Technology/Engineering test at grade 9 in spring 2005 must also participate in the spring 2006 MCAS Science and Technology/Engineering tests if he/she is enrolled in or has completed a course in one of the tested disciplines in
the 2005-2006 school year.
* A student who is not enrolled in a course of study in any of the
four disciplines listed should not participate.
Please Note: When the Science and Technology/Engineering tests become part of the high school Competency Determination, all students will be required to take at least one of the four tests by the completion of grade 10. Therefore, it is expected that all students will have completed at least one of the four courses on which the tests are based.
Participation Requirements for Students with Disabilities and LEP Students Students with disabilities who require one or more accommodation(s), including Braille tests, large-print tests, or electronic text readers, are required to participate in the spring 2006 administration. LEP students in their first year of enrollment in U.S. schools are also required to participate.
Content, Schedule, Format, and Reporting Results
* The Science and Technology/Engineering tests are scheduled for May 25-June 2, 2006, and will be administered in two sessions. Each session should take approximately 60 minutes; however, these tests are not timed.
* All four tests in Science and Technology/Engineering share a common format. Each test includes a total of 52 multiple-choice and 7 open-response items.
* Results will be based on 40 multiple-choice and 5 open-response items for each test. These items will be aligned with the high school standards in the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework (May 2001), and will not be based on the proposed revised high school science and technology/engineering standards being brought to the Board for approval in January 2006.
* Results will be reported as aggregated item analysis results at the student, school, district, and state levels. Results from these tests will not be used as part of the high school Competency Determination.
* Test items on which 2006 results are based will be released on the Department's Web site following the test administration.
Please contact Katie Bowler, Administrator for Science and Technology/Engineering Test Development, at cbowler@doe.mass.edu if you have further questions.
- The College of Engineering at Boston University is proud to announce the sixteenth annual Design Competition for high school students to be held at Boston University on Sunday June 4, 2006. In brief, the Design Competition involves teams of two students, both of whom must be high school freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at the time of the competition. Each team will design and build a vehicle that will, under its own power, perform a series of tasks while either descending or ascending a sloped ramp. See the 2006 "Rules of the Road" for specific details. Prizes include $5,000 tuition scholarship to Boston University for four years. Deadline May 12th 2006. Click here for more information 1/16/2006
- NESEA Announces Imagining Tomorrow:
Alternate Energy Futures A New Short Story Contest For Massachusetts High School Students An Educational Program about Clean Energy For All High School Students in Massachusetts From the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Imagining Tomorrow is a short story contest, inviting you to imagine the world in the next fifty years. How will our current policies and attitudes regarding energy and the environment change in that time, and how might they change us and our world? Entries Due: April 30, 2006 First Prize: $250; Second and Third Prizes: $125 22 additional finalists: $50 and $25 For details, entry form, and resource links visit www.itomorrow.nesea.org
- From the Commissioners Update April 5th 2008. As a result of an anti-trust settlement with Microsoft Corporation, eligible Massachusetts schools in low-income communities will receive $16 million in vouchers, allowing them to purchase a broad range of hardware, software, and technology services. The school funding will come from unclaimed consumer vouchers from a class-action suit, settled in 2004 with Microsoft. Eligible districts are those with schools in which at least 50% of the students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The link to all of the information is http://www.doe.mass.edu/mailings/2006/cm040406.htmlA message from Reed Reed Brockman, P.E.Chair, BSCES Public Awareness & Outreach Committee.
- The 4th Annual BSCES Ralph Salvucci Online Bridge Contest has started. Students should send me an e-mail with their team name and estimate by February 14th. The team with the lowest estimate that beats that estimate by the end of the statewide contest wins a huge prize. There are numerous other prizes to be won as well (up to $10,000 and a laptop!) so be sure to poke around the site a little! And it's totally free (thanks to our sponsors and volunteers!) Follow this link to access it: http://home.comcast.net/%7Ereedpro/Bridgecontest.html
Thanks!
Reed Brockman, P.E.
Chair, BSCES Public Awareness & Outreach Committee
Senior Structural Engineer / Inspection Specialist
DMJM Harris
66 Long Wharf, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02110
MassTEC always has a link to the West Point Bridge Design contest on our classroom resources page. Click here to see the permanent link.Request for Proposals: Content Institutes for 2006
The purpose of the 2006 Content Institute Program is to support the implementation of the Curriculum Frameworks in Science and Technology/Engineering, Mathematics, English/ Language Arts, and the Arts and to provide opportunities for Massachusetts educators to strengthen their knowledge of discipline-specific content in order to improve student
achievement. This program is federally funded through the No Child Left Behind Act and focuses on increasing the number of highly qualified teachers who have competency in the subject areas that they teach.
The Department is seeking proposals for content institutes that will take place in June-August 2006 with follow-up sessions in the fall. First priority for funding will go to institutes that focus on Science and/or Technology/Engineering. All of the 2006 institutes must incorporate substantial use of MassONE and other appropriate technology in facilitating the institutes.
Proposals must be submitted by partnerships consisting of a high need school district (see Request for Proposals for list) and a Massachusetts institution of higher education. Additional partners may include other school districts, other high need school districts, other institutions of
higher education, cultural institutions, professional educational organizations, and businesses. The Department will publicize these institutes statewide to assist in recruiting participants.
The Request for proposals is posted at http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/grants/grants06/rfp/171_151.html . For further
program information, please contact:
* John Chiang Keh at (781) 338-6226 or mailto:jkeh@doe.mass.edu for English/Language Arts and the Arts
* Joyce Bowen at (781) 338-3540 or mailto:jbowen@doe.mass.edu for Science, Technology/Engineering, and Mathematics
* Carol Lach at (781) 338-6886 or mailto:clach@doe.mass.edu for Instructional Technology
- Pre-College Engineering for Teachers (PCET) -Deadline Jan 15 2006
Payment: $750.00 for teachers who complete all program requirements Geared towards: Teachers grades 1-5 Description: This two week, summer workshop will introduce teachers to the "Engineering is Elementary" (EiE) Curriculum so that they can learn how to meet the new Technology/ Engineering Frameworks in the Massachusetts State Curricular Frameworks. Teachers in grades 1-5 are eligible. Participating teachers are paid $750 and receive 80 Professional Development Points (PDPs). (Graduate credit not available).
To apply, please go to www.ceeo.tufts.edu/pcet
Locations and Dates:
Tufts University - July 10-24th 2006
WPI - June 29-30 and July 5-7 and 10-14 2006
UMass Lowell - June 26-30 and, July 6-7 and July 10-12 2006
For questions, please contact the PCET Program Manager,
Meredith Knight
Meredith.knight@tufts.edu Phone: 617-627-4785
- DESIGN and 3D CAD WORKSHOP
Design is typically the first step addressed by industry when developing a new product AND the most "core" theme in the Technology/Engineering Strand of the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum framework Participants will explore universal design concepts related to the design process and ways of adding/teaching the concepts in their High School or Middle School curriculum. The use of 3D CAD (KeyCreator) as a means of teaching design concepts will be the major focus of this program.
Instructor : Daniel Grant , Technology/Engineering instructor at McDevitt Middle School in Waltham
Location :Fitchburg State College
Industrial Arts Building
Room 113 CAD classroom
Date/Time :March 10th at 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (with an alternate date of March 17th in case of inclement weather)
Sponsored by Northeast Technical Systems and Tech Ed Concepts
Please call Diane Whitham at 978-665-3255 or email dwhitham@fsc.edu
There are only 20 stations, call early. I will need a name, school, phone number and email address.
- The Massachusetts Department of Education is offering content institutes in Technology Engineering and looking for Request for Proposal Content Institutes for 2005 Click here for more information http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/cinstitute/
- The Massachusetts Department of Education is seeking candidates to serve on the Board of Education Advisory Councils. These councils were established by the Education Reform Act of 1993 to advise the Commissioner and the Board on matters relevant to their areas of focus in the implementation of education reform in Massachusetts. Members of these councils serve without compensation. Each council meets 4 - 6 times per year at times and locations determined by its members. All appointments will be for a three-year term and regular attendance is required. Click here to learn more.
- RENEWABLE ENERGY CONTENT INSTITUTE
This Content Institute for teachers will provide an update on current energy use, problems involving resource depletion, and environmental issues associated with current practice. Alternatives to fossil fuels will be studied with the emphasis on renewable resources. Participants will get hands-on experience with solar and wind systems. Stressing the interaction between science, society and technology, this institute will emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of energy studies. Participants will design, construct and test both a solar oven and a wind turbine during this institute. Field trips to Evergreen Solar in Marlborough , MA and to the power plant at Mount Wachusett will be included. In addition to a $200 stipend for each teacher who fully participates in the Institute, participants will also be given supplies and materials for their classrooms. http://www.fsc.edu/profdevctr/events.html
- Project Probase, an Illinois State University/National Science Foundation project, seeks experienced professionals to develop a Probase Implementation Manual. Specifically, we are seeking to recruit experienced professional development providers, state and regional district supervisors, teacher educators, etc. to develop a manual that will enable instructors to implement and teach the Probase curriculum. The manual will be composed of tips, techniques, sample activities, and technical support for using Probase materials and serve as a guide to in-service teachers. The Professional Development Symposium will be held between June 27th and July 1st 2005 on the Illinois State University campus in Normal, Illinois. Selected, individuals will receive a $1,200.00 stipend, a round trip ticket or mileage for one round trip to campus from your home. The Project will also provide meals and housing during the symposium. To apply for this opportunity, visit http://www.probase.ilstu.edu/ and complete an application form. All application materials must be received by March 30, 2005. Selected individuals will be notified of selection on April 15, 2005. Illinois State University Web mailhttps://webmail2.ilstu.edu
- Proposed Amendments to 603 CMR 30.00: Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System and Standards for Competency Determination - Adding Science and Technology/Engineering to the Competency Determination.
This amendment is a vital proposal before the doe and in the stage of receiving public comment. MassTEC asks that you take some time to be part of the positive change. We are requesting that you comment on the proposed amendment. Some key points we have identified are listed below that may help the process of composing your comment.
The technology/engineering MCAS test will students to:
Prepare for the engineered world
Understand the role technology/engineering plays in our world
Prepare for further study at a community college, a four year college or university
Become technologically literate
U understand the human made world
Technology/Engineering:
Needs to be an integral part of the school curriculum.
Is intellectually rigorous an d requires students to work with real materials and objects.
Is engaging for all students.
Should be a part of every students education.
Here is a link to the DOE website with the proposed amendment open for public comment. http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/comment/060305_30.html
- Stata Center: Solving Design and Construction Challenges
A Tour and Talk at the Stata Center, Wednesday, March 16 at 5pm Stata Center: Building 32, Room 123 (MITmap:http://whereis.mit.edu/mapjpg?selection=32&Buildings=go) Parking is available in the East Lot (Main St. between Vassar and AmesSts. after 3pm)
The MIT Museum and the School of Architecture invite the MIT community and general public to attend a self-guided tour of the StataCenter and a focus on its construction. Self-guided tours of the wild and wondrous Stata Center, followed by Q&A on the unique challenges of building the most eagerly awaited building in Boston in recent decades. With Claude LeBlanc (formerly of Skanska USA BuildingInc.) and MIT's Dave Lewis, moderated by Dave Silverman (MIT Facilities). This is especially of interest to professional and budding technologists, engineers, architects, designers, etc.) Presented in conjunction with Constructing Stata: Photographs by Richard Sobol [http://mit.edu/museum/exhibitions/stata.html]on view at MIT Museum's Compton Gallery through June 10.
- UF Summer Science Institute for Teachers What-One-week intensive workshop partnering with UF researchers and integrating laboratory activities with lectures, classroom applications, and collegial networking. Who-Educators have requested professional development programs that offer authentic laboratory experience coupled with state-of-the-art techniques and workforce information. Click here for more information
- The College of Engineering at UMass Amherst will host a DOE Content Institute this summer from July 25-30, and Nov 6.Massachusetts teachers will receive a $200 stipend from the MA Dept. of Education for attending this Content Institute.
This Content Institute "Engineering Complex Systems for Classroom Teachers" is also listed as a three credit graduate course through UMass Amherst Continuing Education for teachers who would like to obtain credit. It is listed as Educ 691JJ. Note: for teachers who intend to take the course for credit: grades will not be available until after the November 6, 2004 callback session. The web site for UMass Continuing Education, including registration information is:https://www.umassulearn.net/ For more specifics about the course and its content, the website is:http://www.casa.umass.edu/education/k-12outreach.html
- The Boston University College of Engineering is pleased to announce the fifteenth annual Design Competition. The Competition was created to encourage young people in the New England area to view engineering and design as fun and worthwhile activities for students at any skill level.
What is it? The Competition requires participants to work in teams of two to design and build a vehicle within given specifications to meet various challenges. Specific details regarding this year’s competition will be released in January 2005.
What are the prizes? Top finishers of past competitions have received awards ranging from a $50 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble Bookstore to $20,000 scholarships to Boston University.
How do I get my school involved? Many schools have involved entire science classes in the Competition and have incorporated the designing of the vehicle into the science curriculum. Others have even incorporated language arts into the task by having students write detailed procedures on how to build the vehicle.
When is it? The 2005 Design Competition will be held on Sunday, June 5 , 2005 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the campus of Boston University. Click here for the official flyer. Click
- Pre-College Engineering for Teachers (PCET) Teachers are paid $750 to attend and receive 80 PDP points. This National Science Foundation-funded workshop is for 6-8th grade science, math and technology teachers and 3-5th grade elementary teachers. The purpose of the workshop is to introduce teachers to the engineering design process, become more familiar with the Massachusetts Standards for Technology/ Engineering, and explore and develop strategies for incorporating engineering design into their classrooms. Teachers are paid $750 for participating and receive 80 PDP points. Dates: June 27th - July 8th for Middle School Teachers (6-8th grade) - three locations - Tufts, UMass Lowell and WPI Dates: July 5th-15th for Elementary School Teachers (3-5th grade) - one location - Tufts Applications and Brochures are available on the PCET Website: www.ceeo.tufts.edu/pcet Direct questions to pcet@tufts.edu (617) 627-4785
- Essential Details
Engineering Energy is offered to public and private
school teachers at no charge. Applications from
teams of science teachers are encouraged.
Participants will be paid a stipend of $200 and
provided with a $225 material allowance. The
sessions will be held in one of the Waltham Public
Schools. Participants are expected to attend all
sessions, including follow-up sessions. One follow up
session will take place during the week of August
16th, and another in November. Additional follow-up
work will take place on VES, (Virtual Education
Space), the MA DOE’s set of free web-based
communication and collaboration tools.
Participants will develop a curriculum unit that
integrates course material into their classroom
teaching. These units will be made available to other
participants through VES. Participants may choose
to earn three graduate credits through Fitchburg
State College (tuition is $225) or 67.5 PDPs. For more info click here.
- Here is a great opportunity
for summer professional development!!! The nationally known "WomenTech
Workshop" is coming to the East coast for the first time ever!!!
Imagine two days of top-shelf training, combined with evenings free
in one of the greatest cities in America - BOSTON!!! I hope to see you
there!
Best wishes, Thomas A. Frawley, Vice President New York State Technology
Education Association tfrawley44@aol.com
for more info click here http://www.womentechstore.org/womentech/edtr0330704.html
The Massachusetts Department of Education
is seeking candidates to serve on the Board of Education Advisory Councils.
These councils were established by the Education Reform Act of 1993
to advise the Commissioner and the Board on matters relevant to their
areas of focus in the implementation of education reform in Massachusetts.
Members of these councils serve without compensation. Each council meets
4 - 6 times per year at times and locations determined by its members.
All appointments will be for a three-year term and regular attendance
is required.
Technology/Engineering Education - technology education directors, educators
and engineering professionals, as well as parent and community representatives
with expertise and or a developed interest in this discipline. (Note:
the focus of this council is on applied technologies such as engineering
design, construction, and transportation, but not instructional technology
as in computer applications. If
you are interested in serving or would like more information click here.
- The Department of
Education is seeking classroom teachers, school and district administrators,
and other educational leaders to serve as members of the MCAS Assessment
Development Committees for the following disciplines and grade levels:
Science and Technology/Engineering, grades 5 and 8
High School Technology/Engineering.
For more
information click here.
- The Museum of
Science is seeking fifty teachers for the 2005-2006 school year to field
test their new curriculum, the first introductory high school technology
and engineering course that maps to Massachusetts state standards. Engineering
the Future: Creating the world of the 21st Century is a full-year course,
suitable for students in grades 9-12. While the course is designed specifically
to help students pass the MCAS in the area of technology and engineering,
it also provides a strong foundation in physics and offers students
an opportunity to explore the social, historical, and environmental
contexts surrounding emerging technologies. For
more information click here.
- Fitchburg
State College Renewable Energy Content Institute Dates
updated 5/24/04
This Content Institute for teachers will provide an update on current
energy use, problems involving resource depletion, and environmental
issues associated with current practice. . In addition to a $200 stipend
for each teacher who fully participates in the Institute, participants
will also be given supplies and materials for their classrooms.
- Summer
Institutes Announced
Engineering Energy at Waltham through Tufts, Engineering for Classroom
Teachers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Renewable Energy
at three locations.
- REE
RESOURCES
Several new learning resources have been added to the Federal Resources
for Educational Excellence (FREE) website. FREE makes it easy for
teachers, parents, students, and others to find teaching and learning
resources from more than 40 federal organizations. Recently, the site
has been improved with an enhanced search engine that produces more
precise results. Among the new resources are:
Cool Cosmos – invites students into the world
of infrared astronomy. Teachers and students may discover light outside
the visible spectrum with these classroom activities, experiments,
and lessons. The site provides ask-an-astronomer videos, an infrared
astronomy timeline, and more. (NASA)
Edison Invents – examines several of Edison’s inventions:
the telegraph, telephone, phonograph, and electric light bulb. Students
can learn about his life and how to create their own light bulb. (Smithsonian
Institute)
Learn About Chemicals Around Your House – answers questions
about pesticides and toxic chemicals used around the house. It explains
how to read labels and what to do in case of an accident.
Visible Earth – is a searchable directory of images, visualizations,
and animations of Earth. Topics include soils, clouds, storms, hurricanes,
droughts, precipitation, vegetation, oceans, sea ice, human populations,
land use, erosion, fires, rocks, minerals, regions, and countries.
(NASA)
- TSA-sponsored
ITEA scholarship – The purpose of the TSA-sponsored ITEA
scholarship is to support the technology education profession by encouraging
TSA students to pursue careers as K-12 technology teachers.
Beginning with the 2003-04 school year, the TSA, Inc. Board of Directors
will sponsor this award for three (3) years at the rate of one (1)
$500 scholarship per year. The award is subject to review by TSA and
ITEA at the end of this period. The name of the recipient is announced
at the annual ITEA conference and is presented at the National TSA
conference. The recipient is not required to attend either conference,
nor is it the responsibility of National TSA or ITEA to fund the recipient’s
attendance. Money awarded is sent directly to the recipient’s
college.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Participated in an active TSA chapter for a minimum of two (2) consecutive
years, Served as a TSA officer at the local, state, and/or national
level for a minimum of one (1) academic year, Attended and participated
in at least one (1) TSA conference at the state or national level.
- Christopher Columbus Awards Program
Today's middle school students are the Innovation Generation -- everyday kids with untapped potential who are creative problem-solvers. Unlocking that potential is the mission of the Christopher Columbus Awards program, a cutting-edge national competition that combines science and technology with community problem-solving in a real-world setting.
With the help of an adult coach, students work in teams to identify an issue they care about and use science and technology to develop an innovative solution. They work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test, just like adult scientists. This is science and community involvement at its best, with real rewards.
Participating in the Christopher Columbus Awards program is a cross-curricular activity that meets science education standards. And best of all, it's FREE and can be used in any setting -- public or private schools, home schools and youth organizations
- Women Tech Best Practices CD
Would you like to have women in your classes but you find that they just don't sign up? Did you once have a female student but she dropped out after the first class? Do you have a few female students but you want more? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, the Women Tech Best Practices CD is for you.
- IEEE Teacher In-Service Program
The IEEE and its local Sections have a commitment to the enhancement of the level of technological literacy, science and mathematics among pre-college educators and ultimately their students. The Teacher In-Service Program features IEEE Section engineers developing and presenting technologically oriented subject matter to local pre-college educators in an in-service or professional development setting. The focus on local school districts is a key feature to this program as local engineers and educators can develop long lasting collaborations. The Florida West Coast Section of the IEEE piloted this program with its first in-service presentation during Engineers Week. The Program has grown to include many Sections -- and now includes lesson plans for teachers based on the activities developed through in-service program presentations. To date, 23 presentations have been made by IEEE volunteers. 419 pre-college educators have participated in these presentations, representing over 44,000 students.
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