Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/26/13, 11:05 AM Eighth graders as jurors - Peer court provides positive outlet to resolve school conflicts ow.ly/kseIF #midleved #edchat

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Fwd: Summer Institute and Scholar Leader Dinner Info

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 25, 2013, 9:34:07 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Summer Institute and Scholar Leader Dinner Info
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

NELMS Summer Institute

June 24, 25 & 26, 2013
Sheraton Harborside, Portsmouth, NH

Meeting the Needs of Middle Level Learners in a 21st Century Common Core Learning Environment

Response to Intervention (RtI) (Customized Models)

• Beyond identification
• Interventions during the school day-without fear of stigma
• Intervention strategies
• Scheduling
• Using data for monitoring and designing on-going instruction

Integrating Depth of Knowledge Skills into the Classroom

• Examples- what do 2s, 3s and 4s look like?
• Problem solving
• What is it?
• What does it look like?
• How do I do it?

Using Technology for Collaboration

• Web 2.0 tools
• How to manage the classroom (norms)
• Collaborations: student to student, student to teacher, teacher to teacher, etc.
• Communication
• Instruction

Project Based Learning Using Common Core State Standards

• Student voice
• Standards based
• Global awareness
• Integrating standards from all content areas
• Successful "doable" models

For more information and/or to register click here.

Scholar Leader Deadlines Loom!

What is a Scholar Leader and why should you care?

This program is intended to give public recognition to two students from each middle level school in your state who have distinguished themselves in terms of outstanding scholarship and leadership. The selection of these two students, who are being recognized as representatives of all young adolescents who might qualify, will be the responsibility of each school, in accordance with the Selection Criteria accompanying this announcement. The students selected, along with their guests, will be invited to attend the statewide Awards Banquet. The Governor, the Commissioner of Education, and other dignitaries will be invited. Each student will receive a plaque with his or her name on it signifying the honor. A photograph of the Scholar Leader receiving the award will also be given to each of the students. Plan now so that your students can participate in this wonderful event!

Click here for more information and/or to register.

 

Employment Opportunities

Upper Elementary/Middle School Literacy University Trainer position:
Cambridge, MA

The Center for Reading Recovery and Literacy Collaborative (CRR) at Lesley University seeks a dynamic educator to join its team of university trainers who design and deliver innovative professional development in literacy and teacher best practice for in-service elementary and middle school teachers, specialists and administrators.

The Upper Elementary (Intermediate)/Middle School Literacy Trainer works with grades 3 - 8 teachers, literacy coaches and school and district leaders in the region and around the country. The Center seeks candidates who have held roles such as school reading/literacy coach, instructional coach, district reading specialist, or staff developer at the elementary and/or middle school levels. For more information and to apply:

Intermediate/Middle Literacy Trainer position

NELMS Summer Institute
Meeting the Needs of Middle Level Learners in a 21st Century Common Core Learning Environment
June 24, 25 & 26, 2013

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

©2012 New England League of Middle Schools.. All Rights Reserved

 

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Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/24/13, 9:26 AM From the new Middle Level iNSIDER: Keep students engaged, give them chances to move. Here's how ow.ly/knjnb #midleved

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

US teens doing better than public realizes: survey

US teens doing better than public realizes: survey
AP SCIENCE | APRIL 22, 2013
http://pulse.me/s/kUmM0
WASHINGTON (AP) — American teenagers aren't doing as poorly on international science tests as adults think. Despite the misconception, people don't th... Read more

--
Sent via Pulse

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Innovation

I am starting a MOOC on creativity and innovation from Stanford today. The very first activity was to watch a TED Talk about innovation. Certainly it is worth the 20 minutes needed to watch, and if you are lucky enough to watch it with a group, you can expect to take some minuted more to reflect and think and talk. As I encounter ideas such as this, I am struck by the misguided directions I see our curriculum taking.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/22/13, 12:42 PM Financial Literacy Standards Rolled Out for K-12 ow.ly/kiSI0 via @educationweek

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/19/13, 9:23 AM Review the archive of lively content from last night's #mschat on CCSS ow.ly/kdU1a @blocht574

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/18/13, 2:56 PM Make Every Student Known ow.ly/kcq7r via @LearningFirst See Project Unify in action at AMLE2013 ow.ly/kcqpW

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Fwd: Summer Institute Fast Approaching!

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 18, 2013, 7:41:26 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Summer Institute Fast Approaching!
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

Thank you to all who attended and supported the
32nd Annual Conference
Hope to see you next year!

NELMS Summer Institute

June 24, 25 & 26, 2013
Sheraton Harborside, Portsmouth, NH

Meeting the Needs of Middle Level Learners in a 21st Century Common Core Learning Environment

Response to Intervention (RtI) (Customized Models)

• Beyond identification
• Interventions during the school day-without fear of stigma
• Intervention strategies
• Scheduling
• Using data for monitoring and designing on-going instruction

Integrating Depth of Knowledge Skills into the Classroom

• Examples- what do 2s, 3s and 4s look like?
• Problem solving
• What is it?
• What does it look like?
• How do I do it?

Using Technology for Collaboration

• Web 2.0 tools
• How to manage the classroom (norms)
• Collaborations: student to student, student to teacher, teacher to teacher, etc.
• Communication
• Instruction

Project Based Learning Using Common Core State Standards

• Student voice
• Standards based
• Global awareness
• Integrating standards from all content areas
• Successful "doable" models

For more information and/or to register click here.

NELMS Summer Institute
Meeting the Needs of Middle Level Learners in a 21st Century Common Core Learning Environment
June 24, 25 & 26, 2013

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

©2012 New England League of Middle Schools.. All Rights Reserved

 

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Fwd: In This Issue: Spring has sprung and the students are restless

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: AMLE Middle Level iNSIDER <amle@amle.org>
Date: April 17, 2013, 3:48:39 PM EDT
To: gary@hackscience.net
Subject: In This Issue: Spring has sprung and the students are restless

	View: Mobile l Web Join/Renew AMLE l Visit AMLE.org l AMLE Store News & Headlines l Events l Resources l Media April 2013 Spring: Time to Get Moving Spring has sprung and the students are restless. They talk a little bit more. They fidget. They gaze out the window, dreaming of summer vacation. But learning must not take a back seat to the lure of the great outdoors. Teachers can keep students engaged by letting them move around while they are learning. Here are some suggestions: Read more... Featured Advertiser Summer Express for Grades 5 thru 8 Summer Express includes fun-filled activity pages that reinforce skills and prepare kids for the school year ahead. Featured Publication Item #1408 Ten Differentiation Strategies for Building Common Core Literacy by Jill Spencer In Ten Differentiation Strategies for Building Common Core Literacy, Jill Spencer shares effective, proven strategies to engage students in reading and writing across the curriculum. With Common Core State Standards in mind, you will discover: What you need to know about Common Core literacy standards How to instruct students even if you are not a reading or writing teacher What to do if students don't like or understand the textbook How to support the creative endeavors of students Order today to improve instruction and increase student engagement with easy-to-use strategies! Media of the Month Brad Meltzer's keynote preview for the 40th Annual Conference for Middle Level Education Heroes don't always wear capes or leap tall buildings in a single bound. However, heroes do work with with middle grades students, teaching them and making them soar every day. Brad Meltzer will deliver an inspiring keynote address at AMLE2013 that celebrates middle grades educators and the heroic work they do every day. 40th Annual Conference for Middle Level Education November 7-9, 2013 * Minneapolis, MN www.amle.org/annual Join/Renew AMLE Stay Connected   Subscribe   E-mail Us   Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   The Marketplace   Job Connection Sponsored by Teacher Express News and Headlines >Choose from two great leadership institutes scheduled this summer: Hilton Head, SC, and Las Vegas, NV. Space is very limited, so register today! >The latest Research in Middle Level Education Online article: The Role of Sociability Self-Concept in the Relationship between Exposure to and Concern about Aggression in Middle School >The Collected Writings (so far) of Rick Wormeli is now available! >Ensure your entire staff has an understanding of the middle school concept. Download the free This We Believe study guide and hold a book study with your faculty. >New AMLE teacher preparation standards approved by NCATE. >Take part in the second annual national Million T-Shirt March Against Bullying – May 2, 2013 www.milliontshirtmarch.org Events 2013 Institute for Middle Level Leadership Hilton Head, SC June 23-26, 2013 Las Vegas, NV July 14-17, 2013 AMLE2013 Minneapolis, MN November 7–9,2013 Back to Top ^ Summer Express Association for Middle Level Education 4151 Executive Parkway, Suite 300 Westerville, OH 43081 www.amle.org l 614-895-4730 l 800-528-6672 l (fax) 614-895-4750
	© Copyright 2013 Association for Middle Level Education. All Rights Reserved. This message was sent by the Association for Middle Level Education. Privacy Policy. If you would like to unsubscribe, go here to Manage Subscriptions.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/17/13, 8:10 AM 9 Illuminating Lessons on Creativity ow.ly/k7V5X via World of Psychology #midleved #edchat #mschat

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/17/13, 8:45 AM Your Lesson's First Five Minutes: Make Them Grand ow.ly/k7WaH via @edutopia #midleved

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

More great advice from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/16/13, 1:22 PM Don't plan for technology; plan for learning ow.ly/k7wAC via @eschoolnews #edchat #education #edtech

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Jobs! Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/16/13, 9:06 AM Seeking or posting a job in middle level education? Check out AMLE's Job Connection ow.ly/k4Xsf

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Educational Technology and Mobile Learning: The 18 Characteristics of Great Principals

A very insightful look at educational leadership. The critical observer of 21st century education will ask how these are manifest in all educational leaders.

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/04/the-18-characteristics-of-great.html?m=1


-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from Sir Ken Robinson (@SirKenRobinson)

	Sir Ken Robinson (@SirKenRobinson)
4/11/13, 12:00 AM "What Americans Keep Ignoring About Finland's Schools Success." It's about cooperation not competition. tinyurl.com/dyec99u

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/12/13, 9:10 AM Bring the careers to the students - Reid Middle School students get primer on potential careers ow.ly/k014r via @BerkshireEagle

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/12/13, 8:13 AM Project 10% brings UC Merced students to middle schools to discuss importance of high sch graduation ow.ly/k00eI via @sacbee_news

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from Chris Sousa (@csousanh)

	Chris Sousa (@csousanh)
4/12/13, 7:34 AM Video excerpt from FETC'13 keynote, Google's Jaime Casap extols the virtues of collaborative tech. online.qmags.com/TJL0413/defaul… #edchat #edtech

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from Larry Ferlazzo (@Larryferlazzo)

	Larry Ferlazzo (@Larryferlazzo)
4/10/13, 7:57 AM Ethical & Effective Ways to Prepare Students for Testing | MiddleWeb middleweb.com/6406/ethical-e…

I have been developing the idea of healthy testing... This post beat me to it! 

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from HuffPostEducation (@HuffPostEdu)

	HuffPostEducation (@HuffPostEdu)
4/10/13, 12:19 AM What parents learn when they stop yelling at their kids huff.to/15T8wku

This is worth reading, sharing on school web sites, and reflecting on how this translates into educators' work with and interaction with students. To me the important items here are "remember kids are people too," and "it isn't always the kids' fault." 

As a "computer guy," I frequent classrooms as a "fly on the wall," and I have seen many (too many) "Orange Rhinos."

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from HuffPostEducation (@HuffPostEdu)

	HuffPostEducation (@HuffPostEdu)
4/9/13, 12:43 PM Student to face trial for Instagram posts huff.to/16K1ZsJ

This is a story with many and important implications of interest to middle school students. I see the freedom issues, the public safety issues, and the "life in the digital world" issues as all points of entry into conversation/ readings/ writing about digital citizenship. 

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

$35 Computer: The Vast Possibilities of Raspberry Pi

At this point in 2013, there can be no excuse for not having many and diverse computers in schools. We can leverage students' handheld devices and we can fill a room full of Pi's for a few thousand dollars so that we can use some technology dollars to provide high-end devices for science, math, and the arts. 

$35 Computer: The Vast Possibilities of Raspberry Pi
BEST OF SCIENCE | APRIL 2, 2013
http://pulse.me/s/k8YsE


The Raspberry Pi is about the most minimalist computer you can buy. Made of little more than a single circuit board, the $35 computer arrives with no ... Read more

--
Sent via Pulse

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from Shary Lyssy Marshall (@slyssymarshall)

	Shary Lyssy Marshall (@slyssymarshall)
4/6/13, 5:28 AM Love this! What's the Difference Between "Doing Projects" and "Project Based Learning"? wp.me/p1RCVK-vW via @wordpressdotcom

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from Phil Simon  (@philsimon)

	Phil Simon  (@philsimon)
4/4/13, 2:31 PM The Half-life of Facts: An Interview with Samuel Arbesman huff.to/14HkAct via @HuffPostBooks @arbesman

This us a book that should be read by all who claim "my students need the facts first."

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Science Projects that Model Science

Science Projects that Model Science

Science teachers are familiar with the script: We have students look through the books (and now web sites) to find a project to complete for the upcoming science fair when parents and community arrive at the school and tour the rooms full with display boards showing questions, hypotheses, data, and conclusions. The rationale is that we are giving students experience with “the scientific method.” Each student's display shows how she or he followed the sterilized version of science presented in the textbook.

Unfortunately, that script causes us (and our students) to avoid one of the most important aspects of science: the work of questioning “How do you know?” As an undergraduate student and then graduate student who undertook many research projects, my greatest understanding of what I was studying came when I was forced to answer that question posed by both my mentors and my peers. I propose a simple change in the script that will open this question and that experience to our students.

Rather than having students each choose their own topic and question, I propose all of the students answer the same question. Further, I propose all students create their own methods and data analysis procedures for finding the answer. Certainly teachers are going to supply all students with the framework of science to help all students with methodology. Ideas such as variables, controls, and treatments will be essential to all students, but how they interpret those and apply them to their own methods will become the real lesson of this type of science project.

My mentors when I was first studying middle school curriculum (back in the late 1980's and early 1990's) were fond of recommending some curriculum be a “mile wide and an inch deep” while other curriculum be “an inch wide and a mile deep.” Following those criteria, science fair projects in which all of the students answer the same question, and come to understand how they answered the question will be curriculum that is narrow and deep.

Tweet from NHAMLE (@nhmidleveled)

	NHAMLE (@nhmidleveled)
4/2/13, 5:23 PM Excited to get down to the NELMS Annual Conference this week. There's still time, check it out at Nelms.org. #midleved

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Tweet from AMLE (@AMLE)

	AMLE (@AMLE)
4/2/13, 2:00 PM Mentoring program connects mid school girls w/ college students, boosts self-esteem and leadership ow.ly/jFUzn via @sltrib

Download the official Twitter app here

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Fwd: Still on the fence about the Annual Conference?

-- Gary Ackerman, Ph.D.

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: April 2, 2013, 8:53:54 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Still on the fence about the Annual Conference?
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

Still sitting on the fence about attending the NELMS Annual Conference?

Don't worry there is

still time!
Register now for the
32nd Annual Conference
April 4 & 5, 2013
RI Convention Center,
Providence, RI

Don't forget you can get Recertification Credits and/or Graduate Credits by attending the conference

Click here for recertification forms

Click here for graduate credit syllabus.

Click here for graduate credit registration.

This year we have FREE Wi-Fi at the RICC!

Annual Conference Program Book is online and we are hoping you will take a look at it.

Click here to download your copy of the AC Program Book.

Keynote speakers
Carol Ann Tomlinson & Tom Burton

Descriptions of Keynote Sessions

Click here to go to the keynote sessions page.

Descriptions of Ticketed Keynote Luncheons

Click here to go to the keynote luncheons page.

Descriptions of Ticketed "Featured Topics" Sessions

You can find the codes for "Featured Topics" here. You will need these codes for completing your registration.
Click here to go to the ticketed sessions page.

Registration Forms

Click here for the registration page.

Prices for the 2013 Annual Conference
Same price as last year!

 

 

NELMS Summer Institute
Meeting the Needs of Middle Level Learners in a 21st Century Common Core Learning Environment
June 24, 25 & 26, 2013

 

Join us on Facebook and Twitter

©2012 New England League of Middle Schools.. All Rights Reserved

 

You are currently subscribed to nelms as: gary@hackscience.net Add nelms@nelms.org to your email address book to ensure delivery Forward to a Friend  |  Manage Subscription  |   Subscribe  |   Unsubscribe