Fwd: September 20, 2012 Weekly Blast From NELMS

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: September 20, 2012 1:59:12 PM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: September 20, 2012 Weekly Blast From NELMS
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

NELMS Bead Fundraiser drawing to a close

For an order form or for more info please click here.

Bead orders need to be mailed by September 24.
Any questions please send them to Karin

 

The always popular Rick Wormeli will be back in 2012!

Common Core Common Sense:  
Mastery, Assessment, Reporting, and Reality

November 13 & 14, 2012

UMass Lowell's Inn & Conference Center
Lowell, MA

Some think if we just had clear, rigorous standards, such as the Common Core, all of our students would improve test scores and go to college. This hasn't happened in states who already have such standards, however, so there must be something more to it. Our professional responses to the Common Core and their assessment are key. Teachers and principals need the skills and insights to break down the Common Core, and any other curriculum that comes their way, and identify evidence they will tolerate as indicators of mastery.  They need practicality on reporting that evidence of mastery as well as how to handle awkward assessment and grading situations that arise in increasingly diverse classrooms that are all  supposed to make the same gains in the course of a single year. 

As differentiation expert, Carol Ann Tomlinson, alludes, standards are the ingredients for dinner laid out on the kitchen counter, but they are NOT the meal itself.  The meal is made by talented teachers knowing the ingredients well and understanding the academic, dietary needs of their students.  These teachers proportion, mix, and cook those ingredients into something meaningful and serve the meal in such a way as students will eat wisely, and maybe, eagerly.

Join us for a provocative two-day seminar that explores these elements of highly effective teaching in the Common Core world.  We'll also examine the roles of formative, summative, and common assessments, as well as how to set up a standards-based gradebook and many, "What do teachers do if…?" scenarios that arise when implementing any curriculum with standards-based grading, such as whether or not we can scaffold student learning when using the Common Core, what to do if students achieve the standards earlier than classmates, and what to do if students can express satisfactory evidence of standard but only through alternative assessment.  Bring your questions and your wisdom to share – It's going to be a productive two days! 

For more information and/or to register please click here.

 

Save the date for the NELMS 32nd Annual Conference

April 4 & 5, 2013 • RI Convention Center • Providence, RI

Tom Burton - Keynote - Thursday April 4, 2013

Carol Ann Tomlinson - Keynote - Friday April 5, 2013

From one of our sponsors...

 

 

Use 21st Century instructional technology to give your students a stronger science education. For more information see JogNog's American Science Challenge or contact Kris Carlson, Director of Education Development at 978.202.2232.

Rick Wormeli
Nov. 13 & 14, 2012

Literacy Summit
Day 1 - 11/2/12
Day 2 - 12/7/12

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

Anti-bullying ideas from edutopia (@edutopia)

	edutopia (@edutopia)
9/20/12 11:03 AM New! Using Books for Anti-#Bullying Instruction bit.ly/OIIKHn #edchat #emotionalintelligence

Download the official Twitter app here

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Common Core SS- a rationale view

Please take the few minutes necessary to read this, then make sure parents and others hear the ideas: Will Richardson (@willrich45) 9/19/12 4:35 PM Just Posted: Our Numbers Obsession Will Kill Us bit.ly/UjNPbK #edchat #edreform

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Stuxnet Tricks Copied by Computer Criminals

Looks like schools are going to be dealing with network security long into the future...


I thought you might be interested in the following story on TechnologyReview.com:

"Stuxnet Tricks Copied by Computer Criminals"
Techniques used by government-backed malware are surfacing in the code used by ordinary cyber criminals.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/429173/stuxnet-tricks-copied-by-computer-criminals/

To view this story, click the link above or paste it into your browser.


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Study: America Will Be Overwhelmingly Obese by 2030 | Playbook | Wired.com

Given the known benefits to cognition and learning of fitness to adolescents (and adults), this report which is summarized in Wired should draw the attention of those interested in improving test scores.


http://www.wired.com/playbook/2012/09/f-as-in-fat/


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@NELMS_info, 9/18/12 2:08 PM

NELMS (@NELMS_info) 9/18/12 2:08 PM Don't forget to order your Middle Level Star education bead! For more information and how to order, go to... fb.me/1EFJVDZ7y

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Internet safety

Share this with your students: TechHive (@TechHive) 9/18/12 10:34 AM How much personal info are you sharing with random creeps on the Internet? Read @leahyamshon's cautionary tale: hive.rs/OCqZz5

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Myths about USA education

Rhetoric and reality may differ... Paul Thomas (@plthomasEdD) 9/18/12 6:58 AM Shocking Report Explodes 5 Myths About American Education | Alternet bit.ly/UhTP7q

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Twitter in education

So, I hear teachers ask "Why do I need Twitter anyways?" Then I found this on my Twitter feed which lists 30 hash tags of interest to educators. These will help you find resources and ideas that arrive in your phone or on your computer all day, everyday. 

m.paper.li/danakerlund/1328954711#headlines

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Adolescent brains: @tedtalks, 9/17/12 11:07 AM

TEDTalks Updates (@tedtalks) 9/17/12 11:07 AM Today's #TED: Sarah-Jayne Blakemore on the mysterious workings of the adolescent brain: on.ted.com/Blakemore

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Flipping classrooms...

... is all the rage; here is some sound advice. I especially like the point about teacher evaluation. Could it be that "leaders" are behind on this one? (I used to joke with one of my principals that I would never be a principal, in part because I wanted to be a leader. He has retired, I left for higher education. Sigh...)

I saw this article when reading The Dan Åkerlund Daily on the Paper.li Mobile Edition and thought you might be interested:

Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts When Flipping Your Classroom #edchat « syded

This post is in response to the success we have had with workflow and assessment for learning this academic year. For example, recently, students were given a specfic time to ‘hand-in’ their assign...


Read the full article on syded.wordpress.com

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@shannonwa, 9/16/12 4:00 PM

This comes from a Vermont educator: Shannon Walters (@shannonwa) 9/16/12 4:00 PM Learning Games Network releases free Game Design Tool Kit with prof dev: learninggamesnetwork.org/projects/gdtk/ #vsla

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

FaceBook photo

A teacher friend posted this on her FB page... regardless of your political sensibilities, it has to make you smile.

Smile and cringe at the same time

Fwd: NEERO Call for Proposals

A great opportunity for educators in graduate programs to share their work or get guidance on culminating projects is offered by NEERO. 

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Begin forwarded message:

From: NEERO Conference <neero.conference@gmail.com>
Date: September 14, 2012 9:36:14 AM EDT
To: NEERO Conference <neero.conference@gmail.com>
Subject: NEERO Call for Proposals

Dear friends of NEERO,

 

I am writing to encourage you and/or your students to submit a proposal for the 2013 conference of the New England Educational Research Organization (NEERO). NEERO is a regional conference attended by researchers at all stages in their career, but is a particularly good venue for emerging researchers to present their work in a very supportive and thoughtful environment. Attendees include college faculty and students, K-12 teachers, principals and superintendents, and representatives from national testing and research organizations.  The conference provides great opportunities to discuss the presentations in paper, symposium, or round table formats.  NEERO is also an opportune time to informally build your professional networks. 

 

This year, we will be holding the conference at the Sheraton in Portsmouth, NH on Wednesday, April 15 through Friday, April 17, 2013.  The Call for Proposals is attached to this email and the link to submit proposals for the NEERO 2013 conference is available at http://neero.org/call-for-proposals/. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 31, 2012. 

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at neero.conference@gmail.com

 

All the best,

 

Mary Grassetti

Membership Director

 

Mary T. Grassetti, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

Framingham State University

100 State Street

Framingham, MA 01701

mgrassetti@framingham.edu

@alfiekohn, 9/14/12 7:03 AM

Here is a great thought to start your Friday: Alfie Kohn (@alfiekohn) 9/14/12 7:03 AM The more we play games by prevailing rules, the less able we will be to develop new games that are more civilized -T Szasz (1920-2012)

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@cmtoy, 9/13/12 10:07 PM

NELMS friend Chris Toy invites participation; Chris Toy (@cmtoy) 9/13/12 10:07 PM Inquiring Minds Want to Know...Have you Read These Three Key Documents? wp.me/pVzFP-Pc

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@JillSpencer, 9/13/12 1:16 PM

A great idea from a NELMS friend: JillSpencer (@JillSpencer) 9/13/12 1:16 PM Teacher-Student Relationships--How's the Team Doing? wp.me/p1fb54-iO

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Fwd: Litercay Summit coming in November

More great PD for middle school Eduvatirs from NELMS:

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: September 13, 2012 1:56:26 PM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Litercay Summit coming in November
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

NELMS 2012 Literacy Summit
Common Core Strategies For All
Middle School Teachers

Literacy Summit Day 1-November 2, 2012

Wyndham Andover Boston
123 Old River Rd., Andover, MA 01810

Literacy Summit Day 2-December 7, 2012

Location same as Day 1

How to Implement the Common Core in Your
Middle School Classroom

With the common core, literacy instruction is the responsibility of all content teachers - it is no longer an option, it is a necessity. At the summit you will learn practical comprehension, vocabulary and writing strategies that all teachers can implement immediately to meet the Common Core standards. In addition, you can learn a practical and effective framework to develop a district or school wide literacy plan that will help guide Common Core instructional implementation.

NELMS is partnering with Keys to Literacy to bring you the Literacy Summit. We selected Keys to Literacy because their programs are an effective way to implement the Common Core in the classroom. We have organized the Literacy Summit around these programs to provide participants a practical, easy to implement and effective way to meet the Common Core objectives.

Summit Topics and Agenda

November 2, 2012 (Select One Track for the Day)

Track A, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Comprehension Routine

The Key Comprehension Routine is a comprehension program that used existing content materials and can be used in any content area. Session topics include:

• A review of the factors that affect comprehension and how the routine aligns with the Common Core Standards
• Main idea skills, text complexity and text structure
• Top down topic webs and two column notes
• Summarizing
• Question generation at all levels of Blooms Taxonomy

These skills are incorporated with activities used before, during and after reading. .

Track B - 8:30 -3:30 - Literacy Planning

A well-prepared literacy plan can dramatically enhance Common Core implementation and success. Participants in this session will learn a systematic process to create a detailed action plan across eight critical areas:

• Assessment
• Instruction
• Intervention for Struggling Readers
• Content Literacy
• Flexible Grouping/Scheduling
• Leadership Structures
• Professional Development
• Family/Community

You will leave this session with the knowledge, tools and templates required to develop a comprehensive plan.

December 7, 2012 (Select One Track for the Day)

Track C, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Writing Routine

The Key Writing Routine can be used for learning content in all subjects. The Common Core standards call for evidence based writing, argument, information/explanatory and narrative types of writing. Participants in this session will learn how the routine aligns to the Common Core and specific strategies for:

• Evidence based "Inquiry Writing"
• Enhancing comprehension and learning - summarizing, note taking and answering questions
• Argument writing
• Information/explanatory writing

Track D, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Vocabulary Routine

The Key Vocabulary Routine emphasizes the growth of vocabulary through wide reading, multiple exposure to words and linking new words to background knowledge. Session topics include:

• A review of the factors that affect vocabulary development and how the routine aligns with the common core standards
• How to preview words before reading
• Select the most appropriate words from content material and how to teach them in depth
• Teach words through categorizing, semantic feature analysis, scaling and semantic mapping
• Teach word analysis skills, including common roots, suffixes and prefixes
• Teach word meaning using context
• Promote word consciousness in the classroom

Summit Presenters

Elissa Arndt, Ph.D.

Elissa is a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist with experience providing instruction and intervention in language and literacy to students Prek-8th. She received her bachelor's degree from Gordon College, her master's degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions and her doctorate degree in Reading and Language Arts from Florida State University. Prior to working at Keys to Literacy, Elissa was a curriculum and intervention specialist at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) at Florida State University. She serves as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate education department at Gordon College teaching graduate classes on reading foundations, adolescent literacy, instruction, assessment, and intervention.

Lisa Klein, M.Ed

During Lisa's 15-year career as an educator, she has been a classroom teacher in private and public schools, a literacy trainer, and a Reading Specialist. She has held several positions in both urban and suburban schools in the Palm Beach County, Florida school system. Lisa is a literacy consultant providing guidance on both Reading and Writing curriculum. In addition, she also worked for a publishing company presenting teacher training for district-wide adoptions across the state of Florida. Lisa graduated from Rivier College with a M.Ed. in Reading and B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education.

For more information and to register please click here.

Save the date for the NELMS 32nd Annual Conference

April 4 & 5, 2013 • RI Convention Center • Providence, RI

Tom Burton - Keynote - Thursday April 4, 2013

Carol Ann Tomlinson - Keynote - Friday April 5, 2013

From one of our sponsors...

Middle School STEM Teachers

Struggling to cover cover all state standards with limited class time? You're not alone. Many teachers are using instructional technology to help solve this problem.

The American Science Challenge uses the JogNog educational video game for formative and summative assessment, saving your precious time while improving STEM learning.  Students are self-motivated and enjoy the program.

Join other STEM educational leaders in using instructional technology to raise MCAS scores and improve STEM knowledge.

It's simple to sign up and try out JogNog. Go to www.jognog.com

For more information about the American Science Challenge check out www.jognog.com/ASC and 130 new science study games directly mapped to standards:

 

Rick Wormeli
Nov. 13 & 14, 2012

Literacy Summit
Day 1 - 11/2/12
Day 2 - 12/7/12

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

@eliza_peterson, 9/12/12 6:12 AM

Interesting advice: Elizabeth Peterson (@eliza_peterson) 9/12/12 6:12 AM What Tech Should I Buy my Child? goo.gl/nd9WB via @LearningsLiving

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@bdyck -- Great teachers

An interesting graphic available at this link, but I am concerned about the "people who inspired great teachers," I think that list was compiled by surveying business leaders, not teachers! Brenda Dyck (@bdyck) 9/11/12 5:23 PM Memorable Infographic @Edudemic "The Anatomy of a Great Teacher " #edelss #edes366 Do you see yourself here? bit.ly/OdE7ET

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@drgaryackerman, 9/11/12 2:51 PM

Dr. Gary Ackerman (@drgaryackerman) 9/11/12 2:51 PM OK, I'm getting nervous now... Tracking Student Attendance With RFID educationalit.com/author.asp?doc… via @Educational_IT

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Should the Government Support Applied Research?

Looking for some real research topics for this year-- check out this article?

I thought you might be interested in the following story on TechnologyReview.com:

"Should the Government Support Applied Research? "
The ARPA-E research agency funds R&D that is too early for the private sector to take on. Now its focus on alternative energy puts it in the political crosshairs.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/428985/should-the-government-support-applied-research/

To view this story, click the link above or paste it into your browser.


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@willrich45, 9/10/12 12:04 PM

This is a response to the advocates for rigorous standards-based education also: Will Richardson (@willrich45) 9/10/12 12:04 PM "Schools expose students to what was intellectually fashionable in 1892." bit.ly/QD6f52 #edchat #edreform

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@edutopia, 9/7/12 11:43 AM

edutopia (@edutopia) 9/7/12 11:43 AM Interesting. RT @betamiller: Infographic: Growing Up With Technology bit.ly/NYd6Fm #edtech #digcit

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Fwd: Submit Your Proposals for the Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference!

An opportunity to share your work:

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Classroom 2.0" <mail@classroom20.com>
Date: September 7, 2012 10:51:10 AM EDT
To: "gary@hackscience.net" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Submit Your Proposals for the Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference!
Reply-To: do-not-reply@classroom20.com

Proposals for the free Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference are due at the end of next week (September 15th), and we really hope you will consider submitting to present if you live in the library world or your work is related! Last year's conference had just under 10,000 attendee log-ins from all over the world! Because the conference dates are earlier this year, we know that the submission process for many of you is smack dab at the start of the school year, and you may be (are likely!) overwhelmed with all that you are doing. But we do want to hear from you, and hope you will find 15 minutes to submit a proposal online at http://www.library20.com/page/proposal-submission-2012. If the deadline of September 15 is absolutely out of the question, don't panic. There is a post-deadline submission process, giving you an additional week to submit your presentation proposal. Post-deadline submissions must be received by September 22, 2012, and will be considered only after the full review of those submitted on time. Acceptances will be contingent on available conference time slots and given in order of submission date. The Library 2.012 Worldwide Virtual Conference presentations will cover six amazing subject strands, which you can view HERE. Proposed presentations can be found HERE, and currently accepted presentations can be found HERE. To sign up for the International Advisory Board and to help promote the conference in your area, please make sure you have joined the Library 2.0 online network, and then join the advisory board group specifically HERE. To be a Volunteer and to help moderate sessions (our heroes!), make sure you have joined the Library 2.0 online network and then join the volunteer group HERE. Non-commercial organizations can also receive recognition as Conference Partners in return for publicizing and promoting conference participation and attendance. To apply to be a conference partner organization, please make sure you have joined the Library 2.0 online network, and then join the partner group specifically  HERE. Commercial Sponsor opportunities can be discussed with me directly at steve@hargadon.com or 916-283-7901. Our continued thanks to Dr. Sandra Hirsh Professor, Co-Chair of the Library 2.012 and Director of the School of Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, the founding conference sponsor! Please do share this announcement with colleagues and friends! See you online! Steve Hargadon Co-Chair, Library 2.012 Visit Classroom 2.0 at: http://www.classroom20.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network   To control which emails you receive on Classroom 2.0, click here

Fwd: Literacy Summit coming in November

NELMS continued to offer outstanding opportunities for educators:

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Begin forwarded message:

From: nelms@nelms.org
Date: September 6, 2012 8:55:03 AM EDT
To: "Dr. Gary L. Ackerman" <gary@hackscience.net>
Subject: Literacy Summit coming in November
Reply-To: NELMS <nelms@nelms.org>

NELMS 2012 Literacy Summit
Common Core Strategies For All
Middle School Teachers

Literacy Summit Day 1-November 2, 2012

Wyndham Andover Boston
123 Old River Rd., Andover, MA 01810

Literacy Summit Day 2-December 7, 2012

Location same as Day 1

How to Implement the Common Core in Your
Middle School Classroom

With the common core, literacy instruction is the responsibility of all content teachers - it is no longer an option, it is a necessity. At the summit you will learn practical comprehension, vocabulary and writing strategies that all teachers can implement immediately to meet the Common Core standards. In addition, you can learn a practical and effective framework to develop a district or school wide literacy plan that will help guide Common Core instructional implementation.

NELMS is partnering with Keys to Literacy to bring you the Literacy Summit. We selected Keys to Literacy because their programs are an effective way to implement the Common Core in the classroom. We have organized the Literacy Summit around these programs to provide participants a practical, easy to implement and effective way to meet the Common Core objectives.

Summit Topics and Agenda

November 2, 2012 (Select One Track for the Day)

Track A, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Comprehension Routine

The Key Comprehension Routine is a comprehension program that used existing content materials and can be used in any content area. Session topics include:

• A review of the factors that affect comprehension and how the routine aligns with the Common Core Standards
• Main idea skills, text complexity and text structure
• Top down topic webs and two column notes
• Summarizing
• Question generation at all levels of Blooms Taxonomy

These skills are incorporated with activities used before, during and after reading. .

Track B - 8:30 -3:30 - Literacy Planning

A well-prepared literacy plan can dramatically enhance Common Core implementation and success. Participants in this session will learn a systematic process to create a detailed action plan across eight critical areas:

• Assessment
• Instruction
• Intervention for Struggling Readers
• Content Literacy
• Flexible Grouping/Scheduling
• Leadership Structures
• Professional Development
• Family/Community

You will leave this session with the knowledge, tools and templates required to develop a comprehensive plan.

December 7, 2012 (Select One Track for the Day)

Track C, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Writing Routine

The Key Writing Routine can be used for learning content in all subjects. The Common Core standards call for evidence based writing, argument, information/explanatory and narrative types of writing. Participants in this session will learn how the routine aligns to the Common Core and specific strategies for:

• Evidence based "Inquiry Writing"
• Enhancing comprehension and learning - summarizing, note taking and answering questions
• Argument writing
• Information/explanatory writing

Track D, 8:30 -3:30 - The Key Vocabulary Routine

The Key Vocabulary Routine emphasizes the growth of vocabulary through wide reading, multiple exposure to words and linking new words to background knowledge. Session topics include:

• A review of the factors that affect vocabulary development and how the routine aligns with the common core standards
• How to preview words before reading
• Select the most appropriate words from content material and how to teach them in depth
• Teach words through categorizing, semantic feature analysis, scaling and semantic mapping
• Teach word analysis skills, including common roots, suffixes and prefixes
• Teach word meaning using context
• Promote word consciousness in the classroom

Summit Presenters

Elissa Arndt, Ph.D.

Elissa is a speech-language pathologist and reading specialist with experience providing instruction and intervention in language and literacy to students Prek-8th. She received her bachelor's degree from Gordon College, her master's degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions and her doctorate degree in Reading and Language Arts from Florida State University. Prior to working at Keys to Literacy, Elissa was a curriculum and intervention specialist at the Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) at Florida State University. She serves as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate education department at Gordon College teaching graduate classes on reading foundations, adolescent literacy, instruction, assessment, and intervention.

Lisa Klein, M.Ed

During Lisa's 15-year career as an educator, she has been a classroom teacher in private and public schools, a literacy trainer, and a Reading Specialist. She has held several positions in both urban and suburban schools in the Palm Beach County, Florida school system. Lisa is a literacy consultant providing guidance on both Reading and Writing curriculum. In addition, she also worked for a publishing company presenting teacher training for district-wide adoptions across the state of Florida. Lisa graduated from Rivier College with a M.Ed. in Reading and B.A. in Elementary Education and Special Education.

For more information and to register please click here.

Save the date for the NELMS 32nd Annual Conference

April 4 & 5, 2013 • RI Convention Center • Providence, RI

Tom Burton - Keynote - Thursday April 4, 2013

Carol Ann Tomlinson - Keynote - Friday April 5, 2013

 

From one of our sponsors...

Middle School STEM Teachers

Struggling to cover cover all state standards with limited class time? You're not alone. Many teachers are using instructional technology to help solve this problem.

The American Science Challenge uses the JogNog educational video game for formative and summative assessment, saving your precious time while improving STEM learning.  Students are self-motivated and enjoy the program.

Join other STEM educational leaders in using instructional technology to raise MCAS scores and improve STEM knowledge.

It's simple to sign up and try out JogNog. Go to www.jognog.com

For more information about the American Science Challenge check out www.jognog.com/ASC and 130 new science study games directly mapped to standards:

 

Rick Wormeli
Nov. 13 & 14, 2012

Literacy Summit
Day 1 - 11/2/12
Day 2 - 12/7/12

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

Just in case you needed....

More evidence that the world, especially the world of education, has changed drastically in recent years, check out the infographic in this article. I am becoming convinced that those teachers who "integrate technology" are behind the times in a serious way. Mobile devices and social networks have changed forever how people interact with others and with information.

http://edudemic.com/2012/09/the-teachers-quick-guide-to-education-technology/?utm_source=dlvr.it


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@jonathanpb, 9/5/12 2:38 PM

I think we can all read this article and substitute "middle school students" or any other student (including teachers in graduate courses) where the author uses "journalists." Jonathan Butler (@jonathanpb) 9/5/12 2:38 PM Want to produce hirable grads, journalism schools? Teach them to code nie.mn/OXv7q7 via @NiemanLab @mirandamulligan

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

@NELMS_info, 9/5/12 8:59 AM

NELMS (@NELMS_info) 9/5/12 8:59 AM Online registration now available for Rick Wormeli and/or the Literacy Summit. nelms.org #ed_NELMS

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Motivation=USK

I heard Michael Miller speak on Tuesday. He speaks and consults on leadership and has worked in student affairs.

He suggested MUSK
Motivation =
Urgency
Support
Knowledge

In summary, if we provide our students with a sense of urgency and we support them as they build knowledge, they will become motivated.

Motivation
Urgency
(silence, time & deadline negotiate but be explicit; finger point; competition-doesn't have to be explicit; allow students to represent themselves)
Support
(structured help, feedback, negotiation of what is needed for students to "get it")
Knowledge
(personal and connected; fairness of expectations; model, practice, reference, active)


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Review: Raspberry Pi

This was the topic of a post last school year on this blog. The Raspberry Pi still seems an option for helping youngsters become competent computer users.

I thought you might be interested in the following story on TechnologyReview.com:

"Review: Raspberry Pi"
Can a $35 computer persuade kids to put down their smartphones and try their hands at programming?

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/429048/review-raspberry-pi/

To view this story, click the link above or paste it into your browser.


- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Stories to Inspire Reflection

Blog post from a NELMS friend:

teamingrocks.wordpress.com/2012/09/03/stories-to-inspire-reflection

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Profit & Education

If you are like me, something has seemed "not right" about the idea if for profit education. The same feeling accompanied the interaction I had with philanthropists who sought to fix education. 

(While I recognize many educators are simply going through the motions and their classrooms leave much tone desired, I could never understand the reasoning of a principal who asked me to adopt whatever a philanthropist was proposing. I have spent a career in the classroom developing the wisdom of graduate study and experience while they made mounds of money in business. But when it came to providing a model for students, I was supposed to defer to business leaders.)

This blog entry on EdWeek's site does an excellent job of consolidating and documenting my concerns:

blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2012/09/the_dialogue_with_the_gates_fo.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-TW

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Interesting education article from VT

www.7dvt.com/2012schools-tomorrow

- Dr. Gary Ackerman

Leadership

It is unfortunate that we rarely observe these in the leaders we find in our schools... words coming from one who was driven from the classroom by a principal who embodied the antithesis of these: 

the21stcenturyprincipal.blogspot.com/2012/09/9-principles-of-courageous-leadership.html?m=1

- Dr. Gary Ackerman