Archived messages may be found http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/curriculum/lmcindex.htm

Total 12 items

1. Nancy Pearl, a national figure after the release of her best-selling “Book Lust” in 2003 and the Librarian Action Figure modeled in her likeness, will be in Springfield in October 2007 for the Missouri Library Association conference. Circulation Department Manager Melissa Davis is coordinating the conference locally. Contact Jeanne C. Duffey, community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library District, at jeanned@mail.sgcl.org

2. Librarians can certify patrons for Wolfner Library services Wolfner Library is Missouri’s public library for Missourians who cannot read standard print materials because of blindness, visual impairment or physical limitations. Many patrons are certified as eligible for Wolfner’s programs by doctors, nurses or social workers. In the absence of these individuals, librarians are considered “Certifying Authorities” and can assist patrons with the application for Wolfner Library services. The application can be found http://www.sos.mo.gov/wolfner/. At Wolfner Library, books and magazines are available in braille or on audiocassette. A telephone newspaper service and descriptive video service are also available, and all services are provided at no cost to qualified individuals. If you would like to request information, brochures or applications, or would like a staff member to give a presentation to library staff, please call Wolfner Library at 800-392-2614.

3. The American Indian Library Association has announced the recipients of its American Indian Youth Literature Award, a new literary award created to identify and honor the best writing and illustrations by and about American Indians. http://www.ala.org/ala/pressreleases2006/september2006/ailaaward.htm
 

Picture Book: "Beaver Steals Fire: A Salish Coyote Story," by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, illustrated by Sam Sandoval, and published by the University of Nebraska Press is the winner for the picture book category. Accompanied by rich watercolor illustrations, the text relates a culturally vital tale from the Salish people of Montana about the significance of the gift of fire and how it should be respected.
 

Middle School: Louise Erdrich is the winner of the middle-school award for "The Birchbark House," published by Hyperion Books for Children. Setting her book in the middle 19th century, Erdrich paints a detailed portrait of Ojibwa life through the experiences of 7-year-old Omakayas who lives on the Island of the Golden Breasted Woodpecker on Lake Superior. "The Birchbark House" was Erdrich’s first novel for young readers, and the first book she has illustrated. She is a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwa and lives with her two daughters in Minnesota.
 

Young Adult: The young adult award is "Hidden Roots," written by Joseph Bruchac and published by Scholastic Press. The book is set within the historical framework of the Vermont Eugencis Program, a Native American sterilization program in the 1930s, and tells the story of the haunting effects of this shameful and tragic deed on one of the Abenaki families victimized by it. Author of more than 70 books for adults and children, Bruchac is of Abenaki ancestry and is a nationally recognized professional storyteller living in Greenfield Center, New York.
 

4. Each year from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of the more than 41.3 million Latinos residing in the U.S. The dates were selected to include the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, and to incorporate October 12 (Día de la Raza), a holiday celebrated in Mexico to observe the colonization, exploration, and multicultural heritage of the Americas. Free resources from Gale http://www.gale.com/free_resources/chh/ 
 

5. New Federal 8th-Grade Technology Literacy Reporting Requirement The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently posted suggested requirements for upcoming data collection under the Education Data Exchange Network (EDEN). This includes a new requirement for reporting on 8th-grade technology literacy. Upon completion of the 2006-07 school year, states must report on the number of 8th-grade students considered proficient in technology literacy.
Note that the Missouri Census of Technology, Screen 30, began collecting this information several years ago. Included in the Core Data Manual instructions on how to respond to District COT items is the state’s definition for technology literacy, which is based on the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S). Because Missouri has no set mandate, districts have flexibility in how they make their tech literacy determinations. Common procedures include curriculum-based activities, performance-based tasks (such as those implemented in the eMINTS instructional model), technology education courses (such as an exploratory technology course), teacher observation using skill checklists, and student self-assessments.
Visit http://edicsweb.ed.gov/browse/downldatt.cfm?pkg_serial_num=3017 to review the EDEN data elements. Visit: http://www.dese.mo.gov/divimprove/instrtech/statefunded/census/index.htm for more information about the Missouri Census of Technology.
 

6. Changes for 4th Cycle of Missouri School Improvement Program Department School Improvement and Accreditation staff hosted workshops across the state this summer to discuss changes in the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) that will be implemented beginning this school year. Changes include more descriptive annual performance reports (APR), examination of MAP performance scores at each grade versus grade spans, and customized reviews to focus on quality and implementation issues. Customized reviews target areas identified as “in need of improvement” based on performance data. The report written after a targeted review will provide more diagnostic information that can be used to identify appropriate intervention programs and services, professional development, and such.
Most targeted reviews will focus extensively on curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development – and additional areas as indicated. Prior to the visit, experts will examine written curriculum, samples of assessments, and other relevant documents and data. Onsite, team members will spend more time in classrooms and talking with teachers and students (rather than reviewing documentation that was common practice in previous MSIP cycles). Team members will be trained in conducting classroom observations and will use a standard form to make note of instructional delivery methods, instructional strategies, depth of knowledge, teacher and student engagement, and technology use.
 

To access presentation slides, draft of the observation form and supporting information (e.g., definitions and/or examples of instructional strategies, depth of knowledge and technology use areas) see MSIP – Fourth Cycle Information at: http://dese.mo.gov/divimprove/sia/msip/4th%20Cycle%20Information.html
 

Two presentations about 4th Cycle MSIP and LMCs will be made during the MASL Fall Seminar http://www.maslonline.org/calendar/fall/itinerary.php.
 

7. e-Learning For Educators: Missouri Fall Registrations and Scholarships are now Available e-Learning for Educators: Missouri is a DESE-approved program provides high-quality online professional development to increase teacher knowledge and skills that improve student performance. Fall 2006 courses focus on mathematics, language arts, science and differentiated learning at all grade levels. Register online through September 20. Find complete course catalog and register at http://www.elearningmo.org/ .
Fall courses run Oct. 3 - Nov. 21, 2006 Scholarship Applications are available at http://www.elearningmo.org/  Experienced Missouri educators lead each 7-week course. Participants join an online learning community and schedule assignments around their own busy schedules. Learn at home with no need to travel or purchase and install special software. Classes cost $125/course. Completed coursework can be applied toward professional development requirements for continuing certification. Graduate credit is available (for an additional fee of $100 dollars/credit hour) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of Missouri-St. Louis or Missouri State University.
 

Discounted course fees are available for groups of three or more teachers in a building who form a professional learning community around a course. Districts can schedule a course for up to 25 of their own teachers for only $1,700.
 

e-Learning for Educators is funded by a U.S. Department of Education Ready to Teach http://www.ed.gov/programs/readyteach/  grant focused on high quality teaching and professional development. The program involves public television stations and state departments of education in nine states creating and delivering Internet-based professional development courses for K-12 educators. Collaborators leading the effort in Missouri include KETC/Channel 9 (PBS in St. Louis), Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Missouri State University and the University of Missouri (eMINTS National Center). For more information contact Christine Terry, Program Coordinator, e-Learning for Educators: Missouri terryce@emints.org  (573) 884-4233.
 

8. Online Registration is Open for the MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference October 22-24, 2006 at Tar-Tar-A in Osage Beach, MO
The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) will host the 2006 annual MOREnet Instructional Technology Conference (MITC) to bring together educators interested in maximizing the opportunities for technology in Missouri schools. This year’s conference offers high-quality professional development sessions including hands-on seminars, workshops and roundtable discussions, plus an exhibit hall full of the latest technology tools and expertise.
 

Registration fees include:
Meals, admission to breakout sessions and the exhibitor fair.
Conference Registration: MOREnet members, $290 / nonmembers, $390
Online Early Bird (Aug. 28-Oct. 13): members, $265 / nonmembers, $365
Pre-Conference Half Day / Full Day: $85 / $170
 

This year’s conference includes numerous hands-on sessions on a variety of technologies that include: SMARTBoards, Promethean Boards, handhelds, and computer labs that will have the newest educational software and resources. Don’t miss these sessions and the opportunity to experience these technologies first hand! Visit: http://www.more.net/conferences/fall2006/  to register.
 

9. Show Me TechKnowledge Day Scheduled for January 30, 2007 Are your students more involved and developing higher level thinking skills because of a class or individual project using technology? Do you have a high-quality technology project planned for this school year? Do you want to give your students the opportunity to present their work to an audience of decision makers? If so, consider participating in the upcoming 6th Annual Show Me TechKnowledge Exhibit Day, January 30, 2007 at the Missouri State Capitol.

Your students can interact with state Senators and Representatives as they display their technology projects in the third floor of the Capitol Rotunda. Students from all over the state, and from every grade level, are invited to participate. Information about the event is available at http://successlink.org/ . Applications will be accepted between September 7 and November 18 and districts will be notified of selection on December 4.

If you would like to be involved with the Show Me TechKnowledge planning committee, we would like to talk to you! Awaiting you are a variety of opportunities (some you can do from your home)! Please contact Claranne Vogel at 573/751-8449 or via email claranne.vogel@dese.mo.gov  for more information.
 

10. Professional Development Opportunity for PBS Series KETC/Channel 9 and the Washington University Libraries invite area educators to a special professional development workshop on the groundbreaking public television series, Eyes on the Prize - America's Civil Rights Years 1954 - 1965. This opportunity is free and open to educators working with middle and high school students. The workshop includes continental breakfast, resources materials and a certificate of completion documenting 3.5 hours of professional development. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information go to: http://www.ketc.org/teach/eyesontheprize.asp
 

11. Guess the Fake Photos Can an elephant use a giant yo-yo? Part of media literacy is understanding that not even photographs always tell the truth. Help kids learn a media literacy lesson with these wacky photos in National Geographic's Fake Photo Quiz. Students look at a series of impossible-looking photos and guess if they're real or fake. A pop-up window explains how the fakes were created or where the real ones were taken. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ngkids/0104/foolery/
 

12. Literature: Irony What is irony? Students can learn about the different types of irony using these web sites. Teachers can explore lesson plans on irony. Included are eThemes on literature themes and reading in the content area. http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001864.shtml