Should teachers tailor instruction based on students' ethnicity?

Kindergarten students at School 61 sing about class rules. / Alan Petersime / Star 2011 file photo

Some schools in Indiana are providing "cultural competency" training for teachers, intended to promote understanding among students and teachers and capitalize on diversity in the classroom. Some are critical of the concept that students from different backgrounds require different styles of instruction. Others say this strategy is effective because many teachers in urban schools are from different racial and socio-economic backgrounds than their students. The Indianapolis Star

More @NBPTS Accomplished Teachers utilize Twitter

An increasing number of board-certified #teachers are sharing their expertise about accomplished teaching through Twitter. Teachers can direct-message @NBPTS to be added to the official NBPTS NBCT Twitter list.

Partnership provides college experience for students with disabilities

Walsh University and North Canton City Schools in Ohio have teamed on a program to help students with disabilities attain social and life skills. The students with disabilities, who are ages 18to 22 and have completed social graduation in the district, are paired with college students. They then attend activities and events on the university campus as part of the Transition U program. The Repository (Canton, Ohio)

Violinist with disabilities debuts Virtual Music Instrument

A new Virtual Music Instrument was set to debut in Montreal recently as violinist Eric Wan, who is paralyzed from the neck down, was to play on stage with the Montreal Chamber Orchestra. The high-tech VMI is an advanced software program Wan developed as a graduate student in engineering. It translates physical movement into sound through a webcam with head movements triggering pre-recorded sounds and notes. Canada.com

Project seeks thanks for teachers on Friday

I thank my teacher Ms. Marion Escueta for telling me to aim high and hit the mark - that if I keep my eyes on my goal, I can make it happen no matter what... -Maria-




David Isay, founder of the public-radio project StoryCorps, wants people to set aside a second day of thanks on the day after Thanksgiving and interview a former teacher who was important to them. Recorded interviews are being archived at the Library of Congress as part of a yearlong National Teachers Initiative. Other ways to participate include posting a memory of a former teacher on Facebook, tagged @StoryCorps, or on Twitter with the tag, #thankateacher. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/WNYC

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all our teachers, you've been handpicked by the universe to carry out the most sacred trust on earth - preparing the next generation to take its rightful place in the world and giving them the skills that they need to run it successfully. Your inspiration transcends time, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!

The #NBPTS DREAM Team

Let's begin with a reality - each day young lives populate our schools. They may achieve or struggle in the classrooms. They may speak English or a foreign language. They may represent the majority of the population or may be from the minority cultures. They may come from high income families or they may be poor. They may be enthusiastic to learn or may be having difficulty for many reasons.

Currently, there is a huge disparity on a number of educational measures between the performance of groups of students, especially groups defined by gender, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. For nearly a half century a major focus of education reform in the United States, has been on trying to close the achievement gap between black and white students and, more recently, Latino students as well. We have diverse students in our classrooms with varying learning needs. We need to be thinking about “policies that reduce inequality, policies that can pull the kids at the bottom of the income distribution up.”

As part of an effort to close the achievement gap in high-need schools throughout the country, the NBPTS Direct Recruiting Efforts to Attract Minorities (DREAM) Team was created as a targeted recruitment project designed to heighten awareness of what National Board Certification means for teachers and students of color.

The NBPTS Office of Strategic Partnerships works extensively with a broad range of organizations such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) and several Asian-American organizations to engage and expand minority participation.

I am widely reaching out to our colleagues in the minority group to help with the Direct Recruitment Efforts to Attract Minorities (DREAM) Team Initiative. This is a promising program funded by the Hewlett-Packard Foundation that encourages national board certified teachers to help mentor other minority teachers who have not yet completed the certification process.

In my 8 years in teaching, I learned that education is a serious work that require every heart and soul from individuals who want to invest in making a difference for students. It demands a serious commitment from our educators who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I am continually impressed with our outstanding teachers. Accomplished teachers are the champions and the reason successful schools form the foundation of our society!

NBPTS made it a key priority to ensure broad minority representation in all of its leadership committees. High minority representation was critical to the success of all the standards committees. Join us in our quest for Excellence and Diversity in Teaching!
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The scores were just released this morning for 2011 National Board Certified Teachers. Congratulations to our new NBCTs! Will you join us? Be a friend: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Excellence-and-Diversity-in-Teaching-NBPTS/164222210318626

Survey: 34% of teachers are Facebook friends with students

About 34% of teachers around the world say they are friends with students on Facebook, according to a new survey from Norton by Symantec. The percentage was much lower in Canada, where just 6% of teachers say they are friends with students, which could be attributed to teachers union policies on the practice, researchers said. Toronto Sun/QMI Agency

Special-education rulings call for improvements in D.C. schools

A federal judge on Wednesday ruled that Washington, D.C., schools must make improvements to the way they identify, assess and educate preschool students with special needs. The ruling came after another judge Nov. 14 ruled that the district's special-education transportation system must remain under a transition period out of court supervision until Oct. 31, 2012. Both judges acknowledged some progress on the issues, but explained that more work is needed. The Washington Post/D.C. Schools Insider blog

Educator creates positive environment for students

Educator Denise Morelli was first motivated to pursue a career helping children in special education as a student struggling with a reading disability. During her tenure as a reading specialist, she used a Dr. Seuss theme to create a positive environment for her students in remedial classes and rewarded students with "badges" for completing reading assignments. "These are the kids who never get noticed for anything," she said. "It changed the whole aspect of students coming to my classroom." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

By the way, our school had our fall festival during the first week of November and we had a chance to wear costume of our favorite book character when we were kids. Here's the photo in my classroom, my kids had a blast reading Dr. Seuss books!



Why Facebook in Education

I created this FB page yesterday, I will utilize my Facebook Professional Page for enhancing communication with my colleagues and students, and for engaging and collaborating with them in a manner that might not be entirely possible in traditional education settings. Hope you'll LIKE it!

Teacher Sol's FB Page

 Facebook benefit your class? Here are 50 ways.

1.Facebook is fun: Almost every student is familiar with Facebook, and most are excited to be able to use the site for collaborative learning.

2.It’s free: Schools pay thousands of dollars for collaboration, digital storage, and communication systems, but Facebook does all of these things — for free.

3.Students are simply more connected: Many teachers are familiar with Blackboard and other classroom community systems, but students typically only check in when necessary, while students are often checking Facebook multiple times per day.

4.Calendars and events are easy to share: Remind students of important dates and events right where they hang out — on Facebook.

5.Students will learn 21st century skills: A study from the University of Minnesota discovered that social networking sites like Facebook help students practice the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.

6.Students want to share beyond the classroom: Facebook and other social media tools open up the possibility for students to share what they’ve learned not just with their fellow students, but with the world.

7.Online resources are even more convenient: Posting links on your classroom wall makes it easy for students to read them, and share interesting finds as well.8.Students can use Facebook productively: Most students use Facebook to procrastinate or catch up with friends, but using it in the classroom will help them see the tool in a different light.

9.Absent students stay in the loop: Students who can’t make it to class can stay updated using the classroom Facebook group.

10.School clubs have a simple forum: Students in extracurricular activities can use Facebook to stay in touch and keep everyone updated.

11.You can schedule daily learning activities: Sign up your classroom Facebook group for a word of the day, or history lesson of the day to utilize a learning point that can be enjoyed together and referenced later.

12.Facebook encourages collaboration rather than cliques: Everyone can speak up and work together on Facebook, where students may be held back socially in the classroom.

13.There’s an opportunity to discuss appropriate use: Set students up for success in social media by discussing appropriate ways to use it.

14.Facebook creates a social bond: Teachers and students can benefit from the social bond created by interaction on Facebook.

15.Students can get access to extra assignments: Instructors can post extra credit assignments-or just fun activities students can pick up.

16.Review material is easily organized: By tagging important items, you can easily collect links, photos, notes, and other resources that are essential for pre-exam review, which is useful for instructors as well as students.

17.It’s great for professional development: Students aren’t the only ones who can benefit from using Facebook. Teachers can use it for professional development, too.

18.Students can listen more actively: Students may passively listen to lectures, but interactively using Facebook will result in active learning.

19.Parents can be more involved: Share lunch menus, important reminders, activities, events, closings, and special notes via a Facebook Page for your classroom.

20.Class resources are available anywhere: Students can read notes and assignments anywhere they can find the Internet when they’re posted on Facebook.

21.You can reach students on to go: Want to remind your chronically late students to get to class on time today? Students can receive Facebook updates by text, allowing you to get in contact before they’re late for your lecture.

22.Students can learn about social media in a safe environment: By using Facebook in the classroom, you can teach students about the safe use of social media.

23.You’ll save paper: Permission slips and flyers that used to be sent home on paper and eaten by the dog can bow be uploaded in Facebook groups for parents to use instead.

24.Students can conduct research: Whether it’s for asking a far-flung family member about genealogy or taking an informal poll, students can use their Facebook friends to gather information.

25.Facebook is great for reminders: Even if you’re mentioning important dates and assignments elsewhere, students can be helped with reminders that pop up right in their Facebook feed.

26.Students can share at-home progress: Want to know how student science projects are coming along? Ask for photos of their works in progress, posted on your classroom Facebook wall.

27.Social media becomes less of a distraction: Some teachers have found that using Facebook and other social media sites for education means that students are less tempted to use them inappropriately during class time.

28.Shy students can shine: Students who might otherwise not speak up can contribute on Facebook where they may be more comfortable.

29.You can share resources with colleagues: Your school teaching group or a collection of 4th grade teachers in your district can get together can share resources for teaching, saving time and enriching the classroom experience for students.

30.Kids and parents can talk about activities: When parents are following along with class postings, they’ll never have to wonder what happened at school-and they can build upon what was discussed.

31.Media can be disseminated with ease: Teachers, students, and parents can post pictures, video, and questions, sharing a dialog and resources on Facebook.

32.Group projects can be executed on Facebook: Students can form groups for class projects, sharing assignments, information, and bringing it all together with trackable involvement.

33.Show and tell: Students may not be able to bring their zoo-worthy python into the classroom, but photos and videos can be shared on Facebook.

34.Debates can be taken online: Extend classroom discussions onto Facebook, where students can spend more time in active learning and debate.

35.Students are more likely to interact with faculty: available to students-and making it easier to talk to them.

36.Outsiders can offer their input: Teachers can easily ask experts to chime in on Facebook pages, sparking a new level of discussion and involvement.

37.Students can learn the importance of creating content: Instead of simply consuming content, students can create, posting discussions, resources, and more.

38.Faculty can learn names and faces: With constant updates and interaction, faculty can use Facebook to better associate names and faces in the classroom.

39.Students can interact with others around the world: Many classrooms use Facebook for foreign language learning, partnering up with students who speak different languages.

40.Facebook can help new students settle in: Whether it’s grade school or college, Facebook is a great tool for helping students get integrated into the social and academic life of a new school.

41.You can poll students on Facebook: Ask questions of your class on Facebook and get easy answers using polling tools on the site.

42.You can get instant feedback: Find out quickly and easily what students think of an assignment or activity idea.

43.Students can stay connected anywhere: Even if they can’t make it to class or check Facebook on their home computer, students can use Facebook on their mobile devices to stay updated at all times.

44.Instructors can better understand the interests of students: When students make their profile details available, instructors can learn more about a student’s major, interests, and background, allowing them to suggest information and topics they’d be interested in.

45.Facebook is full of learning apps: You can find tons of apps for classroom learning, including mathematical formulas, slideshow applications, class notes, and more.

46.Relationships can continue after the school year: Students can ask for recommendation letters, advice for other classes, and more because of Facebook’s informal communication.

47.Students can become established on Facebook: Using Facebook in the classroom will allow students to start seeing it as a professional tool, and allow them to build a presence on the site.

48.Facebook provides an opportunity for collaborative learning: Bringing the social element of Facebook into collaborative learning helps to encourage the practice and improve student engagement.

49.Students can learn about academic and professional networking opportunities: By using Facebook, students will be able to discover the opportunities for career focused networking that are available.

50.Faster feedback: Facebook allows instructors to host extended virtual office hours, with postings and responses available around the clock

Source: Online College

Student who cannot hear excels on Texas high-school football field

Texas high-school junior Demontrai Lewis is a defensive end for his school's varsity football team. Lewis says he relies on vibrations to trigger his instincts to take action on the defensive line. He hopes to continue playing the sport in college, and his dedication helps inspire his teammates. "I see him, his struggles and what he has to do to be a good football player, and I use it as motivation to be even better," senior Tomme Mark said. Houston Chronicle

NBCT: How to define good teaching

In a recent interview, Bill Gates said good teaching includes "something about engaging the student." National Board Certified Teacher Patrick Ledesma offers more specifics and points out that good teaching has been defined since 1989 in the Five Core Propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Ledesma predicts the results of Gates' research into effective teaching will resemble those core propositions. Education Week Teacher/Leading from the Classroom blog

Happy Veteran's Day (11.11.11)

We shouldn't take for granted the people who most deserve our gratitude. Today (11.11.11) we thank and honor our country's brave veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime and peacetime...

All DC Educators: Funding Available for #NBPTS National Board Certification

Announcement Summary: OSSE is pleased to announce that funding is available to assist DC applicants pursue National Board Certification (NBC). This funding is made possible though a Federal Subsidy grant from the United States Department of Education.


Applicable Educators: All Educators
Deadline: November 30, 2011
Contact: Erika Lomax, erika.lomax@dc.gov, 202.741.0257
Supporting Website: National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Additional Information

OSSE is pleased to announce that funding is available to assist DC applicants pursue National Board Certification (NBC). This funding is made possible though a Federal Subsidy grant from the United States Department of Education, and is for:

- First-time candidates who may be subsidized for up to one-half of the application fee ($1250 per candidate). Subsidy funds cannot be allocated until there is at least $565.00 on a candidate’s account.

- Retake candidates who have not previously received subsidy funds may receive funds of up to $350 per exercise for up to two retake exercises.

- Teachers are also eligible to receive six recertification credits (equivalent to six semester hours/90 clock hours) toward the renewal of their DC license upon completion of the National Board Certification process regardless of the outcome .
 
If you are interested in pursuing NBC, please contact Erika Lomax, OSSE Director of Educator Licensure and Accreditation, by emailing erika.lomax@dc.gov no later than November 30, 2011. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis for eligible applicants. For more information, please visit the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website or contact Ms. Lomax.

Why are effective teachers still losing jobs in D.C. schools?

(Bill O'Leary/WASHINGTON POST) - Former school counselor Jacqueline Sutton is among more than 140 educators who’ve lost their jobs in the D.C. school system despite being deemed effective or even highly effective at their jobs.

Some educators earning "effective" or "highly effective" ratings under the IMPACT evaluation system in Washington, D.C., schools are losing their jobs through the practice of "excessing." The approach is meant to offset budget cuts, rising salaries and enrollment declines, or in cases where there is less demand for specialized positions. "The question is not solely about effectiveness," schools chancellor Kaya Henderson said. "If we don’t have specific programs, even for effective teachers, should we employ people we don't have an express need for?" The Washington Post

Digital pen records notes, audio during class

Some teachers are using the Livescribe smart pen, which allows students to record classroom lectures while they take notes. After class, students then can touch the pen to paper specifically designed for the pen and listen to the audio that went along with that portion of the lesson. Janice Crowley, a science teacher, said she used the pen to help a student review coursework on the weekends, when he might have forgotten the original lecture. The technology also allows teachers to monitor whether students access the recorded information. T.H.E. Journal

How can we keep teachers from burning out?

Burnout among teachers has become more serious amid increasing workloads and other job stresses, says former teacher Cheryl Scott Williams, executive director of the Learning First Alliance. Educators need additional on-the-job support, respect and quality workplaces that provide technology and the necessary support for teachers to use it, she argues. T.H.E. Journal