ASCD SmartBrief

Reading this on a mobile device? Try our optimized mobile version here: http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/rTeghMrCDldRBlYfcQ

September 16, 2009

Forward

Archive

Advertise

News for the Education Profession

Eye on Curriculum

Report: Reading and writing skills must be a priority
The findings of a five-year study of U.S. student literacy in fourth through 12th grades has education leaders calling for an overhaul of reading and writing instruction. Among the recommendations in the report, from the Carnegie Corp. of New York's Council on Advancing Adolescent Literacy, is teaching literacy across all subject areas, using data to inform teachers' professional development on literacy and reorganizing schools, if necessary, to focus on literacy. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (9/15)

About 50% of California students are meeting state, federal goals
Although a number of California schools are continuing a trend for improvement, fewer than 50% of the state's schools meet state goals, according to reports released Tuesday. Meeting federal adequate yearly progress standards proved nearly as difficult, with 51% of schools hitting that mark. But some school officials said the AYP results are positive because the standards rose this year. Contra Costa Times (Walnut Creek, Calif.) (9/15)

Game-based math instruction showing achievement results: A computer program geared toward English-language learners that teaches basic math concepts through game play may have improved student test results at some California schools, according to results released Tuesday. Math achievement was up significantly for students at one Orange County elementary school, a change that Principal Edna Velado attributed to students' use of the program, developed by the MIND Research Institute at the University of California, Irvine. "Kids here have never been more excited to learn about math," she said. The Orange County Register (Santa Ana, Calif.) (9/15)

Developing Balanced Assessment Systems: Seven Essential Actions for Schools and Districts, ETS Assessment Training Institute's new DVD features Rick Stiggins and comes packaged with Rick's white paper, Assessment Manifesto: A Call for the Development of Balanced Assessment Systems. Request your complimentary DVD package here!

Professional Leadership

Some New Jersey teacher contracts are hung up on benefits
New Jersey teachers may see an average raise of 4% this year, but battles over benefits are causing ongoing contract negotiations in some school districts. About 25% of the state's school districts are still negotiating contracts. "Nobody is going to win 100% on this," said one board of education president who is also a retired teacher. "The majority of the public wants the money saved -- they are really feeling the pinch. [However,] every parent in town wants their children's teachers to be happy." The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) (9/15)

Google Apps makes "All of the Above" an easy answer
Build your 21st Century classroom with free, easy, secure Google Apps – communication and collaboration tools for teachers, schools, and students. Now includes free Google Message Security.

Technology Solutions

Advancements, lower costs to bring 3-D technology to the classroom
Colorado's Boulder Valley school district is planning to use 3-D technology in the classroom, and other districts could soon follow as projectors and other equipment with 3-D capability become more affordable. As more schools adopt 3-D-ready technology, the content will follow, officials said. "Once the pilot programs get running, we'll start to get data about how kids remember ... and understand content better when they see information in 3-D," said Dave Duncan, worldwide education business development manager for Texas Instruments. eSchool News (free registration) (9/15)

Boost your struggling readers' silent reading fluency by building comprehension, rate, and test-taking confidence. Reading Plus® provides cost-effective, sustained silent reading practice with data-driven progress monitoring that adjusts to individual needs and ensures accountability. Learn more.

SmartBlogs

Finding answers to the big questions about class size
This blog post asks readers what the optimal class size is for student learning. If smaller classes truly benefit children, then how should cash-strapped districts find a way to make smaller classes a reality? Lynne Varner, an editorial writer and former education reporter, offers links to research and varied opinions about what the magic number is when it comes to class size. The Seattle Times/Ed Cetera blog (9/15)

Policy Watch

Florida revamps high-school assessment system
A new system for evaluating the performance of high schools has been approved by Florida's Board of Education. It will still assign letter grades, but only half of the grade will rely on the results of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. The other 50% will be based on school performance measures that include graduation rates and student participation in advanced classes. "The FCAT, by itself, was an incomplete picture of achievement in high schools," said a state senator. The Tampa Tribune (Fla.)/The Associated Press (9/15)

Group looks at states given flexibility on NCLB
A report looks at a pilot program allowing select states flexibility in their approach to improve schools performing poorly under No Child Left Behind standards. The Center on Education Policy looked at Georgia, Maryland, New York and Ohio and found the states were using data to determine what type of instruction to provide and that they adjusted adequate yearly progress assessments to reflect school conditions. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (9/16)

Other News

Study: Fewer than 50% of Boston students stick with charters through graduation
The Boston Globe (free registration) (9/16)

The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)

Don't waste valuable instructional time on inefficient test preparation. Get answers to your burning questions from a veteran state test writer in What Every Elementary Teacher Needs to Know About Reading Tests. Includes 31 strategy briefs and skill-building activities for the most commonly assessed standards. Click here for details!

When your textbook isn't enough...choose AIMS hands-on math and science activities to increase student understanding AND retention. Most of the materials you'll need are already in your classroom! For complete details, contact AIMS Education Foundation today.

Need your master's degree for professional certification? Consider the Excelsior College Liberal Studies Advantage. Our master's in liberal studies may be your best choice for professional certification. Choose from several track options such as Educational Leadership or Community Building and Conflict Resolution. Visit malt4.excelsior.edu for more information.

4 Strategies for Technology-Driven Student Achievement
Pull up a virtual chair and listen in as 4 state and district education leaders discuss how they've employed classroom technology to help their students (and teachers) reach new levels of achievement.
Free On-Demand Webinar – View Now.

Interested in learning more about advertising in ASCD SmartBrief? Contact Joe Riddle at (202) 407-7857 or jriddle@smartbrief.com.

In the Field

Up for debate: Research shows the value of argumentation skills
Logical argument is a skill that can be taught, and studies suggest that students could use a refresher in the ability to have reasoned exchanges of ideas. Instruction in philosophy and debate are suggested strategies to improve students' arguing abilities. "The good news is that a little bit of instruction seems to help," said M. Anne Britt, an associate professor of psychology at Northern Illinois University. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (9/16)

Technology may be a distraction for young people
The results of a study by British researchers suggests that the excessive use of technology is disrupting students' learning. The study looked at the habits of 267 pupils ages 11 to 18. Of the respondents, 39% felt that texting had damaged their writing and spelling skills; 84% said that they had copied content from the Internet to complete schoolwork. BBC (9/15)

Other News

Forum in North Carolina focuses on challenges faced by black male students
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) (9/15)

Association News

Common Core Standards Update
At ASCD's LEAP Legislative Institute, Gene Wilhoit, executive director of CCSSO and leader of the Common Core Standards Initiative, spoke with ASCD members about the initiative's work to develop K-12 reading and math standards. An ASCD blog post highlights his key points, including his emphasis that the standards will be internationally benchmarked and backed by evidence that shows student mastery of them leads to preparedness for higher education and the workforce.
- Read the blog post.

Believing In and Motivating Every Student
ASCD Express is looking for 600- to 1,000-word essays on the theme "Believing In and Motivating Every Student." This issue will share strategies, innovative efforts and sound advice for reaching students at the academic and personal levels to help teachers and administrators better engage and encourage students to fulfill their potential to excel. Topics will include best practices for diverse classrooms and special populations. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 2.
- Learn more about writing for ASCD Express.

Learn more about ASCD ->



Head of Upper School	Collegiate School	Richmond, VA
Director of Grade-Level Reading	Foundations, Inc.	Moorestown, NJ
Mondo Publishing Project Manager/Professional Development	Mondo Publishing	NYC w/travel throughout US
K - 12 Teachers and Administrators	International Schools Services	Worldwide
Literacy Education, Assistant Professor, Tenure-Track	Teachers College, Columbia University	New York, New York
Head of School	American Education Group	Western & Southwestern U.S.
Sales Manager Educational Curriculum	IRIS Media, Inc.	Eugene, OR
Director/CEO	Dual Immersion Academy	Salt Lake City
Director, Healthy School Communities	ASCD	Alexandria, VA
Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education	Moravian College	Bethlehem, PA
Supervisory Deputy Curriculum Administrator	Department of Defense Education Activity	Arlington, Virginia
Executive Director	New England League of Middle Schools	Topsfield, MA
Principal	Pacific Collegiate School	255 Swift St, Santa Cruz, CA
Coaching and Learning Program Director, Achievement Program	National Heritage Academies	Grand Rapids, Michigan
Executive Director	San Francisco School Alliance	San Francisco, CA
Dean / Assistant Principal	National Heritage Academies	Dayton, Ohio
Assistant Principal - Buffalo United Charter School	National Heritage Academies	Buffalo, NY
Director of Career Technical Education Partnership	Raritan Valley Community College	North Branch, NJ