SDE: Newsletter for Oklahoma Educators

OK State Dept of Ed sent this bulletin at 10/15/2012 11:46 AM CDT

Social Studied Implementation Guide Posted

The new Implementation Guide for the Oklahoma C3 Standards for the Social Studies has been posted on the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Website on the Social Studies page. The Implementation Guide can be accessed directly here.

The Implementation Guide provides information on the following topics.

The role of the Social Studies in developing citizen ready graduates.
An overview of the four core areas of social studies education.
An explanation of the design principle and philosophy for the standards, the Coherency Storyline.
The use of the Common Core State Standards Literacy for History/Social Studies as the new social studies process skills.
A summary of the significant differences between the new social studies standards and the old social studies Priority Academic Student Skills.
A summary of the impact of the new standards on the four state-mandated social studies assessments.
The use of Basic Academic Vocabulary in social studies instruction including new word lists for all grades and courses.
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section that covers the standards/curriculum framework, student assessment, and resources.
A system of notating the new standards in lesson plans, curriculum maps, etc.

For further information regarding the new standards and implementation, contact Mr. Kelly Curtright, Director for Social Studies Education at (405) 522-3523 or Kelly.Curtright@sde.ok.gov.

Native American Language Certification Committee Members Sought

The Oklahoma State Department of Education is in the process of developing certification for instructors of Native American Languages in Oklahoma public schools. A committee will be formed to review past certification in our state, investigate similar certification in other states, and work to develop the new certification standards in collaboration with Oklahoma’s Tribes. All interested parties wishing to be part of the committee may complete an application by October 17, 2012, to apply. Download an application form here.

For more information, contact:

Desa Dawson, Director World Languages, 405.521.3035, Desa.Dawson@sde.ok.gov

Dwight M. Pickering, Director American Indian Education, 405.522.1591 Dwight.Pickering@sde.ok.gov

Free Math for Schools

Thanks to a partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Think Through Math is now available to all school districts in Oklahoma AT NO COST. Everything, from student licenses, to implementation training and ongoing support, to participation in our national and Oklahoma-specific motivation program is included in this program provided by the SDE.

Think Through Math is an award-winning, adaptive, math intervention for grades 4–8, including Algebra Readiness and Algebra I. The program provides unprecedented differentiation that prepares students for the more rigorous Common Core State Standards. Think Through Math deepens understanding of critical mathematical concepts, improves higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, and transforms the way students feel about math – and themselves.

Register now for a 30-minute webinar to find out more about this state-funded program for Oklahoma schools or view a full list of sessions and links to register for the webinars.

TEACHERS: $$ For Engineering Students, Mentors

Do you have a student looking for college scholarships? Or a student interested in an engineering career?

Check out the Oklahoma Engineering Foundation (OEF). Sponsor of the Engineering Fair, MATHCOUNTS, Engineer-for-a-Day, and other programs, OEF has awarded over $309,000 in scholarships to Oklahoma students pursuing a degree in engineering. With only 28 applicants last year, this is EASY PICKINGS for the qualified student…proving just how valuable your work teaching math and science has been!

OEF also offers mentorship opportunities for your students through their Engineer-for-a-Day and Engineering Week programs. This is a great way to engage your pre-engineering students and connect them with mentors in the industry.

Pre-applications are currently being accepted. All applications must be received by February 10. Please click HERE to get more information to give your students. Email Amanda for more details or for handouts to distribute to your students!

Follow OEF on Twitter, Like OEF on Facebook, and check out STEM findings on Pinterest!

Newspapers in Education: Free Resource for Classrooms

Newspapers in Education at The Oklahoman partners with individuals and businesses to make available the digital newspaper and sponsored print curriculum as a FREE educational resource to teachers in the classroom. Over 17,000 student viewing licenses have been granted to teachers who integrate these newspaper resources into their annual teaching plans.

Because the newspaper is a living textbook, using it helps students draw connections between what they learn and how that knowledge applies in the real world. Use it in a regular classroom or computer lab, through a SMART Board or other projector, at a computer or pair of computers as a “station” through which students rotate, or by printing content for student distribution.

REAC3H Coaches Undergo Training Before Heading for Classrooms

REAC3H Coaches will be in training at the State Department of Education from Oct. 15-18 learning LETRS Modules 3,4,7. The coaches then will be taking this literacy training into classrooms throughout the state. We've gotten lots of positive feedback on the coaches, including a nice note from Brenda Quinn, Elementary Principal at Sweetwater School, that called the coaches' service "amazing" and one of the best things the SDE has ever offered. REAC3H Coaches offer job-embedded professional development around literacy proficiency for students from prekindergarten through third grade. For more information about the coaches or to schedule training for your school, contact Assistant State Superintendent of Instruction Marsha Thompson at 405.521-3361 or marsha.thompson@sde.ok.gov.

Mock Election Gives Students Opportunity to Vote

The My Voice™ National Student Mock Election gives students across the country the opportunity to cast their votes for candidates in both the federal and state elections, and to talk about the issues they care about this fall and beyond.

This program, a digital initiative of the Pearson Foundation, builds on the 30-year history of the National Student/Parent Mock Election and My Voice. More than 50 million young voters have participated while learning about the importance of using their own voice to share their perspectives on important issues. National student voting begins on October 25, 2012, and culminates on the National Mock Election day, November 1, in advance of the nation’s election.

For the first time this year, the National Student Mock Election will take place entirely online, as will student polling on national topics, social issues, education, and local communities. Students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to register their schools to take part at nationalmockelection.org.