September First Tuesday Science Update

North Carolina Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/07/2021 08:07 AM EDT

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Tuesday, September 7, 2021

K-12 Science

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Division Announcements

In an effort to align the support our team provides and the strategic plans of agency leadership, the K-12 Standards, Curriculum, and Instruction division is now known as the Division of Academic Standards. Our work and the support we provide has not changed. We remain committed to supporting NC educators with resources and professional development that assist with standards-aligned instruction, along with assistance for legislative and grant-related programs.

Congratulations on Mrs. Beverly Vance and her Retirement!

Always a consummate professional, Beverly has impacted math and science education across our state, excelling in her multiple roles over the past 28 years. As an outstanding leader, she has guided much work in our state, driven to ensure that EVERY North Carolina student is empowered to accept academic challenges, prepared to pursue their chosen path after graduating high school, and encouraged to become lifelong learners with the capacity to engage in a globally-collaborative society.

As a Section Chief, Beverly positively impacted the professional learning of teachers across North Carolina, cultivating opportunities that supported the implementation of North Carolina’s educational standards. She enthusiastically collaborated with others, working elbow-to-elbow, to create and conduct a bevy of learning experiences designed to address the specific needs of teachers and students. Nearly every public and private organization that advocates for the students of our state has benefited directly or indirectly from the efforts of Beverly Vance.

Moving forward, we are excited for Beverly to be able to enjoy more time with her grandchildren- Kaleb and Krissy, husband Elmo, and church community. Beverly will most definitely spoil herself with good books, Marvel movies, Carolina Cupcakes and, there are rumors of new Jimmy Choo shoes possibly in her future. There is no doubt that Beverly has been a true one-of-a-kind in her field. Beverly's expertise, professionalism, enthusiasm, warmth, and nurturing leadership will be missed tremendously. North Carolina has been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from the services of Mrs. Beverly Vance. Thank you for celebrating Bev’s achievements with us as we all wish her well in her retirement!

We are excited to announce Dr. Mary Hemphill-Joseph as the new Director of Academic Standards!

Dr. Hemphill-Joseph comes to the division with a wealth of experience, from teacher to principal and most recently, the Director of K-12 Computer Science and Technology Education at DPI.

K-12 Science Office Hours

The K-12 Science Section is pleased to offer upcoming office hours from 3:30-4:30 PM. Each session will focus on a particular topic and target a specific audience.

Join us on September 15, 2021 from 3:30 to 4:30 as we share current updates within the K-12 Science Section. The audience is intended for district leaders and classroom teachers.

You can register at our Science Google Site's Professional Development page. You can also register here.

Comment Period Open for the National Assessment for Educational Progress

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is soliciting public comment on the existing National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) Science Assessment Framework, marking the beginning of a comprehensive multi-year process to determine if the science framework needs to be revised and, if so, to what extent.

For more information on providing public comment, visit the NAGB website.

Comments will be accepted until September 30, 2021.

You Deserve to be the Next NC STEM School of Distinction!

Many schools across our state facilitate quality STEM instruction that maximizes community partnerships, develops the skills necessary for future success, and drives opportunities for students.

NC DPI and the NC State Board of Education want to recognize each and every school that exemplifies the qualities associated with STEM success.

The STEM School Progress Rubric serves as an incredible tool for self-assessment and school improvement and is the key to achievement for STEM schools in North Carolina.

Schools who self-assess at the Prepared or Model level of achievement, based on the Rubric, are encouraged to complete an Intent to Apply with NC DPI. This intent does not obligate the school, but instead, allows the opportunity for receiving additional information and resources toward becoming recognized as one of North Carolina's finest in STEM education.

Interested schools should complete their Intent no later than October 8, 2021. Please contact Howard Ginsburg at howard.ginsburg@dpi.nc.gov should you have further questions.

NCCAT Free Professional Development Programs

The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (www.nccat.org) (NCCAT) provides free professional development to NC educators in residential, online, virtual, school, and regional settings.

October 4- 7 Using the Outside as Your Main STEM Tool - Cullowhee

Take the indoor classroom outside and bring STEM to life. Discover how to integrate STEM into social studies, ELA, and science curriculum. Design lessons using STEM tools and curriculum that fits your grade level and content area.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

October 11-14 Create Your Own NCVR Adventure - Cullowhee

Join us to collect digital artifacts of the beautiful places in our state and learn how to create virtual reality projects that foster engagement, critical thinking and creativity, and engender something unique to virtual reality; empathy and a connection to the beauty and history of our state.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

October 18-21 Light Your Future: Differentiated Instruction in a Digital Environment - Cullowhee

In this session, we will discover ways to differentiate in a digital environment. Strategies, scenarios, tips, tricks, and practices will be shared to increase student engagement.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

October 18-20 NC STEM Schools of Distinction Rubric: Tool for School Improvement - Cullowhee

Is your school interested in using the NC STEM Schools of Distinction Rubric for school improvement or to receive the STEM School of Distinction designation? During this two-day planning institute schools will review the overarching principles of the Rubric, consider what each principle means in the context of their individual school, assess the school’s readiness, draft a strategic plan and develop next steps for school improvement or to apply for the NC STEM Schools of Distinction.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

The K-6 Cycle for the Presidential Awards is now open!

Nominations and applications are now open for the 2021-22 cycle of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) for K-6 teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

The entire application cycle has been moved forward a few months, with nominations closing on Friday, January 7 and applications due to be completed by Sunday, February 6. Visit www.paemst.org to nominate a great K-6 teacher!

Did you know that a person does not have to be nominated to complete a Presidential Award application? Each year, several our state’s finalists, and eventual awardees, began their application without a nomination. Any eligible K-6 teacher of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science can complete an application. To start an application, visit https://www.paemst.org/.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the North Carolina Presidential Awards Program, please contact the State Coordinator for PAESMT, Joseph Reaper, at joseph.reaper@dpi.nc.gov.