Great connection between STEM and the Arts!

I found this interesting indeed!

Learning and Teaching Sponsored By Schools: The arts can increase student engagement in STEM The focus on science, technology, engineering and math has expanded in some schools to include the arts as well -- an approach that educators say engages students who might otherwise have no interest in STEM. Educators at some schools with STEAM programs, including Alabama and Virginia, say hands-on art and music lessons appear to suit many students who might not otherwise be reached with traditional academic lessons. T.H.E. Journal magazine (exclusive preview for SmartBrief subscribers) (10/2013) Share:      How students can improve their writing with ungraded work Writing in ungraded practice sessions can help students organize and solidify their ideas before working on the assignment that will be assessed, writer and former teacher Lily Jones suggests in this blog post. Jones offers three examples of using this writing-to-learn technique using videos from Educate Texas. "By teaching writing as a way to develop understanding, you can help students learn to see writing as neither product- nor process-driven, but thinking-driven," she writes. Teaching Channel/Tchers' Voice blog(10/16) Share:        Other News §  N.J. students show off their talents on public Halloween art projects Asbury Park Press (Neptune-Asbury Park, N.J.) (10/16) Share:      A Cure for the Common Core. Unlike most other programs, Imagine Learning version 12 has 500+ new activities built specifically for the Common Core. Our language and literacy software solution is empowering kids everywhere to read at grade level, succeed on high-stakes tests, and prepare for a successful life outside of the classroom. Watch video preview.

School Leadership Sponsored By Teachers learn reading instruction in Conn. co-teaching program The Hartford School District in Connecticut turned one of its elementary schools into a model campus where recent college graduates spend at least a year learning literacy instruction through co-teaching with master educators, observing model lessons and receiving coaching advice. The program, which cost $400,000 and utilizes video cameras to watch instruction, is intended to increase the expertise of reading teachers across the district. PBS(10/15) Share:      The premier PLC event of the year Register now to learn with experts like Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Rebecca DuFour—the architects of PLC at Work™. Whether you're just beginning to build a PLC or need to regroup for your next steps, the 2014 PLC at Work™ Summit provides practical knowledge delivered by the experts who know the process best. Learn more!

Technology in the Classroom Sponsored By What will happen when MOOCs enter K-12 schools? Massive open online courses are slowly making their way into K-12 classrooms, with Michigan Virtual University and Kent State University announcing the launch of a MOOC for high-school students. "Some people say MOOCs are the future of education, others say they will ruin it," said Jamey Fitzpatrick, president and CEO of Michigan Virtual University. "We've got to dip our toe in the water. If this is a complete crash and burn, we will still benefit because we'll be able to learn from this experience." Education Week/Digital Education blog (10/16) Share:      Other News §  N.J. teachers report success of flipped instructional method WNBC-TV (New York) (10/15) Share:      Earn an Online MS in Instructional Technology With classes in multimedia production, instructional design, emerging technologies and more, this program arms you with the theory and experience to bring technology into the classroom. The Instructional Technology Specialist Certification will prepare you to take on an important and growing role in the K-12 environment.

The Whole Child Sponsored By Social-emotional learning becomes the norm in NYC school Students at Public School 24 in Brooklyn, N.Y., are building self-awareness and emotional vocabulary as part of the school's social-emotional curriculum. Educators hope the 4Rs program -- reading, writing, respect and resolution -- will help students feel safe and secure during the school day and give them tools to resolve some conflicts on their own. Education Week Teacher (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org) (10/14) Share:      Fla. district makes push for student wellness A Florida school district is doing more to bolster student wellness. One school has brought in new staff members to increase the school's focus on nutrition and wellness at school and home. Another school has introduced a wellness program that includes cooking and fitness. Tallahassee Democrat (Fla.) (tiered subscription model)(10/16) Share:      Understand the Critical Role of Oral Language in Reading for your Title I and ELL Students Oral language is a predictor of future academic success. Learn how researchers suggest approaching oral language instruction, particularly in ELL and Title I populations where socioeconomic status and home experiences result in a growing academic gap. Read more.

Policy Watch Sponsored By NCLB's deadline for 100% proficiency approaches for 8 states Forty-two states, the District of Columbia and some districts in California have been granted waivers from No Child Left Behind, but for eight states, this is the school year when they are required to meet the federal education law's requirement of 100% proficiency. California, Illinois, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Vermont and Wyoming previously have missed the benchmark, which has been looming for 12 years, by between 17% and 74%.Politico (Washington, D.C.) (10/15) Share:      Are you a young volunteer? Do you know a young volunteer who's making a difference in his or her community? We want to hear their story. Apply for The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards by November 5th. And help celebrate the spirit of young volunteers.

ED Pulse Sponsored By How important is it to receive CEUs (continuing education units) or college credit for the education professional development in which you participate? Very important  59.73% Somewhat important  19.91% Not very important  7.47% Neutral  6.56% Not at all important  6.33% What is your preferred frequency for receiving promotional or informational e-mails from one company or organization?  Several e-mails a day Daily 2 to 6 e-mails a week Weekly 2 to 3 e-mails a month Monthly or less frequently Do not want any e-mails Get 23 practical strategies for teaching informational writing.Nonfiction Notebooks will help your students leverage mentor texts, try out different ideas and angles, write better first drafts, confidently explore topics across many genres, and become more independent writers.Preview the entire book!

Faculty Lounge Pa. teachers motivate students to succeed using "Blurred Lines" parody Three high-school math teachers in a Pennsylvania district developed a parody set to singer Robin Thicke's hit song "Blurred Lines" that encourages students to get good grades. Teachers said the idea for the parody came from a parody of Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" called "Gettin' Triggy Wit It." The teachers used GarageBand recording software and a MacBook laptop for the video, which includes the lyrics, "That's why you're gonna get those good grades/ I know you want it." Montgomery News (Fort Washington, Pa.) (10/16) Share:        The Buzz When Writing with Technology Matters shows how to take advantage of students' affinity for technology to change and improve the writing process. Includes detailed descriptions of elementary and middle school literacy projects that teachers can follow step-by-step or use as a guide when planning their own technology-based projects. Preview the entire book! Technology is the Ticket to Common Core Success: FREE Webinar! Join Lori Elliott, Ed.D. as she explores methods to help students use technology both strategically and capably in their learning. Technology is no longer an option, but a necessity in the Common Core world. Oct. 24, 4-5 PM EDT Space is limited. Register here

ASCD News 8 questions for emerging leader PJ Caposey "All students deserve to learn and to have excellent educators, especially those typically underserved; my role in the world is to help see that gets accomplished," writes ASCD Emerging Leader PJ Caposey. In a recent Inservice post, Caposey talks about his role as an educator, his major influences, and how he intends to make a change in education. Read on. Learn more about the Emerging Leaders program. Share:      Teaching under the influence "It's obvious that students and teachers are all under the influence ... of the internet/technology," writes ASCD EDge community member Jennifer Davis Bowman. In her recent EDge post, Bowman presents three ways teachers are under the influence of technology and explains the consequences of each. Her first point to teachers is that not all students have access to the internet. Read on. Share:      Position Title Company Name Location Teach Overseas! International Schools Services (ISS) Multiple Locations, International K-12 School Teachers Needed for International Schools The International Educator Multiple Locations, International Executive Director, Curriculum and Instruction Gwinnett County Public Schools Suwanee, GA Regional Manager NWEA 97209, OR Account Executive NWEA Albuquerque, NM Director of Science Baltimore County Public Schools Towson, MD Account Executive - SW Region NWEA Oklahoma City or Tulsa, OK Account Executive - Southeast Region NWEA Atlanta, GA Director of Partner Accounts - West (Sales) NWEA Denver, CO DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT University of Massachusetts Boston Boston, MA Director, Tools for Teachers (Part-Time, Contract Position) ASCD Alexandria, VA 7381: Principal Researcher American Institutes for Research Chicago, IL 7372: Senior Technical Associate Consultant American Institutes for Research Washington, DC Regional Implementation Manager (2 Contract Positions) ASCD Alexandria, VA Managing Director, Product Development and Engagement Services ASCD Alexandria, VA Click here to view more job listings.

SmartQuote He who does not prevent a crime when he can, encourages it." -- Seneca, Roman philosopher Share:

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