March 2017
Division of Teaching and Learning
Volume 1, Issue 7
In this issue:
● Pyne Poynt
Screening
●
Women’s
History
Month
●
The POST:
Professional Online Supports for Teaching
Dear colleagues:
In March, we turn our attention to literacy. Read Across America Day is March 2, which
honors the birthday of Dr. Seuss, a pioneer in children’s literature. This is an opportune
time for PLCs to focus on our youngest readers and the progress they are making toward
becoming fluent readers and creative writers.
Schools- NJ
To further illustrate the power of collaborative teams, our counties have established a
County Council for Young Children (CCYC) to strengthen collaboration with families and
local community stakeholders. The CCYC addresses topics such as health, early care and
education and family support from birth to age eight.
Initiative
Thank you for your continued attention to literacy education for all students.
Future
Ready
Dr. Laura C. Morana
Acting Chief Academic Officer
Division of Teaching and Learning
Featured Resources
Inside this issue:
Pyne Poynt Documentary
The Division of Teaching and Learning, in partnership with Rutgers University,
is pleased to announce a free screening of Pyne Poynt, a documentary about
the power of sports inspiring children to rise above poverty. Register to view
the documentary in person or watch a live stream over the internet from your
classroom.
ELA
2
Mathematics
2
Science
2
Social Studies
3
Visual &
Performing Arts
3
Health & Physical
Education
3
Women’s History Month
Early Childhood
3
This National Women’s History Project site explains how March became the
month of the International Women’s Day, Women’s History Week and
Women’s History Month. Find a detailed timeline, as well as an oral history
project with living inductees by The National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Educational
Technology
4
21st Century Life &
Careers
4
The Women of NASA
Bilingual/ ESL
4
Visit this NASA website to read stories of the women who have been
recognized as key contributors and “hidden figures” behind the success of
NASA’s past and present programs. The list includes mathematicians,
aerospace engineers, and computer and research scientists.
Media Specialist
4
Assessment
5
Opportunities
5
Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
On March 2, schools and libraries celebrate Read Across America Day to honor
Dr. Seuss’ birthday and share his and other children’s stories as read alouds
and other events. Find materials at the National Education Association’s
(NEA) Read Across America website for classroom and schoolwide activities.
The POST:
Page 2
English Language Arts
Students Learn Writing with Writers
At this Scholastic website, students can learn various kinds of writing and follow steps to create their
own writing samples from published authors. They can also submit their work for review by
Scholastic editors and posting on the site.
International Literacy Association (ILA) Resources
The International Literacy Association’s (ILA) 2017 “What’s Hot in Literacy Report” notes what is
current in the teaching of literacy skills and changes in trends from year to year. See the results
captured in an infographic, as well as the report’s key findings. The ILA also offers a blog with lesson
ideas related to literacy.
Mathematics
PhET by University of Colorado at Boulder
The PhET website offers interactive, research-based simulations in math and science, which can be
accessed online or downloaded to a computer. The PhET resources are free and have been
student-tested by contributors of the simulations. To learn more about how a teacher might use the
PhET simulations, view the video for teaching examples across grade levels in math and science.
Middle School Mathematics Resources
The MiddleWeb site is focused on middle school and the middle grades, offering teaching resources,
book reviews and a newsletter with research and articles. Included is a blog that provides suggestions to help ease mathematics anxiety among students through various activities.
Science
California Academy of Sciences Teaching Resources
The e-magazine bioGraphic, powered by the California Academy of Sciences, is a free, online
publication showcasing people, wildlife, systems and places, as well as “promising approaches to
sustaining life on Earth.” The magazine includes photos, articles and other materials to encourage
conversations and new perspectives on possible solutions to current environmental challenges.
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Digital Collection
Phenomena for NGSS is a digital collection of photos, graphics and moving images created and
curated by a research scientist and educator. He suggests that the provided phenomena should
inspire curiosity. Questions raised “should be directly connected with the core ideas educators want
their students to engage with using the science and engineering practices.”
Introduction to the Model Science Curriculum Framework
Participants in this Model Science Curriculum workshop will do develop an understanding of the logic
model behind the development of the Model Science Curriculum Framework, examine classroom
videos and evaluate the content, and resources embedded in each unit.
The POST:
Page 3
Social Studies
New Jersey Council for the Social Studies Teacher Resources
The New Jersey Council for the Social Studies(NJCSS) website gives free access to the February 2017
newsletter, as well as the Winter/Spring 2017 issue of “Teaching Social Studies,” a joint publication of
the New York and New Jersey Councils for Social Studies. The publication offers several articles
related to teaching African-American History and Civil Rights.
Celebrate Harriet Tubman Day
In 1990, March 10 was declared Harriet Tubman Day to honor her actions as a runaway slave who
helped others as a “conductor” on the Underground Railroad. She became a leader in the abolitionist
movement and served as a spy, nurse and scout during the Civil War. Find more information and
images to share with students on this Library of Congress site devoted to Harriet Tubman.
Irish Heritage Resources
Two resources for primary sources, photos and lessons on Irish history and culture, including famous
Irish women, are the Irish American Heritage Museum (IAHM) and the Irish American Cultural Institute (IACI). Find virtual exhibits on famous people and places from the Emerald Isle and links to
classroom teaching resources for pre-K through high school.
Teaching Women’s History with Primary Sources
Participate in the webinar “Assessing Change: Examining Primary Sources to Understand Women’s
Impact on History,” part of the 2017 series offered by the New Jersey Department of Education
through a partnership with the National Archives.
Visual and Performing Arts
NJ State Teen Arts Festival Contests
The “Express Yourself” online contests, part of the New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival, began
January 20 and will conclude on May 26. Students can enter 18 individual contests across various
performing, literacy and visual arts categories. Follow announcements and updates about the
contests on Facebook. Stay current on art education and events at the NJ Arts Education Partnership
webpage.
Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
National Kite Month
In preparation for National Kite Month taking place in April, find resources for teachers at this site to
provide students with the history of kites of all kinds. Also explore various materials to create kites
for movement outside in the coming warmer weather.
Early Childhood
Successful STEM Learning in Early Childhood
In this blog posting on the NIEER (National Institute for Early Education Research) website, the
author of STEM Starts Early discusses her findings and recommendations. The author states that
“STEM education should start early in order to maximize its benefits and effectiveness.” Readers can
download the Executive Summary or the full report for free.
The POST:
Page 4
Educational Technology
Districts Invited to Join Future Ready Schools-New Jersey Initiative
Future Ready Schools-NJ (FRS-NJ) is a joint initiative launched in 2016 by New Jersey Department
of Education, New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and New Jersey Institute of
Technology (NJIT), to ensure schools plan and implement personalized, research-based digital
learning strategies for all students. A January 2017 Summit, sponsored by the Alliance for Excellent
Education, along with state-level partners, was the kick-off event for the FRS-NJ school certification
program to recognize and support schools’ technology learning. FRS-NJ is now soliciting input and
members for taskforce participation to define certification indicators. To learn more about the
initiative or register online for a free overview workshop on May 4 or June 6, visit the FRS-NJ
website or Facebook page.
21st Century Life and Careers
Career Tech Update SmartBrief
See a sample of a Career Tech Update SmartBrief on this website and sign up for a free online
summary of news from the “career and technical education community” published twice a week.
The publication, created by SmartBrief in partnership with the Association for Career and Technical
Education (ACTE), gathers highlights from major news outlets and leading sources.
Upcoming Programs for School Counselors and CTE Educators
Engaging Students in Career Exploration is a free career conference for counselors, advisors and
staff who assist students with career planning. The event, being held at Middlesex County College
on March 24, will provide multiple interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
Bilingual/ESL Education
Podcast Series
The third and latest Bureau of Bilingual/ESL Education podcast is an interview with Yasmin
Hernandez-Manno, Executive County Superintendent for Mercer and Middlesex counties. In this
episode, she describes best practices for programs working with newcomer English language
learners based on her experience as the director of a newcomer center.
Media Specialist
LitCamp 2017
The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) and the Rutgers University School of
Communication and Information are joining the South Brunswick School District to present
LitCamp 2017 on March 11. This free event will be focused on “supporting literacy in a connected
world.” Educators, administrators, school librarians and media specialists are invited to attend and
can register online at the NJASL website.
Page 5
The POST:
Assessment
PARCC Results Presented to Board of Education
An overview of Spring 2016 PARCC results was delivered to the State Board of Education on
November 2. The information included charts showing increases, as well persistent gaps among
subgroups. Information was also provided on improvements planned for PARCC tools, data and
resources to meet the needs of teachers and families.
Opportunities for Students
Summer Institute Opportunity
The New Jersey Center for Civic Education offers opportunities for students to learn how to effect
change through engaging various levels of government. Find out how to involve students in the
James Madison Legacy Project focused on We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
materials. Interested New Jersey educators should contact Arlene Gardner before the April 30
registration deadline.
Opportunities for Educators
EdCamp Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
The Highland Park School District will be hosting EdCamp NGSS, an “unconference” for science
teachers. Participants are encouraged to lead presentations and engage in hands-on sessions.
Register for this April 22 event soon, as space is limited to 150 attendees.
New Jersey Science Teachers Association 2017 Summer Institute
The New Jersey Science Teachers Association is accepting applications for the annual Maitland P.
Simmons Memorial Award Summer Institute. This year’s institute will allow 24 middle school
educators to investigate the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards from a
multi-discipline perspective. Interested educators should apply online by March 31, 2017.
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