Monday, October 26, 2009

Teachers' Participation in Research Programs Improves Their Students' Achievement in Science - Science October 16th

Many of you met Teachers/Program staff involved in the RET Program in NYC - you might find this article of interest.

Teachers’ Participation in Research Programs Improves Their Students’ Achievement in Science
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/326/5951/440

Samuel C. Silverstein,1,* Jay Dubner,1 Jon Miller,2 Sherry Glied,3 John D. Loike1

Research experience programs engage teachers in the hands-on practice of science. Program advocates assert that program participation enhances teachers’ skills in communicating science to students. We measured the impact of New York City public high-school science teachers’ participation in Columbia University’s Summer Research Program on their students’ academic performance in science. In the year before program entry, students of participating and nonparticipating teachers passed a New York State Regents science examination at the same rate. In years three and four after program entry, participating teachers’ students passed Regents science exams at a rate that was 10.1% higher (P = 0.049) than that of nonparticipating teachers’ students. Other program benefits include decreased teacher attrition from classroom teaching and school cost savings of U.S. $1.14 per $1 invested in the program.

Teacher Preparation: Reforming the Uncertain Profession -- Remarks of Secretary Arne Duncan at Teachers College, Columbia University

Teacher Preparation: Reforming the Uncertain Profession -- Remarks of Secretary Arne Duncan at Teachers College, Columbia University

In preparation for the upcoming callback meeting - please take a look at recent recommendations for Teacher Preparation Programs and post a brief reflection regarding your pre-service experience and what you might recommend an ideal program include.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Amgen Award for Science Teaching

Amgen is issuing a call for applications for the 2010 Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE). The award is designed to recognize and honor extraordinary science teachers at the K-12 level in communities where Amgen operates, including Massachusetts. Last year, four (4) teachers from schools in Massachusetts were AASTE recipients.
The selected winners will receive the following benefits:
· An unrestricted cash award of $5,000USD; and
· A restricted $5,000USD cash grant to the recipient’s school for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, science resources, or the professional development of the school’s science teachers.
Following is a link that will be accessible starting Nov. 2nd containing information about the award, including criteria and the application process, on Amgen’s website: www.amgen.com/citizenship/aaste.html

About Amgen
As one of the world's foremost biotechnology companies, Amgen is keenly aware of the value and importance of science education. That is why we support science education programs aimed at encouraging bright young minds to explore a future in science. By improving access to resources for students and teachers and raising the community's understanding of the value of science literacy, Amgen is doing its part to develop the scientists of tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Callback reflection

I will unfortunately not be able to attend the callback session in November. For that reason, I am posting a reflection on the lesson I developed for school. I actually haven't the lesson I developed yet because we don't get to that topic until mid-3rd quarter. I did receive the magnetic molecules that i orderd though. I haven't had a chance to play with them yet, but plan to develop some type of handout/activity with more detail for the students to use them.

The year is off to a good start so far. My classes are all pretty good and I am lookign forward to trying some new things this year. Hopefully I will see some of the chem teachers at the ACS chemistry teacher workshop that will be held at BHS next Wed night.