TLN eZine
Much has been written about the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) content to help the US remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace. In addition, to be informed citizens, today’s students will need core skills to help them navigate complex issues like global warming, stem cell research, and an exploding number of “green” initiatives. K-12 education holds the key to engaging students in S.T.E.M. content that inspires some to lead the next wave of innovation and equips others to be curious, lifelong learners.
In this issue of the Electronic School eZine we will focus on new ways districts are addressing S.T.E.M. in K-12 Education. We’ll hear from Jim Brazell, a consultant, futurist, and proponent for establishing a comprehensive vision for S.T.E.M. across the PreK-12 curriculum, with a special emphasis on its role in career and technical education. We will learn what some school districts are doing to prepare their students and staff for the demands of tomorrow. Richland School District One in Columbia, SC offers an early childhood program designed to establish a solid mathematical foundation for the youngest learners in the district. Marietta City Schools in Georgia has established the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics where students are taught to apply S.T.E.M. curricula to real life situations.
You also have an opportunity to listen to an interview with Erin Reilly, Research Director--with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Erin is a co-creator of Platform Shoes Forum's model program Zoey's Room, a national online community for 10-14 year-old girls, encouraging their creativity through science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.).
I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of the Electronic School eZine. We welcome your feedback on this and previous issues of the eZine. If you have a particular expertise and would like to contribute to the publication please contact us at ElectronicSchool@nsba.org.
Gene Broderson
Director, National Affiliate Services and Technology Programs
The Bellwether Sounds - The Role of CTE in S.T.E.M. Education
by Jim Brazell, Consulting Analyst, The Schriever Institute
The 21st Century Mandate
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) are the life blood of 21st century education, workforce, and economic innovation. Governors, mayors, CEOs, generals, and school superintendants are all under pressure to increase the quality of S.T.E.M. education, the opportunity for more people to excel in S.T.E.M. competencies, and the college and workforce readiness of all populations.
The conversation we are not having about S.T.E.M. reform in K-12 education today relates to the fact that science and mathematics have a place in the American K-12 education system. Engineering, technology, and the arts are largely relegated to the nonessential (elective course curricula, few requirements in the core curriculum, and little connectivity between these subjects and core academic subjects). The fundamental difference between technology, engineering, and arts courses is that these courses are applied in practice and are not purely academic (theoretical). The placement of technology, engineering, and arts courses in a second tier track to academic learning represents a bias which inhibits American goals related to innovation and our leadership in the emergin globally integrated economy.
Click here for full article...
Be sure to check out Jim's workshop at T+L...
S.T.E.M. Education from the Ground Up: Moving Beyond State Standards to Meet the Demands of Future Trends in Our Society
by Jennifer Bundy, Curriculum Specialist, Marietta City Schools, Marietta, GA
Statistics show a dramatic void in the current number of American engineers, scientists, and mathematicians graduating from colleges and universities. Because our society will increasingly rely on experts in these fields, it s critical that K-12 education take profound steps to improve the rigor of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. The Marietta School District is currently addressing this need through the implementation of a technologically progressive elementary S.T.E.M. education program at the Marietta Center for Advanced Academics (MCAA).
Click here to read more...
Be sure to check out Marietta City Schools' workshop at T+L....
Are Early Learners Able to Build a Math Foundation Using Technology? Without Any Doubt, Yes!
by Linda C. Bartone, Technology Education Coordinator, Richland County School District One, Columbia, SC
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) education is a basic literacy initiative and indeed begins in early childhood classrooms under the auspices of highly effective teachers. Will all of these young students enter science, technology, engineering, or math careers? No, but all of our students in Richland County School District One are 21st century learners, and we are charged with ensuring that they have the skills and strategies to live, learn, and work productively in the 21st century.
Click here for full article...
Be sure to attend Richland County School District One’s workshop at T+L in Seattle…
Join Us in Seattle, Washington for an Exciting Time at our upcoming Technology and Learning Conference for School Leaders
Erin Reilly, Research Director, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will be presenting a breakfast session on Creating the S.T.E.M. Pipeline on Wednesday, October 29th during our upcoming T+L Conference. Don't miss these morning sessions where you can start your day with a hot breakfast and delve into some hot topics!
Listen to a podcast with Erin Reilly...Erin is a co-creator of Platform Shoes Forum's model program Zoey's Room, a national online community for 10-14 year-old girls, encouraging their creativity through science, technology, engineering and math (S.T.E.M.). Zoey's Room has proven results in advancing S.T.E.M. and Media Literacy skills. In 2007, Erin received a national educational Leaders in Learning Award from Cable in the Classroom for her innovative approach to learning through Zoey's Room. A recognized expert in the design and development of thought-provoking and engaging educational content powered by virtual learning and new media applications, fewer than a dozen Science, Technology, Math, Engineering (S.T.E.M.) websites are currently available online for 'tween girls right now. Of them all, Zoey's Room (www.zoeysroom.com) is the only S.T.E.M. website that features an award-winning combination of online and real-world applications. Delve into the still prevalent need to structure interactive programs to keep our increasingly tech-savvy girls engaged. This pipeline of informal mentorship that Zoey's Room offers builds community around learning experiences in S.T.E.M.
Bring your technology team....register for the T+L Conference today!
www.smartschoolboards.org
NSBA and AAAS Partner On New SMarT School Boards Initiative
The National School Boards Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science have partnered in an effort to help state school boards associations work with local school boards to improve science, math, and technology programs in schools. NSBA and AAAS have launched the SMarT School Boards module, an online tool for school boards.
The SMarT School Boards initiative includes a training DVD and guide books for state school boards association trainers to use as they work with local school boards. There is also an interactive Web site that gives school districts the tools to improve their programs. Science, math, and technology issues addressed on the Web site include securing resources, addressing controversial subjects, attracting and retaining qualified teachers, and increasing community support.
Click here for AAAS' Press Release...
NSBA Seeks 20 Emerging Education
Technology Leaders
NSBA is soliciting its annual nominations for “20 to Watch” This program is designed to recognize emerging leaders in the ed tech world. Take this opportunity to nominate yourself or honor a colleague. Deadline for submissions is Aug. 29, 2008.
Click here to submit...
Click here for more information…
Win a software license package from TOOL Factory and affiliates for your school!
The TLN Digital Wish Grant is a new program created exclusively for current TLN members. Simply register on Digital Wish website and enter “TLN” into the “Professional Associations” field of your profile page. Three winners will be selected at random and awarded $1,000 in Tool Factory Software each! The deadline for entering this prize drawing is midnight, August 31, 2008. In October one winner will be selected at random and awarded $3,000 in Tool Factory Software and awarded at NSBA’s T+L Conference this fall! The deadline for entering this prize drawing is midnight, October 1, 2008. The TLN grants committee will verify the winner’s membership and announce the winners during the closing ceremony of the 2008 T+L conference.
Click here to enter...
Watch this link for the Technology Special Report in the September American School Board Journal!
- The Power of Connections, Web 2.0 tools give your staff and students a great opportunity -- and responsibility
- Choices and Challenges, Open Sources, Web-based, and free tools are available to schools, but at what cost?
Editorial Credits:
Gene Broderson, Director, National Affiliate Services & Technology Programs
Ann Flynn, Director , Education Technology
Regina Ebhardt, Program Manager, Technology Leadership Network
Colleen O’Brien, Program Manager, Technology Programs
Kathleen Vail, Editor, Electronic School & Managing Editor, American School Board Journal
Marilee Rist, Associate Executive Director, Communication, Constituent Services, Marketing & Publisher ASBJ
Please e-mail us with your comments and suggestions: electronicschool@nsba.org
Notes:
- To learn more about the Technology Leadership Network, go to www.nsba.org/tln.
- To share this eZine with others, click here.
- In the near future, watch for an opportunity to sign up for an RSS Alert when a new issue is posted.
Resources
- The Bellwether Sounds - The Role of CTE in S.T.E.M. Education
[HTML 9,245kb]
by Jim Brazell, Consulting Analyst, The Schriever Institute. The 21st Century Mandate: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) are the life blood of the 21st century education, workforce and economic innovation.
- Are Early Learners Able to Build a Math Foundation Using Technology? - Richland County School District One, Columbia, SC [HTML 3,375kb]
- S.T.E.M. Education from the Ground Up - Marietta City School District, GA [HTML 3,829kb]
Moving Beyond State Standards to Meet the Demands of Future Trends in Our Society
by Jennifer Bundy, Curriculum Specialist, Marietta City Schools, Marietta, GA
The Marietta School District is currently addressing this need through the implementation of a technologically progressive elementary S.T.E.M. education program.
- Electronic School eZine Past Issues
Electronic School is the premiere eZine for NSBA's Technology Leadership Network.