August 19, 2011 |
Vol. 5, Issue 17 |
News Slices
Florida's Reading Proficiency Standards Among the Best in the Nation
A new report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) shows that Florida has some of the strongest reading standards in the country. The Mapping State Proficiency Standards onto the NAEP Scales report compares each state's reading and mathematics proficiency standards against national proficiency standards to see how closely they match up. To view the report, visit http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/statemapping/.
Department of Education Names Healthy School Districts
The Florida Coordinated School Health Partnership and Florida Action for Healthy Kids recently recognized 18 school districts as Florida Healthy School Districts. The recognition was based on the districts' submission of the Florida Healthy District Self Assessment and their efforts to create healthy teaching and learning environments that support healthy habits for students and staff. Visit http://www.fldoe.org/BII/CSHP/h-districts.asp for the list of districts and more information.
Send in Zora and Me Literacy League Questions
The Florida Department of Education's Literacy League is a podcast project that gives students an opportunity to connect with their favorite authors. Students read a pre-selected book, submit questions about the book to the author and the author answers them via video. Each video is shared on the Department's YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/educationfl. The club is open to all students in grades 6-8 as a way to support and encourage a love of reading by giving students an opportunity to connect with their favorite authors.
Student questions for the latest book choice, Zora and Me by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, are due by Oct. 31, 2011. For details and information about Literacy League and upcoming book selections, visit http://www.fldoe.org/literacyleague.
Financial Aid Applications Due
The deadline for students who graduated last spring to submit their Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application is Aug. 31, 2011. By this date, all school districts have completed graduation, including summer session, for the prior academic year. The application is required for all state scholarships and grants. For more information or to submit the application, visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/ua/sawstua_uaform.asp.
Schedule Navigating Your Financial Future Workshops
Now is the time to schedule the Navigating your Financial Future workshops and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) labs for the 2011-12 school year. Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance staff are available to conduct the workshops at your school or you can download financial aid literacy materials to share with your students and families. Visit http://www.navigatingyourfinancialfuture.org/ for more information or to contact an Outreach Representative. If you have questions, contact Lori Auxier, Director of Outreach Services, at (561) 292-6002 or lori.auxier@fldoe.org.
DOE Again Teams Up With NFL Teams for 2011
Attention all football fans! The Florida NFL teams have partnered again with the Florida Department of Education to offer discounted tickets to teachers this coming fall. Now, all three Florida teams - the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins - will offer these specially-priced tickets to key games. Discounted ticket forms are now available through the Just for Teachers website at http://www.fldoe.org/justforteachers/.
Henkel Helps Kids Get Fit Contest
Henkel, the name behind some of America's favorite brands, in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, invites all schools across the nation to submit a nomination for an opportunity to win a $10,000 prize to support youth health and fitness. Based on the relevance, originality and inspiration of the nominations submitted, Henkel will select 15 schools - five elementary schools, five middle schools and five high schools - as finalists. The three winning schools, one at each level, will be determined by public vote and be rewarded with the prize to turn the health and fitness program they outlined in their application into reality. For more information and to nominate your school, visit http://www.henkelhelps.com. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 30, 2011.
Don't Forget to Sign Up for the Virtual Open House!
Sign up today for the Florida Virtual School's Momentum 2011 Virtual Open House on Aug. 24 - 25, 2011. Participants will step into a virtual world featuring exciting technology, avatars, presentations and information sessions by FLVS teachers, counselors and students - all from the comfort of their own home. The open house is available at no cost to all interested individuals. Visit http://www.FLVS.net to get more information and to register.
Nominations Sought for the National Assessment of Educational Progress Governing Board
The National Assessment Governing Board invites nominations of qualified individuals to serve as members of the Governing Board for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, also known as The Nation's Report Card. The broadest representation possible is sought to fill positions in five categories: Testing and Measurement Expert; Local Board of Education Member; State Legislator (Republican); Non-Public School Administrator; and General Public Representative. The deadline for receiving nominations is Sept. 30, 2011.
The U.S. Secretary of Education will appoint members from a list of finalists submitted by the Board. The term for each of the five positions is Oct. 1, 2012 - Sept. 30, 2016. For further information, visit http://www.nagb.org/nominations2012/.
Nominations may be submitted via mail, email, or fax to:
Dr. Mary Crovo
Deputy Executive Director
National Assessment Governing Board
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 825
Washington, DC 20002-4233
Email: nagbnominations@ed.gov
Fax: (202) 357-6945
New Indian River State College STEM Center to Provide Employment Opportunities
With Indian River State College experiencing a 20 percent enrollment growth in the sciences, the new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Center under construction at the St. Lucie West campus will give local students more opportunity to train for jobs with nearby research institutes. The three-story facility will provide much needed classroom space and sophisticated teaching laboratories in genetics, chemistry, ecology, molecular science, botany and microbiology with a focus on linking math and science concepts to real-world applications. The STEM Center is scheduled for completion in late 2012.
Division of Blind Services Offers Program for High School Students
The goal of the School to Work program offered by the Florida Department of Education's (DOE) Division of Blind Services (DBS) is to assist blind or visually-impaired high school students from age 14 through 22 in meeting their future employment goals as they transition from school to work or postsecondary education. Provided jointly by local school districts, community providers and DBS, the program includes 130 hours of concentrated services that can include career exploration, training in activities of daily living, compensatory skills training, job shadowing and work experiences. Assistive technology, adaptive technology, and low vision aids are also available. Eligible students must have a visual impairment in both eyes and require vocational rehabilitation services to prepare for future employment and postsecondary education. Interested individuals are invited to contact the DOE's Division of Blind Services at http://dbs.myflorida.com or call toll-free (800) 342-1828.
Marion County Educator Named to Special Olympics Hall of Fame Lynn Brantley, the Special Olympics Coordinator for Marion County Schools, was named to the Special Olympics Hall of Fame in recognition of "her decades of service; for being a constant in the lives of Marion County's athletes, families and volunteers; and for providing sustained service to Special Olympics Florida." Brantley began working with Special Olympics in 1975 when she was a teacher's assistant and substitute teacher. Congratulations! Seminole County Educator Recognized as International Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year Dr. Lynore Levenhagen, teacher of Marketing Education and Business Education at Lyman High School in Seminole County, was recently named the International Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year by Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK). Dr. Levenhagen competed against six other regional finalists and was awarded the $2,500 prize during the opening session of the ADK International Convention in Chicago in July. Lyman High School also received a check for $2,500 to be used for professional development for the school's faculty and staff. Bravo! Volusia Teacher Inducted Into Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame Tom Besaw, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education and the Arts for Volusia County Schools, was inducted into the Florida Association of Career and Technical Education's Hall of Fame during the annual conference last month. The Hall of Fame recognizes the most outstanding and distinguished professional and career educators. Besaw was recognized for the long term significant impact he has made in the field of career and technical education in Florida. Kudos! |
| Branching Out |
Florida Virtual School's 2011 Open House Aug. 24 - 25, 2011 Save the date for the Florida Virtual School's (FLVS) Momentum 2011 Virtual Open House. Learn about the benefits of virtual education from current students and families, find out about the variety of clubs and activities, and get answers to all your questions about the Florida Virtual School. For more information about the open house or to register, visit http://www.FLVS.net. Florida Reading Association Annual Conference Sept. 8 - 11, 2011 Shingle Creek Resort Orlando, Fla. The Florida Reading Association Conference on Sept. 8 - 11, 2011, is an opportunity for educators to build potential partnerships that help expand their educational and professional network. In addition, the conference features pre-conference institutes as well as a host of speakers and authors. Registration is now open at http://www.flreads.org/. Florida Association for Staff Development Leadership Conference Sept. 19 - 21, 2011 Tradewinds Resort St. Petersburg Beach, Fla. The Florida Association for Staff Development (FASD) Leadership Conference will provide attendees with a full-day general session with nationally-known speaker Marcia Tate, and a variety of break-out sessions on current topics in education. For more information or to register, visit http://www.fasdonline.org. Florida Distance Learning Association Annual Conference Sept. 23 - 24, 2011 Nova Southeastern University Orlando Campus Orlando, Fla. The Florida Distance Learning Association will host its annual conference at the Orlando campus of Nova Southeastern University Sept. 23 - 24, 2011, with the theme "Distance Learning: Best Practices and Beyond." The conference seeks to raise awareness of the best practices in distance learning, promote greater participation in dialogue and exchange, and strengthen distance education in the state and nation. For more information or to register, visit http://www.fdla.com or contact Conference Program Coordinator Tara Kobel at tleconsultants@aol.com. National Career Pathways Network Annual Conference Oct. 12 - 14, 2011 Orlando Marriott World Center Orlando, Fla. The National Career Pathways Network conference provides opportunities for administrators, teachers, counselors and business partners to learn and network with the goal of creating and sustaining partnerships to reduce dropouts, increase transitions to college, and create high-wage, high-tech careers. For more information about the conference, visit https://www.ncpn.info/2011-ncpn-conf.php. Florida School Counselor Association 2011 Convention Nov. 3 - 5, 2011 Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The Florida School Counselor Association will host the most focused program in school counseling in Florida at the 2011 Convention Nov. 3 - 5, 2011, in Ft. Lauderdale. The most relevant and up-to-the minute topics will be explored by leading industry advocates, state officials, counselor educators and professional school counselors. For more information, visit http://www.fla-schoolcounselor.org/convention2011/. 2011 Learn Green: A Green Schools Conference and Expo Nov. 11, 2011 Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts West Palm Beach, Fla. Teachers, administrators, students, community members and anyone interested in learning how to make schools "greener" are invited to attend the 2011 Learn Green: A Green Schools Conference and Expo on Nov. 11, 2011, at the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla. Sponsored by the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center at Florida Atlantic University and the School District of Palm Beach County, the exciting one-day conference provides a forum to share innovative and effective "green school" practices, facilitate professional development and encourage cooperative initiatives through a variety of sessions and exhibits. For more information visit http://www.ourgreenschools.com/learngreenconference or contact Natalia Arenas with Palm Beach County Schools at (561) 357-7662 or arenasm@palmbeach.k12.fl.us. |
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