 |
|
Tom Schersten Mathematics Workshops
 Be sure to see the Upcoming Professional Development section below for information on two math workshops with Tom Schersten slated for late April at NCES. Twenty years of classroom experience nurtured Tom's belief in the use of manipulative and problem-solving approaches to teaching mathematics, a process which facilitates differentiation of instruction for all students from remedial settings to enrichment.
Tom will be presenting two workshops, one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12, both on the topic of reaching special education students through hands-on mathematics.
|
|
Director's Notes
March has come in like a lion, and after this long winter most of us pray that it will go out like a lamb. Traditionally in New England, March is that time when Town Meetings and School District Meetings are conducted to approve budgets and warrant articles that will determine their direction and plan of action for the next fiscal year – FY’10. Our battered economy, real estate foreclosures and ever growing unemployment statistics may present real obstacles to progress throughout the North Country even though progress in both the municipal and school sides of government are clearly needed if this region is to be poised for economic recovery.
Many school districts are analyzing the economic impact of closing schools, losing educational programs, and downsizing administrative, professional, para-professional and support staff as they have formulated their budgets in the hope of gaining voter approval and retaining the best education for students that they may provide in a cost effective manner. It is very difficult and heart-wrenching to make such decisions on expenditures without knowing with certainty what state and federal revenue sources may offset these expenses. Yet, Superintendents and School Boards are asked to perform this exercise each year. The questions always abound, “When will the State of New Hampshire adequately fund education to relieve the burden of local tax payers whose real estate taxes continue to escalate?” This is a fair question that has been around since 1991 at the time of the Claremont I decision, yet the question remains unanswered, and funding formulas have not been altered to improve the plight of local communities.
A few weeks ago, Superintendent of SAU 58 Schools Carl Ladd and I were invited to testify before the House Education Committee on behalf of HB 689 which would provide some additional adequacy funding to “rural and isolated schools” that met several criteria. But more importantly, we were able to attack the proposed HB 521 which would have decimated adequacy aid to every school district in the state. As I said, “With HB 689, the House giveth, but with HB 521 the House would taketh away far more than HB 689 would ever give!” The Committee listened to our plea, passed HB 689 (with an outside chance of more transportation monies), and defeated HB 521 by deeming it ILT – Inexpedient to Legislate. Our legislators will heed our advice and vote accordingly if they are made aware of the strengths and weaknesses of impending legislative bills. This is not a time for the shy or faint of heart; rather this is a time to let your collective voice be heard by your legislators and your community. Please support your Towns and Schools.
Charles F. Thibodeau, Jr.
Executive Director
|
|
Hands-On Science
A group of North Country educators have been gathering at NCES to learn how to utilize Vernier's LabQuest in the teaching of science. The sessions feature hands-on activities for meeting the NH Science Frameworks.
|
|
Book Talk
 In partnership with the NH Staff Development Council, NCES will hold a two-hour book talk to discuss Tony Wagner's The Global Achievement Gap: Why Even Our Best Schools Don't Teach the New Survival Skills Our Children Need--And What We Can Do About It on Tuesday, April 28th from 3:30 to 5:30 at NCES. Please RSVP to Lori Langlois if you would like to attend. Light refreshment provided.
|
|
Upcoming Professional Development
Reaching Students in Special Ed with Hands-on Math
This workshop will be hands-on for participants. Just the thought of doing math in this workshop may prompt participants to experience their own anxieties over math. But remember, Tom will be differentiating his instruction, so everyone will come to understand the basic concepts he will teach by using their own strengths and preferred ways of learning - not their weaknesses. Which is the whole point of Tom's work in math: everyone can learn math, and they can use their strengths to do it.
Come see for yourself:
- how math can be differentiated
- why students who don't normally participate in math can engage and learn
- how classroom behavior can be managed beautifully and respectfully during math instruction
Date for Grades K-6 : Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Date for Grades 7-12: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Presenter: Tom Schersten
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Time: 8:45- 3:00
Cost: NCES Member School Staff $95, Associate Member Staff $115, All others $135
Registration: Contact Becky Ring at 466-5437 or becky@ncedservices.org by April 16th. Be sure to indicate which date/grade levels you are registering for. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
Visit the NCES website for full description
|
|
Comprehension in the Content Areas
Help middle school students be more efficient and effective in reading for understanding.
The presentations and work are focused on middle school level content, but can apply to other grade levels.
Teachers of Science, Mathematics, English/Language Arts and Social Studies; Special Educators, Title I Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, Administrators, Literacy Coaches and Integrated Arts Teachers are all encouraged to attend.
Teachers will take home strategies that they can immediately use. Please bring text based materials or articles that you plan to use in your classrooms.
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2009 from 8:45 to 3:30
Presenters: Saundra Kent and Pauline Raiche
Cost: Member School Staff $65, Associate Member School Staff $80, Non-Members $95
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by April 16 by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
Sponsored by: 
|
|
Comprehension Strategies for Paraprofessionals
Supporting Reading and Writing for Understanding
The workshop is for paraprofessionals who support students, in grades 4-12, in reading as well as content areas, in classrooms and in special education or other services such as Title I.
Appropriate for parents and special educators as well.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2009 from 8:45 to 3:00
Presenters: Pauline Raiche and Saundra Kent
Cost: Member School Staff $55, Associate Member School Staff $60, Non-Members $75
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by April 16 by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
Sponsored by:
|
|
Introduction to GPS in the Classroom
 Come learn the basics of using a Global Positioning System receiver (GPSr) and ways to use this technology with your students. You will start the day indoors learning the basic operation and functions of the GPSr. The group will then move outside for some exercises that help demonstrate how the receiver works. This will be followed by an opportunity to seek out geocaches in the area.
Note: This a hands-on workshop. Participants will use a Garmin eTrex during the workshop. Please dress for the weather.
Special offer for educators: Participants have the option to purchase a new Garmin eTrex for $50 (approximately $95 value). Payment for the workshop and GPSr must be received by the April 16th deadline so that the appropriate number of receivers can be ordered in time for the workshop.
For: Educators and/or those involved with informal education programs such as with Girl Scouts, after-school program, etc.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 9:00 to 3:00
Presenter: Kristin Alvarez, NH Geographic Alliance
Cost: $15 (includes lunch) plus the optional $50 for those who wish to purchase an eTrex
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by April 16 by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
|
|
Preventing Health Risks & Promoting Healthy Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Questioning (LGBQ) Youth
As a group, lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are at higher risk for early sexual activity and for HIV infection. In addition to the sexual behavior risks, research has shown that these students are at greater risk for physical and verbal abuse in schools than other students. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth report more thoughts about suicide and suicide attempts than their heterosexual peers and higher drug and alcohol use.
Workshop participants will:
- Increase their ability to provide preventive services to lesbian, gay, and bisexual students that will help steer them away from risky sexual behaviors.
- Increase their ability to help other school personnel improve the climate for lesbian, gay, and bisexual students within their schools, so that they can be safe and productive at school.
- Initiate and/or improve programs to prevent health and mental health risks and promote healthy outcomes.
Target Audience: School nurses, school counselors, and other educators working with LGBQ youth.
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 from 8:15 to 4:00
Cost: Free
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by April 1 by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437.
Sponsored by: NH Department of Education, Office of School Health & American Psychological Association with Funding provided by Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Cooperative Agreement No.: 1U87DP001217-01.
|
|
Formative Assessment and Diagnostic Probes Follow-Up
This session is for K-12 mathematics educators and is a follow-up to the Formative Assessment & Diagnostic Probes sessions done on November 10th and December 8th with Christine Downing. In this follow-up session, participants will utilize curriculum topic studies in a more in-depth approach to design their own diagnostic probes. In addition, a protocol will be presented which helps to streamline the analysis of student work based on completion of diagnostic probes. Finally, activities will be presented to engage participants in aligning probes to the GLEs and GSEs and how to utilize NECAP support materials to create probes. Throughout the session, additional formative assessment classroom techniques (FACTs) will be shared by the presenter. Participants are encouraged to bring the following resources to the session:
- Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics (text received through prior sessions or may be purchased from NCES).
- Current mathematics program (teacher edition only) being utilized in school
- Copies of NH GLEs/GSEs
If you did not attend a prior session, you are still welcome to attend this session.
Presenter: Christine Downing, Mathematics Content Specialist, NHDOE
Location: NCES Conference Room
Dates: Friday, May 15, 2009
Time: 9:00 – 3:00
Cost: NCES Member School Staff $20, Associate Member Staff $25, All others $30
Registration: Contact Becky Ring at 466-5437 or becky@ncedservices.org
Questions: Contact Matt Treamer @ 466-5437 or matt@ncedservices.org
|
|
Literacy 2009
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, the new IDEA special education legislation, and the sanctions imposed for Schools in Need of Improvement, among other educational initiatives, are having a dramatic impact on literacy instruction practices in elementary schools across the country. Consistent with many of these reform efforts, is the call for using reading instruction practices that are based on scientific reading research. This research base provides a wealth of information regarding reading development, reading difficulties, and reading instruction, including the essential areas of reading: phonemic awareness; phonics, decoding, spelling, and word study; oral language development; vocabulary, reading fluency; comprehension; and writing. Instead of asking teachers to completely abandon past practices, the reality of this current emphasis on using scientifically based reading research to inform our instruction, instead, further enhances many of the best literacy practices we have learned over the years. This workshop provides teachers with the opportunity to critically reflect on the scientific research-base, to grow in their understanding of this knowledge base, and reaffirm best literacy practices of the past and present.
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 from 9:00 to 3:00 (Continental breakfast & registration at 8:30)
Presenter: Dr. Melissa Keenan
Cost: $25 (includes lunch)
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
|
|
What School Leaders Need to Know About Literacy Planning and Reading Instruction
For Adminstrators and Literacy Planning Teams Grades 4-12
Literacy planning for grades 4 and up presents unique challenges. Effective, school-wide literacy instructionshould include a plan for providing reading and writing instruction to good readers (close to grade level or above) that is delivered in regular content classrooms, and a plan for providing interventions to weak and struggling readers. Literacy planning should involve all teachers and be actively supported by committed leadership.
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 8:45 to 3:30
Presenter: Joan Sedita, M.Ed.
Cost: NCES Member School Staff $60, Associate Member Staff $75, All others $90
Location: NCES, Gorham, NH
Registration: Please register by May 6 by emailing Becky Ring at becky@ncedservices.org or calling NCES at 800-268-5437 or 603-466-5437. Purchase orders should be faxed to 603-466-2907 or checks mailed to NCES, 300 Gorham Hill Road, Gorham, NH 03581. MC/Visa accepted.
Sponsored by:
|
|
Performance Pathways Users Group
These video conferenced sessions are to provide a context for users to ask questions of each other and to share experiences including tips, tricks and best practices regarding the development and support of Performance Tracker.
Dates: Fridays, April 10 and June 12 from 9:00 to 11:30. Contact Becky Ring to register for the NCES location at 466-5437 or becky@ncedservices.org
|
|
|
 |
Leaders in Prevention
Students from various North Country schools are participating in the NH Teen Institute Leaders in Prevention program. Stratford students attended a February weekend conference (pictured above with students from other areas). Teens from Berlin, White Mountains Regional, Lin-Wood and Groveton will participate in March. These teams were sponsored through the North Country High School Coalition for Alcohol Abuse Prevention with funding by Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse. Gorham students also participate in the program through alternate funding.
|
 |
|
|
|
Advising Appointments
Plymouth State University
College of Graduate Studies
Cheryl Baker will be available from 3:00 to 5:30 at NCES on Thursday, April 9, 2009 for advising appointments. She will be available to discuss current or future graduate programs including the MEd, MBA, CAGS and EdD. Please call 603-535-2636 to arrange an appointment.
|
|
|
|
|
Governor's Stimulus Package
Save the Date:
April 7, 2009
NCES plans to host a video conference along with other sites throughtout the state on an information session about the Governor Lynch's Stimulus Program. The event is scheduled from 1:00 to 4:30. More details will be published on the NCES website when they become available.
|
|
|
|
|
.
|
|
|
|
|
.
|
|
|
|
|
.
x
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
