1. NCLB Waiver Drafted – DPI Seeking Comments
The Department of Public Instruction has posted its draft waiver request for flexibility related to several provisions of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (also known as No Child Left Behind, NCLB). The agency invites public comment through a survey, until February 6. After this two-week comment period, the agency will revise the waiver request and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) by February 21.
“Wisconsin’s waiver request brings together a number of initiatives that have been in the works for some time. We are seeking public input on our draft waiver plan now so we can refine our reform efforts and ensure Wisconsin’s public education system is responsive to our citizens,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers.
The waiver request addresses, as required by the USDE, how Wisconsin would use flexibility from NCLB to address four principles:
- Transitioning to College and Career-Ready Standards and Assessments for All Students
- Differentiated Recognition, Accountability, and Support
- Support for Effective Instruction and Leadership
- Reduce Duplication and Unnecessary Burden
A DPI news release summarizes the proposals in each area.
The draft request, news release, public notice, and survey are available from the DPI newsroom.
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2. Blue Ribbon Schools
Eight Wisconsin elementary schools are nominees for the 2012 national Blue Ribbon Schools program:
“Staff members in these schools work together and with their communities to ensure all students are learning and gaining the skills they need,” said State Superintendent Tony Evers.
Schools can be nominated either for high reading and mathematics scores, or for greatest improvement in those scores over the past five years. The latter category is open to schools with 40 percent eligibility for free and reduced lunch. In both categories, disaggregated results must be similar for all student groups.
The U.S. Department of Education will consider all nominees which submit an application, and will announce the winners in September. A principal and teacher from each will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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3. Digital Learning Day One Week Away
Digital Learning Day, February 1, is just one week away, but there is still time for schools or education partners to plan an event related to the use of technology in education, and to share their plans on the Wisconsin or national Digital Learning Day websites.
State Superintendent Tony Evers and the Department of Public Instruction are leading a statewide co-operative effort to plan exciting events for the day—an occasion to share and learn from successful innovations regarding technology in education.
Wisconsin’s observance is part of a national effort led by the Alliance for Excellent Education.
At 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. on February 1, Evers and Wisconsin educators will hold a virtual showcase exploring a handful of exciting efforts. From 3:30 – 4:00, Evers will hold a digital town hall. Educators are encouraged to participate, asking questions or sharing insights and experiences about the most effective uses of technology in education.
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4. Math/Science Partnerships
Hundreds of teachers throughout Wisconsin will be able to receive high-quality, content-specific training in mathematics and science, thanks to $1.7 million in federally funded Mathematics and Science Partnership Grants.
“Teachers who have keen insights into their subject area are more likely to craft engaging lessons that inspire their students,” noted State Superintendent Tony Evers.
A list of winning partnerships is available in a DPI news release.
Training activities can include coursework, peer coaching and mentoring, collaborative development of lessons or evaluation techniques, or other activities that will strengthen the teachers’ understanding of student learning in these subjects.
All participating teachers attend a summer institute directly related to mathematics and science, and have follow-up contact throughout the project to support their own learning and practice.
“Sustained staff development that helps teachers become better at teaching math, science, and other STEM subjects will improve student interest and success in these classes,” Evers said. “The STEM fields are the keystone for innovation and the progress we want for our state and nation.”
The partnerships must include at least one high-needs school district and one college or university. Further participants may include state education agencies; other public schools; businesses; and some nonprofits and companies.
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5. Early Literacy Standards Updated
All those who work with young children should familiarize themselves with important revisions to the Early Literacy section of the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS).
Since 2003, Wisconsin early childhood programs have been guided by these standards, which have established common language and developmental expectations for all children from birth to first grade. The WMELS reflect attention to all the domains of a child’s learning and development including: health/physical, social/emotional, language/communication, approaches to learning, and cognition/general knowledge.
The Early Literacy section was reviewed this fall to assure it was in line with current best practices. At the same time, Wisconsin’s adoption of the Common Core State Standards provided an opportunity to further align early childhood and academic standards.
The updated and strengthened version of the WMELS can be found at the Collaborating Partners website. For those who already have copies of the WMELS Third Edition, a separate document of only the updated section can also be downloaded from this page.
The DPI worked with Alan Coulter, Ph.D., Office for the Jamie S. Settlement Agreement LSU Health Sciences Center, to identify a national reading expert, Stephanie Al Otaiba, who assisted in this review and update.
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6. Engineering Camp, Grants
A professional organization in the “materials engineering” field is offering free day camps for students this summer and a “teacher’s grant” for K-12 projects.
The Milwaukee chapter of the group, ASM, defines materials science and engineering as “the study of the relationship between the structure of materials at atomic scales and their macroscopic properties.” The field draws on chemistry, physics, engineering, and biology.
The camps will be held at a number of locations worldwide, including Minneapolis, at the University of Minnesota campus, June 12-15; and the UW-Milwaukee campus, June 18-21.
They will be hands-on, featuring a “team-based, intensive problem solving science experience under the direction of a distinguished, world-class faculty ‘Materials Mentor.’” Mini-demonstrations, field trips, and “extensive involvement in laboratory facilities” are planned. Admission is free, but “selective.” Applications are due by March 30 for the Minneapolis camp and April 16 for Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee chapter also invites Wisconsin teachers to submit K-12 science education proposals—ideally “with special focus on metals and materials.” The program favors “permanent equipment” over “consumables.” Funding from $500 - $1,500 “may be available for one or more proposals each year.” Deadline: April 13.
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