Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Welcome to the ConnectEd Bulletin Board!
This is the place to find opportunities for further professional development, grant and awards opportunities, and much more!
State of Education Address: Save the Date!
Mark your calendars! State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly will deliver her third State of Education Address on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at noon in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. The annual address will be streamed live online and archived via WisconsinEye. During her remarks, Dr. Underly will discuss the state of public education and public libraries in Wisconsin, honor Wisconsin's 2024 Teachers of the Year, outline priorities and initiatives to support and grow lifelong learners in the state, and much more. Please plan to join us either in person or through the online livestream!
Applications for Council on Early Literacy Curricula Membership Now Being Accepted
Applications to serve on the Council on Early Literacy Curricula are now being accepted, with a quickly approaching deadline of Sept. 8, 2023 in order to be considered.
2023 Wisconsin Act 20 requires the DPI to form a Council on Early Literacy Curricula to recommend early literacy curricula and diagnostic assessments in reading to school districts, and to provide consultation on selecting the director of the Wisconsin Reading Center. The council will consist of nine members who must have "knowledge of, or experience with science-based early literacy instruction" as defined by the act. The department will work with legislative leaders to select nine members to staggered three-year terms based on the public applications received. All members of the council are anticipated to be selected by Sept. 19, 2023.
The online application is brief and asks applicants to highlight their background and experience with science-based early literacy instruction. Additional demographics are also requested to ensure the council represents the geographic, gender, and racial/ethnic diversity of our state. The application is available on the DPI’s website. Questions about the application or the process for selection can be directed by email to Early.Reading@dpi.wi.gov.
Nominate an Outstanding WI Mathematics or Science Teacher Today!
Calling all elementary teachers who love math or science! The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for mathematics or science teaching. The award recognizes those teachers who use their deep content knowledge and pedagogical skills to support and leverage students’ strengths to be successful in learning mathematics or science. Nominations are now open for the K-6 cycle of these awards with applications due in February 2024. Learn more about this White House-sponsored award, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) by visiting the PAEMST website. Mentors and other supports are available for Wisconsin applicants. Have questions? Please contact Julie Bormett for math, or Kevin Anderson for science!
Design a Civics Game for Fun and Prizes!
The Library of Congress is sponsoring a challenge to help improve public knowledge of civics – that is, the rights and responsibilities of citizens – by asking video game developers to create fun, lightweight video games related to civics that incorporate Library of Congress resources. The Library will award cash prizes to the winners and the games will be hosted on the Library's site for use by the public. The deadline for entries is Nov. 27, 2023. Additional details on the rules and information on how to enter are available on this website.
News from Around the State
Slinger High School student wins 2024 Wisconsin State Park and forest vehicle admission sticker design contest
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Slinger High School sophomore Samantha Williams is the winner of the 2024 Wisconsin State Park and Forest vehicle admission sticker design contest.
LGBTQ+ Students With Affirming Schools Report Lower Suicide Risk, Survey Finds
Respecting LGBTQ+ students’ pronouns, representation in history curriculum and sex education, and offering access to supportive student groups and gender-neutral restrooms can significantly lower their suicide risk.