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SUBSCRIBE TO
THE PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT e-MONTHLY
Have you taken a local, state, or national training that made a difference in your life? Have you taken what you have learned through union-sponsored professional development and used it in an innovative way to impact student achievement or teacher/ESP leadership? If so, we want to know what you did and how you did it. Find out what union-sponsored professional development opportunities are happening near you and throughout the state. Learn how state and national initiatives translate into practice at your school or worksite. Subscribe now and forward this newsletter to someone who you know is Making Schools a Priority every day.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
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JOIN FEA
Be part of a strong, united team that's making a difference for Florida's children.
JOIN FEA TODAY
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MEETING THE STANDARD FOR PARAPROFESSIONALS
Paraprofessionals interested in becoming Highly Qualified have an alternative to the ParaPro test. Paras and their local association leaders are welcome to access these links for more information about this alternative pathway, AFT's Meeting the Standard for Paraprofessionals (MSP)
DOE Letter Accepting MSP
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DOE 07-17-09 Memo on Highly Qualified
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MSP Test Proctor Form
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MSP Course Description
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MSP Reading Course Outline
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For more information, please contact Charley McClaren at charley.mcclaren@floridaea.org
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The beautiful autumn days bring to mind a fine film entitled October Sky. Set in the late 1950's following the October launch of Sputnik, this movie tells "the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who took up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually became a NASA scientist." Homer's high school science teacher plays a vital role in Homer's success.
There are a many parallels between the Space Race era and our current 21st century reality. In both time periods, technology is the driver of change, education is viewed as both problem and solution to a necessary shift in thinking and action, science and mathematics are in high demand, students have a starring role and their teachers provide critical support, and the nation's future depends on young peoples' creative and innovative intellect. These parallels bring us to the articles in this month's PD Newsletter. It appears to us that science, technology and mathematics are the crest of the next big education wave. We hope you find the articles on STEM, Thinking Math and Lesson Study useful and informative as you consider your own professional development.
We also hope you will take time to kick back with a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy October Sky, a truly affirming and inspiring film.
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 Math Matters! Part 1
STEM
What the heck is STEM and why is it so important? STEM is an acronym that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM K-12 education is a priority for education policy makers,
national economists and the scientific community and has profound implications for teachers, classrooms and schools. A letter from Steven C. Beering, Chairman of the National Science Board to President Obama's administration, highlights the rationale behind this push:
Our national economic prosperity and security require that we remain a world leader in science and technology. Precollege STEM education is the foundation of that leadership and must be one of our highest priorities as a Nation. We urge the new Administration to seize the opportunity provided by this special moment in history and mobilize the Nation to support the development of high quality STEM knowledge and skills for all American students. It is essential that we act now to ensure all of our children and American society as a whole can continue to prosper in the 21st century technology-based economy.
What does this mean for educators?
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Math Matters! Part 2
AFT's ER&D Thinking Math
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FEA and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have "been on the case" for quality professional development in the mathematics arena since the mid 1990's, thanks to Alice Gill, director of the AFT Thinking Math initiative. Based on key findings from the Third
International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMMS), Thinking Math (TM) is premier professional development for all teachers who instruct students in math. Educators who are looking for knowledge, skills and strategies to help them add STEM concepts to their lessons will find TM to be an excellent foundation.
TM participants go beyond the algorithmic way of teaching mathematics. Thinking Math coursework includes the research on how children and young people learn math through the Ten Principles of TM. In addition, TM courses include specific practical teaching strategies to move students to mathematical mastery.
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Math Matters! Part 3
Lesson Study - A Smart Way to Teach
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A powerful process to assist teachers in designing, developing, implementing, and refining STEM and other essential content area concepts is through Lesson Study. Lesson Study is a type of Professional Learning Community (PLC) required of Correct II and Intervene schools identified through the Differentiated Accountability (DA) plan. Given
this DA priority, educators must understand the essential components of Lesson Study and PLC. What are the components of a true PLC and are you involved in one? What is a Lesson Study and how does it work in a real classroom?
Find out the answers to these questions and more.
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