Survey Suggests Hurdles for Math, Science Teaching

Mismatch seen in classroom practices, standards

A rich new set of survey data on math and science teachers highlights some big challenges the nation faces if it hopes to significantly increase student achievement in those disciplines. It also drives home, experts say, the huge need to support teachers as districts begin implementing the common-core math standards, and as an effort to develop common standards for science nears completion.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/03/13/24math.h32.html?tkn=RSLFRO3OJ6Gi9usIHTVEWQMxt%2Fjzt%2BDH42nf&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2

Washington Begins Pilot Test of Next-Generation Student Assessments

In the coming weeks, some schools in Washington state will participate in the pilot test of the new “Smarter Balanced” assessments.  Find out more

WWU Diversity in Education Conference

Western Washington University is celebrating Diversity in Education.  The conference is at WWU Bellingham Campus on Friday, May 3^rd 2013.  This conference is designed to attract and support educators from underrepresented groups.  We expect a mix of high school, community college, WWU students, and instructional assistants to attend.

The planning committee and I are searching for workshop presenters to volunteer their expertise for this cause. If you might be interested in presenting, please read the attached info for presenters and view the workshop proposal form. The deadline for proposals is Friday, March 15^th.

For general information about the conference, visit our website: http://www.wce.wwu.edu/DiversityinEd/. Please feel free to begin spreading the word about this event to your students as well! 

Registration Is Now Open

May 1-3, 2013

24^th Annual Assessment, Teaching and Learning Conference

Spokane, WA

Get more information here 

Former Seattle School Board president, 8 others named to state charter school commission

Officials announced the nine members of the state's new charter-school commission on Wednesday, taking the next step in setting up a structure for the just-approved independent, but public schools.

The members, three each appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and state House speaker, will manager and oversee the state's first 40 charters, which were approved in November.  The members will serve four-year terms.  Find out more here

K-5 Teacher Overload: Too Many Trained, Not Enough Jobs

But Shortages remain in math, science and special education

The nation is training twice as many K-5 elementary school teachers as needed each year, while teacher shortages remain in the content specific areas of math, science and special education.  Read more here. 

Obama Urges Big Preschool Expansion in State of the Union Speech

President Barack Obama called on Congress in his State of the Union address to significantly expand access to preschool to all 4-year-olds from moderate- and low-income families, and to create a new spin-off of his Race to the Top program aimed at pushing high schools to adopt curricula that better prepare students for the jobs of the future. Read more here