Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
February 2008
BRANCHING OUT is published 3 times yearly in October, February, and May. Back issues are available at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/branching.shtml
If you wish to receive the newsletter, please send an email to [email protected].
In December and January, Ron Brunton and Danny Eddy from the NSTU, and I met with elementary, junior, and senior high principals in all boards to outline the main points in the Minister’s response to the NSTU document Time to Learn, Time to Teach. One topic which generated much interest was the proposal to address the issue of “too many outcomes.” We have announced that committees will be formed to identify “essential” outcomes in each of the subjects at various levels. The committees will be made up of teachers and representatives from various divisions within the Public Schools Branch: English Program Services, Evaluation, Student Services. The intent is to have an integrated approach to determining key outcomes as they are taught in inclusive (and sometimes combined) classrooms with a focus on aligning the written curriculum, the taught curriculum and the assessed curriculum. For example, staff from Evaluation services will have an eye to provincial, national and international assessments to ensure our selected key outcomes coincide with these assessments both in content and sequence. There will also be discussions about what classroom assessment should look like. I look forward to the work ahead in these areas. Dr. Alan Lowe, Senior Executive Director, Public Schools Branch
Celebrate African Heritage Month There are several ways you can access African Heritage Month event information this year. Visit the African Nova Scotian Affairs (ANSA) website (http://www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/). There you will fi nd a page dedicated to African Heritage Month with links to other sites featuring African Heritage Month information, events or activities. The AHMI Network calendar of events can be accessed from the home page of the ANSA website and will be updated as new and/or revised information is received. New this year is an events line: 902-424-3482. Events scheduled for the following day will be recorded daily. The line will be operational from January 31, 2008.
The Times of African Nova Scotians This new newspaper has been sent to all high schools across the province. Several copies have been sent to the principal, the library, social studies teachers and ACS 11 teachers. Please look for a copy in your school. See if you can fi nd your story! The newspaper contains new and interesting facts about African Nova Scotian history. If your elementary or junior high school would like copies, please contact Maureen Finlayson, African Canadian Services Division, (902)424-7534 or fi [email protected]
Online PD Modules from NSVS
The Nova Scotia Virtual School provides an online, interactive environment to support teachers as they integrate curriculum and technology to meet the needs of diverse learners. DOE Technology Integration Professional Development Modules are accessible using your staff.ednet.ns.ca login name and password at http://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca/moodle. Under the All Courses link, locate NS Test Playground and Select DOE Technology Integration PD Modules. Follow the directions from there and you will receive by email, the enrollment key. These modules are intended for self-directed learning. Some topics include: Audio Podcast Develoment, Photoshop Elements , The Images Project, Locating Creative Commons Licensed Images, PhotoStory 3, Marratech QuickStart Tutorials for Busy Teachers, Script Writing and Production Planning, Canadian Copyright.
Watch for the Summer Opportunities booklet, coming to a school near you!
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT February 2008
2
February is African Heritage Month
Nova Scotia Students Have Their Say!
Some Nova Scotia students have a lot to say to their peers about why they should participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. Five of them spoke about their experiences and demonstrated what they learned through the program in Take the challenge, Live the achievement—a new DVD Take the challenge, Live the achievement—a new DVD Take the challenge, Live the achievementproduced by the Department of Education for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The video was launched at the Go for the Gold gala in Halifax on Nov. 3, 2007, celebrating the program’s 30th anniversary in Nova Scotia, and will be sent to grade 8 to 12 classrooms this winter. Six new schools have added the Duke program so far this year—Oxford, Elizabeth Sutherland, Madeline Symonds, Citadel High, Northumberland Education Centre, and West Kings District High. The award program is open to young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Participation is voluntary and participants must meet established criteria in four areas: volunteer service to the community, development of a hobby or skill, participation in physical fi tness activities, and camping expeditions. Under the Public School Program, students who complete award levels in the Duke program are eligible to receive up to three elective credits in high school. High schools received program guides in September 2007. For more information, visit http://www.dukeofed.org/ns, e-mail [email protected], or phone 902-425-5454 (ext. 329).
Grade 4 and 5 Students Participate in Science Olympics 2007
On a rainy day in October 2007, at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, ninety-seven grade 4 and 5 students participated in the 2007 Science Olympics. The event was sponsored by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Conserve Nova Scotia in collaboration with Nova Scotia Youth Experiences in Science. The purpose of the fi rst invitational competition was to bring together students and teachers from across the province to learn about energy from a science perspective in a fun and innovative way. Anglophone and Francophone students from every school board including Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) were challenged to solve problems using their creativity and critical thinking skills. Grade 4 and 5 teachers will receive a consolidated booklet of the activities of the event that they can use in their classrooms. Conserve Nova Scotia looks forward to an ongoing partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Education to enable students to learn about science through “hands-on, minds-on” activities and events linked to curriculum in order to generate interest in the fi eld of science and energy and excitement about learning. For more information on the Science Olympics program, please contact Marilyn Webster, Science Consultant, Department of Education, [email protected] or (902)424-4272.
New M.Ed in Curriculum Development / French Immersion Resource Education Eighteen participants from across Nova Scotia began the fi rst of a twelve course, Master of Education program on Saturday February 2nd, 2008. This new graduate program is based on an identifi ed need to provide specialized student services support to students enrolled in the French Immersion program in school boards across Nova Scotia. The Nova Scotia Department of Education, all school boards offering French Immersion programs, and St. Francis Xavier University collaborated to develop this fi rst 28-month M.Ed. cohort in
Curriculum Development with a focus on French Immersion Resource Education. The program will include such topics as differentiated instruction, assessment issues and practice, and research on learning in French Immersion. The courses will be given principally in French, using Canadian research literature and resources. For more information, contact the program coordinators: Dr. Irène Bernard, St FX, [email protected], or Daniel Demers, Department of Education, [email protected]
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT February 2008
3
Find New Titles in the Education Media Library Online Catalogue
You can see new loan and dubbing materials available from the Media Library by visiting our online catalogue at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca > Search online catalogue. Click on the New Materials link. For more information, or to order materials, please call (902) 424-2440 Borrow one of our new titles:Fit Kids Re-energize your students with fun, contemporary dance routines featuring Judy Notte. Use this resource in any school space, anytime, any day to invigorate and motivate your students to get excited about being physically active. The program includes four 5 minute workouts and two 10 minute workouts. Suitable for grades p - 6.
February is African Heritage Month
Students’ Art Exhibit at Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
Students at Eastern Shore District High School have recently completed an ArtsSmarts project led by Shantay Grant, artist, and Diane Smaggus, teacher of English 12: African Heritage. The students created artwork that integrated fi ne arts into the language arts curriculum. Several of their creations are on exhibit at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia for the month of February. Drop in and visit!
English 12: African Heritage Pilot The pilot for English 12: African Heritage language arts has been completed by twelve English 12 teachers. Information sessions for this course will be held in February in Halifax, Antigonish and Wolfville. These sessions will be led by the original pilot teachers and the African Canadian Services Division. Full implementation of English 12: African Heritage will begin in September 2008. This academic course addresses the full range of English 12 curriculum outcomes, while encompassing the experience, study, and appreciation of language, literature, media, and communication from an African heritage perspective. If you would like further information about this course or the information sessions, please contact Maureen Finlayson, (902)424-7534 or fi [email protected]
Mathematics 8: Focus on Understanding
In January 2008, the new grade 8 mathematics
textbook Mathematics 8: Focus on Understanding was distributed to mathematics on Understanding was distributed to mathematics on Understandingclassrooms (English Programs). The new junior high series of mathematics textbooks is now complete. These textbooks and their accompanying Teacher Resource were written for the Atlantic Canada mathematics curriculum and will be a valuable core resource for teachers and students. Grade 8 classroom teachers will receive a one-day inservice on this new core resource this spring.
Inservicing for Grade 7 Geometry Outcomes During the 2007−2008 school year, grade 7 mathematics teachers are participating in four days of inservicing from the Department of Education for the new grade 7 geometry outcomes. They have already attended one 2-day session featuring work on regular polygons, tessellations, regular polyhedra and semi-regular polyhedra. The second 2-day session to be delivered in February 2008 will focus on angle relationships, transformations, and geometric constructions. Every grade 7 classroom teacher will receive geometry materials.. These materials include pattern blocks, power polygons, Polydrons, Geo-strips, Math-Vu Mirrors, Bulls-Eye Compasses and geometry templates.
Viewfi nders International Film Festival for Youth is Looking for Great Works of Film!
Viewfi nders is looking for fi lms, videos and animation from Atlantic Canadians ages 18 and under. Submissions must be under 5 minutes, suitable for family audiences, and have soundtracks with original or public domain music. Deadline is March 28, 2008. Don’t delay! Complete rules, Regulations and Entry Forms are online at http://www.atlanticfi lm.com/view/. Viewfi nders runs April 22 to 26, 2008.
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT February 2008
4
Public Schools Branch consists of the following Divisions: African Canadian Services 902-424-3151 [email protected] http://acs.ednet.ns.caEnglish Program Services 902-424-8945 [email protected] http://eps.ednet.ns.caEducation Quality Services 902-424-0040 [email protected] Services 902-424-7746 [email protected] http://plans.ednet.ns.caFrench Second Language Program Services 902-424-6646 fl [email protected] Resources and Technology Resources and Technology Resources and Technolog Services 902-424-2462 [email protected] http://lrt.ednet.ns.caStudent Services 902-424-7454 [email protected] Regional Education Services 902-424-5799 (Halifax - SSRSB, HRSB) 902-424-6097 (Halifax - CSAP) 902-563-2080 (Sydney - CBVRSB) 902-893-5890 (Truro - CCRSB, SRSB) 902-742-3427 (Yarmouth - TCRSB, AVRSB)Senior Executive Director 902-424-5829 [email protected]
Nova Scotia Department of Education website: http://ednet.ns.ca
Going Gaelic...Gaelic Language and Culture WorkshopMay 1 and 2, 2008 English Program Services is once again pleased to offer teachers an opportunity to explore the language, history, oral tradition, identity, literature and other dimensions of Gaelic culture during a two-day workshop to be held at Dalbrae Academy, Mabou, May 1–2, 2008. Highlights will include a variety of workshops including language, dance, music, storytelling, visual arts, a showcase of student work, and a ceilidh. Each Board will be invited to identify a team of up to six teachers. This workshop will be of interest to teachers of Gaelic Studies 11, Cultural Industries 11, Gaelic language teachers at any level, or teachers interested in offering these courses or incorporating aspects of Gaelic culture and history into existing courses in social studies and arts education. Please indicate your interest in attending by communicating with your principal. The Department of Education will cover all costs associated with this professional development opportunity according to the usual government rates.
Health Promoting Schools Showcase May 23 2008 Regional health promoting school teams will have the opportunity this spring to highlight some of the great work that they are doing in schools throughout the province. The Health Promoting Schools Showcase will
be held in Dartmouth on May 23. There will be displays of the latest provincial school health practices, including healthy eating, physical activity, youth sexual health, tobacco reduction, addiction education, injury prevention, as well as other student supports and services in the school community. Nova Scotia’s Health Promoting Schools (HPS), a collaborative project that has been funded by the province since 2005−2006, provides a framework for coordinating school-health initiatives.
New Courses Available from Correspondence Studies
Global Geography 12 and Biologie 12 (français)
are now available for students.For more information, visit our website at
http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca > Correspondence Studies or call (902)424-4054
Internet Safety Program for Parents Available from NSFHSA Parenting the Net Generation addresses family
interests and concerns on issues that arise when young people go online. The workshop touches briefl y on many key Internet issues: Safety; Privacy; Marketing; Ethics; and Cyberbullying; Evaluation of Online Information. Comprising a PowerPoint© presentation, speaking notes, and a workshop guide with handouts for participants, the one-hour workshop was developed for parents by the Media Awareness Network (MAN). Handouts are provided as well as posters for the schools. Sessions are interactive and a real educational opportunity for parents. To access the workshop, please contact Janet Walsh, President, Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations at [email protected].
BRANCHING OUT is published 3 times yearly in October, February, and May. Back issues are available at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/branching.shtml
If you wish to receive the newsletter, please send an email to [email protected].
As I approach the end of my fi rst year as Senior Executive Director of Public Schools, I would like to thank all those teachers and administrators who have given so generously of their time and talents in
working with us on committees and projects. It is through such ongoing contacts that we are able to keep in touch with the ever-changing challenges of schools and classrooms. The exciting work and growing success of schools is refl ected in the accreditation reports and I specifi cally want to commend all those involved in the professional discussions and hard work required for these school improvement initiatives. We are currently engaged in developing Learning for Life III. The focus of the document is on supporting schools who in turn are supporting teachers and students. It is the school and the classroom that create the opportunities for student success. In Nova Scotia we have professional teachers whose dedication to students is of the highest order and I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge them and to thank them for their continuing good work. It is clear that student success depends in large part on all of us working together: parents, guardians, teachers, administrators, boards, the Department of Education and all other community and government organizations whose mandate is to care for children. In the year ahead, we will be working to strengthen these cooperative efforts. Dr. Alan Lowe, Senior Executive Director, Public Schools Branch
EBSCOhost Gets a New LookIn July, EBSCOhost 2.0 will incorporate the latest technology to facilitate your use of the database. To preview the new look of EBSCOhost, and to learn more about
its key features, go to: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=1&topicID=969 . Sign up for a guided tour through the EBSCOhost 2.0 Support Center that includes Help Sheets, a User Guide. You can access FAQs, Help Sheets, a User Guide, a PowerPoint tutorial, and other information that will orient you to the new look and features. The Public Schools Branch provides public schools access to EBSCO online databases such as Canadian Reference Centre, Advanced Placement Database, and a professional development collection called Education Research Complete. Access is available to all staff, students, and families in Nova Scotia public schools through EDnet or using passwords that are available
Hackmatack Books for School Libraries This year, the Department of Education will be bringing students some of the best Canadian books aimed at grade 4, 5, and 6 students by providing two sets of the Hackmatack Award books to elementary school libraries in Nova Scotia. Hackmatack is Atlantic Canada’s children’s choice book award. It enables young students to read and vote for their favourite titles in any of four categories—English fi ction, English non-fi ction, French fi ction, or French non-fi ction. The 2008–2009 winner will be announced at a gala ceremony at Pier 21 next May.
The Education Media Library is on the move!In June, the Media Library will be moving to join the rest of Learning Resources and Technology Services at Brunswick Place, 2021 Brunswick Street, Halifax. Our phone number remains 902-424-2440; email is [email protected]; fax 902-428-5828.
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT May 2008
2
May is Asian and Gaelic Heritage Month
Writers in Action Consolidation Workshop The consolidation of Writers in Action 7, 8, and 9 will be held May 14–16 in the Annapolis
Valley. Lead teams from across the province will attend this three-day event featuring a one-day workshop facilitated by the planning team members and a two-day writing workshop facilitated by Penny Kittle. Penny is the co-author (with Donald H. Graves) of Inside Writing, provided to grade 8 English language Inside Writing, provided to grade 8 English language Inside Writingarts teachers, and The Greatest Catch, provided to grade 9 teachers. In the fall, grades 7–9 English language arts and content area teachers will receive a copy of Penny Kittle’s fourth book, Write Beside Them: Risk, Voice, and Clarity in High School Writing. Clarity in High School Writing. Clarity in High School Writing This year Penny will concentrate on Writers Workshop, particularly argument and commentary writing, conferring, and writing across the content areas.
Spelling Primary–9: A Teaching Resource Launched at Professional Development Workshop in March 2008.
Lynne Healy, from Acadia University, facilitated two sessions—Spelling Primary–9: An Overview and A Closer Look at Spelling Development. Dr. Ruth McQuirter Scott was a featured speaker at the spelling launch. Dr. Scott teaches language arts to preservice students at Brock University’s Faculty of Education. She has written several books about spelling and language arts: Spelling: Sharing the Secrets, Spelling: Connecting the Pieces, Knowing Words: Creating Word-Rich Classrooms, and Knowing Words: Creating Word-Rich Classrooms. Schools will receive copies of Spelling: Connecting the Pieces for grades 7–9; Word Savvy: Integrated Vocabulary, Spelling, & Word Study, Grades 3–6; and The Wonder of Word Study: Lessons and Activities to Create Independent Readers, Writers, and Spellers for Primary–2. A pamphlet for parents, Let’s Talk about ... Spelling Primary–8, will also be distributed to schools.Wow! Box Sent to Schools!
In March, English Program Services sent the Wow! Box to elementary schools. This
is a resource package of books, professional resources, DVDs,
and a 20-foot parachute to support learning and teaching in the areas of physical activity and healthy eating. More resources will be arriving at schools this spring. By the end of this school year or in the early fall, schools will also be receiving a resource package to support physical activity in dance. This package will support learning and teaching in health education, physical education, and music at the elementary level. In April, more than 100 high school physical education teachers participated in the Physical Education 10 Implementation Workshop at Oak Island Resort. The workshop introduced the new Physical Education 10 course and other new courses planned for the high school level. One full day of the workshop was devoted to outdoor pursuits; teacher leaders and facilitators from around the province shared their expertise and passion with their peers.
Grade 9 Students Get Nelson Canadian Writer’s Handbook All grade 9 students will receive a copy of the 2008 Nelson Canadian Writers Handbook. The handbooks will belong to students for use in grade 9, and throughout high school, as a writer’s reference in school and at home.
Grade 9 English language arts classrooms will receive 15 copies of the Nelson Canadian Writer’s Handbook to complement other Writing Centre Handbook to complement other Writing Centre Handbookresources distributed in April. The Nelson Canadian Writer’s Handbook offers powerful and practical ideas that can help to make student writing stronger and more effective. Topics include an overview of the writing process; review of sentence and paragraph writing; how to write an essay; and forms of writing and representing, such as profi les, résumés, book and movie reviews, and research papers. Other interesting ideas included in the handbook address speech writing and designing oral presentations. The handbook also offers spelling tips, grammar basics, and information on other writing conventions.
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT May 2008
3
May 31 is World No Tobacco Day
Winners of LRTS’ “The ImagesProject Wants YOU” Contest Contestants contributed original photographs to the ImagesProject, a web-based collection of free, copyright cleared images for teacher and student curriculum use hosted by the Nova Scotia Department of Education. The contributed images will bring the collection to approximately 1500 photographs that teachers and students are welcome to download, edit, and freely publish in curricular projects. From school, there is no login required. From home, teachers and students use their student or staff ednet.ns.ca username and password.1st Prize - Teresa Kewachuk, Chignecto-Central Regional School Board won 12 copies of the animation software Frames and a Saturday workshop for 12 people. Additional prizes awarded to Paul Butler (CCRSB), Linda MacIntyre (SSRSB), Aaron Thompson (SSRSB) and Peter Smith (NSDOE). http://imagesproject.ednet.ns.ca
Third Annual Math/Literacy Mentor Event On April 24 and 25, 2008, the Nova Scotia Department of Education hosted the third annual Math/Literacy Mentor event at the Park Place Ramada Hotel in Dartmouth. Mathematics and Literacy Mentors from across the province participated in a two-day workshop focussing on “differentiation” as a unifying concept. Gayle H. Gregory from Nelson Education Canada led a session called “Differentiated Instructional Strategies: One Size Does not Fit All.” This was followed by a variety of Mathematics- and Literacy-specifi c professional learning opportunities. Other featured speakers included Doug Duff from Nelson Education Canada and Lawrence Ryan from CCRSB.
Democracy 250 The Democracy 250 initiative continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the fi rst parliamentary democracy in what is now Canada. The General Assembly met for the fi rst time in Halifax on October 2, 1758.
Youth Town Hall Meetings are currently being held throughout the province. Online learning resources are available to support students learning in Social Studies 7 and Canadian History 11 at http://www.democracy250.caA print version of these primary-document based resources will soon be distributed to schools. Visit the related D250: Make Your Mark web site—at http://www.d250.ca—which encourages youth to get involved in their communities and to make their mark by speaking out on issues and voting. The site also identifi es events that D250 is hosting and promoting in Nova Scotia and Canada.
New Toll Free Access to Department1-888-825-7770
The Department of Education has a toll free number ! Toll Free Access will complement other forms of communication including e-mail, the Departmental website at http://ednet.ns.ca and the individual contact information on the last page of this newsletter.
Learning Resources and Technology Services’ PD DVD, Teaching and Learning: A Primary FocusTeaching and Learning: A Primary FocusT , recently won the K-12 Award of Excellence at the 2008 Media Festival of the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE). Crew pictured above includes: camera operators Paul LeBlanc and Dan Leadley (far left and right), technical producer Barry Fraser (seated), producer Ray Whitley and content consultant Barb Rushton.
http://ednet.ns.ca BRANCHING OUT May 2008
4
Public Schools Branch consists of the following Divisions: African Canadian Services 902-424-3151 [email protected] http://acs.ednet.ns.caEnglish Program Services 902-424-8945 [email protected] http://eps.ednet.ns.caEducation Quality Services 902-424-0040 [email protected] Services 902-424-7746 [email protected] http://plans.ednet.ns.caFrench Second Language Program Services 902-424-6646 fl [email protected] Resources and Technology Resources and Technology Resources and Technolog Services 902-424-2462 [email protected] http://lrt.ednet.ns.caSchool Board Labour Relations 902-424-8758 Student Services 902-424-7454 [email protected] Regional Education Services 902-424-5799 (Halifax - SSRSB, HRSB) 902-424-6097 (Halifax - CSAP)
902-563-2080 (Sydney - CBVRSB)902-893-5890 (Truro - CCRSB, SRSB) 902-742-3427 (Yarmouth - TCRSB, AVRSB)
Senior Executive Director 902-424-5829 [email protected] Scotia Department of Education website: http://ednet.ns.ca
Arts Education UpdateThe Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will exhibit selected works from the deGarthe Scholarship submissions in the Newman Daughters Gallery. This exhibition will take place between May 26 and June 6. .
A very exciting celebration event for students of Advanced Music 12 and Advanced Visual Arts 12 will take place on May 29 and 30 at Liscombe Lodge. Students will be participating in master classes with university professors and will be involved in challenging workshops. Summer Institutes will be offered in all fi ne arts disciplines—dance, drama, music, and visual arts. Teachers are encouraged to check the Department of Education website at http://www.ednet.ns.ca/ to fi nd out more about these fantastic professional development opportunities.
Science 6 Textbook Sent to Schools Hot off the press, Nova Scotia Science 6 textbooks were sent to
schools in March. Special features of the text include Nova Scotia connections to the units, Nova Scotia pictures, Conversations with Elders, career information in “Ask a ...”, present technologies, and a book scavenger hunt. The hands-on, minds-on activities refl ect how students can be engaged in their learning. The Teacher Resource will be sent to schools in September. Energy and Me: An Educational Resource for Science 2 and Science 3 Conserve NS and the Department of Education have collaborated to produce an exciting science resource kit that includes equipment, life cycle cards, and a booklet of activities that may be used as an innovative approach to learning and teaching the Growth and Change units in grades 2 and 3. Resource components will be distributed in May (kits and cards) and June (booklet).
Focus on Junior High Geometry During 2007–2008, grade 7 mathematics teachers received four days of professional learning on the grade 7 geometry outcomes. Two chapters of the grade 7 text, Mathematics 7: Focus on Understanding were written to Mathematics 7: Focus on Understanding were written to Mathematics 7: Focus on Understandingaddress these outcomes. Teachers also received the following materials to be used for geometry instruction: Pattern Blocks, Power Polygons, Geometry templates, Polydrons, Bulls-Eye Compass, Geo-Strips, and Math-Vu Mirrors Our plan for 2008–2009 is to provide opportunities for four days of professional learning for each grade 8 mathematics teacher on the grade 8 geometry outcomes and to provide appropriate resources to support learning and teaching.
Model Legislature 2008: May 23 to 25 The sixth annual Nova Scotia Model Legislature is slated for May 23–25, 2008. High school students from across the province, along with teachers and parents, will gather at Province House in Halifax. Participants will meet with politicians, debate topical issues, and attend workshops. If you have students who are interested in attending, or if you are interested in participating as a teacher, contact Bruce Fisher, Social Studies Consultant, at fi [email protected].
October 2008
BRANCHING OUT is published 3 times yearly in October, February, and May. Back issues are available at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/branching.shtml
If you wish to add your name to the distribution list, please send an email to [email protected].
Reports from school boards indicate that we have had a very smooth opening of schools. The greatest change this year has been the attendance in primary of approximately 1800 additional students who now qualify because of the change in age of entry to December 31st from October 1st. The increased numbers and increased age span have produced new challenges which are being ably met by primary teachers. The Department and school boards have helped teachers to prepare for the students with additional resources and professional development activities. The Department presented a workshop in the summer for primary teachers throughout the province and will offer two further workshops during the school year. I want to express my thanks to the primary teachers for their dedication and hard work in preparing for our youngest students. I also want to wish all teachers and students every success in the 2008-09 school year. Dr. Alan Lowe, Senior Executive Director, Public Schools Branch
Anti-Bullying CrestsThere are still anti-bullying crests available for order at the Nova Scotia Book Bureau. Schools that have not yet placed an order for their crests are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. All public schools are entitled to order, at no charge, crests equaling 25 per cent of their total student enrolment. All unclaimed or surplus crests will be made available to schools later this fall. The crests, created by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation in partnership with DOE for use on team uniforms, can also be used on backpacks and other articles to promote respect and tolerance in school and in the community.
Skilled Trades Courses on Their WayGrade 10 students in selected schools will have the chance to explore the skilled trades and learn about career options in a new introductory course, Skilled Trades 10, being offered in pilot schools in each school board starting this year. Skilled Trades 10 is open to any student who wishes to explore the skilled trades and develop the skills necessary for a future in the culinary arts, construction, and transportation trades. These skills can be further developed in the Construction Trades 11 course, and students will have the opportunity for co-operative work experience with a real employer in grade 12. Skilled Trades courses and Skilled Trades Centres—classroom and work space designed for the practical side of these courses—mark the beginning of integration of skilled trades education in our public schools.
Challenge for Excellence DVDsThe Student Services Division has released a two disc DVD set entitled Challenge for Excellence: Program Planning. This DVD set provides a framework for program planning for students with gifts and talents and highlights some programming strategies and options that may be considered by a program planning team. The resource is intended to support professional learning communities in examining how they can expand and enhance individual programming for students with gifts and talents. These DVD sets, produced for Student Services by the Media Production unit of Learning Resources & Technology Services, have been provided to all Student Services Coordinators for schools in their boards.
Literacy Success 12A three-day Implementation Workshop will be held on October 20−22, 2008, for teacher representatives from every high school. A well known expert in the field of high school assessment, Anne Davies, will present state-of-the-art theory and practice for two of the three days.
Student and professional resources to be distributed to high schools across the province will be showcased. These resources will begin to arrive at schools in November.
http://ednet.ns.ca Branching Out October 2008
2
Talk About Gaelic! Six schools across the province will be offering Gaelic language instruction thanks to the Department of Education’s ongoing commitment
to providing Gaelic Language Program Grants. Mira Road Elementary (CBVRSB); Saint Andrew Junior School, St. Andrew’s Consolidated School (SRSB); East Pictou Middle School, Cobequid Educational Center (CCRSB), and Citadel High School (HRSB) were approved for grants ranging from $9,000 to $100,000. A total of $233,843 was allocated to Gaelic language projects for 2008-2009. Program grants may be used for hiring Gaelic language teachers, providing professional development opportunities, and purchasing teaching and learning resources. The deadline for projects beginning in the summer of 2009 is May 15, 2009. For complete details on this program, please contact Mary Fedorchuk, Program Co-ordinator, P-12, English Program Services at 902-424-5436 or by e-mail at [email protected].
October is Health Literacy MonthHealth literacy involves access to health information and the ability to understand, communicate and act on this information. For more information, please see “A Vision for a Health Literate Canada: Report of the Expert Panel on Health Literacy”The full report is available ar: http://www.cpha.ca/uploads/portals/h-l/report_e.pdfTo view the Executive Summary, please visit: http://www.cpha.ca/uploads/portals/h-l/execsum_e.pdf
Physical Education 10–12Development of a range of course options in Physical Education at the high school level is the highlight for the start of the 2008–2009 school year, with the
implementation of Physical Education 10, the introduction of Physically Active Living 11 and Fitness Leadership 11, and the development of Physical Education 11, Yoga 11, Leadership 12, and Exercise Science 12. The aim of these new courses is to develop essential competencies, build confidence, and fully engage students to instill the importance and desire to be active for life and beyond instructional time.Teachers have already received a number of professional resources to build a shared physical education depart-ment library at each school site, and can expect to receive more throughout the school year.
Education Week Celebrates Fine ArtsEducation Week has a long and proud history in Nova Scotia, dating back to the 1930s. This year, we’re celebrating the fine arts: music, drama, dance and visual art. It is a chance for us to honour teachers, principals, guidance counsellors and community members who so keenly demonstrate to students the value of the fine arts in a well-rounded academic program. Watch for more details from the Provincial Education Week Committee and your school board this fall.
Education Week is April 19–25, 2009.
Health Education Primary–6Last spring, elementary schools received the Wow! Box—a container of print, media, professional and material resources that address physical activity and healthy eating. A number of resources have been identified as practical additions to this resource kit, and schools can expect to receive these additions later in fall or early winter. A number of schools across the province are to be commended for utilizing the range of resources in this kit to begin walking programs and to integrate learning experiences across the curriculum to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Health Education Curriculum Outcomes ReviewA new learning outcomes framework is currently in development for Health Education Primary–9. This new outcomes framework will comprise a reduced number of specific curriculum outcomes and will be based on best practices for health promotion and prevention practices to contribute to positive child and youth development. It is expected that this outcomes framework will be made available to schools in time for the beginning of the 2009–2010 school year.
October is Health Literacy Month
Canada’s Nutrition and Health Atlas is a web-based tool that disseminates information on nutrition-related indicators that should be a useful resource for educators. The CNHA is available at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/surveill/atlas/index_e.html
http://ednet.ns.ca Branching Out October 2008
3
Literacy Summer InstitutesConcurrent two-day workshops were held this summer. Once again the Old Orchard Inn welcomed over 200 teachers
from grades primary–12 to gain professional insight in the area of literacy. Tony Stead worked with teachers from primary–6 around independent reading and the connections to writing, while Jeff Anderson spent time with teachers of grades 7−12 highlighting much of his work in his latest book Inviting Students to Develop Skill and Craft in Writer’s Workshop: Everyday Editing. All teachers learned a lot and had a fun time with both presenters!
Reminder: Toll Free Access to Department1-888-825-7770
The Department of Education has a toll free number! Toll Free Access complements other forms of communication including e-mail, the Departmental website at http://ednet.ns.ca and the individual contact information on the last page of this newsletter.
Free ICT Integrated Lesson Plans OnlineThe repository of ICT integrated lesson plans is available at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/PD/ict_projects/. These lessons are teacher-developed resources reflecting Nova Scotian curriculum outcomes for a variety of grade levels and curriculum areas. Now additional lessons have been shared for all Nova Scotia teachers by two of our school boards. Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board (http://www.cbv.ns.ca/Teacher_Resources/) has a variety of materials for most grade levels. Go to http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/ictlessons/index.html to find lessons by teachers from Halifax Regional School Board. Links to the school board lessons are included on the LRTS page, and also in the Integration of Information Technology section of the Department’s Curriculum-related web sites page. Thanks to CBVRSB and HRSB for their generosity in sharing their online lesson plans with other Nova Scotia teachers.
Entrepreneurship education resources available from CEED
The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) supports students and teachers in achieving curriculum outcomes through a variety of relevant entrepreneurship resources. CEED recently launched and distributed the new Grade 4 Jump Right In Elementary Enterprise resource to all grade 4 classes in Nova Scotia and is currently developing a new Entrepreneurship 12 resource. For more information on CEED’s entrepreneurship education resources visit: www.ceed.info/entrepreneurship_education CEED also hosts the Reality of Entrepreneurship competition for Entrepreneurship12 classes. The fall competition kicks off on November 12. For details or to register, visit: http://www.planetentrepreneur.com/reality/index.php
Primary Focus: Supporting our Youngest Students! Professional learning opportunities and resources for primary teachers and students continue to be offered. Further to the spring series of 13 workshops across the province, a Summer Institute for Primary teachers was offered on July 7–8, 2008. A record 160 teachers attended to work with guest speaker, Miriam Trehearne, an expert in the field of Early Literacy, well known for her books on the subject. The fall series of primary workshops is underway, and the third series is scheduled for February–April 2009.
Ebsco TipYou know that EBSCO is a rich source of online periodicals for students and teachers, but did you know that Shared Folders enable EBSCOhost users to store and share
items with other users? For details, please see these FAQs: What are Shared Folders? If you cannot open the link, please cut and paste this URL into a browser: http://support.epnet.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?id=3720. How do I Share a Folder? Here is the URL to the above FAQ: http://support.epnet.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?id=3749 How do I Accept a Shared Folder? Here is the URL to the above FAQ: http://support.epnet.com/knowledge_base/detail.php?id=3751
EBSCO: search.ebscohost.com
October is Mi’kmaq Heritage Month
http://ednet.ns.ca Branching Out October 2008
4
Stratégies de perfectionnement de la lecture et de l’écriture dans toutes les matièresFrench Second Language teachers from grades 7 to 12 participated in a literacy-based professional development session in Halifax, August 27th and 28th. There were opportunities to reflect on a variety of cross-curricular reading and writing strategies and to share and adapt numerous activities and strategies to better support literacy skills improvement in second language learning in all content areas.
Science 6 Implementation Workshop
About 80 teachers from around the province actively participated in this workshop, held May 1--2, 2008 at the Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville, NS. Participants engaged in hands-on, minds-on activities that highlighted STSE, assessment, and cross-curricular connections with mathematics, language arts, health education, and career education.
The Nova Scotia ENVIROTHON is a hands-on environmental education program of the Nova Scotia Forestry Association. It is designed to help increase participants’ problem-solving and critical
thinking skills. This program is open to students enrolled in grades 9−12. Interested teams can register; teams will meet at a provincial competition on April 30–May 2, 2009, at Acadia University. For more information on the program, contact the N.S. Forestry Association, www.nsfa.ca
Healthy Living 7–9Courses formerly known as Health/Personal Development and Relationships 7, 8, and 9 have been renamed as Healthy Living 7, Healthy Living 8, and Healthy Living 9. With a new outcomes framework expected for the 2009–2010 school year, teachers of Healthy Living can expect supplementary resources throughout the current school year to support learning and teaching. Teachers of Healthy Living are encouraged to utilize recently distributed resources to support their instructional program. Of special note, A Question of Influence has been updated and can be found, along online supports, at www.druged.ednet.ns.ca/ Teachers who do not have these curriculum supplements should contact their board’s Active Healthy Living Consultant.
Shad ValleyA three-year funding commitment to support the participation of Nova Scotia’s high school students, identified as top performers, innovative thinkers and future leaders, in the Shad Valley program was announced in May 2008 by Education Minister Karen Casey. “Our future leaders are in today’s classrooms. In order to increase the province’s innovation capacity, our students must have opportunities like the Shad Valley program available to them,” explained Minister Casey. Shad Valley is a summer enrichment program that encourages students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset while harnessing and strengthening their talents. The award-winning Shad Valley program is hosted at 12 leading Canadian universities each summer, including Dalhousie. Over 600 high-potential students benefit from the Shad Valley experience each summer, and the program currently boasts a network of over 10,000 alumni, including 18 Rhodes Scholars and countless award winning business and academic leaders. Application dates for Shad Valley for the summer of 2009 are December 10, 2008 and January 14, 2009. Applications will soon be available in schools across the province, and online at www.shad.ca
WIA Moodle CourseA short-duration pilot course, Writers in Action Moodle for Student Writers, is open and available for use by Nova Scotia teachers and students.
This Moodle course features discussion forums and a Greening Our Schools wiki. It will support student writers who wish to collaborate and receive feedback in response to their writing. This Moodle for Student Writers is located at the Nova Scotia Virtual School: http://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca/moodle Login using a staff or student.ednet account. Select All Courses from the left menu, then Open Student Moodles, and Writers in Action. Click on the teacher name indicated to receive the enrollment key. Before enrolling in this or any other Moodle course, please review the Provincial Network Access and Use Policy at http://lrt.ednet.ns.ca/pdf/aup.pdf
October 27 is National School Library Day
http://ednet.ns.ca Branching Out October 2008
5
Sustainability Education Makes SenseUNESCO identifies key action areas of education for sustainable development as gender equality, health promotion, environment, rural development, cultural diversity, peace and human security, sustainable urbanization, and sustainable consumption. The Nova Scotia Environmental Network has established a working group focussing on education for sustainable development, known as SENSE: Sustainability Education in Nova Scotia for Everyone. SENSE is a multi-stakeholder group, bringing together representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, youth, industry, First Nations, and academia from across Nova Scotia. SENSE projects include promoting the Ecological Footprint project, using the Natural Step Framework for sustainability planning for communities, greening facilities management, and compiling an online sustainability resource directory accessible to all Nova Scotians. SENSE workshops entitled “The Story of Stuff: Towards Sustainable Consumption and Production” are being offered this fall in partnership with Halifax Regional Libraries. The next“The Story of Stuff” workshop will be held at the Halifax North Branch Library, November 27 at 7 p.m. The next SENSE general meeting will be held November 3 at the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, 3106 Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax. The meeting is open to anyone interested in sustainability education. Please RSVP to [email protected]. To find out more about SENSE, visit www.nsen.ca
YooMagazine.net is an interactive health literacy program designed for young people, parents, and teachers, provided to schools and community groups at no charge. The goals are to provide youth with accurate health and mental health information in a variety of interactive formats and to improve health literacy and decision-making. Each month the magazine focusses on a key health theme that is relevant to youth. The website, www.yoomagazine.net, was developed and is maintained by Dr. Alexa Bagnell, at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, and Dr. Darcy Santor, at the Provincial Centre of Excellence in Ottawa, along with contributions from experts across Canada. To learn how your school can register for YooMagazine, please visit www.yoomagazine.net/info/register or contact Dr. Alexa Bagnell at [email protected].
Second Annual Science Olympics
The Nova Scotia 2008 Science Olympics will be held at St. Mary’s University on October 18, 2008. Over 110 students from grades 4 and 5 will participate along with over 30 chaperones. With 30 volunteers and judges, the event will take place all day. Spectators will be welcomed for the afternoon. This exciting event will feature young scientists and adults doing hands-on, minds-on science.
October 24 is Provincial Professional Development DayIn October of each year, teachers and administrators from around the province attend professional development conferences organized by the Special Associations of the NSTU. These conferences are planned and organized by Nova Scotia teachers, and are intended to provide teachers with up-to-date information through sessions provided by their peers and guest speakers. These conferences also give our teachers many opportunities for sharing with others from all areas of the province. For more information about this year’s sessions, please visit www.nstu.ca
Teachers are “In a Good Moodle” at ICT Integration Summer InstituteEarly in August, 65 educators gathered at the Truro campus of the Nova Scotia Community College to learn about integrating technology into the public school curriculum at the ICT Integration Summer Institute “IT’s Summertime.” Sessions included resources and ideas for the constructive integration of information technology in various curricular areas; discussions about topics and issues of interest to teacher-mentors for ICT; and other activities, such as geo-caching, podcasting, web development, and working with Moodle, the online course delivery system provided through the NS Department of Education.
October is Mi’kmaq Heritage Month
http://ednet.ns.ca Branching Out October 2008
6
Public Schools Branch consists of the following Divisions: African Canadian Services 902-424-3151 [email protected] http://acs.ednet.ns.caDiversity, Equity and Special Projects 902-722-1405 [email protected] Quality Services 902-424-0040 [email protected] Program Services 902-424-8945 [email protected] http://eps.ednet.ns.caEvaluation Services 902-424-7746 [email protected] http://plans.ednet.ns.caFrench Second Language Program Services 902-424-6646 [email protected] Resources and Technology Services 902-424-2462 [email protected] http://lrt.ednet.ns.caStudent Services 902-424-7454 [email protected] Regional Education Services 902-424-5799 (Halifax - SSRSB, HRSB) 902-424-6097 (Halifax - CSAP) 902-563-2080 (Sydney - CBVRSB) 902-893-5890 (Truro - CCRSB, SRSB) 902-742-3427 (Yarmouth - TCRSB, AVRSB)Senior Executive Director 902-424-5829 [email protected]
Nova Scotia Department of Education website: http://ednet.ns.caToll Free Access to Department 1-888-825-7770
The 8th Annual Atlantic Teachers’ Tour was held this past summer at Pictou Lodge, N.S., with 40 teachers from Atlantic Canada attending. These
four days of professional development allowed teachers to see, first hand, the results of science-based forest management for today and the future. For more information on the 2009 Atlantic Teachers’ Tour, please visit http://www.teacherstour.com
Nova Scotia Museum Learning Resources Catalogue OnlineThe LRC is an online listing of educational resources tailored to the school curriculum, including kits for loan, activities, and programs available at the 27 Nova Scotia Museum sites across the province. It describes what each museum site has to offer and includes links to other resources and information. The online catalogue also allows teachers to sign up for updates on new programs and resources as they become available. Visit http://museum.gov.ns.ca/learn
Arts Education UpdateAdvanced Music and Advanced Visual Arts courses are being implemented in several schools across the province. A workshop for teachers of these courses will be held in Halifax on November 6 and 7.
During the 2008-2009 school year, exciting new curriculum is being introduced in arts education: nine sites are piloting Music 7, 10 sites are piloting curriculum which supports band programs at the grade 7 level, and schools are involved in the Visual Arts 7 pilot. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia exhibited selected works from the deGarthe Scholarship submissions in the Newman Daughters Gallery. This exhibition took place between May 26 and June 6. A very exciting celebration event for students of Advanced Music 12 and Advanced Visual Arts 12 took place on May 29 and 30 at Liscombe Lodge. Students participated in master classes with university professors and were involved in challenging workshops
Junior High Math On OlympiadThe second annual Junior High Math On Olympiad Zone Championships were held April 15, 2008. These competitions were held in Halifax Regional School Board (HRSB) for teams from twenty-four junior high schools and, for the first time, Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board (CBVRSB) held a competition for six schools. A school team consists of twelve students: four students from each grade level. The top five schools from HRSB and the top school from CBVRSB advanced to the Regional Championships Saturday, May 3rd at the Sexton Campus Gymnasium at Dalhousie University. The Junior High Math On Olympiad is a regional math competition (developed by local teachers of mathematics) that gives students an opportunity to use their math skills as a team rather than as individuals. In 2007−2008, the Junior High Math On Olympiad has engaged more than 1500 students in enriched mathematical challenges.
