Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Vision of Students today
This is a remarkable video that every teacher should see. I found this on Greg Kane's blog.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Discovery Science coming to CT Middle Schools
TO: Superintendents of Schools
FROM: Mark K. McQuillan, Commissioner of Education
DATE: December 8, 2008
SUBJECT:Computer-Based Science Resources for Middle Grades
I am excited to announce a new resource that will soon be available to all middle grades (Grades 6-8) in Connecticut. Connecticut has acquired a statewide license to Discovery Education Science—an award winning standards-based multimedia resource that powers any middle-school science curricula with virtual labs, simulations, interactive videos, reading passages and more, coupled with a real-time assessment component that measures students’ progress. This is a four-year license and is provided by the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) through the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) at no cost to school districts.
Organized around an inquiry framework and covering physical, earth and space, and life sciences, Discovery Education Science is designed to engage students, encourage exploration, stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding of science.
Within the next few weeks, you will be contacted by a representative from Discovery Education who will provide you with information on how to provide all of your Grades 6-8 students and their science teachers with access to these wonderful resources. Professional development will also be available, both online and through the regional educational service centers (RESCs), so that all teachers understand how to make full use of the Discovery Education Science materials to enhance their curricula.
In these difficult fiscal times, it is critical that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students and help them develop solid skills in core content areas like science, as well as in the use of technology and the development of 21st century skills. I am so pleased that we are able to advance each of these areas with the addition of Discovery Education Science.
You can find out more about Discovery Education Science by visiting their Web site If you have any questions about this initiative, you may contact Karen Kaplan, educational technology consultant, at karen.kaplan@ct.gov or 860-713-6781.
FROM: Mark K. McQuillan, Commissioner of Education
DATE: December 8, 2008
SUBJECT:Computer-Based Science Resources for Middle Grades
I am excited to announce a new resource that will soon be available to all middle grades (Grades 6-8) in Connecticut. Connecticut has acquired a statewide license to Discovery Education Science—an award winning standards-based multimedia resource that powers any middle-school science curricula with virtual labs, simulations, interactive videos, reading passages and more, coupled with a real-time assessment component that measures students’ progress. This is a four-year license and is provided by the Connecticut Education Network (CEN) through the Commission for Educational Technology (CET) at no cost to school districts.
Organized around an inquiry framework and covering physical, earth and space, and life sciences, Discovery Education Science is designed to engage students, encourage exploration, stimulate critical thinking and deepen understanding of science.
Within the next few weeks, you will be contacted by a representative from Discovery Education who will provide you with information on how to provide all of your Grades 6-8 students and their science teachers with access to these wonderful resources. Professional development will also be available, both online and through the regional educational service centers (RESCs), so that all teachers understand how to make full use of the Discovery Education Science materials to enhance their curricula.
In these difficult fiscal times, it is critical that we continue to enhance the educational experiences of our students and help them develop solid skills in core content areas like science, as well as in the use of technology and the development of 21st century skills. I am so pleased that we are able to advance each of these areas with the addition of Discovery Education Science.
You can find out more about Discovery Education Science by visiting their Web site If you have any questions about this initiative, you may contact Karen Kaplan, educational technology consultant, at karen.kaplan@ct.gov or 860-713-6781.
Friday, December 05, 2008
December's Bond Commission's Agenda has been posted
Unfortunately, the Infrastructure funds have not been placed on this month's agenda.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act
October 1st, Congress passed S.1492: Broadband Data Improvement Act. Although the bill has not yet been signed by the President, his signature is expected. Title I of this bill is aimed at increasing the federal government's understanding of broadband metrics, standards, speeds, and prices. It also aims to encourage state initiatives to improve broadband deployment. This was the initial purpose of the bill when drafted and may ultimately be of interest to E-rate applicants.
Title II of the bill, however, will have a small, but more direct, impact on E-rate applicants. The short name of Title II is "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act." Its aim is to promote safe Internet use by children and to enhance enforcement of child pornography laws. Specifically, Section 215 imposes an additional CIPA requirement for E-rate applicants' Internet Safety Policies. Such policies must include "... educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response."
Although it may be several months until either USAC or the FCC provides guidance on the new CIPA provision (including effective date, requirement for public notice of Internet Safety Policy revisions, etc.), applicants who are currently writing or rewriting their Internet Safety Policies should plan to incorporate a component dealing with online behavior education.
The text of the full bill is available at S.1492.
Based on the likelihood of a Presidential signature and the bill becoming a law, information will be sent out to all Superintendents and RESC Executive Directors indicating the new requirements, along with an amended CIPA compliance document that will supersede the existing CIPA agreement in the Technology Plan template.
Title II of the bill, however, will have a small, but more direct, impact on E-rate applicants. The short name of Title II is "Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act." Its aim is to promote safe Internet use by children and to enhance enforcement of child pornography laws. Specifically, Section 215 imposes an additional CIPA requirement for E-rate applicants' Internet Safety Policies. Such policies must include "... educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response."
Although it may be several months until either USAC or the FCC provides guidance on the new CIPA provision (including effective date, requirement for public notice of Internet Safety Policy revisions, etc.), applicants who are currently writing or rewriting their Internet Safety Policies should plan to incorporate a component dealing with online behavior education.
The text of the full bill is available at S.1492.
Based on the likelihood of a Presidential signature and the bill becoming a law, information will be sent out to all Superintendents and RESC Executive Directors indicating the new requirements, along with an amended CIPA compliance document that will supersede the existing CIPA agreement in the Technology Plan template.
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