Middle School Matters

Jokes You Can Use: On Our Mind: Happy Birthday Rick Wormeli Eileen Award: Jennifer Applebaum Liz Kolb: Twitter Paul Steele Advisory: How important is it to be at school, on time? http://twentytwowords.com/2012/04/06/lady-carries-her-disabled-granddaughter-2-hours-to-school-every-day/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) Tough Climate for Teachers This middle school science minute is about the difficult situation that teachers face today in the teaching of climate change. In the March 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Inez Lifttig, editor of Science Scope wrote in the Editor's Roundtable: "A Tough Climate for Teachers." In the editorial she discusses the hurdles that teachers have today and relates them to the problems that Biology teachers have had in the teaching of evolution. She also points out that the teaching of climate change should not be a cautious approach because the Framework for K-12 Science Education, does not support a cautious approach and in fact emphasizes strongly that human activities impact climate change. From the Twitterverse: News: More States Retaining Struggling 3rd Graders By Erik W. Robelen http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/03/28/26retention_ep.h31.html?tkn=PQYF7PMVJobJVLws0eMfYkGfp3CJqc4i5cfx&cmp=ENL-CM-NEWS1 Common-Core-Test Group Gives Higher Ed. Voting Rights By Catherine Gewertz http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/04/05/28parcc.h31.html?tkn=WNTF3nLXUTQZIM4Er2IcBitwRjDIyvbqq2He&cmp=ENL-EU-NEWS2 Resources: The homework trap and what to do about it By Valerie Strauss http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-homework-trap-and-what-to-do-about-it/2012/04/05/gIQAJt9YyS_blog.html My Ten Most Used Apps to Become Fluent on the iPad http://www.techlearning.com/Default.aspx?tabid=67&EntryId=4046 Web Spotlight: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/ff_aiclass/all/1 Strategies: The Dreaded F Word: Fractions By David Ginsburg on April 1, 2012 7:00 PM http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/coach_gs_teaching_tips/2012/04/the_dreaded_f_word_fractions.html Do Students Know Enough Smart Learning Strategies? http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/2012/03/do-students-know-enough-smart-learning-strategies/ Fun Failure: How to Make Learning Irresistible Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events: Ohio Middle Level Association: The Ohio Middle Level Association will hold their annual conference. OMLA Registration Form OMLA Presentation Proposal Form AMLE Affiliate Conferences: The Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Annual Conference is coming up March 2012 in Warren Woods, MI. MAMSE Exhibitor Form MAMSE Registration Form MAMSE Presentation Form MAMSE Conference Program Book (2011) The North Carolina Middle School Association’s Annual Conference March 13-15, 2012 Conference Brochure Presenter’s Application Who They Are . . . This year’s sessions . . . Classroom 2.0’s Live Calendar. Classroom 2.0’s Ning Blog: Archived content is available.

Jokes You Can Use: Overheard: Husband: Janice, when I see you in that hat, I laugh. Wife: Good, I’ll put it on when the bill comes. Person 1: “You are the slowest person I’ve ever seen. Do you do anything quickly!” Person 2: “I get tired real fast”. Person 1: “Have any big men been born in this town?” Person 2: “Nope. Just babies.” On Our Mind: This episode is brought to you in conjunction with AMLE. We need your feedback. What would you like us to focus on in conjunction with AMLE? Please send us suggestions and feedback. Pick any of the contact methods to the right on the web page. Eileen Award: Tim Purcell Natasha Kardos Janet Herr Marchelle Lynn Ron King: AMLE suggestions Advisory: Advice to Girls by Kate Elizabeth Conner http://kateelizabethconner.com/ten-things-i-want-to-tell-teenage-girls/ and the counter-point for boys http://juntoboys.blogspot.com/2012/03/ten-things-i-wish-i-could-tell-every.html Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about rocketry safety. In the February 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Ken Roy wrote an article entitled: "Question of the Month - Rocket Safety." In the article you will learn about the safety expectations when using model rockets and how you can learn more about the National Association of Rocketry's Model Rocket Safety Code at: http://www.nar.org/NARmrsc.html From the Twitterverse: News: 5 Vimeo Videos Every School Leader Should Bookmark Vimeo is chock full of fun, artistic, and inspiring videos. Below are five videos that anyone leading professional development could find inspiring. http://edreach.us/2012/03/29/5-vimeo-videos-every-school-leader-should-bookmark/ Resources: 35 Useful and Free E-books for Web Designers These could be useful resources for some students. http://www.tripwiremagazine.com/2012/01/free-e-books-for-web-designers.html Wild Animals Smithsonian Wild Animals http://siwild.si.edu/ Web Spotlight: If The Test Wasn't Coming... Instead of allowing students to build sound evidence-based arguments on real issues, I am giving them practice choosing the best of someone else's answers to someone else's questions on a text with no context. http://teacherleaders.typepad.com/shoulders_of_giants/2012/03/if-the-test-wasnt-coming.html Fear And Self-Loathing In The Classroom by William Johnson, at 12:43 pm http://gothamschools.org/2012/03/19/fear-and-self-loathing-in-the-classroom/#more-79685 Events & Happenings:

Jokes You Can Use: What do you get when you cross a porcupine with a sheep? An animal that knits it’s own sweaters. What do you get when you cross a chicken with an elephant? I don’t know, but Colonel Sanders would have trouble dipping it in batter. If a dog loses his tail, where does he go? To the retail store. On Our Mind: MAMSE Major Announcement Eileen Award: John Bernia Todd Bloch Jeff Pelich Advisory: Even Disney Makes Mistakes: http://www.slashfilm.com/watch-rare-disney-documentary-called-the-sweatbox/ Paper Toys All kinds of paper projects. You could have the kids make a “scene” or use it http://papertoys.com/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about the misconceptions that middle school students have about light. In the February 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Amber Haslag and James P. Concannon wrote an article entitled: "Reflecting on students' misconceptions about light: Using research to guide assessment and instruction" They begin by sharing data on a study done through Michigan State University, which identifies the misconceptions that students have about light. They then developed a two-day 5E lesson that helps students to clarify their misunderstandings. After the lesson, they evaluate the students on their understanding of light. From the Twitterverse: MAMSE 2012 Formative Assessment Formative assessment. Fowlerville and Flatrock have also implemented this. MDE and Measured Progress Self reflection Goal Setting Prior Knowledge Formative Assessment Toolbox ( A really thick binder - 4", I do believe) Non-negotiables Rationale Explanation Ways to Incorporate Grading Scale - How do we grade? Why? Chose a 13 point scale. ZAP - Zero's Aren't Permitted Students are ZAPPED for lunch and after school. 3 Zaps in a week=after school. Principal is heavily involved. Counselors are used to follow up with the student. The counselor does the scheduling of the student with the parent for after school ZAP. This is also combined with the after school programs for support for students who are struggling. This is more immediate than Saturday school. The issue with Saturday school was the delay. They use Advisory for communication. They rely on the relationship development through Advisory to support the ZAP. Collaborative Team work Touch the numbers in order. 30 seconds to touch them in order. Then pair up. One person touches, the other helps. Shows that you are more effective in a group. They usually get farther. Wordles: Group works together. Combine different groups. When done, give out the answers, then process. Teacher takes notes on what happens: groups talk things out. The teacher role is to observe and then help the students process. Trying these out, the students respond genuinely. IZZI: 8x8. Resources: Zopler Zopler is a social network where writers, authors and students can easily collaborate on writing stories together as a group. http://zopler.com/ Contact Info: Anne Thorp: www.oaisd.org athorp@oaisd.org PeterArashiro: www.learnport.org parashiro@mivu.org Events & Happenings:

Jokes You Can Use: Boy: Will you marry me? Girl: No, but I’ll always admire your good taste. Girl: I’m telling you for the last time- you can’t kiss me. Boy: I knew that you’d weaken! Girl: Do you love me? Boy: Yes, dear. Girl: Would you die for me? Boy: Um....mine is an undying love. Ask me what I had for lunch on March 15th. Go ahead, ask me. On Our Mind: MAMSE Conference Eileen Award: Debbie Silver - Happy Birthday Ashley Kurth Diigo Groupees: Karen Chopra & G2One Networking Diigo Posters: Steve Davis & Ron King Advisory: Are you a risk taker? National Geographic has an article on why teens take risks. Worth a read but I think the picture essay that goes with it is more valuable for the discussion it could generate around the classroom. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/teenage-brains/risk-quiz Viewing Teens Positively: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/teenage-brains/teenagers-video Pictures: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/teenage-brains/cahana-photography#/10-getting-tongue-pierced-670.jpg Should I raise my hand? http://twentytwowords.com/2012/03/15/should-you-raise-your-hand-in-class-a-flowchart/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about the topic of what drives public opinion. In the March 2012 issue of Science Scope, within the Scope's Scoops section, there is a news article entitled "What drives public opinion on climate change?" The article cites a study by Robert Bruelle and colleagues from Drexel University who set out to identify the informational, cultural and political processes that influence public concern about climate change. Their conclusion was that the driving factor that most influences public opinion on climate change is the mobilizing efforts of advocacy groups and elites. It seems that that information-based science advocacy has had only a minor effect on public concern. From the Twitterverse: News: Why the Ed Department should be reconceived — or abolished http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/why-the-ed-department-should-be-reconceived--or-abolished/2012/03/09/gIQAHfdB5R_blog.html The war on teachers: Why the public is watching it happen http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-war-on-teachers-why-the-public-is-watching-it-happen/2012/03/11/gIQAD3XH6R_blog.html Survey: Teachers work 53 hours per week on average gIQAqGxYGS_blog.html A South Carolina Teacher’s Been Suspended for Reading ‘Ender’s Game’ to His Class http://thinkprogress.org/alyssa/2012/03/16/446431/a-south-carolina-teachers-been-suspended-for-reading-enders-game-to-his-class/?mobile=nc Resources: AudioViator Web Spotlight: 11 Peculiar Meetings Between Famous People http://www.worldsstrangest.com/mental-floss/11-peculiar-meetings-between-famous-people/ Strategies: Failure Is an Option http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/03/13/for-better-learning-failure-is-an-option/35920.html Little Free Library http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/index.html The Challenge of Challenging Text http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar12/vol69/num06/The-Challenge-of-Challenging-Text.aspx Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events:

On Our Mind: MACUL State wide on-line testing Eileen Award: Liz Kolb Carol Hix of Science Six: Recommendations: lulu.com and Edmodo.com, Google Docs, Twiddla, www.mixedink.com. Advisory: National Geographic ‏ @NatGeo Daylight savings time: Why and when does it begin? on.natgeo.com/yr6p1P Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about the collaboration that can take place between math and science teachers. In the February 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Karen Charles, J.D. Canales, Angela Smith and Natalie Zimmerman wrote an article entitled: "Exploring the Solar System:? Let the Math Teachers Help!" They explain how attending a week long academy offered by NASA in their school district encouraged math and science teachers to consider how using models and simulations could expand their repertoire of classroom strategies and engage students more fully in their own context-rich learning. From the Twitterverse: News: American Dropouts: Part I http://transformed.teachingquality.org/blogs/03-2012/american-dropouts-part-i A Lesson in Teaching to the Test, From E.B. White http://www.nytimes.com/schoolbook/2012/03/07/a-lesson-in-teaching-to-the-test-from-e-b-white School Communities Wrecked by "Value-Added": Two Must-Reads http://transformed.teachingquality.org/blogs/get-fracas/03-2012/school-communities-wrecked-value-added-two-must-reads Resources: Mixed Ink http://www.mixedink.com/ K20Alt - Authentic Teaching and Learning http://k20alt.ou.edu/ 10 Open Education Resources You May Not Know About (But Should) http://mindshift.kqed.org/2011/05/10-open-education-resources-you-may-not-know-about-but-should/ CloudFTP http://www.hypershop.com/CloudFTP-p/cftp-black.htm Web Spotlight: Stop Taking Pictures of the Whiteboard http://www.edsocialmedia.com/2012/02/stop-taking-pictures-of-the-whiteboard/ GenoChoice Good for web site evaluation. http://genochoice.com/ Inside-Out Your Mind http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/03/02/147825237/inside-out-your-mind?ft=1&f=1130 The Civil War, Part 1: The Places http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2012/02/the-civil-war-part-1-the-places/100241 Old Maps Online http://www.oldmapsonline.org/#bbox=-110.3125,-51.774806,119.609375,72.104237&q=&datefrom=1000&dateto=2010 Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events:

Shawn & Troy talk about iPads, apps, advisory ideas, the Twitterverse and more. Jokes You Can Use: Some people think that movies would be better if less film were shot and more actors. On Our Mind: New MSM Newspaper: http://paper.li/MSMatters/1330791685 Update on EtherPad Eileen Award: @ClareFroggatt for following us on Twitter! Advisory: Languages http://ourmothertongues.org/Home.aspx Paper AirPlanes http://twentytwowords.com/2012/02/29/new-world-record-distance-for-a-paper-airplane-flight/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about life jackets, engineering, volume and density. In the February 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Richard Moyer and Susan Everett wrote an article entitled: "Increase your v to lower your D." They developed a 5E lesson that can easily be used by teachers. The lesson integrates all of the STEM disciplines, while focusing on the core ideas of criteria and constraints in engineering and the practice of engineering design. It also is focused on the concepts of density and volume. BTW, Dick Moyer, in this article, teaches over at UM-Dearborn. Pretty well known in the area. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget #midleved on Friday, 8:00 EST on Twitter! News: ISTE Virtual Presence ISTE opens a site on EduIsland9 to replace the four islands it once maintained in Second Life. The Middle School Plunge http://educationnext.org/the-middle-school-plunge/ Resources: iPad Resources for Administrators From: Eric Sheninger http://pinterest.com/esheninger/ipad-apps-for-administrators/ HelloSlide http://www.helloslide.com/ Canvas LMS Learning enriches living. Discover how major universities and K-12 school districts are boosting teacher effectiveness, student success and parental engagement with the Canvas learning management system. Learn more about canva http://www.instructure.com/ 1,000 Educational Apps http://adecardy.visibli.com/share/C46fkd *Tip: You can access the Google Doc below. Select Make a Copy. You can then filter the document to items that you want. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AvFbfb1mWoNwdGlweWtkZkFRS1gzUDMtTUtoTEw0MkE#gid=0 Web Spotlight: “Bully” gets rated R The MPAA rated the movie R on the basis of language used in the film -- language that young teens hurled at a 13-year-old. http://www.thewrap.com/movies/article/weinstein-company-considers-leaving-mpaa-over-bully-rating-35681 Cognitive Neuroscience Tools FreeEDUCATIONAL TOOLS FOR COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE http://gocognitive.net/ Stop Selling Dreams http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams Socrates Fails his Teacher Evaluation The results were posted in the Agora for all to see the quality and performance of their teacher. Socrates failed. He simply spent too much time asking them to think. A walk- through evaluation by his supervisor (undisclosed), determined that “ sometimes Socrates’s students meander through endless dialogues examining challenging questions that do not have one right answer.” Hopefully, he will be replaced or perhaps go through an intensive summer professional development program in Sparta. http://edge.ascd.org/_SOCRATES-FAILS-TEACHER-EVALUATION/blog/5822005/127586.html Students Engaged http://www.edutopia.org/blog/student-engagement-definition-ben-johnson 12 Must See Teacher Movies http://www.teachhub.com/top-12-must-see-teacher-movies Strategies: AMLE 2011: Events & Happenings:

Jokes You Can Use: Fred met a friend that he hadn’t seen a while. They exchanged some pleasantries. Fred then inquired about the old friend’s wife. “She’s in heaven now”. “Oh, I’m so sorry”, said Fred. He immediately realized that this was not the best possible answer and could be misconstrued. “I mean, I’m glad” he stammered. Then he realized that might be even worse. He tried again. “Well, what I really mean is, I’m surprised”. Paraprosdokians I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not so sure. You're never too old to learn something stupid. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public. I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather, not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness. If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child? Hospitality: making your guests feel like they’re at home, even if you wish they were. Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back. “I’ve had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn’t it.” — Groucho Marx I can read minds, but I’m illiterate. “I haven’t slept for ten days, because that would be too long.” — Mitch Hedberg The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. On Our Mind: Zamzar vs Convert-online Eileen Award: Ron King: Diigo contributions. Advisory: Jason Eifling ‏ @jeifling What School Lunches Look Like In 20 Countries Around The World buzzfeed.com/mjs538/what-sc… via @BuzzFeed Building Relationships Through Tools of Communication http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dupabkw46Qk Pictures from Around the World Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) Eww, that smell. Can’t you smell that smell?! From the Twitterverse: News: Why don’t top private schools adopt corporate-driven reforms? By Valerie Strauss Resources: Looking for an image? http://jpg.to/ Collaborative Whiteboard http://www.twiddla.com/ The iPad as..... http://edtechteacher.org/index.php/teaching-technology/mobile-technology-apps/ipad-as Transforming Education http://www.ctnexted.org/pdfs/CAPSS_0101-FullReport.pdf Web Spotlight: Woolly Mammoth Video Last week, a new video surfaced claiming to show a live woolly mammoth — an animal scientists think has been extinct for at least four millennia — crossing a river in Russia. The video became an Internet sensation, making headlines around the world. Some Bigfoot believers and Loch Ness Monster lovers murmured their tentative approval, hoping it proved that large unknown (or assumed extinct) animals still exist in Earth's remote wilds. Good opportunity to show hoaxes. This site includes both videos (the “woolly mammoth” and the original). http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2012/0213/Shocker-Video-of-live-woolly-mammoth-not-entirely-authentic-videos Science & YouTube From: Richard Byrne (Free Tech for Teachers) The Spangler Effect is a new YouTube channel from Steve Spangler Science. Unlike his popular Sick Science videos which are no more than short demonstrations of science experiments students and parents can do at home, The Spangler Effect videos offer longer (15 minutes or so) explanations of science experiments. The Spangler Effect videos explain the science of do-it-yourself experiments and how you can recreate those experiments at home or in your classroom. http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/02/spangler-effect-experiments-and.html Bullying Strategies That Don’t Work Via: Scott McLeod Events & Happenings:

Jokes You Can Use: Customer: This food isn’t fit for a pig. Waiter: I’m sorry. I’ll bring you some that is. PARAPROSDOKIANS: (Winston Churchill loved them.) Here is the definition: "Figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected; frequently used in a humorous situation." "Where there's a will, I want to be in it," is a type of Paraprosdokian. - A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station. - Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, 'In case of emergency, notify:' I put 'DOCTOR.' - You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice. On Our Mind: “The ‘Good’ Kids Are Compliant, The ‘Bad’ Kids Are Defiant, And Nobody Is Engaged” (Daniel Pink via http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/superintendent/bookclub.aspx ) Eileen Award: Anabelle Maillard Morgan Jamie Cruikshank Congrats to Todd Williamson on his new position as Head Techie in his school district! Advisory: Touching “Arigato” (Thank You) Video From Japan (via Larry Ferlazzo) http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2012/02/12/touching-arigato-thank-you-video-from-japan/ YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SS-sWdAQsYg MistakeVille Try the Job Interviews gone wrong. http://www.mistakeville.com/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) Transforming Field Trips This middle school science minute is about transforming field trips. In the January, 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Rebecca Morris wrote an article entitled, "Transforming a Field Trip Into an Expedition: Supporting Active Research and Science Content Through a Museum Visit.” Rebecca shares the methods that she used with her 6th grade students. She developed the museum field trip into a short-term, active research project assignment. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join #midleved chat on Twitter at 8:00 pm EST! News: Common Core Standards and Impact on Achievement http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/rc/reports/2012/0216_brown_education_loveless/0216_brown_education_loveless.pdf The Opportunity Cost in Education What does “paperwork” cost to a school district? http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2012/02/count-opportunity-cost-of-teacher-tasks.html Resources: Quadratic Equations - The Main Ideas Mission US Mission US is a multimedia project that immerses players in U.S. history content through free interactive games. Other missions are planned for release in 2013 and 2014. Join the conversation and get updates about Mission US on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visit the Help page. To share your feedback, email us via the contact form on this site. Thanks for playing! http://www.mission-us.org/ Web Spotlight: Microsoft Partners in Learning Apply today US Forum https://www.facebook.com/partnersinlearning?sk=app_368381589844161 Strategies: What’s Your Story Content: Your video must address one of these topics: Take action against bullying Keep a good rep online Be cell smart Eligibility: All residents of Canada (excluding Quebec) and the US, 13 years of age and older. http://whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com/internet-safety/Home.do National Archives Digital Experience Create Posters, Videos and/or Pathways revolving around the material in the National Archives. Easy to use. http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/02/create-videos-and-posters-on-us.html http://www.digitalvaults.org/#/create/ Events & Happenings:

Jokes You Can Use: Mom: Were you a good boy today? Son: Yep. You can’t get in too much trouble standing in the corner. I wouldn’t say the restaurant was suspicious, but there were 3 shakers on the table: Salt, pepper and alka-seltzer. Eileen Award: Jamie Cruikshank Steve Collis Advisory: Best Ad Campaigns of All Time. http://www.englishblog.com/2012/02/infographic-best-ad-campaigns-of-all-time.html A Short History of Calendars http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kzprsR2SvrQ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about writing lab reports. In the January, 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Fred Enge wrote an article entitled, "Not Another Lab Report." Fred shares his ideas on helping his 8th grade students improve on their lab reports. Two important factors came into play: 1. Relevance 2. Guidance From the Twitterverse: News: ISTE Island ISTE Island has been a resource for many educators over the years. February 28th the Island goes into LOST mode (vanishes completely) as ISTE will no longer make payments to Linden Labs to maintain the island. There’s a party on the 27th and all are invited to attend. Resources: Algebra in the Real World Movies http://www.thefutureschannel.com/algebra/algebra_real_world_movies.php Latte http://olivierlabs.com/latte/index.html Text to Speech Mac Only. Extends the functionality of the built-in Text to Speech. http://www.tuaw.com/2012/02/10/daily-mac-app-text2speech-lets-hear-what-you-write-in-record-ti Web Spotlight: English Slang http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2012/02/10/nice-pbs-news-hour-story-on-teaching-english-slang/ Solve for X A forum to encourage and amplify technology-based moonshot thinking and teamwork. Somewhat similar to TED. http://www.wesolveforx.com/ Strategies: AMLE 2011: Mastery and How to Assess It Rick Wormeli This is based on Fair is Not Always Equal. Has a discussion guide, participant study guide, and videos Define Mastery Can use it and apply it in another context? Must incorporate it later in the year . . . Final exams given over last 2-3 weeks and never for a long period of time/sitting. What evidence will you tolerate? Sit down with your team/department and decide. What exemplars? What are teachers putting on their tests? "Agree on a commonly accepted definition of mastery." What is the difference between proficient in the standard/outcome and mastery of the standard/outcome? What does exceeding the standard mean? Common Assessments Written by local teachers Given when the kids are ready to take them. Do a variety of them. They don't count a huge amount on the report card. Ask him for the article on Clarifying the Curriculum. Feedback vs. Assessment Feedback: holding up a mirror to students, showing them what they did and comparing it to what they should have done - There's no evaluative component! Assessment: Gathering data so we can make a decision. Greatest impact: Formative Assessment. Be clear: We mark and grade against standards/outcomes, not the routes students take or techniques teachers use to achieve those standards/outcomes. Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events: Ohio Middle Level Association: The Ohio Middle Level Association will hold their annual conference. OMLA Registration Form OMLA Presentation Proposal Form AMLE Affiliate Conferences: The Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Annual Conference is coming up March 2012 in Warren Woods, MI. MAMSE Exhibitor Form MAMSE Registration Form MAMSE Presentation Form MAMSE Conference Program Book (2011) The North Carolina Middle School Association’s Annual Conference March 13-15, 2012 Conference Brochure Presenter’s Application Who They Are . . . This year’s sessions . . . Classroom 2.0’s Live Calendar. Classroom 2.0’s Ning Blog: Archived content is available.

Jokes You Can Use: There are only two ways of handling a woman - nobody knows either one. Girl: “Too bad you flunked the test. How far away were you from the right answers?” Boy: “About 2 seats.” Boy: “I just had a date with Siamese twins” Girl: “Did you have a good time?” Boy: “Yes and no”. On Our Mind: Why don’t teachers nominate colleagues for awards? Eileen Award: Dave Bydlowski Advisory: http://gullible.info/ Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about Nature Journaling. In the January, 2012 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Janita Cormell and Toni Ivey wrote an article entitled, "Nature Journaling: Enhancing Students' Connections to the Environment Through Writing." Janita describes how she shared her passion for nature with her sixth-grade students through nature journaling and how her students gained a better understanding of the natural world. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST. iBooks Author update News: Reed-Custer District seeks balance in 'friending' students Marney Simon - Staff writer So what is a school district to do when technology advances faster than school policy? Dr. Butts said that there may very well be educational value to social media such as Facebook, Twitter and other sites, the district has to find it and be able to encourage the use of it appropriately. School board members noted that finding a balance for how Facebook and other social media is used in relation to the schools is difficult. "Used appropriately it's an after hours reach-out, I don't want that to be taken away," Speed said. "I just want us to say, hey, if you're going to have it, it has to be maintained in a professional manner. Lead by example. That's why we're here." http://www.braidwoodjournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=143&ArticleID=8490 Resources: Going Paperless as a Teacher - Part 1 http://transformed.teachingquality.org/blogs/01-2012/going-paperless-teacher-part-1 Web Spotlight: What’s Wrong with the Teenage Mind What happens when children reach puberty earlier and adulthood later? The answer is: a good deal of teenage weirdness. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203806504577181351486558984.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_5 The Amazing Educational Jargon Generator http://www.sciencegeek.net/lingo.html Everything You Thought You Knew About Learning Is Wrong By Garth Sundem Taking notes during class? Topic-focused study? A consistent learning environment? All are exactly opposite of the best strategies for learning. http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/01/everything-about-learning/ This is What our Sun will Look Like When It Dies In a few billion years, our dear Sun will look like this, a beautiful glowing eye of spent starstuff trash in the shape of Sauron's Eye. http://gizmodo.com/5881048/this-is-how-our-sun-will-look-when-it-dies-yes-its-the-eye-of-sauron The Faculty Project The best Professors from the world's leading Universities are coming together to teach online FOR FREE! http://facultyproject.com/ Strategies: “WE PENALIZE KIDS FOR GETTING DISTRACTED FROM BORING STUFF AT SCHOOL” by DAVE CAOLO http://52tiger.net/we-penalize-kids-from-getting-distracted-from-boring-stuff-at-school/

Jokes You Can Use: Whilst escorting his wife to the concert, Jim asked his wife what they were seeing. “Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony” she replied. “Good” Jim responded. His wife was surprised, she didn’t think that Jim really enjoyed going to the symphony. “Well, I’m glad that you’re looking forward to this. Where have you heard this before?, she asked. “Huh”, Jim responded. “I’m just happy that we missed the first four”. Whenever my wife needs money, she calls me handsome. “Hand some over”. On Our Mind: iBooks Author Listener question: Is Apple’s New Education Initiative Dangerous? ~ Interesting dialogue #fhuedu642 => @msmatters What do you think? tinyurl.com/6m4uzw4 - From Dr. Tatom. Eileen Award: Doc Tatom Donnielle Kota-Moore Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) Metal Safety. This middle school science minute is about metal safety. In the December, 2011 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Ken Roy wrote an article entitled, "Test Your Metal (safety knowledge)." He investigates the safety issues involved in using metals with middle school students. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST. News: Supreme Court Declines Cases on Student Internet Speech supreme_court_declines_cases_o.html?cmp=ENL-DD-NEWS1 Resources: 25 Audio Editors: Most Amazing High Definition Image of Earth - Blue Marble 2012 http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc/6760135001/ 100 iPad Apps Perfect For Middle School http://edudemic.com/2011/11/ipad-middle-school/ http://palmbeachschooltalk.com/groups/ipadpilot/ Seinfeld Seinfeld teaches History: Think History, Saturday Night Live. http://cooperativelearning.nuvvo.com/lesson/9592-seinfeld-tea Alfie Kohn vs Dwight Schrute Classic Schrute Bucks episode. Good for talking about classroom management. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G59KY7ek8Rk Web Spotlight: Straight from the DOE: Dispelling Myths About Blocked Sites 100 Best YouTube Videos for Teachers http://www.smartteaching.org/blog/2008/08/100-best-youtube-videos-for-teachers/ http://t.co/V6EeeuLv Valentine's Day Teaching Resources http://www.squidoo.com/valentines-day-teaching-resources Strategies: Why Interactive White Boards are Used Ineffectively in Classrooms An interactive White Board (IWB) or SMART Board has the potential to deliver content better than traditional methods of teaching. Why? http://www.teachscienceandmath.com/2010/07/28/why-interactive-white-boards-are-used-ineffectively-in-classrooms/ Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events: ISTE News: ISTE Eduverse Talks are the recorded sessions held on ISTE Island every week. Join ISTE in their Second Life conference location for their weekly talks on education. The ISTE Special Interest Group: Virtual Environments is holding meetings on Mondays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm (SLT) on ISTE Island. Ohio Middle Level Association: The Ohio Middle Level Association will hold their annual conference. OMLA Registration Form OMLA Presentation Proposal Form AMLE Affiliate Conferences: The Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Annual Conference is coming up March 2012 in Warren Woods, MI. MAMSE Exhibitor Form MAMSE Registration Form MAMSE Presentation Form MAMSE Conference Program Book (2011) The North Carolina Middle School Association’s Annual Conference March 13-15, 2012 Conference Brochure Presenter’s Application Who They Are . . . This year’s sessions . . . Classroom 2.0’s Live Calendar. Classroom 2.0’s Ning Blog: Archived content is available. Second Life: Regular Tuesday meetings are scheduled. See the board on the ISTE Island for up to the minute details. Check frequently this week as the ISTE Annual Convention is this week. Video: Educational Uses of Second Life

Jokes You Can Use: Ever notice: People who cough incessantly never seem to go to the doctor - they go to concerts, banquets, and church. People who have a concrete mind - permanently set and all mixed up. People who have a rare intelligence - as in they rarely show that they have intelligence. People who have a keen sense of rumor. On Our Mind: Last week’s interview with Dave Tucker on homework. Eileen Award: Justin Menard Advisory: 100 Things that we didn’t know last year. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/magazinemonitor/2011/12/100_things_we_didnt_know_last_6.shtml Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about cockroaches. In the December, 2011 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication) Ron Wagler wrote an article entitled, "Using Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches to Develop and Enhance the Scientific Inquiry Skill of Observation in Middle School Students." He shares activities that students can do to enhance their observational skills. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST. News: A decade of No Child Left Behind: Lessons from a policy failure By Valerie Strauss http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/a-decade-of-no-child-left-behind-lessons-from-a-policy-failure/2012/01/05/gIQAeb19gP_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet D.C. Lawmakers Propose Requiring Students to Apply to College Lawmakers in the nation's capital have floated a plan to require high school students to apply to college or trade school -- even if the students have no interest in attending. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/01/07/dc-lawmakers-propose-requiring-students-to-apply-to-college/ Resources: Learn Out Loud LearnOutLoud.com has scoured the Internet to bring you over 5000 free audio and video titles. This directory features free audio books, lectures, speeches, sermons, interviews, and many other great free audio and video resources. Most audio titles can be downloaded in digital formats such as MP3 and most video titles are available to stream online. Enjoy! http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video/History/Speeches American Rhetoric Database of and index to 5000+ full text, audio and video versions of public speeches, sermons, legal proceedings, lectures, debates, interviews, other recorded media events, and a declaration or two. http://www.americanrhetoric.com/ Free Audio Books Download hundreds of free audio books, mostly classics, to your MP3 player or computer. You’ll find great works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. http://www.openculture.com/freeaudiobooks Song of the Week Use the link to sign up for his Song of the Week. Also links to lots of information. Follow him on Facebook to hear his latest work with the students and classrooms he visits throughout the year. http://www.monteselby.com/ http://www.monteselby.com/Refrigerator.mp3 SchoolHouse Rocks! Relive my Saturday mornings! http://community.eflclassroom.com/page/schoolhouserock-1?xg_source=activity Web Spotlight: iPad in Education Tons of information, from soup to nuts of iPad implementation. http://palmbeachschooltalk.com/groups/ipadpilot/ GapMinder Gapminder is used in classrooms around the world to build a fact-based world view. On this page we feature quality examples & resources. Share your own ideas and learn from others in the new Gapminder Movement forum! http://www.gapminder.org/news/gapminder-desktop-launched/ http://www.gapminder.org/for-teachers/ Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events:

Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about the physics of curling. In the December, 2011 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication), there is an article entitled, "Swept Away: Exploring the Physics of Curling" by Liza Esser. In the article, Liza explains the game of curling, the physics of curling, and then she develops a 5E lesson that she uses in her unit on forces and motion. Interview with Mr. Dave Tucker School Improvement team effort What things would improve the learning of the students? Proficiency, meeting the needs of the students. Changing it from a policy group to a learning policy group. A strong indicator was the completion of homework. Started with research and reading. What should the policy be? Decided that existing ones were not the best to choose from or merge into a policy. Read stuff by Doug Reaves (sp?) (Wears a bow tie in the pictures in his research articles. Yes, it isn’t APA documentation, but will help you find it. :-) ) “No Missing Homework” policy wasn’t the best choice either. All homework would be accepted, late or not, and accepted for full credit. No Killer Zeros. A 0 is 10% below a D. Tiered intervention system. Homeroom/Advisory 30 mins. (Homework Club Time) Using Zangle, staff can pull the missing assignment list for each student. Provides a coaching role for the Advisory teacher. Level I: Student gets a pass to Homework Club from Advisory and they have to continue to go there until it is all completed. Level II: Students are pulled from an elective class of administration’s choosing and put into an elective class called Homework Club II. (Band seems to be an inoculation against Homework Club!) Level III: Intervention level that requires staying after school with the administrators (This unjustified border is driving you nuts, isn’t it?) What does homework mean? Why give it? It’s a good formative assessment. Good way to introduce a subject. Practice a skill that has been taught. We don’t want homework to be a test of academic stamina. It needed a systemic response with all of the teachers on board. It is so labor and detail intensive. Encore subjects are second to Core curriculum. Art & Science of Teaching by Marzano gischools.org Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events: ISTE News: ISTE Eduverse Talks are the recorded sessions held on ISTE Island every week. Join ISTE in their Second Life conference location for their weekly talks on education. The ISTE Special Interest Group: Virtual Environments is holding meetings on Mondays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm (SLT) on ISTE Island. Ohio Middle Level Association: The Ohio Middle Level Association will hold their annual conference. OMLA Registration Form OMLA Presentation Proposal Form AMLE Affiliate Conferences: The Michigan Association of Middle School Educators Annual Conference is coming up March 2012 in Warren Woods, MI. MAMSE Exhibitor Form MAMSE Registration Form MAMSE Presentation Form MAMSE Conference Program Book (2011) The North Carolina Middle School Association’s Annual Conference March 13-15, 2012 Conference Brochure Presenter’s Application Who They Are . . . This year’s sessions . . . Classroom 2.0’s Live Calendar. Classroom 2.0’s Ning Blog: Archived content is available. Second Life: Regular Tuesday meetings are scheduled. See the board on the ISTE Island for up to the minute details. Check frequently this week as the ISTE Annual Convention is this week. Video: Educational Uses of Second Life

Jokes You Can Use: Why are so few men with whiskers in heaven? Because most men get in by a close shave. What’s the definition of a financial genius? Someone who can make money faster than the rest of the family spends it. I know a woman who has cooked so many TV dinners that she thinks she’s in show business! On Our Mind: New Year’s Resolutions. Feedback PLN site - http://rmmade.com Eileen Award: Happy Birthday to Jeff LaRoux Nicole Woulfe Linda Neville Rachel C. Advisory: It has a name you know: http://www.buzzfeed.com/daves4/25-everyday-things-you-never-knew-had-names Honest Logo http://m.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/if-logos-were-honest Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This middle school science minute is about formaldehyde. In the November, 2011 issue of Science Scope (NSTA publication), in the section on "Scope on Safety" a question was asked about what a teacher should do if they find specimens preserved in formaldehyde. Two very good options are provided. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST. News: It's Time to Rethink the Hours America Spends Educating http://www.edutopia.org/time-out LearnCentral becomes Blackboard Collaborate http://www.wecollaborate.com/ Novo 7, DroPad A8i and the Aakaash . . . So you’re thinking about a cheap tablet . . . Resources: Documentary Tube http://www.documentarytube.com/ Old Television Themes A vast resource of audio. http://www.televisiontunes.com/ Sketch in 3D on the Web About Remember the old cartoons where hand drawn lines appeared to vibrate because of differences between frames? That's what this experiment simulates. It also adds a third to your drawings by allowing you to rotate the canvas. http://hakim.se/experiments/html5/sketch/ Web Spotlight: The 20% Solution I recently assigned a new project to my 11th grade English students: The 20% Project. Although it’s called a “project”, that term is merely for student understanding and lack of a better word. This project is based on the “20 percent time” Google employees have to work on something other than their job description. It has been well documented, and Google has exponentially grown as a company while giving this 20 percent time. http://educationismylife.com/the-20-project-like-google-in-my-class/ The Living Room Candidate Election video ads. Can be sorted by year, by type, or by issue. http://www.livingroomcandidate.org/ 10 Funniest Things http://educationismylife.com/top-10-funniest-things-ever-said-in-education/ MiddleWeb's New Resources (438) http://tln.typepad.com/middleweb/2011/12/middlewebs-new-resources-438.html Urgent call to a medieval Help Desk http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/cyberworld/urgent-call-to-a-medieval-help.html 30 Webtools to Transform a Classroom - LiveBinder http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=259021 Continuing to Learn with the iPad- Storytelling http://langwitches.org/blog/2011/12/28/continuing-to-learn-with-the-ipad/ Strategies: 5 Awesome Things you can do with an iPad and a projector http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/10/5-awesome-things-you-can-do-with-ipad.html Physicists Seek To Lose The Lecture As Teaching Tool http://www.npr.org/2012/01/01/144550920/physicists-seek-to-lose-the-lecture-as-teaching-tool (Referenced in the Twitterverse: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/everybody-is-stupid-except-you/201201/lectures-suck) Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events:

Jokes You Can Use: 1. What time of day was Adam born? A little before Eve. Why was Adam a famous runner? He was first in the human race. 2. On our way home from visiting family we stopped at a Culver’s to grab some breakfast. Sitting in the booth across the way was Santa. He had ordered the Eggs Benedict and when the nice Culver’s chap brought out his order he set down a hubcap in front of the jolly old elf. As he passed me I stopped him and asked about the hubcap. He said, “Oh, well, there’s no plate like chrome for the Hollondaise …” On Our Mind: Holidays. Eileen Award: Luke Rakoczy Craig Cadman Michael Palmer Lynda Gonzalez-Napier Advisory: Middle School Science Minute by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or davidbydlowski@mac.com) This one is about using Gummi Bears in the Science Classroom. From the Twitterverse: Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST. News: TED Presentation: On-line Charters http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L_wfX3MzRE Can We Really Learn Online? Response to NYTimes on Wall Street's Digital Learning Enterprises http://hastac.org/blogs/cathy-davidson/2011/12/13/can-we-really-learn-online-response-nytimes-wall-streets-digital-lea Resources: Snag Films National Geographic Channel: *Thanks to Richard Byrne at Free Tech for Teachers - http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/12/watch-75-full-length-national.html http://www.snagfilms.com/films/browse/category/national_geographic Web Spotlight: Overcoming the Divide Between Curriculum and Technology Leaders The digital revolution is changing how many U.S. school districts create ­engaging learning environments, with collaboration between the ­curriculum and technology ­departments slowly becoming the norm rather than the exception. By ­developing a common language around how students learn best, these leaders are fostering a shared vision for effective 21st century learning. Unfortunately, there remains a striking gap between this vision and the day-to-day strategic work these leaders are doing. http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2011/12/overcoming-divide-between-curriculum-and-technology-leaders iPad App listing by Dan Callahan on Pinterest iPad apps categorized by subject. http://pinterest.com/dancallahan/ Try these 10th-grade quizzes created from Florida’s standardized test We decided to do this because of the enormous popularity of a guest post I published last week by educator Marion Brady about a school board member in Florida who decided to take the state standardized test. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/try-these-10th-grade-quizzes-created-from-floridas-standardized-test/2011/12/13/gIQABBR6rO_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet A superintendent calls school reformers’ bluff By John Kuhn As a public school administrator, I have been a steadfast critic of the legacy of No Child Left Behind. But I’ve recently figured out a way that school reformers can get me on their side. It’s very simple. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/a-superintendent-calls-school-reformers-bluff/2011/12/11/gIQABKBXoO_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet Phishing Quiz Ever wonder how good you are at telling the difference between a legitimate website and one that's a phishing attempt? Take this quiz to find out. http://www.opendns.com/phishing-quiz/ Strategies: An Interactive Strategy for Reading Assignments in All Content Areas http://www.amle.org/Publications/MiddleLeveliNSIDER/Articles/ReadingAssignments/tabid/2532/Default.aspx AMLE 2011: Classroom Management & Student Motivation "The Keys to Raising Student Achievement" Events & Happenings: Calendar of Events: