engage NY banner
STAY CONNECTED
Like us on Facebook   Follow us on Twitter 
In this Issue
EngagedVoices
Educator Blog 
Quick Links
News and Notes
anchor

Dear Colleagues,

 

In this edition of News and Notes, we highlight a recent memo to educators about the important role research plays in Common Core instruction. The memo provides guidance for educators and administrators about implementing the research skills addressed in the Common Core. 

 

You'll also find:

 

Thank you for all you do as educators, family and community members in supporting our students.


Sincerely,

John B. King, Jr.
Commissioner
Follow me on Twitter @JohnKingNYSED
research
The Role of Research in Common Core Instruction

 

Research plays an important role in Common Core instruction. The Department has issued a memo providing guidance for educators and administrators about implementing the research skills addressed in the Prekindergarten - Grade 12 ELA/Literacy Common Core State Standards. Included in the memo are recommendations for partnering with librarians, media specialists, and cultural institutions to support and advance local curriculum decisions about implementation of research practices in any grade. 

 

The Appendix includes supplemental resources that are helpful to both educators and students. Educators will find links to research-focused curriculum modules and units. Free resources that provide access to research databases, like NOVELny, are helpful to students as they learn the research paper process. 
videoteacherleader
Video: What is a Teacher Leader?

Across New York, the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders are diverse. They model, mentor, coach, observe, exchange information and support their colleagues.

 

Watch the video below to see how educators across New York State define teacher leadership. Visit the Improving Practice page and the Engage-Envision-Elevate Toolkit to learn more about developing sustainable career pathways and leadership roles. 

 
NYSSSA
New York State Summer School of the Arts Documentary
A new documentary takes you on stage, behind the scenes and into the studios of the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA). "FOCUSED: Creative Youth in the Empire State," produced by Mountain View PBS, features all seven summer residency programs, ranging from music to dance to visual arts. 

NYSSSA is made possible by the New York State Education Department, offering talented youth the opportunity to develop their skills in the arts. The 30-minute documentary depicts the hard work, creativity and commitment involved in nurturing the next generation of artists in the Empire State. Click here for a preview of the documentary, and stay tuned to your local PBS channel and NYSSSA website for broadcast dates and times.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2015 New York State Summer School of the Arts. Auditions begin in January and will be held throughout New York State. A complete schedule of audition sites, application materials and program information is available on the NYSSSA website at www.oce.nysed.gov/nysssa.
historymonth
November is New York State History Month
November is New York State History Month. Throughout the state, cultural institutions, museums, libraries and historic sites are celebrating New York State History Month with a variety of events and activities. 

The New York State Museum has created a State History Month website, which includes a variety of free educational resources - including videos, online exhibitions and teacher guides - to help support history instruction. Visit the New York State History Month website at: 
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/historymonth/. 


   
webinars
Available on EngageNY: Assessment Development Webinars

NYSED has awarded approximately $9.2 million in Teaching is the Core grants to BOCES, school districts and district consortia for the purposes of reducing non-essential tests and strengthening local assessment practices by reviewing, identifying, improving, and/or developing high-quality assessments. Assessment review and development can be a complex and challenging process.

To support participating districts, NYSED is offering a series of assessment literacy webinars that describes fundamental assessment concepts and provides guidance on reviewing and developing assessments.

The webinars are led by Dr. Susan Brookhart, an internationally recognized expert on the use of classroom-based assessment. Webinar topics include assessment review, performance assessment, test construction, and professional development. While live webinars are available only for Teaching is the Core awardees, recordings of the webinars are available on EngageNY. Webinars and other resources can be found here. 
green
Green Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Invited to Apply

Has your school made outstanding efforts to create an energy efficient and sustainable school environment? New York State is participating in the fourth year of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) program. Public and non-public schools are invited to apply for this national recognition.

Last year, one New York State school - Anne Hutchinson Elementary School, Eastchester, NY - was among 48 schools and 9 districts across the nation named U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools.

Public and non-public schools are eligible to apply and should submit their applications to the New York State Education Department's Office of Facilities Planning. Click here for submission details, including the program timeline and application process.