The STATellite (February 2011) by The STATellite

Contents Calendar President’s Message

Volume 55, Number 1

February 2011

Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Inside This Issue:

• Bylaws Amendments • CAST 2011 Preview • Board of Directors Nominees • STAT Legislative Tracker • and more...!

The Official Newsletter of the Science Teachers Association of Texas

Contents Calendar

About Us

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

We are STAT, the Science Teachers Association of Texas.

Bylaws Amendments

STAT is committed to the enhancement of the teaching of science in Texas at all levels and in all science disciplines.

Teachers in Space

For STAT Position Statements, go to: http://www.statweb.org/positions

STAT Legislative Tracker

STAT is: o A statewide organization of elementary, middle level, and high school teachers, college educators, supervisors of science, and others dedicated to maintaining the highest levels of science and education in our schools. o A chapter of the National Science Teachers Association o Visit the NSTA site

Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

STAT seeks to: o Serve as a unified voice for the science teachers of the state. o Keep science teachers and other members informed about current trends in science education. o Provide opportunities for members to examine techonology, curriculum, materials, and services. o Inform members of local, state and national meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops related to sciences. o Cooperate with other science oriented organizations and teacher associations in the promotion of teaching of science.

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

History: STAT, Science Teachers Association of Texas, was formally organized in 1957 during the 4th Annual Conference for the Advancement of Science & Mathematics Teaching (CASMT). STAT membership is now more than 7,000 strong!

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Contents Calendar President’s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Calendar..............................................................4 President’s Message .........................................5 Bylaws Amendments .......................................7 Teachers in Space ..............................................9 STAT Legislative Tracker ..............................11 STAT Board Nominees ..................................12 Einstein Fellowship ........................................21 CAST 2011 Preview.........................................22 STAT Around Town: Pics ..............................26 STAT Contacts .................................................28 Elected Officers ....................................28 Appointed Positions ............................28 Affiliate Congress.................................29 Texas State Board of Education..........30 Cover Art by Amy Rust, freshman at Water Valley High school, and student of Sharon Williams. Side panel art by students of Jessica Rodriguez, Port Isabel Junior High.

Contents Calendar

October

CAST 2011 Committee & STAT BOD Meeting

President’s Message Bylaws Amendments

November

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

March

Nasco Science Division STATellite Newsletter CAST 2011: The Art Spring 2011 November 17-19 STAT1102 Dallas, TX

Board Nominations

NSTA National Conference March 10-13 San Francisco, CA

Einstein Fellowship

May

STAT Board Retreat May 13-14 Frisco, TX; Westin Hotel

CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

April

STAT Budget Committee Meeting April 16

Contacts

July

NSTA’s Chapter and Associated Groups Meeting July 12 - July 16 TBD

September

TAEE Conference September 23-25 Navasota, TX 4

of Science

CAST 2011 STAT Board Meeting November 19 Dallas, TX STAT1102

A Message from President Palmer To say that education in Texas is facing an enormous crisis is an understatement. At this point, no one knows how deep the budget cuts will be, but everything indicates that they will be painful and will impact all teachers in Texas. Whether it be larger class sizes, additional duties, or lack of funds for instructional materials, our budgets will be tight. Every dollar will need to be squeezed as tight as possible. One of the things I hope you remember is that one of the best values in staff development is the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST). This year’s conference will be held in Dallas at the Dallas Convention Center. For the second year in a row, the conference will be held at a single site. If your district is anything like mine, the decisions about the increasingly scarce funds are being made right now. We as science educators need to raise our voices and be heard. Most districts will not finalize budgets until after the Legislature makes its decisions, but contingency plans are being developed. We need to remind district leadership that we will be asked to teach new standards for a new assessment with the same state-provided resources that we have had for ten years. CAST is a great bargain to prepare us for the challenges ahead. The conference dates for next year are November 17 – 19. I realize these dates may be problematic for some. They are the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving week. Those dates are difficult days to be off in some districts. I want you to know that these dates were not our first choice. Our original dates were November 3 – 5, but contract issues with the convention center forced us to move the dates. We will do what ever we can to communicate with district administrators that these days are not just opportunities for employees to start their holiday early, but are valuable staff development opportunities. Whatever comes, STAT is dedicated to providing support for the Science Teachers of Texas. Keep an eye on the STAT web site www.statweb.org for the latest news and resources to help you as you attempt to do your very best to prepare your students. If you have any ideas or suggestion feel free to contact me at president@statweb.org.

Remember the first time you fell in love with science?

Contents Calendar President’s Message

We do. It is the reason we believe in hands-on

Bylaws Amendments

scientific technology. It engages students in a meaningful way, develops keen analytical skills, and awakens a love for discovery.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

www.vernier.com for product tours, training videos, FREE sample labs, and to look for FREE workshops in your neighborhood.

Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

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Bylaws Amendments Cast Your Bylaws Amendment Votes Here: Bylaws Voting Site View the full document of the Bylaws Amendments Here: Bylaws PDF

Your Executive Committee has voted unanimously to restructure our Bylaws to create broader positions and change a few other key items listed below. To make the Bylaw changes official, we need your votes! Please review the summary of proposed changes, and follow the link above to cast your vote. Please remember: you must be logged in as a member to vote for the changes. You may retrieve your password by clicking “Request New Password” and entering your email address, or simply e-mail us at stat@bizaustin.rr.com for help. This vote will close on March 17. Article 2: Membership Change types of memberships to have all members as voting members and remove non-voting members from the Bylaws. Membership categories will be individual or business instead of voting or non-voting. Article 3: Affiliate Organizations Lessen the amount of paperwork required for affiliates to remain involved in STAT. Instead of organizational reports of activities, income and expense statements and percentage of STAT members, affiliates will now only submit a membership list and a copy of their previous year’s tax return. Article 4: Meetings Change number of meetings of the Board of Directors to two required meetings instead of four. Change publication of meeting date to the website rather than a quarterly publication. Changes specific months listed in the bylaws to seasons. Article 6: Executive Committee Add three Members At Large to the Executive Committee to increase the number of decision makers. Allow Vice President, Secretary and Members At Large to run for two consecutive terms to permit less turnover. Article 8: Nominations Allow call for nominations for board positions on the STAT website. Make the CAST board meeting the due date for new board nominations and the Executive Committee to approve the slate of officers during the CAST meeting. Allow officer ballots to be voted online for 30 days. Article 10: STAT Committees Change name of Policy/Issues Committee to Policy and Procedures Committee. Remove Regional Conference Committee as these are set up in regions and do not need a STAT appointed committee. Remove Honorary Membership Committee as it is a part of the Awards Committee process to designate honorary members, remove Safety Committee as it is only needed for CAST proposal reviews and will be part of the CAST Manual. Allow CAST Committee details to be written in the CAST Manual to allow for changes from year to year rather than the Bylaws.

Contents

by Rosemary Martin

NEW!

Calendar

Engaging station activities to reinforce content & processes!

President’s Message Bylaws Amendments

Includes STARR Readiness & Supporting Standards

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

Contact Rosemary Martin, ssibastrop@gmail.com for more information

Board Nominations TEKS Correlations – Catalog – Ordering information

Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

WWW.WORMWATCHER.COM THE COMPOST TEACHING MACHINE

Contacts

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Contents

Teachers in Space by Edward Wright

Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

In the summer of 2011, Teachers in Space will

offer a series of professional-development workshops for high-school science, technology, engineering, and math teachers. Developed in cooperation with NASA, the workshops will give teachers opportunities to fly in an unpowered aircraft with a former NASA Shuttle commander, learn to fly a flight simulator for the next generation of reusable spacecraft, study physiology in an altitude chamber, and build experiments that will fly on a suborbital vehicle. Workshops will take place in Florida, California, and Texas. One of the cornerstones of the summer program is the Excelsior STEM mission, a historic opportunity for high-school STEM teachers to gain hands-on experience with space-science hardware. The Excelsior STEM mission will fly on a suborbital reusable launch vehicle (RLV) built and operated by Masten Space Systems, based at Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, CA. Teachers will build experiments for the mission during a Suborbital Flight Experiment Workshop that will take place at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AERO Institute in Palmdale, CA on August 1-5. NASA Ames Research Center is helping to develop educational experiment kits that teachers will assemble during the workshop. In the past, build/fly workshops have enabled teachers and students to fly experiments on sounding rockets and high-altitude balloons. Unfortunately, those flight opportunities were rare and expensive. In the current era of space exploration, companies like Masten Space Systems are developing suborbital reusable launch vehicles -- fully reusable rocketships -- that will bring about a revolution in frequent, low-cost access to space.

Suborbital RLVs will provide reliable and affordable flight opportunities for scientists, teachers, and students. RLVs are still in the early stages of development, but Excelsior STEM will provide teachers with a unique early flight opportunity. By introducing teachers to the next generation of space hardware at this early stage, Excelsior STEM will opening the door for many more education flights in the future. In a few years, students flying space experiments will be as routine as high-school science fairs. The Suborbital Astronautics Workshop, which will take place in three states including Texas. In this workshop, teachers will learn about aeronautics and spaceflight while experiencing first-hand some of the training that future space pilots will receive. Expert instructors will include former Shuttle commander and XCOR Aerospace chief test pilot Col. Rick Searfoss (USAF-ret.). Participating teachers will fly in a glider and learn to pilot a flight simulator for a suborbital spacecraft now under development by XCOR Aerospace. At the end of the workshop, teachers will receive a copy of the simulator software to take back to the classroom. The Suborbital Astronautics Workshop will be held for the first time at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas, TX on June 20-24 with repeat sessions at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL on July 18-22 and the AERO Institute in Palmdale, CA on July 25-29. At the Space Medicine and Human Factors Workshop, teachers will learn about high-altitude physiology and respiration, decompression and vacuum exposure, space weather and radiation, and the effects of weightlessness, gee forces, noise, and vibration. The workshop will be held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL on July 11-15.

Contents

Teachers in Space (cont’d.)

Calendar

Workshops are offered at no charge to participating teachers. Subsidized housing will be available for workshop participants at a cost of $14 per night. A limited number of travel stipends will be available to defray the cost of meals and transportation. Applications are due by April 15, but teachers are encouraged to apply early. The application period might end based on the number and quality of applications received.

President’s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

Additional information and workshop applications can be found at: www.teachersinspace.org/workshops.htm

Board Nominations

Edward Wright is project manager for Teachers in Space and principal investigator for the Excelsior STEM mission.

Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

Pathfinder astronaut teacher candidate Rachael Manzer prepares for a glider flight with XCOR Aerospace chief test pilot and former NASA Shuttle commander Col. Rick Searfoss (USAF-ret.). Rachael Manzer will be the workshop manager for the Suborbital Flight Experiment Workshop in summer 2011. Colonel Searfoss will be lead flight instructor at the three Suborbital Astronautics Workshops.

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

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phone: 512.237.6407 || email: coep@mdanderson.org web: k12summerinstitute.mdanderson.org

Contents

Legislative Tracker

Calendar President’s Message Bylaws Amendments

STAT is here to defend and advance your career through advocacy. Now, there’s a way for you to get involved. We’ve tackled hundreds of House and Senate bills to bring you a short-list with the new STAT Legislative Tracker. Visit www.statweb.org/legislative to access these bills and get up-to-date information.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Get involved by joining the 82nd Legislative Session Group. Post, comment, and let your opinion be heard! Want help protecting your career in these tough times? Sign up through STAT for Educators’ Professional Liability Insurance today. Coverage is only $50/year. 11

Contents Calendar President’s Message

The Nominees Are In! Cast Your Votes for STAT’s 2011-2012 Leaders.

Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

The Nominees

Board Nominations

Einstein Fellowship

President-Elect Sharon Kamas

CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

Donald Burken

Contacts

Denise Hill

Terry Howard

Deidre Parish

Vice President Secretary Treasurer

Visit the 2011 Voting 12

Sharry Whitney

Jo Anne Jackson

Terry Ward

Site to Cast Your Vote.

President-Elect Sharon Kamas

What does “think outside of the box” mean to you? To me it means, be different; brave and creative. In my classroom, I was exactly that; different, brave, and creative. Problem: I didn’t always know what my students were learning from all that creativity, or more importantly, what they weren’t learning. Research wasn’t making me a better teacher. I had no framework or perspective to house new ideas. Research didn’t show me how it was supposed to look in the classroom. I could have continued my path without making changes, after all, I was considered a pretty good teacher, but frankly I was a little exasperated; I needed more for my students. I began to reach out; observing colleagues, attending every workshop and conference possible. Still, nothing changed! Turns out, you have to actually try the new things you learn and practice new skills and techniques. I found myself making excuses for not trying new ideas. “I don’t have time” or “It doesn’t fit” or “What if my students don’t respond?” Maybe this sounds familiar to some or brings back memories for others. Professional development alone wasn’t working. Research alone wasn’t working. Why do I share this story? My first years as a teacher and my journey thus far are the very reasons I feel such passion for best practices, research, and improving science instruction. The difference for me was the network and support I was able to tap into through STAT and the leadership skills I have developed over time. Meeting and talking with others that share my vision for making science great for students and listening to how others celebrate success - that is transformational! I had a support

system; validation and confidence. I was able to problem-solve things that weren’t working for me. I learned how to make the research and best practices work for me. My students benefitted more than ever before and now teachers benefit also. Research now has real meaning! Research-based practices and models have value for teachers. They need support for how to make it work for them, just as I needed that support. We must reach teachers, new and seasoned alike, and provide them with an indispensable network of resources, effective models for implementing research-based practices, and serve as mentors. We have to continue the remarkable work that STAT already does. It has been a great pleasure to volunteer at CAST countless times, but none more satisfying than serving on the 2010 CAST steering committee and a phenomenal workshop team! Our goals were to enhance communication and continue to develop the proposal review process. We did just that. As an instructional coach, it is my goal to positively impact teachers and give them the tools to make the difference in the lives of their students. I understand the tremendous commitment, dedication, and responsibility it will take as president-elect for STAT. I am confident that with diligence and tenacity, we will continue to move forward for excellence in science education.

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Contents Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

President-Elect

Bylaws Amendments

Deidre Parish

As STAT Secretary, I have observed the passion and dedication Texas science teachers have for teaching. I have listened to what you ask: We need sufficient resources to teach our students current information. We need valid and reliable data to adjust our instruction for student mastery of topics. We need hands-on activities that allow for student-centered instruction. We need information about state assessments in order to align what is written, taught, and assessed. We need collaboration so that no teacher has to work alone. Together we can pursue these needs and raise our voices. We as Texas science teachers have strength in numbers. As STAT President Elect, I will work to help teachers obtain what we need to ensure the best support for our teachers and the best education for our students.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

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Vice President Donald Burken

As a child, I was taught science through lectures, reading textbooks, memorizing vocabulary words and definitions, memorizing facts, and participating in few experiments. I believe this impeded my learning of the science content. After much mentoring by science teachers, specialists and directors, I now understand the importance of having students experience science rather than be passive observers. Students need to have inquiry experiences both in the classroom and out in the real world as well as ways to connect their learning through authentic literature and by self-reflecting on the learning. As the support team specialist for my district, my objective is to build the capacity of all elementary science teachers and specialists in the district to provide effective science instruction that encourages students and teachers to become lifelong scientists. Through lively discourse and professional relationships that occur at county supervisor meetings, I have gained much insight how to best help teachers provide true inquiry opportunities for students. The networking that I have been able to do as the result of being on the 2010 CAST steering committee, volunteering at the 2009 CAST, and attending the TSELA meetings has been priceless. I now have many friends that I can email or call for advice as well as share ideas with around the state. These networking opportunities allow me to help teachers be the best they can be. My goal for our organization is that all science teachers in the state of Texas actively participate in the organization. It is imperative that every science teacher understand the importance of STAT and how they can benefit from it. While the state conference is an invaluable experience for teacher, those that cannot attend are at a distinct disadvantage. The teachers who miss out on CAST lose out on the ability to network with other teachers across the state. Thus, they fail to benefit from on an excellent opportunity to learn. One way to combat that would be to encourage and support more “mini CASTS” around the state and provide an avenue for teachers to debrief with one another. By working together, all science students and teachers will be better scientists. I am seeking the Vice-President position of the Science Teachers’ Association of Texas. I fully understand the commitment needed to be effective and believe that the leadership I have demonstrated both in my district and as part of the steering committee for the 2010 CAST that I will be able to help our organization reach its full potential.

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Contents Calendar President’s Message

Vice President Sharry Whitney

Bylaws Amendments

From alternative energy debates to oil spills in the gulf and from bioengineering to stem cell research, the myriad of societal and personal issues that encompass our daily lives requires citizens to make informed decisions based on science and technology. People who are scientifically literate understand core science concepts, use scientific reasoning, and recognize the interactions between science, technology, and society. A quality science education teaches students to raise questions, persevere in search of answers, reason logically, and distinguish between unsubstantiated claims and those that have valid and reliable evidence. I believe that all students from preschool through high school and beyond need opportunities to refine and strengthen their scientific knowledge and scientific inquiry skills.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations

I support an inquiry-based approach to science education. Adequate time and appropriate resources must be provided for this special and important kind of instruction. It is important to engage students in science investigations that foster their natural curiosity and provide opportunities for learning experiences that are relevant to their daily lives.

Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

I believe that educators must increase their efforts to motivate and prepare more students to pursue science-related careers. The future of our nation depends on our ability to equip our students to compete in a global economy. By ensuring that every student learns science in a relevant, intellectually engaging way, education can be the vehicle that opens new opportunities for students who otherwise may not experience how science is the way to explain every day events, and possibly solve most of the great challenges of this century.

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Partnerships between families, school districts, community organizations, businesses, universities and the state governments are necessary to fulfill this vision of science education as preparation for life. I want to be a part of this effort and have a voice in the direction of science education today. “Science is the greatest of all adventure stories, one that’s been unfolding for thousands of years as we have sought to understand ourselves and our surroundings.” ~ Brian Greene

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Secretary Denise Hill

Innovation is vital in these days of accountability, Educating the students of today requires the rise of a curriculum and environment very different from many of tlle practices implemented by educators. Today’s students are technologically astute and more sophisticated. They are multi-taskers and easily lose focus if numerous sensories are not utilized. Solution...students learn science by doing science utilizing integrated activities and hands-on experiences that teach the science process skills and content beginning even in the early childhood grades. Constuctivism must be the daily theme for the science class. But, it is often reading and writing that drives the teaching in the science class. Alternative assessment must be considered for students to show evidence of the content they have learned. But, it is often the prepared paper exam that is used from the teacher’s manual. Even though science teachers themselves want students to be taught in the most effective way, they often disagree which is best, “traditional” or “progressive/constructivism.” Texas teachers have two major concerns as they prepare their unconventional students for this higher level of accountability: the lack of time available to teach the science standards, and the lack of understanding on how to best teach and assess science in their classrooms. I believe effective science teaching requires both. I believe science is best taught, and I’m sure Jean Piaget would agree, from the concrete to the abstract...from the hands-on experiences to the pencil and paper assessment. Doing both not only prepares them in science understanding and content, but prepares for the accountability. I believe preservice and experienced science teachers need more guidance and direction for developing innovative assessments of students’ understanding of science, and assessing students’ ability to conduct inquiry.

That is one reason I chose to continue my profession in higher education. I wanted to take what I had learned through “hard knocks” about effective science teaching for 9 years in the middle school and 10 years in the elementary school to the young preservice and beginning teacher. My passion tor teaching science developed while I developed curriculum and instruction for the Gifted and Talented in mathematics and science in Nacogdoches, Texas. We put away our textbooks (“Curses!”) and created lessons and assessments that were hands-on, integrated, thematic, authentic and real! What fun! Science came to life; it was no longer words on a page. Science was all around... in our desks, in our kitchen, in our yard, in water, on land and in the air. But most important of all, the students were successful; they “got it.” They understood science, and they themselves developed a passion for science, just as I had developed that passion. After 2 years of teaching the GT students, I requested that I teach classes of at-risk students instead. These were the sludents that I believed could really benefit from this form of science teaching. And I did for the next three years. And again, the students were SUCCESSFUL! It is that passion that I want to give my preservice teachers and science teachers that are working on their graduate degrees. It is that passion and innovative teaching that I want to spread. “I SING: Integrated Science Inspires Neural Growth” was presented by myself and two colleagues just this year in Philadelphia (NSTA), Corpus Christi (ME by the SEa Conference) and Houston (CAST). I want new and experienced science teachers to know that science does not have to be taught the way it was taught to them, and it does not have to be taught one way or the other. It can be integrated with other subjects, it can be taught through music and dance, and it can be assessed utilizing student-created podcasts, vodcasts and movies. This is why I seek the office of STAT Secretary: to share and to serve in the name of Science.

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Contents Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

Secretary

Jo Anne Jackson

Bylaws Amendments

As professional educators we are charged with seeking opportunities to build and develop skills necessary to promote the success of the diverse students we teach. As a previous classroom teacher for 16 years and now an instructional coach working with teachers in Lubbock ISD and across the region, I am even more aware of how necessary support and networking is for classroom teachers.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker

The Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT) provides a necessary network that offers teachers opportunities to learn new content and pedagogy. Our organization also brings together experienced leaders in science across the state. CAST allows Texas educators to come together to network with other teachers. As a junior high and high school classroom teacher my experiences in attending and presenting at CAST truly made a difference for me because this allowed me to collaborate with fellow educators across the state. As we introduce new curriculum in our schools and a new testing system in the state, it is important educators have the opportunities to collaborate with peers who teach science.

Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

As science educators and professionals we provide a voice in decisions regarding the teaching of science. We are the voice for new teachers who struggle and need our support. STAT has the experiences of the classroom and the numbers necessary to make a difference in Texas. We are charged with preparing students for careers in the 21st century but also in supporting and leading teachers as they build and develop solid foundations for tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classrooms.

Contacts

My teaching experiences in the junior high and high school classroom along with experiences working with teachers locally and at the state level gives me a day to day understanding of the concerns of educators, both teachers and administrators. I am running for Secretary because STAT provides a voice for educators as we face the challenges of change with curriculum and testing. I would be honored to serve in this leadership position and represent science educators.

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Treasurer

Terry Howard I started my professional teaching career at Lee Senior High School in Midland, Texas teaching Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics. I then accepted a position at Permian High School where I taught Chemistry. I moved back to the Lubbock/Amarillo area to finish my M.Ed. at Texas Tech, but that was a mistake because as it worked out, I spent more time concentrating on finishing my degree in administration at UTPB and I spent many weekends and evenings making the 520 mile round-trip between Amarillo and Odessa. I went to Hereford High School in Hereford, Texas for two years teaching Chemistry Pre-AP, Physics Pre-AP, and TAKS where I also served as an administrative intem. Also, in addition to my teaching duties in Hereford I mentored a first year science teacher, rewrote the scope & sequence for Chemistry and Physics, helped with CSCOPE, and various curriculum duties. I also completed the Administrative Internship at Hereford High School. After finishing both Master’s degrees, I was eager to take what I learned and apply it to an administrative and/or curriculum related educational position. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to return back to Odessa and serve in my present position as science curriculum specialist and CSCOPE science facilitator for Ector County ISD. I hold a Bachelors of Science in Multidisciplinary Science with a Secondary Teaching Certificate with a Science Composite-Biology Emphasis from Texas Tech University. I worked concurrently on two Master’s degrees including Educational Leadership at The University of Texas of the Pennian Basin (UTPB) and Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech University. I fmished my Master’s degree (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction at Texas Tech University on May 8,2009. I completed the requirement to be a PDAS certified appraiser the summer of 2008, and I completed my Educational Leadership Administrative PracticunliIntemship in the fall of 2008. I graduated with my Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership at UTPB on December 13, 2008; and I currently hold standard certification for Principal EC - 12. Also in May of 2010, I obtained ESL certification. I am currently working on my superintendent certification through Region 18 ESC. As part of the superintendent internship, Dr. H.T. Sanchez will be serving as my mentor.

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Contents Calendar President’s Message

Treasurer

Bylaws Amendments

Terry Ward

Teachers in Space

As an almost twenty year science educator, I believe that science must be taught to students conceptually rather than as a series of unrelated facts . Emphasis must be placed on making meaning and reflecting on observations and data in order to draw conclusions that are student generated. Science content and skills are fertile ground in which to plant the seeds of inquiry and learning by discovery that must be the cornerstones of how students not only do science but learn science. Educators must become diagnostic and prescriptive in their approach to teaching. The “broadcast” method is ineffective. As in the scientific world, data must be gathered, analyzed and must shape instruction in order to effectively teach all students.

STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

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Contents

Einstein Fellowship by Kirk Beckendorf

Calendar President’s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

I don’t know about you, but I have spent many

hours in the teachers’ lounge discussing and complaining about No Child Left Behind, standardized tests, how policies negatively impact best practices of instruction, etc… After seventeen years in the classroom I decided that I wanted to have these conversations with the people who make the policies, so I applied for the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship. The one year Fellowship selects STEM teachers to work in federal agencies and in Congress for a year in Washington D.C. The first time I applied, I was passed over. But the second time, while I was teaching middle school science at Blanco, TX, I was selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Office of Education. During the next two years (I was given the option to stay a second year) I lived about five blocks from the U.S. Capitol and commuted on my bicycle down the National Mall to my office across the street from the White House and the Washington Monument. Those discussions I had been having in the teachers’ lounge were similar to many discussions that I had during my two years in D.C., except that sometimes they actually impacted policies and practices. Some of the activities with which I was involved included helping to write NOAA’s 20 year Strategic Education plan. I wrote a paper for NOAA that guides the development of their newly revised education website and for online education materials. I met with Congressmen and Congressional staffers to discuss education policy; I made suggestions that changed the language in an education bill that was introduced on the House floor. As Fellows, we were asked to provide advice on education policy to Whitehouse and cabinet advisors, Congress and the National Academies.

The impact that you make as a teacher is impossible to replicate. But if you want to impact education policies and practices at a Federal level, please consider applying for the Albert Einstein Fellowship. You can obtain more information about the program and learn about the current Fellows at www.einsteinfellows.org. Even if you don’t apply, sharing your advice from your experiences as a classroom teacher, science specialist or principal is imperative and is welcomed by policy makers. If you want to see changes to those policies that are talked about in teacher’s lounges across the country, become involved. At the least write a letter (they really are read and listened to) to your representatives, providing real recommendations, suggestions and concerns. Getting involved in organizations like STAT and the National Science Teachers Association can also spread your influence. Go out and make a difference! Contact the Author: Kirk Beckendorf 100 E Magnolia Lane Oak Ridge, TN 37830 830-456-4643 kirkbeckendorf@gmail.com

Contents Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Contents Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

CAST 2011 Preview The CAST 2011 Proposal Site Opens March 1st! Get your best workshop, short course, or field trip proposals ready because the 2011 CAST

Bylaws Amendments Proposal Site is coming soon! We prefer course proposals to be hands-on. Workshops are Teachers in Space

one hour in length, and short courses can be anywhere from 3 to 6 hours in length. Last year, we had almost 1,000 outstanding proposals (workshops, short courses, and field trips combined) submitted. Get yours in early to stand out from the crowd!

STAT Legislative Tracker

CAST Registration Opening Early... Really Early!

Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

Is your school district ending the year with extra funds, but concerned about next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget? For the first time in history we will open CAST registration EARLY for the full conference price ONLY (no short courses, field trips, etc. will be available). We will open this extra-early registration on May 1 at $115 per registrant through July 15, 2011. CAST Registration will re-open on August 15th, 2011 with the ability to add on short courses and field trips.

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Contents

CAST 2011 Preview

Calendar

Thank you to everyone who submitted to “The Art of Science” CAST 2011 Program Cover Contest. We had over 60 stellar submissions. View them all Here.

President’s Message Bylaws Amendments

Below are the four finalists from this year’s submission pool. Click on the artist’s name to see the artwork in full size.

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

Jenna Caire

Richardson High School

Amy Rust

Water Valley High School

Contacts

Bailey Gutierrez

Zundelowitz Junior High 24

Diane Vasquez

Port Isabel Junior High

Congratulations to Jenna Caire, winner of the CAST 2011 Art Contents

contest! Jenna and her teacher, George Hademenos, will receive a free CAST registration, and her artwork will be displayed on the CAST program!

Contents

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics from STAT-Related Activities

Calendar President’s Message The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), science elementary division, named Nancy Douglas of Austin ISD one of 2010’s finalists. Here, she poses with TEA’s Director of Science Dr. Kenn Heydrick.

Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship Left to Right: Dr. Kenn Heydrick, award-winners Nancy Douglas, Kent Page of Northside ISD, Martha McLeod, with TEA’s Assistant Director of Science, Irene Pickhardt.

CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Dr. Heydrick poses with Martha McLeod of Aransas County ISD as she accepts her award.

Contents

STAT Around Town (cont’d.)

Calendar President’s Message Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

The STAT Booth at the Texas Association of School Administrators’ Midwinter Conference and Education Expo in February.

STAT office staff members Laura Tolin and Melissa Jones (left to right) pose in front of the STAT display.

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Artwork for the CAST 2011 Promo Board provided by students from Port Isabel Junior High School.

STAT held a raffle for a free Administrators and Policymakers Institute (API) registration for CAST 2011.

Contents Elected Officers

STAT Office

Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

Mailing Address: 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731

Bylaws Amendments

Phone: (512) 491-6685

Teachers in Space

Fax: (512) 873-7423

STAT Legislative Tracker

www.statweb.org stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Board Nominations

President: Joel Palmer

Past President: Patsy Magee

President-Elect: Ross Ann Hill

Treasurer: Laurel Frank

Vice President: Tony Zahn

Secretary: Deidre Parish

(972) 882-7388 president@statweb.org

(806) 892-1900 presidentelect@statweb.org

(817) 251-5519 vicepresident@statweb.org

Einstein Fellowship

(409) 617-5054 pastpresident@statweb.org

(281) 356-7797 treasurer@statweb.org

(469) 633-5500 secretary@statweb.org

Appointed Positions

CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

Executive Director: Chuck Hempstead

Contacts

(512) 491-6685 stat@bizaustin.rr.com

CAST Exhibits Manager & Advertising Manager: Frank Butcher (281)424-1230 frank.butcher@comcast.net

TEA Representative: Kenn Heydrick

(512) 463-1827 Kenn.Heydrick@tea.state.tx.us 28 28

Texas Science Teacher Editor: Joel Palmer (972) 882-7388 president@statweb.org

STATellite Editor: (512) 491-6685 stat@bizaustin.rr.com

Contents Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

ACT

Associated Chemistry Teachers of Texas

Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship

Amiee Modic

TABT

ISEA

Informal Science Education Association Kiki Corry

amodic@sbcglobal.net

kikicorry@tpwd.state.tx.us

TAEE

TCES

Texas Association of Biology Teachers

Texas Association for Environmental Education

Texas Council of Elementary Science

Sarah Anderson

Sally Wall

Deborah Rang

CAST 2011 Preview

sarah.anderson@ttu.edu

swall@gccisd.net

deborah_rang@roundrockisd.org

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

TESTA

TMEA

TSAAPT

Contacts

Texas Earth Science Teachers Association Gail Gant

ggant@sjs.org

Texas Marine Educators Association Marolyn Smith

marolyn.smith@yahoo.com

TSELA

Texas Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Hugh Henderson

Hugh_Henderson@birdville.k12. tx.us

Texas Science Education Leadership Association Vanessa Westbrook

vwestbrook@mail.utexas.edu

Contents Gail Lowe, Chair Bob Craig, Vice Chair Mary Helen Berlanga, Secretary

Calendar Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message

SBOE District 1 - Charlie Garza

SBOE District 10 - Marsha Farney

SBOE District 2 - Mary Helen Berlanga

SBOE District 11 - Patricia Hardy

12453 Tierra Cipres Dr. El Paso, Texas 79938 (915) 630-2427

Bylaws Amendments Teachers in Space

2727 Morgan Avenue Corpus Christi, TX 78405 (361) 881-1000 (361) 881-1028 fax

STAT Legislative Tracker

SBOE District 4 - Lawrence A. Allen, Jr.

SBOE District 13 - Mavis B. Knight

Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview

SBOE District 5- Ken Mercer P.O. Box 781301 San Antonio, TX 78278-1301 (512) 463-9007

SBOE District 6 - Terri Leo 23516 Twin Oaks Dr. RR#5 Spring, TX 77389 (281) 257-0832 fax

Contacts

900 North Elm Weatherford, TX 76086 (817) 598-2968 (817) 598-2833 fax

SBOE District 12 - George Clayton

2130 Vermillion Oak St. Fresno, Texas 77545 (713) 203-1355

STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics

P.O. Box 99 Georgetown, Texas 78627 (512) 966-6771

SBOE District 3- Michael Soto 2034 W. Kings Hwy. San Antonio, TX 78201 (210) 685-8378

Board Nominations

William B. Travis Building 1701 North Congress Avenue Austin, Texas 78701-1494

SBOE District 7 - David Bradley 2165 North Street Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 835-3808

526 Tiffany Trail Richardson, Texas 75081 (972) 834-3618 6108 Red Bird Court Dallas, TX 75232 (214) 333-9575 (214) 339-9242 fax

SBOE District 14 - Gail Lowe

11 Chris Avenue Lampasas, TX 76550 (512) 556-6262 (512) 936-4319 fax

SBOE District 15 - Bob Craig

P.O. Box 1979 Lubbock, TX 79408-1979 (806) 744-3232 (806) 744-2211 fax

SBOE District 8 - Barbara Cargill 61 W. Wedgemere Circle The Woodlands, TX 77381 (281) 465-8095

SBOE District 9 - Thomas Ratliff P.O. Box 232 Mount Pleasant, TX 75456 (903) 717-1190

Need to find your state legislators? Search by zip code at:

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us 30

Contents

President’s Message

Want to be published? E-mail us your letters and articles!

Bylaws Amendments

STATellite Due Dates

Calendar

Teachers in Space STAT Legislative Tracker Board Nominations Einstein Fellowship CAST 2011 Preview STAT Around Town: Sightings and Pics Contacts

Due dates for publication of articles in The STATellite are: Submission Deadline February 1 May 1 August 1 December 1

Publication Date February 15 May 15 August 15 December 15

Text files or Microsoft Word documents are preferable, but InDesign, PageMaker, or QuarkXPress files are also acceptable. A minimum of one picture to accompany each article is required. Mail or e-mail your submissions to: The STATellite 5750 Balcones Dr., Ste 201 Austin, TX 78731 stat@bizaustin.rr.com The views of the columnists in The STATellite do not necessarily represent the views of STAT or its Board members.

Changing your e-mail address? Login to your STATweb.org user account and update your information. If you’ve forgotten your password, visit the main page and select “Request New Password” under the User Login section. 31 31