Draft Common Standards Elicit Kudos and Criticism

The first public draft of grade-by-grade common standards, released this morning, is being greeted with a mix of praise and skepticism, illustrating both the mounting consensus that the country needs to set higher expectations for all students and the many problems that complicate their adoption. In 62 pages, the English/language arts standards aim to "lay out a vision of what it means to be a literate person in the 21st century," able to tackle complex works of literature and nonfiction, sift critically through the masses of information available online, and marshal evidence to build compelling arguments. The draft document describes how the standards break down into skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and language usage. It also details specific literacy skills students need to help them understand coursework in science and in history/social studies.

Read Along as Authors Write 'Exquisite Corpse Adventure' Online

For a fun kids' book experience, take a look at "The Exquisite Corpse Adventure," a "what's next" online reading experience that's being led by some of the best children's book authors and illustrators of today. The adventure can be found on the Library of Congress Web site, www.read.gov/exquisite-corpse. Started last fall by Jon Scieszka, the first National Ambassador of Young People's Literature, the story is updated every two weeks by another author and illustrator, who must figure out how to move it along. The story will end a year after it was begun.

Becker Seeking Kids for Dual Language Program

Becker Elementary School officials aren't having problems selling its new dual language program to families living near the underenrolled campus in South Austin. The trick is convincing Spanish-speaking families who live miles away that it's worth the trek. The Austin school district is testing a two-way dual language offering with kindergartners and first-graders at four schools starting in the fall. District officials have said the program's launch at Becker is contingent on recruitment and that the ideal mix is 50 percent English speakers and 50 percent Spanish speakers.

From Stick Figures to Sweet Flick

Jeff Kinney had a clear template when it came time to adapt his wildly successful Diary of a Wimpy Kid children's books to the big screen. "I went right to A Christmas Story," says the author, citing the 1983 film based on the stories of radio humorist Jean Shepherd. "In most kids' movies, the stakes are very high," says Kinney. "The world is going to end or somebody is going to die or something awful is going to happen unless the characters do such and such. In this movie the stakes are incredibly low."

Governors, State School Superintendents to Propose Common Academic Standards

The nation's governors and state school chiefs will propose standards Wednesday for what students should learn in English and math, from kindergarten through high school, a crucial step in President Obama's campaign to raise academic standards across the country.

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New Book - Nonfiction Mentor Text

Since I had to go into the city yesterday to work at an Early Childhood conference, I had the opportunity to read the newly released Nonfiction Mentor Texts by Lynne Dorfman and Rose Capelli. Riding the train and ferry gave me ample time to peruse the text. In the same fashion as their first book - Mentor Text, this book is chock full of great ideas, and titles of text to use. I love the resource at the end that listed every text mentioned throughout the book by chapter for ease in finding. This is a must have resource for all who are trying to incorporate more nonfiction reading and writing into their day. The On Your Own section at the end of each chapter gives you a nice starting point for implementing lessons. I can't wait to share the ideas with the teachers in my building. If you have read it let me know your thoughts.

Laura

Nonfiction Mentor Texts is available from Stenhouse publishing.

National Board Certification

Recently Barack Obama discussed the value of National Board Certified Teachers. I am happy to see that he is supporting excellence in teaching. Having gone through the process of National Board certification I can attest to the impact it had on me. National Board certification is an intense and personal journey that many teachers have decided to embark upon. Those that achieve it feel empowered to better meet the needs of their students. So, just what is National Board certification anyway? Here are two links I suggest you visit to get further information on National Board certification -

National Board Council of New York
http://www.teachercenter.org/nbcnys

National Board website
http://www.nbpts.org

I would like to offer support to you as you work toward your certification. I am available to answer questions you may have about the process. I also would love to network with other NBPTS teachers and candidates.

Bike Ride to Support Multiple Sclerosis

Every year my brother George rides with more than 1,000 other people to raise money to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This year the society hope to raise $1.6M. George hopes to raise $1,000. He will ride on September 13th and 14th, 100 miles each day in support of those that can't. As you know all the resources available on my website are free of charge. If you find it a helpful resource I ask that you consider making a donation to this worthy cause. No donation is too small and all are tax deductables. This disease has impacted our family and close friends. Thank you so much for your continued support.

For information, and to make a donation using your debit or credit card go to -

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/georgehess

Have a great day!

Laura

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