FYI
Table of ContentsORC continues to keep educators updated on the latest developments in Ohio's academic standards revision process through our specially developed website. While not officially released, a January 28 story published by Education Week included drafts of the English language arts and mathematics common core standards. Click here for links from ORC's Revising Ohio Standards site to the first available drafts.
ORC Contact: Dave Majesky
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The next administration of the OGT is scheduled to begin March 15. ORC has a wealth of resources especially developed to assist teachers as they focus their instruction to help students achieve. Follow these links to see what's available:
Mathematics: A Look at the OGT This archived webcast series includes mini-collections, handouts, and articles. Also see OGT—Mathematics Mini-collections with ORC-recommended resources related to the most frequently tested benchmarks in each of the five mathematics content strands in the Ohio Academic Content Standards. In addition to lessons and units, the materials include OGT released items, as well as 8th- and 12th-grade released items from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).
Science Instructional Strategies: A Look at the OGT This archived webcast series includes mini-collections, handouts, and articles that delve into important topics in science instruction. Each set of materials includes a 30-45 minute panel discussion featuring some of Ohio’s foremost experts in science education, an article elaborating on the topic, and mini-collections of ORC resources. Think about viewing the webcasts with other science teachers and then discussing the implications for your instruction.
"A Look at the OGT" These archived columns from our online magazine Adolescent Literacy In Perspective contain detailed expert advice for building students' comprehension and test-taking skills for the reading test as well as the other content areas.
Released OGT items for mathematics, science, and reading
To examine our collection of released items, go to Search Resources and click "More Search Options." Search for the phrase, ODE Assessment Item. Check the discipline, Grade 10, and designate assessment resources. This search will result in a list of all the OGT items for the discipline. You can narrow the search to look for particular topics. For example, by specifying the word "vocabulary" in the standards, you can obtain a list of vocabulary assessment items only.
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February is Black History Month. Try these links to find lesson plans, activities, and other resources appropriate for celebrating African American history in February and year-round.
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How can ORC help schools succeed on the OAT? Check out our specially developed collections and webcasts. You'll find outstanding lessons, teaching strategies, sample assessment items, and much more.
Mathematics
ORC's OAT Mathematics Mini-collections are arranged by the mathematics benchmarks most frequently tested on the 7th- and 8th-grade Ohio Achievement Test. To help teachers prepare students, ORC-recommended resources related to each benchmark have been selected and compiled into mini-collections that include lessons, units, content resources, rich mathematical problems, and OAT released items from 2005 - 2008.
Science
Resources related to the science benchmarks for grades 3-5 and 6-8 were selected and compiled into OAT Science Mini-collections . Organized by benchmarks, these collections focus on standards-based topics and provide suggestions for how to integrate them into classroom instruction.
Reading
Useful for professional learning, Fostering Student Success on the OAT-Reading, Grades 5-7 is an informative webcast series. Companion materials focus on instructional strategies to help students succeed with the reading and writing of informational text in the classroom and on the Ohio Achievement Test-Reading.
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The Ice Cream Project is the first Let's Learn inquiry project launched in 2010 on the REC website. In this newest project, a northern Ohio preschool class treats you to bite sized descriptions of their investigation into the making of ice cream! Come feast your eyes on the remarkable learning accomplished by these young students and their teachers.
ORC Contact: Nancy Brannon
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Would you like an opportunity to study in an overseas research center or university? The Academy for Educational Development (AED) is pleased to announce the application for the 2010-2011 cycle of the Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching program.
The Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching program seeks to attract highly qualified and experienced K-12 teachers from the United States and eight other participating countries.The main focus of this program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to conduct a variety of professional development activities during a three to six month period. Applications for this highly prestigious grant are due February 15. Click here for eligibility and application information.
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The Dublin Literacy Conference is celebrating 21st Century Literacy as part of their 21st year hosting the conference. Speakers include experts on 21st century literacies as well as children's authors and illustrators. The conference brochure as well as registration is available on the website.
Are you looking for mathematics lessons to engage your students? Do you like to use calculators and other technologies in your classroom to investigate mathematics in a hands-on way? Like a trunk in an attic, the Technology Treasure Trunk contains ORC instructional and content teaching treasures categorized by level and type of technology. Visit these resources today!
ORC Contact: Judy Spicer
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ORC bookshelves can help you find just the right trade books to teach content and delight readers.
Organized around a variety of curricular topics, the REC Bookshelf provides reviews of picture books and instructional ideas for children transitioning into Kindergarten.
Teachers across the primary grades will find support for literacy instruction on the K-2 Bookshelf. Engage students by using high-quality children’s literature as a starting point for discussion and instruction.
The 3-5 Bookshelf features text sets offering a range of genres around a specific topic.
Looking for ways to enrich the teaching and learning of mathematics and science?
Refer to the Mathematics Bookshelf for books and related teaching ideas that are sure to delight students while reinforcing mathematical concepts.
Encourage science learning and exploration through trade books. Visit the Science Bookshelf to peruse the list of books and examine lessons from the ORC collection.
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What is happening in Ohio's academic standards revision process? How is it affected by standards revision occurring on the national stage? How will ORC provide assistance to districts and teachers in understanding and transitioning to new standards? Stay updated on the latest developments and find resources for twenty-first-century learning at ORC's new Revising Ohio Standards site.
ORC Contact: Dave Majesky
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In the newest issue of Adolescent Literacy In Perspective “Twenty-First-Century Literacies”—you’ll learn about how teachers are using Web 2.0 to get their students to connect with each other, the outside world, and texts being read or viewed in class. You’ll find articles on the vital role of information literacy and libraries and a thoughtful discussion on the complexities of teaching new literacies. As usual, we've included specially selected ORC resources and book reviews related to the topic and the“A Look at the OGT” column. Take a peek at the latest issue today! Also see how the feature article by William Kist was used as a springboard for Traci Gardner's NCTE INBOX blog. Read Kist's article and also Gardner's blog "How to Move Closer to School 2.0."
ORC Contact: Nicole Luthy
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INFOhio, the preK-12 information network for Ohio schools, announces the release of a new video: 21st Century Tools and Electronic Resources for Students, Teachers and Parents. Created in cooperation with the Montgomery County Educational Service Center and with assistance from Centerville City Schools, this video introduces 21st century literacies in relationship to the INFOhio Core Collection of Electronic Resources. The video is easily streamed or downloaded and each part of the video is segmented for classroom use.
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Facebook
Become a fan now at Facebook/ORC to receive instant notifications of ORC’s latest events, share information, and make professional connections.
ORC Contact: John Croyle
Twitter
Follow ORC on Twitter to keep up with ORC specialists and news. We created a Twitter page for each content area -- mathematics, science, and English language arts -- and a page for Early Childhood. Become a follower of the pages you're interested in or a follower of all the ORC pages. Use the following links to go to the Twitter pages:
ORC Mathematics Twitter Page
ORC Science Twitter Page
ORC English Language Arts Twitter Page
Early Childhood Twitter Page
YouTube
The Ohio Resource Center recently launched its own ORC YouTube Channel. This debut includes ORC produced professional development videos providing classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and other education leaders with engaging and stimulating conversation about supporting student success in the classroom, as well as with the OGT and OAT; improving instructional practice; and modeling professional discussion.
Mobile Website
ORC now offers on-the-go access with our new mobile website. You’ll find the most current information and staff-selected resources along with a link to our regular site. Save this URL (http://m.ohiorc.org) to your favorites and start enjoying the convenience of our mobile website today.
ORC Contact: John Croyle
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The Ohio Resource Center is proud to announce its collaboration with E-Tech Ohio and Apple, Inc. by providing access to the ORC-produced learning and professional development webcast and podcast collection through iTunes U.
iTunes U, an area of the iTunes Store that provides free education content, makes it easy for preK–12 classroom teachers and higher education faculty to access amazing educational material for free, at anytime and anywhere. ORC’s first installment on iTunes U includes:
- Science Instructional Strategies, providing science educators with resources and information to help prepare students for science assessment and to help students become scientifically literate citizens
- Reading and Writing Informational Text, supporting leaders in English language arts education with instructional strategies for student classroom success
- New-Teacher Survival Guide, recommending approaches that will help teachers set up and maintain a science classroom by focusing on topics pertinent to both new and experienced science teachers
To locate ORC webcasts, go to Ohio on iTunes U. Under subject areas, select professional development for a listing of titles. New iTunes users can download an iTunes app at the website.
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After completing their training, ORC ambassadors are eager to share their knowledge of ORC in a variety of ways, including videos. Here are three of their creations:
Becky Petrokubi narrated a video overview of the ORC website and projects. The video can be used to provide a brief overview of ORC for colleagues and administrators. It's also useful as a tour for the individual viewer. Located in the document library under "Multimedia Presentations," the video is easy to access and view.
Meagen Howe developed a short video for introducing ORC to teachers or for learning more about ORC. Watch ORC in Plain English three-minute video that shows what ORC can do for you.
Melinda Gregor created an ORC trailer to promote interest in the website. Melinda used the free video-maker Animoto.
If you are interested in becoming an ORC Ambassador or finding an ORC Ambassador for a presentation, go to the ambassador page to learn more.
ORC Contact: Carol Dodson
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Thirty-eight Ohio educators completed the three-day ORC Ambassador training program this summer. These outstanding educators are prepared to provide professional development in the use of ORC and Verizon Thinkfinity to enhance teaching and support improved student achievement throughout Ohio. View the regional map of ORC's 163 ambassadors and click on the name of an Ambassador for additional information. While you're on the ORC Ambassador page, you can apply to become an ambassador, or you can request an ambassador presentation for your school or district.
Contact: Carol Dodson
The Literacy Specialist Endorsement Program, offered by a consortium of eight Ohio universities, is an advanced program in reading education. The one-year program consists of 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) that include both online coursework and a school-based internship Click here for a brochure describing the program and admission process.
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The REConnection newsletter for the Resources for Early Childhood (REC) website is a monthly online publication. It's not too late to sign up to receive the newsletter! Each of the monthly REConnections will feature:
- A new theme-based mini-collection of REC resources and EC Bookshelf books
- Links to features of the REC that you may not have utilized yet
- Favorite resources of REC users just like you, and
- Information about upcoming early childhood events around Ohio
Don’t miss it!
New to REC?
To sign up now, go to Join REC at http://rec.ohiorc.org/register! Complete the registration form, check the box next to REConnections, and click “Create My Account.” It’s that easy!
Already a member of REC?
If you are a member REC or ORC, go to the REC homepage (http://rec.ohiorc.org) to log in. Click on the “Manage My Account” link to update your preferences. Then, simply type in your password and check the box next to REConnections. Be sure to click “Update My Account” at the bottom of the page.
ORC Contact: Nancy Brannon
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Dublin Literacy Conference
February 20, 2010 Dublin Coffman High School, Dublin
OMLA (Ohio Middle Level Association)
February 18-19, 2010 Renaissance Hotel, Columbus
SECO (Science Education Council of Ohio)
February 25-27, 2010 Columbus Convention Center,
Columbus
OFT (Ohio Federation of Teachers)
February 25-27, 2010 Park Inn Hotel, Toledo
OCTELA (Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts)
March 26-27, 2010 Doubletree Hotel, Worthington
OFLA (Ohio Foreign Language Association)
April 8-10, 2010 Hyatt Hotel on Capitol Square, Columbus
OCSS (Ohio Council for the Social Studies)
April 15-16, 2010
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The ORC MATH Review Board will meet:
- February 12, 2010
- May 15, 2010
For additional Math Review Board meeting details, contact Mike Mikusa (mmikusa@kent.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).
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The ORC SCIENCE Review Board will meet:
- March 10, 2010
- May 20, 2010
- September 22, 2010
For additional Science Review Board meeting details, contact Ralph Martin (martin@ohio.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).
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The ORC READING Review Board will meet:
For additional Reading Review Board meeting details, contact Evangeline Newton (enewton@uakron.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).
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