TiffanyGram, December 13

Greetings Science Educators!

I am happy to announce the Draft of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science is now available on the OSDE’s Science webpage http://www.ok.gov/sde/science.

The public comment period is from Dec. 13, 2013, to Jan. 17, 2014.  All comments must be received by 4 p.m. on Jan. 17, 2014. The standard 30 day public comment period is extended for the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science to provide an extra week for educators and the public to review the draft.  Feedback can be submitted to okscienceeducation@sde.ok.gov .

I recommend that the following sections be read prior to reviewing the standards:

•   Introduction, Revision Process and Document Structure pgs. 4-7
•   K-5 Overview pg. 9
•   6-12^th Overview pg. 83

Once the standards have gone through the public comment period, I will work with members of the Oklahoma Academic Standards Writing Team to make any changes necessary. The final version of the Oklahoma Academic Standards will be presented to the Oklahoma State Board of Education sometime after the public comment period for their consideration of adoption.

I am currently working on a PD on Your Plan module that will assist teachers in further navigating and understanding the components of the standards. However, I highly recommend taking a look at the resources provided in the OKSci Message as they are intended to serve as support in better understanding some of the components of the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science.

Lastly, I would like to take the time to thank every member of the Writing Team, Draft Team, and those that attended Focus group for your assistance in developing and revising the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. Your willingness to assist with this endeavor, outside of your everyday responsibilities, showcases how truly committed Oklahoma educators are to this profession.

Resources:

 Frameworks for K-12 Science Education

One for the resources utilized in the development of the Oklahoma Academic Standards was the Frameworks for K-12 Science Education. The Frameworks document serves as a strong resource as you begin to understand the standards. Access the link below for a FREE PDF download of this document.http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13165#

‚ NSTA Article: Scientific and Engineering Practices http://www.nsta.org/docs/ngss/201112_framework-bybee.pdf

ƒ Bozeman Science Videos

The Bozeman Science is a website developed and maintained by Paul Anderson a teacher from Montana, who provides videos on topics in science education. Mr. Anderson has developed a set of videos that serve as a resource for better understanding the Science and Engineering Practices found in the Oklahoma Academic Standards. http://www.bozemanscience.com/next-generation-science-standards/

Professional Development Opportunities:

 REAC3H Regionals 2014

The second round of REAC3H Regional professional development sessions will begin in January. The science sessions for elementary and secondary will focus on the new Oklahoma Academic Standards for science. This will include strategies for transitioning to the new science standards and assessment support for the current science standards (PASS 2011). Register at http://reac3hregionalpd.eventbrite.com/

Look for more dates to be added soon!

‚ Oklahoma Project Learning Tree Accepting Applications

Are you looking for more ways to be involved with OK PLT? How about becoming a facilitator! Facilitators develop, market, and facilitate PLT workshops throughout the state. This volunteer position is vital to the OK PLT program. Without our facilitators OK PLT would have a hard time spreading the word about the incredible environmental education curriculum it offers! Active facilitators also get a chance to attend regional and national advance leadership conferences and workshops. OK PLT is now accepting applications for potential facilitators. You must have attended a basic 6-hour PLT workshop before applying to become a facilitator. If you are interested in becoming a facilitator please fill out the following form.

ƒ Blue Thumb Training: January 24-25^th 2014
Next Blue Thumb Training – January 24 & 25, 2014, Norman, OK at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds.  Pass the word on!  This training is on a Friday and a Saturday from 830am-4pm both days.  If you need a refresher course, please attend.  Also pass on the word to others you know. If you want a flyer announcing this training please contact kim.shaw@conservation.ok.gov.

Opportunities for Students:

 Science Fest Oklahoma Registration: 

ScienceFest is designed to foster scientific literacy while educating children about protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and using alternative fuels and technologies. Educators plan a day packed with exciting exhibits, presentations, and hands-on demonstrations all developed to show the importance of scientific applications in the environment.

Date: April 24^th 2014

Location: Oklahoma City Zoo

Register at http://www.sciencefestok.org/register.html

Science Assessment FAQ:

• Science Assessments will continue to be aligned to the PASS 2011 in 2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 2015-2016.
• Science Assessments will continue to be given for grades/subjects 5, 8, and Biology 1.
• Science Assessments will continue to be multiple choice.
• Students might have a question on their English exam in 2014-2015 that requires them to respond to an informational text about science. The literacy assessed on the English exam in 2014-2015 will only assess students’ literacy skills associated with informational text in science. The students will not be assessed on science content on the English exams.
• I know many of you have questions about the process for science assessment standards setting. If you would like to know more about the process or if you are interested in being considered for future committees who conduct this work, please contact our Science Assessment Coordinator, Craig Walker at Craig.Walker@sde.ok.gov .
• Item Specifications, Blueprints, and Released Items http://www.ok.gov/sde/documents/2013-09-05/blue-prints-plds-item-specs

OKSci PD ON YOUR PLAN: OKSci PD on Your Plan is an attempt to provide educators across the state with opportunities for learning and professional growth at times that are most convenient for them. The goal of OKSci PD on Your Plan is to provide an ongoing series of modules developed over topics of interest and need by Oklahoma science teachers. I will work with science educators across the state to share some of the best practices they are utilizing in the classroom. OKSci PD on Your Plan will also leverage successful strategies being utilized across the nation. Teachers can use the modules independently or participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)

1) OKSci PLC AT SCHOOL: The PD modules can be utilized by Professional Learning Communities by groups of science teachers at their school sites. The modules will contain activities for groups to participate in and reflection questions to encourage teachers to share thoughts, strategies, and best practices.

2) OKSci PLC IN THE CLOUD: Find yourself without an on-site PLC or if you prefer to participate in an on-site PLC and a PLC comprised of teachers outside your school, join OKSci PLC in the Cloud. Each module will be connected to a Google Document whereby teachers can respond to reflection questions and share thoughts, strategies, and best practices on a dynamic document with teachers across the state!

OKSci PD on Your Plan First Installment!

Claims Evidence and Reasoning: Preparing students for DOK 2 & 3 Questions (see link below) PD on Your Plan: Claims Evidence and Reasoning

OKSci Message Survey:

Please complete the following survey to provide feedback on this and future OKSci Messages! Link to survey

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