OpenSciEd Middle School COVID-19 & Health Equity Unit
To be released January 20th - The unit focuses on the question - How can people help end pandemics? The unit is designed to teach students about the COVID-19 pandemic, transmission of the COVID-19 virus, and its impact on communities. Check it out here!
Follow DESE’s Center for Instructional Support’s new blog called Equity & Instruction to join a conversation and share your feedback about making educator evaluation more meaningful, supportive, and culturally responsive for all. https://bit.ly/36F6Cxg #equityandinstructioninma
New CURATE Reports
The CURATE project, convenes panels of Massachusetts teachers to review and rate evidence on the quality and alignment of comprehensive curriculum products. We are pleased to announce that three CURATE reports are now available for elementary (K-5) math products! Eureka Math, Investigations in Number Data and Space 3, and Zearn Math earned ratings of Partially Meets Expectations.
MCAS Updates:
MCAS Announcement from Commissioner Riley
Please see this announcement describing updates to assessment and accountability plans for this school year which include a:
postponement of the January 2021 special high school MCAS administration
shortened testing time for Grades 3–8
2021 STE High School Test Information
The high school 2021 STE tests will be legacy, paper-based tests. The Department anticipate offering the following tests:
February 2021 Biology test based on "overlapping" standards from both the 2006 and 2016 STE frameworks.
June 2021 Biology and Introductory Physics tests based on "overlapping" standards from both the 2006 and 2016 STE frameworks.
June 2021 Chemistry and Technology/Engineering tests, which will only align to the 2006 STE standards.
Schools should be using the 2016 STE Framework to prepare students for the 2021 Biology and Introductory Physics tests.
The administration of next-generation Biology and Introductory Physics test has been delayed until June 2022.
We’re seeking MA educators to become OPTIC Content Fellows, a paid opportunity to support professional learning on strong, culturally responsive, and rigorous teaching across MA through the OPTIC professional learning platform (Online Platform for Teaching and Informed Calibration). As content experts and skilled practitioners in culturally responsive practice, OPTIC Content Fellows collaboratively strengthen the OPTIC platform by providing benchmark scores and feedback on a select group of teaching videos in our library. This year, OPTIC Content Fellows will also shape a new observation tool designed to identify and center culturally responsive teaching in feedback and coaching. All meetings will be held virtually in spring 2021, and Fellows will be eligible to receive 15 PDPs and a $2,000 stipend for their work.
Applications are due Sunday, January 10th.
To apply, nominate an educator, or learn more, please see the application.
High School Science Teachers!
Integrate Modeling and Simulation into your classes
Introduce your students to computer modeling and simulation — and its relevance in science! Teach them valuable skills in problem-solving by using and modifying computer models. Engage them with activities that build and reinforce their science learning at each step. Science+C enhances three core science courses: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, with units that are customizable for remote, hybrid, and in-person settings. Participating science teachers will receive free Science+C courses, year-long professional development, and a stipend. Neither students nor teachers need previous computer science experience. Learn more atscienceplusc.org and applyhere.
Take a moment and think of a 7-12 teacher or colleague you know that would be deserving of this award andnominate today!
Nominate a great STEM teacher:
PAEMST Nominations are Open The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are the highest honors bestowed by the United States government specifically for K–12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and/or computer science teaching. Find out more about this award here. Winners of this award receive a certificate signed by the President, a trip to DC, access to a network of previous awardees and $10,000 from the National Science Foundation.
Anyone—principals, teachers, parents, students, or members of the general public—may nominate exceptional STEM teachers who are currently teaching grades 7–12 for the 2020–2021 award year. Teachers may also apply directly at www.paemst.org
MA STEM Teacher of the Year Award
Don’t miss your opportunity to submit a nomination for the Massachusetts STEM Teacher of the Year! Winners’ school receives $5,000 from the Patriots Foundation, while the winner is invited to serve a one-year term on the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, and honored with tickets and pregame field passes at a Patriots home game. Runners up each receive $1,000 from Raytheon Technologies.
To be eligible, a teacher must be a full-time, active, certified, K-12 classroom STEM teacher in a state-accredited Massachusetts public or private school. To be considered a teacher must:
• Spend the majority of the school day involved in direct instruction to students
• Be skilled in implementing effective teaching strategies
• Be able to explain personal teaching philosophy
• Be able to inspire students in STEM-related topics
• Show involvement and leadership in student-related extra-curricular activities
• Be respected by students, parents and co-workers
Nominateyourself or others. Nominations will remain open until January 31, 2021.
Students 6th-12th: Women in Mathematics Essay Contest The Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and Math for America are co-sponsoring an essay contest for biographies of contemporary women mathematicians and statisticians in academic, industrial, and government careers. Find out more!
Students 6th-8th: What does the future of hockey look like? The Future Goals Virtual Science Fair gives you the chance to imagine how STEM can enhance the game experience in three creative categories: Virtual Fan Engagement, Sustainability and Technology/Innovation. Find out more and get ready to take your ideas to the ice!
Tues. Jan 12th - 4-5 pm - CSTA Greater Boston Meeting - first meeting of 2021! Calling all K-12 CS educators! Got ideas? Got questions? We've got breakout rooms and educators of all ages ready to share their love of computer science education. Register here
Wed. Jan 13th 7-8 pm - The Great Outdoors - Join MAST and Mass Audubon to learn practical tips and techniques that will inspire and empower you to take science outside this year… even in January! Register here
Tues. Jan. 19th - 9:30 pm - Building Fact Fluency Through Virtual Storytelling
Join Global Math Department in this Webinar. In this session, we’ll explore the important role that context plays in developing fact fluency. Register here
Wed. Jan. 20th - 8-9 pm - ATMIM Educator Meet-up - Low-Floor, High-Ceiling Tasks from 6 Feet or More - Join the ATMIM Board and Educators from around the state. This month we will focus on collaborating and sharing strategies on engaging students with low-floor, high ceiling tasks during remote and/or hybrid learning models. Register here
Wed. Jan. 26 - 3-4:30 - Share-a-thon: Focus on Discourse Strategies
Join DESE Center for Instructional Support and teachers of all ages and subjects across MA to get a glimpse into some classrooms and how they facilitate discourse, then have an opportunity to meet/network with peers. Register here
