New Kansas Science Initiatives
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Next Generation Science Standards |
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Kansas was a lead state for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Together with the other lead states, the Kansas team will be working toward developing standards based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education. The goal is to develop standards which will be rich in content and practice, arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. The NGSS have been completed!
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Green Ribbon Schools Award--2013 |
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Bluejacket-Flint Elementary School in the Shawnee Mission School District was among 64 schools across the nation named as a 2013 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School by Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
The second annual award honors schools for exemplary efforts to reduced environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health and ensure effective environmental education. Bluejacket-Flint was submitted as the Kansas nominee for the award in February after the school’s application was reviewed by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE).
The school’s parent teacher association invested $50,000 in the development of an outdoor classroom, which serves as a cornerstone of the environmental and outdoor education at the school. In addition, since 2008, students have engaged in waste audits and action planning, recycling and composting, planning and installing a rain garden and most recently, exploring green technologies.
http://www.kansasgreenschools.org/kansas-green-ribbon-schools |
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Kansas Science Teacher named '20 to Watch'
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| Kelly Williams, biology teacher at Nemaha Valley High School, was named by the National School Boards Association's (NSBA) Technology Leadership Network as one of its “20 to Watch” for 2012-2013. |
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This award honors education leaders from across the country for their ability to inspire colleagues to incorporate innovative technology solutions that contribute to high-quality learning environments and more efficient school district operations. Kelly was recognized for this award for his innovative use of technology to support best practices of instruction and efforts to share his experiences with the wider education community. In his blog, Kelly reflects on his experiences with flipping his classroom, using cloud-based tools, social media, and integrating iPads into his biology classes. This blog not only documents his innovation in the classroom, but also has been a valuable resource in helping teachers understand that changing instruction from teacher-centered to student-centered is a complicated, but worthwhile, process.
“The '20 to Watch' honorees offer school board members and other leaders real-world stories that help them evaluate the intersection of policy and practice when it comes to today’s emerging technologies,” said Ann Flynn, NSBA’s Director of Educational Technology. “These early adopters are naturally curious about technology’s potential to help transform learning and exhibit traits that inspire and motivate their colleagues to join them on the journey. Their voices and experience will inform local, district, and state approaches to education technology decisions for years to come.”
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Know about someone or something else cool in Kansas Science Education? Click here to nominate a Kansas Science Educator or organization to be highlighted here.
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