MRVED Business

MRVED Mussel's Field Day with CURE with Bernard Sietman
Today is the last day to register!

About Bernard Sietman

You will be hard pressed to find anyone as passionate and as knowledgeable about mussels as this transplanted Missourian. Since 2002, he has worked across Minnesota surveying mussels. One of the more exciting aspects of his job is the potential discovery of a new species in the Minnesota River Basin, the Mapleleaf.

Bernard received his Master of Science degree in Biology from the Emporia State University where he studied the ecology and genetics of freshwater mussels in two local rivers. After graduation he worked as a Natural History Biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation surveying freshwater mussels, conducting landowner interviews and assisting with stream fish surveys. Sietman spent time as an Aquatic Ecologist and Assistant Technical Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey. Here he assisted with overseeing of a nationally renowned mollusk and fish collections.

When: October 9, 2015 from 9:00 - 2:30

Where: Meet at Yellow Medicine East High School Board Room at 9:00 for an introduction and presentation by Bernard.

Who: All K-12 Teachers. There will be many applications to science and history.

Lunch: Provided

Transportation to the River from Granite Falls: Provided

What to bring: dress for water, bring boots or water shoes and an extra set of dry clothes. Other things to consider are a walking stick to support you while walking in the water, sun screen and bug spray. There is an outdoor bathroom facility available on site.

Cost: Free - Funds provided by CURE and MRVED

(Nonmembers of MRVED $10 per person - covers lunch and transportation)

Registration: Register by September 25. Space is limited. Click here to register.

MRVED UPCOMING MEETINGS
October 1, 2015  Agriculture - CANCELLED - WILL BE RESCHEDULED
October 2, 2015  Title III Paraprofessionals
October 7, 2015  Music
October 9, 2015  CURE Event - Mussels in the River

15-16 MDE Math Leaders Networking Meetings

MN Math Leaders Networking Meetings
MN Math Leaders Networking Meetings are sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and MN Math Leaders, an affiliate of the Minnesota Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM). The overarching theme for this year is Leading and Coaching to Support Math Pedagogy and Content. This work will be framed through the use of “Math Talks.” The resources we will be using are:

• Making Number Talks Matter: Developing Mathematical Practices and Deepening Understanding, Grades 4-10 by Cathy Humphreys and Ruth Parker
• How Children Learn Number Concepts: A Guide to the Critical Learning Phases by Kathy Richardson

Though you are not required to purchase these books, they are highly recommended and will be referred to in the networking meetings.

Target Audience: Administrators and teacher leaders who are passionate about leading change in mathematics education for all students. The Networking Meetings are open to anyone who is in a department or team, school, or district leadership position. These meetings are designed for leaders to give and receive support.

The goals of these networking sessions include:

• Build capacity for leadership by sharing ideas and collaborating with other MN Math Leaders;
• Receive updates about mathematics education policy and assessment;
• Learn about resources available to support your work.

Dates: (All Networking Meetings will be held at MDE. The room number is on the registration form.)

• October 22, 2015 - Topic: What are Math Talks and Why are They so Important? Terry Wyberg
• December 17, 2015 - Topic: Guiding Principles for Enacting Math Talks in the Classroom
• February 18, 2016 - Topic: Math Talks: Intentional Connections to Standards and Benchmarks
• May 19, 2016 - Topic: Moving Forward: Managing Bumps in the Road

Time: 8:30-11:30

Networking time includes:

• Opportunities to share and celebrate what is working well
• Structures to work in role-a-like and/or grade band groups
• Time for participants to provide their expertise
• Hot topics

Networking meeting agenda:

• Opening and Overview
• Community Building
• Leading and Coaching to Support Math Pedagogy and Content
• Hot Topics
• Closing and Feedback

Fee: No Charge

Registration is required. Visit the MDE calendar to register for each session (http://goo.gl/JUaKFR)

Questions? Please contact: Terry Alvarado 651-582-8749.

5 Week Series on SAMR

SAMR

Today we start our 5 week series on Dr. Ruben Puentedura's SAMR model.  SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.  We will examine a level a week, starting next week with Substitution.  

The SAMR model can be a lens we use when integrating technology in the classroom.  As more and more tech is being added to the classroom, and the pressures become greater to implement technology, we need to examine exactly how the technology is being used in the classroom.  It is a great model to use when planning and reflecting on your lessons.  The model is also a way in which to create a common language around tech integration.

To get started on the SAMR model, here are a couple videos talking about the model.  The first video is 7 minutes long, and the 2nd video is 120 seconds.

Ruben Puentedura on Applying the SAMR Model

SAMR in 120 Seconds

Next week we will look at the first level of the SAMR model, substitution.

Tech Tip - IFTTT

IFTTT
IFTTT stands for IF This Then That.  If you have never heard of IFTTT or have heard about it, but don't know how to use it, check out About page on the IFTTT website.  IFTTT allows you to connect multiple online services to seamlessly do things for you.  For example:

There are tons of pre-made recipes on IFTTT for you to use.  You can setup weather reminders, post to multiple social media accounts at once, save emails to Google spreadsheets, etc...  The list is really endless.  IFTTT is an awesome tool to help you do many things online.

Resources and Articles on IFTTT
Fractus Learning - Connect and Automate Your Digital Classroom using IFTTT
Cool Mom Tech - 15 IFTTT Recipes For Parents
5 Min Librarian - 15 IFTTT Recipes to Save you Time

Levels of Understanding: Learning That Fits All - Edutopia

Levels of Understanding
Last week I came across this great article on differentiation and learning for all from Edutopia and had to share it.  The article offers some great tips and strategies on how to effectively differentiate in your classroom.  It is well worth your time to read the article.

Levels of Understanding: Learning That Fits All - Edutopia