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School News - Tip Sheet - 8/27/2008

Why Thoreau and Nimitz are “shining examples” for Oklahoma’s students 

8/25/2008

Thoreau Demonstration Academy is a “shining example” that is along with Chester W. Nimitz Middle School making “invaluable” contributions towards bringing “a MicroSociety experience to more of Oklahoma’s children.”

Those comments come from Rob Kutzik, a senior vice president at MicroSociety’s head office in Philadelphia, Pa, as he assesses the progress the two schools are making thus far this brand-new school year.

Thoreau has had a MicroSociety program for years and it has proven to be highly effective as the school was named Tulsa Public Schools’ Exemplary School of 2004-05 and earned distinction as an Oklahoma Best Practice model in 2006. Their program occurs school-wide, four days a week.

In contrast to Thoreau’s school-wide program, Nimitz is taking part in a new type of classroom program called “Society in Action,” created by MicroSociety as a middle school cooperative learning environment that uses hands-on activities, while an after school MicroSociety program is also in place there for this school year. Kutzik believes Nimitz will be similarly successful.

“They will do great,” he said.

These programs have the support of Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett. This past week she invited students and staff at Thoreau to appear on a statewide broadcast spotlighting innovative and successful education programs.

The brainchild of a New York City educator, Dr. George Richmond, the award-winning Microsociety program immerses students in their own society, complete with a constitution, legal system, elected officials, an economy—with their own currency—and even a television studio.

Two TPS elementary schools —Park and Grissom —are starting Microsociety programs this year as well.

 

Summer Academy Brings Math, Science Skills to the Classroom 

8/27/2008

A five-day summer academy recently attended by a group of Tulsa instructors translates into better opportunities for professional development for educators in the Tulsa Public Schools system and will encourage district students to explore the fields of math and science.

The Tulsa Team—comprised of elementary math lead Terry Whisenhunt, elementary science lead Ava Howard, and eight classroom teachers—traveled to New Jersey for the 2008 Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. The academy’s curriculum, instructors and other logistics were designed by the nation’s leading teacher-training organizations, Math Solutions Professional Development and National Science Teachers Association. Now the team is back and spreading the knowledge through the classroom.

“We are creating math and science leaders in our schools,” Howard said.

The Tulsa Team’s goal is to provide third-fifth grade teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to motivate students to pursue careers in science and math. Some of the activities learned at the academy were stunning in their simplicity.

“The activities are very user-friendly,” Howard said. “Items such as string, washers, construction paper—we’re using it to perform high-end science.”

Invitations to attend the academy are traditionally extended to school districts based on golfer Phil Mickelson's PGA Tour schedule and major ExxonMobil work locations. This year academy officials opened the selection process to teachers from across the country. To learn more about how teachers can be nominated and apply, visit www.sendmyteacher.com.

 

Renowned Educator Headlining OECTA Conference 

10/16/2008, 8 a.m.

Internationally known educator, author and licensed professional counselor Esther Williams is headlining the Oklahoma Early Childhood Teacher’s Association conference at Salk Elementary on October 16.

The conference is open to pre-k through second grade teachers. Various topics will be examined during breakout sessions.

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in counseling from Auburn University. In 1999 she founded the consulting firm Positive Paths.

 

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