November 17, 2022
Issue #8
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Keeping “The Work” of the Academic Office Front and Center
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The WHY of our work for School Year 22-23:
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- To develop and/or deepen the habits of mind and adaptive leadership moves critical to disrupt and dismantle inequities in our systems, practices, policies and procedures so each scholar thrives.
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The WHAT of our work for School Year 22-23:
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Strengthen the *instructional core, so each scholar has access and targeted supports to achieve Standards and to engage in deeper learning through the ‘Key 3’
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Use multiple sources of data (qualitative, quantitative and perceptual) to inform decision-making
- Apply “best we know right now practices” to educate the Whole Child
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*teachers’ knowledge and skills; scholars’ engagement in their own learning; academically challenging content
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The HOW of our work for School Year 22-23:
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For more information please contact Dr. Marion Smith Jr., Deputy Superintendent of Academics– Marion.SmithJr@slps.org
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Network Spotlight: Learning Network 2
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Math Olympiads @ Betty Wheeler CJA
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Scholars at Betty Wheeler CJA have been meeting weekly to compete in Math Olympiads. Math Olympiads helps students develop enthusiasm for problem solving and mathematics. They compete in 5 monthly contests against other elementary students all over the country. They spend the other weeks of the club working with the coaches and team members learning new math strategies and problem solving skills that they may not have considered before. Math Olympiads provides students with enriching math experiences and helps them build a strong foundation for future mathematics studies.
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Egg Drop @ Mann Elementary
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Mrs. Abernathy’s 4th and 5th grade students participated in an egg drop. Students designed a landing craft that would protect their egg. They tested their designs and discussed why some were a success and what changes they could make to the cracked egg designs.
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Mann Elementary was recognized by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for 51% of their English Language Learners showing growth on the English language proficiency assessment, ACCESS, test from 2021 to 2022.
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Learn-Read-Laugh-Write-Dream and Create Program
With 4 St. Louis Authors in 4 Weeks @ Woerner Elementary
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While a classroom of 4th grade boys awaited their new teacher, Principal Kathy Matthews at Woerner Elementary collaborated with Dr. Rebecca Rogers of the University of Missouri-St. Louis to find opportunities to enrich the boys’ literacy education.
“What can we do to make sure these boys find joy in reading?” Principal Matthews asked Dr. Rogers. From that question, they worked together with St. Louis children’s authors to design a four-week experience called “Choose the Books in your Bookshelf.” As part of this initiative, the 4th grade boys at Woerner Elementary will learn, read, laugh, dream, and create with four different children’s authors over the course of four week. “It is of utmost importance for students to see themselves in the books they read and find joy in schools,” Rogers said. Principal Matthews asked the boys to identify the authors they wanted to meet and the books they wanted to read. The boys reviewed book lists from the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature and EyeSeeMe Books and identified the authors they wanted to learn alongside.
Starting in November 2022, students will be visited by children’s authors: Rebecca Clark, Jermecia Starks, Julius B. Anthony, and Jasmine Paul. Each week will begin with a visit with the author followed by students’ inquiry, reading, and writing that extends the content of the author visit. At the end of the week, they will reconvene with the author to share responses, new learning, and next steps. “This will be a time to share, imagine, and see themselves as readers, dreamers, and creators,” said Principal Kathy Matthews. By the end of the four weeks, students will have a dozen books in their personal bookshelves: books where they can see themselves and imagine new possibilities.
This initiative is a collaboration of St. Louis Public Schools and the E. Des Lee Tutorial Endowment at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
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Subject Area Spotlight: Science
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Equity should be prioritized as a central component in all educational improvement efforts. All students can and should learn complex science. However, achieving equity and social justice in science education is an ongoing challenge. Students from non-dominant communities often face "opportunity gaps" in their educational experience. Inclusive approaches to science instruction can reposition youth as meaningful participants in science learning and recognize their science-related assets and those of their communities. Consider:
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Ways to make science culturally relevant:
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Notice sense making repertoires. Consider students' diverse sense makingas connecting to science practices.
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Support sense making. Support students to use their sense making repertoires and experiencesas critical tools in engaging with science practices.
- Engage diverse sense-making. Students’ scientific practices and knowledge are always developing and their community histories, values, and practices contribute to scientific understanding and problem solving.
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Bang, Brown, Calabrese Barton, Rosebery & Warren, Toward more equitable learning in science, In Helping students make sense of the world using next generation science and engineering practices, NSTA.
https://stemteachingtools.org/brief/15
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A huge congratulations to Mr. Caleb Smith, first grade teacher at Nance Elementary School, for being awarded the Robin Kyles Trailblazer Award in Science. This award is given by STOM, Science Teachers of Missouri. He is recognized for his commitment to teaching underserved students and instilling a love of science learning.
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SUMMER FOCUS 2023 YOUNG SCIENTIST PROGRAM WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
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WHAT IS SUMMER FOCUS?
Summer Focus is an 8-week paid summer research internship opportunity. Students are paired with a scientist from Washington University with whom they will conduct an independent research project, as well as participate in courses on science communication and college/career prep.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Motivated rising seniors from STL area high schools who are interested in biomedical sciences are encouraged to apply. No research experience is necessary. In fact, students without research experience are especially encouraged to apply!
HOW CAN STUDENTS APPLY?
The application for Summer Focus will be available online from November 14, 2022 - February 13, 2023, on the YSP Summer Focus webpage. https://sites.wustl.edu/wustlysp/programs/summer-focus/
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions at YSP.SummerFocus@WUSTL.edu
For more information please contact Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science Curriculum Specialist – Valentina.Bumbu@slps.org or J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science Curriculum Specialist - Janet.Launius@slps.org
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DepartmentSpotlight: Professional Development
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SLPS Special Reading Certification Program 2022-2023
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You are invited to apply for a wonderful opportunity being funded in whole by the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund. In partnership with the University of Missouri St. Louis, individuals have the opportunity to receive their Special Reading K-12 Certification. Selected participants will become part of the eighth cohort of teachers working to receive this credential. You will take classes as part of a cohort of colleagues from SLPS, held within the district, and all fees, coursework, and textbooks are covered!
(Please note: Participants are not allowed to participate in one of these special grant opportunities if they are currently receiving funds through the Traditional Parsons Blewett Scholarship Fund).
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UMSL Reading Specialist K-12 Certification
Directions to Apply:
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- Must possess Missouri Teaching Certification
- Cumulative College GPA minimum 2.75 (You will not need to take the GRE.)
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Must have 2 years of classroom teaching experience
- Must be in good standing with St. Louis Public Schools and remain employed with the district while being financially supported in this program.
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Must submit a COMPLETE Reading Specialist Certification Program Application (LINK)
- Must upload a letter of recommendation from your current school Principal/Leader.
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Must apply to and be admitted the UMSL Graduate school, who serves as the partner for this Certification program.
- Must apply for the Certification track (See Item #3 below) and this program does not fund the Master Degree (that occurs through the traditional Parsons Blewett Scholarship Application Process.
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- Create a new account even if you have been a student here before.
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Application
- You will need to have transcripts sent directly from your previous schools. You may send them electronically or by mail as follows:
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BY MAIL:
Graduate Admissions Office
121 Woods Hall
UM - St. Louis
1 University Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri 63121
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Students should apply non-degree, Graduate Teacher Certification; see below.
PLEASE NOTE: Application fee will be waived; students will need to indicate on their Statement of Purpose that they are participating in the SLPS Reading Cohort VII.
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Please answer the following questions
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- Did you complete your degree at UMSL?
- Yes?
- No?
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Did you complete either degree level at UMSL?
- Undergraduate - Yes/No?
- Graduate - Yes/No?
- Are you planning on earning a graduate degree or certificate from UMSL?
- Yes?
- No?
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Select your degree, academic program and expected entrance term below.
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Graduate Degree (Please Select One)
Choose “Graduate Teacher Certification.”
Non-degree students seeking graduate teacher certification ARE eligible for financial aid if they qualify and if they are enrolled in a minimum of five credit hours.
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It is always a good idea to apply much earlier than the deadline. (FOR POTENTIAL SELECTION TO THE SLPS READING CERTIFICATION, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022).
The M.Ed. may be earned using 18 hours from the certification coursework and 15 hours of additional, required coursework at the graduate level as required by the UMSL College of Education. There may be a difference between the courses required for certification and those required for the M.Ed.
If you have questions about the application, transcripts, or certification, contact our Graduate Academic Advisor, Kristel Schlemper 314-516-5938 Schlemper, Kristel D. schlemperk@umsl.edu in OASIS (Office of Advising and Student Information Services).
You may have an audit of your transcripts completed by Kristel Schlemper AS SOON AS POSSIBLE in order to determine exactly which classes you will need for certification. You may submit unofficial transcripts to her for the audit, but if you have already sent official transcripts to UMSL, she will use those to determine which classes you will need in order to earn the certification. The process of reviewing the transcripts takes a great deal of time, so please send your transcripts as soon as possible.
You may also be asked to obtain course descriptions or syllabi from previous colleges or universities so that Kristel may learn more about your prior course work and if it will count toward certification. It is to your advantage to obtain these as it may reduce the number of hours you are required to take.
ALL Applications (both SLPS and UMSL Admission) Must Submitted to Dr. LaTisha Smith and UMSL, NO LATER THAN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022 at 12 NOON.
For more information please contact Dr. Latish Smith, Director of Professional Development – LaTisha.Smith@slps.org
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Would you like to be paid to host an extracurricular activity?
Are you interested in pursuing National Board Certification?
We can help!
Join the Career Ladder Salary Supplement program! Sign up and see the requirements here: https://forms.office.com/r/HkdT6mY5z8
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Curriculum Specialists:
- Dr. Esther Palsenberger, Elementary ELA, 314-779-5939
- Judine Keplar, Secondary ELA, 314-532-6427
- Zehra Khan, Secondary Math, 314-532-3574
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J. Carrie Launius, Elementary Science, 314-934-5258
- Dr. Valentina Bumbu, Secondary Science, 573-544-6835
- Dr. Glenn Barnes, Social Studies, 314-934-5267
- John Grapperhaus, Visual Arts, 314-934-5320
- Kaye Harrelson, Performing Arts, 314-934-5445
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Dr. Taresa Wright-Fraser, Elementary Math, 314-943-5266
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