INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Milken Award Winners Announced ~ 3 • New AMSTI Site ~ 4 • Ask The Expert ~ 5Good News ~ 8-10 CCOONNTTIINNUUEEDD OONNLLIINNEE:: Teacher of the Month • Visit www.alsde.edu

ACCESS

Celebrates

One Year

As 24 pilot high schools across the statecelebrate their first year of AlabamaConnecting Classrooms, Educators andStudents Statewide (ACCESS) totechnology, now even more students canreceive the benefits of the ACCESSDistance Learning Initiative online.Originally 24 schools participated in thepilot, and in its first year a total of 94schools are linked to the distancelearning program.

“The pilot year of ACCESS hasexceeded our expectations. Earlyevaluations indicate the program hasbeen successful, and now online learningis available to all high school students,”said Technology Initiatives DirectorDR. MELINDA MADDOX.

In November 2005, GOV. BOB RILEY,along with the Alabama Department ofEducation, launched ACCESS DistanceLearning as a new method of deliveringhigh-quality courses statewide, whichincluded areas where they might nothave been available. Now, a total of 43courses are offered via ACCESS.

January enrollment for ACCESSDistance Learning is now available. Anew toll-free phone number for ACCESSDistance Learning has also been added,1-866-623-7921. For more information,CLICK HERE.

Technology Is Changing The World...

Agroup of first-grade studentsbusily record their latest storiesusing tablet computers that

recognize handwriting; third-gradestudents recreate their learningthrough online digital scrapbooksthat allow comments from others;and high school math students recaplessons learned on a blog for fellowstudents. Middle school studentsrecord visual videos called mathcaststo share problem-solving strategiesonline; fifth graders create an onlinevirtual tour on the web; and onlinewebcasts provide 24/7 learning foranyone willing to watch and listen!Yes, the world we live in is anexciting place.

My fifth graders created GoogleEarth tours when studying ecosystemslast spring. To get ready for theproject, I watched webcasts to learnabout Google Earth and learned howto add video and picture overlays tothe Google Earth program and turn

them into an online tour students canshare with others. This just-in-timetraining is the wave of the future.

As Thomas Friedman, author of“The World is Flat,” mentions inmany of his articles, our children needto be able to learn how to learn! Thereare so many opportunities for learningavailable today. We need to guidestudents to take advantage of what isavailable and help them to evaluatewhat they are finding. If students donot have access to technology-richlearning experiences that help themwith problem solving, collaboration,and communication, they will not beprepared for the world they will face.We are preparing students for jobsthat do not yet even exist.

There are those who ask me,“What about safety?” I say, “Ofcourse, we need to be concerned.”However, if we do not give studentsa chance to navigate through thetechnology tools with us as a guide,how will they manage when they areon their own? I like to use an example

By Cameron McKinley2006-07 Alabama Teacher of the Year

(continued on page 2)

ALABAMA EDUCATION NEWS2

11.. GGoo oonnlliinnee ffoorr mmaatthh..http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/ http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

22.. GGoo oonnlliinnee ffoorr llaanngguuaaggee aarrttss..http://www.quia.com/pages/readingresources.htmlhttp://www.storylineonline.net/ http://www.readwritethink.org/student_mat/index.asp

33.. GGoo oonnlliinnee ttoo ccoommmmuunniiccaattee tthhrroouugghh wwiikkiiss,,ppooddccaassttss,, aanndd pphhoottoo sshhaarriinngg..

http://www6.miami.edu/bb/iac/LnL200701/wikiway/http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers100Khttp://www.gcast.com/u/camruns/students

SShhaarree lleeaarrnniinngg tthhrroouugghh pphhoottooss!!http://www.pickle.comhttp://www.bubbleshare.com

44.. UUssee GGooooggllee EEaarrtthh..http://earth.google.com/ https://discoveryed.webex.com/discoveryed/k2/tool/record/recordinginfo.php?RecordID=10111647(Requires a password: Discovery)

55.. SSccrraappbblloogg tthhee ppaasstt,, pprreesseenntt,, oorr ffuuttuurree..http://camruns.scrapblog.com/school

66.. GGoo ddiiggiittaall wwiitthh UUnniitteedd SSttrreeaammiinngg ddiiggiittaall ccoonntteenntt..http://www.unitedstreaming.com

77.. GGoo oonnlliinnee ffoorr sscciieennccee..http://www.fossweb.com/index.php http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/index_flash.shtml http://www.open2.net/science/microscope/

88.. GGeett ssttuuddeennttss pprroobblleemm ssoollvviinngg wwiitthh ffrreeee ssooffttwwaarree..http://sketchup.google.com/http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htmhttp://www.cameronmckinley.com/free.htm

99.. LLeeaarrnn eevvaalluuaattiioonn sskkiillllss aanndd IInntteerrnneett ssaaffeettyy..http://www.ncwiseowl.org/kscope/Hovercraft/InfoSkills/KnowFlow/Evaluation/website_eval.htmhttp://pbskids.org/dontbuyit/ http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/fournets.htmhttp://www.netsmartz.org/educators.htm

1100.. EExxpplloorree!!http://www.quia.com/pages/labs.html(click on your grade level)

(continued from front)of going to the park. Our childrencould meet a stranger in the park.Our children could fall off a bikeand get injured in the park. Doesthat mean we don’t go to the park?Of course not! We have our kidsstrap on helmets, we go over thesafety rules, and we go with them toenjoy the park. It is the same withtechnology. We must make thejourney with our students, teachthem the rules and provide safetynets as necessary, while still lettingthem experience the power ofinformation available to them andgiving them the opportunity to sharetheir learning with the world.

I can’t help but get excited whenI use the many tools available to me.If you want students to be lifelonglearners, you have to model it forthem! I have to admit, I love surfingthe Web for new ideas to motivateand empower my students. I recently

found ways to let students andteachers podcast and post online bysimply calling a number on thetelephone. We have high schoolstudents and parent volunteersrecord books for our English as aSecond Language students using thisservice. We can also have studentsshare their learning by recording it.To hear some young studentscounting and skip counting, visitwww.gcast.com/u/camruns/students.They could just as easily sharepoems, stories, and more. There areso many free and easy ways to findand share information today. If youare ready to dive in, check out mytop ten ideas (left) for diving deeperinto technology and modelinglifelong learning for your students.

Will it be easy? Not always.But with a positive attitude, acurious mind, and some younghelpers around …you should makethe journey just fine!

Top Ten Ideas

To Dive Deeper Into

Technology and

Model Lifelong Learning

Use these sites and ideas for exploration,communication, evaluation, and skill building.Please make sure to be with your students whenthey are using the Internet. Always check sites forappropriateness before using with students.

For more ideas on how technology can help you meet the needs of yourdiverse learners, CLICK HERE.

About the author ...CCAAMMEERROONN SSHHAARRBBEELL MMCCKKIINNLLEEYY is the 2006-2007 AlabamaTeacher of the Year and Elementary Teacher of the Year.She teaches at Riverchase Elementary School in the HooverCity School System. Mrs. McKinley believes that technologyallows teachers to reach students in ways that were notpossible in the past. By modeling successful use and allowing

students to experience technological successes, teachers can equip students with theskills they need to be successful in a closely connected world.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 3

Two unsuspecting Alabamaeducators were honored for theirexceptional work at surprise

presentations recently.DDRR.. SSHHAANNNNOONN BBRRAANNDDTT, a fourth-

grade teacher at Wrights Mill RoadElementary School in Auburn, AL, andLLYYNNNN MMCCCCAAIINN, a fifth-grade scienceteacher at J. E. Turner Elementary Schoolin Wilmer, AL (Mobile County), havereceived what is considered by many tobe the “Oscars of Teaching.” SSTTAATTEE

SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT OOFF EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN JJOOEE

MMOORRTTOONN presented Brandt and McCainwith the MMIILLKKEENN FFAAMMIILLYY FFOOUUNNDDAATTIIOONN

NNAATTIIOONNAALL EEDDUUCCAATTOORR AAWWAARRDD. At mockassemblies attended by numerous localdignitaries, Morton explained that whileactors receive Oscars and musiciansreceive Grammys, the Milken FamilyFoundation believes a nationallyrecognized award should also be presentedto educators who go above and beyondthe call of duty when it comes to teachingAmerica’s children.

Morton said words cannot expressthe gratitude he has for the generosity ofthe Milken Family Foundation; it’s secondonly to the gratitude he has for theeducators who work so tirelessly to teachthe children of Alabama.

In Auburn, Morton said Dr. Brandt’scommitment to excellence in education isevident by her professional accomplish-ments as well as the respect and admirationshe receives from colleagues and students.

As an emotional Brandt accepted heraward, she thanked her colleagues at aschool that has impacted Brandtprofessionally as well as personally.As a student teacher at Wrights Mill RoadElementary, Brandt interned, met herfuture husband Chris, and now theirchildren attend Wrights Mill Road.

In Wilmer, Morton said McCaindemonstrates how to be a strong andeffective teacher in the classroom.He said this, combined with herpassion for making a difference in thelives of children, makes her a trulyexceptional educator.

Caught completely off-guard, McCainthanked her fellow educators, as her fifth-grade class celebrated and cheered her on.

Created by Milken FamilyFoundation Chairman and Co-FounderLowell Milken, the Milken NationalEducator Award is considered one of thehighest educational accolades in thenation. In addition to receiving such acoveted award – along with anunrestricted $25,000 check – recipientsjoin an elite, nationally recognized groupof Milken Educators.

To honor the important roles talentedteachers play in improving studentachievement, the Milken FamilyFoundation is going coast-to-coast on its20th Anniversary Awards Tour to rewardthe newest Milken National EducatorAward recipients with $25,000 cash prizes.Up to 100 outstanding elementaryeducators will learn the news of theirAwards - which can be used any way theychoose - during surprise schoolwideassemblies packed with proud students,colleagues, dignitaries, and media.

“Good teachers are the linchpin inour education system, playing a criticalrole in propelling student learning,” saidMilken. “Every child deserves to be in aclassroom with a teacher who inspires,illustrates, and advances excellence. It’simperative that as a nation we recognizethe importance of outstanding teachersand encourage young, talented people tochoose teaching as a career.”

Active in 48 states and the District ofColumbia, the Milken Educator Awardshave grown to become the nation’s largestteacher recognition program. Since 1987,over $56 million has been awarded tomore than 2,200 educators. Newrecipients join the Milken EducatorNetwork, a rich resource of educators andother leaders accessible to fellow teachers,legislators, school boards, and others whoare shaping the future of education.

For more information about theMilken Educator Awards and other eventsheld throughout the United States, pleasecontact the Milken Family Foundation at(310) 570-4775 or CLICK HERE.

Alabama Honors Two Milken Family Foundation

National Educator Award Winners

A completely surprised Dr. Shannon Brandt reacts as she learns she has won.

Lynn McCain is caught completely off-guardas her name is announced.

Schools in East Alabama havejoined the growing number ofschools across the state that

benefit from the Alabama Math,Science, and Technology Initiative(AMSTI). SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT OOFF

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN, along withAAUUBBUURRNN UUNNIIVVEERRSSIITTYY PPRREESSIIDDEENNTT EEDD

RRIICCHHAARRDDSSOONN, announced the new stateappropriation of $831,000 to fund theexpansion of AMSTI serving eligible

schools in East Alabama through thenewly established site at AuburnUniversity.

“Students retain more knowledgewhen they are involved in hands-onlearning experiences,” said Dr. Morton.“The addition of this AMSTI site atAuburn University will engage morestudents with this valuable and uniqueprogram that helps develop criticalthinking skills.”

AMSTI is the Alabama Department

of Education’s initiative designed toimprove mathematics and scienceteaching and learning statewide.GGOOVV.. BBOOBB RRIILLEEYY and the AlabamaLegislature provided AMSTI fundingof $15 million in 2006 and $22 millionfor fiscal year 2007.

According to the Institute forCommunication and InformationResearch at The University of Alabama,schools served by AMSTI have shownsignificant improvements in studentachievement measured by the StanfordAchievement Test, the Alabama Readingand Mathematics Test, and the AlabamaHigh School Graduation Exam.

“Auburn University welcomes theopportunity to participate in theAMSTI program,” said Dr. Richardson.“I commend Dr. Morton and the stateschool board for expanding thisresearch-based program that has shownmeasurable results. Improved skills inmathematics, science, and technologyare critical to Alabama’s economicgrowth and will lead to continuedimprovements in college and universityacademic programs.”

K-12 public school teachers andadministrators who participate inAMSTI attend intensive trainingsessions. AMSTI provides three services:professional development, equipmentand materials, and on-site support.Schools become official AMSTI schoolsby enrolling all of their math andscience teachers and administrators intwo-week Summer Institutes for twosummers. At the Summer Institutes,teachers receive subject-specificprofessional development that isapplicable to their classroom.Instruction is provided at the SummerInstitutes by “master” teachers whohave been certified as AMSTI trainersafter successfully completing AMSTItrainer workshops.

AMSTI sites provide AMSTIschoolteachers with essentially all of the

AMSTI

ALABAMA EDUCATION NEWS4

Alabama Math, Science, & Technology Initiative

Opens New Site at AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Alabama Superintendent ofEducation Joe Morton (c) and

Auburn President Ed Richardson (l)observe student experiments at the

newly established AMSTI site atAuburn University.

equipment, supplies, and resourcesneeded to effectively engage studentswith hands-on, inquiry-based learning.Examples of equipment include labware, chemicals, global positioningdevices, and plants with growthcontainers. The resources arrivepackaged in “kits” ready forimmediate use.

Each kit is customized for thespecific activities that will be taught.Once students complete the activitiesfrom a kit, it is returned to a materialscenter where it is refurbished to“like new” condition. Then, anotherkit targeting the next classroom activityis delivered to the teacher and thenewly refurbished kit is sent toanother teacher.

Auburn University joins eightother AMSTI sites including:• Jacksonville State University• The University of Alabama and the

University of West Alabama• University of Alabama in Huntsville• University of North Alabama• University of Montevallo• University of South Alabama• Troy University• Wallace Community College-Selma

and Alabama State UniversityCurrently, more than 111,000

students and approximately 200 publicschools are served by AMSTI statewide.The Auburn University site willpotentially serve an additional 13schools in East Alabama.

For more information on AMSTI, contact Alabama Department of EducationAMSTI State Coordinator Steve Ricks at 334-353-9151, or e-mail sricks@alsde.edu,

or CLICK HERE.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 5

AMSTI at

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

will serve

the following

East Alabama

school systems:

AALLEEXXAANNDDEERR CCIITTYY

AAUUBBUURRNN CCIITTYY

CCHHAAMMBBEERRSS CCOOUUNNTTYY

EELLMMOORREE CCOOUUNNTTYY

LLAANNEETTTT CCIITTYY

LLEEEE CCOOUUNNTTYY

MMAACCOONN CCOOUUNNTTYY

OOPPEELLIIKKAA CCIITTYY

RRUUSSSSEELLLL CCOOUUNNTTYY

TTAALLLLAAPPOOOOSSAA CCOOUUNNTTYY

TTAALLLLAASSSSEEEE CCIITTYY

Is this leaf poison? What kind of fish are those?Children are inquisitive by nature. Now, theAlabama Department of Education, the

Alabama Museum of Natural History, and theDiscovering Alabama television series on AlabamaPublic Television are offering another source for

students, teachers, and parents alike toaccess when faced with the age-oldquestion, “what is that?”

“Ask the Expert” is an exciting new on-line database on the Discovering AlabamaWeb site, or CLICK HERE, which helpsstudents, educators, and parents explorenature with expert advice in subjects suchas biology, zoology, entomology, and

geology. Curious individuals can submit questionsabout plants, animals, rocks, insects, streams,aquatic life, or any other form of nature and getanswers from experts in the field.

DDOOUUGG PPHHIILLLLIIPPSS, host and producer of theseries Discovering Alabama, said Alabama is oneof the most naturally diverse states in the nation,and that makes Alabama a wonderful outsidelaboratory for learning. BBOOBB RRIITTCCHHEEYY, Supervisorof Community Education with the AlabamaDepartment of Education, said this programallows all students to make a connection withnature, modern technology, and the classroom.

SSTTEEVVEE RRIICCKKSS, Director of the Alabama Math,Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) saidAsk the Expert is yet another way for people tolearn about their natural surroundings.

“I would encourage teachers, students, andadults to take full advantage of this easy-to-useand helpful program,” Ricks said. “Ask the Expertis an excellent hands-on experience that’s fun,interactive, and educational.”

Schools and Students Have New Resource for

Inquiring Minds with “Ask the Expert” Program

ALABAMA EDUCATION NEWS6

Universities across the state ofAlabama are leading byunprecedented example by

joining together to share knowledge,skills, ideas, and curriculum to combatthe issue of effective teaching for specialeducation students.

As a requirement of the No ChildLeft Behind Act of 2001, all studentsmust have access to participate in thegeneral education curriculum with mostother students. Classrooms specificallyset aside for special education studentsare being replaced with an inclusiveclassroom model that brings all studentstogether allowing special educationstudents to learn alongside their peers.To be certain the obvious problem ofmaking sure both traditional and specialeducation students are taught to theirfullest potential, the teaching model ofcollaborative instruction – having both atraditional curriculum teacher and aspecial education teacher work in

tandem to serve the entire class – isbeing incorporated in many schools.

To make sure college students whoare aspiring teachers are fully preparedfor the challenge of teaching in acooperative, co-teacher environment,Alabama’s institutions of higher learningare uniting to create a seamless courseof study for students preparing tobecome educators. A central focus ofthis comprehensive preparation programwill be the collaborative, co-teachingmodel, which provides support tostudents with disabilities in generaleducation classrooms.

At a collaborative task force meetingheld recently, representatives from 12universities across Alabama convened toshare their progress in the effort toimplement this shared teaching method.These universities received AlabamaState Improvement Grants, funds fromthe Alabama Department of EducationSpecial Education Services, to develop

ALABAMA UNIVERSITIES UNITE

FOR SPECIAL EDUCATIONClassrooms specifically set

aside for special education

students are being

replaced with an inclusive

classroom model that

brings all students

together allowing special

education students to

learn alongside their peers.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 7

plans for a new Secondary CollaborativeEducation Program. Participatinginstitutions are: Alabama A&MUniversity, Alabama State University,Athens State University, AuburnUniversity, Auburn UniversityMontgomery, Jacksonville StateUniversity, Samford University,The University of Alabama, Universityof Alabama Huntsville, Troy University,University of North Alabama, andUniversity of South Alabama.DDRR.. MMAABBRREEYY WWHHEETTSSTTOONNEE, director ofspecial education services for the StateDepartment of Education, said this isthe first time all of these universitieshave collectively focused on the subject.

“Twelve of the 16 teacher trainingprograms in Alabama have submittedand are implementing proposals abouthow they’re going to collaborate withthe general education and the specialeducation faculty. This new curriculumwill open [student’s] eyes to whatclassrooms in Alabama now require ofteachers,” Whetstone said. “Now,teachers in the secondary program mustbe able to work with a diverse group ofkids, in addition to the traditionalstudents. Now it’s not just an issue ofspecial education – it’s an issue of manykids growing up in very differentenvironments. These teachers will bebetter prepared. They will understandhow to diversify curriculum and meetthe needs of all students.”

Whetstone said despite the barrierof limited funds and time, Alabamauniversities are coming together andworking solely because they believe thisteaching model will benefit their schoolsand equip future teachers with the toolsto work effectively in changingclassroom settings.

DDRR.. AAQQUUIILLLLAA MMIIMMSS, professor ofspecial education at Jacksonville StateUniversity, said research shows that ifco-teaching/collaboration is donecorrectly, the test scores of all childrenwill go up and absenteeism goes down.“It’s important that both elements,co-teaching and collaboration, areemployed since they need to beadministered simultaneously to beeffective,” Mims said.

DDRR.. VVIICCTTOORRIIAA HHUUSSLLEEYY of AlabamaA&M University said theimplementation of co-teachingmethodology breaks down barriers ofcompartmentalization often seen inschools and creates a more holisticapproach to education. “I think studentswill be much better prepared to do thecollaborative teaching because it’s awhole different view of how instructionoccurs. Educators have a history ofbeing isolationists, ‘I go in my classroom– you go in yours. These are my kids –those are your kids,’” Hulsey said. “Wehave to realize that we have to worktogether in a collaborative way to meetthe needs of every child.”

Special education professor atAlabama State University, DDRR.. WWIILLLLAA

BBIINNGG HHAARRRRIISS,, said her hope is thatstudents, as they go out into the worldand become administrators andcounselors, have the ability to conveythe concept of inclusion. “We need foreducators to have the opportunity to gettogether more – and not just forstandard faculty meetings. There needsto be time for teachers to come together,plan, and talk about either the successesor the challenges they’re having withstudents. Cooperative or ‘team’ teachingoften increases the effectiveness of bothteachers,” Harris said.

Whetstone said he expects thecollaborative/co-teaching model tobe fully implemented throughoutAlabama middle and high schools inthe near future.

Collaborative instruction

is being incorporated

in many Alabama schools.

THE 12 PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS ARE:

Alabama A&M UniversityAlabama State UniversityAthens State University

Auburn UniversityAuburn University MontgomeryJacksonville State University

Samford UniversityThe University of Alabama

University of Alabama HuntsvilleTroy University

University of North AlabamaUniversity of South Alabama

ALABAMA EDUCATION NEWS8

This program of theAlabama Alliance forArts Education (AAAE)

celebrates the extraordinaryachievement of studentsstudying the arts in school. Italso raises awareness of the artsin schools and communities – emphasizing the lifelong,profound, and universal impact the arts have on our lives, aswell as promotes implementation of a rich arts curriculumin schools through the state.

The CCrreeaattiivvee TTiicckkeett SScchhoooollss ooff EExxcceelllleennccee AAwwaarrddprovides an important outlet for expanding recognition ofthe role individual schools play in providing a creativelearning environment for outstanding student achievement.It also provides an opportunity to highlight schools thathave developed exemplary art education programs.

Award-winning schools will be recognized at aceremony and have the opportunityfor national recognition through theKennedy Center Alliance for ArtsEducation Network Creative Ticket– National Schools of DistinctionAwards Program.*

To apply for the 2006-07 Alabama Alliance for ArtsEducation Creative Ticket Schools of Excellence Award,nominees must fill out an application form. These forms,along with complete details on this exciting award program,are available by contacting the AAAE at 334-269-1435 orby email.

Application forms are also available directly byCLICKING HERE.

The deadline for entries is Friday, March 9, 2007(postmarked deadline). Don’t miss this great opportunity tospotlight your arts education program!

*The Alabama Alliance for Arts Education iseligible to nominate up to five schools for thisyear’s Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts EducationNetwork Creative Ticket – National Schools ofDistinction Award.

Boaz City Schools Win

$1 Million Grant

UU..SS.. DDEEPPAARRTTMMEENNTT OOFF EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN AAWWAARRDDSS

SSTTAATTEE’’SS FFIIRRSSTT MMIIGGRRAANNTT EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN EEVVEENN SSTTAARRTT GGRRAANNTT

The two-year-old Boaz City School System is the first inthe state and one of only 10 in the nation to win a 2006Migrant Education Even Start Grant from the U.S.

Department of Education (USDE). The grant amount is$955,500 over a three-year period.

The Boaz City School System Migrant Education Even StartGrant project is designed in collaboration with NortheastAlabama Adult Education Program and Snead State CommunityCollege. The school system will use the grant award to providefamily educational activities. Center-based adult educationclasses will be conducted several evenings a week. Center-basedearly childhood education will be provided, as well as home-based preschool services. The grant will allow the school systemto continue all aspects of the program year round and to offerservices such as meals, transportation, field trips, health care, jobtraining/placement, and the opportunity for college scholarships.

The Migrant Education Even Start Grant will complementthe young school system’s existing grants and programs,including a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant,Community Education, Early Literacy Program, Adult Literacy,Collaborative Pre-School, Infancy Literacy Project, as well asafter-school and summer programs to meet the needs of studentsand parents. Boaz City schools will be able to ease theovercrowding in English language proficiency classes, as well asexpand adult literacy and GED classes, parent education, earlychildhood education including children with special needs, andinteractive parent and child literacy activities.

“I’ve worked with Even Start in the past and it is a trulyvaluable program,” said JJEEAANNAA RROOSSSS, the grant writer and BoazCity School System Director of Community Education/Prevention and Support Services. “I’ve seen the changes it canmake in people’s lives and the success it brings to families.Our parents want to learn to read and speak English so theycan help their children. We are so grateful for this grant moneythat will do so much to help us meet the needs of the people inour community.”

Migrant Education Even Start Grants to support familyliteracy projects were first awarded in 1989. For moreinformation, e-mail Mrs. Ross, call 256-593-8180, or visit theUSDE Web site.

State Board of Education Member: David F. Beyers, Jr. – District 6Boaz City Schools Superintendent: Mr. Leland Dishman

�Creative Ticket

Schools of

Excellence Award

�

Alabama Alliance

for Arts Education

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 9

Melinda Maddox Named Leader of the Year

The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) recently honoredDDRR.. MMEELLIINNDDAA MMAADDDDOOXX, Director of Technology Initiatives for the Alabama Department of

Education, as one of three outstanding educational leaders for their efforts to ensure students and teachersreceive the opportunities they need to be competitive in the world’s global marketplace. Her leadershipand service to SETDA’s Board of Directors has been an inspiration and model to her peers.

Maddox (left) with Dr. Mary Ann Wolf, Executive Director of SETDA

NASA and itscontractors,TTeelleeddyynnee BBrroowwnn

EEnnggiinneeeerriinngg and BBooeeiinngg,have requested theHuntsville Center forTechnology, a part ofHuntsville City Schools,to immediately develop aprototype piece ofhardware for theInternational Space

Station. The hardware will be used to train astronauts on howto make a future repair to a space station rack.The piece must be ready for crew training thatwill support a possible shuttle launch inDecember. This request has been made to theHuntsville Center for Technology as part of theSpace Act Agreement signed between NASA and theHuntsville Center for Technology in 2005.

The center will devote the resources of the CADDrafting and Precision Machine classes for this project.Other projects will be put on hold in order to concentrate onthe development of the prototype piece for the InternationalSpace Station. “I believe this is the first time a request likethis has been made of a high school and we are very excitedabout it” says EEDDDDIIEE TTUURRNNEERR, Career Tech Director for theHuntsville Center for Technology.

State Board of Education Member: Dr. Mary Jane Caylor - District 8Huntsville City Schools Superintendent: Dr. Ann Roy MoorePrincipal: Mr. Eddie Turner

Eighteen (18) students at Northridge High School haveearned the designation of AP Scholar by the CollegeBoard in recognition of their exceptional achievement

on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams.The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program

offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receivecollege credit, advanced placement, or both for successfulperformance on the AP Exams. About 18 percent of themore than 1.3 million high school students in 16,000secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performedat a sufficiently high level to merit this recognition.

At Northridge High School, three students qualifiedfor the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning anaverage grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, andgrades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Theseexceptional students are SSAARRAAHH DDOONNLLEEYY,, JJAANNIICCEE KKIIMM,, andEEMMIILLYY RROOWWEELLLL.

Three students qualified for the AP Scholar with HonorAward by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all APExams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more ofthese exams. These students are OOLLEEKKSSAANNDDRR PPEETTRREENNKKOO,,AAMMYY ZZHHEENNGG,, and LLIISSAA ZZHHEENNGG.

Twelve students qualified for the AP Scholar Award bycompleting three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 orhigher. The AP Scholars are AAMMBBEERR BBEEGG,, EENNEELLDDAA BBUUTTLLEERR,,HHYYOOUUKK SSOOOO KKIIMM,, VVIIRRGGIINNIIAA LLEEIIGGHH,, NNAATTHHAANNIIEELL MMAARRSSHH,,JJEENNNNAA MMCCCCRREEEERRYY,, EELLLLEENN MMIITTCCHHEELLLL,, RREEBBEECCCCAA NNEEWWMMAANN,,KKAATTHHEERRIINNEE NNOOBBLLEE,, DDEESSIIRREEEE PPIICCOONNEE,, AALLEEXXAANNDDEERR SSCCHHMMIIDDTT,,and MMAARRYY FFRRAANNCCEESS WWEEAATTHHEERRLLYY.

State Board of Education Member: Sandra Ray – District 7Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent: Dr. Joyce LeveyPrincipal: Ms. Jennifer Box

Huntsville City

Schools’ Career Center

to Create Prototype

For Space Station

� Northridge High

School AP Scholars

Awarded For Excellence

�

10

Talladega Career/

Technical Education

Center Receives

$50,000 GRANT

Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation hasawarded a $50,000 grant to the Talladega Career/Technical Education Center for the renovation of the

Family and Consumer Science Learning Space. The FACSprogram is one of the most popular programs offered tostudents at Talladega High School. Studentsin the program develop the skills necessaryto address challenges faced by individualsand families in the home, school, workplace,and community. Students learn the importance ofdeveloping the ability to think, communicate, manage,and lead, which will prepare them for success in anincreasingly technological and diverse society as well as theglobal economy.

Over the last year the FACS teacher, KKIIMMBBEERRLLYY

MMIITTCCHHEELLLL, and the director, DDRR.. TTRREELLLLYYSS AA.. RRIILLEEYY, havecontacted numerous businesses to ask for their assistance incomplying with Business and Industry Certificationrequirements from the Alabama Department of Education.

With the grant from Lowe’s Charitable andEducational Foundation, the students in the FACSprogram will enjoy a new kitchen facility, sewing tables,and appliances that will allow the program to continue tomeet the needs of students at Talladega High School. BIC(Business and Industry Certification) is a requirement forcontinued operation of all career/tech programs.

State Board of Education Member: Stephanie W. Bell – District 3Talladega City Schools Superintendent: Mr. Leonard R. MesserPrincipal: Dr. Trellys A. Riley

Tuscaloosa Teacher

wins Prestigious Award

A22 year science teacher from Echols Middle School inTuscaloosa, Alabama, has been awarded the honor ofthe AAllaabbaammaa AAiirr FFoorrccee AAssssoocciiaattiioonn’’ss ““SSttaattee TTeeaacchheerr

ooff tthhee YYeeaarr..”” This award is presented to the educator whoexhibits strong leadership and dedication in the area of

aerospace education. MMSS.. TTEERRRRII CCOOLLEE was

selected for this prestigious awardbecause she always sets highstandards for her students anddemonstrates creativity indeveloping and utilizing materialsto enhance the teaching ofaerospace. She shares her passionfor aerospace education wherevershe goes. Her students haveexperienced numerous field trips,

some of which include the Samford University Planetariumand the McWane Center-Mission to Mars Simulation.

Ms. Cole maximizes student involvement and classroomactivities by teaching hovercraft lessons for demonstration offorce and motion, history of flight by using paper airplanesor computer programs, and even hosting a constellation starparty that includes parents. Ms. Cole truly has had a majorimpact in the teaching of aerospace education in the state ofAlabama. Winning the award of Alabama Aerospace Teacherof the Year, Ms. Cole had the opportunity to attend theNational Conference on Aviation and Space Education inArlington, Virginia.

State Board of Education Member: Sandra Ray – District 7Tuscaloosa County Schools Superintendent: Dr. Frank P. CostanzoPrincipal: Ms. Nancy B. Terry

� �

STUDENT WINS PARISIAN AD CONTEST

Afifth-grade student in Ms. Terry’s class at Moody Middle School recently won the Grade3-5 division of the Parisian Design-an-Ad Contest. EEMMIILLYY TTRROOXXEELLLL’’SS

winning ad was chosen from participating students in schools in theSt. Clair, Trussville, Center Point, Leeds, and Clay areas. This contest was sponsoredby The Birmingham News and Parisian. Prizes included gift certificates for both teacher and student.

State Board of Education Member: Stephanie W. Bell – District 3 St. Clair County Schools Superintendent: Mr. Dan ButlerPrincipal: Ms. Debra Allred

�

ALABAMA EDUCATION NEWS

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Institute is pleased to announce the 2007 Summer Seminars schedule. These seminars afford educators an opportunity to study an important topic in American history with

an eminent scholar in the field at major institutions including Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Virginia. These week-long seminars provide

educators with intellectual stimulation and a collaborative context for developing practical resources and strategies to take back to the classroom. Six new seminars are

available this year. To see the schedule and apply online, CLICK HERE Deadline: Apply Now

The National Teachers Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame annually honors five teachers who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to teaching our nation's children. Hall of Fame inductees will receive the

following awards each year: a plaque bearing their picture, name and brief description for display in their school and the Hall of Fame, Signet ring and lapel pin presented by

Herff Jones, Inc., a $1,000 scholarship for a student in the inductee's school district who is planning to pursue a degree in education presented by Sodexho, $1,000 in materials

for their school district presented by Pearson Education, a permanent display in The National Teachers Hall of Fame, a cast bronze belltower award and, a Marlow woodcut of a

country school scene. To nominate a teacher, CLICK HERE. Deadline: December 30, 2006

Toyota Tapestry Grants Program Offers Funding for K-12 Science Teachers

A partnership between Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and the National Science Teachers Association, the Toyota Tapestry Grants for Science Teachers program offers grants

to K-12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in a school and/or school district. CLICK HERE for complete program information and the

online application form. Deadline: January 18, 2007

ING Unsung Heroes Program Seeks to Reward Excellence in America's Schools

Financial services company ING seeks to help K-12 educators and their schools fund innovative classroom projects through its annual Unsung Heroes awards program. For

complete program information, application materials, and details about previous award recipients and their winning projects, CLICK HERE to visit the ING Unsung Heroes

awards program Web site. Deadline: April 30, 2007

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 11

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

AWARDED INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Awards, Opportunities, and Professional Development

The Alabama Department of Education has been awardedrecertification from the International Organization forStandardization (ISO) for its Business and Industry

Certification (BIC) process.Alabama’s Department of Education was the first state

education department in the nation to achieve ISO certificationin 2003. It remains the only education department in the U.S.to earn this distinction.

“Having this certification lets the businesscommunity know that the process used toevaluate our career/technical educationprograms is as thorough as the process theyuse to evaluate their companies,” said SSTTAATTEE

SSUUPPEERRIINNTTEENNDDEENNTT OOFF EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONN JJOOEE MMOORRTTOONN.“We recently completed a very intense ISO audit that resultedin the unconditional approval and recertification of our state’sBIC process. Alabama has successfully done, twice, what noother state agency in the nation has ever done once.”

ISO, a non-governmental organization established in 1947,is the world’s largest international developer of business andindustry standards. ISO has more than half a millionorganizations in over 60 countries currently utilizing programswithin its ISO 9001 categories, which are concerned with theimplementation of quality management systems.

BIC, which is a process used to certify all AlabamaCareer/Technical Education (CTE) programs for business andindustry compliance, monitors and evaluates Alabama’scurriculum, equipment, and educational facilities to ensure theymeet the rigorous standards of the international businesscommunity.

“The state Department of Education’s ISO certification is aclear example of the department’s commitment to

preparing Alabama’s students for the realchallenges of today’s workplace,” saidBBUUSSIINNEESSSS CCOOUUNNCCIILL OOFF AALLAABBAAMMAA PPRREESSIIDDEENNTT

WWIILLLLIIAAMM JJ.. CCAANNAARRYY. “It’s especially notablethat Alabama educators have taken the national

lead in achieving this difficult and highly respectedcertification. From a business standpoint, its importance can’tbe overstated. Alabama employers will benefit tremendouslyfrom access to a workforce that has been taught under high-quality ISO-certified conditions. This is great news both forAlabama’s existing industries and for those considering makingAlabama their home.”

In 1998, the Alabama State Board of Education mandatedthat by 2003 every CTE program in Alabama would becertified to industry standards. Currently, all Alabama CTEprograms are certified.

Editorial Staff - (334) 242-9950

Managing Editor - Mitch EdwardsEditor - Michael O. SibleyContributing Editors - Anne P. Graham

Ed CrenshawBrooke Thorington

Graphic Artists - Mary Nell ShawCharles V. Creel

The Alabama Department of Education publishes AlabamaEducation News (USPS 387-290) monthly except for June,July, and December. Editorial offices are located in the GordonPersons Building, Montgomery 36130-2101. AlabamaEducation News is composed by the Department ofEducation’s Communication Section and printed by WalkerPrinting of Montgomery. Periodicals are postage paid inMontgomery and at an additional mailing office.

This publication, authorized by Section 16-2-4 of the Codeof Alabama, as recompiled in 1975, is a public service of theAlabama Department of Education designed to inform citizensand educators about programs and goals of public educationin Alabama.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AlabamaEducation News, Alabama Department of Education, P.O. Box302101, Montgomery, AL 36130-2101.

No person shall be denied employment, be excluded fromparticipation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected todiscrimination in any program or activity on the basis ofdisability, sex, race, religion, national origin, color, or age. Ref:Sec. 1983, Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C.; Title VI and VII, CivilRights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Sec. 504; AgeDiscrimination in Employment Act; Equal Pay Act of 1963; TitleIX of the Education Amendment of 1972: Title IX Coordinator,P.O. Box 302101, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-2101 or call(334) 242-8444.

Copies available in Braille or other forms upon request.

ALABAMA

EDUCATION NEWSVOL 30 • NO 3 NOV/DEC 2006

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ALABAMA BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERSGov. Bob Riley, PresidentDist. 1 - Randy McKinney, Pres. Pro Tem, Gulf ShoresDist. 2 - Betty Peters, DothanDist. 3 - Stephanie W. Bell, MontgomeryDist. 4 - Ethel H. Hall, V.P. Emerita, FairfieldDist. 5 - Ella B. Bell, MontgomeryDist. 6 - David F. Byers Jr., BirminghamDist. 7 - Sandra Ray, Vice Pres.,TuscaloosaDist. 8 - Mary Jane Caylor, HuntsvilleJoseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education and Secretaryand Executive Officer of the Alabama Board of Education

� Approved Resolution Proclaiming October 23-31,2006, as “Red Ribbon Week” in Alabama

� Approved Resolution Recognizing Rosetta Ball,Employee of the Quarter for Oct. – Dec. 2006

� Approved Resolution Endorsing Alabama School BusSafety Week, October 15-21, 2006

� Approved Resolution Recognizing Calcedeaver andMary B. Austin Elementary Schools, as No Child LeftBehind Blue Ribbon Schools

� Approved Resolution Recognizing Debbie Barnes,Vincent High School, as a U.S. Dept. of Education’sAmerican Stars of Teaching Award Recipient

� Received Recommendations of the State TextbookCommittee for Adoption of Textbooks

� Approval of the State Technology Plan IMPACT2007-2012

� Approval of Praxis II Assessments (30 subjects)

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BOARD BRIEFS

O C T O B E R

3 4 5 6 7

10 11 12 13 14

18 19 20 21 22 23

25 26 27 28 29 30

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1 2 3 4

6 7 8 9

12 13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23 24 25

27 28 29 30

1~National Family Literacy Day • 7~General Election9~Alabama State Board of Education Meeting/Work Session

10~STATE HOLIDAY • 11~Veteran’s Day

12-18~American Education Week/Geography Awareness Week 13-19~Children’s Book Week

15~America Recycles Day23~Thanksgiving (STATE HOLIDAY)

CCHHIILLDD SSAAFFEETTYY && PPRROOTTEECCTTIIOONN MMOONNTTHH

1~Rosa Parks Day (Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955)

14~Alabama Board of Education Meeting/Work Session16~Boston Tea Party Anniversary (1773)

25~Christmas (STATE HOLIDAY)

BBRREENNDDAA EEVVAANNSS, a second grade teacher at Dean RoadElementary School in the Auburn City School System, has beennamed Alfa Teacher of the Month for November. Evans says thatlearning can only take place when an appropriate environment,one with respect, has been established. As this month’s winner,Evans will receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance, and her school,Dean Road Elementary in Auburn, will receive a matchingaward from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Evans graduated with a bachelor’s and later a master’sdegree from the University of Montevallo. She has been a faculty member at DeanRoad for two years. Prior to this, she taught 12 years in Shelby County.

“Children need to know that you respect them and to see you model respect forothers, as well as insisting on respect from them,” says Evans. “This enables childrento take chances answering a question, creating a hypothesis, or even making a guesswithout fear of others making fun of them or saying that their statement was wrong.Next, there needs to be an established environment where children feel the freedom toexplore and learn.

Jacquelynne Greenwood, Dean Road’s Principal, admires Evans’ creative teachingmethods. “Mrs. Evans is creative and innovative in her approach to teaching and setshigh standards for herself and for her students and then works hard to see that theyare met,” said Greenwood. “She is constantly broadening her knowledge, improvingher skills, and sharing with her peers what she has learned.”

teacher.of.the.month

teacher.of.the.month