Literacy Matters: News You Can Use
May 2008
Congratulations to the Spring 2008 FOR-PD graduates! We believe that FOR-PD has provided you with an excellent and comprehensive foundation in reading research and instruction. FOR-PD has also equipped you with valuable classroom resources and tools to provide effective reading instruction for all students in your classroom. You will be receiving your certificate of completion by May 16th ,2008.
For those participants that will be beginning the summer course on May 12th, welcome! Remember, if you have any questions or feedback while taking the course, you may reach FOR-PD at (866) 227-7261 or forpd@mail.ucf.edu.
Sincerely,
The FOR-PD Staff
Florida Math Day to Focus on Financial Literacy
The Florida Department of Education Office of Math and Science will recognize its first-ever Math Day on May 1. On this day, every school in the state is invited to teach a specific mathematics lesson relating to financial literacy.
The Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM) and Florida Association of Mathematics Supervisors (FAMS), in support of Florida Math Day will also be offering an award to the writers of each of the four selected lessons for implementation. Teachers and other interested mathematics educators were asked to submit lesson plans to be considered for the State Math Day lessons.
To learn more about Florida Math Day, visit www.fldoestem.org/page290.aspx .
25 Years After A Nation At Risk
From the U.S. Department of Education: US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings released a white paper and launched a new interactive Web page following up on the landmark education report, A Nation At Risk, which was published 25 years ago ( http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/risk25.html ). Over the next several months, the Secretary will pose various questions related to the state of education in the US on this Web page . We strongly encourage you to periodically log onto the site and provide your responses to the questions.
Governor Crist Announces Plan to Increase High School Achievement
Governor Charlie Crist announced Florida’s participation in the American Diploma Project Network, a nationwide movement designed to improve preparation of high school students for higher education and the 21st century workforce. Governor Crist designated Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith to lead Florida’s participation in the American Diploma Project.
In October 2007, the Go Higher, Florida! Task Force recommended that Governor Crist join 32 other Governors whose states are currently participating in the American Diploma Project Network. The task force developed recommendations for preparing all Florida students for a successful transition to college or other career preparation. For more information, visit www.flgov.com/release/9970 .
Florida Teens Read Winner
From the Florida Association for Media Education website: The Florida Teens Read committee of FAME is delighted to announce that Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is the winner of the 2007-2008 Florida Teens Read award. Uglies is the first in a series of books by Westerfeld that explore such themes as the nature of beauty and conformity vs. rebellion. Set in a future world that is eerily close to our own in some ways, the fast-action plot will engage most teens. We are also happy to report that over 1300 Florida teens cast votes for this year’s titles. Thank you to all the high school media specialists and teachers who promoted these titles and encouraged the love of reading.
National Teacher Week: May 4-10
From the National Education Association : In 1984, PTA established Teacher Appreciation Week—the first full week in May—to honor the dedicated men and women who lend their passion and skills to educating our children. Last year, NEA conducted an online poll asking teachers what kind of gift would most make them feel appreciated. The answer? A simple "thank you," according to nearly half (48%) of all poll respondents.
FOR-PD would like to thank all teachers for their continued dedication and commitment to education.
FOR-PD Reading Specialist Position Available
The vacancy announcement for this faculty position is included below. If you, or someone you know, would like to join the team at FOR-PD please apply as directed at the bottom of the announcement.
Vacancy Announcement: Position announcement open through May 16, 2008
Search may be subject to Florida Public Documents Law.
Position: Reading Specialist for a full-time one-year visiting faculty position
Place of Employment: Florida Online Reading Professional Development (FOR-PD) Office at the University of Central Florida. Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Provider.
Salary: Mid-40s
Anticipated start date: June, 2008
Length of employment: 12-month contract pending funding. Renewal dependent upon funding.
Qualifications:
- Master’s in Reading Education (required)
- Teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level (3 yrs. minimum preferred)
- Knowledge of and experience in scientifically-based reading research for grades preK-12
- Strong reading, writing, and research skills
- Knowledge of local, state, and national literacy policies and initiatives.
- Experience in instructing students on a variety of reading levels.
- Knowledge of Florida’s efforts in preK-12 reading
- Knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (preferred), FileMaker Pro (preferred), Adobe Acrobat products (preferred), Excel (preferred), Dreamweaver (preferred)
- Knowledge of and experience with FOR-PD online course (preferred)
- Knowledge of and experience with WebCT (preferred)
- Strong interpersonal skills
Responsibilities:
- Oversee all aspects of content development for the FOR-PD course
- Work closely with project director, Dr. Zygouris-Coe (Principle Investigator), and the remaining FOR-PD team
- Work closely with facilitator specialist
- Work closely with university facilitators of the FOR-PD course
- Provide assistance and support to facilitators and participants as it relates to FOR-PD course content
- Development of monthly participant literacy E-newsletter
- Development of monthly reading strategy
- Maintain database of literacy resources
- Monitor and oversee Literacy Blog development
- Assist participants with course assignments and content
- Assist facilitators with participant needs and content
- Participate and lead content area and tech/course online chats
- Assist in advisory, facilitator and participant focus groups and any other project-related meetings and presentations
- Participate in state/national FOR-PD presentations
- Write proposals for FOR-PD presentations at professional organizations
- Promote FOR-PD at conferences and through submissions of articles to state and national publications
- Some local, state, and national travel involved
- Collaborate with other literacy projects in the state
- Be able to evaluate literacy research and resources for accuracy and effectiveness
- Be able to brainstorm creatively to further the project
Interested applicants should submit a resume and references to:
Saioa de Urquiza, FOR-PD Director
12443 Research Parkway, Suite 402
Orlando, FL 32826-3282
surquiza@mail.ucf.edu
(407) 207-7294
Table of Contents
About the Literacy Newsletter
FOR-PD's Literacy newsletter deals specifically with literacy and learning for K-12 teachers of Florida's public schools. As you read and review our newsletter you will find information on local, state, and federal literacy news, upcoming conferences, celebrations, sources of funding, resources on the World Wide Web, and resources you can use with your students. The participant section answers pertinent questions participants have about the course and provides helpful tips for successful completion. We hope that this newsletter will provide educators with useful information to support their literacy development and the work they do with Florida students.
We welcome your feedback on how we can better support you and help you grow professionally. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments.
Florida Online Reading Professional Development
12443 Research Parkway
Suite 402
Orlando, FL 32826
866-227-7261
407-207-4965 (Fax)
forpd@mail.ucf.edu
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Last Updated:
May 15, 2008