• Leading Maine Science Educator Begins Term as 2008–2009 NSTA President
• Study Finds Well-designed Teacher Professional Development Can Have Effects on Student Achievement
• See What the Charlotte Area Conference Has to Offer
• Last Chance for Seminars on Science Graduate Course

Leading Maine Science Educator Begins Term as 2008–2009 NSTA President

Page D. Keeley, senior science program director at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance (MMSA), began a one-year term on June 1 as the 2008–2009 NSTA president. An active member of the science education community for over 20 years, Keeley is well-known for her leadership and dedication to quality science teaching and learning. In addition to being a past president of the Maine Science Teachers Association (MSTA), Keeley has served two elected terms on her local school board. She is a past NSTA district director and has worked on several science education-related committees, including the Maine Educational Assessment Advisory Committee, the TERC Eisenhower Regional Alliance Advisory Board, and NSTA’s Professional Development Standing Committee, among others. Keeley has also authored several books and published material in NSTA journals.

• Learn more about Page Keeley

Also taking place on June 1, Patricia M. Shane, associate director and clinical professor at the Center for Mathematics and Science Education (CMSE) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, began a one-year term as NSTA president-elect.

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Study Finds Well-designed Teacher Professional Development Can Have Effects
on Student Achievement

The Council of Chief State School Officers, with a grant from the National Science Foundation, conducted a two-year study of the quality and effects of teacher professional development programs in mathematics and science. CCSSO examined evidence from 25 nominated programs across 14 states, including 41 evaluation reports. The findings from the study are being released in a new paper titled “Does Teacher Professional Development Have Effects on Teaching and Learning? Analysis of Evaluation Findings from Programs for Mathematics and Science Teachers in 14 States.”

Key findings of the CCSSO cross-state analysis are:

• One-third of the evaluation studies reported measurable effects on improved student outcomes, increased teacher knowledge or change in instructional practices.
• Three key program design characteristics in effective programs are (a) focus on subject content and pedagogical knowledge, (b) in-school follow-up and technical assistance with teachers, and (c) coherence of professional development with standards and curriculum.

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See What the Charlotte Area Conference Has to Offer

Join NSTA October 30–November 1, 2008 in Charlotte, North Carolina for the most comprehensive experience in science education, Charlotte’s Web of Science. Sharpen your teaching skills by gaining content knowledge, learning strategies for better assessment, and polishing your inquiry-based lessons. Register by September 19 to take advantage of discounted rates.

• Get inspired by expert presentations from Kathy Reichs, New York Time’s best selling author, forensic anthropologist and inspiration for the hit show Bones. Improve your skills-gain content knowledge by attending special daylong programs filled with multiple sessions, workshops, demonstrations, and a make 'n take activities for your classroom. Programs include Physics Day, Chemistry Day, and Physical Science and Earth Science Day.
• Benefit from Science Laboratory Safety for K–16 School Personnel,  a short course which details safety training, legal issues, student involvement, bio­hazards and radiation, chemical management facilities, fire and electrical safety, first aid, laboratory equipment, and personal protective equipment.
• Make the most of Charlotte by attending a field trip to Reed Gold Mine site of the first documented gold find in the United States. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore underground tunnels, hike the trails, and pan for gold.  
• And don’t forget to check out the exhibit hall. Stock up with exhibitor giveaways—the latest innovative products, lesson plans, and teaching tools to take back to the classroom!

Last Chance for Seminars on Science Graduate Course

Space is still available in the second summer session of Seminars on Science from the American Museum of Natural History.  Join an extensive network of remarkable teachers in exploring contemporary science perspectives in our rich, diverse courses. Summer Session Two runs June 30–August 10. Registration closes June 16.

Designed for K–12 educators, each six-week course is led by an experienced classroom teacher and a research scientist. In-depth readings and assignments paired with rich web-based discussions assure that educators finish each class with a deeper understanding of both science content and the process of scientific inquiry. Graduate credit is available and each participant receives a CD of course resources suitable for classroom use.

Please see the website for the full course listing. Free sample resources for each course—including essays, videos and interactive simulations—are available online. For more information and to register, go to learn.amnh.org or call 800-649-6715.

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And Don’t Forget…

Visit our member services web page to ensure that NSTA has your current contact information.

Visit the NSTA Science Store for an outstanding array of bestselling books and teaching resources. Receive 30% off of the June featured book, Lingo of Learning.