Hello AP/IB Boosters!

Contents

• U.S. Dept. of Education Webcast, Helping America's Youth: Engaging At-Risk Students - Tuesday, March 21, 2006
• College Board Online Events
• UW World Language Day for High School Students
• UW Math Day for High School Students
• UW Summer Challenge for 5^th and 6^th Graders
• UW Summer Stretch for 7^th – 10^th Graders
• UW Summer Middle School Academy
• UW Summer Middle School Short Courses
• Seattle Spring College Fair
• Heatherwood Middle School, Saving and Paying for College Info Night Recap
• The Minds of Boys, Saving our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life, by Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens
  
• WASL Review Night at Sequoia HS, Everett HS, Cascade HS, and Jackson HS
• Herald of Everett: State's guaranteed tuition program gaining followers
• Herald of Everett: The science-math crisis
• Seattle Times: WASL Special Report
• Seattle Times Article: 9th-graders to get chance to put WASL behind them a year early
• Seattle Times Article: Dropout Gates says: Get degree
• Seattle Times Article: Fast track at Gifted High
• Seattle PI Article: State lauded for college-level prep program
• 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, AP Italian, IB Italian
• Brain Awareness Week
• AP Report to the Nation
• State of the Union Comments about AP and IB

 

U.S. Dept. of Education Webcast, Helping America's Youth: Engaging At-Risk Students -Tuesday, March 21, 2006

http://registerevent.ed.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewer.description&intEventID=194

 

College Board Online Events

Advanced Topics in Biology: Online Workshop

Three Sessions: March 8, March 21, and March 22, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (ET)

Introductory Workshop in AP Spanish Literature

March 11, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET)

http://apcentral.collegeboard.com

 

UW World Language Day for High School Students

Friday, March 3, 2006

UW campus, Seattle

"Today's high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity and the challenge of living in a world whose boundaries are becoming smaller and smaller. It is more and more essential, as well as mind-opening, to learn other languages and to become familiar with the cultures of our world."

Some of the sessions for students to choose include Irish Language: Origins, Influences and Brief History; Islam in War and Peace; Masala Music: Bollywood Film, Songs and Urdu/Hindi Language; Sex in Scandinavia: Myth and Reality; Aussie Slang and Culture: American Similarities and Differences; Demystifying and Writing Chinese Characters; Reading Russian Characters; and Teen Life in Japan.

Students who registered from Jackson HS, as well as the other Everett School District high schools, will be attending this year's UW World Language Day.

http://www.outreach.washington.edu/k12/wld/default.asp

 

UW Math Day for High School Students

Monday, March 20, 2006

UW campus, Seattle

"Cutting-edge topics in the mathematical sciences are presented by top faculty during this one-day event. Participants choose from sessions throughout the day covering topics ranging from string theory to the mystery of tilings. Panel discussions on careers in mathematics as well as a talk on the experiences of undergraduate math students are also part of the day's activities.

Although the major emphasis of Math Day is the concurrent sessions, participants can also take field trips to various campus laboratories and facilities where mathematics is put to use every day."

http://www.outreach.washington.edu/k12/mathday.asp

With support from the district, interested students from each of our high schools will be attending.

 

UW Summer Challenge for 5^th and 6^th Graders

The Halbert & Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars is offering a 3-week summer commuter program for students currently in the 5th or 6th grade. This program offers highly capable students a fast-paced, challenging curriculum. Courses include: Energy, Pterodactyls to Rockets: The Science and Adventure of Flight; Math Topics; The Meaning of Life; Feel Those G’s: The Physics of Roller Coasters; Sir Isaac Newton was a Skateboarder: The Physics of Sports; The Saga of Salmon Nation; and Shelter from the Storm: From Caves to Skyscrapers.

http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/5-6grade/

http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/2006_Summer_Challenge_Flyer.pdf

 

UW Summer Stretch for 7^th – 10^th Graders

Summer Stretch is a summer academic program for students in 7th, 8th, or 9th grade (qualified students currently in 10th grade may be admitted to Pre-Calculus or Chemistry). Classes will meet June 26-July 28, 2006 from 9am-2:30pm. Classes will meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday every week, except for the week of July 3-7. Classes will meet on July 3, 5 and 6 during this week. Also note that final exams will take place on Friday, July 28.

All Summer Stretch classes are designed for academically advanced middle and high school students, and offer an opportunity for vigorous academic challenge in the company of other capable students.

Courses include: Argument & Debate: Nuts & Bolts; Biology; Chemistry; Essay Writing I: Introductory; Essay Writing II: Writing and Identity; Physics: Rockets & Robots; Mathematics (Fast-Paced); and Math Topics: Infinity and Math Games.

http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/7-10grade/

http://depts.washington.edu/cscy/programs/summer/2006_Summer_Stretch_Flyer.pdf

 

UW Summer Middle School Academy

Looking for a fun new challenge? Make your student's summer both rewarding and educational by enrolling him or her in Middle School Academy. Middle School Academy offers engaging two-week programs that explore a wide range of academic disciplines.

Topics include art, math, science, creative writing, drama and technology. Students will stretch their minds and explore their talents in these programs designed specifically for youths entering 6th through 8th grades.

http://www.summeryouth.washington.edu/syp/mid/aca_Home.asp

 

UW Summer Middle School Short Courses

In the Middle School Short Courses program, students can pursue a passion, satisfy a curiosity or hone their skills in a number of fields.

Our short courses stretch across many disciplines — students will invent toys, work side-by-side with scientists at the Botany Greenhouse, improve their creative writing and more.

Courses include: The Art, Science, and "Serious" Fun of Toymaking, Brain Works!, French Language Camp, Get Down and Dirty at the UW Greenhouse Camp!, and Young Writers Workshop

http://www.summeryouth.washington.edu/syp/mid/sc_Home.asp

 

Seattle Spring College Fair

Seattle Spring College Fair, Sponsored by PNACAC

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Seattle University, Seattle WA

Noon-3pm

Not as big as the Fall Seattle College Fair, but over 100 colleges will be represented at the Seattle Spring College Fair. Admissions reps from the Washington schools will of course be there (UW, WSU, WWU, University of Puget Sound, Whitman) but also many from universities out of state (University of Pennsylvania, California Polytechnic State University, Arizona State University, University of British Columbia, Xavier University, and others).

Savvy 8th graders and their parents, or just their parents, may want to attend and learn what college reps advise for students to make the most of their upcoming high school experience.

http://www.lclark.edu/org/pnacac/seattlesp2006.html

 

Heatherwood Middle School, Saving and Paying for College Info Night Recap

On Monday February 27^th, 2006, Heatherwood hosted its 2^nd annual Saving and Paying for College Info Night. The goal was to help parents, guardians, and relatives start or enhance their college savings plan for children in their lives while college expenses are still years away.

Prepaid college tuition plans (529 plans), Coverdell accounts, Uniform Gift to Minors Accounts and other college savings vehicles were explained. If you missed it, the following web page has resources.

http://www.apibboosters.org/SavingForCollege.html

A webcast of a similar session can be found at

http://invite.mshow.com/signon.asp?Cobrand=100&usertype=0&ShowNum=99282

 

The Minds of Boys, Saving our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life by Michael Gurian and Kathy Stevens

For those of us trying to raise boys it is shall we say trying at times. Some statistics mentioned in the book: boys get the majority of Ds and Fs – up to 70%; 80% of the discipline problems; 70% learning disabilities; 80% of the behavior disorders; and, sadly, 80% of the Ritalin users are boys. Boys are approximately 1 ½ years behind girls in reading and writing. The Herald of Everett confirmed this with its article on how boys lag far behind in the all-important WASL.

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/05/12/04/100loc_wasl2.cfm

The Minds of Boys book provides many ideas for teachers, schools and especially parents to help motivate and educate boys – without taking away from girls.

Teachers:

Understand, and most do, that boy brains are different than girls’. Girls can multitask better than boys. Boys need more physical activity, reminders to turn in homework (the number one reason for poor grades). Visiting scientist in the classroom can help spark interest. Keep boys in front and engaged in the discussions.

Schools:

Perhaps single gender classrooms should be tried. The National Association of Single Sex Public Schools is one organization mentioned in the book.

http://www.singlesexschools.org/

 

Two of the high performing schools in Washington described by Gurian include Lewis and Clark HS (noted for its "Circle of Advocacy" program), and Thurgood Marshal Elementary School in Seattle (for its single gender classrooms).

Parents:

Parents are the lead in the education team of student, teacher, and parent. Parents need to curtail screen time – TV, computer, and yes, video games. Male mentors are key. Homework should be done together at the kitchen table – not alone in ones room. And as boys enter high school, do not underestimate the motivational power of the driver’s license.

Topics in the book include Helping Gifted Non-achievers, Helping Sensitive Boys, Brain Injuries, and Confronting Under-motivation.

 

 

 

WASL Review Night at Sequoia HS, Everett HS, Cascade HS, and Jackson HS

“The Everett School District is offering WASL information sessions for all parents/guardians of 9th and 10th grade students as follows:

February 22 - Sequoia HS & Homeschool Alternative, 7:00 pm, Commons-2nd Floor
March 1 - Everett HS, 7:00 p.m., Little Theatre
March 2 - Cascade HS, 7:00 p.m., Cafeteria
March 2 - Jackson HS, 6:30 p.m., Commons

Please plan on attending this important event to learn about the state assessment (WASL), the implications for students and resources to help your student prepare for the test. If you want more information regarding these sessions, contact your high school.”

Some helpful links:

Grade 3-8 practice tests
http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/math/3-8%20WASL%20Practice

High School Math Practice WASL
http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/math/HS%20Practice%20Test

 

Herald of Everett: State's guaranteed tuition program gaining followers

"The number of new accounts in the Guaranteed Education Tuition Program, or GET, is up 40 percent compared with last year. Program leaders expect to top 65,000 accounts by the end of March, when the price to enroll goes up."

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/02/14/100loc_b6get001.cfm

 

Herald of Everett: The science-math crisis

"America needs fewer people in business schools and more students taking science and mathematics if it is to compete in the new global economy, a U.S. Labor Department official said Thursday."

http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/06/02/17/100bus_crisis001.cfm

 

Seattle Times: WASL Special Report

This ongoing report contains info on the WASL - a grad requirement for the class of 2008 and beyond.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/wasl/

 

Seattle Times Article: 9th-graders to get chance to put WASL behind them a year early

A couple of Jackson HS students are highlighted in this article. Many freshmen are taking the WASL this year.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2002805504_9thgraders15n.html

 

 

Seattle Times Article: Dropout Gates says: Get degree

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002801844_btdownload13.html

"Gates said he actually had nearly enough credits to graduate because he took Advanced Placement classes in high school. When he left to start Microsoft, he made sure he could go back and get his degree if the company didn't pan out."

 

Seattle Times Article: Fast track at Gifted High

"When Weltman and other parents of highly gifted students heard that Bellevue School District was considering adopting a Gifted High School program, they jumped at the chance to help shape it. They spent the summer researching international gifted programs and discussing curriculum options with district officials."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/education/2002820718_giftedhigh22e.html

 

 

Seattle PI Article: State lauded for college-level prep program

"Washington high schools have doubled the number of students taking advanced-placement classes and passing exams over the past five years, the College Board reported."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/259401_lcenter14.html

 

2006 Torino Winter Olympics, AP Italian, IB Italian

Now maybe our spouses are right in that we mention AP or IB in almost every topic of conversation. But how can one not watch the Olympics and see the similarities – a challenge, months/years of practice, discipline, excitement, International standards, multi lingual event, teamwork, camaraderie, a learning experience.

Also, it just so happens that AP Italian was just added to the College Board’s AP program this year.

There are 14 IB schools in Italy:

American Overseas School of Rome

Via Cassia 811, Rome

American School of Milan

Noverasco di Opera, Milan

Deledda International School

I.B. Diploma Course, Via Bertani, 6, Castelletto, Genova, Liguria

International School of Milan

Via G. Bellini, 1, 21046 Milan, Milan

International School of Milan-Monza Section

Via Ramazzotti 28/A, Monza

International School of Turin - ACAT

Vicolo Tiziano 10, Moncalieri, Turin

Marymount International School

Via di Villa Lauchli, 180, (Via Cassia) km 7, Rome

St. George's British International School

Via Cassia, La Storta, Roma

St. Stephen's School

Via Aventina 3, Rome

The American International School in Genoa

Via Quarto, 13-c, Genova

The English International School of Padua

Via Forcellini 168, Padova, Veneto

The International School of Florence

Via del Carota 23/25, Bagno a Ripoli, Florence

United World College of the Adriatic/O.N.L.U.S.

Via Trieste 29, Duino, TS

VIS - Vicenza International School

Contra' S. Marcello, 9, Vicenza

More info at:

http://www.ibo.org/

 

Brain Awareness Week

"Brain Awareness Week (BAW) is a nationwide effort organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and the Society for Neuroscience to promote the public and personal benefits of brain research. The official week for BAW is March 13-19, 2006, but any week is a good time to get involved."

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/baw.html

 

AP Report to the Nation

Washington was mentioned as one of the states with the most improvement in the proportion of students earning a 3 or higher on at least one AP exam. The other states included Maryland, North Carolina, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida.

http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/about/news_info/ap/2006/2006_ap-report-nation.pdf

 

State of the Union Comments about AP and IB

"Education Is The Gateway To Opportunity And The Foundation Of A Knowledge-Based, Innovation-Driven Economy.

To prepare our citizens to compete more effectively in the global marketplace, the American Competitiveness Initiative proposes $380 million in new Federal support to improve the quality of math, science, and technological education in our K-12 schools and engage every child in rigorous courses that teach important analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills. Building on the successes of the No Child Left Behind Act, the American Competitiveness Initiative will raise student achievement in math and science through testing and accountability, providing grants for targeted interventions, and developing curricula based on proven methods of instruction. The American Competitiveness Initiative includes a number of new and expanded programs, including:

• The Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate (AP/IB) Program to expand access of low-income students to AP/IB coursework by training 70,000 additional teachers over five years to lead AP/IB math and science courses.
• An Adjunct Teacher Corps to encourage up to 30,000 math and science professionals over eight years to become adjunct high school teachers.

• Math Now for Elementary School Students and Math Now for Middle School Students to promote promising and research-based practices in math instruction, prepare students for more rigorous math courses, and diagnose and remedy the deficiencies of students who lack math proficiency."

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/01/20060131-5.html