Education News Archives

Archie new State Board president

The State Board of Education has elected the Rev. Stan Archie its new president. Archie, of Kansas City, is a senior pastor at the Christian Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the board's vice president, and was first appointed to the State Board in December 2006. He is owner and principal consultant with Successful Edge Consultants and is board chairman o...
Read More »

St. Louis earns provisional accreditation

After more than five years with unaccredited status, the St. Louis City school district has gained provisional accreditation. The State Board of Education on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve provisional accreditation for the school district. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education had recommended the upgrade after analyzing several years...
Read More »

Model curriculum available to all

Missouri teachers now have easy access to a new model curriculum that's geared toward core academic standards. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released Missouri's Model Curriculum Units in July, but the units are now easily accessible via a public link on DESE's website. DESE developed the units with feedback from Missouri educators. ...
Read More »

Race to the Top extended to districts

The U.S. Department of Education has $400 million to give to school districts, but smaller and rural districts are unlikely to be eligible. The federal government has unveiled a district-level version of its Race to the Top program. To be eligible, districts must have at least 2,000 students, with at least 40 percent on free and reduced-price lunch. Acco...
Read More »

Charlie Shields appointed to SBOE

A long-time face in Missouri educational policy has been appointed to the State Board of Education. Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed former state Sen. Charlie Shields, of the Kansas City area, to the State Board. Shields served as a member of the Missouri Senate from 2002 until 2010, and the House of Representatives from 1991 until 2002. In the Senate, he se...
Read More »

Finalists named for 2012-13 Missouri Teacher of the Year

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has named its finalists for the state's top teaching award. Two MSTA members have been named finalists for the 2012-13 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. Congratulations to: Jeanie Cook, a kindergarten teacher at Pleasant Lea Elementary in Lee’s Summit R-7. Nichole Tews, an English...
Read More »

New conferences, grants and curriculum ideas

Our Professional Learning section is full of great grants, workshop opportunities, contests and more. Here are a few of our latest additions: Free fall workshops from Vernier Technology. Read More »

Drought resources for teachers

People love to talk about the weather, and the 2012 drought has been one of the most talked about events of the summer. Because these conditions are expected to last into the fall, your students might have questions and concerns about this occurrence. Lessons on the drought can be included in current events, science, history and more. GENERAL DROUGHT I...
Read More »

Missouri receives NCLB waiver

Missouri has received flexibility on major portions of the federal legislation known as the No Child Left Behind Act, but the long-term impact of the approval remains unclear. The U.S. Department of Education announced June 29 that it approved the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's request for a waiver from key provisions of the ...
Read More »

Senate alters tenure proposal

A proposal to eliminate teacher tenure in Missouri and alter the teacher-evaluation process was drastically changed during debate on the Senate floor on Tuesday. Amendments to SB806 (Cunningham) propose establishing a task force to study Missouri's teacher tenure process and eliminate plans to alter teacher evaluations. Sen. David Pearce proposed ...
Read More »

Primary Sources gathers teacher voices

The Primary Sources Survey, from Scholastic and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, sought responses from 10,000 teachers from around their country to gauge their opinions on educational issues including teacher tenure, standardized tests, family involvement and more. The 138-page report, Primary Sources 2012: America’s Teachers on the Teaching Profes...
Read More »

Show-Me conference moves to new hotel

The Show-Me Professional Development Conference has moved to a new location after its original Branson venue suffered tornado damage. The 2012 Show-Me Professional Development Conference will take place March 11 to 13 at the Chateau on the Lake, instead of the Hilton Convention Center. All room reservations originally made at the Hilton Convention Center...
Read More »

State Board votes to apply for NCLB waiver

Missouri will seek a waiver from the federal No Child Left Behind Act after a unanimous decision Tuesday by the State Board of Education. The State Board voted to submit Missouri's application for a waiver from NCLB, also called the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, or ESEA. The application must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by F...
Read More »

Don't miss School Board Appreciation Week

School Board Appreciation Week takes place Jan. 22-28. Take this opportunity to recognize outstanding school board members from your district. Download a recognition certificate here....
Read More »

Winter/Spring 2012 Job Fairs

Winter and spring are job-fair season for prospective teachers and established teachers who are looking for a change. The following is a list of education job fairs in Missouri that are open to the public in 2012. Some colleges and universities host events that are only for their students or alumni, so check with your institution for opportunities that mi...
Read More »

Missouri's NCLB waiver request flawed

Missouri wants exclusion from No Child Left Behind requirements, but approval of that request would lead to early implementation of another set of standards. If the U.S. Department of Education grants the waiver request from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the state would have more flexibility in school accreditation and assessment. ...
Read More »

State Board passes MSIP 5

Missouri schools and districts will face new standards that should concern educators under a plan passed this month by the State Board of Education. The latest version of the Missouri School Improvement Program, or MSIP 5, sets school accreditation and performance standards. The document addresses academic achievement, subgroup achievement, college readin...
Read More »

Missouri loses ground in 2011 NAEP results

Missouri students have lost academic ground since 2009 but scored near the national average on reading and math tests, according to a major national assessment. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, assesses students in fourth and eighth grades nationwide in math and reading every two years. The result is "The Nation’s Report Card," wh...
Read More »

MSTA members finalists in Missouri Teacher of the Year

Three MSTA members are up for Missouri's top teaching award. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced its finalists for the 2011-12 Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. Congratulations to the following MSTA members and Teacher of the Year finalists: Jennifer DeFeo, sixth-grade social studies teacher, Thomas Jefferson ...
Read More »

What does Senate Bill 54 mean for teachers?

Many teachers have questions about Senate Bill 54 and how it will affect them. Governor Nixon signed the bill into law effective on August 28. The bill requires schools to share information about district employees, who are terminated or allowed to resign due sexual misconduct involving a student. This provision applies to situations where the child abus...
Read More »

MSTA member named Pioneer in Education

An MSTA member has been named to the 2011 Pioneers in Education from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The program honors educators who have displayed a lifelong dedication to Missouri's public school students. This year's winners will be honored Monday, Aug. 1, at a ceremony in Columbia. James W. Sucharski, of Hillsboro, was honor...
Read More »

Resources for the Civil War's 150th anniversary

This year marks the sesquicentennial of the start of the Civil War, making it a great time to help your students understand this historic conflict. This topic should be of high interest in Missouri, which hosted more engagements than any state except for Virginia and Tennessee. Here are links to several great online resources for teachers: The Civi...
Read More »

Want to help Joplin?

The record-breaking tornado that hit Joplin on May 22 has received attention around the world, and now the school district needs help. Three school buildings were destroyed, including Joplin High, and three others received severe damage, according to the district's Facebook page. Several others sustained other damage as well. Here are several ways to...
Read More »

Hallsville teacher wins presidential award

An MSTA member from Hallsville R-4 has won the nation's highest honor for math and science teachers. Betsy O'Day, of Hallsville Intermediate, is Missouri's only winner of the 2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She teaches fifth-grade science and reading at Hallsville, and is her school's science specialist. O'Day has wor...
Read More »

We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and we applaud you and your dedicated service to Missouri's children. In a perfect world, every day would be labeled teacher appreciation. You give your best in the classroom and beyond, not just for one week a year, but every single day. You are in the business of changing lives, by believing in your students and encouragi...
Read More »

DESE tries to shut down MSIP5.com

Legal counsel with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education contacted the Secretary of State to shut down www.MSIP5.com, MSTA has learned. The Secretary of State refused to comply with the request. MSTA created MSIP5.com to provide information, news and discussion of the proposal. The site lists opt...
Read More »

Jones joins State Board

Former St. Louis Alderman Michael Jones has joined the State Board of Education. Gov. Jay Nixon nominated Jones to the board in February. He was sworn in April 20 after receiving confirmation by the state Senate. Since 2005, Jones has served as senior policy adviser to St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. He is also the chairman of the Lamber...
Read More »

Make yourself heard on teaching standards

Members of the public have until April 19 to weigh in on Missouri's new set of teaching standards. The proposed Missouri Teaching Standards set 10 standards for Missouri educators in areas including professional collaboration, reflective practice, content knowledge and curriculum implementation. The document is the result of Senate Bill 291 (2009), which...
Read More »

Grandview R-2 High phases out textbooks

When students arrive at Grandview R-2 High next fall, their bags won’t be bulging with books. The Jefferson County district will be replacing textbooks with electronic tablets. The school held a pilot project this winter with 20 students and teachers receiving Haipad Android tablets. The devices offer access to thousands of free applications and open-sour...
Read More »

ShakeOut encourages earthquake preparedness

Your students might know where to go in the event of a fire or a tornado, but would they know what to do in an earthquake? Earthquake preparedness isn't just for California students. Much of Missouri sits on or near a major fault line, the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The Great Central U.S. ShakeOut seeks to involve schools in 11 states, including Missouri, ...
Read More »

Stormy weather...help your students stay safe

Storms can happen at any time of year, but spring and summer can be especially active times in Missouri. Tornado activity in Missouri peaks in April through June, but these storms and other severe weather can strike at any time. A statewide tornado drill will take place Thursday, March 10. If you're interested in teaching your students about the most de...
Read More »

Nixon nominates Michael Jones to State Board

Gov. Jay Nixon has nominated a St. Louis native to the State Board of Education. Michael Jones since 2005 has served as senior policy adviser to St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. He is also the chairman of the Lambert International Airport Redevelopment Commission, and the Midwest China Hub Commission. Before working for St. Louis County, Jon...
Read More »

Lager paints bleak budget picture

Click here to hear Lager's address to the MSTA Assembly of Delegates. Click here for more information on MSTA's Rapid Response Team. Declining state revenues, $9 billion in Medicaid spending and $650 million in tax credits that are...
Read More »

Grandview teacher wins Milken award

An MSTA member from Grandview C-4 is this year's Milken Educator Award winner, picking up a $25,000 prize for the "Oscar of teaching." Anika Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Conn-West Elementary, received the award in a surprise ceremony Thursday, Oct. 14. The award includes an unrestricted $25,000 prize and a trip to Los Angeles for the annual Milken ...
Read More »

DESE cuts portions of MAP, end-of-course tests

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education seeks to save about $2.6 million over two years by suspending portions of state assessments. Performance events and writing prompts for the state's Missouri Assessment Program and end-of-course assessments will be suspended for the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years. The cut will allow DESE to meet its a...
Read More »

Want to teach? Teach.gov offers info

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a website aimed at encouraging students and others to become teachers. Teach.gov seeks to raise awareness about the teaching profession and create a new generation of educators to enter the classroom. The website includes testimonials from teachers, information on ...
Read More »

Missouri teacher evaluations to be reported to state

Missouri school districts will begin reporting teacher-evaluation results to the state this year, but not all of the information will be made public. Missouri school districts will report their teacher-evaluation practices to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including the results of individual teacher evaluations. Districts will have ...
Read More »

Finalists named for Missouri Teacher of the Year

Two MSTA members are finalists for Missouri Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Doug Logan, a social studies teacher from Carl Junction R-1 Junior High; and Lori Merrigan, a fifth-grade teacher from Underwood Elementary in Lee's Summit R-7. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced the finalists for the award Thursday. A ...
Read More »

Missouri loses its last chance for Race to the Top

Missouri was not selected as a finalist in the federal Race to the Top grant competition, but teachers should still expect to see some of the state's proposals taking effect in their classrooms. Race to the Top is a $4.35 billion competitive grant program that offers to reward states for education reform. Missouri failed to make the short list of finalis...
Read More »

DESE honors Pioneers in Education

DESE has recognized career educators from across the state in its 2010 Pioneers in Education Awards. The program honors educators who have displayed a lifelong dedication to Missouri's public school students. This year, two MSTA members were among the honorees. They are: Harold A. Menze, of Salisbury, who served as a high school principal, so...
Read More »

Transportation, professional development take hit in budget

School transportation and professional development were the targets of $76.4 million in cuts to education by Gov. Jay Nixon. Nixon made $301.4 million in cuts when he signed the state budget for fiscal 2011 on Thursday, June 17. Transportation took the biggest K-12 education loss, with a $70 million cut from the $152.8 million the General Assembly appropr...
Read More »

Missouri adopts Common Core standards

Missouri will implement a new curriculum under a decision Tuesday by the State Board of Education. The State Board on June 15, voted to adopt the Common Core Academic Standards, which attempt to establish clear academic goals for K-12 students. The National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers developed the standards. Th...
Read More »

Common Core Academic Standards released

Missouri's State Board of Education will consider adopting a set of common academic standards released this month. The Common Core Academic Standards attempt to establish clear academic goals for K-12 students. The National Governor's Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers released the final document June 2. The standards released...
Read More »

Still joins State Board

One Columbia face will replace another on the State Board of Education. Gov. Jay Nixon has appointed Columbia attorney Russell Still to fill the State Board of Education seat vacated by Russell Thompson, the former superintendent of Columbia 93. The Missouri Senate confirmed Still on May 3, and he was sworn in to the board May 18. Still served on the C...
Read More »

Missouri opens online school violence reporting

Missouri's school violence hotline is now online. This month, the Missouri Department of Social Services released Report It!, an online form that allows citizens to submit anonymous reports about school violence. Missouri has operated its toll-free school-violence hotline since 2001. Callers can use the hotline to report bullying, fights, abuse, thef...
Read More »

New trustees elected for PSRS/PEERS board

Susan McClintic and Jason Hoffman have been elected to the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees. Their four-year terms will begin July 1, 2010. To learn more about the election results you can read the PSRS/PEERS press release here....
Read More »

MSTA joins governor's call for tax-credit reform

Missouri's $585 million in annual tax credits must be curtailed if the state is going to properly fund priorities such as education, Gov. Jay Nixon said this week. MSTA representatives joined Nixon and 75 university and school officials at a Capitol news conference on Wednesday, April 21, to urge the legislature to bring accountability and control to the ...
Read More »

Senate votes to fund Career Ladder

Teachers involved in Career Ladder will be paid by the state for work done this school year, but the funding will not happen in the 2010-11 school year. The Senate on Wednesday passed its version of HB2002, the state budget for K-12 education, after debating the program for three hours. Senators restored the $37 million for the program that had been cut b...
Read More »

Big Surf offers students big reward

Big Surf Waterpark wants to reward students who earn good grades this year through its Alpha Program. The program will offer free waterpark admission in the early summer to Missouri K-5 students who earn a letter grade of an A, or its equivalent, in at least one subject. Students must present their final report card at the waterpark's entry gate. Students...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS safe from retirement proposals

Proposed retirement changes would have little impact on PSRS/PEERS, although they have received much discussion this legislative session. SB896 (Shields) would require the boards of the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) and the Missouri Department of Transportation and Highway Patrol Employees' Retirement System (MPERS) to each c...
Read More »

Feedback sought on common standards

The first draft of national K-12 standards for core academic subjects has been released for public comment. The Common Core Standards Initiative released the draft of standards for English language arts; literacy in history/social studies and science; and math. The draft consists of 140 pages, and is supplemented with 365 pages of appendices. States m...
Read More »

Census resources for teachers

The 2010 U.S. Census will be in the news for the next several months as surveys are distributed and results are tabulated. The U.S. Census can be covered in topics such as social studies, math and more. Here are some resources for teachers looking to bring the Census into their classroom. The U.S. Census Bureau's Census in the Schools site offers...
Read More »

Missouri rejected in Race to the Top's first round

The U.S. Department of Education has rejected Missouri's application for the first-round of Race to the Top funding. The department on March 4 named 15 states and the District of Columbia as finalists. The department rejected the applications of Missouri and 24 other states that applied for a share of $4.35 billion in funding. Race to the Top is funde...
Read More »

Missouri students collect 30,000 kits for Haitian children

Missouri's school children have assembled about 30,000 kits of hygiene supplies for Haitian children affected by January's earthquake. The students, from schools across the state, assembled the kits over a 10-day period for Kits4Kids, sponsored by Convoy of Hope and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The kits have shampoo, anti...
Read More »

Black History Month resources

February is traditionally designated as Black History Month. Here are some resources geared toward teachers: Smithsonian Education offers an educator portal with resources for teaching black history. The museum offers lesson plans, online cultural heritage tour, guides to African-American artists, inventors and other figures, a calendar of events...
Read More »

Does your class or school want to help Haiti? UPDATED

Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, many classes, school clubs and other organizations might be considering what they can do to help. Here are some resources to help you get started: NEW!!! Kits 4 Kids www.dese.mo.gov/features/Kits4Kids.htm. The Department of Element...
Read More »

Race to the Top focus of forum

The federal government has $4.35 billion up for grabs, but states won't get it if they stick to tradition. That was the message sent Monday during a forum on the Race to the Top grant. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invited more than 300 representatives of the educational community to the forum, held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Je...
Read More »

DESE to seek input for Race to the Top

More than 200 educators, legislators, business people and other leaders will be solicited for their views on Missouri's bid to receive a piece of a $4.35 billion education initiative. The group will meet Nov. 23 in Jefferson City to discuss Missouri's grant proposal for the Race to the Top program. The federal program is the centerpiece of the Obama admin...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS contributions increase in FY 2011

Contribution levels for Missouri's school employee retirement systems will increase again next year. This week, the board for the Public School Retirement System, PSRS, and the Public Education Employees Retirement System, PEERS, voted to raise contribution rates for the 2011 fiscal year. Employees and employers will both pay the higher rates when the ne...
Read More »

Online education gets easier in Missouri

Missouri has joined a service that will make online instruction more accessible to all students and teachers. HippoCampus will allow students and teachers access to online course content and make it easier for school districts to develop their own online education programs, said Curt Fuchs, coordinator of educational support services for the Department o...
Read More »

Sen. Nodler wants supplemental Career Ladder funds

Sen. Gary Nodler has issued a press release calling for supplemental funds to cover the Career Ladder program for 2009-10. Download the press release here. For more information, visit MSTA's Career Ladder information page, www.msta.org/careerladder....
Read More »

Missouri Supreme Court upholds funding

A lengthy legal challenge over Missouri's school funding formula ended Tuesday when the state Supreme Court released its opinion upholding the system. The Committee for Educational Equality, representing more than 200 of the state's school districts, had sued the state in 2004, arguing that the funding formula is unconstitutional because it does not prov...
Read More »

H1N1 flu information for schools--UPDATED

Federal health officials have released new guidelines to help schools plan for and prevent influenza outbreaks. Flu prevention is always a concern for school districts, but the topic has taken on greater prominence with the emergence of the H1N1 influenza virus. H1N1 influenza, also called swine flu, appeared in the United States last spring. With inf...
Read More »

Sen. Gary Nodler addresses Career Ladder in podcast

Career Ladder receives support from state legislators, but budget constraints might make state funding for 2009-2010 impossible, state Sen. Gary Nodler told MSTA today. State revenues for fiscal 2010 are expected to decline from previous years, Nodler said. Declining, or flat, revenues, combined with increases in funding for programs such as the foundati...
Read More »

Missouri will join standards project

Missouri will be joining other states in a project to establish common academic standards for K-12 students. The State Board of Education on Thursday voted to authorize Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro to join the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Gov. Jay Nixon has already expressed a commitment to join the initiative, which is overseen by...
Read More »

Staples offers Teacher Appreciation Day

Gear yourself up for fall with Teacher Appreciation Day at Staples. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., on Aug. 15, Staples stores around Missouri will offer incentives to teachers shopping for back-to-school items. At each participating store, the first 100 teachers through the door will receive a gift bag. Teachers in the Staples Rewards program will also receive ...
Read More »

State Career Ladder funds uncertain for 2009-10

Career Ladder participants this fall will start the year uncertain whether they will receive payment from the state for their hours contributed to the program. The General Assembly does not intend to retroactively fund Career Ladder beyond fiscal year 2010, according to a letter to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education officials from Rep. Alle...
Read More »

Obama announces $4.35 billion ed. initiative

The Obama administration has announced the $4.35 billion centerpiece of its education policy, but Missouri does not meet some of the proposed criteria for the funding. The Race to the Top competitive grant program, according to the U.S. Department of Education, seeks to "highlight and replicate effective education reform strategies in four significant ar...
Read More »

Nicastro named next education commissioner

Missouri's next commissioner of education comes from one of the state's largest school districts. Chris (Wright) Nicastro, Ph.D., superintendent of Hazelwood, was named to the post by the State Board of Education late last week. When Nicastro starts her new job Aug. 1, she will be the state's fifth education commissioner and the first female to hold the ...
Read More »

DESE names three finalists for education commissioner

Three finalists have been named to fill the seat of the state's highest education official, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced today. A board-appointed search committee recommended the three finalists to the State Board of Education. The State Board will interview the candidates Wednesday during a closed session in Jefferson Ci...
Read More »

Prepare with swine flu resources for schools

There is plenty of media coverage about the so-called swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, but figuring out how teachers and schools should respond might be difficult. Here are some official resources on swine flu for schools: The U.S. Department of Education has issued this FAQ with background information, guid...
Read More »

New face appears on State Board

A Cape Girardeau attorney has been named to the State Board of Education. Michael Ponder was confirmed by the Senate this week and was sworn in as the board's newest member during its meeting this morning in Jefferson City. Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Ponder to the post in March. Ponder is a partner with the law firm of Cook, Barrett, Maguire and Ponder...
Read More »

Dropout prevention takes spotlight

Missouri's dropout rate is below the national average, but the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education would like to bring it even lower. DESE held the Missouri Dropout Prevention Summit on Monday, reaching more than 600 participants through videoconferencing. The summit was held at the Missouri School Boards Association office in Columbia and b...
Read More »

First $44 billion in ed. stimulus money released

The U.S. Department of Education this week released a $44 billion chunk of economic stimulus money to schools. The release is the first round of school funding available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the release of the funds Tuesday, along with applications and guidelines for states...
Read More »

DESE cuts MAP-scoring program for teachers

A summer program that allowed teachers to score the Missouri Assessment Program exam has been cut for 2009. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education officials learned the program would be cut in late January. Revenues for the year fell shorter than expected and the department had to make a tough decision, said Michael Muenks, DESE's coordinator of...
Read More »

State board appoints commissioner search panel

Missouri should know the identity of its next commissioner of education by mid-summer, according to the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education has appointed Tom Davis, a Kansas City businessman and former member of the state board to serve as chair of the search committee. Other members of the committee are: Merrell Bennek...
Read More »

Mo. educators pitch in after ice storm

Much of southern Missouri is recovering from a major storm last week and though many school buildings are still closed, area educators are helping their communities cope. An ice storm that hit Jan. 26 caused six deaths and thousands to be without power, according to the State Emergency Management Agency. As of Tuesday, more than 26,000 customers still lac...
Read More »

Presidential resources coming right up

With the upcoming presidential inauguration, and the observance of Presidents Day on Feb. 16, the coming weeks are bound to be full of interest about those who occupy the Oval Office. Here are a few presidential resources to bring the history and the people right to your students: Get the whole scoop on President-elect Barack Obama's inaugurat...
Read More »

Retirement change delayed a year

A change that could hurt teacher retirements in Missouri has been pushed back for a year. The federal government has pushed back the deadline to enforce a rule that will require Missouri teachers to contribute to Social Security to July 1, 2010, U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill's office has confirmed. The previous date of implementation was July 1, 2009. Du...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS annual report online

PSRS/PEERS has made its annual report available online to members throughout the state. The 124-page Comprehensive Annual Financial Report details the financial health of the state educational retirement systems, including financial statements, investment information, actuarial analyses and benefit information. The report covers the fiscal year ending ...
Read More »

Education Commissioner King dies

Dr. D. Kent King, Missouri Commissioner of Education and a long-time leader in Missouri’s public education system, passed away Jan. 7, 2009, at his home in Rolla, Missouri, at the age of 65. Kent was born at Preston (Hickory County) to the late Morris Samuel (Tuck) and Wilma McKenzie King on Sept. 19, 1943. Surviving Kent are his wife Sandy and three chi...
Read More »

Obama nominates education secretary

This week, President-elect Barack Obama nominated Arne Duncan, chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools, to head the U.S. Department of Education. As a nominee to Obama’s Cabinet, Duncan must receive approval by the U.S. Senate before he can take his post as secretary of education. Are you curious about Duncan? Here is a collection of inform...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS contribution rates increase again

Contribution rates for Missouri’s school employee retirement systems will increase again next year. Today, the board for the Public School Retirement System, PSRS, and the Public Education Employees Retirement System, PEERS, voted to raise contribution rates for the 2010 fiscal year. Employees and employers will both pay the higher rates when the new fis...
Read More »

Explore winter in your classroom

The first snow has already fallen and that means that winter is here, at least in spirit. Keep your students busy during these colder months with projects, readings and other classroom resources to explore and enjoy this season. Winter has inspired poets and authors for centuries. Poets.org has a comprehensive listing of poems inspired by the col...
Read More »

State requests delay in retirement change

The Missouri Office of Administration is asking the federal government for an extension in implementing a change that will affect teacher retirements in Missouri. The Office of Administration has requested the implementation be delayed until July 2010. The letter to the commissioners of the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service ...
Read More »

New info on loan forgiveness

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released a new list of subject areas with teacher shortages that could help some teachers qualify for student-loan forgiveness. Recipients of Perkins Loans who are full-time teachers may qualify for cancellation of up to 100 percent of their loan if they work in a school that serves low-income fami...
Read More »

Mo. congressional reps seek info on Social Security

Missouri's congressional delegation is responding to concerns over a new definition of "teacher" that could require school employees with teaching certificates to be subject to Social Security withholdings. On Monday, both of Missouri's U.S. senators and seven U.S. representatives sent a letter to the commissioners of the Social Security Administration an...
Read More »

Counselors exempt from Social Security

School counselors will be exempt from contributing to Social Security under a new interpretation of rules that will require some school district employees to contribute to the federal system. The Office of Administration announced today that school counselors are exempt from contributing to Social Security, and thus able to contribute fully to the Public...
Read More »

Changes to PSRS/Social Security for school district staff

Some certified school district employees could be subject to new rules governing their retirement systems starting next year. Traditionally, certified teachers in Missouri have been covered by PSRS and not by Social Security. That could change for some on July 1, 2009, when a new interpretation of the rules governing teachers' retirement takes effect. ...
Read More »

Proposition A poses loss-limit question

The Nov. 4 election will ask voters to decide on Proposition A, an initiative that seeks to fund schools by removing loss-limits from Missouri's gambling casinos. The loss-limit initiative is supported by Missouri’s casinos and gaming interests. MSTA has no position on this issue. A summary prepared by the Missouri secretary of state and state audito...
Read More »

Personal-finance teachers sought for assessment help

Teachers of personal finance and related courses could have a hand in shaping assessments for high school students. The Assessment Resource Center at the University of Missouri College of Education seeks teachers who teach personal finance through a stand-alone course or embedded in a course such as business, economics or family and consumer sciences for...
Read More »

Bring the election into your classroom

The November election is fast approaching and will undoubtedly be a hot topic in many school lounges and classrooms. Here are some online resources to bring the democratic process to your students: Cable in the Classroom partnered with CNN News, C-Span and the History Channel to create a simulated campaign for the White House. An animated George ...
Read More »

Fall themes for your classroom

As memories of summer vacations begin to fade, Missouri's most colorful season is approaching. Your students will likely have lots of questions on their minds as the mornings turn crisp and the trees turn into a rainbow of reds, yellows and oranges. Here are some resources to help you celebrate autumn in your classroom: The Missouri Department of ...
Read More »

Teachers more skeptical of MAP than others

Teachers and parents don't see eye-to-eye on the effectiveness of the Missouri Assessment Program, according to the preliminary findings of a federally required survey. Missouri's teachers tend to view the MAP as a poor indicator of student learning and teacher effectiveness, with 67 percent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing that it accurately reflects...
Read More »

Audit finds flaws in school safety

Missouri schools have significant gaps in security and discipline procedures, and greater state involvement would help remedy those weaknesses, according to a report by the Missouri State Auditor's Office. Flaws in discipline policies, emergency-management plans and basic security were discovered during the audit of schools, which looked at security in 2...
Read More »

MSTA member finalist for Teacher of the Year

An MSTA member has been named as a finalist for the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. Rani Khakh, a third-grade teacher at Franklin Smith Elementary in Blue Springs R-4, is one of six educators under consideration for the honor. Finalists were selected from nominations submitted by 44 school districts around the state. A selection committee in Jeff...
Read More »

Teachers needed for assessment panel

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking panelists to determine achievement levels for the new end-of-course assessments to be given at high schools this year. The Missouri Assessment Program will be replaced this year at the high school level with exams to be taken at the end of several courses. This year, exams will be given at t...
Read More »

Renewable-energy play rolls into Missouri

Boomerang Jack will be rolling into Missouri schools this fall to teach students about energy conservation and renewable energy. The National Theatre for Children will perform "Boomerang Jack and the Unseen Green Machine," presented by AmerenUE, at 100 Missouri schools this year. Any school in AmerenUE's 57-county Missouri service area can request this e...
Read More »

State Board cool to shorter school week

Members of the State Board of Education gave a chilly reception Thursday to the possibility of a four-day school week in Missouri. As gas and energy prices continue to rise, some proposals to cut the school week to four days instead of five have been floated as a solution. Citing everything from the issue of cutting instructional time to concern that chi...
Read More »

Deferred-compensation issue won’t affect teachers

The Internal Revenue Service has offered new guidance on a deferred-compensation issue that would have impacted teachers. Internal Revenue Code section 409A called for increased reporting when teachers who work less than 12 months are paid over a 12-month period, either at their election or by district choice. The IRS now is relaxing its reporting requir...
Read More »

Missouri can track specific students' performance

Missouri is one of two states earning approval in June from the U.S. Department of Education to use a growth-model system to track student performance under the federal No Child Left Behind law. A growth model tracks performance of the same students from year-to-year. An individual student's achievement can be compared with that student's established gro...
Read More »

Report sheds light on needs of future engineers

The Missouri Department of Higher Education is seeking public comment on the latest proposal to improve math, science and technology learning in Missouri. Math, science, engineering and technology instruction, also known as METS, has been a focus in Missouri education in recent years. On June 12, the Department of Higher Education's Curriculum Alignment ...
Read More »

Bring summer into your classroom

As the weather warms up and the MAP-test booklets are put away, no doubt teachers and students alike will turn their attention to one thing—summer! Summer can be fun, but it's also serious business. Here are some resources to bring summer into your classroom: Why is it cold in the winter and hot in the summer? Read More »

Wright leaves PSRS/PEERS board

The chairman of the board for the state teachers and school employee retirement systems has stepped down. Dr. Phil Wright served as chairman of the boards of trustees for the Public School and Public Education Employee Retirement systems until his resignation Friday. In a letter, Wright wrote that events beyond his control have rendered him ineffective a...
Read More »

Loss-limit initiative lures with school funding

With the May 4 deadline looming to get initiatives on the November ballot, you may see more signature gatherers than usual in front of libraries, post offices and other public buildings — and some of them may be asking you to sign a petition called “Yes for Schools First.” In reality, the ballot proposal is a loss-limit initiative supported by Missouri’s...
Read More »

Teachers sought for survey on teaching ELL students

A graduate student in the school psychology program at the University of Missouri is seeking input from mainstream teachers on their feelings about teaching English Language Learners. The project, Teaching English Language Learners Survey (TELLS): Scale development and validation, will create a formal way to measure how mainstream teachers feel abo...
Read More »

Spellings seeks consistent graduation rate

The federal government is seeking to standardize graduation-rate calculations in a drive to address what the U.S. Secretary of Education refers to as a drop-out crisis. There is no standard formula for states to employ when reporting graduation and drop-out rates to the U.S. Department of Education. Differences in how states define "drop-outs" and "gradu...
Read More »

Focus group seeks middle-school teachers

The Smithsonian Institution and Oberg Research seeks St. Louis-area middle-school teachers to participate in a two-hour focus group. Participants will be asked to share their thoughts about two upcoming programs: Smithsonian-wide orientation videos related to Hispanic and Asian Pacific American heritage and Smithsonian-wide virtual heritage tours related...
Read More »

Deferred-compensation rule affects school employees

Recent decisions by the federal Internal Revenue Service may have a big impact on your taxes. The IRS recently issued rules relating to the deferral of salary from one year to the next. Under the new rules, if school employees work less than 12 months a year but receive payment of their salary over a 12-month period, the IRS now labels it as a deferred p...
Read More »

MAP period extended by a week

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has extended this year's period for MAP testing. The original testing period was from March 31 through April 25. That has been extended by one week to May 2. The testing window was extended for the second year in a row because of school days missed due to bad winter weather. School districts m...
Read More »

Autism getting new attention

Autism and related disorders are gaining new attention in Missouri, with initiatives that include a budget proposal to add more than $12 million in funding for autism-related services. Autism spectrum disorders are developmental disorders that usually appear before a child turns 3 years old. They are marked by difficulties with communication and relating ...
Read More »

Earth Day resources for your classroom

Earth Day is a popular time for lessons on the environment and ecology, so make sure you're prepared. These resources will give you ideas for activities and lessons for the April 22 observance. The official Earth Day Network offers more than 300 downloadable lessons for K-12 students on subjects such as sustainability, natural resources ...
Read More »

MSTA-endorsed nominees make the PSRS/PEERS board

The PSRS/PEERS retirement system has verified the signatures on the nominating petitions for the two openings on the Board of Trustees. PSRS officials announced Feb. 29 that current board member Phil Wright and newcomer Yvonne Heath have met the requirements to serve on the board. No other teacher group nominated candidates. Thank you to all who circ...
Read More »

St. Louis Blues offer discounts on teacher night

The St. Louis Blues want to recognize the hard work of teachers by offering tickets at up to 40 percent off. Teacher Appreciation Night will take place at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, in a game at the Scottrade Center against the Nashville Predators. Get personalized service for $75, or enjoy the game from above for $15 per ticket. For more informati...
Read More »

NCLB ruling targets funding

The No Child Left Behind Act failed to clear a legal hurdle earlier this month when a federal appeals court ruled in favor of a challenge to funding for the law. Earlier this month, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the law fails to clarify who must pay the costs associated with compliance of the law. The 2-1 ruling by the Cincinnati court ...
Read More »

Technology conference brings you the latest

If you're into technology, check out the Cooperating School Districts' Midwest Educational Technology Conference. The event, from Feb. 4-8, 2008, allows K-12 educators to share best practices using technology as a learning tool and to see the latest instructional technology available. The event will take place at the St. Charles Convention Center. Early r...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS candidates earn MSTA endorsements

Next spring, members of the PSRS/PEERS retirement system will choose two Board of Trustees members. MSTA has endorsed current board member Phil Wright and newcomer Yvonne Heath. "Phil and Yvonne are committed to making the system the very best it can be for both active and retired members," says Mike Wood, MSTA director of governmental relations. "They a...
Read More »

Newsletter seeks to prevent suicide

Suicidal tendencies can affect all students, even those that seem the brightest and most confident. Mental illnesses often start before adolescence, which puts schools and teachers in an important role when it comes to suicide prevention. In an effort to guide schools in preventing teen suicide, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Educatio...
Read More »

Missouri Scholars Academy seeks faculty

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking teachers to work with Missouri's brightest high school students during the 2008 Missouri Scholars Academy. The Missouri Scholars Academy is a three-week residential program for high school students held each summer at the University of Missouri-Columbia. The program focuses on enhancing parti...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS contributions to increase

Members of Missouri's school employee retirement systems will pay higher contribution rates next year because investment returns were not as high as originally anticipated. This month, the board for the Public School Retirement System, or PSRS, and the Public Education Employees Retirement System, or PEERS, voted to raise contribution rates for next year....
Read More »

Judge makes final ruling in school-funding suit

Missouri lawmakers have met their constitutional obligation to fund education and are not required to do more than they already have, a Cole County judge ruled this week. Judge Richard Callahan sided with the state in a lawsuit led by the Committee for Educational Equality and the Committee for Excellent Schools and supported by more than 200 school dist...
Read More »

Staph infections: Know the facts

Good hygiene and regular infection-prevention measures can keep Missouri teachers and their students safe from staph infections that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, is not a new disease, but it's one that's getting new attention. Missouri health officials want to make sure that teachers and ...
Read More »

Geography conference offers stipends to teachers

Teachers, education students and administrators are invited to attend the Missouri Geographic Alliance's annual fall conference focusing on geography education. "Geography Education: Gateway to the World" will take place from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at Columbia College in Columbia. The event is sponsored by National Geographic and the Mi...
Read More »

Don't miss Educator Savings Week at Borders

Borders will be celebrating the education community with its Educator Savings Week, Sept. 26 through Oct. 2. For the week, current and retired teachers, librarians and professors will be eligible for a 25 percent discount. The discount will be taken from the list price of all books, CDs, DVDs, café items, stationery and gifts when educators show a pay st...
Read More »

Liberty teacher named Missouri Teacher of the Year

Liberty 53 teacher Eric Langhorst has been named Missouri Teacher of the Year after earning attention and accolades for the use of cutting-edge technology in his history classroom. Langhorst, an MSTA member, has received numerous awards for his use of technology in his classroom at South Valley Junior High in Liberty 53. Langhorst is now Missouri's nomine...
Read More »

Myths and realities about girls and science

Today's girls are just as interested in math and science as boys are, but stereotypes feed the perception that they are uninterested in the subjects, according to the National Science Foundation. The foundation's Research on Gender in Science and Engineering Program has found that five myths persist that maintain the public perception that girls are less ...
Read More »

Judge sides with state in school funding lawsuit

Missouri is not obligated to spend more on education than what is stated in its constitution, according to a partial ruling issued by a Cole County Circuit Court judge in a major school-funding lawsuit. Judge Richard Callahan, in an opinion issued Wednesday morning, said that the state is permitted to spend more than the 25 percent required by the Missour...
Read More »

PSRS sees high investment return, COLA increase

Missouri's teacher retirement system doubled its expected return on investments during the most recent fiscal year, resulting in nearly $2.5 billion more than had been expected. During the 2007 fiscal year, the Public School Retirement System saw a 16.6 percent return on its investments. The system's expectation is 8 percent annually. The windfall will l...
Read More »

IRS clarifies deferred compensation for teachers

A recent change in tax law will not affect the coming year's taxes of school employees who receive deferred compensation. The IRS has received inquiries from teachers who had been told they had to make certain decisions about their pay this month or risk severe penalties. At issue is a 2004 law change that applies to people who decide to defer compensati...
Read More »

Weigh-in on educational technology

The U.S. Department of Education seeks input from educators about educational technology. The department's Office of Educational Technology is collecting comments from teachers, administrators, and others regarding the use of technology in schools and the federal government's role in supporting it. Federal funding for educational technology has decre...
Read More »

DESE reopens virtual school registration

Registration for Missouri's new public virtual school will be reopened May 31 and continue indefinitely. More than 1,700 students enrolled in the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program, or MoVIP, from May 7 through May 29. DESE officials announced that they would reopen registration the day after the original period ended. Of the students already enrol...
Read More »

MU offers tuition break on ed-tech classes

Get two graduate-level courses in educational technology for the price of one. The University of Missouri-Columbia is offering a special tuition waiver for students who take both Introduction to Technology in Schools and Technology and Assessment. These two courses total 20 percent of the coursework for a graduate degree in education techno...
Read More »

MOHELA sale creates bonus for new teachers

The $315 million sale of the assets of the state's student loan entity will have financial bonuses for teachers who agree to work in schools that lack full accreditation. The version of SB389 that passed both chambers of the General Assembly this week establishes the Missouri Teaching Fellows Program. This plan, which is not to be confused with the MU Te...
Read More »

Participants sought for survey on teacher mobility

The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification is partnering with Learning Point Associates to study teacher interstate mobility. Current and former teachers who have moved from one state to another during their career are encouraged to participate in a survey to help states understand the barriers associated with inter...
Read More »

Virtual school vendors chosen; registration in May

The state has found providers for the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program and will soon be accepting its first students. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced that Connections Academy of Baltimore, Md., will provide MoVIP's elementary program, and Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville will provide the secondary pr...
Read More »

Governor signs snow-day bill

Gov. Matt Blunt on Thursday signed legislation that forgives districts across the state for school days missed due to January's ice storms. SB376 (Greisheimer) was sent to Blunt on Monday, with a conference committee report that forgives districts for any days missed due to inclement weather from Jan. 11 to Jan. 22. Snow-day forgiveness became a cent...
Read More »

Snow-day relief gets to the governor

Gov. Matt Blunt is expected to act quickly to sign a bill that will forgive school districts from making up school days missed due to January's ice storm. SB376 (Griesheimer) passed both the House and Senate on Tuesday, in the General Assembly's second attempt to pass such legislation. The bill exempts school districts from making up days missed from Jan...
Read More »

Get published in Missouri Teachers Write

Missouri teachers have their own literary magazine and it's looking for submissions. Missouri Teachers Write, published by the Missouri Association of Teachers of English, seeks teacher-written pieces of poetry, memoir, drama, essay and short story for its 2008 edition. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 15. For more information, and to down...
Read More »

Snow-day relief jumps a hurdle

The Missouri House acted quickly Thursday to add snow-day forgiveness language to a bill after discovering an error in legislation originally intended to provide the relief. The Senate passed the so-called snow-day forgiveness bill Monday, and the legislation was sent to the governor for approval. During a bill review a few days later, an error was discov...
Read More »

Book: Few administrators are women

Women hold less than one-fifth of school district superintendent positions across the country, according to a recent book co-authored by a University of Missouri-Columbia professor. Only 18 percent of school district leaders are women, says Margaret Grogan, professor and department chair at the University of Missouri's Department of Educational Leadership...
Read More »

Scholarship covers tuition for prospective teachers

The Urban Flight and Rural Needs Scholarship seeks to attract high-quality teachers to Missouri schools. The scholarship covers 100 percent of eligible students' tuition and fees for up to four years at a four-year college or university in Missouri. Recipients must earn a Missouri teaching certificate and agree to teach in a Missouri public school wi...
Read More »

Judge mulling funding suit

Arguments in a lawsuit that could overturn Missouri’s school funding system ended this week in Cole County Circuit Court. Attorneys representing the Committee for Educational Equality and the Missouri attorney general’s office say they agree that education is important but dispute the extent of the state’s responsibility in providing education. The c...
Read More »

St. Louis loses accreditation

When St. Louis Public Schools teachers return to the classroom in the fall, they'll be doing so in an unaccredited district. The Missouri State Board of Education today voted to revoke the St. Louis City school district's provisional accreditation 5-1, with the Rev. Stan Archie dissenting. Archie, of Kansas City, said he hesitated to support the move beca...
Read More »

Nominate someone for Missouri Teacher of the Year

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking nominations for the Missouri Teacher of the Year Award. The application and nomination forms will be made available only online this year. For more information, visit dese.mo.gov/commissioner/awards/TOY/index.html....
Read More »

Science help, safe driver grant and $50,000 lab

The Heartland Science Lab from KFVS12, in Cape Girardeau. Project Ignition, which rewards service-learning projects that draw attention to the issue of teen-driver safety. Read More »

Schools get an extra week for MAP

Missouri schools will have an extra week to administer the MAP tests to their students this year. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has announced that public school districts may administer the MAP between March 26 and May 4. The original testing window had been set to close April 27. This is the first time the state has extended the...
Read More »

Lots of new goodies in Resources

The resources section is back to weekly updates, after a brief hiatus. Some of the latest grants and competitions are listed below: ThinkQuest rewards students and teachers who create educational Web sites. Time Warner Cable's annual National Teacher Contest honors the creative use of cable television resources. <...
Read More »

MSU tech expo includes Moodle mania

This year's Southwest Education and Technology Conference and Tech Expo offers educators the chance to learn about Moodle. Preconference sessions Tuesday, March 6, include two three-hour Moodle training sessions. Participation is limited to 20 people, but those attending will open a Moodle account for their classroom. Participants are encouraged to bring ...
Read More »

End of the road for high school MAP tests

High school students will begin taking end-of-course exams rather than the MAP test as early as spring 2009. Students in grades 9-12 will be required to take and be tested in algebra I, English II and biology starting in spring 2009, under a proposal approved by the State Board of Education yesterday. These tests would have both multiple choice and writte...
Read More »

St. Louis gets transitional board

The Missouri State Board of Education on Thursday voted to appoint a transitional school board for the St. Louis Public Schools, but the board's responsibilities hinge on the troubled district's accreditation status. If the district retains its provisional accreditation, the body will serve as an advisory board. But if St. Louis loses its accreditation e...
Read More »

MU hosts school safety forum

As violence affects schools across the country, the issue of balancing school safety with student rights has come to the forefront. A public forum, School Violence: Preventative Measures and Keeping Our Schools Safe , will explore ways that schools can be made secure without becoming overly restrictive. The event at the University of Missouri is sp...
Read More »

Garden grants, Fordham fellowships and humanities workshops

Our Resources section has undergone its weekly update. Check out these opportunities among our latest additions: Project Orange Thumb grants from Fiskars offer up to $2,300 in equipment and materials for your school-based garden. The Thomas B. Fordham Foundation offers fellowships for ambitious education reformer...
Read More »

Community schools awards, physics photography and documentary contests

Resources has undergone its weekly update. Here are just a few examples of our recent listings: Community Schools National Awards for Excellence will recognize schools that have formed partnerships with community resources to improve their student's academic and home lives. A contest from Lexmark and the American...
Read More »

Attend ACT conference and help your students succeed

The Missouri ACT Council hopes its annual conference will help teachers address student needs for post-secondary success. The conference will take place Thursday, March 15, at the Holiday Inn Select in Columbia, Mo. A pre-conference will be held Wednesday, March 14. The theme for this year's event is "Are Missouri Students Ready?" and topics will focus o...
Read More »

Resources: get books and enter contests

The Resources section of our Web site has undergone its weekly update. Here are a few of the latest opportunities: Create a wish list from Amazon and get a chance to win up to $7,000 worth of books and products. Intel Foundation's Schools of Distinction program honors schools that have excellent math and science pr...
Read More »

All-USA teachers, Young Naturalist Awards and Picturing America

Our Resources section has undergone its weekly update. Here are just a few of our recently added opportunities: Nominations are being accepted for the USA TODAY All-USA Teacher Team. The Young Naturalist Awards, now in Student Competitions. The National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Libra...
Read More »

Highly qualified teacher plan passes muster

The U.S. Department of Education has accepted Missouri's plan to increase the proportion of "highly qualified" teachers in public schools. In August, federal education officials alerted Missouri Education Commissioner D. Kent King that the state's highly qualified teacher plan was inadequate, which jeopardized federal funding. The plan is necessary to com...
Read More »

New grants, fellowships and contests in Resources

This week has been another busy one for Resources. There are lots of great new opportunities, including: Mark Twain Creative Teaching Awards for teachers who connect their students to the Missouri native. The American Stars of Teaching Awards from the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative. A full-year fellowship...
Read More »

Student competitions, free science workshop and school change awards

The year is fresh and so our Resources section. This year's first weekly update has given you numerous new funding, study and grant opportunities. Here are some of this week's additions: Engage your students with the Christopher Columbus science awards and the AAA Travel Challenge, new in student competitions. En...
Read More »

State Board candidate not backed by senator

A State Board of Education appointee who was opposed by educaton groups has failed to win the backing of her district's state Senator. Donayle Whitmore-Smith's contention for the state board likely ended after an interview with state Sen. Jeff Smith. Tradition dictates that nominations by the governor move through the Senate with the approval of the top l...
Read More »

Presidential math and science awards, history prize and holocaust fellowship

The holidays are a great time to relax and recharge your batteries for the next semester. Your vacation can also make a great time to catch up on opportunities for grants, awards and other honors. The Resources section offers links to funding, fellowships, student contests and other sources that will enhance your career and clas...
Read More »

St. Louis committee: Takeover unnecessary

The St. Louis Public Schools are not adequately educating students, but a state takeover of the district is unnecessary, according to a report issued yesterday by the district's Special Advisory Committee. Months of turmoil within the district inspired the creation of the committee. The district's troubles include instability caused by six superintendent...
Read More »

Midwest Educational Technology Conference

Cooperating School Districts is presenting its annual Midwest Educational Technology Conference, Feb. 26-28 in St. Louis. Participants will be able to learn about effective technology programs, share information with others and see the latest in related products and services. Topics covered include library information, Internet safety, digital media, hand...
Read More »

Art for ketchup, technology for teaching and rewards for safety

Our resources section has undergone its weekly update. Don't miss out on these and other great opportunities for student contests and funding for your classroom or career. Heinz will reward schools (in ketchup and cash) for students who design the best artwork for the company's ketchup packets. Look for this one in the Stude...
Read More »

Education Roundtable opposes board appointment

The Education Roundtable, made up of the major statewide education organizations in Missouri including MSTA, is opposing the appointment of Donayle Whitmore-Smith to the State Board of Education. This is the first time the Education Roundtable has opposed a gubernatorial appointment to the State Board. The Roundtable took the action because of Whitmore-Sm...
Read More »

New resources: libraries, immigration and mysteries

The weather might be frightful, but grant and contest opportunities are plentiful! The Resources section of our Web site is full of grants, awards and contests for teachers and their students. Here are the latest additions: An award from the ALA for school libraries with an exemplary humanities program. A gran...
Read More »

GoGirlGo, cancer mini-grants and urban school awards

As the holidays approach, give yourself and your students a gift—recognition and funding. Our resources section is full of grants, awards, contests for students and other opportunities that will help you make the most out of your classroom. This week's additions are: GoGirlGo awards for teams of high schoolers that encour...
Read More »

Teachers needed for virtual program reviews

Missouri will be embarking on a virtual education program within the next year and needs the help of teachers to get it off the ground. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking teachers to review and score online courses that will be submitted by potential vendors for the Missouri Virtual Instruction Program. Teachers are neede...
Read More »

Resources: astronaut training, journalism funds and a toy challenge

The Resources section of our Web site has undergone its weekly update. Here are just a few of our new gems: Honeywell's Hometown Solutions program will offer scholarships to teachers to train next summer at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, in Huntsville, Ala. The New Voices project will provide grants for start...
Read More »

New resources: Cable in the Classroom, Start Something and visual learning

The leaves are turning brown as November marches on, but the opportunities for funding and free materials are still ripe. Check out the latest additions to our Resources section. New opportunities include: The Leaders in Learning Award from Cable in the Classroom. The 2006 winners included MSTA member Eric Langhorst of Libe...
Read More »

Election roundup: Education on the ballot

Elections can be a busy time for education-related news. See how education issues fared across the country during the recent election. Voters in 14 states made major decisions about education in their school systems, deciding on funding, affirmative action, in-state tuition rules and other issues. To read the report from the Education Commission of t...
Read More »

SchoolSafe, Listen to a Life and world issues awards

As usual, Resources has undergone its weekly update. Don't forget to check out these and other great opportunities for funding, study and travel: Apply to get the SchoolSafe Anonymous Alert system for free. The Legacy Project will reward students who interview their elders in the Listen to a Life Essay Contest. <...
Read More »

PSRS/PEERS contribution rates to rise

The Public School and the Public Education Employee Retirement Systems Board of Trustees voted at its October meeting to raise contribution rates effective July 1, 2007. Members of PSRS will pay an additional .5 percent of their salaries, which brings the rate to 12.5 percent. PEERS rates will increase by .25 percent, bringing the new rate to 6 percent. ...
Read More »

Diverse new resources this week

This week's additions to Resources cover a diverse range of topics and subjects. Math, science, French, music, character education and teamwork are included. Here are a few examples: The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching will honor outstanding 7-12 math and science teachers. The National ...
Read More »

School safety Web cast emphasizes planning

Having a simple, easy-to-follow crisis plan is necessary to prepare for potential violence in Missouri schools, the superintendent of Joplin schools said. "If you can’t repeat the major steps of your crisis plan, it’s no good to you because when the storm hits, there will be no three-ring binder in your hands," Jim Simpson said during a Web cast spo...
Read More »

Travel, fellowships and InvenTeams

Explore your horizons with this week’s update to the Resources section of our Web site. Travel to Saudi Arabia with Aramco and the Institute of International Education. Collaborate with your students for an InvenTeams grant from MIT. Enhance your career with a ten-month assignment to a Congressional office or fed...
Read More »

Metlife survey: Teachers satisfied, but still leaving

Job satisfaction for teachers is at a 20-year high, but about one-fourth of teachers plan to leave the profession within the next five years, according to a survey by Metlife. The 2006 Metlife Survey of the American Teacher asked teachers to discuss their expectations when they started teaching and what they find on a day-to-day basis at school. Metlife...
Read More »

New grants and $25K for schools that help disadvantaged students

The Resources section of our Web site is updated weekly with the latest funding opportunities for you and your school. These gems are just a few of our latest additions: Bob Costas grants for innovative writing teachers. Grants from the Air Force Association to encourage aerospace education. High school...
Read More »

Free Tech or Treat workshop

Teachers interested in using blogs, podcasts and other tools in their classrooms can attend a free workshop co-sponsored by the Liberty School District and Discovery Network. Tech or Treat, on Oct. 28, at South Valley Junior High in Liberty, will allow teachers to attend workshops on the use of blogs, podcasts and United Streaming in the classroom. Keyno...
Read More »

Drury conference covers brain research

Learn about the latest brain research and create a model learning environment at Developing Success for Youth, Oct. 19 at Drury University. The Drury School of Education and Child Development and the Yale Child Study Center School Development Program are co-sponsoring the fifth annual conference at the Springfield campus. Keynote Speaker Eric Jense...
Read More »

Get paid for formative assessment panel

The Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education is seeking teachers, principals, district technology coordinators and assessment directors to participate in panels that will review and contribute to the design of a formative assessment tool. Each panel will take place in October and November and will be conducted via Web cast for a...
Read More »

Speak Up about math and science

Project Tomorrow has announced that NetDay Speak Up 2006 will take place from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, at a computer terminal near you. Speak Up 2006 allows teachers, parents and students to participate in online surveys seeking their thoughts on math, science and technology instruction. Schools will be able to access the data generated by their participa...
Read More »

VFW award, service-learning grants and books

Don’t miss these great funding and award opportunities new to our resources page: Service-learning grants from State Farm and Clay Aiken reward youth and teachers who engage in service learning. Apply for a We the People Bookshelf and help your students learn about the pursuit of happiness. Nominate a teacher ...
Read More »

New effort: Give Kids Good Schools

The Public Education Network has launched a national campaign to improve public schools by encouraging community involvement in education and seeking support from voters and elected officials. The project, Give Kids Good Schools, aims to supply advocates with information and other resources to make schools both nationally and locally the best they can be...
Read More »

Hamburger Helper grants, Unsung Heroes and digital cameras

Many grants and contests have application due dates in 2007, but it’s never too early to start preparing. Our Resources section has undergone its weekly update. Don’t miss the gems listed below and others: Seek help for your community from Hamburger Helper Check out grant opportunities and student photography contest...
Read More »

Help for mentors and new teachers

The new Missouri Teacher Mentoring Web site is online to assist new teachers and their mentors. The site encourages the groups to establish a support network or learning community through the use of blogs. In addition, the site has links to valuable resources, such as MSTA’s mentoring framework manual, lesson plans and videotapes of veteran teachers offe...
Read More »

Italian grants, science awards and healthy school communities

As usual, our Resources section has undergone its weekly update. Check out these gems among the latest additions: Launch or expand an Italian-language program in your school. Apply to be a pilot school in the Healthy School Communities grant program. Don’t miss two awards for science teachers—one from the Americ...
Read More »

Grants and awards: history, Mark Twain and community service

The Resources section of the MSTA Web site has undergone its weekly update. The latest entries include: A new award from the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum that rewards teachers who use creativity to introduce their students to the Missouri author. The Tachau History Teacher of the Year award from the Organizati...
Read More »

What you need to know about highly qualified teachers

Look who didn’t do their homework! What’s your penalty for students who don’t turn in their homework? Chances are you deduct points or automatically reduce the grade. The student is the person who pays the price for the lapse. The failure of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to turn in its homework to the federal Educ...
Read More »

Field trip grants, seminars abroad and vocabulary contest

Remember that our Resources section is updated weekly. Check out these latest additions: Target has introduced a grants program to help teachers provide field trips that will enrich their students’ lives. Choose from more than a dozen seminars abroad next summer with the Fulbright-Hays program. Enrich your stude...
Read More »

Fewer schools met AYP on new MAP

This year’s Missouri Assessment Program test brought several changes and mixed results. The number of students scoring at least proficient on the MAP tests met the state’s Adequate Yearly Progress goals, but the grades looked different at the school level, according to figures released by DESE last week. Sixty percent of Missouri schools met their AYP go...
Read More »

Grants: GreenWorks! and Kids in Need

Several additions have been made to Resources this week. This section of the MSTA Web site offers a diverse array of listings for grants, contests and other funding opportunities. Here are some of this week’s additions: Receive a grant from the SHOPA Kids in Need Foundation for your creative use of common teaching aids....
Read More »

Environmental awards, Toolbox for Education, art grants new in Resources

Our Resources section can provide you with thousands of dollars in grants and awards. Check out this section, updated weekly, and don’t miss great contests, grant programs and awards. This week’s additions include: The Environmental Excellence Awards from SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Fujifilm. Lowe’s Toolbox for Ed...
Read More »

Don't miss American Education Week

Celebrate American Education Week in your school, district and community Nov. 12-18. This year’s theme is Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility. The weeklong observation, sponsored in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education, is an opportunity for educators to acquaint the public with successful programs in your schoo...
Read More »

DESE will submit new highly qualified teacher plan

Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will notify school districts next week of 16,500 teachers who have yet to be confirmed as highly qualified in order to satisfy federal guidelines. Most of those teachers were certified before 1988, when the state began to require teachers to pass a test to earn their certificate. DESE has, in c...
Read More »

School retirees see cost-of-living raise

Missouri’s retired school employees next year will experience one of the largest cost-of-living increases in recent memory. On Monday, the board of directors for PEERS/PSRS approved a COLA increase of 4.3 percent in member benefits. The increase will take effect in Jan. 2007 for members who retired in or before 2005. The raise is calculated yearly ba...
Read More »

Grant and award listing goes weekly again

Now that summer vacation is drawing to a close, MSTA staff will resume weekly updates of our grants and awards listings. Visit our Resources section for these and other funding opportunities: ING’s Unsung Heroes awards, which fund innovative classroom projects. Get support for your multi-cultural curriculum with th...
Read More »

Gov. Blunt will serve on national math, science panel

Gov. Matt Blunt has been named to a National Governors Association task force that is charged with recommending ways to increase math and science learning in American schools. Blunt was selected for the Innovation America Task Force because of his efforts to improve math, engineering, technology and science education in Missouri. In April, Blunt hosted a...
Read More »

More diplomas means less crime, researchers say

Improving educational attainment could have a significant impact on improving the economy and decreasing crime, according to a new statement by the Alliance for Excellent Education. A 5 percent increase in male high school graduates would benefit Missouri’s economy by $147 million by saving money on prosecuting crimes and housing inmates and by the money...
Read More »

Get ready for fall with new grants

Once fall hits, you’ll be busy with all of your classroom duties. Spend these last days of summer getting a jump start on grant and other funding opportunities for your classroom and school. Visit our Resources section to see what’s available. Several new entries have been added including: Best Buy’s te@ch program rec...
Read More »

Keep your classroom cool

Air-conditioned classrooms are becoming more prevalent in Missouri schools, but for those teachers without cool classrooms, the first days of the year can be difficult to bear. Sue Sutter watches the heat take its toll on her third-graders at Bayless Intermediate, as the St. Louis County district’s start date gets earlier and earlier. Most of the district...
Read More »

State sales-tax holiday: save on school supplies

Buy your back-to-school supplies from Friday, Aug. 4, to Sunday, Aug. 6, and you could save big on sales taxes. Missouri has brought back its annual sales-tax holiday, when certain items of clothing, school supplies and computer software and equipment are exempt from state and local sales tax. Not all cities and counties have opted to participate, bu...
Read More »

Don't miss out on new grant opportunities

MSTA staff usually updates the Resources section of our Web site weekly, but the summer brought a slow-down in the availability of new funding and resource opportunities. Luckily, for you, things are picking up and we’ll update the listings periodically until the flow is steady enough for weekly updates. Here’s a hint of the lat...
Read More »

Support school funding; urge the approval of SB778

During the recent legislative session, MSTA worked to support Senate Bill 778, which requires boat owners to show proof of paid personal property taxes. Much of that money funds education in Missouri as well as the Missouri Water Patrol. The law would make boat owners comply with the same laws as vehicle owners. The bill is awaiting Gov. Matt Blunt’s sig...
Read More »

Anti-tax, anti-education proposal not on November ballot

An anti-tax initiative that would have jeopardized state funding for schools will not be on this November’s ballot. Groups circulating petitions to take the so-called Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights to the voters did not follow the correct procedures to qualify for November’s election, according to Secretary of State Robin Carnahan’s office. State law requires...
Read More »

New resources: grants for literacy and instructional creativity

This summer, get a head start on funding your programs for the coming school year. MSTA staff update the Resources section of our Web site every week. This week’s additions include: Literacy program grants from the Verizon Foundation. Grants from the Jordan Fundamentals Foundation to support instructional creativity...
Read More »

Survey: voters want more education funding

As voters head to the polls in this November’s election, education funding is likely to be at the top of their priorities according to the results of a recent poll by the National School Boards Association. Seventy percent of potential voters polled by the association said Congress should restore funding for No Child Left Behind and special education pro...
Read More »

Arts fellowships and math galore in resources

After a week off, we’ve added several new additions to our Resources page: This week’s listings include: Fellowships for art teachers from the Surdna Foundation. Reconnect with the craft you teach. Numerous funding opportunities from the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, including a music and math pr...
Read More »

MSTA member selected for governor's math, science group

An award-winning MSTA member was the only teacher appointed to Gov. Matt Blunt’s Math and Science Alliance announced this week. Russell Grammer, of Jefferson Elementary in Cape Girardeau, was selected for the 20-person board. In 2004, Grammer won a national Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. He has been an MSTA member since 1...
Read More »

Missouri minerals and wildlife and journalism inspiration awards in Resources

Every week, MSTA staff comb through hundreds of grant and funding opportunities to bring you the best possible resources for your classroom and career. Here are some of the latest additions to our Resources page: The Missouri Minerals Education Foundation announces its annual summer workshop for K-8 teachers. Learn about ...
Read More »

May day! New grants and awards now available!

Foundations, governments and corporations want to share the wealth, so don’t be afraid to apply for grants to improve your career, classroom and school district. MSTA’s Resources page is updated weekly with new opportunities. New this week: Apply for a Set-You-Free grant from SchoolSpan and receive a complete update to you...
Read More »

Are you eligible for student-loan forgiveness?

A shortage of teachers in certain specialties has prompted federal officials to offer up to $17,500 in student loan forgiveness for those that are defined as “highly qualified.” The forgiveness applies to math or science teachers at the secondary level and special education teachers at elementary and secondary levels who meet the “highly qualified” teach...
Read More »

Grant applications: Don't miss out this May!

Don’t delay in applying for the grant and award programs with deadlines coming in the next few weeks. The Resources section of the MSTA Web site is updated weekly and sometimes programs are added just a few weeks before their application deadline. Among this week’s additions: A two-week workshop in Korea this summer for t...
Read More »

More space for free Teacher-to-Teacher workshops!

There's still a chance to participate in the free workshops held under the U.S. Department of Education's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative. The success of the first two workshops held in Denver and Atlanta has caused the department to add space for interested teachers. Two more general workshops will be offered, offering sessions for teachers in all su...
Read More »

Workshop: enhance your assessment skills

A leading authority on the topic of classroom assessment will teach a one-day workshop for teachers seeking to improve their assessment methods. Mary Jo Rasmussen, assistant executive director of the North Central Association, will help teachers learn a variety of ways to assess student learning and performance. Participants will be able to take an “asse...
Read More »

Science awards, Target grants and more!

Even though your school board might be making budget cuts, there are still multitudes of funding sources to enhance your career and your classroom. With a little creativity and investigation, you can apply for grants, enter contests and seek donations that will help pay for equipment, new programs and career development. Luckily, MSTA staff makes it a li...
Read More »

Funding opportunities await!

Spring is rife with grant and other funding opportunities for teachers and schools. Visit MSTA’s Resources page and get a head start on next year. This week’s additions are: Facilities Masters Awards by the Association of School Business Officials International recognize great facilities that enhance student learning. ...
Read More »

Annual report: schools cutting subjects to comply with NCLB

School districts have worked to realign their instruction with state teaching standards as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, but many have also cut back on subjects other than reading and math, according to a report from the Center for Education Policy. The center, based in Washington D.C., recently released its fourth annual report on the No Chi...
Read More »

New resources...don't miss out!

Don’t miss out on new opportunities to get money for your classroom, or receive recognition for your excellent programs. The Resources section of the MSTA Web site is updated every week. This week’s additions include: The Midwest Urban-Rural Girls Collective, based at Missouri State, announces its first round of $1,000 m...
Read More »

Gifted student awards, reading teacher recognition and Dirksen Center grants!

The Resources section of the MSTA Web site is updated weekly, bringing the latest grants, awards, contests, and funding opportunities to our members. This week, we’ve added: The Regie Routman Teacher Recognition Award from the International Reading Association. The Dirksen Congressional Center’s Special Projects...
Read More »

Remember MSTA Resources--updated every week!

MSTA’s Resources Web site offers dozens of listings of grants, awards, student contests and professional development opportunities. The listings are updated weekly, so be sure to check frequently for new opportunities. New this week: Inspire the next Edward R. Murrow in the Report it Now! student journalism contest, li...
Read More »

State considers 11th-grade MAP replacement

The Missouri State Board of Education is considering a proposal that would replace the MAP test for 11th-graders with a nationally recognized college entrance exam. Under a proposal heard by the board on March 16, the state would pay for all students in the 11th grade to take a college entrance exam, such as the ACT or SAT. This would replace the MAP gi...
Read More »

Teaching and Learning Institute from DESE

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will offer the 10th annual Teaching and Learning Institute this June in Columbia. Two three-day conferences will be offered June 17-19 and June 20-22, each offering more than 18 hours of professional development. Participants will select from nine strands for the institute, on topics including communic...
Read More »

Getaway to the School House B & B

The School House Bed and Breakfast in historic Rocheport has brought back its Teacher Appreciation Special for summer 2006. Teachers can book a two-night stay at the inn from May 1 through August 31 and receive 50 percent off the rate for their second night. Stays must be booked Sunday through Thursday on non-holidays and teachers must show their school...
Read More »

Spring brings funding sources!

Spring brings with it an entirely new set of funding opportunities in Resources! Don’t miss these chances to enhance your career and your students’ learning opportunities. This week’s additions include: Grants from the Captain Planet Foundation to encourage hands-on environmental education. Tool Factory pro...
Read More »

New resources: tolerance grants and teaching awards

Our recently renovated Resources section has been updated with several new sources of funding and awards, including: The White Rose Essay Contest, sponsored by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, is open to students in grades 8 through 12 who reside in several counties in the Greater Kansas City area. Read More »

Assist in scoring assessments of Missouri schools

Teachers seeking spring or summer employment can participate in scoring assessments for schools across Missouri this year. Spherion Staffing and the University of Missouri-Columbia are looking for educators to assist with the assessment. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, be able to stay focused for long periods of time, pay attention to detail an...
Read More »

MSTA-supported candidates re-elected to PSRS/PEERS board

Two MSTA-supported candidates have been re-elected to the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees. Cheryl Boggess, an MSTA member from Dexter, and Tina Zubeck of Platte City, who received MSTA’s endorsement, ran unopposed for their seats on the public education retirement system board. Boggess is the board’s vice-chair and will begin her third four-year term Ju...
Read More »

Changes to the resources section and new listings!

The Resources section of the MSTA Web site has undergone a few changes. For simplicity’s sake, the sections for grants and teacher awards have been combined into one large section. Listings added this week include: It’s a material world! Teachers who want to integrate materials science into their classrooms can apply fo...
Read More »

Psychological association seeks teachers' views

The American Psychological Association is conducting a Teachers’ Needs Survey to gather information about teachers’ perceptions about professional development. Topics include classroom management, instructional practices, classroom diversity, family and community outreach and other teaching skills and knowledge related to psychological science. The assoc...
Read More »

New report: parents say kids get enough math and science education

Parents of today’s K-12 students say their kids are receiving enough math and science education to prepare them for college and the workforce, according to a report issued last week by Public Agenda. Public Agenda launched the first in its series of Reality Check reports last week, which surveyed students, parents, business leaders and teachers about the...
Read More »

Teaching superhero contest and workshops from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the National Archives!

Check out the latest additions to the Resources section of the MSTA Web site: New in Professional, sign up to attend a summer workshop that will help you integrate the resources of the National Archives into your classroom. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Museum in Abilene, Kansas, is one of the site...
Read More »

Free flower bulbs, character education institute and more in resources!

Check out the latest additions to the Resources section of the MSTA Web site: Play in the dirt! The Mailorder Gardening Association will award sets of premium Dutch flower bulbs for schools that want to integrate gardening into the curriculum. The University of Missouri-St. Louis wil...
Read More »

New in Resources: young hero awards, environmental economics workshops and more

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources. There are several new additions, including: The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, honoring 10 students who have made a significant difference for people and our planet. A series of wor...
Read More »

Workshop on supporting children of military members

Children of members of the military often face more challenges than their peers, according to the Military Child Education Coalition. They move frequently, giving up friends and classmates and often face anxiety when a loved one is deployed overseas. The Military Child Education Coalition will conduct two seminars to teach educators and counselors how to...
Read More »

Grants for arts in special education, First Amendment essay contest and Mark Twain workshop!

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: Teachers who integrate the arts into teaching children with special needs can apply for grants and awards from the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education. Encourage your stud...
Read More »

Study the Cold War in Independence, apply for a technology grant, find service learning materials!

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: The Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence will offer a summer course for teachers on the Cold War. Participants will study the origins of the Cold War and its legacy in our socie...
Read More »

Program on evolution in St. Louis

The American Association for the Advancement of Science is collaborating with more than two dozen organizations to give teachers a voice on the evolution issue and a way to tell the scientific community how best to support them. During its annual meeting in St. Louis, AAAS will offer Evolution on the Front Line, a program for teachers. Speakers include A...
Read More »

Trip to St. Petersburg, awards for business partnerships, American Stars of Teaching program

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: Groups of up to eight students can enter the J8 competition, for a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia and an opportunity to send a personal message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The C...
Read More »

Japanese understanding awards, Korea fellowships, handwriting contest

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: K-12 teachers who foster understanding between Americans and Japanese can apply for the Elgin Heinz Outstanding Teacher Award given by the U.S.-Japan Foundation. Honorees will receive $5,000 in p...
Read More »

Report: Missouri standards declining

The 10th annual "Quality Counts," a study sponsored and published by Education Week, has marked down Missouri’s school system in the standards and accountability category for the second year in a row. The report, released this morning, gives Missouri a "D+" in standards and accountability, a "B-" in efforts to improve teacher quality, a "B" in sc...
Read More »

Adversity awards, music grants and Lincoln fellowships

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: K-12 educators who are physically handicapped, teach in an especially challenging educational environment or have “performed a heroic act” in the line of duty are eligible to apply for the $10,000...
Read More »

Gender and education program

The University of Missouri-Columbia is inviting educators to a free seminar called “Gender, equity and public schools: Where are we now?” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 16. The participants will include: Barbara Bank, professor emeritus of sociology and women’s and gender studies and editor of the upcoming Encyclopedia of Gender and EducationRead More »

St. Louis investment expert fills PSRS Board seat

A new member of the PSRS/PEERS Board of Trustees, who was appointed by Gov. Matt Blunt, is expected to bring a corporate perspective to the management of the pension plan’s assets. Jim O’Donnell, 55, fills a vacant seat on the seven-member board, which is made up of four elected and three appointed trustees. A St. Louis native, O’Donnell is president of ...
Read More »

Contribution rates to rise

The Public School and the Public Education Employee Retirement Systems Board of Trustees voted to raise contribution rates effective July 1, 2006. Members of PSRS will pay an additional .5 percent of their salaries, which brings the rate to 12 percent. PEERS rates will increase by .25 percent, and the new rate is 5.75 percent. School districts will match the...
Read More »

Missouri science standards get a “C”

The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, a nonprofit that studies K-12 issues, has given Missouri a “C” for its science standards. In a recent report, “The State of State Science Standards 2005,” the institute’s reviewers commend the state’s emphasis on life sciences and ecology, along with the competent development of “ideas of evolution.” The standards for ph...
Read More »

Panelists meet to discuss cut scores

If MAP is on your radar screen, you probably already know about the upcoming challenge — next spring, there will be exams in each grade from 3 to 8, and once again in grade 10 for math and 11 for communication arts. Here is the good news: There will be new achievement categories and new cut scores that determine the level of each student. And those scores...
Read More »

New report cards available

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has posted to its Web site the 2005 report cards for Missouri districts and school buildings. To look at a specific report card, go the DESE’s Web site at www.dese.mo.gov/schooldata, and choose a district from the scroll-down menu on the right. T...
Read More »

Free science and math training

You can get paid to receive top-quality professional development through the Missouri Center for Mathematics and Science Teacher Education. The center will sponsor two academies next summer geared toward retention of science and math teachers. The Mathematics and Science Teacher Leadership Academy will be held June 27-30, 2006, at the University of Missou...
Read More »

Journalism and poster contests

The Governor’s Council on Disabilities has announced two student contests — for a poster and for a journalistic report. The theme for both contests, “Inclusion leads to opportunity,” is meant to raise disability awareness among young people and inspire them to think of ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities. The winners in the two contests ...
Read More »

Test modifications: Hold on till 2007

Special-ed teachers are concerned about new guidelines from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that say reading the MAP communication-arts test to students with disabilities invalidates the score. An option that will allow for 2 percent of the number of special-ed students to have modified achievement standards or a modified assessment i...
Read More »

CEE continues legal fight

Following the adoption of a new foundation formula earlier this year, the Committee for Education Equality, a nonprofit group of 237 member school districts, has filed an amended petition in its school-funding lawsuit against the state. CEE's current members represent about 355,000 students. When it filed the lawsuit in January 2004, the group had 243 mem...
Read More »

Free money: Science grants, astronomy awards and more

Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources: The Toyota TAPESTRY grant program and the National Science Teachers Association are offering $10,000 and $2,500 grants to K-12 science teachers. The Astronomical Society of the Pacific honors U.S. tea...
Read More »

Science fellowships, young poets contest and more

Looking for recognition, free trips or a little extra funding for your classroom? Check out the latest postings to the Resources area of the MSTA Web site at www.msta.org/resources. The American Physiological Society is offering $8,500 fellowships to science teachers interested in “yearlong immersion in ph...
Read More »

High school confidential

A national survey of high school students suggests many adolescents feel their communication with teachers is strained and that they are not facing enough challenges in their classes. The High School Survey of Student Engagement was conducted by the University of Indiana. Participation was voluntary; more than 80,000 students responded. Half of the studen...
Read More »

Parents, yours is the power

The State Board of Education has adopted a resolution urging active parental involvement in children's learning and eliminating institutional barriers between schools and homes. The resolution follows a law passed this spring that required the State Board to adopt a “model policy” for parental involvement by Dec. 1. The bill had MSTA's support. The associ...
Read More »

eMINTS for all

Technology and teaching go hand-in-hand with this growing program. By Monica Beglau Good ideas in education seem to have a way of spreading, and eMINTS (enhancing Missouri's Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies) is no exception. Launched in 1997 as a pilot program in 13 St. Louis-area classrooms, the idea of pairing inquiry-based t...
Read More »

Do your students need more sleep?

Two recently released studies by researchers from Bradley Hospital and Brown Medical School shed new light on the sleep patterns of children and adolescents. One of the studies, which is to be published in the December issue of the journal Sleep, found that students ages 6 to 12 exhibited more attention and learning problems during a time period wh...
Read More »

Study tour of Japan

The Toyota International Teacher Program is looking for full-time high school teachers with at least three years of experience interested in exploring Japan’s education, culture, environment and technology. The program will select 20 teachers, who will visit Japan for 10 days. All of the trip’s expenses are covered. Applicants are expected to propose int...
Read More »

Missouri readers above average — but not so with math whizzes

Missouri students ranked below the nation's average in math, but above the average in reading, according to the results of the most recent round of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Surveyed Missouri fourth-graders scored an average of 235 in math and 221 in reading — out of a possible 500 score. Eight-graders scored 276 in math and 265 in ...
Read More »

Lewis and Clark fundraiser proceeds

The City of Jefferson Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Task Force invites schools to participate in Coins for the Corps — a statewide fundraiser in support of a monument of the historical discovery expedition. The monument, to be placed on the Capitol grounds in Jefferson City, will consist of the figures of captains Lewis and Clark, George Drouillard, the ex...
Read More »

High school standards approved

The State Board of Education has approved new high school graduation requirements that raise the minimum number of credits needed to graduate from 22 to 24. The new standards have been the subject of public discussions since this spring. As initially proposed, high school students will be required to earn four credits in English and three each in math, s...
Read More »

Help students cope with trauma

Now that children of families uprooted by Hurricane Katrina have been enrolled in Missouri schools for several weeks, some may be exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. There are strategies to help them recover. The International Center for Psychosocial Trauma, based in Columbia, offers training to teachers who want to be able to recognize...
Read More »

Improving rural education

By Mike Wood, MSTA director of governmental relations MSTA recently participated in a regional meeting on rural education. Representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma gathered Sept. 11-13 in Norman, Okla., to work on action plans to improve rural education. While each of the six states is somewhat different fr...
Read More »

Retirement questions? Check with PEERS

Legislation passed this year changed the name of the Non-Teacher School Employee Retirement System (NTRS) to the Public Education Employee Retirement System (PEERS). In general, PEERS membership is automatic for noncertified public school district employees who work at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis.* A school district that has not been making it...
Read More »

Quote of the Week

"Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life. Remember that fear always lurks behind perfectionism. Confronting your fears and allowing yourself the right to be human can, paradoxically, make yourself a happier and more productive person." ...
Read More »

Earn money for your school

Do you have old cell phones sitting in your closet? You can use them to participate in an educational recycling campaign and boost your school's budget. Motorola has invited schools to collect used cell phones and earn $3 for each. The company accepts any brand of wireless phones, but not smashed or partial phones. Schools that register for the campaig...
Read More »

Hurricane update

Missouri educators, parents and students raised thousands of dollars for victims of Hurricane Katrina last week through unique fundraising efforts. Meanwhile, children displaced by destruction and flooding in Gulf Coast areas continued to enroll in schools all over the state. One example of creative fundraising was Eagle Glen Intermediate in Raymore-Pecul...
Read More »

Schools raise money for hurricane victims

Some Missouri educators have come up with creative ideas to raise money for hurricane victims and instill the significance of giving in their students. At Mark Twain Elementary in Rolla 31, teachers may pay $1 to wear jeans on any given day this week. On Tuesday, almost all did so, says Kim Martin, president of the South Central Region, who teaches at the...
Read More »

Louisiana teachers rely on Missouri ties

Educators from areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina have come to Missouri and are frantically following the news to find out what happened to their homes and their students. Two blog entries from Louisiana teachers with Missouri ties describe the heart-breaking uncertainty. In an entry titled “A waiting game” on the Web site of Read More »

Katrina refugees to enroll in Missouri schools

Refugees from the states devastated by Hurricane Katrina have begun arriving to Missouri and are asking school districts to enroll their children in Missouri schools. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has sent a notice to superintendents, saying that refugees should be treated as homeless and enrolled promptly. Jim Morris, spokesman ...
Read More »

Disney Teacher Awards

K-12 teachers are eligible to be nominated for the 2006 Disney Teacher Awards. The awards recognize creative teaching methods that engage students “in a variety of stimulating ideas and experiences.” Every year, 45 honorees are recognized. Each one receives a $10,000 award, and their schools receive $5,000 each. Nancy Elliott, a science and math teacher i...
Read More »

Holistic education

Drury University, in partnership with the Yale Child Study Center School Development Program, is inviting teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, teacher educators and students to a conference. The annual event, called Developing Success for Youth, will take place Oct. 19-21 in Springfield. This year, the theme is, “Educating the Whole Child: Mind...
Read More »

Constitution Day

Under a new federal law, Missouri schools are required to teach about the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, the anniversary of the Constitution's signing in 1787. This year, the event falls on Saturday, so most schools will plan activities during the school days preceding Sept. 17. Click he...
Read More »

Are you "highly qualified"?

At the start of the school year, some special-ed teachers are wondering if they meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The IDEA, reauthorized last year, requires special educators to be “highly qualified” by Aug. 1, 2006. In Missouri, there is no need to lose sleep over the reauthorized IDEA: To meet the “highly qu...
Read More »

How the new formula works

In a nutshell, Missouri's new foundation formula for schools calculates district funding this way: Take your district's average daily attendance (ADA) number and multiply it by $6,117 per pupil. This is the amount legislators have considered adequate to educate a student in Missouri. Here's the fine print: To receive $6,117 per pupil, your district's ...
Read More »

A lawsuit update

The Committee for Educational Equality and the Coalition to Fund Excellent Schools are moving forward with the lawsuit that claims the state’s K-12 funding mechanism was — and still is — inadequate and inequitable. About 150 superintendents representing member districts of CEE met at Tan-Tar-A on July 31 to hear plans about filing a revised petition that...
Read More »

Back to school: Mind your finances

A recent survey of teachers showed that about 97 percent spend personal funds on school supplies. About two thirds said they lack adequate supplies for their classrooms. On average, teachers said they spend $474.71 a year out of their pockets on classroom supplies. Only up to $250 of teachers' expenses on classroom supplies are eligible for federal tax de...
Read More »

Tighter graduation standards, inflated graduation rates

The State Board of Education gave preliminary approval in June to new graduation requirements that call for at least 24 credits, two units up from the previous requirements. The decision is expected to become final this fall, after analysis of feedback submitted during the 30-day comment period following the publication of the proposed rule in the Missouri R...
Read More »

ADHD research: More human contact, less medication

A recent study of children ages 6 to 12 found that behavioral therapy can reduce the amount of medication students need by two-thirds. The study, published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, found that combined treatment using psychotherapy and ADHD drugs appears to be more effective than either treatment alone. The results were c...
Read More »

Unfinished business and workers' comp

If you have an open workers' compensation claim and leave your district to accept other employment, the claim continues to be handled with your former district. Since the workers' compensation system deals with work-related injuries or illnesses, the facts of your claim should remain confidential unless you choose to disclose them to your new employer. ...
Read More »

Career Ladder bill restores benefits

Districts that left Career Ladder because of budget concerns in the past would be eligible to re-enter the program at their old matching levels — thanks to a bill passed with MSTA's support. Under current law, school districts that interrupted their participation in Career Ladder could rejoin only by matching state funds on a sliding scale based on the a...
Read More »

New formula still seen as insufficient

Committee for Educational Equality not giving up on lawsuit A group of about 250 school districts plans to continue its lawsuit claiming that Missouri's school funding system is unconstitutional despite the passage of a new foundation formula. The Committee for Educational Equality, a nonprofit coalition of school districts, filed the lawsuit a...
Read More »

Pre-K teachers educated but underpaid

Preschool teachers in Missouri place in the middle of the pack in terms of education, but have less experience and make less money than their peers nationwide, shows a study by the National Institute for Early Education Research. About 60 teachers from the Missouri Preschool Project were surveyed for the study, which found that, on average, they make a li...
Read More »

Missouri rural schools exceed expectations, report says

A report on rural education released this week says Missouri ranks high in rural poverty, but the academic performance of rural schools “is near the middle of the pack, somewhat better than expected under these circumstances.” “Why Rural Matters 2005” is the third edition of an analysis published by the Rural School and Community Trust. It is framed aroun...
Read More »

Ten Missouri high schools rank in Newsweek's top 1,000

Only one Missouri high school made it on the Top 100 list of public high schools nationwide that is to be published in the upcoming issue of Newsweek. Metro Academic and Classical High School in St. Louis, which has an International Baccalaureate diploma program, ranked No. 48 on the list. The school was started in 1971 as an alternative high schoo...
Read More »

Technology available but underused in Missouri K-12 education

Missouri ranks high in availability of technology to K-12 students, but the state is not using that technology as well as other states, according to rankings in Technology Counts 2005. The eighth edition of Education Week's annual report on educational technology was released May 5. The analysis found that, nationwide, the focus of school spending...
Read More »

Teachers express concerns at DESE regional meetings

State education officials are traveling across the state this week in search of a “consistent message” from teachers and administrators about the content of a proposed rule on high school graduation requirements. The High School Task Force in April released recommendations calling for all students to complete 24 credits before being allowed to graduate, i...
Read More »

Educators begin discussion of high school recommendations

The recommendations of the state High School Task Force presented last week have generated a buzz among Missouri educators, who are talking about the possible implications to their districts. In a presentation to the State Board of Education Friday, the task force suggested making high school education more rigorous by adding two credit hours to the curre...
Read More »

High school graduation changes proposed

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released a statement about the recommendations of the High School Task Force. Read the statement at http://dese.mo.gov/news/2005/hstaskforce.htm....
Read More »

Grant search

Click here to check out the latest grants for classroom and library projects, travel and professional development opportunities, student contests and awards for educators. And don't forget to check your region's Web page for MSTA minigrants!...
Read More »

On the eve of budget hearings, educators rally for funding

The governor asked, and they came. Most of the state's prominent education groups responded to a request from Gov. Matt Blunt to rally in Jefferson City Wednesday in support of education funding. MSTA members, students, administrators and school board members filled the Capitol rotunda to overflowing. Read More »

MAP update

DESE's assessment staff updated the State Board of Education on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) at its March meeting. This PowerPoint presentation was used to provide the Board and audience with current information on test development and progress. MSTA staff requested the PowerPoint in order to share this same information with teachers. Special thanks...
Read More »

Program calls for more early childhood data

An estimated one quarter of Missouri children lack preparation for school. A recently released report by the National School Readiness Indicators Initiative suggests 23 indicators of school readiness that can lead to more effective policies and investments in early childhood. Among other indicators, the analysis calls for consistently tracking the perc...
Read More »

Fingerprint checks backlogged

School districts trying to get new hires on board are facing about a three-month waiting period to get the results of the applicants’ fingerprint checks. A law passed last year requires districts to conduct fingerprint background checks on anyone whose job involves contact with students. For each new job applicant, two sets of fingerprint cards have to be...
Read More »

Policies on academic freedom

Many school districts formally acknowledge the professional rights and responsibilities of their staff in an Academic Freedom board policy. One of the main purposes of such a policy is to "strive toward the free exchange of ideas in the classroom," within the scope of the district's policies on curriculum and instructional materials. If you are engaging your...
Read More »

Ho ho hmmm...

Enjoy the upcoming holiday activities in your school community, but don't use them as an opportunity to relax the rules. Here are a few situations you may encounter and tips on how to respond: Check with your facilities or maintenance manager to ensure that lighted or other electrical displays are safe. There probably is not a "holiday party" e...
Read More »

Pause before you speak

There are many situations related to your school-district employment where you may be interviewed because you were a participant, an alleged participant or a witness. If you are asked to make a statement by your administrator, Department of Social Services officer, the school resource officer or any other any law-enforcement officer, hit the "pause" button. ...
Read More »

Take care of yourself

Private matters such as family discord, financial difficulties, substance abuse, depression and stress affect our work lives. Sometimes the holidays exacerbate unpleasant circumstances. If you want help handling these or others issues, check your district's human resources policies to determine if there is an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The primary go...
Read More »

Clear to partly sunny

The state's Sunshine Law limits to a narrow list of exceptions the circumstances in which a meeting, record or vote of a local school board may be closed to the public. The exceptions are optional, not mandatory, which means the board may choose to conduct its business on any topic openly. If a school board plans in advance to hold a closed meeting or vot...
Read More »

Hold that thought

Public school employees do not have an absolute right in the workplace to speak what's on their minds. To be protected by the First Amendment, the speech must address a matter of public political, social or other concern. If a teacher in the classroom expresses a private opinion on a controversial topic, he or she may be subject to disciplinary proceedings. ...
Read More »

Highly qualified paraprofessionals

There appears to be some confusion regarding which paraprofessional positions must meet the No Child Left Behind Act qualifications. Paraprofessionals with instructional duties in school-wide Title I, Part A schools must meet the new requirements, regardless of the source of funding of a particular position. In targeted assistance Title I, Part A schools, on...
Read More »

Family and Medical Leave Act

The Family and Medical Leave Act is intended to provide qualified employees with some means to balance their work and family responsibilities. It is unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks during a defined 12-month period. An employee continues to receive employer-paid group health benefits and retains other employment benefits that the employee already has accrued. ...
Read More »

Take this job and post it!

State personnel law (merit system) regulations require public notice of available positions, both open competitive positions and those available by promotional examination. However, DESE is not one of the state departments regulated by merit system rules and has not required school districts to announce job openings or vacancies by public notice. School boar...
Read More »

Please release me, let me go...

Any staff member who is under contract to work for a district for a specified term must stay for the duration of the contract - unless it is terminated in accordance with provisions of the contract, applicable state law or board policy. If you want to be released from your contract, the first thing you must do is check your district's policy on early release...
Read More »

Separation of church and state and the faculty room

A question has been raised whether prayer before a faculty meeting is constitutionally permissible. The establishment clause of the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution provides for government neutrality concerning religion, i.e., the separation of church and state. The Missouri Constitution has even stricter prohibitions in this area. Practices that ma...
Read More »

Payroll again?

A few weeks ago in the legal briefs, we reminded you to confirm the accuracy of your payroll and paycheck information. If you have any concerns about your salary or other items, pursue these issues promptly and through the proper channels. At least one Missouri court has held that a school district is not required to correct payroll claims from past budget y...
Read More »

It probably doesn't seem small to you

Small claims courts are divisions of the Missouri circuit courts for cases where the maximum amount of one side's claim is $3,000. The small claims system is designed to be user friendly, so that people can pursue or defend their own cases. However, litigants are permitted to be represented by counsel. Litigation, no matter how informal, can be time-consumin...
Read More »

FERPA and disclosure rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of certain student education records defined in the act. Schools may disclose "directory" information without consent of the parents or eligible students. This includes data such as a student's name; address; telephone number; date and place of birth; awards, hon...
Read More »

Hold the popcorn

The federal copyright law provides a broad exemption for the face-to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution that take place in a classroom or similar place of instruction. The exemption relieves a public school teacher of the obligation to obtain permission to use copyrighted works such as videos. To be covered by this exemption, how...
Read More »

Calling all members — your first homework assignment

Carefully review the payroll receipt or pay stub you receive from your first paycheck. Be sure that:you are being paid at the appropriate and agreed-upon salary. you and the district are contributing to the correct retirement plan. your required and authorized deductions for other items are being made. your accumulated leave time is co...
Read More »

Smile, you're on Candid Camera!

Generally, school surveillance cameras installed in hallways, school buses and other locations are intended as security records. If you have hallway or bus duties, do not rely exclusively on the fact that a camera is present. You still must be proactive in maintaining student discipline and decorum according to board policy. The camera recording is backup in...
Read More »

House finds more dollars for education

The Missouri House worked long hours this week in order to pass the fiscal year 2005 budget, and the outcome made it worth the extra hours. House members appropriated an additional $144 million for education. HB1002 (Bearden) is the appropriations bill for K-12 education. This budget not only restores the governor's withholdings to education, but provides...
Read More »

My way or the highway?

There is nothing inherently bad about change. If your supervisor requests or suggests that you perform your duties in a different way, do not refuse to change. That attitude may provide grounds for termination. More important, refusing to adapt means you will miss opportunities for growth, creativity, experimentation and skill building. Read More »

Education funding bill proposes increase

HB1002 (Bearden), the appropriations bill for elementary and secondary schools, has officially been filed. The bill includes a $121 million increase over what is currently being distributed in the basic formula and a $16 million increase in categorical funding. The total proposed increase for education is $138 million. The bill falls below the governor's ...
Read More »

Everyday technology ideas

Technology classrooms pose a number of environmental challenges. In addition to the space needed for usual classroom activities, technology rooms must fit hard drives, monitors, printers, SMART boards and all sorts of wires — often into tight quarters. "The highest priority is creating an environment conducive to learning," says Ken Brooks, a business tec...
Read More »

Missouri voters favor raising taxes for schools, poll says

As lawmakers grapple over school funding at the statehouse, a poll released this week by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and KMOV-TV reported that most Missouri voters would favor a tax increase for schools. At the same time, the poll of 804 likely voters found Missourians are more deeply divided when it comes to tax increases for other state functions...
Read More »

New assessment on its way

Education officials have unveiled a timeline for a new statewide assessment, intended to replace the current version of the MAP. Officials announced at the recent State Board of Education meeting that the new test is in the early phases of development. The math and communications arts portions will be implemented in 2006; science will come on line in 200...
Read More »

Formula lawsuit filed

A coalition of 243 Missouri school districts and several education organizations, including MSTA, filed a lawsuit Jan. 6 challenging the state school funding formula. The Committee for Educational Equality says the current formula, adopted in 1993 after a similar lawsuit forced legislative action, did not fix the gap between Missouri's poorest and wealthi...
Read More »

Missouri high court upholds Holden’s authority

The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court’s decision that affirmed Gov. Bob Holden’s constitutional power to withhold money appropriated to schools. Holden withheld $197 million from K-12 education in July. Fourteen public school districts, most from suburban Kansas City, argued the governor had no power under the Missouri Constitution t...
Read More »

Confidentiality of medical records

Missouri state law and public policy protect the confidentiality of medical records in many circumstances. You may be asked to provide your medical history to your district's new insurance company. However, you can avoid disclosure of private medical information to school district employees while meeting the insurance company’s need for information. Advise t...
Read More »

Helping children cope with war

When parents are called to active military duty, their children bear the burden, too. It is important that school be a supportive and secure environment for these children. The Association for Childhood Education International released the following tips for educators. • Encourage the child to talk, share feelings and discuss the situation openly and ...
Read More »