The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008 - (Page 3)

College of Education News PLS recommended for statewide mission rice Lab School may have a statewide mission in the future if recommendations of a UNI and Iowa Department of Education feasibility study are adopted. A task force meeting in Fall 2007 determined that “not only is it feasible to create an Iowa research and development school, such a school will be highly advantageous for the entire state.” Task force members agreed that the function of such a school would go beyond research and development to include demonstration and dissemination of best teaching practices (RDDD). This proposed program should be centered at the existing Price Laboratory School (PLS), overseen by the University of Northern Iowa. The group’s report further states that the plan to expand the PLS role promises clear benefits to UNI by enhancing its connections to Iowa schools, advancing the relationship with the Department of Education, and increasing the research knowledge from UNI’s colleges involved in educating teachers. The next step is to appoint members to two project committees who will report to the Board of Regents, Iowa Legislature, State Board of Education and governor by January 2009. One committee will identify new funding sources and develop a plan for on-going operational and capital funding for the RDDD school. The second committee will focus on P implementation and create a transition plan for expanding the role of PLS as an RDDD school with a detailed governance structure. The RDDD school will work with Iowa in-service K-12 educators and college/university students preparing to be teachers and administrators. Iowa school districts, area education agencies and colleges/universities will be recruited and selected to partner with the RDDD school at UNI to test and implement promising and innovative practices developed. These practices will then be disseminated to Iowa educators statewide. Iowa Legislature funds Regents’ math/science initiative T he Iowa Legislature approved $4 million for the Board of Regents, State of Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Collaborative Initiative. The initiative is led by the University of Northern Iowa in collaboration with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University. The initiative will improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students; prepare more high-quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools; and promote statewide collaboration and cooperation. UNI President Ben Allen said, “We appreciate the outstanding support of the governor, his staff and the legislators for their confidence and funding of this initiative. We look forward to working with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, and with all the stakeholders across the state on this vital task of restoring Iowa’s historic leadership position in math and science education.” The Regents’ Mathematics and Science Education Institute will be housed at UNI and have faculty and staff distributed at all state universities. The goal is to increase the number of math, science and technology teachers in Iowa. Jeff Weld, initiative leader and UNI associate professor of biology, said, “I’m excited to work collaboratively with the various stakeholders as we strengthen math and science education opportunities for teachers and our young generation of students who will prove to be the backbone of our 21st century economy and society.” Other initiative goals include the Star Math and Science Majors to Teaching program to address a teacher shortage by recruiting students into math and science teaching; Science and Math Teacher Real World Interns who will have summer math and science-related internships in the private and public sector for math and science; wider implementation of Project Lead The Way (PLTW) across Iowa that targets math and science curricula and student recruitment to math and science careers; and community college STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) instructor preparation and updates to address a shortage of math and science instructors at community colleges. Excellence in Education—Spring/Summer 2008 3 http://www.pls.uni.edu

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The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008 Contents PLS Recommended For Statewide Mission Iowa Legislature Funds Regents' Math/Science Initiative School Counselors Reinstated For All Iowa School Districts Human Performance Center Dedicated DVDs Illustrate Early Childhood Education Standards UNI Leads in Solving Shortage of Special Education Teachers Iowa Initiative to Reduce Unintended Pregnancies Service to Special Olympics Olympic Champ Brings Coaching Techniques to UNI Meet Tomorrow's Promising Educators Len Froyen Multicultural Initiatives in Teaching Program Technology Facilitator Certificate Program Offered in Fall UNI Only Regents University Offering Technology Teacher Preparation Curriculum and Instruction All-University Professional Development Day Premieres Barb Hill - Known to All Teacher Education Majors Teacher Work Sample - A Window Into Students' Teaching Faculty and Student Award Winners Graduates - Where Are They? Career Notes UNI College of Education Receives 1.1 Million Dollar Gift Scholarship Needed

The University of Northern Iowa College of Education - Summer 2008

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