TEEAP News

Now is the time to take action.  This is the biggest thing that will have the most impact on our field.  We will be a nationally tested area.  We need to make sure we are ready!  If we do not deliver who knows what will be coming next.  Everyone needs to give input to the survey!!  We need to encourage our people to be involved for if we are not we will be stuck with what the people who do get involved have to say.

NAEP Technological Literacy Framework for the 2012 test is open for public comment through January 15, 2010 (http://www.edgateway.net/cs/naepsci/view/naep_nav/9).  The framework is still in the development phase. Comments and suggestions are being accepted through January 15, 2010, using the online feedback survey. The National Assessment Governing Board is scheduled to take action on the recommended framework in March 2010. In addition to feedback on the framework as a whole, the project would like specific input on a title for the assessment. It has been suggested that “Technological Literacy” may not appropriately represent the contents of this framework. The Governing Board will be considering a title change and welcomes any alternative suggestions.

Do you have the student who has an amazing idea… one that could be patented and possibly be taken to the commercial marketplace?  The Spirit of Innovation Awards is looking for great ideas, amazing innovations, and entrepreneurial projects that solve real world challenges. Win a trip to California and an opportunity to meet industry leaders and venture capitalists who are also looking for great ideas.
 
To learn more visit www.conradawards.org  The deadline is December 15th!

Thanks to everyone who attend and was a part of the operation and planning of this year’s TEAP Conference! Special thanks to all Presenters and Exhibitors who provide the attendees with great information and new ideas. There are a number of items available on the website from this year’s conference including Yvonnne Spicer’s presentation which can now be viewed on the TEAP website on the Conference Follow-Up Page. In addition, you can also view and download the 2009 TEAP Conference Exhibitor’s Guide that can provide you with contact information for all of the companies, organizations, and educational institutions who were present on the exhibit floor this year.

2009 TEAP Recognitions:

• Dr. Joe McCade – Council for Leadership Exemplary Leadership Award
• Elizabeth Anderson – Dr. Nevin Andre Award (for her article IA to TE in Warren County)
• Joanne Trombley – TEAP Presidential Special Recognition
• Tanner Huffman – TEAP Outstanding Regional Vice President Service Award
• Bill Weitzmann – TEAP Silver Service Award
• Bill Bertrand – TEAP Outstanding Service Award
• Ed Hine – TEAP/ITEA Middle School Teacher Excellence
• Steven Drake – TEAP/ITEA High School Teacher Excellence
• Boyertown Jr. High Schools – TEAP/ITEA Middle School Program Excellence
• Lower Merion High School – TEAP/ITEA High School Program Excellence
• William J. Wilkinson Scholarship – Gary Thomas (Cal. U.) and Lucas Sandoe (Millersville)

Congratulations to all who were recipients of TEAP Awards and recognitions! Please consider applying for the TEAP/ITEA Teacher and Program Excellence Awards for next year. You are more than welcome to nominate a colleague or program that you feel should be recognized, or fill out the application for yourself or your own program for submission! Contact Joe McCade or Jared Bitting for more information regarding these opportunities!

The TEAP Annual Scholarship is named in honor of William J. Wilkinson, a founding father of the TEAP organization and the second person to serve as President of the Association. Not only did Wilkinson help to create the Association, but he remained active in the Association from the formative years prior to charter in 1952 until his passing in 1997. Wilkinson set a standard for professional service that literally spanned more than 50 years.

The Technology Education Association of Pennsylvania (TEAP) awards a scholarship annually to assist outstanding technology education students in their preparation as technology education teachers. The purpose of the scholarship is to promote the growth and leadership of prospective technology education teachers. It is to be used for paying undergraduate tuition and fees at a Pennsylvania university preparing technology education teachers. The total amount of the scholarship is $1,000.

An interest bearing endowment account has been established to fund the annual scholarships. Every person who joins or renews membership with TEAP will be donating one dollar ($1.00) for each year of membership dues paid. Larger volunteer cash donations are also being sought. These donations may be mailed to the Scholarship Committee Chairperson.

Applications for the scholarship are distributed during the annual TEAP conferences and appear in the Spring issue of the TEAP Journal. They are also available from the TEAP Scholarship Committee Chairperson. Applications are also available in both Adobe and Word format versions. These applications can be found on the TEAP Scholarship page which contains much of the information above in addition to a list of some of the recipients from past year.

Click HERE for a flyer concerning the scholarship. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship you can access the application form on our website at http://www.teap-online.org/awards/Scholarship.pdf. The deadline for application is October 10th every year.

We are thrilled that John Martincic of Forest Scientific has volunteered to donate a full router to the school of one of this year’s attendees of the TEAP Conference.  John stated that he was making this donation to help out TEAP and its members during this downturn in economy as well as to give all of you an incentive to register for the conference. Click here to view the poster concerning this opportunity.

ITEA’s 2009 Louisville Conference was the launch date for ITEA’s latest initiative to help its membership become stronger leaders through the use of GREEN initiatives toward building a sustainable environment. ITEA’s President-Elect, Gary Wynn, DTE, spoke at the President’s Roundtable to the Affiliate Representatives about this initiative that will include members being involved in the following ways:

• Learning to teach the basics of GREEN TECHNOLOGY in their program.
• Building a state team of ITEA leaders who are teaching about GREEN in their programs.
• Becoming a part of a larger ITEA networking group, working at the national level to teach about GREEN TECHNOLOGY.
• Leading their community, school, and students in creating a more sustainable society.
  Being dedicated to making the technology/engineering teaching profession one of the best in the field of education.
• Becoming an outspoken professional and advocate about the importance of teaching technology/engineering in their community.
• Helping fellow teacher by inspiring greatness far greater than what they could develop by themselves.
• Going the extra step to help their fellow teachers and colleagues.
• Helping their colleagues be recognized and rewarded for being outstanding educators.

Wynn used examples of GREEN initiatives such as the ongoing statewide initiative by the Pennsylvania state association. ITEA Past President, Andy Stephenson, DTE, has volunteered to lead this nationwide effort, which will include a website, learning communities, and numerous other activities that will help ITEA members use their leadership skills in leading education.  Members who want to know more about this initiative or want to lead with Stephenson should watch ITEA communications and publications as well as contact Stephenson at andy.stephenson@fayette.kyschools.us.
 
For more information about ITEA’s GREEN initiatives, go to www.iteaconnect.org or email itea@iteaconnect.org.

Bill Bertrand recently received permission to share the newly proposed revised standards for Science and Technology that were finalized in June. Everyone must know that they have not been approved by the State Board of Education but are going through the approval process at this time. When they are officially approved they will be published in the PA Bulletin which will make them law. They will soon be place on the PDE website or Ed Hub portal. You may use them in your planning of curriculum for your district. Any questions and comments should be directed to William Bertrand (wbertrand@state.pa.us) and he will share them with the appropriate people. Please pass this on to those who you feel should know but be sure to note that they are not approved by the State Board as of yet but are going through the process to be approved.

The proposed Revised Pennsylvania Standards for Science and Technology will be posted very soon on the TEAP Website, or links will be provided to the PDE Ed Hub so you can access them directly. This is exciting news, and be sure to go view them to see the changes that have been made.

The people at Future City are excited to kick-off the school year by inviting you to participate in the 2010 Future City Competition.

This years focus will be Sustainability and creating an Eco-Friendly home/city… We certainly hope you can join us for this fantastic competition. The Competition Day has been set for January 24, 2010 at The Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg, Pa.

If you are planning on competing in the Future City Competition this year, Please go to register at http://www.futurecity.org/registration.shtm. Once you are registered, we will be sending your informational packets, SIM CITY Software and other related materials.

Also, they have several new mentors available this year, please send me an email if you are in need of one.
Let William Sutton know if you have any questions.

William Sutton, LEED® AP
Regional Coordinator
wsutton@futurecity.org
717-319-3409

August 3-7, 2009 @ Lock Haven University, Clinton County, PA

A Four-Day Professional Development Workshop
for Middle & High School Teachers of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Earn PA Act 48 Hours or Graduate Education Credits (approval pending)

Looking for lab and field activities that will increase understanding and protect aquatic biodiversity? Join this unique monitoring network that will immerse your students in important biodiversity issues and research. This field, lab, and classroom course will provide you and your students with the opportunity to team-up with practicing scientists to explore aquatic biodiversity issues in the context of the Susquehanna Watershed and the Chesapeake Bay. The Susquehanna Biodiversity Network activities will help teachers provide students with:

• Meaningful lab and field experiences
• Real world monitoring that will document native crayfish, freshwater mussels and aquatic invasive species

Participants will receive many valuable resources including:

• A Pennsylvania standards-based activity guide and (2) An introduction to using Google Earth satellite imagery software Collecting equipment, and field guides
• Schools participating in the monitoring network will also be eligible to receive hand-held global positioning units (GPUs) and a $500 field trip implementation grants that can cover bus transportation.

Note: Teachers and their principals will be asked to commit to implement the SABN monitoring activities in their school district and to provide Network field activities for their students. Participants will be surveyed prior to the workshop about their background, school curriculum, and equipment needed to best serve individual schools.

Cost: The workshop cost is $100 per person for Act 48 credit OR graduate tuition. Space is limited to 20 participants. Double occupancy lodging is available for out-of-town participants on a first come first served basis. Lunch and snacks are provided. For registration and information contact: Ann Faulds, Pennsylvania Sea Grant 215-806-0894, afaulds@psu.edu. Workshop funding provided by NOAA B-WET program with additional support provided by Penn State University, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the National Sea Grant Program.

You can see the official Flyer HERE and the Tentative Agenda HERE.

Pennsylvania Sea Grant Program is a partnership of The Pennsylvania State University, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

So, here we are with one of the first real discussion related topics. As was said in the 2008 Summer edition of the TEAP Journal, the summer is a great time to look around your local area for things to do. These local places are often not only enjoyable, but can be used as references in your classrooms for students to go and learn more about what you teach. For instance, where I live in the Lehigh Valley we have the DaVinci Science Center as well as the Reading Public Museum which often has some great events that are technology related. Currently, we also have the Kutztown Folk Festival which not only has arts and crafts but is a great way to see the history of technology in the Pennsylvania Dutch region. This year they have a great set up about Electric cars showing how they are not exactly NEW technology. My son and I plan to visit the Franklin Institute and maybe even take the drive out to the Air & Space Museum near Washington where they have the shuttle Enterprise as well as the SR71 Blackbird. Sure, my kid just wants to make sure it really isn’t a Decepticon, but I am sure we can fit some other learning in there as well.

So, now it is your turn. Please leave comments on places all around Pennsylvania that we as educators can use to help our students gain more knowledge about technology right here in Pennsylvania. We have a great history be it canals, coal mining, or even the first oil wells. Let’s us know what else is out there and we can build a list on the TEAP Website for future use!