Education
STEM Education / LASER Awards Program on TVW
Submitted by saraneppl on Fri, 04/30/2010 - 4:46pmOur Monday program "Education Series: What Do We Really Mean by STEM Education? A Discussion Among the 2010 Science Champions – The Science Education Advocate Awards presented by Washington State LASER" may be sold out, but you can still watch the video!
This program will be broadcast on TVW at the following times:
May 5th at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
May 6th at 2:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
May 9th at 1:00 p.m.
TVW is:
In Seattle, Channel 23
In Seattle - UW, Channel 68
In Seattle - Central District, Channel 95
The video will also be available online; visit our Past Events page next week for a link!
For more channel information visit TVW.org
2010 LASER Award Winners
Submitted by saraneppl on Mon, 04/05/2010 - 2:05pmIt's awards season here at CityClub! As we gear up for the Jefferson Awards by asking you to vote to choose our National Nominee, we're also excited to host a luncheon honoring the Washington State LASER Science Education Advocate Award winners for the third year in a row.
The LASER website explains it best: "the awards are presented to up to five individuals, organizations, or project teams, who have exhibited outstanding advocacy for science education in the state of Washington by promoting the importance of science education among the general public or the education system."
This year, we'll ask the winners to weigh in on a new "buzz" term in the education world: STEM education. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - but what does it mean for Washington State's education system? Our winners will join us in conversation:
Read more...
The LASER website explains it best: "the awards are presented to up to five individuals, organizations, or project teams, who have exhibited outstanding advocacy for science education in the state of Washington by promoting the importance of science education among the general public or the education system."
This year, we'll ask the winners to weigh in on a new "buzz" term in the education world: STEM education. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - but what does it mean for Washington State's education system? Our winners will join us in conversation:
Dr. Peter Finch, Assistant Superintendent, West Valley School District, Yakima
Dr. Danny Grünbaum, Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle
Heritage High School Energy Smart program, Evergreen School District, Vancouver
Science Education Partnership, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
Dr. Stamatis Vokos, Professor of Physics, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle
Congratulations to this year's winners - learn more about them after the jump!Dr. Danny Grünbaum, Associate Professor of Biological Oceanography, University of Washington, Seattle
Heritage High School Energy Smart program, Evergreen School District, Vancouver
Science Education Partnership, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
Dr. Stamatis Vokos, Professor of Physics, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle
Read more...
Education Funding: What do you think?
Submitted by saraneppl on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 11:19am
Moderator Bob Watt (Board Chair, The Seattle Foundation; Vice Chair, Thrive by Five Washington) asked a question about funding, citing the recent court decision stating that the state isn't living up to it's constitutional obligation to fully fund education. He asked what, if anything, our panelists thought would result from it.
Scott Oki, Founder and Chairman, Oki Developments, Inc.:
"I actually don't think we need any more money, I simply think we are misspending the money we already have... The United States employs more non-teachers than teachers on the public school payroll... If we shifted the labor base of our public school system away from central bureaucrats and put those resources in the classroom, we could probably actually do something... If we had the will... to simply put a cap; you can only spend 8% on overhead - the rest of the money has to go into the classroom. I bet you we would have plenty of money to hire more teachers, to pay them more money... We are simply misspending the existing $11 billion this state spends every year."
Lisa Macfarlane, Director of External Affairs, League of Education Voters, responds:
"I disagree significantly with this... I would be the first to say it's not all about money. We need resources and we need reform and if you add those two together then you will get results... I don't care which measure you pick, we are the bottom of the barrel... It's untenable if you want to provide all children, all children in this state with a quality education opportunity... To pretend that we have enough resources today is wrong. School districts have been making cuts. We're cutting down to the bone and it's hurting kids and it's hurting staff morale... It's an economic development issue. We're not going to, as a country or as a state, recover our economy and give our kids the jobs we need and they deserve if we don't invest in our public schools."
What do you think? Weigh in on this issue in the comments!
Air dates and times for "Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010"
Submitted by saraneppl on Fri, 02/26/2010 - 12:35pmMany thanks go out to Seattle Channel for turning around this video so quickly! They've got a set of air dates for when yesterday's program "Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010" will be on television for your viewing pleasure:
So mark your calendars!
Meanwhile, online video is forthcoming soon, and when we have that link, we'll tweet it - so if you're not following us on Twitter, now's a great time to start!
Thursday, March 04, 2010 - 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 05, 2010 - 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 10:00 p.m.
Monday, March 08, 2010 - 3:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 05, 2010 - 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 06, 2010 - 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 10:00 p.m.
Monday, March 08, 2010 - 3:00 a.m.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - 9:00 p.m.
So mark your calendars!
Meanwhile, online video is forthcoming soon, and when we have that link, we'll tweet it - so if you're not following us on Twitter, now's a great time to start!
A Few Links - getting ready for the education forum!
Submitted by saraneppl on Tue, 02/09/2010 - 1:06pmA few noteworthy tidbits from the expanse of the internet:
- League of Education Voters is keeping track of what's going on in the legislature's current session with regard to education on their Education Reform 2010 page - not so you don't have to, but so it's much easier. With categories like "Hot Education Bills", "Recent Press" and a list of resources, LEV's created an easily navigable collection of information and opinion about education reform in 2010. (LEV's Lisa Macfarlane, Director of External Affairs, is on our upcoming panel.)
- Did you know Scott Oki (also a panelist) has a new book out? Titled Outrageous Learning, the book's website says: "In this thought provoking new book, Oki describes the ills facing public schools and coolly applies the same frank, no-nonsense analysis that made him one of the most successful top executives at Microsoft and a recognized leader in the technology world."
If you find this topic as important and timely as we, don't miss the discussion on February 24. Additionally, we're putting the final touches on our 2009 Community Matters Campaign Final Report - the campaign focused on education and economic opportunity - and when it's ready, it will be available on our website. Coming soon!
- League of Education Voters is keeping track of what's going on in the legislature's current session with regard to education on their Education Reform 2010 page - not so you don't have to, but so it's much easier. With categories like "Hot Education Bills", "Recent Press" and a list of resources, LEV's created an easily navigable collection of information and opinion about education reform in 2010. (LEV's Lisa Macfarlane, Director of External Affairs, is on our upcoming panel.)
- Did you know Scott Oki (also a panelist) has a new book out? Titled Outrageous Learning, the book's website says: "In this thought provoking new book, Oki describes the ills facing public schools and coolly applies the same frank, no-nonsense analysis that made him one of the most successful top executives at Microsoft and a recognized leader in the technology world."
If you find this topic as important and timely as we, don't miss the discussion on February 24. Additionally, we're putting the final touches on our 2009 Community Matters Campaign Final Report - the campaign focused on education and economic opportunity - and when it's ready, it will be available on our website. Coming soon!
Education Issues in the Washington State Legislature
Submitted by saraneppl on Wed, 02/03/2010 - 10:50amThis morning at 8:00 a.m., the Early Learning and K-12 Education of the State Legislature had a meeting. The Legislature's website describes the committee: "The Senate Early Learning&K-12 Education Committee considers
policy and finance issues related to schools and learning from birth
through twelfth grade and preparation for later learning experiences."
If you're interested in the nitty gritty of what's going on at the legislative level, they provide meeting agendas and, once each meeting begins, the meeting materials. (The links for meeting materials are located at the bottom of specific agenda pages.)
The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee's main page lists, on the right sidebar, links to related committees and to TVW, for RealAudio files of committee hearings. All this is great, but it can be a challenge to wade through and translate all of this information! Thankfully, there are many organizations out there focused on, and interested in, education issues. Take a look below at our list of co-presenting organizations: they can be great resources of information, and potential places to get involved!
If you're interested in the nitty gritty of what's going on at the legislative level, they provide meeting agendas and, once each meeting begins, the meeting materials. (The links for meeting materials are located at the bottom of specific agenda pages.)
The Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee's main page lists, on the right sidebar, links to related committees and to TVW, for RealAudio files of committee hearings. All this is great, but it can be a challenge to wade through and translate all of this information! Thankfully, there are many organizations out there focused on, and interested in, education issues. Take a look below at our list of co-presenting organizations: they can be great resources of information, and potential places to get involved!
CityUniversity of Seattle
City Year Seattle
Communities In Schools of Seattle
Leadership Eastside
Leadership Tomorrow
League of Education Voters
Northwest Association for Biomedical Research
Pacific Science Center
University of Washington College of Education
Washington Policy Center (link goes directly to WPC's Center for Education)
Washington State PTA
Western Washington University Woodring College of Education
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
City Year Seattle
Communities In Schools of Seattle
Leadership Eastside
Leadership Tomorrow
League of Education Voters
Northwest Association for Biomedical Research
Pacific Science Center
University of Washington College of Education
Washington Policy Center (link goes directly to WPC's Center for Education)
Washington State PTA
Western Washington University Woodring College of Education
YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
February 9 Special Election
Submitted by saraneppl on Mon, 01/25/2010 - 10:21amWere you a bit surprised to find a ballot in your mailbox this past week? Many people I've spoken with describe their reaction: holding their ballot in their hand, staring at it, and thinking hard - and not being able to figure out what they were supposed to be voting on.
The February 9, 2010 special election is made up of almost entirely school levies - you can find a full list of measures on the ballot here. Seattle voters will have only two propositions on their ballot: a capital levy and an operations levy. Click on each linked levy to go directly to the King County Elections webpage describing the levy, as well as for and against statements for each.
Happy voting!
The February 9, 2010 special election is made up of almost entirely school levies - you can find a full list of measures on the ballot here. Seattle voters will have only two propositions on their ballot: a capital levy and an operations levy. Click on each linked levy to go directly to the King County Elections webpage describing the levy, as well as for and against statements for each.
Happy voting!
Coming up in February! "Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010"
Submitted by saraneppl on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 12:02pmHeads up, education activists, enthusiasts, advocates and junkies! The next in our Education Series is coming together for February. "Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010" is also part of our Rapid Response Series, and we've got two panelists confirmed and ready to announce. Check it out below! As soon as we nail down a late February date, we'll have tickets ready to buy!
Education Series / Rapid Response - Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010
Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, Seattle
Registration: 11:30 a.m. | Program: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Panelists to date:
Erin Jones, Deputy Superintendent for Student Achievement, Office of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction
Lisa Macfarlane, Director of External Affairs, League of Education Voters
With diminishing funds and increasing needs from diverse student populations, the stakes around education have never been higher. The White House is challenging states to “race to the top” to get federal dollars but does Washington State have the right reforms in place? Our state legislature has a constitutional charge to fund basic education, but what is “basic” in the 21st century? Is arts and culture included? What about early learning? Will the lawsuit against the state move us any closer to fully funding basic education? With so many moving parts, how can citizens take an active role in shaping the future of education in Washington State? Bring your own questions and join us for this important conversation.
---------------
Education Series / Rapid Response - Addressing Education Reform and Funding in 2010
Town Hall, Eighth and Seneca, Seattle
Registration: 11:30 a.m. | Program: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Panelists to date:
Erin Jones, Deputy Superintendent for Student Achievement, Office of the Superintendent of
Public Instruction
Lisa Macfarlane, Director of External Affairs, League of Education Voters
With diminishing funds and increasing needs from diverse student populations, the stakes around education have never been higher. The White House is challenging states to “race to the top” to get federal dollars but does Washington State have the right reforms in place? Our state legislature has a constitutional charge to fund basic education, but what is “basic” in the 21st century? Is arts and culture included? What about early learning? Will the lawsuit against the state move us any closer to fully funding basic education? With so many moving parts, how can citizens take an active role in shaping the future of education in Washington State? Bring your own questions and join us for this important conversation.
2009 People's Choice Award Winners Announced!
Submitted by saraneppl on Thu, 11/05/2009 - 12:51pmOver the course of the Community Matters Campaign (CMC) this fall, we've convened hundreds of participants – both online and face-to-face – in community conversations about this year's theme: education and economic opportunity. During these sessions, participants voted on what they thought was the best strategy for working toward solutions to issues in these two areas. (We also offered the opportunity to vote on our webpage and at our events during CMC.)
They responded 2-1 in favor of the following two strategies outlined in the The Seattle Foundation's Healthy Community Report:
Our winner selection demonstrates the ecology of community engagement needed to make a difference. The People’s Choice Awardees represent a spectrum of organization format, scale and focus. One is a recently emerged organic and quickly changing organization formed by and for youth. Another unites youth and parents. Others bring diverse community sectors together to foster change and opportunity. Still others work on the systemic level through policy development and advocacy. It’s together - across these various modes of organization and action - that change can be created and sustained in our community.
We invite you to join us - as well as Eric Liu of the Guiding Lights Network and Norman B. Rice of The Seattle Foundation - in celebrating the diverse and dynamic organizations that make up the 2009 People’s Choice Award winners on the evening of November 16 from 6-8pm at City Hall in Seattle. Click here to learn more, and sign up now! (I should mention there will be cake. And hot cocoa!) Here's a snapshot from last year's party:
The 2008 winners!
MAD (Making A Difference) – MAD is a newly emergent youth led non-violence group whose mission is to advocate for victims of violence. (MAD currently has no website)
Puget Sound Off (PSO) – Eighteen area teens came together in the Summer of 2007 to design the Puget Sound Off website after gathering input from 180 peers, including the Mayor's Youth Council. PSO’s mission is to provide youth with a forum for discussion, artistic expression, and action as a way to empower and encourage youth to have a strong voice. The project aims be a catalyst for increasing youth involvement and engagement within the community while encouraging expression of one's beliefs, respect for others, and commitment to public service.
Para Los Niños - Para Los Niños is a grassroots community organization founded by members of the community it serves—the growing immigrant, Spanish-speaking population in South King County. Para Los Niños builds a healthy community with a focus on Latino immigrants. It supports holistic, family-based educational opportunities and builds lasting community networks.
4C Coalition - 4C is an acronym for Clergy, Community, and Children/Youth Coalition. In partnership with King County Superior Court, 4C provides mentors to young persons involved in the juvenile justice system. The 4C Coalition is not a program to solve a problem, but a process to provide possibilities: mentors to youth, church and community resources to families, and a united voice to the community and government agencies to educate and effectively address youth issues.
SOAR - A community coalition dedicated to building partnerships that support the healthy development and success of children, youth and families in King County. SOAR connects, convenes and catalyzes communities around common goals and strategies and strives to create alignment between systems, sectors, organizations, providers and practice.
League of Education Voters - The League works to improve Washington’s public schools through a grassroots statewide network of advocates. Its mission is to make Washington’s preschools, public schools, and colleges the best in the nation. Its goals are:
They responded 2-1 in favor of the following two strategies outlined in the The Seattle Foundation's Healthy Community Report:
- Involve families and communities in student achievement and aspirations
- Increase support for high-quality public schools
Our winner selection demonstrates the ecology of community engagement needed to make a difference. The People’s Choice Awardees represent a spectrum of organization format, scale and focus. One is a recently emerged organic and quickly changing organization formed by and for youth. Another unites youth and parents. Others bring diverse community sectors together to foster change and opportunity. Still others work on the systemic level through policy development and advocacy. It’s together - across these various modes of organization and action - that change can be created and sustained in our community.
We invite you to join us - as well as Eric Liu of the Guiding Lights Network and Norman B. Rice of The Seattle Foundation - in celebrating the diverse and dynamic organizations that make up the 2009 People’s Choice Award winners on the evening of November 16 from 6-8pm at City Hall in Seattle. Click here to learn more, and sign up now! (I should mention there will be cake. And hot cocoa!) Here's a snapshot from last year's party:
The 2008 winners!
2009 People’s Choice Award Winners!
MAD (Making A Difference) – MAD is a newly emergent youth led non-violence group whose mission is to advocate for victims of violence. (MAD currently has no website)
Puget Sound Off (PSO) – Eighteen area teens came together in the Summer of 2007 to design the Puget Sound Off website after gathering input from 180 peers, including the Mayor's Youth Council. PSO’s mission is to provide youth with a forum for discussion, artistic expression, and action as a way to empower and encourage youth to have a strong voice. The project aims be a catalyst for increasing youth involvement and engagement within the community while encouraging expression of one's beliefs, respect for others, and commitment to public service.
Para Los Niños - Para Los Niños is a grassroots community organization founded by members of the community it serves—the growing immigrant, Spanish-speaking population in South King County. Para Los Niños builds a healthy community with a focus on Latino immigrants. It supports holistic, family-based educational opportunities and builds lasting community networks.
4C Coalition - 4C is an acronym for Clergy, Community, and Children/Youth Coalition. In partnership with King County Superior Court, 4C provides mentors to young persons involved in the juvenile justice system. The 4C Coalition is not a program to solve a problem, but a process to provide possibilities: mentors to youth, church and community resources to families, and a united voice to the community and government agencies to educate and effectively address youth issues.
SOAR - A community coalition dedicated to building partnerships that support the healthy development and success of children, youth and families in King County. SOAR connects, convenes and catalyzes communities around common goals and strategies and strives to create alignment between systems, sectors, organizations, providers and practice.
League of Education Voters - The League works to improve Washington’s public schools through a grassroots statewide network of advocates. Its mission is to make Washington’s preschools, public schools, and colleges the best in the nation. Its goals are:
- Every child reads by the third grade, with more attention to early learning and the role of parents.
- Every child is taught by an excellent teacher. Like all professionals, teachers deserve ongoing mentoring and training.
- Every child graduates from high school ready for college, work, and life. Standards for high school graduation must align with college entrance requirements.
- All students master the math and science they need to succeed in our technology-driven economy.
- More investment in our children’s education, but also more accountability to ensure all children succeed.
Colleges Preparing Workers for 21st Century Jobs
Submitted by saraneppl on Thu, 10/08/2009 - 11:57amWe have one final follow-up from our 9/29 "Education for Today's Jobs" program; although rather delayed, we still feel it is relevant, and meant for sharing!
Diane, our executive director, returned from the event with a handful of printed copies of the map below. Provided by Charles Earl, Executive Director of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the map, titled "Colleges Preparing Workers for 21st Century Jobs", includes examples of occupations and breaks down a lot of great information.
Click on the thumbnail below for a larger, infinitely more readable version of the map!
CityClub events: