Indiana Department of Education -- Education Matters E-News
SPOTLIGHT: In rhythm with ISTEP+
Performing arts promote academic performance
June 20, 2008
ELKHART – Hawthorne Elementary third-grader Diana Baena, 9, sits with a bright orange, yellow, blue and red drum squeezed between her legs. One hand touches the rim, and the other is suspended – frozen in space – above the drumhead’s center as she waits in anticipation to strike the first beat. Music teacher Dawn Ashton then nods to Diana’s group.
In unison, Diana, along with five of her 30 classmates participating, hit the center of the drumhead twice, then the outer rim more rapidly. The pum–pum pa-pa-pa-pa produces such a low-bass sound that it can be felt in the pit of your stomach.
News Briefs
Survey finds that Hoosier students are setting sights on higher education
June 23, 2008
According to Learn More Indiana’s 2007-2008 Annual Career and College Information Survey results, Hoosier students are setting their sights on college; however, results also reveal that students are unfocused when it comes to planning and preparing for life after high school. Learn More Indiana, a state effort to help more Hoosiers get to and through college, surveyed 56,128 ninth-grade students and 45,571 eleventh-grade students at more than 320 public and private high schools across the state about their plans for the future.
Reed joins top official to visit workshop, promote math, science, engineering
June 12, 2008
Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed joined Kristine Cohn, the top official for the U.S. Department of Education’s Region V, on her visit to a summer workshop for 3rd-5th grade math and science teachers at Marian College in Indianapolis. Recognizing that science, technology, engineering and math (or STEM) have become the new currency of the global economy, the visit by Reed and Cohn was part of an ongoing effort to promote innovative practices that help spark students’ enthusiasm for these subjects. The visit also served to increase awareness of the I-STEM Resource Network, a partnership of Indiana’s public and private higher education institutions, K-12 schools, businesses and government that is working to improve STEM education throughout the state.
Reducing air pollution keeps Hoosiers, Earth healthy
June 2, 2008
Did you know the average adult breathes approximately 3,400 gallons of air in one day? To ensure the air we breathe is clean, the Indiana Department of Education encourages Hoosiers to reduce harmful emissions through this month’s Learn Green, Live Green focus titled “Breathe Easy.”
Painting by Spencer County artist named official painting of Indiana's Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration
May 19, 2008
At an announcement with more than 1,000 Indiana school children, Connie Nass, chair of the Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, announced that the painting “The Life of Abraham Lincoln” by Spencer County artist Thomas Kennedy has been named the official painting of Indiana’s Abraham Lincoln bicentennial celebration. She added that the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission has endorsed the painting.
Recognition
High school students wins contest to be a radio, TV star
May 20, 2008
The votes are in: Jeffrey Williams, a freshman at Hamilton Southeastern High School, is the new Learn More Indiana Spokesperson. He will star in radio and television advertisements that teach students the steps it takes to get to college and will promote college access and success at future events including high school functions and the annual Back to School Bus Tour with Russ Parr at the Indiana State Fair.
“I’m going to college to get the education I need to make my dreams come true,” Williams said. “Therefore, I’m honored to be Learn More Indiana’s Spokesperson, especially since media and movie production are my passion.”
Carmel High School wins National Economics Challenge
May 19, 2008
Carmel High School, along with Vestavia Hills High School in Alabama, defeated other finalists from a field of more than 1,000 teams from across the country to become champions in the National Economics Challenge competition. Sponsored by the National Council on Economic Education and the Goldman Sachs Foundation, the competition has two divisions: the Adam Smith Division, for those enrolled in advanced placement, international baccalaureate and honors economics courses, and the David Ricardo Division, for students enrolled in single semester general economics courses. Carmel High School, taught and coached by Michelle Foutz, won the David Ricardo Division. The school also placed third nationally in the Adam Smith Division.
Teachers win Best Buy Teach Awards
May 19, 2008
Best Buy's Teach Awards recognized several teachers nationally, including one of Indiana's Milken Educator Award winners, Jeff Rudkin of Batchelor Middle School in Bloomington. Rudkin and the other teachers were given gift cards to purchase technology for their students to use and learn. Since 2004, the Best Buy Teach Award program has awarded over $17 million to over 6,000 K-12 schools nationwide.
Rudkin's school won a $10,000 prize in February, making it a finalist for a larger award. In May, the school was named the Midwest winner and received a $100,000 gift card, benefitting every school in the district.
JUNE/JULY 2008
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