The IDRA Newsletter is published 10 times a year. Each edition focuses on issues in education, striving to provide many different perspectives on the topics covered and to define its significance in the state and national dialogue. The IDRA Newsletter can only be mailed to U.S. addresses, but pdf and web copies are available online.
February 2012 ~ Articles
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February 2012 Focus ~ Teaching Quality Return to Archives Sign up to receive the newsletter by mail (free). Newsletter Executive Editor María "Cuca" Robledo Montecel, Ph.D. ISSN 1069-5672 |
The Need for Minority High Schools with a STEM Focus
There is an urgent need in the United States to develop methods and affect systemic change to increase interest and preparation of students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, particularly among minority students and girls. In this newsletter article, Nilka Avilés, Ed.D., describes several areas must be addressed to help set in place a STEM curriculum that serves all students.
Diversifying the STEM Pool – Revisiting the Recruitment of Underrepresented Students in STEM Careers
In this newsletter article, Paula Martin Johnson, M.A., discusses the poor job that is being done both in relating the amazing opportunities that STEM professions can provide and in exposing minority students and girls to the possibilities they have of attaining them. She points to the need for us to catch and keep their attention while we have them in our classrooms!
Professional Development in the 21st Century – Nine Structures for Coaching and Mentoring
In this newsletter article, Juanita C. García, Ph.D., begins a series on critical elements for a successful professional development program in the 21st century. She describes nine vital structures of IDRA’s coaching and mentoring professional development model, which has a special focus on teaching practices that work in classrooms with diverse student populations, particularly low-income and minority students and students with special needs.
Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program – Middle School Winning Essay
Seventh grader, Isaac Mata, writes about how the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program helped him do better in school as he helped an elementary tutee. Isaac received first prize in IDRA’s national essay contest at the middle school level.
February 2012 ~ Newsletter Plus
Classnotes podcasts on math and science instruction:
Access to Higher Levels of Mathematics – May 30, 2007
Five Dimensions of Mathematical Proficiency – July 13, 2007
Science is a Key to Life – October 15, 2007
Beyond the Worksheet in the Science Classroom – November 21, 2008
Professional Development for Secondary Math Teachers – September 29, 2009
Higher Math for All – April 18, 2011
Science Success for English Learners – August 26, 2011
Courageous Connections interview with a principal of an
Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program winning student essays
Info on IDRA’s Math Smart! and Science Smart! professional development models
Excerpts from Minority Women in Science – Forging the Way
Marianita Chee’s Story
Esther Nelson’s Story
Sample Lesson: “Growing Bacteria in a Culture” (pdf)
Recent Podcasts 