City Educators Magazine

Nashville’s Leading Teacher Lifestyle Magazine

City Educators Holiday Shopping

Discount List Tennessee Names 2012 Teacher of the Year

All I Want for Christmas:

iPad Apps History & Benefits of Educational Technology

Music Makes Us:

The Nashville Music Education Project

TABLE OF

City Educators December 2011

Feature

4 Technology

11 School Nutrition Services

Steven Sanchez writes about the history and benefits of educational technology.

Deborah Walker shares an update from the Department of School Nutrition Services.

5 All I Want for Christmas: iPad Apps by Dr. Karen Lea from Trevecca University

6 Recognition

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14 Fashion Cameo Bobo discusses holiday shopping and checking off the discount list!

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Tennessee names the 2012 Teacher of the Year.

On Page 8, read about Music Makes Us: The initiative to make music education in Nashville world-class.

CITY EDUCATORS is published bi-monthly (Aug/Sep, Oct/Nov, Dec/Jan, Feb/Mar, Apr/May, Jun/Jul)

by Michael David Media, Michael Thompson, Owner. Post Office Box 2513, Brentwood, Tennessee 37024, (615) 832-5388. DISTRIBUTION: Free subscription to qualified recipients. See Website for additional distribution information. All rights are strictly reserved, and reproduction in whole or in part is expressly prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher. CITY EDUCATORS is funded privately and is not affiliated with--nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of--the local school district, education associations, its advertisers, or any other entity. CITY EDUCATORS is printed in the USA. Web address: http://www.michaeldavidmedia.com. Copyright Š 2011 Michael David Media.

President/Publisher Michael Thompson Vice President Deborah Thompson Editorial Contributors Cameo Bobo Karen Lea, Ph.D. Steven Sanchez Deborah Thompson Michael Thompson Tony Trussol Deborah Walker Advertising Sales Michael Thompson Published by Michael David Media P.O. Box 2513 | Brentwood, TN 37024 Tel. (615) 832-5388 | Fax (615) 832-1040 www.cityeducators.com info@cityeducators.com

City Educators

Technology The History And Benefits Of

Educational Technology

BY STEVEN SANCHEZ

The phrase "educational technology" has been around for many years, and it's also known as learning technology or instructional technology; nevertheless, attempting to define the term correctly may be something of an issue.

In 1963 the Association for Educational Communication and Technology (AECT) first identified the term based on the ideas of the Commission on Definition and Te r m i n o l o g y. T h e c o m m i s s i o n a f f i r m e d t h e t e r m ' a u d i ov i s u a l communications' but was able to replace it with other words once it gained enough support. The term 'educational technology' would not become accepted for another ten years.

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ducational Technology is a broad term that may refer to many different kinds of technology that might be discovered in the classroom. Many teachers see that the term means using computers, films, television and other electronics to enhance student learning. Usually it means the full array of instruments accessible to improve a student's knowledge of the subject matter in front of them.

The various tools of knowing technology could also refer to overhead projectors, calculators, laptop computers, audio recordings, DVD disks and players and more.

Having said that, most of us typically think of digital computer technology in collaboration with the classroom environment. The computer along with the Internet have influenced nearly every part of our culture, and computers inside the classroom are essential to prepare our children to operatein today'sworld.

The educational system ought to be significantly improved as a result of educational technology or

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e-learning, as well as a number of advantages that have been discovered. Distance learning has increased in popularity over the past couple of years. Online classes in virtual classrooms permit students to attend classes and earn credits even while keeping down a full time job. The class materials are posted online so students can study at a time practical for them.

Standard education in which the teacher speaks and the student soaks up information is a passive educational experience. Data will be remembered for exams and then promptly lost when the examine has ended. With e-learning, there is more interaction leading to far better retention and an increased capacity to use the acquired understanding in real life scenarios.

Information is offered in many various ways that maintain the focus of the student.

Researcher James A. Kulik examined the effectiveness of computers in the learning process and developed a number of interesting results. Students get more information in less time from internet based training.

The computer can provide instant comments to clarify incorrect answers on quizzes, and it is infinitely patient and non-judgmental which provides students a more optimistic mindset.

Other features about educational technology have been noted. Dropout rates have lowered and attendance has increased in universities that have added computers. Individuals feel even more engaged in their responsibilities and really produce higher quality work. Remarkably, when students make use of word processors to change their work, the overall quality of their writing elevates.

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All I Want ifor Christmas!

P a d A p p s

KAREN LEA, PH.D., PROFESSOR Trevecca Nazarene University

Getting tired of answering the question “What do you want for Christmas?” Would you love to be able to use an iPad in the classroom, but, when you look at the apps, they seem elementary? Don't despair, with a little searching, you can find quality apps for teaching content in the middle and high school classes.

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hen you can start the New Year with additional teaching strategies that engage your students using technology.

All you need is one iPad and a connector to a classroom computer or projector to project your iPad for the entire class to see. Middle school and high school teachers, check out these apps and start a list at your school. Add something different to your classes to motivate the students and teach in a new way.

Vocabulary/Grammar/Literacy: Words With Friends is a great app for learning new words and can be a competition between classes. Takes 2 minutes and could become a greatmotivator.

Pearson has a series of apps designed to practice the use of pronouns, commas, ….

Thesecanbeusedindividuallyorasaclass.

A series called Middle School Vocabulary Prep givespracticeof ageappropriatevocabulary.

Painless Spelling Challenge, Painless GrammarChallenge.

DailyGrammarLessons.

Literary Analysis Guide is a new way to teach genres.

Physical Education: My Football Coach, to show coaching strategies.

Fit Plus, JogNog, Stretch Fit, Running Log to add technology to life fitness. The technology mightbethekeyto motivatingsomestudents For you, check out PE App, a list of apps used in physical education classes. This list is constantly changing as individuals contribute their best ideas Food Allergy Facts First Aid Guide

Geography: There are several apps to give students a glimpse of other countries such as Discover Arabia and Anthems of the World.

You can include cultural information by using apps such as Jewish Days, Festivals, and Holidays.

History and Government: American Civil War Timeline, Tea Party 1773, US History Timeline, Chinese History Timeline all bring a different way of looking at history.

This Day allows you to start class by looking at the historical happenings of each day.

Manual for the United States which includes some primary documents.

U.S. Citizenship to challenge students to learn what is needed to pass the citizenship test.

Presidents of the United States as a way of seeing the presidents outside of a textbook.

Gettysburg 1863 demonstrates the war in stages with explanation for each troop movement.

The Revolution: Interactive Guide Science: Frog Dissection to demonstrate how to dissecta frogto help visual students.

3D Brain to teach studentsabouttheirbrains.

SkyORBand NASA Nowto explorespace.

Science360 and Explore Your World to see science as cannot be seen in textbooks.

Painless Earth Science, Painless Chemistry

Challenge.

Chemistry by Design.

Understanding the Planets.

Solar System Simulation.

Wind Tunnel to show concepts in interactive ways.

Newton's Cradle.

Coaster Physics.

3D Cell Simulation.

Pocket University.

Art and Music: Painting with the iPad. How to Draw.

123D Sculpt.

Discover Musical Instruments.

Virtual Guitar.

Z-Drums.

General: Career Explorer can be used in various classes such as math.

The Twilight Zone Radio Dramas can be used as writing prompts.

Cool Facts to catch student's attention (read the fact first).

Why as a motivational tool.

Teacher Pal to help you with managing teacher tasks.

Class Quiz Game.

Reasoning to teach critical thinking.

Common Core Standards for you.

A Gypsy's Tale and Redemption Cemetery as a critical thinking tool.

Big Brain Quiz.

Flashcards Deluxe.

Mathematics: McGraw-Hill has several apps, one I like is Baseball. Students review basic facts while playing baseball.

NETShaveappssuchasGeometryandTeach withTechnologytoassistyourteaching.

Crazy Cannon calculates angels and distance.

PainlessAlgebra Challenge.

A 965 series gives testing prep by grade level.

Math LeagueCon. Tests.

GEOBoard.

Graphing Calculator.

So, next time someone asks “What do you want for Christmas?”, consider responding “an iPad or a gift certificate for iPad apps.”

As these have done for me, you will find that they enhance your own learning and teaching.

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City Educators

Recognition

Tennessee Names

2012

Teache

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er of the Year Knox County high school teacher Byron A. Booker was named Tennessee Teacher of the Year during the annual Teacher of the Year banquet. Jennifer Magnusson and Ann Johnson are the grand division winners from Middle and West Tennessee respectively.

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eachers are the most important school-based factor in boosting student achievement," said Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman. "Teaching is a tough job, and one that requires great commitment. I want to congratulate Mr. Booker, Ms. Magnusson and Ms. Johnson on the example of high-quality teaching they’ve set for our state."

professional and tireless worker. "Every student wants to be in Ms. Johnson’s class," her principal said. "…If ‘Tennessee Teacher of the Year’ were in a dictionary, there should be a picture of Ann Johnson."

Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year award program and banquet are sponsored by the Niswonger Foundation, a Greenvillebased organization that provides student scholarships and resources for school systems in Tennessee. Each of the finalists receives a cash award courtesy of the foundation. For more information about the Niswonger Foundation, visit http://www.niswongerfoundation.org/.

Mr. Booker has spent the last five of his seven years in education teaching English as a Second Language at Knox Central High School. Mr. Booker is known not only for his excellence inside the classroom, but his compassion and hard work in his community. He develops strong relationships with his students, and teaches them about life as he teaches them English. One of his supervisors called him "a dynamo of advocacy for his international students."

"It is so important that we take the time to recognize our best teachers," said Barry Olhausen, executive director of instructional leadership for the state department of education.

"We have much to learn from them, and so do our students."

Ms. Magnusson has nearly 20 years of teaching experience, 15 of them in Tennessee. She currently teaches first grade at Pleasant Hill Elementary in Cumberland County. Parents and principals describe her as energetic, kind and knowledgeable.

"Mrs. Magnusson works magic in her room," one parent said.

For 16 years, Ms. Johnson has taught agriculture to students at Munford High School in Tipton County. Her passion is service leadership, and her colleagues praise her as a conscientious

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Music M

The initiative to make music educ

At the historic Ryman Auditorium, Mayor Karl Dean unveiled a revolutionary new approach to music education, pledging to make the music education program at Metro Nashville schools the worldwide leader.

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hrough a new initiative called Music Makes Us: The Nashville Music Education Project, the Metro Nashville Public Schools' music program will be overhauled and will include a new contemporary curriculum that utilizes new technologies in a way that reflects today's diverse musical landscape.

New classes in songwriting and composition, rock band and hip-hop performance and technologybased production such as recording and DJ/Remixing are expected to become part of the core curriculum at middle schools and high schools starting as early as next school year. At the same time, traditional music curriculum in band, orchestra and choir will be enhanced.

school district's music facilities, equipment and instruments.

"Whereas traditional PreK-12 music education programs rely heavily on orchestras, marching bands, and choirs, students in Nashville will start enjoying new outlets for their creativity as soon as the 2012 school year," said Dr. Jesse Register, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools. "Music Makes Us will promote strong music literacy, appreciation and creativity and will enhance academic learning in othersubjects."

The initiative will include professional development and externship opportunities in the music industry for teachers. Music Makes Us also relies heavily on a partner network of individuals, government agencies, non-profits, businesses and concert venue operators.

As part of the program, students will be given more opportunities to perform at the manylivemusicvenuesin Nashville.

"Through Music Makes Us, Music City will become the standard bearer of what music education can be and should be in public education," Dean said. "Our innovative curriculum will draw in students that may have felt left out in the past. Beginning at a young age, Metro students will be exposed to a wide array of musical styles and influences."

For the first time, Metro Nashville Public Schools will have an Office of Music Education with a fulltime director and staff. The current school year will be an organizational period, funded by private donations, to hire the director and a program coordinator, as well as conduct an audit of the

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Makes Us

cation

in Nashville world-class

"Nashville has the largest concentration of the music industry of any city in the United States," Dean said. "This is a tremendous, untapped resource for our public schools. And the Music Makes Us program will, for the first time, take full advantage of the many talented individuals on both the creative and business sides of the industry. Not only will this support learning in our schools, but it will benefit the music business in Nashville in the long term by developing a homegrown pool of future professionals and artists."

Music Makes Us was developed over the last two years through the music education committee of the Music City Music Council, formerly the Nashville Music Council, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office and Metro Schools. Nancy Shapiro, who chaired the music education committee of the Music City Music Council, helped lead development of Music Makes Us. "Music Makes Us has such a broad base of support all across our community: the

music industry, our Mayor, businesses, arts organizations, the school board and more," said Shapiro, Vice President, Member Services, The Recording Academy. "The music industry has been advocating this for decades, and now everyone is aligned and invested in this important initiative.

Music City should be setting the example of having a world-class music education program, and I'm proud that this groundbreaking new approach uniquely positions us to do just that."

A Music Makes Us Advisory Board, which includes representatives from the music industry, the school district and community leaders, will serve as a resource in developing curriculum and other aspects of the Music Makes Us program. The board also will assist in securing public and private funding to sustain the program long-term.

Major benefactors thus far include Martha Ingram, Mike Curb, founder of Curb Records, and the Gibson Foundation, the charitable division of Gibson Guitar Corp.

Multiple studies indicate that students with a strong music education background score higher on their SATs, have improved memory and outperform their non-musical peers. Music instruction also increases students' mental flexibility and reasoning skills, improving their ability to solve math and science problems.

Music Makes Us was developed over the last two years through the music education committee of the Music City Music Council, formerly the Nashville Music Council, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office and Metro Schools.

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MNPS Nutrition Service Department

BY DEBORAH WALKER

At MNPS, the School Nutrition Service Department plans menus that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for all Americans to offer foods low in fat, lower calories, reduced sugars or without added sugars.

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served baked French fries in an effort to continue to lower fat intake in the student diet. All milk served is 1% milk fat or skim milk. In January 2011 we began offering 1% Low fat reduced sugar chocolate milk.

The chocolate milk was reduced from 25 grams to 21 grams of sugar which is below the Institute of Medicine recommendation as they recommend 22 grams of sugar per 8 oz serving. The reduction of 1 teaspoon of sugar per 8 ounces of chocolate milk reduces the sugar calories of the milk by 15 fewer calories per 8 ounce serving. 6 million cartons of chocolate milk are sold in Metro schools in one year.

resh fruits, 100% fruit juices, fresh vegetables, various types of beans, and whole grains have been added to the menu to increase fiber in the meal, as well as 1% low fat dairy foods, and potable water are available to all students. Whole The amount of sugar saved is milk, 2 % milk, strawberry milk, equivalent to 10,538/ 5 pound bags white bread, sugar packets and salt have been removed of sugar. When looking at 3500 calories per pound, from the menu. All students in grades K-8 are being one carton a day with the reduction of sugar prevents a Continued on next page

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Continued from Previous Page

1 pound weight gain per student during the school year.

Portion control does not exceed the recommended serving size as we do not super-size any portions. All al a carte snacks sold in the K-8 cafeterias meet the nutritional standards of no more than 35% fat, 10% saturated fat and 35% sugar as required by the state regulations. When students enter the cafeteria they see the New Choose My Plate poster and other educational posters promoting good nutrition that contain nutrition messages encouraging them to make healthy food choices.

Complete Metro-Nashville School Nutrition Service program description, menus and nutritional analysis as well as other information can be found on the www.nashville.gov website then go to schools and click on menus and then click on School Nutrition S e r v i c e .

A Parent/Teacher School Nutrition Service handbook is available on the website.

student and those on prescribed special diets. We work and collaborate with the school districts Coordinated School Health Program, Nashville Alignment HEAL committee, Communities Putting Prevention to Work through the Metro Health Department and the School Nutrition Working committee. All of these collaborative partners provide support to bring about healthier changes in our schools food environment. As a department we continue to seek the support of our Board in strengthening the competitive foods policy (competitive foods are defined as foods sold in schools in competition with the USDA school meal programschool breakfast, school lunch and after-school snack programs). The operation of vending machines should not be allowed during the serving time of any school meals. Venders in our local schools can offer students more nutritious foods by placing healthier foods that students can choose from in our vending machines to meet the nutritional standards.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In an effort to increase our breakfast program participation we are now offering breakfast in the classroom.

This has had great success and more children are eating breakfast at the specified locations.

“We have 4 schools that have been given the Bronze award and 5 schools have been recognized with the silver award for nutrition, physical activities and creating a culture of wellness within the school...�

Efforts are being made by our department to coordinate the program to help prevent and decrease obesity among Davidson County students. The food products that are currently being used are looked at very closely by our dietitian who works with Food Industry representatives to assure products tried and tested in our schools meet the Child Nutrition standards. Commodity foods supplied by USDA are being processed into heat and serve items that meet the child nutrition standards and food safety requirements. We are also in contact with our school nurses to help meet the individual nutrition requirement of our special needs

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We h a v e 1 9 schools that are providing fruits and vegetables b e t w e e n breakfast and lunch and after lunch through the U S D A Vegetables and Fruits Program.

This program has been a great success with students ingesting more fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fruit and vegetable nutrition education materials have been provided to the schools for the students. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

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(ARRA) (equipment grant) one school has received funding to add a cold section for a serving line to hold pre-made salads.

The School Nutrition Service Department is working closely with local universities and the community to provide field experience for students in the dietetic internship programs. These students are given the opportunity to observe the program and how it relates to the school district. Our department registered dietitian participates by providing nutrition lectures for teachers as well as community program request. In the summer 2010 the Nutrition Walk that was developed by the district dietitian was recognized as one of 13 Best Practices in the United States by the National School Nutrition Association. The Nutrition Walk is an exhibit that provides 19 nutrition messages for k-12 students as well as adults and is used widely throughout the school district. The walk has been updated to reflect the new ChooseMyPlate guide, which replaces the old My Pyramid guide. We have 4 schools that have

been given the Bronze award and 5 schools have been recognized with the silver award for nutrition, physical activities and creating a culture of wellness within the school for the Healthier US Challenge Award given by the USDA. Summer 2011 brought 2 silver awards for the Nutrient, Nutrient, Know Your Nutrient curriculum and the Nutrition Awareness newsletter for Creating a Healthier School Environment.

This department provides on-going food service training for all employees and works closely with the Metro Health department to meet required food safety standards.

The Food Service department continues to move forward in the new computerized point of sale system.

Currently all schools are operating under that point of sale system which allows students to place a pin number into to the pad to access their meal account.

Parents may contact their child's cafeteria manager to better understand the new system.

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City Educators

Fashion

Holiday Shopping Discount List

BY CAMEO BOBO Searching for holiday decorations or gift ideas for your students? Michael's and Jo Ann Fabrics each offer a wonderful holiday section which includes creative decorating ideas and small gifts that are perfect for students. Be sure to ask for the 15% off teacher discount.

Need to indulge yourself in a little “me” time during the winter break? Stop into Sam & Zoes Coffee Shop for lunch during your shopping trip or treat yourself to coffee or tea while enjoying their 15% off teacher discount. Or are you exhausted from shopping for everyone else? Book an appointment with Essence Day Spa. They offer a teachers discount of 10% off of the Full Body 60 minute massage or European Facial. Also visit their gift store and receive 10% off holiday items.

The weather is cooler; the clock has moved forward, I hear Christmas bells ringing...which all means that holiday shopping is here! My gift to you this season is a special “Holiday Shopping Discount List.”

*Remember to bring your staff picture ID or teacher license to receive the above discounts, have fun!

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his list will help the “shopping guru” who finished their shopping before Thanksgiving, find last minute deals or help to motivate the “delayed shopper” to simply start. No matter which category you fit, this list is a gift to say THANK YOU to all teachers and educators for all that they do!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with peace, love and happiness!

For great gift ideas for family, friends or co-workers visit: Barnes & Noble bookstore and receive a 15% off teacher discount on gifts such as the Nook, cooking books, or even personalized gift items. For stylish sweaters, scarf and glove sets and more, visit J. Crew and New York & Co. and receive the 15% teacher discount off your purchases.

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