With the introduction of new standards in both mathematics and science, Nebraska leaders in PK-12 STEM education are poised to implement policies that will have a significant impact on achievement in Nebraska’s schools. This Summit will bring together leaders in math and science education to take stock of the strengths and challenges of Nebraska’s educational system and how best to move forward to ensure a solid foundation for the state’s future citizens.
Please join us at the Nebraska Summit on Math and Science Education from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at the new NIC Conference Center on the Nebraska Innovation Campus, 2021 Transformation Drive in Lincoln. Register now along with the more than 300 people across the state who will be in attendance. To encourage statewide participation, funds for travel and lodging are available for those who live outside the Lincoln area (30 miles). We encourage teams of administrators, math teachers and science teachers from schools and districts to attend, and a member of the team can register the entire group.
An all-star lineup of speakers, including NCTM President Diane Briars and NSTA Division Director Jerry Valadez, will lead both plenary and breakout sessions for the event. Nebraska’s State Commissioner of Education, Matt Blomstedt, and James P. Spillane, professor at Northwestern University in Learning and Organizational Change, will round out the list of key speakers.
Concurrent breakout sessions will address issues in PK-12 math and science education; teacher preparation; professional development; STEM education for diverse learners; Next Generation Science and Nebraska State/Common Core Mathematics standards; rural education; and assessment. Titles include:
* Math and Science in the Preschool Years
* Primarily Math
* Sustaining a Community of Science Teachers
* Authentic Science Learning Experiences
* Informal Science Learning
* Reading and Writing in Science
* Science for Diverse Learners
* Principles to Actions – A Road Map for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching
* Professional Development for Teachers of Mathematics
* Math Coaches: Supporting Teachers as They Teach Students
* K-12 Technology and Engineering Focused Programs
* Revising the Nebraska Mathematics Standards
Check out the website to read the abstracts and presenters for the breakout sessions.
A conference pre-session will take place on Sunday evening, Dec. 7, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Embassy Suites. The pre-session will offer hands-on enrichment activities for mathematics and science classrooms, along with a Math Teachers Circle event.
To register, visit http://scimath.unl.edu/conferences. Registration closes Dec. 1. A block of hotel rooms has been reserved at the Embassy Suites in downtown Lincoln. These rooms will be held until November 16. Individuals will need to call in and make their own reservations at (402) 474-1111 (use the code “SMC”) or use the link at http://scimath.unl.edu/conferences. The conference will cover a one-night stay for Sunday, Dec. 7, as well as parking, internet and breakfast at the hotel.
Questions? Contact nebraskamath@unl.edu. Don't be left out!