Ohio Resource Center > FYI

New! Narrated ORC Overview

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:31:11 GMT

ORC Ambassador Becky Petrokubi narrates a video overview of the ORC website and projects. The video can be used to provide a brief overview of ORC for colleagues and administrators. It's also useful as a tour for the individual viewer. Located in the document library under "Multimedia Presentations," the video is easy to access and view.

Latest ORC bookshelf focuses on grades 3-5

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:05:50 GMT

The newest addition to the Literacy K-5 website is a bookshelf feature especially for grades 3-5. These “bookshelves” are actually text sets—collections of engaging books related to a topic or theme. To provide a range of literacy experiences with the topic, the bookshelves offer a variety of genres, formats, and reading levels along with suggestions for using them in the classroom. Watch for new text sets to be added in the coming weeks.

Visit ORC at OCTM--Review board members to present at conference

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:42:09 GMT

Visit the ORC Booth #113 at the OCTM conference in Cincinnati, November 12-14, 2009! Attend sessions presented by ORC Math Review Board members, Anne Mikesell and Darrell Heintz.

Thursday 9:00 – 9:50 Convention Center Room 251 Grades K-12
Meeting K-12 Mathematics Program Leadership Challenges in Uncertain Times
This will be an interactive forum to discuss current state and national issues impacting K-12 mathematics programs and teachers. Information about and strategies for addressing these challenges in K-12 mathematics program leaders’ individual role and as a professional community will be shared. Speaker: Anne Mikesell, Ohio Mathematics Education Leadership Council (OMELC)

Thursday 12:00 - 12:50 Convention Center Room 250 General
Developing Mathematical Literacy
Literacy has become a more visible component of mathematics teaching and learning. There are many definitions and resources for mathematical literacy. Let’s take a “practical” look at some of the issues and strategies for developing mathematical understanding through literacy strategies.
Speaker: Anne Mikesell, Columbus, OH

Friday 10:00 – 11:30 Convention Center Room 264 General
Using the ORC Website to Enhance and Enrich Your Teaching
Come and see the new and exciting things that are happening on the Ohio Resource Center website- the place to find best practice and standard aligned lessons for use in any classroom.
Speaker: Darrell A. Heintz, Wapakoneta High School, Wapakoneta, OH

Register for OCTM's 59th Annual Conference

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:21:18 GMT

Attend OCTM’s 59th annual conference, Mathematics: A Bridge to Your Future, November 12-14, 2009! Come to Cincinnati to explore new and practical ways to enhance mathematics teaching in every grade.

Dr. Cathy Seeley, past president of NCTM, will present the keynote address, “The Critical Role of Creativity and Innovation in the 21^st Century Math Classroom." She will share insights based on her work as a math educator, consultant, writer, and Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa. Cathy is a mathematical force of nature not to be missed!
Dr. Jeff Wanko will deliver the Len Pikaart Memorial Session, “Answering the Call to Teach Mathematics and Avoid being Disconnected.” Jeff, a professor at Miami University, will explore ways to stay focused on teaching. Also plan to attend Jeff presentation about using Sudoku in mathematics class!
“Calculus, the Musical” is a comic review of the concepts and history of calculus. No need to know anything about calculus to enjoy this hilarious performance on Saturday, November 14^th at 1:00 PM. Free with conference registration!

Don’t miss the 59^th Annual OCTM Conference--register today! Go to ohioctm.org for complete conference registration information.

ORC launches mobile site

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 16:50:09 GMT

ORC now offers on-the-go access with our new mobile website. You’ll find the most current information and staff-selected resources along with a link to our regular site. Save this URL (http://m.ohiorc.org) to your favorites and start enjoying the convenience of our mobile website today.

Writing galleries now open for browsing

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:43:42 GMT

As part of the National Day of Writing celebration, The National Gallery of Writing was opened for viewing on October 20. Enjoy browsing pieces in these content area galleries and don't miss this opportunity to join the celebration by publishing your own writing.

National Science Teacher’s Association Gallery
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Gallery
National Council for the Social Studies Gallery
Gallery of NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English)
Writing Teachers of Ohio Gallery

Hosted by NCTE, the virtual gallery accepts writing of all types in any format (text, audio, video, etc.). Guidelines for submitting an entry as an individual or creating a gallery for a specific group can be found at the National Gallery of Writing. Galleries will be open until June 2010. So far, there are at least 19,335 pieces showcased in more than 2000 galleries. Click here to search or browse all galleries.

ORC’s webcast and podcast collection can now be downloaded from iTunes U

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:49:33 GMT

The Ohio Resource Center is proud to announce its collaboration with E-Tech Ohio and Apple, Inc. by providing access to the ORC-produced learning and professional development webcast and podcast collection through iTunes U.

iTunes U, an area of the iTunes Store that provides free education content, makes it easy for preK–12 classroom teachers and higher education faculty to access amazing educational material for free, at anytime and anywhere. ORC’s first installment on iTunes U includes:

Science Instructional Strategies, providing science educators with resources and information to help prepare students for science assessment and to help students become scientifically literate citizens
Reading and Writing Informational Text, supporting leaders in English language arts education with instructional strategies for student classroom success
New-Teacher Survival Guide, recommending approaches that will help teachers set up and maintain a science classroom by focusing on topics pertinent to both new and experienced science teachers
To locate ORC webcasts, go to Ohio on iTunes U. Under subject areas, select professional development for a listing of titles. New iTunes users can download an iTunes app at the website.

Explore mathematics lessons in the Technology Treasure Trunk

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:27:08 GMT

Are you looking for mathematics lessons to engage your students? Do you like to use calculators and other technologies in your classroom to investigate mathematics in a hands-on way? Like a trunk in an attic, the Technology Treasure Trunk contains ORC instructional and content teaching treasures categorized by level and type of technology. Visit these resources today!

ORC Contact: Judy Spicer

Science in the News and ORC Resources

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:59:42 GMT

Staying current on scientific findings is one of the many challenges science teachers face. Yet when we share new advances in science with our students, we are helping them understand that science is a dynamic, ever changing field.

On ORC’s “for Science Educators” page, you will find several links to up-to-the-minute science news. We provide these links so you will have easy access to them, helping you stay up-to-date. Consider coupling science news with ORC resources to help students see that the science they are learning in the classroom is related to current scientific discoveries. This mini-collection features a few current stories and relevant ORC resources.

ORC Contact: Terry Shiverdecker

ORC Science Review Board Chair delivers keynote address

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:41:12 GMT

ORC Science Review Board Chair, Dr. Ralph Martin, was the keynote speaker at the annual conference of the Midwest Education Research Association, which met in St. Louis October 14-17. His address entitled “Moving toward a Culture of Inquiry” kicked off the conference. The session title arose from his work with mathematics and science teachers in southeast Ohio spanning more than 20 years, but focused mostly on lessons learned from a recent modified lesson study model used for teacher professional development and changes he would make if given a "do-over."

Veterans Day resources for the classroom

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:58:15 GMT

Are you looking for resources to help your students focus on the meaning of Veterans Day? ORC partner Thinkfinity.org has a wealth of lessons, activities, and primary sources for all grade levels. Click here to see a list. Of course, you can narrow the search for your grade level.

Use ORC bookshelves to engage young readers

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:57:23 GMT

ORC bookshelves can help you find just the right trade books to teach content and delight readers.

Organized around a variety of curricular topics, the REC Bookshelf provides reviews of picture books and instructional ideas for children transitioning into Kindergarten.

Explore early literacy concepts with titles for ABC Books, Phonemic Awareness, and Rhythm, Rhyme, & Song.
Discuss the importance of relationships with these suggestions: Family & Friends, Family & Me, and Focus on Friendships.

Teachers across the primary grades will find support for literacy instruction on the K-2 Bookshelf. Engage students by using high-quality children’s literature as a starting point for discussion and instruction.

The 3-5 Bookshelf features text sets offering a range of genres around a specific topic.

Looking for ways to enrich the teaching and learning of mathematics and science?

Refer to the Mathematics Bookshelf for books and related teaching ideas that are sure to delight students while reinforcing mathematical concepts.

Encourage science learning and exploration through trade books. Visit the Science Bookshelf to peruse the list of books and examine lessons from the ORC collection.

Check out ORC on Twitter

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:35:13 GMT

Follow ORC on Twitter to keep up with ORC specialists and news. We created a Twitter page for each content area -- mathematics, science, and English language arts -- and a page for Early Childhood. Become a follower of the pages you're interested in or a follower of all the ORC pages. Use the following links to go to the Twitter pages:

ORC Mathematics Twitter Page

ORC Science Twitter Page

ORC English Language Arts Twitter Page

Early Childhood Twitter

Connect with ORC on Facebook

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:37:45 GMT

ORC has followed its users onto the social networking site Facebook. Become a fan now at Facebook/ORC to receive instant notifications of ORC’s latest events, share information, and make professional connections.

ORC Contact: John Croyle

ORC YouTube channel now available

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:37:27 GMT

The Ohio Resource Center recently launched its own ORC YouTube Channel. This debut includes ORC produced professional development videos providing classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, and other education leaders with engaging and stimulating conversation about supporting student success in the classroom, as well as with the OGT and OAT; improving instructional practice; and modeling professional discussion.

ORC Contact: John Croyle

2010 Ohio Educational Technology Conference (E-Tech)

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:56:24 GMT

Registration for Ohio's most interactive, educational and collaborative technology-driven conference is now available online. Take advantage of early bird registration and join thousands of educators, faculty, technologists, administrators, students, and exhibitors for Ohio's largest educational technology conference, February 1-3. This year’s theme is P-20 Conversations: Shaping a Path for the 21st Century Student. The conference is hosted by eTech Ohio, in partnership with the Ohio Learning Network and the Ohio Resource Center.

Ambassadors available to deliver ORC and Verizon Thinkfinity professional development

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:59:11 GMT

Thirty-eight Ohio educators completed the three-day ORC Ambassador training program this summer. These outstanding educators are prepared to provide professional development in the use of ORC and Verizon Thinkfinity to enhance teaching and support improved student achievement throughout Ohio. View the regional map of ORC's 163 ambassadors and click on the name of an Ambassador for additional information. While you're on the ORC Ambassador page, you can apply to become an ambassador, or you can request an ambassador presentation for your school or district.

Contact: Carol Dodson

Ambassador creates ORC trailer

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:29:09 GMT

After completing her three-day ORC Ambassador training on August 12, Melinda Gregor created an ORC trailer to promote interest in the website. Melinda used the free video-maker Animoto. If you are interested in becoming an ORC Ambassador or finding an ORC Ambassador for a presentation, go to the ambassador page to learn more.

ORC Contact: Carol Dodson

ORC Ambassador posts ORC video on YouTube

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:32:31 GMT

Meagen Howe, a new ORC Ambassador, created a short video for introducing ORC to teachers or for learning more about ORC. Watch ORC in Plain English three-minute video that shows what ORC can do for you. For more information, send email to ambassador@ohiorc.org. If you want to become an ORC Ambassador, go to the ambassador page to submit an application.

ORC Contact: Carol Dodson

Give your students a voice and make data real!

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:39:09 GMT

Learn about Speak Up, an annual national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow. The purpose of the project is to:

Collect and report the unfiltered feedback from students, parents and teachers on key educational issues.
Use the data to stimulate local conversations.
Raise national awareness about the importance of including the viewpoints of students, parents, and teachers in the education dialogue.

Quantitative survey results are available to participating schools free-of-charge.

Three Ohio schools to be featured as “showcase” schools

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:52:36 GMT

Three Ohio schools have been selected for the Breaking Ranks 2010 School Showcase presented by the National Association of School Principals (NASSP) and the Center for Secondary School Redesign (CSSR). Educators from the schools will share their innovative practices at the annual convention to be held in Phoenix in March. The eighteen high-achieving schools include Metro Early College High School in Columbus, North Royalton Middle School in North Royalton, and Withrow University High School in Cincinnati.

Sign up to receive free early childhood newsletter

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:37 GMT

The first issue of the REConnection newsletter for the Resources for Early Childhood (REC) website was launched on May 19, 2009. It's not too late to sign up to receive the newsletter! Each of the monthly REConnections will feature:

A new theme-based mini-collection of REC resources and EC Bookshelf books
Links to features of the REC that you may not have utilized yet
Favorite resources of REC users just like you, and
Information about upcoming early childhood events around Ohio

Don’t miss it!

New to REC?
To sign up now, go to Join REC at http://rec.ohiorc.org/register! Complete the registration form, check the box next to REConnections, and click “Create My Account.” It’s that easy!

Already a member of REC?
If you are a member REC or ORC, go to the REC homepage (http://rec.ohiorc.org) to log in. Click on the “Manage My Account” link to update your preferences. Then, simply type in your password and check the box next to REConnections. Be sure to click “Update My Account” at the bottom of the page.

ORC Contact: Nancy Brannon

Features on ORC website make searching for resources even easier

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 23:35:11 GMT

The ORC website is even easier to use. Designed to enhance website usability, these new features are as follows:

1) The number of resources presented on a search result page is limited. Note that all the resources can still be accessed in their entirety, but the bracketed number ranges by which search results are sequenced are limited to only the first 200 at the top of a single search results page. A ‘more’ link has been added if you wish to see all the search results.

2) Searches for resources can be narrowed down on the search results page by clicking on links to subcategories, such as content area, resource type, or grade level. Making these filters readily available means that you have an efficient way to further your search so you don’t have to start the search over, revise your keywords, or even fill out the fields for an advanced search unless you want to. A quick search can become an advanced search with just one or two clicks.

3) Within a particular search result, a small line of text indicates whether this particular resource has been added to your ORC collection. The text changes from resource to resource indicating whether a resource has already been added to a folder in your ORC collection. You must first log into the ORC site with your username and password to activate this feature. If you haven't joined ORC, join now (always FREE) so you can create your own ORC collection of bookmarked resources.

4) Users of the ORC website have the option of seeing conducted searches in real-time. By clicking on the 'recent/popular' link in the "search resources" section in the upper left of the ORC home page, you can get a taste of what other educators are looking for in the ORC resource collection. The link will take you to a page of user-initiated searches that is refreshed at 30-second intervals. This feature has been added in the spirit of building community practice.

More changes to enhance your experience on the ORC website are coming soon. Some of these changes will occur on the ORC home page so you can more readily access our popular multimedia materials.

ORC Contact: Richard Huggins

Conferences and institutes for Ohio's educators

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:46:21 GMT

OSBA (Ohio School Boards Association)
November 8-11, 2009 Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

OCTM (Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics)
November 12-14, 2009 Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati

eTECH Ohio
February 1-3, 2010 Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

OMLA (Ohio Middle Level Association)
February 18-19, 2010 Renaissance Hotel, Columbus

SECO (Science Education Council of Ohio)
February 25-27, 2010 Columbus Convention Center,
Columbus

OFT (Ohio Federation of Teachers)
February 25-27, 2010 Park Inn Hotel, Toledo

OCTELA (Ohio Council of Teachers of English Language Arts)
March 26-27, 2010 Doubletree Hotel, Worthington

OFLA (Ohio Foreign Language Association)
April 8-10, 2010 Hyatt Hotel on Capitol Square, Columbus

OCSS (Ohio Council for the Social Studies)
April 15-16, 2010

2010 Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica
June 18-July 3
Applications are now available for the 2010 Toyota International Teacher Program to Costa Rica, a fully-funded professional development program for U.S. educators. Funded by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., and administered by the Institute of International Education, the program aims to advance environmental stewardship and global connectedness in U.S. schools and communities. Full-time classroom teachers and librarians of all subjects for grades 6 – 12 are eligible to apply. The application deadline is January 6, 2010.

ORC review board meetings

Tue, 03 Oct 2006 02:47:33 GMT

The ORC MATH Review Board will meet:

December 4, 2009

For additional Math Review Board meeting details, contact Mike Mikusa (mmikusa@kent.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).

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The ORC SCIENCE Review Board will meet:

December 3, 2009
March 10, 2010
May 20, 2010
September 22, 2010

For additional Science Review Board meeting details, contact Ralph Martin (martin@ohio.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).

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The ORC READING Review Board will meet:

To be determined

For additional Reading Review Board meeting details, contact Evangeline Newton (enewton@uakron.edu) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).

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ORC Executive Committee meeting dates

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:42:03 GMT

The ORC Executive Committee will meet:

January 7, 2010
April 12, 2010

For additional Executive Committee meeting details, contact Peggy Kasten (pkasten@ohiorc.org) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).

ORC Advisory Board meeting dates

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:42:19 GMT

The ORC Advisory Board will meet:

April 13, 2010

For additional Advisory Board meeting details, contact Peggy Kasten (pkasten@ohiorc.org) or Gale Martin (gmartin@ohiorc.org).