Many people throw around the words "research-based" when selling science textbooks. To some this could mean the actual research that helped with the writing of the curriculum. To others this would also include the research on the program itself.
At Kendall Hunt, we are lucky enough to partner with one of the most prestigious authoring groups in science curriculum development, BSCS.
BSCS has been established for over 50 years researching and developing science curriculum for prek-college. As a well respected organization in the science arena, BSCS has the research to back up the programs it has created. To see that research, go to:
http://www.bscs.org/researchevaluation/data/index.html I'm just saying.....50 years???? They must be doing something right...
Well, Kendall Hunt Publishing is for sure! And we’re taking some of our top authors, including Kelly Deters, author of Kendall Hunt Chemistry! So if you want to learn more about inquiry based science, any of our high school science textbooks and programs, or perhaps you’re interesting in discussing science textbook publishing with one of our reps, stop by and see us at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, March 18-21. And find out all about the special events planned by checking our convention schedule here.
Texas high schools are taking action to ensure their students are well-prepared for college and the workforce when they graduate. Beginning with the class of 2011, students in Texas are required to have 4 years of math and science coursework to graduate. Gone are the days of skating through that last year with study halls and electives (not that I am speaking from experience)! The Texas Education Agency put the 4x4 graduation requirement in place to give students continuity in their studies and avoid that potential lapse in their last year of high school.
We are pleased to offer several secondary school textbooks and digital learning products that align with courses being added as fourth year options for science. These programs include
Global Science for Environmental Systems,
Forensic Science, and
Starry Night for Astronomy and Earth and Space Science.
Please contact me for more information about these, or any other programs from our comprehensive line of science textbook publishing products. I will be happy to provide correlations with the TEKS or the standards in your state.
School started today for my 4th grader. Last night we went to "Back to School Night" so he could meet the teacher, take his supplies and start to get settled in. First thing I went for, being in the science textbook publishing business, was the elementary school science textbook sitting on his desk. Felt like a brand new one too. Love those new books!
Then we stopped by the GATE room where the teacher showed me some of the new accelerated learning resources that she was able to purchase with some stimulus funds, including a few Kendall Hunt items from our
Project M3 program, a math curriculum for high ability learners. She also found some new lesson plans for gifted and talented classes that she's going to try out this year.
Project M3 has some great modules, like "At the Mall with Algebra" that let students use real life experience to learn math. They're not just gifted education books, they're gifted education adventures.
I recently received a comment to my initial blog post asking what I suggest as a solution to the failing education system and what does Kendall Hunt as an educational publishing company offer science teachers to improve the situation. Great questions and I will attempt to answer them in a concise way!
What I see as a solution on a massive scale is a commitment and a collaborative effort by our government, publishers, educators, and parents to mandate and fully embrace Education Reform. We need to identify promising education practices and curriculum, and rigorously test their effectiveness.
On a smaller more local scale, what could your district do to improve Science education? I would suggest as a solution is a district-wide Science Initiative focused on placing Science Coaches in every school, increasing the number of high-quality science teachers at every grade level, hiring science specialists to middle grades, and begin exploring ways to offer alternative certifications to draw potential science teachers from science and industry professions. Additionally, I recommend implementing efficient and effective academic programs that are research-based.
What does Kendall Hunt have to offer science teachers? As the leader in PreK-12 standards-based science textbook publishing, we're proud of the positive results our programs have achieved for students across the country. Our leading reform curricula are written and tested by actual classroom teachers and backed by research. Our products promote hands-on inquiry based science. How is that for a teaser? Not to worry, I will fully address this question in my next blog post! Until then…if you are interested read about The Historical Roots of Hands-On Science Teaching http://tinyurl.com/scienceteaching
"If all we do is invest in the status quo, then we've missed this once-in-a-lifetime, historic opportunity to give our children the education they desperately need and deserve."
-Arnie Duncan,
U.S. Secretary of Education
How can we keep up with all the new and ever-changing technologies that have kids mesmerized? Teachers often feel overwhelmed with the challenges and options this digital culture presents to students. We want students to take advantage of all technology has to offer; however, how familiar are teachers with technology? Teachers often throw up their hands and say, “My students know how to work this stuff and I don’t” or “How can I utilize and implement something that I don’t understand?”
The digital world is growing and changing very fast. Technology companies release products so rapidly that there is little time for anyone to stop and think of the many issues that may arise with their use. Too often when schools and districts purchase new digital technology for their elementary school textbooks they look at all the bells and whistles and don’t think of how will this fit into an inquiry based science classroom or a teacher's daily lesson plan.
Technology offers exciting opportunities in the science textbook publishing arena, but for some teachers this strange new world can be intimidating. Thankfully, there is help available…
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has developed the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for students, teachers, and administrators. With these standards, ISTE provides structure for utilizing technology in an effective and responsible way. This site offers a plethora of information, tips, direction, and support. You can even visit a school that has embraced the digital world: http://www.istevision.org/watch.php?vid=fc10dbd9251623e4379652fd1cb0ac54e5ad04a5
As an educational publisher we are committed to assisting teachers to best educate students. Inspiring teachers to transform their classrooms away from traditional teaching toward a new vision of student-centered learning is our mission.
We aim to offer technology that is relevant and to provide implementation support in our teacher edition textbooks. And if you are still struggling with turning on the laptop or downloading the Nano Legends game that came with your KH high school biology textbook, just ask your students for help...they love to show off their expertise.
I am looking forward to exploring current issues and trends of science textbook publishing, inquiry based science, education technology, etc. That is if I don't venture off topic...which I am known to do now and then.
Powered by Compendium Blogware