Bill Tucci has been named the Sectiion Chief for Science and Mathematics at NC DPI and Eleanor Enthoven Hasse is the new High School Science Consultant. Welcome Dr. Hasse!

Other members of the Science Section include Brenda Evans-Elementary Science Consultant, Clara Stallings -Middle School Science Consultant and Susan Hart - Administrative Assistant for the Science Section.

Here are the latest announcements from NC DPI:

• Standard Course of Study
• 2003 Middle and High School Science Leadership Institute
• Total Science Safety System
• NC Testing Program

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The Science Section at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has received approval from the State Board of Education to revise the Standard Course of Study for Science. The first draft will be posted on the DPI website by June 16, 2003 for review. Notices about public hearings and information sessions will also be posted on the website.

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INQUIRY: Make an Impact on Science Education in North Carolina
2003 Middle and High School Science Leadership Institute

Dates:
Session I July 13, 2003 to July 15, 2003 (Sunday-Tuesday)
Session II July 16, 2003 to July 18, 2003 (Wednesday-Friday)

Institute Sponsor: NC Department of Public Instruction Science Section

Location: Appalachian State University Boone, NC

Sessions: Sessions for middle school teachers and high school teachers will provide a variety of opportunities to explore inquiry and leadership.

As the program is developed, it will be posted with other appropriate information on the Science page at www.learnnc.org/dpi/instserv.nsf.

Cost: Single, $225 Double, $180 (includes two nights accommodations at ASU, six meals, breaks, and conference materials) Commuter, $125 (meals, breaks, conference materials)

Registration: Registration information is on the Science page at www.learnnc.org/dpi/instserv.nsf. Each person attending needs to complete a form. Registrations are limited and on a first come, first served basis. Please register early. Information: For additional information, contact:

Susan Hart, Administrative Assistant, Science Section, 919.807.3846 shart@dpi.state.nc.us

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The Total Science Safety System

Professional development based on a REVISED, interactive CD which provides a knowledge base and templates of tools to evaluate and manage a science laboratory safety program

Level I-Awareness

• provides the basis for a personalized assessment system for specific science environments
• equips LEA personnel with evaluation and management tools for school safety
• discusses NC specific laws, codes, and professional standards for science labs
• reduces liability and the risk of negligence judgements
• decreases the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and diseases due to lab hazards; and
• familiarizes workshop participants with navigation of the NEW cdLEVEL II-LAB WALK THRUS FOR THE LEA BASED ON EVALUATION AND MANAGEMENT TOOLS FROM LEVEL I
• generates ideas to design, upgrade, and/or better utilize science laboratory facilities
• documents/validates specific laboratory safety hazards affiliated with the unique science environment
• produces a system-level compilation of findings and recommendations

Level II-Lab Walk-Thrus for the Area Based on Evaluation and Management Tools from Level I

• generates ideas to design, upgrade, and/or better utilize science laboratory facilities
• documents/validates specific laboratory safety hazards affiliated with the unique science environment
• produces a system-level compilation of findings and recommendations

Level III-System Level Plan and Policy

• creates a system to maintain accurate records of evaluations, accidents, and reported hazards and corrections;
• prioritizes hazards for correction;
• apprises peers and administration, in an effective manner, of hazards which need correction; develop a plan to correct identified concerns;
• effectively applies knowledge of chemical hazards and safety standards to make science teaching and learning environments healthy and safe
• produces policies for safety i.e. including science labs in the system's Chemical Hygiene Plan

Level IV-System Level Trainers

• requires additional safety training

Contact: Clara Stallings
NC Dept. of Public Instruction
919.807.3844
cstallin@dpi.state.nc.us

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North Carolina Testing Program

Volunteer Item Writer and Item/Test Reviewer

In order to maximize the validity and defensibility of the state assessments, it is critical that we have a large, representative pool of volunteer teacher participants with varying demographics, such as geographic location, gender, age, and years of experience. When you return this form, your name will be entered in the NCDPI Testing Section's database of potential item writers/reviewers and test reviewers. When test development activities are undertaken, educators in the volunteer database will be selected to represent statewide demographics and will be sent a letter requesting their participation. NCDPI will pay for a substitute for any necessary classroom absences as well as travel, lodging, and meal expenses according to North Carolina state guidelines. Download the form www.dpi.state.nc.us/accountability/testing/itemwriters/