Monday, May 16, 2011
'Man of La Mancha' Auditions Set
Open auditions for the next Main Stage production at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center will be held this evening (May 16th.) The Summer musical at CPAC will be "Man of La Mancha," written by Dale Wasserman, with music by Mitch Leigh and lyrics by Joe Darion. The local production is being directed by Kim Frick-Welker, with musical direction by Mendy Richards and choreography by Shane Langford. Auditions will be held at the Performing Arts Center – located at 10 East Broad Street in Cookeville -- at 6 pm. Call backs will be on Wednesday, May 18th at 6 pm. Production dates for the show are July 15th through the the 23rd. Auditions will include vocal selections from the musical and cold readings. The cast of characters include Don Quixote, Sancho Panza, and some two dozen other characters. Officials say there will be some doubling of characters. For more information, you can call 528-1313.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Workshop To Address Barriers To Education
The belief that a one-size-fits all classroom doesn't have to be the norm is the theme at the Universal Design Workshop to be hosted June 17 at Tennessee Tech University. Universal Design for Instruction and Learning is a framework for designing educational environments that allow all students, including those with disabilities, access to curriculum including classroom materials, technology and assessments.
This workshop, hosted by TTU's Millard Oakley STEM Center, will provide an overview of the research behind Universal Design.
"This workshop will provide multiple and flexible instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of secondary and post-secondary students with and without disabilities and will help attendees to develop an awareness of how to reduce barriers to curriculum," said Laura Graves, assistant professor in TTU's College of Education and workshop chairperson.
Keynote speaker Steve Fadden is vice president for Research and Institute Operations at Landmark College and director of the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training. He will lead several sessions:
*Overview of Universal Design, Effective Instructional Practices
*Assistive Technology to Promote Learning
*Transition Solutions for Students with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.
Special speaker Sheryl Burgstahler, an affiliate professor in the College of Education at the University of Washington in Seattle, focuses teaching and research on the successful transition of students with disabilities to college and careers and on the application of universal design to technology, learning activities, physical spaces and student services in educational settings.
TTU representatives Helen Dainty, Chester Goad and Graves will present special sessions.
Dainty, assistant professor in TTU's curriculum and instruction department, has taught all levels of special education for more than 20 years and currently teaches pre-service teachers and graduate students working on licensure in special education. She is currently the president of TN- International Dyslexia Association and the principal investigator for SPED Institute and BASE-TN at TTU.
Goad, director of TTU's Disability Services and adjunct instructor, specializes in disability and public policy, teacher education, dyslexia and leadership. He is president-elect of TN-AHEAD and Region 3 vice president and public policy chairperson of the Tennessee Dyslexia Association.
Graves' specialty is modified special education where she teaches both pre-service and graduate students. She taught in the Tennessee public schools in both special and general education classrooms for 18 years. She serves on the board of the International Dyslexia Association and has presented at both state and national conferences.
Registration will be available online through May 31 for $75. Snacks and lunch are included in the registration fee. To register or for more information, visit http://www.tntech.edu/stem/udw/.
This workshop, hosted by TTU's Millard Oakley STEM Center, will provide an overview of the research behind Universal Design.
"This workshop will provide multiple and flexible instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of secondary and post-secondary students with and without disabilities and will help attendees to develop an awareness of how to reduce barriers to curriculum," said Laura Graves, assistant professor in TTU's College of Education and workshop chairperson.
Keynote speaker Steve Fadden is vice president for Research and Institute Operations at Landmark College and director of the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training. He will lead several sessions:
*Overview of Universal Design, Effective Instructional Practices
*Assistive Technology to Promote Learning
*Transition Solutions for Students with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities.
Special speaker Sheryl Burgstahler, an affiliate professor in the College of Education at the University of Washington in Seattle, focuses teaching and research on the successful transition of students with disabilities to college and careers and on the application of universal design to technology, learning activities, physical spaces and student services in educational settings.
TTU representatives Helen Dainty, Chester Goad and Graves will present special sessions.
Dainty, assistant professor in TTU's curriculum and instruction department, has taught all levels of special education for more than 20 years and currently teaches pre-service teachers and graduate students working on licensure in special education. She is currently the president of TN- International Dyslexia Association and the principal investigator for SPED Institute and BASE-TN at TTU.
Goad, director of TTU's Disability Services and adjunct instructor, specializes in disability and public policy, teacher education, dyslexia and leadership. He is president-elect of TN-AHEAD and Region 3 vice president and public policy chairperson of the Tennessee Dyslexia Association.
Graves' specialty is modified special education where she teaches both pre-service and graduate students. She taught in the Tennessee public schools in both special and general education classrooms for 18 years. She serves on the board of the International Dyslexia Association and has presented at both state and national conferences.
Registration will be available online through May 31 for $75. Snacks and lunch are included in the registration fee. To register or for more information, visit http://www.tntech.edu/stem/udw/.
End Of Course Exams Begin This Week
The so-called End-Of -Course exams begin for high school students in the Putnam County school system this week. The exams begin Tuesday, May 3, 2011 with the following schedule:
Tuesday, May 3: Algebra I*
Wednesday, May 4: English II (10th)*
Thursday, May 5: Biology I*
Monday, May 9: Algebra II
Tuesday, May 10: English III (11th)
Wednesday, May 11: English I (9th)
Thursday, May 12: U.S. History
For the corresponding course, the End-of-Course test grade will count 20% of the second-semester grade for the 2010-2011 school year and 25% of the second semester grade in subsequent school years (2011-2012 and beyond).
Meanwhile, the final day of the school year is less than three weeks away, and some parents are already looking at things to do over the summer. Educators say one possibility is the state-of-the-art labs at TTU's Millard Oakley STEM Center. The STEM Center is offering 30+ hands-on, minds-on EXPLORATION workshop experiences for students entering the 5th though 12th grades this fall. EXPLORATIONS are open to students in public, private and home schools (at grade equivalent).
"The Millard Oakley STEM Center for the Teaching and Learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is a facility dedicated to the highest quality educational opportunities and experiences in STEM subjects for children, teachers and families throughout the Upper Cumberland and Tennessee," said Gail Gentry, the STEM Center's outreach coordinator.
"The Summer EXPLORATION Workshops are exciting ways to get students interested, involved and engaged in topics and subjects that are shaping our daily world and future," she continued.
Workshops for 5th – 8th range from making and racing fuel cell cars, working with worms, launching rockets, roller coasters and physics, to building a radio, the chemistry of make-up, and more. Students entering the 9th-12th grades can choose from electronics and robotics, vertebrate anatomy and dissection, energy's myths and legends, art of chemistry, metal casting and model engineering, GIS & GPS systems, just to name a few.
The classes range in price from $30 to $195. Some workshops are one three-hour session on a single day (morning or afternoon), while others may cover two-four days; workshops are no longer than three-hours per day. Online registration available.
For more information about the STEM Center and its programs visit the center's website, www.tntech.edu/stem (see the "Kids & Families" section) or contact Christina Hatley, 931-372-6573.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Cutting Edge Workshops Offered For Teachers
Teachers throughout the Upper Cumberland and beyond are invited to experience the exciting professional development opportunities offered by Tennessee Tech University's Millard Oakley STEM Center in June and July.
The STEM Center provides PreK through 12th grade teachers access to cutting-edge resources, technologies, and strategies for engaging their students in the STEM-based subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Registration is open and teacher can choose from more than 20 professional development workshops. Classes range from grant writing for educators, robotics, and physics boot camp to musical math for PreK, amateur radio, nanoscience, and many more.
The workshops happen in the center's state-of-the-art Learning Studios representing physics/engineering, chemistry/biology, mathematics, and early childhood education. Some workshops occur in other labs on the Tennessee Tech campus.
"All the PD workshops are Tennessee Learning Standards-aligned to best serve the needs of our teachers and their students," said Sally Pardue, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center.
"It is essential for the teachers and children in our region and state to have access to the best opportunities and latest technologies to be prepared to participate in the futures of industry, manufacturing, the sciences and engineering."
The classes range in price from $35 to $605. Workshop class lengths vary from one three-hour session or six-hour session on a single day; while others may cover two to five days. Details about dates, times, prices and PD credit hours can be found on the STEM Center's website, www.tntech.edu/stem (see Teachers PreK-12th section).
The STEM Center provides PreK through 12th grade teachers access to cutting-edge resources, technologies, and strategies for engaging their students in the STEM-based subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Registration is open and teacher can choose from more than 20 professional development workshops. Classes range from grant writing for educators, robotics, and physics boot camp to musical math for PreK, amateur radio, nanoscience, and many more.
The workshops happen in the center's state-of-the-art Learning Studios representing physics/engineering, chemistry/biology, mathematics, and early childhood education. Some workshops occur in other labs on the Tennessee Tech campus.
"All the PD workshops are Tennessee Learning Standards-aligned to best serve the needs of our teachers and their students," said Sally Pardue, director of the Millard Oakley STEM Center.
"It is essential for the teachers and children in our region and state to have access to the best opportunities and latest technologies to be prepared to participate in the futures of industry, manufacturing, the sciences and engineering."
The classes range in price from $35 to $605. Workshop class lengths vary from one three-hour session or six-hour session on a single day; while others may cover two to five days. Details about dates, times, prices and PD credit hours can be found on the STEM Center's website, www.tntech.edu/stem (see Teachers PreK-12th section).
Interim Provost Named For Tennessee Tech
Mark A. Stephens will take on the responsibilities as Tennessee Tech University's chief academic officer when his appointment as interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs takes effect June 22. TTU President Bob Bell says Stephens will serve in that role until the successful completion of a search to fill the position left open by the retirement of Jack Armistead this June.
"Mark Stephens has performed admirably in his current role as associate provost, and I am fully confident that he will serve in this new role with distinction," said Bell.
Stephens holds a doctorate and master's degree in economics from the University of Tennessee. He earned his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in international trade and finance. Stephens joined TTU as a College of Business faculty member in 1980. His primary teaching responsibilities focused on the principles of economics, economic development, international economics and environmental economics.
"Mark Stephens has performed admirably in his current role as associate provost, and I am fully confident that he will serve in this new role with distinction," said Bell.
Stephens holds a doctorate and master's degree in economics from the University of Tennessee. He earned his bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University in international trade and finance. Stephens joined TTU as a College of Business faculty member in 1980. His primary teaching responsibilities focused on the principles of economics, economic development, international economics and environmental economics.
Gray Named TTU 2011 Outstanding Professional
"Mr. Tennessee Tech" or "The Face of the Place" are often the responses you get when someone mentions Tennessee Tech University's Jim Gray. Gray's 27 years of student recruiting and building relationships has earned him this year's Outstanding Professional Award presented by the university. As associate director of Admissions, he has represented Tennessee Tech to students in every county in the state and is known by most counselors, principals and teachers across the state as the primary contact for information about the university.
As the lead representative of TTU's Admissions Office, he is called upon to recruit high profile students and to handle special projects. But he exhibits an unwavering commitment to speak to all high school students about the advantages of higher education in general.
"Jim has become somewhat of a legend across the TTU campus for the way he helps prospective students and their parents by imparting his uncanny knowledge of university facts and figures," said Robert L. Hodum, TTU's executive director of enrollment management. "I can't tell you how many people have indicated that they chose TTU because of their interactions with Jim Gray."
Hodum says Gray pioneered the campus visit program and the telecounseling program. His duties include traveling the state and putting in many weekends of effort. He has been an integral part of the enrollment management team that set almost a decade of consecutive years of record undergraduate growth. He was instrumental in having the university designated as a National Merit Scholarship sponsoring institution.
Gray has served on the committee that coordinates college fairs throughout the state and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He also has served as a liaison between the university and the Tennessee Counseling Association, the professional organization for many high school counselors.
With an unwavering positive attitude, Gray is often described in absolute terms—always energetic, always excited, always friendly and always helpful.
"He is always eager to personally 'make' a day, a job or a life better," said TTU Director of Bands Joe Hermann. "His positive demeanor is capable of changing worlds, and there are hundreds of families, students and faculty who could provide the testimony."
Gray has often said he represents Tennessee Tech 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"No one ever tries to catch Jim 'on a good day,'" said Hodum. "All his days are good ones."
As the lead representative of TTU's Admissions Office, he is called upon to recruit high profile students and to handle special projects. But he exhibits an unwavering commitment to speak to all high school students about the advantages of higher education in general.
"Jim has become somewhat of a legend across the TTU campus for the way he helps prospective students and their parents by imparting his uncanny knowledge of university facts and figures," said Robert L. Hodum, TTU's executive director of enrollment management. "I can't tell you how many people have indicated that they chose TTU because of their interactions with Jim Gray."
Hodum says Gray pioneered the campus visit program and the telecounseling program. His duties include traveling the state and putting in many weekends of effort. He has been an integral part of the enrollment management team that set almost a decade of consecutive years of record undergraduate growth. He was instrumental in having the university designated as a National Merit Scholarship sponsoring institution.
Gray has served on the committee that coordinates college fairs throughout the state and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. He also has served as a liaison between the university and the Tennessee Counseling Association, the professional organization for many high school counselors.
With an unwavering positive attitude, Gray is often described in absolute terms—always energetic, always excited, always friendly and always helpful.
"He is always eager to personally 'make' a day, a job or a life better," said TTU Director of Bands Joe Hermann. "His positive demeanor is capable of changing worlds, and there are hundreds of families, students and faculty who could provide the testimony."
Gray has often said he represents Tennessee Tech 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
"No one ever tries to catch Jim 'on a good day,'" said Hodum. "All his days are good ones."
STEM Center Offering 'Tour Of The Universe'
Cookeville area residents are being invited to fly beyond the Earth at Tennessee Tech University's Millard Oakley STEM Center for the Teaching and Learning of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Visitors are invited to sample the state-of-the-art, planetarium-like experience in the Virtual Theater. These unique Virtual Theater experiences are perfect outings for school groups, families, and individuals interested in knowing more about our existing and changing universe. There are two showings of each tour on Fridays; admission is free.
For more information and reservations for school or other groups, please contact Christina Hatley, 931-372-6573.
TO THE EDGE & BACK: A TOUR OF THE UNIVERSE
12:20 p.m. and 1:25 p.m.
Experience a journey from Earth out to the farthest reaches of the stars. Learn about what we can find in the universe and some perspective on our place in it.
WANDERERS OF THE SKY: KEPLER & THE EXOPLANETS
12:50 p.m. and 1:55 p.m.
Over the past three years, scientists have been searching for new planets around other stars using the Kepler Observatory spacecraft. Take a look at what they've found, how they found it, and what's next!
For more information about the STEM Center and its programs visit the center's website, www.tntech.edu/stem.
The Millard Oakley STEM Center is located in Ray Morris Hall on the campus of Tennessee Tech at 155 W. 7th Street, the corner of 7th and Stadium Drive in Cookeville, Tenn.
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