Sponsored by Aventa, the DLC IDEA celebrates a Washington educator whose innovative use of DLC tools and resources exemplify our core value to support student achievement through powerful teaching and technology. The winner of the DLC IDEA receives a cash prize of $2,000.

Nominate yourself or someone you admire. Application deadline is 12:00 am, May 16, 2009.

• OSPI Alignments have all been updated, and now include, among many others, Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and Students.
• WASL Alignments abound within our resources and tools. Check out our Mathcasts and online WASL prep courses.
• Powerful Teaching and the DLC align to improve student achievement through observable teacher behaviors and the use of technology in the classroom. A few include creating a student-centered learning environment, standards-based curriculum and high expectations, and performance-based assessments.

For your convenience, we've created a downloadable document that you can distribute to your colleagues that references the alignments listed above. Download yours today.

For high school students, SIRS Researcher is a general reference database for social issues, health, science, and business. SIRS Renaissance provides a wealth of information and links to current perspectives on the arts and humanities. Younger students—middle and elementary level—will find SIRS Discoverer a great source for safe, vetted research sources and reading materials.

Articles in SIRS's three databases are ranked by Lexile Level, aligned to Washington State standards, and searchable by subject headings, keyword searches, or you may browse by individual subjects.

Special features of SIRS:

• Educator Resources such as curriculum resources and teacher guides are available.
• A printable Citation Guideline show students how to correctly cite articles.
• SIRS Leading Issues gives a pro and con approach to timely issues of our day. Students get an overview of sources related to the issue and a plan for how to use the information in their research or writing.

Free DLC SIRS trainings are scheduled throughout the month. Or take a video tour of SIRS to get started on your own.

With such a wealth of information at their fingertips, your students will trust the DLC for fast, reliable homework help. The time they save and the research skills they learn will serve them in high school and beyond.

Check out the following resources to assist you as you help your students reach their goals:

DLC Library Databases

• Facts on File: Don't miss the wealth of information for your students in this database, especially the . Their covers more recent world events.
• SIRS: Along with other research areas that apply, SIRS has a category specifically centered on .
• Grolier Online: Among their numerous databases, we recommend Grolier's and .
• NetTrekker d.i.: This resource tracks hundreds of websites dedicated to topics related to .

Washington State Public Affairs TV Network

• Teach with TVW brings civics education to life with short clips of TVW’s primary source programming, discussion questions, and links to state standards. TVW is the Washington State version of CSPAN.
• When the legislature is in session, TVW produces Legislative Review, a daily program that highlights each day's legislative debates and deliberations in about 10–12 minutes.
• Visit the Washington State Legislature, where you can access information on any bill and much more.

These Washington assessments are designed to ensure that students employ critical thinking skills and engage in their own individual analysis of a particular context or topic. Our libraries and supplemental curriculum, including Thinkfinity, encourage those very skills, not only for social studies, but for subjects across the spectrum.

Our extensive array of WASL prep materials for members includes:

• Mathcasts
• WASL prep online courses
• Apex Learning ClassTools
• ExploreLearning Gizmos
• DLC Library
• DLC Tutors
• OSPI WASL web resources
• Credit recovery courses

Free preparation materials for every school in Washington are provided through ALPs (Accelerated Learning Program):

• Introductory lessons in the Getting Started section explore math myths, test anxiety, as well as test-taking tips and problem-solving strategies.
• For guidance in using ALP Math, see our User's Guide. It includes an overview of this tool, plus in-depth information about rubrics and assessments.

The DLC is committed to providing access to resources so that all students may achieve at their highest level, on standardized assessments and in every aspect of their education.

Here are some tips for the Course Support team in your school to ensure that you and your students benefit from online courses and your allocated Course Credit Funds.

Orientation

If you haven't signed up with the DLC as a Course Support team member, please do so now. After you submit this form, you'll receive an email prompting you to sign up for a Course Support Orientation. If you've submitted the form but haven't done the orientation yet, check the calendar for upcoming sessions. If none of these dates work for you, contact Leslie St. Pierre (contact info below).

After you finish the orientation, you can access your Course Credit Funds.

Funds for courses

Check your statement in the registration system to find your Course Credit Funds balance (if your school is eligible). If you have used up all of your funds, now's the time to think about how you'll fund courses next semester. If you have funds left, check your school's policy and decide which students will be targeted for taking online courses.

For ideas on funding courses, see our FAQs.

Best practices

Browse the following best practices to ensure that students at your school benefit from online courses. Best practices are divided into the following categories:

• School-Centered Best Practices
• DLC Registrar Best Practices
• DLC Teacher/Mentor Best Practices
• Student Steps to Success

If you have any questions about registration or online courses, contact Leslie St. Pierre at lstpierr@learningcommons.org or 206.616.5771 or 800.890.8592.

Developed by the DLC, these short screencasts explain and solve mathematical problems to help students prepare for the 7th and 10th grade math WASL. Derived from the 2001-2007 WASL released items, all Mathcasts align with the Washington State math standards for 7th through 10th grade.

There are 73 Mathcasts for high school students and 72 Matcasts for middle school students, all organized along the following five content areas and three process strands of the WASL:

Content strands:

• Number sense
• Measurement
• Geometric sense
• Probability/statistics
• Algebraic sense

Process strands:

• Problem solving and reasoning
• Mathematical communication
• Making mathematical connections

Teachers may also use Mathcasts to supplement general instruction. Divided by grade appropriateness, you may search by high school and middle school areas of interest.

Any middle or high school student in a DLC member school can log in to our secure chat forum to speak in real time with tutors who are well versed in all subject areas, including math, science, foreign languages, and much more. Our tutors are also available to answer questions during off-hours, with a guaranteed written reply within 24 hours.

Our tutors are an impressive group of college students who are responsible and knowledgeable. We encourage you to read their bios to learn more about them and their subject areas of expertise.

Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to read more about this new DLC resource. A video tour of the program shows you how to log in to the system and what you'll find there.

We hope that your school or district will keep our tutors very busy; free tutoring levels the playing field for every student in your care. Please spread the word to colleagues and students!

Issues and Controversies in American History provides a wealth of information about formative moments in our history, many that continue to engender debate today.

Your students will find Issues and Controversies in American History to be a valuable research tool when seeking newspaper articles and images that support their work. The format is easy to navigate and presents pro and con views of topics, curriculum tools for students and teachers, and even an "editor's picks" list for your students who are at a loss for research topics.

The Issues and Controversies in American History database has an extensive search tool that allows for searches by date, relevance, story, and title. Political cartoons, historic photographs, maps, and illustrated images support your students' work and are searched in a variety of ways.

From slavery to current issues of race in America, from the separation of Church and State to US policy in the middle east, the subjects at your disposal are vast and are gathered from very reputable sources.

Some fast links that show the breadth of material available:

• Salem Witch Trials
• National High School Debate Topics
• Cold War Containment Policy
• Brown v. Board of Education

Researching history was never this much fun. Get your students started today!

It's good to note that while Gizmos are playful and have a silly name, they are steeped in solid pedagogy. Developed by a nuclear physicist, these virtual manipulatives bring research-proven instructional strategies to life in a way that targets higher-level thinking skills and emphasizes conceptual understanding.

Designed to engage elementary, middle, and high school students, Gizmos may be searched by subject, by textbook correlations, by Washington State standards, and by grade appropriateness. From basic third grade probability simulations like "Spin the Wheel!" to advanced high school probability modules like "Compound Independent and Dependent Events," Gizmos provide a breadth of material for you to use when reviewing or introducing material.

You'll be shouting, "Eureka!" or at least "A-Ha!" when you see how these concise and clever resources can reach learners across the spectrum of capabilities.

We make it easy for you to get started:

• Get an account


• Take a training

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the DLC by email or call 1.800.890.8592.

The Third Annual Innovative Practices for Student Achievement Conference will be held in scenic Port Ludlow, Washington on October 21 – 22, 2008. DLC member-schools focus on integrating online resources into classroom curriculum to support students’ academic success and to create and sustain school-based professional development. Participants are eligible for reimbursement of their lodging costs (with receipt). Attendance is limited to 60 educators with priority given to those schools in Western Washington that have not previously attended.

A pre-conference for math and science teachers is scheduled for October 20, and is limited to 25 educators. You may sign up for this workshop without attending the whole conference, but you must be sure to register for both the pre-conference and conference if you wish to attend both.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/conference/
Explore Port Ludlow: http://www.portludlowresort.com/

Smaller, more intensive workshops and trainings allow for deeper exploration of the DLC and powerful teaching.

• Teacher2Teacher, held on September 26-28, 2008 in the Greater Seattle area, is a professional development opportunity for Western Washington educators. Using the concepts of peer coaching, Teacher2Teacher provides educators with the skills and support needed to use DLC resources in meaningful ways and to share their knowledge with others.

  Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/t2t

• Train the Trainer Workshops provide an introduction to the training needs of DLC resources. These two-day tutorials round out our professional development offerings for the first half of the school year. Eastern Washington educators may register now for our Spokane training on November 6 – 7, 2008. Western Washington educators may register now for our Seattle training on January 6 – 7, 2009.

  Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/schoolsupport/ttt/

• ExploreLearning Gizmos are award-winning, interactive math and science supplements to your classroom that support many different teaching and learning styles. Research-proven and correlated to Washington State standards, Gizmos bring complex concepts to life in a fun and innovative way.
• Browse Gizmos by subject, Washington State Standards and textbook correlations
• See how the Gizmos lead to "A-Ha!" moments in the classroom
Watch educators talk about using ExploreLearning Gizmos
• Facts on File's "Issues and Controversies in American History" database builds a deeper understanding of how historical events have shaped our nation and delivers dynamic, concise, and balanced reporting. Your students will research the background, outcomes, and contemporary points of view for the major topics in every American history curriculum. Learn more.
• Mathcasts are short videos designed to support instruction and help students prepare for the 10th grade WASL. Start using them now and plan on using them with students over the course of the school year as they progress in their studies and prepare for standardized testing.
• DLC Tutors offer live online help this year. Learn more about this new service and how it can support your work in the classroom and their work at home!
• DLC trainings take place in-person, over the telephone or via the web. Choose which vehicle works best for you and your staff, and we’ll accommodate you at no cost to you. Explore here.
• Earn clock hours by participating in select online training sessions. Attend at least three hours of clock hours-eligible online sessions on a variety of DLC resources throughout the school year for the low cost of $2/clock hour. Clock hour documentation will be processed by the Digital Learning Commons after June 15, 2009. Questions? Contact us.






]]> http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/08/new_dlc_resourc_1.php http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/08/new_dlc_resourc_1.php Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:56:53 -0800



The DLC is the smart option for providing online resources and courses for your school or district. Our low membership fees, free training and implementation support, and our comprehensive resources all add up to staff satisfaction and student success.

We meet the needs of every student, from those in need of AP and honors courses to those preparing for the WASL. 2008-09 membership is $6 per student for public schools. All of the details about membership, as well as the online membership form, can be found here: www.learningcommons.org/join/

By becoming a member of the DLC, you can:

• Boost student achievement.
• Expand resources and courses.
• Encourage individualized learning.

The DLC serves all schools, regardless of focus, size or location

Explore our success stories to learn how other schools have used our services to get the most out of their memberships. Or, find specific membership information about middle schools, large high schools, small high schools, home school resource centers, and alternative schools.

What's new for the coming school year?

ExploreLearning Gizmos
A new teaching resource for grades 6–12, is included in membership at no additional cost. These award-winning modules bring complex math and science concepts to life through interactive lessons. You can demo the math simulations, see how the Gizmos lead to "A-Ha!" moments in the classroom, and watch educators talk about using ExploreLearning Gizmos.

Facts on File's Issues and Controversies in American History
Along with an improved web design for easier use, Facts on File's American History database encourages students to cross reference and research news articles by subject, by era and by issue.

DLC Tutors offer free, real-time homework help online
As a natural evolution of our current tutoring service, your students can access live assistance from our top-notch tutors, Monday—Thursday evenings.

We've also continued to work with our course providers to lower the cost of online courses. The average price of a course for next year is $255.

Learn all about membership resources, pricing, joining dates, and more. Visit www.learningcommons.org/membership.

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The DLC is open for business all summer long! DLC resources can help support summer school students and WASL remediation programs as well as help teachers integrate resources into their summer school curriculum. Teachers can also earn clock hours this summer through the DLC.

In addition to the DLC Library, Teaching Resources, and Online Courses, consider the following specific resources as you plan for summer school.

Credit Recovery Courses

Credit recovery courses allow students to focus on specific areas of a subject that they need to catch up on. Check the academic calendar for summer school start dates. Schools must assign a Teacher/Mentor to work with each student taking an online course. For more information, click here.

Course Credit Funds

If you have Course Credit Funds left for the school year, consider using them to support students who need to make up credit. Remember, you can't carry funds over to the 2008-09 school year, so be sure to use them up this summer.

WASL Support

Both Apex Learning's ClassTools and Internet Academy's ALPs can help students prepare for the WASL by targeting specific skills that they need to work on. The DLC's Mathcasts and ExploreLearning Gizmos also support WASL prep. For more information, visit the Teaching Resources section of our website.

School Support

Our trainers are available to help teachers integrate DLC resources into their summer school curriculum. Schedule a spring training to gear up for summer school now, or schedule a training to target resources for a specific session this summer. To request a training, visit the School Support section of our website.

Online Clock-Hour Workshops

Visit the Professional Development section of our website to explore a catalog of online workshops, courses, and opportunities to earn clock hours this summer.

Download our Summer School Support flyer (PDF) to spread the word about the above resources in your school or district!

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While professional development opportunities abound, it can be challenging to find trusted resources that are the right fit for your schedule, your interests, and your pocketbook. The DLC makes it easy for you to further your education in a variety of ways.

New catalog simplifies your search


We've created an online professional development catalog to simplify your search for the right learning opportunity. Here you will find schedules and detailed information about workshops, continuing education credit options, and courses.

You may search by:

• Content area
• Provider
• Credit
• Grade level

You'll also find a wealth of articles on effective teaching and learning practices from respected sources, such as Teacher Quality Digest and New Horizons for Learning.

Other DLC Supports


DLC-sponsored professional development conferences, free of charge to our members, are an ongoing benefit of your subscription. Learn more about our school support services, such as the Innovative Practices for Student Achievement Conference, our Teacher2Teacher program and our Train the Trainer workshops.



]]> http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/04/browse_our_new_1.php http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/04/browse_our_new_1.php Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:43:18 -0800