Education Roundup for Week Ending August 8, 2014
SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Education (CDE) today issued this week's roundup of education-related announcements of public interest.
Public Comment Period Underway for New Science Standards
The public is invited to view and comment on the first draft of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Systems Implementation Plan for California (PDF; 1MB). The purpose of the Plan is to help the CDE, local educational agencies (LEAs), and others implement the NGSS for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve. The NGSS bring science instruction up to date, in part by emphasizing a deeper focus on understanding the cross-cutting concepts within and across scientific disciplines.
The Plan identifies eight strategies and has other elements and activities to implement the new science standards. People may submit their comments and suggestions by email to ngss@cde.ca.gov by the close of business Monday, August 25, 2014.
If anyone has questions about the Plan, contact the CDE's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Office at the same email or at 916-323-5847.
Registration Opens for 2nd Annual California STEM Symposium
Registration is open now for educators to sign up for the 2nd Annual California STEM Symposium. There is a reduced rate through next Friday.
The Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation, in partnership with the CDE, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, and The California STEM Learning Network, will host the STEM Symposium September 21–23, 2014, at the San Diego Convention Center. This year's theme is "Invest in California STEM Education: Innovate, Integrate, and Inspire!" Keynote speakers include popular scientist Bill Nye, astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, Code.org co-founder Hadi Partovi,MythBusters co-host Jamie Hyneman, and "Rapping Mathematician" and a 2009 California Teacher of the Year Alex Kajitani.
The goal of the conference is to provide a forum for teachers, educators, administrators, and partners in STEM education to share their best practices, strategies, and resources. Topics at the STEM Symposium will include Common Core mathematics, NGSS, engineering practices and programs, technology as a foundation and focus, integration of the STEM disciplines, college and career exploration and preparation, and engaging underrepresented youth and young women in STEM.
This fall's meeting builds upon last year's successful inaugural gathering of more than 2,000 attendees. An estimated 3,000 educators are expected to participate in this year's event. Registration is now $300. Late registration goes up to $350 on August 15, 2014. To sign up, visit the Californians Dedicated to Education 
Web page.
Web page.Presenters and vendors are also invited to apply to showcase their STEM programs, projects, and products.
New Director at CDE's Professional Learning & Support Division
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson has appointed Carrie Roberts as the new Division Director for the CDE's Professional Learning & Support Division. She replaces Phil Lafontaine, who retired earlier this year.
Roberts started with the CDE in 2007 as an education programs consultant. She was promoted in 2011 to manager of the Literacy, History, and Arts Leadership Office. She is a member of the CDE's Common Core Interactive Action Team and led the development of the online Professional Learning Modules for the Common Core State Standards.
Roberts earned an undergraduate degree in Liberal Studies and a graduate degree in Language and Literacy from California State University, Sacramento. She also holds a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, a Reading Specialist Credential, and a Clear Administrative Credential.
Before her tenure at the CDE, she taught elementary school for 15 years in the Natomas Unified School District and Eureka Union School District.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100