ISTA/ICTM Joint Fall Teachers' Conference, October 6 and 7, 2011 in Idaho Falls
Again this year, ISTA (Idaho Science Teachers Association) and ICTM (Idaho Council of Teachers of Mathematics) combined their two organizations for the fall teachers' conference. The conference was held in Idaho Falls October 6 and 7, 2011. The conference was titled "Weaving Teaching Styles with Learning Styles in a 21st Century Classroom."
ISMTC participated in the conference by facilitating a panel discussion on "Preparing Our Students as Critical Thinkers for Today's Job Market." Panelists included post-secondary staff as well as business professionals.
The panel began at 1:00 p.m. on October 6 for approximately 1 hour with time for general questions from the audience. The panelists then remained available from 2:10 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. for individual questions and concerns that were not necessarily relevant to the group as a whole or that were specific to only that participant.
STEM Education Resources: Investing in Idaho's Students-October 28 and 29, 2010:
This conference's purpose was to stimulate the creation and expansion of projects that will improve STEM education in Idaho. Participants learned about how successful projects were funded and what it takes to bring a project to fruition.
The conference panel discussion (and breakout sessions) gave particular attention to closing the achievement gap for Idaho K-12 students in general and for particular groups who are under-represented in STEM educational and career pathways in particular. The breakout sessions specifically revolved around four themes: aerospace, classroom level grants, statewide programs (professional development), and higher education (teacher preparation/professional development and transitional programs from high school to higher education and careers).
The final conference brochure plus the detail of the small group sessions is on our website. The conference evaluation results assessing the value of the conference are on our website as well.
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) offered a credit of professional development for the full day's conference on Friday, October 29. The total cost for the credit was $65.
Photo Gallery from STEM Education Resources Conference
Texas Instruments 3-Day TI-Nspire Algebra I Summer Institutes: This institute was designed for new or intermediate users of the TI-Nspire, Nspire CAS handhelds. Participants learned new and innovative ways to use technology to effectively teach algebra. The instructors used the Math Nspired Algebra activities and discussed the pedagogical implications of using the TI-Nspire Math Nspired activities.
Institutes were held in June 2010 in Idaho, Twin Falls and Middleton with participants receiving handhelds as a part of the registration fee.
The Texas Instruments website has additional information on any upcoming institutes in Idaho at www.ti.com.