February 2016
In this issue:
  • CCASN Presentations at Educating for Careers Conference, March 6-8
  • New and Improved Resources on CCASN website
  • Distinguished California Partnership Academies
  • STEM Education Using Real Data from NASA 

CCASN Presentations at Educating for Careers Conference, March 6-8

CCASN staff will present several sessions at this year's Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento. Click here for topics and times.


New and Improved Resources on CCASN website

A new Teacher Leadership Development Guide was developed for district and site leaders in schools that prioritize college and career pathways. As pathways become more prevalent in schools, teachers are called upon to integrate their programs with a school wide vision, to learn new instructional practices, and to involve industry partners and work closely with postsecondary partners. This guide provides suggestions for building teachers' capacity for leadership, using evidence-based approaches specific to developing multiple pathways in comprehensive high schools. The guide includes tools, models, links, and suggested activities. Access the Teacher Leadership Development Guide on the CCASN website, under the Leadership Guide tab.

Master Scheduling Tools Updated. CCASN works continuously to improve the value of our scheduling tools by implementing suggestions from our users. Many suggestions for improvement were received regarding the bell schedule tool. This tool was the most complicated to use and required a high level of Excel proficiency. This new version is considerably less complicated, more flexible for developing a variety of bell schedules, and requires only a basic knowledge of Excel. If you are developing a new bell schedule, check out our new tool online at: http://casn.berkeley.edu/master_schedule_guide.php?c=29&r=439


Distinguished California Partnership Academies

This year for the first time, the California Department of Education (CDE) will be designating several California Partnership Academies (CPAs) with the honorary title of Distinguished California Partnership Academy. CDE chose the 10 academies in this inaugural class based on a review of annual reports, budgets, and site visits performed by CDE staff, CCASN staff, and Lighthouse Academy teams. Criteria for achieving this honor include: full compliance with California Education Code sections 54690-54697 over multiple years; effective use of CPA funds to deliver superior enrichment and motivational activities and resources to students; support services that provide tools for success to all Academy students; and the development of strong post-secondary connections including industry certifications, articulation agreements, or dual credit opportunities. Winners will be recognized during the Educating for Careers Conference in March.


STEM Education Using Real Data from NASA

For the past 5 years, CCASN and WestEd have collaborated to create the GLOBE CAP project, which focuses on STEM career preparation by engaging students in real science as part of their high school career academy experiences. With funding from the National Science Foundation, the collaborative is implementing the GLOBE environmental science program through green career academies in California.

A new grant from NASA will now let CCASN and WestEd integrate data from NASA satellites into GLOBE CAP. The NASA grant, dubbed MISSION EARTH, supports a team of partners to work with urban and rural school districts all over the country as part of a national systemic change in STEM education. MISSION EARTH brings together scientists and science educators to develop a K-12 "Earth as a system" curriculum progression following research-based practices, including GLOBE CAP as the model for high schools. The curriculum will incorporate design principles that will make it appropriate for all student populations, especially those currently underrepresented in STEM careers.