Education Newswatch February 2007

African American Read-In
On February 4 and 5, 2007, join over a million readers in the 18th annual National African American Read-In. Schools, churches, libraries, bookstores, community and professional organizations and interested citizens are urged to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month by hosting and coordinating Read-Ins in their communities. Hosting a Read-In can be as simple as bringing together friends to share a book, or as elaborate as arranging public readings and media presentations that feature professional African American writers.

To be counted as participants, simply select books authored by African Americans, conduct your Read-In(s) on the days designated and report results by submitting the 2007 African American Read-In Report Card. Sponsored by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English, the Read-In has been endorsed by the International Reading Association. Over a million readers from all ethnic groups from 49 states, as well as the West Indies and African countries, have participated. The goal is to make the celebration of African American literacy a traditional part of Black History Month activities. To learn more and to download an African American Read-In Packet, go to www.ncte.org/prog/readin/107901.htm

Listen to a Life Essay Contest
Help students to think about their life goals and build closer connections across generations through the Legacy Project Listen to a Life Essay Contest. To enter the contest, students ages 8-18 interview a grandparent or friend who is 50 years or older about the older person's hopes and goals through their life, how they achieved their goals and overcame obstacles or how dreams may have changed along the way. The student then writes a 300-word essay based on the interview. The Legacy Project is an educational initiative of The Communication Project (TCP), with support from several community and corporate partners. The grand prize is a ThinkCentre computer and a $500 gift certificate for Books Are Fun. Twenty runner-up prizes include $200 gift certificates for Books Are Fun. All winners will receive a framed award certificate and a signed copy of Dream by author and educator Susan V. Bosak (TCP Press, 2004), the book that inspired the contest.

For complete contest details, as well as a free activity kit filled with life interview ideas, a planning guide for a school Grandparents Day event and goal-setting activities with curriculum connections, visit www.legacyproject.org The Listen to a Life Contest deadline is March 31, 2007.

Summer Fellowship for Innovative Teachers
The Murdock-Thompson Center for Teachers is offering $2,000 awards to K-12 teachers to stimulate innovative ideas. Teachers may perfect their classroom strategy over the summer, or use the time to replicate and publicize their innovation. Motivational strategies and curriculum reform are also eligible. Summer activities covered by the fellowship should lead to implementation during the following school year. The application deadline is March 31, 2007. For more information and to learn how to apply, go to http://users.ids.net/~murdokca

NEH Summer Seminars and Institutes for Teachers
Each year the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers teachers opportunities to study humanities topics in a variety of summer seminars and institutes. All teachers selected to participate in a seminar or institute will be awarded a fixed stipend based on the length of the seminar or institute to help cover travel costs, books and other research expenses, as well as living expenses. The deadline for application is March 1, 2007. For more information, visit www.neh.gov/projects/si-school.html

Free Read Across America Books
The Literacy Empowerment Foundation (LEF) invites your school or other literacy project to apply for free books for Read Across America Day, which is March 2, 2007. During the past year, LEF has distributed over 3,000,000 books to schools all across the country for Read Across America Day and other literacy projects. The Reading Resource Project is an ongoing program that runs throughout the year. The program distributes books free of charge for literacy programs. Recipients pay shipping, handling and administrative costs ($65 per set of 100 books). Reading Resource Project books come in sets of 100 books per set. There will not be more than four copies of the same book in any set. Reading levels are available for grades PreK-2.

To receive books in time for Read Across America Day, orders must be submitted online by February 11, 2007; to learn more, go to www.lefbooks.org/reading_resource _project

Allianz Education Awards
Allianz is offering classroom awards of $1,000 to educators who best demonstrate innovation and effectiveness integrating Blue Zones programs into their curriculum. One such program is Blue Zones Challenge, a four-week heath and fitness program that empowers students to take charge of their own health. Another is Blue Zones Expeditions, where a team of scientists, explorers and journalists travel to Blue Zones – the places in the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives – to discover those elders' keys to healthy longevity. Students participate in these expeditions virtually and vote each day to direct the expedition team where to look for clues.

For more information about the Blue Zones programs and corresponding free classroom curriculum, and to learn how to apply for an award, visit www.bluezones.com/education/for-educators Allianz award applications are due March 30, 2007.

February, 2007, Vol.37, No.5