News
Eliminating second-year science mandate is fast fix with long-term damage
By Rick Pomeroy in Thoughts on Public Education
Rick Pomeroy, lecturer/supervisor for the science teaching credential program in the School of Education and president of the California Science Teachers Association, wrote this piece on Governor Brown’s proposal to end the mandate that requires a second year of science for high school graduation. “As a way to fix a dysfunctional budget process, this makes absolutely no sense,” writes Pomeroy.
Rick Pomeroy discusses Governer’s Proposal to Cut Science Requirement in High Schools
Listen to the discussion at NPR/KQED "Forum" - June 7, 2012
In an hour-long discussion of Governer Brown’s proposal to eliminate the required second year of high school science education, Rick Pomeroy talks about the possible implications and concerns about reducing science instruction at a time when educators and business leaders are calling for students to receive more instruction in science. Dr. Pomeroy, who is the School’s science credential lecturer and supervisor and the president of the California Science Teachers Association, begins to speak at minute 14. He also answers caller’s question. Listen to the conversation here.
Vajra Watson Discusses New Book, Learning to Liberate
C2Y Podcast, March 28, 2012
Vajra Watson, director of research and policy for equity, discusses her work with youth and her new book, Learning to Liberate: Community-Based Solutions to the Crisis in Urban Education, on this podcast put out by Connect To Youth (C2Y), located in Toronto, Canada. The interview is conducted by Wolfgang Vachon. Listen here.
Prof. Tom Timar Comments on Cal Chancellor’s Tenure
Interview on KQED, March 13, 2012
UC Davis School of Education Professor Tom Timar, who is a Cal alumnus and expert on the higher education finance and policy, comments on Chancellor Robert Birgenaeu’s legacy and his handling of dwindling state resources, student protests, and UC Berkeley’s efforts to ensure middle class students can afford to attend UC Berkeley. Listen to the interview here.
Prof. Michal Kurlaender comments in story about the prevalence of remedial instruction at CSU
Article in Sacramento Bee, March 15, 2012
School of Education Professor Michal Kurlaender explained that colleges (both state and community colleges) are eager to see the new Common Core Standards in place in hopes that they will better align instruction in K-12 with higher education and improve college readiness among incoming freshman. Kurlaender is an expert on student readiness and success in higher education. Read the whole article here.
School and Partner, LEED, Receive Support to Create Regional STEM Network
The School of Education and LEED (Linking Education and Economic Development) have received a planning grant from the California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet) to develop a regional STEM education network, in support of in-school and out of school programs in science, technology, engineering and math.
Catalyst Wins Silver CASE Award
The School of Education’s Catalyst magazine was recognized in March 2012 by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with a silver award in the category Communications & Marketing Programs – Print External Audience Tabloids and Newsletters.
School Receives $1 Million Grant To Study Autism’s Impact on Education
March 2012
The U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) has awarded a four-year $1 million grant to School of Education professor Peter Mundy.
New Book on Education and Autism Edited by Prof. Peter Mundy
Educational Interventions for Students with Autism, published as the first in the Autism for Educators series by the UC Davis Mind Institute, has been released. The book is edited by Peter Mundy and Ann Mastergeorge. It provides information on topics related to deepening educators’ understanding of the issues and best practices involved in education for autism, including practical strategies for teachers, parents and school administrators. Purchase the book here.
Professor Jamal Abedi Comments on Story about Davis Unified’s Test Scores
Sacramento Bee - January 19, 2012
In a Sacramento Bee story about the “slip” in test scores in the
Davis Unified School District, Jamal Abedi provided insight into
the “similar schools” comparison. He explained, “distinctions
made by the state when determining similar schools are arbitrary
and center on measures hard to quantify. He said the Davis
district’s poor similar-schools ranking was, in a way, ‘bad
luck.’”
Read the story.
UC Davis event to celebrate diversity in children’s books
UC Davis News Release
January 20, 2011
Joyce Carol Thomas, an African American poet, playwright and children’s author, will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at the UC Davis School of Education’s annual Words Take Wing event celebrating diversity in children’s literature.
Professor to Lead Project to Improve Agriculture in Vietnam and Cambodia
Cary Trexler, associate professor in the School of Education and the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, received a three-year $500,000 grant from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Horticulture Collaborative Research and Support Program to enhance vegetable production by small farmers in Cambodia and Vietnam.
Jamal Abedi Named to Distinguished Expert Committee
Professor Jamal Abedi and UCLA’s CRESST Director Joan Herman have been named to the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium Technical Advisory Committee. The Consortium includes more than 30 states working collaboratively to prepare all students for college and careers by creating a comprehensive assessment system in mathematics and language arts. Read more here.
