- A focused master’s degree in Natural Resources/Environmental Education identifies and nurtures environmental education leaders
Primary and secondary education teachers throughout Wisconsin know they should and could be teaching environmental education to their students, but they often don’t know how. A master’s program in Natural Resources/Environmental Education (NR/EE) at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point has granted degrees to more than 150 teachers who are addressing this dilemma: they are training colleagues to integrate environmental education into K-12 curricula; developing plans to use district natural areas; creating student environmental clubs, and involving students in analyzing and solving community environmental problems. Teachers in this program eventually impact 15,000-20,000 Wisconsin youth to become better stewards of the environment.
- Annual conference helps teachers meet the wide range of learning needs among students
Teachers are challenged to meet the wide range of learning needs among students in mixed ability classrooms. To address this issue, an annual conference in La Crosse offers them an opportunity to learn from national experts, network with colleagues, and bring strategies back to their schools that are simple, workable, and effective. In 2006, 74 teachers, curriculum specialists, and gifted and talented coordinators from 29 school districts attended. Most participants who were subsequently interviewed report that the conference led them to change their teaching practices to better suit the individual styles and aptitudes of their students. In particular, teachers have noted improved learning outcomes when they offer students choices within the curriculum.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate program addresses a growing need for training care providers to those with special needs
The incidence of an autism spectrum disorders diagnosis is 10 times more likely than it was 10 years ago. Education, health and human services providers who completed a UW-La Crosse/Extension Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate Program developed skills to help improve communication, social and physical skills in autistic persons. These individuals are better able to provide appropriate care based on currently recommended practices than colleagues who did not enroll in the training.
- College Credit in the high school classroom benefits students and schools
more than 6300 high school students have gotten a head start on their college degrees. The program provides opportunities for academically qualified students to receive credit for completing coursework that’s likely not available to them in their high schools. In a survey of participants from 2005, 100 percent of respondents reported that their CCIHS experience positively affected their later achievement in college. School districts benefit, too, by receiving university support in their talented and gifted programs.
- Electronic applications make a UW System education more accessible to students everywhere
An electronic application system implemented in 1997 saves the UW System money and better serves student applicants by minimizing errors, eliminating duplication, and moving information more quickly to the campuses. More than 111,000 prospective students submitted online applications for undergraduate admission to University of Wisconsin System campuses in 2006-2007, representing nearly 80 percent of the total applications received. The popularity of electronic applications – or eapps – demonstrates that students favor online registration over the slower, more laborious paper method. UW campus admissions officers say they prefer the eapps, too.
- Master’s in education program offers practicing teachers quality, convenience, and results
Teachers who are earning their master’s degree in education through the UW-La Crosse Learning Communities say the program’s focus on learning from other teachers helps them define and meet their individual and classroom goals. In a 2006 evaluative study, graduates report improvements in their teaching practices, their students’ learning, and their school cultures. In fact, more than 82 percent of respondents say their participation in the program led to an increase in their students’ learning. Most feel this directly relates to the improved confidence they acquired through the program.
- New techniques in behavior management lead to more productive classrooms
Dealing with disruptive behaviors in the classroom is a challenge for even experienced teachers. University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Office of Continuing Education offers a series of courses throughout southern Wisconsin that focuses on techniques, tools and plans for elementary and secondary teachers to use immediately with disruptive students. Teachers say the new skills help them in dealing with challenging behaviors and depressed students, understanding and dealing with family dynamics, communicating with physicians and family members, and handling student medications. Teachers using their new skills have helped challenging students become more accountable for their actions. These new techniques lead to more productive classrooms, helping both special-needs and non-disruptive students learn in a safe environment.
- Poverty training increases teacher awareness and builds opportunities for Fond du Lac children
To respond to a local poverty crisis, the Fond du Lac School District-in partnership with the UW-Fond du Lac Continuing Education Department-offers a Framework for Understanding Poverty in-service to all district employees. Developed by scholar Ruby Payne, the nationally regarded training has inspired teachers and staff from both institutions to develop a series of community projects, all aimed at giving underprivileged children their best chance at academic success. Faculty and staff say the workshop profoundly impacted their teaching and their attitudes towards their students. These programs enhance students' confidence, thus increasing the likelihood that they will pursue an educational degree and perhaps break the cycle of poverty in which they have become trapped.
- Professional training gives teachers tools to help special needs students further their social development
Meeting the learning goals of an entire class is a challenge for even experienced teachers, especially as the numbers of mainstreamed special needs students continue to rise. University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Office of Continuing Education courses address these concerns for K-12 teachers who work with autistic and/or behaviorally challenged children. Teachers say the new skills help them in empathizing with and developing expectations for their special needs students, averting disruptive behaviors, teaching students individual responsibility and better decision-making, and involving family members in positive ways. The techniques, tools, and strategies they adopt lead to more productive classrooms, allowing all students to learn in a safe environment.
- Training in distance-learning technology leads to success for K-12 classrooms
Wisconsin school districts rely on distance-learning technology to provide courses to students and training to teachers. The University of Wisconsin-Extension Instructional Communication System (ICS) provides two-day summer training for K-12 teachers and support staff that shows them how to adapt course materials, use equipment, and follow distance-education issues in order to use this technology more appropriately. ICS has also lent technological and pedagogical support to the new Wisconsin Center for Music Education. The Center—of particular value as school arts programs undergo repeated cuts—offers both on site and online programming to music educators, students, and community members throughout the state.
- Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program helps teachers spread the word on energy education
More than two thousand Wisconsin teachers have learned ways to incorporate up-to-date energy education activities into their classrooms since 1995 through the K-12 Energy Education Program (KEEP). Teachers take part in an average of 22 courses each year, which in turn helps tens of thousands of students throughout Wisconsin appreciate the need to conserve energy and make changes in their lifestyle important to our state, nation and world.
