by Sharon Olbertson
Curriculum Coalition news:
The Curriculum Coalition is an organization of groups that are involved in education in
SD. Their goal is to provide a "quality educational experience" by serving in an advisory
capacity on curriculum issues and by providing a forum for the exchange, renewal and
development of curriculum.
SDCTE is represented in this group, as are all the other disciplines.
The organization is the only "clearing house" in the state for all educational groups to confer with each other
and find ways to meet common goals. In short, the CC provides an opportunity for many
good things to happen, and they already have.
Initially, the CC received funding for its operation. However, this funding is no longer available, and the organization needs to find alternative resources. Right now, the most obvious solution is to ask each member group to pay dues to belong, as well as absorb mileage costs for delegates to attend. Though this does not constitute a huge cost, it is, nonetheless, another drain on our treasury. Therefore, it's important to increase our membership. Talk to a colleague!! Recruit!!
Humanities Grant:
Last spring, Donna Fisher and Sharon Olbertson received a SD Humanities Grant for
developing a "literary map" of SD--featuring authors who have close ties to the state,
either through their lives or their writing. The first phase was to do the research.
An important criterion was to select works that are useful to the K-12 teacher and are
available in our state resources. The research phase is now in its final editing.
The second phase required a second grant, which has just been
received. This consists of the actual production of the map--designing, editing, printing.
An artist will enhance the SD map with appropriate designs to focus attention on authors/works/places that are
significant. The pictorial side of the map will have significant names and titles
superimposed on it. The reverse side will contain more detailed data about authors and
works. Grant monies will make it possible for each school and city library to receive a
copy of this map.
Another aspect of this project is to create a web site containing all the
research which has already been done, as well as to provide a link to additional information about additional
works having to do with SD--history , geography, natural history, lesser literary works
and authors, etc. We do not think this has been done by other states.
Perhaps our effort would start a trend!
The target date for the map publication is before the 1998 school year. Individual copies of the map will be offered for sale through the SDCTE, with proceeds going back to SDCTE and the SD Humanities Council. An ongoing concern about this project is getting corporate sponsorship--a necessary component of humanities grants. If anyone knows of a business looking for ways to help the students of SD. . . .