I found this in the Public Education Network Weekly NewsBlast, and post here and on my personal blog.

“Not on the Test” satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching.

Tom Chapin, a Grammy Award-winning musician perhaps best known for children’s music, has released a new song titled “Not on the Test.” The song satirizes the American education system’s renewed focus on rote teaching, in which tests have become the sole reason to teach and learn. Music, art, drama and sports were what kept Chapin engaged in school. In addition, these subjects make the teacher’s (and the student’s) job easier and infinitely more rewarding. Unfortunately, they are also what have been cut from curriculums across the country as Chapin explains lightheartedly in song.

Chapin’s web site for “Not on the Test” has helpful links and information, including audio, video, lyrics, and art. Tom Chapin’s Official Web Site also features “Not on the Test.”

As one concerned that budget cuts will eviscerate a good education, I resonate and recommend.

Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2008 is the highlight of a video recently posted on the Columbus City Schools website. The report dated 3/4/2008 may presently be found on the right side of the main page.

For a more permanent link, should the above go “extinct,” try this. (You may need to download and then view, depending upon your setup.)

caveats: The file is over 25 MB! (Don’t try this on dial-up!) It is also in a proprietary format (WMV - Windows Media Video).

Addendum: the link on C.C.S. main page is extinct. use the second link.

Applications for Need-based Scholarships are available for students in grades 3-11 from Support for Talented Students, Inc. at SchoolMatch. Scholarships may be used for enrichment activities not normally provided in the schools. Activities may be during the summer or during the following school year. Applications are available at
http://www.schoolmatch.com/STS/STS.htm or from a Gifted and Talented Specialist at a Columbus City School. Deadline is March 14, 2008. The Gifted and Talented Specialists will collect the applications and complete the School Sponsor portion. For more information contact Beth Gasior at 365-6626.

The question came up at our recent meeting: how can I get a photo ID, required for admission to many of the above-grade-level testing programs?

These are programs such as the Midwest Academic Talent Search or Ohio Talent Search, where above-grade-level tests (including ACT/SAT) are used to more accurately measure the ability and achievement levels of gifted children. Gifted children’s abilities are not effectively measured by the standard tests, where they tend to max out the scale. More effective measurement can aid planning and instruction to nurture our children.

If you need a State of Ohio ID, you can get one from any Deputy Registrar. You’ll need some original proof of birth (e.g. birth certificate or immigration (BCIS) document), and a secondary ID with proof of Social Security number. For renewal the ID itself suffices, as long as it has not been expired more than 6 months. The cost is $8.50. More information is available on the site of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). (Look under “Driver Licensing.”)

If you’d like to help get the word out about Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2008, here is the official flyer (421KB). It can be printed on a single page — or two to a page if your system allows. You may need to right-click or shift click to download.

Parents of current 8th graders in CCS who are interested in attending CAHS or Eastmoor Academy next year may want to consider the Selective Admissions Pilot recently announced. Applications are available at the middle schools. Criteria includes a minimum 3.0 GPA, and either standardized test scores at 90th percentile in 6th grade or identified as gifted and talented in either Superior Cognitive Ability or Specific Academic Ability. 50 slots at each school are available for this selective admission. Deadline is February 11, so families need to complete paperwork quickly.

Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair 2008 is coming! Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair

1. When is it?

Monday, March 3, 2008 from 3:30pm – 7:30 pm. Come anytime during this period when it is convenient for you and stay for as long as you wish. Plan to arrive at least by 6:30 pm in order to have time to talk with the different representatives.

2. Where is it?

Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad St, Columbus. Use the main visitors entrance to the main Atrium. Exhibitors will be in the Main Atrium, the Palm House, the Show Room, and the lower lobby. The inside garden rooms of the conservatory will not be open.

3. How much does it cost?

Admission to the Step Into Summer Opportunities Fair is free. Parking in the Conservatory lot is free.

4. What is it?

The Step Into Summer Opportunities and College Access Information Fair is an informational fair. Representatives from different organizations will have table set up, many with picture displays. The representatives talk with people interested in finding out more about their programs.

5. Should I bring my kids?

Children are welcome to accompany their parents. Children should stay with their parents as they walk around the Fair. Many exhibitors have picture displays that will help children find out more about the program. High school students are welcome to attend without parents, if they desire.

6. Is this for all ages?

There are programs for ages pre-K through high school. Some programs and camps are for a small range of ages, others have a wider range.

7. How much does the program cost?

Each summer program sets its own fee. We encourage you to ask each representative about the program fees and whether scholarships are available.

8. How do I sign up?

Each of the programs has a separate registration process. Ask each representative for more information about signing up for that specific program.

9. Who will be there?

There will be over 50 organizations represented at the Fair that offer a wide variety of different kinds of activities for the summer. We do not yet have a final list of attendees. In the past we have had summer outdoor camping experiences, indoor academic programs, pre-college experiences for middle and high school students, summer day care, sports camps, horse camps, arts camps, and volunteer activities. There will also be information available about academic support services, college readiness programs, financial planning, and year-long internship opportunities.

10. Are there job opportunities?

This is not a job fair.

11. If I can’t attend the Fair on Monday, March 3, how can I get the information?

We will be putting together a booklet of the information provided by the exhibitors. Contact numbers, cost information, dates, and general description will be included. After the Fair, this booklet will be on the PACE website for your convenience. Begin looking for it about 1 week after the Fair.

12. Can I have a booklet sent to me?

No, we will not send booklets. We encourage everyone to find a way to access the information on-line on our website after the Fair.

13. Is this for Columbus City School only?

No, the Fair is open to all families in the central Ohio area.

14. Who can I contact for more information?

You may send email questions to
You may call 614-343-3704 for more information.

The list of 2008 Ohio Summer Honor Institutes are now posted on the Ohio Department of Education website, right here!
This is a terrific opportunity for students who are currently in 9th and 10th grade to spend time on college campuses this summer attending programs designed specifically for those identified as gifted and talented. There is a wide variety of subject matter and locations around the state. I urge you to check them out! Some popular courses do fill quickly.

The information and dates for 2008 C.C.S. school choice (lottery) is now posted on the C.C.S. website. There is stuff on the front page but try also directly the School Choice Office. Dates and deadlines may be found there.

Just the Facts: