Education

Extra Credit

November 01, 1995 30 min read
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Deadlines

Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals.

Asterisks (

  • ) denote new entries.

Grants and fellowships

November 1. Japanese.

The Northeast Asia Council and Association for Asian Studies, in conjunction with the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, offers teachers of Japanese grants of up to $2,500 to attend seminars on teaching about Japan; $1,000 for research travel in the United States; $5,000 to attend workshops on improving Japanese language teaching; and expenses for short-term travel to Japan. For more information, contact: NEAC-Grant, University of Michigan, One Lane Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109; (313) 665-2490.

November 1. Physics.

The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory seeks applicants for its Teacher Fellowships. Science or technology teachers of grades 7-12 are eligible to apply for a nine- to 12-month sabbatical at the laboratory in Batavia, Ill., to participate in research in particle physics and to develop educational materials related to their experience. Three fellows will receive a stipend of $550 per week, the standard package of Fermi benefits for monthly term employees, and up to nine semester hours of graduate credit. For an application form, contact: Kevin McFarland, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, MS 122, Batavia, IL 60510; (708) 840-3266; e-mail ksmcf@fnal.gov.

December 21. Education Research.

The National Academy of Education seeks applicants for the 1996-97 Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowships. Individuals who have, or will have, earned a doctorate or equivalent degree between Jan. 1, 1990, and Dec. 31, 1995, in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or education are eligible. Applicants must submit research proposals that will make a significant contribution both to the study of education and to the discipline from which the work draws. Up to 30 fellows receive $40,000 for one year of academic study or $20,000 for two years if studying part time. For more information, contact: National Academy of Education, Stanford University, School of Education, CERAS 108, Stanford, CA 94305-3084; (415) 725-1003.

  • December 31. Donation.

MIPS Technologies Inc. invites any K-12 school in the United States to enter its Penny-a-Processor Contest. MIPS will donate in cash the total of one cent per MIPS microprocessor shipped during 1995 to one selected school. (In 1994, there were 1.67 million MIPS processors shipped; MIPS anticipates an increase this year.) To be eligible, a school must submit an entry form that describes a pressing need that could be met by the MIPS donation; needs could range from outfitting a classroom library with computers to purchasing and installing a new heating system. To receive an entry form, contact: B. Gardiner, MIPS Technologies, 2011 N. Shoreline Blvd., M/S 410, Mountain View, CA 94043; fax-back service (800) 446-6477; e-mail bonnieg@corp.sgi.com; World Wide Web http://www.mips.com/.

January 9. Gender Equity.

The American Association of University Women Educational Foundation offers the 1996-97 Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships, which give female teachers the opportunity to learn techniques that will increase girls’ self-confidence and academic performance, especially in math and science. Approximately 20 teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to gender equity in the classroom each receive stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible are women who have taught full time in a K-12 public school for at least three consecutive years; at least part of their teaching assignments must include math, science, or technology. Contact: American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, Dept. 14, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (319) 337-1716, ext. 59.

January 16. Principals.

The Council for Basic Education--in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Esther A. and Joseph Klingenstein Fund, and the DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund--offers the National Fellowships for Independent Study in the Humanities for Principals, intended to give principals four weeks of self-designed independent study in the humanities. Eligible are full-time elementary and secondary school principals with at least two years’ experience who plan to continue as a principal for at least five more years. Applicants must also have taught for three years and hold a master’s degree. For more information, contact: Council for Basic Education, National Fellowships for Independent Study in the Humanities for Principals, P.O. Box 135, Ashton, MD 20861; fax (301) 570-8655.

  • January 29. Arts Education.

The Council for Basic Education, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Arts, invites applications for the Arts Education Fellowship Program. Approximately 30 fellows will each be awarded a $2,500 grant to pursue between four to eight weeks of independent study in the arts in a setting of their choice. Eligible are teachers of grades K-12 and artists who teach in schools at least 20 hours per week. For more information, contact: Council for Basic Education, 1319 F St., N.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004-1152; (202) 347-4171; fax (202) 347-5047.

  • February 15. Television.

C-SPAN, an educational cable network, seeks nominations for the 1996 C-SPAN High School Teacher Fellowship Program. One winner will be selected to work for four weeks during the summer at C-SPAN’s offices in Washington, D.C., creating high school classroom materials. The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend for living expenses, $500 in coupons redeemable for C-SPAN videos, and round-trip airfare. Only members of C-SPAN in the Classroom, an educational service, are eligible. Teachers can request an application but must be nominated by a cable affiliate. For more information, contact: 1996 C-SPAN High School Teacher Fellowship Program, C-SPAN, c/o Education and Marketing Services, 400 N. Capitol St., N.W., Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 737-3220; fax (202) 737-3323.

  • March 1. U.S. Constitution.

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers fellowships to teachers or prospective teachers. Each $24,000 award supports full- or part-time graduate study leading to a master’s degree in American history, political science, or education, with a concentration on the U.S. Constitution. Eligible are grade 7-12 teachers of American history, American government, and social studies, as well as recent college graduates who plan to teach the same subjects. Fellowships will be awarded to at least one recipient from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, taken together, the other U.S. territories. Contact: James Madison Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 4030, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (800) 525-6928; fax (319) 337-1204; e-mail Recogprog@ACT-ACT4-PO.act.org.

Honors

November 1. Dissertation.

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development is accepting submissions for its 1995 Outstanding Dissertation Awards Program. Four winners will be recognized for exemplary dissertations that significantly advance the knowledge and understanding of education theories, concepts, and practices in any of four categories: curriculum, instruction, policy/organization, and supervision. The awards are open to any doctoral candidate whose dissertation was completed and approved by an accredited institution during the academic year Sept. 1, 1994, to Aug. 31, 1995. To request an entry form, contact: Karen Rasmussen, Project Facilitator, Outstanding Dissertation Awards Program, ASCD, 1250 N. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (703) 549-9110, ext. 525; e-mail krasmuss@ascd.org.

November 15. Science.

The National Science Teachers Association announces the Gustav Ohaus Awards. Two educators from the elementary, middle, and high school levels will each receive a $1,000 award and a $750 award, respectively, for an innovative project that improves science education. For more information, contact: National Science Teachers Awards Program, Attn: Lori Pinson, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.

December 1. Science And Math.

The National Science Foundation invites nominations for the 1996 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching Program. A total of 216 elementary and secondary school science and math teachers representing each state and U.S. territory will each receive a $7,500 grant to be used over a three-year period to improve their teaching of science and math. Winners also receive an expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C. For more information, contact the science or math consultant in your state department of education, or PAESMT, National Science Teachers Association, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.

December 1. Literature.

The American Library Association invites members of its Young Adult Library Services Association to apply for the 1996 Econo-clad Award for a Young Adult Reading or Literature Program. The $1,000 cash award is given to a member who has developed and implemented an outstanding library program for young adults ages 12-18. For more information, contact: Young Adult Library Services Association, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390; fax (312) 664-7459.

December 8. Heroes.

Reader’s Digest announces the American Heroes in Education Awards, which recognize outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers and principals who are making a difference in the lives of their students. Ten awards of $5,000 each will be given to individual teachers and principals or teams of up to six teachers and principals; a $10,000 award will also go to each winning school. For more information, contact: Mary Terry, Reader’s Digest American Heroes in Education Award, Pleasantville, NY 10572; (914) 244-2030.

December 31. Children’s Nonfiction.

The National Council of Teachers of English is seeking nominations for the 1996 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. The prize will go to a book published in 1995. To nominate, send a letter, including the author’s name, book title, publisher, copyright date, and a short description of what you liked about the book. Contact: Evelyn Freeman, Orbis Pictus Committee Chair, 499 Riley Ave., Worthington, OH 43085.

  • January 5. Hall Of Fame.

Applications are being accepted for the fifth annual Teacher Induction Program into the National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan. Designed to honor outstanding teachers, the program asks candidates to submit a completed application, personal statement, and five letters of support. Five teachers will be selected for induction at a ceremony in Emporia in June. Eligible are active or retired certified teachers of prekindergarten through 12th grade with at least 15 years’ classroom experience in a public or private school. For more information or to receive the official nomination form, contact: The National Teachers Hall of Fame, 1320 C of E Drive, Emporia, KS 66801; (800) 96-TEACH; (316) 341-5660; fax (316) 341-5912.

  • January 15. Gifted Children.

The Intertel Foundation Inc. announces the 1996 International Hollingworth Award Competition. The $2,000 award is presented annually for proposed research in the field of the education or psychology of gifted children and is open to both individuals and educational organizations. For more information, send a self-addressed envelope to: Dr. Roxanne Cramer, Chairwoman, Hollingworth Award Committee, 4300 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-3507.

  • February 15. Chemistry.

The Polymer Education Committee of the American Chemical Society, in conjunction with the Dow Chemical Company Foundation, invites junior high and high school chemistry teachers to apply for the 1996 Award for Excellence in Polymer Education. Teachers will be judged on their innovative uses of classroom and laboratory activities that promote the understanding of polymer chemistry. One national winner will be recognized at the American Chemical Society’s national conference and will receive a cash prize, a set of polymer chemistry materials for use in the classroom, and a certificate of recognition. To receive an application, contact: Professor David Collard, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400.

  • February 15. Home Economics.

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, in conjunction with GLENCOE/McGraw-Hill and the Teacher of the Year Endowment Fund, offers the National Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year Award. The $1,000 award also includes up to $500 in financial support to attend the AAFCS annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. Eligible are K-12 teachers of family and consumer sciences. For more information, contact: The American Association of Family and Consumer

Sciences, 1555 King St., Alexandria, VA, 22314; (703) 706-4600; fax (703) 706-4663.

  • April 1. Theater.

Tekgod Publications invites high school theater teachers in communities of less than 10,000 residents to apply for the Rural Theater Teacher of the Year Award. One $500 cash award will be given for outstanding and selfless service in isolated, financially limited, and culturally unsupportive environments. For applications, contact: Tekgod Publications, 10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 100-222, Kensington, MD 20895; (800) 293-TEKI.

Call for papers

December 1. Multicultural Literature.

The National Council of Teachers of English is looking for manuscripts for a proposed NCTE Classroom Practices volume titled United in Diversity: Multicultural Young Adult Literature. This publication will focus on the successful use of multicultural young adult literature in the classroom. For complete “call-for-paper’’ information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Lori Bianchini, National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801-1096.

  • December 1. Equity.

Language Arts, a periodical for preschool through middle school teachers published by the National Council of Teachers of English, invites manuscripts that examine equity issues in languages arts education. Topics to be explored include: What is the role of equity in language arts education? And how do schools and classrooms deal with equity issues in language arts education? For more information, contact: William Teale, Editor, Language Arts, College of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1040 W. Harrison, Chicago, IL 60607-7133; (312) 996-4669.

  • February 15. Tolerance.

The Southern Poverty Law Center invites teachers of grades preK-1 to submit their success stories in teaching racial equality and harmony. Several stories will be highlighted in an upcoming video produced by the center’s Teaching Tolerance project. For more information, contact: Margie McGovern Films, 1498 Dolores St., San Francisco, CA 94110; (415) 641-6100; fax (415) 641-6200.

In the spotlight

Mary Harris has won the 1995 Award for Excellence in Polymer Education. Harris, a chemistry teacher at the Burroughs School in St. Louis, Mo., is chairperson of a National Middle Level Science Teachers’ Association committee that is working with the American Plastics Council on a program for middle school teachers called “Hands on Plastics: A Scientific Investigation Kit.’' She received a cash prize and a set of polymer chemistry materials for her classroom.

Winnifred Bolinsky is the winner of the 1995 Technology & Learning Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by Microsoft Corp. Bolinsky, a 5th grade teacher at Fogelsville Elementary School in Allentown, Pa., was honored for her creative use of computers to improve the quality of education in her classroom. In addition to receiving a plaque, a Compaq computer, and software, Bolinsky will also serve on the Microsoft Education Advisory Board.

The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund has named Pat Graff the 1995 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year. Graff, a journalism and English teacher at La Cueva High School in Albuquerque, N.M., is also adviser to The Edition, the school newspaper, and the literary magazine. Graff will receive the award in November at the joint convention of the Journalism Education Association and the National Scholastic Press Association in Kansas City. Next fall, Dow Jones will award a $1,000 journalism scholarship in Graff’s name to a La Cueva High School senior.

Teaching tools

Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.

Learning Disabilities

Jeremy P. Tarcher/Putnam Books has published Why Is My Child Having Trouble at School? A Parent’s Guide to Learning Disabilities. Written by psychologists Barbara Novick and Maureen Arnold, this comprehensive guide explains the process of detecting and getting help for children with learning disabilities; it offers suggestions for parents and teachers alike. Cost: $12.95. Contact: Jeremy P. Tarcher Inc., 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016; (800) 631-8571.

Early Learning Software.

Cambridge Development Laboratory Inc. is distributing Start Up!, a free 48-page catalog of educational software for children in preschool through 2nd grade. Featuring more than 316 programs, the catalog offers in-depth descriptions of a wide range of materials. For more information, contact: Cambridge Development Laboratory Inc., 86 West St., Waltham, MA 02154; (800) 637-0047.

Healthy Schools.

The National Education Association’s Professional Library has published The Healthy School Handbook: Conquering the Sick Building Syndrome and Other Environmental Hazards in and Around Your School. This 446-page guide, written by 25 leading experts in environmental science, medicine, engineering, and education, is designed to help teachers identify signs of an unhealthy school. It also offers practical advice for dealing with a range of school building problems, such as pests, toxic cleaning materials, and poor lighting. Cost: $24.95. Contact: NEA Professional Library, P.O. Box 509, West Haven, CT 06516-9904; (800) 229-4200.

Math/Science Reform.

The Annenberg/CPB Project is making available a guide to mathematics and science reform. The guide allows users to search a computer database of math and science reform projects, including lists of contacts and funding sources, organizations involved in reform, and listings of relevant conferences. “The Guide to Math & Science Reform’’ software and a paperback guide on how to use it are free while supplies last. Contact: Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project, P.O. Box 2345, South Burlington, VT 05407-2345; (800) 965-7373. Specify Macintosh or MS-DOS/Windows format.

Safe Driving.

Liberty Mutual, in conjunction with Students Against Driving Drunk and the National Safety Council, is offering “Avoiding Collisions: How to Survive the Teenage Driving Years,’' a free 16-minute video that stresses the importance of safe driving habits. The video is available to high schools, youth groups, and driving courses. A teachers’ guide and study topics are also included. To order, contact: West Glen Communications Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018-3396; (800) 325-8677; fax (212) 944-9055.

Math.

Heinemann has published Math at a Glance, by Susan Ohanian. The 114-page book, designed for teachers of grades 2-8, presents a year’s worth of math projects, such as school polls, instructional games, and contests, arranged by calendar date with an activity for most days of the year. Cost: $13.95. Contact: Heinemann, 361 Hanover St., Portsmouth, NH 03801-3912; (800) 541-2086.

Drama.

Heinemann also offers Drama of Color, by Johnny Saldaña. The 169-page paperback, designed for teachers of grades K-6, contains an anthology of 20 drama-oriented folk tales from four heritages: Mexican and Mexican-American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and African and African-American. Cost: $15.95. Contact: Heinemann, 361 Hanover St., Portsmouth, NH 03801-3912; (800) 541-2086.

Science.

WGBH Boston, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, has produced Partnerships That Work, a 49-minute videotape designed to help middle school teachers develop an after-school curriculum that will involve their students with science. The video, filmed in three Boston science museums, and accompanying guidebook highlight such activities as dissecting owl pellets and building microscopes. Cost: $19.95. To order, call: (617) 492-2777, ext. 3848.

Down Syndrome.

The National Down Syndrome Society offers a free poster designed to help teachers explain Down Syndrome to students in grades K-3. Included on the poster are lesson plans. For more information about Down Syndrome or to request a poster, contact: National Down Syndrome Society; (800) 221-4602.

Games.

Gryphon House Inc. has released 500 Five-Minute Games, by Jackie Silberg. The 270-page book is a compilation of easy activities--counting games, guessing games, songs, and more--organized by theme for children ages 3-6. Cost: $19.95. Contact: Gryphon House Inc., P.O. Box 207, Beltsville, MD 20704; (800) 638-0928.

Nature Stories.

The Orion Society has published Bringing the World Alive, a bibliography of 115 nature books for children in grades K-6. Each entry contains a brief description of the book and ordering information. Cost: $6. Contact: The Orion Society, 136 E. 64th St., New York, NY 10021; (212) 758-6475; fax (212) 758-6784.

Kids.

Meadowbrook Press has published Free Stuff for Kids ‘96, a new selection of free and inexpensive (less than $1) products for kids. Entries include: minor league baseball team offers, stickers, pens, information on joining local, state, and international organizations, prehistoric products, cultural items, and more. Cost: $7 postage paid delivery. Contact: Meadowbrook Press, 18318 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, MN 55391: (800) 338-2232; fax (612) 475-0736.

Heroes.

Peace Runs International, a nonprofit organization, offers a new curriculum, “America’s Heroes and You,’' for elementary and middle school students. The curriculum focuses on the life and achievements of 11 American heroes, including Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor Roosevelt. Several discussion questions and activities are provided for each hero. Cost: $7, plus $3 postage and handling. Contact: Peace Runs International, 61-20 Grand Central Parkway, Suite B408, Forest Hills, NY 11375; (718) 760-0250.

Tolerance.

The Southern Poverty Law Center publishes Teaching Tolerance, a free, semiannual magazine that offers teachers a practical collection of tools and ideas on tolerance. To receive a copy, send your request on school letterhead to: Teaching Tolerance, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.

Computers.

HarperPerennial has published The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids, by Cathy Miranker and Allison Elliott. The 277-page book highlights 215 Windows, Macintosh, and DOS computer programs for children ages 2-12. Information on CD-ROM programs is also included. Price: $16. Contact: HarperPerennial, 10 E. 53rd St., New York, NY 10022-5299; (212) 207-7901.

Clubs.

The Summit Publishing Group has released The Fun Guide to Starting Your Own Club, for boys and girls ages 5-15. This 80-page book, written by 11-year-old Jennifer Hulme, offers nearly 40 suggestions for starting different types of clubs, including community service, educational, and just-for-fun clubs. Price: $12.95. Contact: The Summit Publishing Group,

One Arlington Centre, 1112 E. Copeland Road, Fifth Floor, Arlington, TX 76011; (817) 274-1821; fax (800) 875-3346.

Gold.

The Gold Institute is offering two free educational brochures--Gold Everywhere, Everyday and America’s Gold--that highlight the uses and value of gold and the gold industry. Contact: Cricket Forster, Gold Institute, 1112 16th St., N.W., Suite 240, Washington, DC 20036; (202) 835-0185.

For your students

Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (

  • ) denote new entries.

November 1. Science-By-Mail.

The Boston Museum of Science offers Science-By-Mail, a program that pairs students in grades 4-9 with scientist pen-pals who help students complete hands-on experiments and activities. Memberships cost $43 for groups of one to four children and $259 for an entire class. For more information, contact: Science-By-Mail, Museum of Science, Science Park, Boston, MA 02114-1099; (800) 729-3300.

November 1. Essay Contest.

The Voice of America, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities, invites students in grades 10-12 to participate in its National Conversation Essay Contest. Students are asked to write an essay in 350 words or less on “What does it mean to be an American?’' Ten winners will be flown to Washington, D.C., with an adult for an awards ceremony and to read their essays on VOA’s airwaves. One grand-prize winner will receive a color Apple PowerBook 520C computer. For more information, call: (800) NEH-1121.

November 15. Gardening.

The National Gardening Association announces its 13th annual Youth Garden Grants. Groups of a least 15 children between the ages of three and 18 must submit proposals for projects that show how gardening can serve as a learning tool about the environment, food production, problem solving, or teamwork. Three hundred grants worth more than $500 each in tools, seeds, plants, and gardening products will be awarded. To receive an application, contact: National Gardening Association, Youth Garden Grants Program, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.

November 15. Beetles.

The Coleopterists Society, an international organization that promotes the study of beetles, invites students in grades 7-12 to apply for its Youth Incentive Award. Two grants of up to $125--one for a student in grades 7-9 and one for a student in grades 10-12--will be awarded for creative and educational proposals that focus on beetles. Winners also receive a subscription to the society’s journal and a certificate of recognition. For more information and an application form, contact: David Furth, Department of Entomology, Smithsonian Institution, MRC165, Washington, DC 20560; (202) 357-3146; fax (202) 786-2894.

December 1. Video Journalism.

Cable News Network, Turner Educational Services Inc., and Panasonic invite middle and high school students to enter the CNN Student Video Journalist Challenge. Five-person production teams (a writer, producer, camera person, correspondent, and editor) working with a teacher-adviser should produce a two-minute story in one of three categories: hard news, sports, or lifestyle. Four finalist teams, one in each category, will be selected. Each team member will receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and an expense-paid trip to the CNN Center in Atlanta where they will appear on a CNN special that will air the winning videos. For more information, contact: Turner Educational Services Inc.; (800) 251-0176.

December 1. Business Competition.

An Income of Her Own, a nonprofit economic literacy network, announces its 1995 National Teen Business Plan Competition. AIOHO invites young women and men ages 13-19 to submit a plan for a viable business that includes a marketing strategy, operational structure, and financing. Five girls and five boys will receive an expense-paid trip to San Francisco for an awards ceremony. The winners also will be matched with adult entrepreneurs who will serve as coaches for one year. For an application, contact: Lynn Karlson, An Income of Her Own, National Teen Business Plan Competition, P.O. Box 987, Santa Barbara, CA 93102; (800) 350-2978; fax (805) 687-0983.

December 1. Science Talent Search.

The Westinghouse Electric Corp. and Science Service Inc. invite high school seniors to apply for the 54th annual Westinghouse Science Talent Search. Students must submit a written report on an independent research proj-ect in the physical sciences, behavioral or social sciences, engineering, mathematics, or biological sciences. In addition, students must submit an official entry form, one teacher recommendation, their educational transcript, and standardized test scores. Forty students will be named finalists and travel to Washington, D.C., to compete for $205,000 in scholarship money. Westinghouse awards one $40,000, one $30,000, and one $20,000 scholarship; three $15,000 scholarships; four $10,000 scholarships; and 30 $1,000 scholarships. For more information, contact: Science Service Inc., Youth Department, 1719 N St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 785-2255.

December 8. Literature.

Read magazine, in conjunction with the Library of Congress, announces the 1996 Letters About Literature Essay Contest. Students in grades 6-12 are asked to write a letter to the author of a book they have recently read, explaining in 1,000 words or fewer what the book taught them about themselves. The grand-prize winner receives an expense-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a luncheon at the Library of Congress and tour the nation’s capital. For more information and an entry form, contact: Read magazine, Letters About Literature, Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457, or call Wendy at (203) 638-2400.

December 15. Writing And Art.

Read magazine announces its 18th annual Writing and Art Awards Contest. Students in grades 6-12 should submit exemplary work in one of the following categories: fiction, essay, or artwork. Winners in each category will receive a $100 cash prize and will have their work published in the April issue of Read. For more information, contact: Read Writing and Art Awards, Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457, or call Wendy at (203) 638-2400.

December 18. Literary Poster.

Reading Is Fundamental Inc. invites students in RIF programs to enter the 1996 RIF National Poster Contest. This year’s theme is “Big on Books.’' The winner and his or her immediate family members will receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to be honored at RIF’s National Reading Is Fun Week awards ceremony. The winning art will be reproduced as a poster and bookmark and be on display in the Capital Children’s Museum in Washington, D.C. The winner will also receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. For more information, contact: Reading Is Fundamental, 600 Maryland Ave., S.W., Suite 600, Washington DC 20024, or call Janet Frick at (202) 287-3263.

December 22. Poetry.

Read magazine invites students in grades 4-12 to submit original poetry for the 8th annual Ann Arlys Bowler Poetry Contest. Students may submit up to three poems in any poetic genre. Six national winners will each receive $100, a medal of honor, and a congratulatory letter from the U.S. Poet Laureate. Their poems will also appear in the April issue of the magazine. For an entry form, contact: Bowler Poetry Contest, Read, Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457, or call Wendy at (203) 638-2400.

January 10. Young Writers.

The National Council of Teachers of English is accepting nominations for the 1996 Promising Young Writers Program. Eighth grade English language arts teachers are encouraged to nominate students and submit samples of their best written work. Winning students will receive a certificate of recognition. The council charges a nomination fee of $5 per student. For more information, contact: Promising Young Writers Program, National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801-1096.

  • January 29. Design.

The New Jersey Institute of Technology invites submissions for the 1996 National Architectural Design Competition for High School Students. Students are asked to submit designs for “A Cafe for Your Neighborhood.’' Project requirements include sketches of ground plans, a section cut of the building, and a three-dimensional view or a perspective view of the cafe. One grand-prize winner will be awarded a five-year, full-tuition scholarship to NJIT; a second-prize winner will receive a five-year, half-tuition scholarship. Four $250 cash prizes will also be awarded. Awards are contingent upon admission to the NJIT School of Architecture. All entrants must have a teacher sponsor. For registration materials, contact: Sandy Moore, Competition Coordinator, School of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102-1982; e-mail soacomp@hertz.njit.edu.

  • January 31. Publish-A-Book.

Raintree/Steck-Vaughn Publishers announces the 1996 Publish-A-Book Contest. Students in grades 2-6 are encouraged to submit their original fiction or nonfiction stories on the theme “Mysteries.’' Entries must be typed, double-spaced, and mailed by a sponsor, either a teacher or a librarian. Stories for grades 2-3 should be 300 to 500 words; entries for grades 4-6 should be 700 to 900 words. One winner from grades 2-3 and four winners from grades 4-6 each receive a $500 advance against author royalties and 10 copies of the published book; 30 honorable-mention winners each receive a $25 cash prize. Contact: Publish-A-Book Contest, Raintree/Steck-Vaughn Publishers, P.O. Box 27010, Austin, TX 78755.

  • January 31. Travel.

EF Educational Tours invites students in grades 9-12 to apply for the EF Ambassador Scholarship. Students must submit any type of poetry, prose, art, computer program, photograph, or essay that highlights their plan for global or local change. Sixty-two students will be awarded a 10-day Ambassador Tour of Europe, including round-trip airfare, accommodations, meals, and more. To request an application, contact: EF Educational Tours, Scholarship Programs, One Memorial Drive, Cambridge, MA 02142; e-mail scholarships@ef.com; World Wide Web http://www.ef.com.

January 31. Letter Writing.

RespecTeen announces the 1996 Speak for Yourself competition. Students in grades 7-8 are invited to submit a copy of a letter they have written to one of their U.S. representatives on an important national issue. One winner from each state and the District of Columbia will be selected to attend the 1996 RespecTeen National Youth Forum, to be held May 11-16 in Washington, D.C. For more information, call: (800) 888-3820.

  • February 1. Technology.

The National Science Teachers Association, in conjunction with the Toshiba Corp., announces the fourth annual Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards. Groups of three to four students in grades K-12, guided by one teacher-adviser, must choose some type of technology and envision how it might be used 20 years from now. Members of four first-place and eight second-place teams will receive a weekend trip to Washington, D.C. In addition, students on the first-place teams will each receive a $10,000 U.S. Savings Bond; those on second-place teams will receive $5,000 bonds. The teacher-adviser and schools of the national finalist teams will be awarded a choice of Toshiba products. Contact: Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards Program, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.

  • March 1. Handwriting.

Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers and Parker Pens invite elementary schools that use Zaner-Bloser materials to enter its 1996 National Handwriting Contest. Zaner-Bloser will provide the contest materials to each participating school, which then selects one winning entry per grade level for submission. Six national contest winners each receive a $500 U.S. Savings bond, a Parker Pen, and a plaque. The class of the winning student will receive a plaque and T-shirts. Only entries made through the classroom will be considered. For an information packet, call: (800) 924-9233.

  • March 15. Handwriting.

Peterson Directed Handwriting announces the 1996 National Cursive Handwriting Contest. Students in grades 3-8 are invited to submit an example of their best cursive handwriting. One winner from each grade level will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. All entries judged excellent will be elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and will be awarded a membership certificate. Grade 3 entries may be in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be in ink. For an entry form, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Peterson Handwriting, 315 S. Maple Ave., P.O. Box 249, Greenburg, PA 15601-0249; (800) 541-6328; fax (412) 836-4110.

  • March 22. Drunk Driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving announces the 1996 MADD PosterEssay Contest. The theme is “Drinking and Driving Is a Road to Nowhere.’' The poster contest is open to children in grades 1-12; posters may be created using crayon, marker, paint, ink, or pencil. Children in grades 4-12 are eligible for the essay contest; entries should be about 250 words long and written in English or Spanish. Seven first-place winners in both categories will each be awarded a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, a ribbon, and an expense-paid trip to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seven second-place winners in both categories will each be given a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. Seven third-place winners in both categories will receive a $250 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. For more information, contact: MADD National Office, Programs Department, 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 700, Irving, TX 75062; (214) 744-6233, ext. 217.

--Alison Coy

A version of this article appeared in the November 01, 1995 edition of Teacher Magazine as Extra Credit

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