Advance excellent teaching with Annenberg Media.

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*** In the Spotlight for February ***
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 -  February is National Black History Month
 -  College Telecourse/e-Learning News
 -  Check Your Order Status Online
 -  This Month on the Channel
 -  Connect Learning with More Special Days
     o Groundhog Day
     o National Weatherperson's Day
     o Darwin Day
     o Valentine's Day
     o Susan B. Anthony Day
     o Presidents' Day
     o American History Month
     o Library Lovers' Month
     o International Boost Self-Esteem Month

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*** FEBRUARY IS NATIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH ***

February is an appropriate time to reflect on the history and unique contributions of people of African descent. Make full use of our resources that can support your teaching about African and African American history and experience.

> This past year saw the passing of Ms. Rosa Parks, whose simple act of civil disobedience -- refusing to yield her seat on a bus to a white person, in defiance of segregation laws -- launched the Civil Rights Movement. Learn about how Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement inspired and shaped the writing of many contemporary authors with "Teaching Multicultural Literature: A Workshop for the Middle Grades" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/tml1.html>. In Workshop 5, "Historical and Cultural Context: Christopher Paul Curtis," 6th-grade humanities teacher Laina Jones demonstrates the use of documentary film ("Eyes on the Prize") in a literature lesson to provide historical context.

> "The Expanding Canon: Teaching Multicultural Literature in High School" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/expand2.html> (Web site <http://learner.org/redirect/february/hslit3.html>) features the writings of Octavia Butler <http://learner.org/redirect/february/butler4.html>, Ishmael Reed <http://learner.org/redirect/february/reed5.html>, and other renowned authors.

> For elementary grades, see "Engaging with Literature: A Video Library, Grades 3-5" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/englit6.html>, particularly Program 6, "Building Community," which focuses on biography and historical fiction. Find book synopses, assessment tools, and discussion guides on the series Web site at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/build7.html>.

> Programs 9 through 12 of "A Biography of America" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boa8.html> cover American slavery and events through the Civil War and Reconstruction, while Program 24 covers the Civil Rights era. Find coordinated resources on the Biography of America Web site, like this set of interactive images of runaway slaves <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boa9-9.html> and this interactive activity weighing the competing visions of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boa19-10.html>.

> Watch our hour-long documentary about the life and works of poet Langston Hughes, with discussion by James Baldwin, in our series "Voices & Visions" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/vv11.html>.

> "American Passages: A Literary Survey" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/ampass12.html> offers insight into African American experience through the writings of Frederick Douglass <http://learner.org/redirect/february/douglass13.html> and Harriet Jacobs <http://learner.org/redirect/february/jacobs14.html>, as well as later writers such as Zora Neale Hurston <http://learner.org/redirect/february/hurston15.html> and Ralph Ellison <http://learner.org/redirect/february/ellison16.html>.

> The American Passages artifact archive <http://learner.org/redirect/february/archive17.html> contains a wealth of images, documents, and sound files related to African American history, like this photo of a mural by Aaron Douglas representing the Great Migration <http://learner.org/redirect/february/mural18.html>. Use keywords/phrases such as "Malcolm X," "slavery," or "Harlem Renaissance," or select artifacts by unit, era, format, etc.

> See "Artifacts & Fiction: Workshop in American Literature" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/artfic19.html> Workshop 3, "Social History." Visit the coordinated Web site at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/artfic3-20.html> for materials that can add realism to your teaching about Frederick Douglass, slave narratives, and other topics.

For information on using our FREE Video on Demand feature, go to <http://learner.org/redirect/february/view21.html>.

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*** COLLEGE TELECOURSE/E-LEARNING NEWS ***

> Telecourse/e-Learning FAQ

Colleges and universities interested in using Annenberg Media series as courses should visit our Web site at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/telecrs22.html> to review the latest version of the Telecourse/e-Learning FAQ. The FAQ contains up-to-date information on available courses, policies, and pricing.

> Telecourse/e-Learning Bulletin

Reminder: Sign up now to receive the Annenberg Media Telecourse/e-Learning Bulletin to receive regular updates with useful information on our higher education courses. You can sign up at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/tculist23.html>. To read the first edition of the bulletin, which includes information on pricing for Fall 2006 onwards, please visit <http://learner.org/redirect/february/bulletin24.html>.

> e-Learning 2006 Conference in Savannah, February 11-14

If you're planning to attend the ITC e-Learning 2006 Conference in Savannah, Georgia February 11-14, please stop by our booth #14 in the Exhibit Hall to say hello, and to ask us questions about Annenberg Media course licensing.

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*** CHECK YOUR ORDER STATUS ONLINE ***

We're pleased to announce that orders placed through our Web site can now be tracked online. The new service, available through a link at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/order25.html>, allows you to enter a zip code and email address to conveniently obtain information about the status of your order. Information provided includes your order number, items ordered, status (shipped, pending, etc.), date of shipment, shipping address, carrier information, and a summary of charges.

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*** THIS MONTH ON THE CHANNEL ***

The following series begin this month on the Annenberg Channel. Be sure to scroll down on the linked pages for broadcast dates and times. Consult the full broadcast schedule <http://learner.org/redirect/february/sched26.html> for many more programs and partial series airing in February.

ARTS
> "A World of Art: Works in Progress" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/wldart27.html>

EDUCATION
> "The Whole Child: A Caregiver's Guide to the First Five Years" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/child28.html>

LITERATURE & LANGUAGE ARTS
> "English Composition: Writing for an Audience" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/comp29.html> (Note hiatus through April.)

MATHEMATICS
> "For All Practical Purposes: Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/math30.html>
> "Learning Math: Measurement" (K-8) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/measure31.html>

SCIENCE
> "Journey North" (K-12) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/jnorth32.html>
> "Science in Focus: Force and Motion" (K-8) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/force33.html>

SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY
> "Death: A Personal Understanding" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/death34.html>
> "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/psych35.html>
> "Seasons of Life" (college/high school) <http://learner.org/redirect/february/seasons36.html>

Catch the live stream of the Channel at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/live37.html>, closed captioned at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/live-cc38.html>.

If your school is interested in receiving the Annenberg Channel, go to <http://learner.org/redirect/february/license39.html> for information on free licensing.

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*** CONNECT LEARNING WITH MORE SPECIAL DAYS ***

Groundhog Day (February 2)

According to folklore, the coming of spring is predicted on February 2nd by the groundhog: If it emerges from its burrow and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter; if it sees no shadow, spring will arrive early that year.

> Observe Groundhog Day as we begin "Journey North" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/jnorth40.html> (Web site <http://learner.org/redirect/february/jnweb41.html>), a multi-tiered program for studying the seasonal changes of wildlife.

> Check out our Weather exhibit <http://learner.org/redirect/february/weather42.html>, offering information on weather forecasting and an extensive list of weather links <http://learner.org/redirect/february/links43.html>, including a link to the official Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog site.

National Weatherperson's Day (February 5)

> Meteorologist Kim Martucci explains the statistical foundation of weather prediction in Session 2 of "Learning Math: Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/data44.html>.

> Deepen your understanding of the forces that create weather with "Science in Focus: Shedding Light on Science" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/light45.html> Workshop 8, "Wind and Weather."

> Be sure to visit our Weather exhibit <http://learner.org/redirect/february/weather46.html> to find information, links, and activities related to weather.

Darwin Day (February 12)

> Observe Charles Darwin's 197th birthday by learning more about genetics and the theory of evolution with "Rediscovering Biology: Molecular to Global Perspectives" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/bio47.html>, particularly Units 3 and 9. Find a downloadable textbook, an image/animation archive, and other materials on the series Web site at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/bioweb48.html>.

> "Essential Science for Teachers: Life Science" discusses Darwin's theory of evolution and ideas about adaptation and natural selection in Sessions 5 and 6; see this page <http://learner.org/redirect/february/lifesci49.html> on the series Web site for more information about Darwin.

> Find an image of Darwin and a photo of the Scopes Monkey Trial in the American Passages Archive at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/archive50.html>.

> For a connection between Darwin's theory of evolution and support for hierarchical social policy, watch or read Lecture One of Workshop 6, "The Census," on the Primary Sources Web site at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/primary51.html>.

> "Earth Revealed" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/earth52.html> Program 11, "Evolution Through Time," explains how the fossil record reveals changes in Earth's species over billions of years.

Valentine's Day (February 14)

> What do valentines have to do with reasoning and proof? Find out with an interactive activity at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/val53.html> on the Teaching Math Web site.

> See how the need for love and intimacy continues as we age with "Love, Intimacy, and Sexuality," Program 4 of the series "Growing Old in a New Age" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/grow54.html>.

Susan B. Anthony Day (February 15)

> Find portraits of Susan B. Anthony at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/anthony55.html> and <http://learner.org/redirect/february/anthstan56.html>, and information about the woman's suffrage movement at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/suffrage57.html>.

> See an overview of the woman's suffrage movement in "Democracy in America" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/dia58.html> Program 2, "The Constitution: Fixed or Flexible?" The last segment, "Battle for the Ballot," looks at women's voting rights as a sample case for examining constitutional amendments.

> Remember women's historical struggles with the short story by Susan Glaspell, "A Jury of Her Peers" -- the main feature of our Literature exhibit <http://learner.org/redirect/february/story59.html>.

Presidents' Day (February 20)

Though still officially Washington's Birthday by federal law, the third Monday in January has been referred to as Presidents' Day since 1971, following a proclamation by President Nixon.

> "A Biography of America" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boa60.html> includes information about many U.S. Presidents. "The Coming of Independence" features George Washington and other Founding Fathers; "A New System of Government" briefly discusses George Washington and the early presidency; "The Civil War" discusses Abraham Lincoln; "TR and Wilson" compares the presidencies of the two; and "FDR and the Depression" paints a profile of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

> "Concerning Emancipation: Who Freed the Slaves?" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/emanc61.html> examines the extent of Lincoln's role in the ending of slavery in America.

> For a general look at the office of the President, watch "Democracy in America" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/dia62.html> Program 7, "The Modern Presidency: Tools of Power." Find coordinated materials including an interactive activity at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/diaweb63.html>.

> "Executive Privilege and Delegation of Powers," Program 1 of "The Constitution: That Delicate Balance" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/const64.html>, asks the question: Can the President's conversations with advisors remain secret when Congress demands to know what was said?

American History Month

> This month, brush up on your knowledge of American history with our series "A Biography of America" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boa65.html> and its award-winning coordinated Web site <http://learner.org/redirect/february/boaweb66.html>.

> For an in-depth look at how you can use primary sources to enhance your teaching of history, take our workshop for teachers, "Primary Sources: Workshops in American History" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/primary67.html>; Web site <http://learner.org/redirect/february/psweb68.html>. For information on how to take our professional development workshops and courses, go to <http://learner.org/redirect/february/workshop69.html>.

> Examine the role of the United States of America within the larger context of Western civilization with "The Western Tradition" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/west70.html>.

Library Lovers' Month

> Check out the teaching ideas in our own video libraries, such as "Making Meaning in Literature: A Video Library, Grades 6-8" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/meaning71.html>. Our libraries enter real classrooms to provide models of effective teaching practice.

> Our reading series for elementary grade teachers, "Teaching Reading K-2: A Library of Classroom Practices" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/readk2-72.html> and the new "Teaching Reading 3-5 Workshop" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/read35-73.html>, offer ideas for fostering book discussions, appropriate book choices, and enthusiasm for reading in the early grades. Don't forget to "Enter the Series Web Site" for additional materials.

> Explore our workshops "In Search of the Novel" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/novel74.html> and "Conversations in Literature" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/lit75.html> for ideas on how to make books more compelling and relevant to students.

> Download our complete set of MARC records for the library you love, available at <http://learner.org/redirect/february/marc76.html>.

International Boost Self-Esteem Month

> Learn about the self, self-esteem, and factors in their formation with "Discovering Psychology: Updated Edition" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/psych77.html> Program 15, "The Self." Watch it now through Video on Demand, or watch other programs in the series this month on the Channel <http://learner.org/redirect/february/psych78.html>.

> Gain a better understanding of mood disorders, personality disorders, therapy options, and other topics related to self-esteem with "The World of Abnormal Psychology" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/abnorm79.html> and "The Mind: Teaching Modules" <http://learner.org/redirect/february/mind80.html>.

> Use our open search tool <http://learner.org/redirect/february/search81.html> to find examples of educators addressing the self-esteem needs of their students.


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