March 2008

Program Descriptions

April 2008

March 2008

APRIL 2008 CABLE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Action Algebra – Action Algebra is aligned to the 8^th grade and Algebra 1 Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, which are tested on all three high school level TAKS. This program will feature Algebra's use in styles, pleasures and rewards of being involved in music. Art Osborne, better known as “Mr. Bandman, is an award Winning published Author, Composer and an Educator living in Dallas, Texas. (Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m., Monday – Tuesday 5:00 p.m., Thursday 7:30 p.m.)

After School Math Show Encore! – Rebroadcast interactive programs for students' grades K-8. Produced by HISD Math Department. (Monday-Tuesday 4:00 p.m., Thursday – Friday 4:00 p.m.)

America's History in the Making:

• Mapping Initial Encounters – Columbus's arrival launched an era of initial encounters between Europeans, Native Americans, and Africans that continued for nearly 300 years. This unit examines how these contacts began the phenomenon now known as the Columbian Exchange, profoundly altering the way of life of peoples around the globe. (Monday 9:00 a.m.)
• Colonial Designs – As encounter changed to settlement, relations between Native Americans and European colonial powers became more complex. This unit charts the changing interactions between competing European powers and Native Americans, and the increasing reliance on the race-based enslavement of Africans. (Tuesday 9:00 a.m.)
• Revolutionary Perspectives – In the eighteenth century, Enlightenment ideas of freedom and equality swept through the British colonies. This unit traces the effects of those ideas and the impact on diverse groups such as British Loyalists, Revolutionary leaders, Native Americans, yeoman farmers, and enslaved blacks. (Wednesday 9:00 a.m.)
• The New Nation – Following the War of Independence, Americans disagreed-often passionately-about the form and function of the federal government. This unit explores how those conflicts played out as the new republic defined its identity in relation to other nations. (Thursday 9:00 a.m.)
• Contested Territories – The United States acquired vast territories between the time of the Revolution and the Civil War, paying a price economically, socially, and politically. This unit examines the forces that drove such rapid expansion, the settlers moving into these regions, and the impact on the Native Americans already there. (Friday 9:00 a.m.)

Arts in Every Classroom:

• What is Art? – The Learner Teams and students explore the nature of theatre, music, dance, and visual art as they consider their own definitions for each art form. They watch an excerpt from Quidam, a surrealistic performance piece that combines the four art forms in unusual ways, and begin to explore connections between fantasy and reality. (Wednesday 10:00 p.m.)
• Responding to the Arts – Learner Team members and students compare two multi-arts performance pieces from different eras. Quidam (1996) and Parade (1917). They discover how our perception of a work of art is influenced by what we know about the time and place it was created. They also explore how music can establish a mood, create their own vaudeville acts, and learn a process of critical evaluation. (Thursday 10:00 p.m.)
• Historical References in the Arts – Learner Team members and students examine costume designs for Parade, focusing on how the designs help convey character. They interpret works by painter Rene Magritte and choreographer Alwin Nikolais, discovering influences on the creators of Quidam. They also conduct research into the history of street performance and report their findings. (Friday 10:00 p.m.)
• Multi-arts Performance Piece – Learner Team members and students examine the elements of the classic journey as identified by Joseph Campbell. They then create a multi-arts performance piece that represents a journey story. They apply what they have learned in previous lessons in order to rehearse, critique, revise, and perform their work. (Saturday 10:00 p.m.)

Beliefs & Visions– Discusses issues and events important to parents, students and the community hosted by Board President Manuel Rodriguez Jr. (Monday 8:00 p.m., Sunday 7:30 p.m.)

Bridging World History:

• Maps, Time, and World History – What tools do world historians use in the study of history? This unit begins the study of world history by examining its use of geographical and chronological frameworks: how they have shaped the understanding of world history and have been used to chart the past. (Monday 11:30 p.m.)
• History & Memory – How are history and memory different? Topics in this unit range from the celebration of Columbus Day to the demolition of a Korean museum to the historical re-interpretation of Mayan civilization, exploring the ways historians, nations, families, and individuals capture, exploit, and know the past, and the dynamic nature of historical practice and knowledge. (Tuesday 11:30 p.m.)
• Human Migrations – How did the many paths of human migration people the planet? From their origins on the African continent, humans have spread across the globe. This unit explores how and why early humans moved across Africa, Eurasia, and the Americas, based on recent studies in archaeology and linguistics. (Wednesday 11:30 p.m.)
• Agricultural and Urban Revolutions – What do historians know about the earliest farmers and herders, and the evolution of cities? Newly emerging evidence about the “cradles of civilization” is examined in light of the social, technological, and cultural complexity of recently discovered settlements and cities. (Thursday 11:30 p.m.)

Character Education– (Tuesday 11:45 p.m., Thursday 6:45 p.m.) (Pre-Service – Monday 10:00 p.m. & Saturday 7:00 p.m.)

Colonial Williamsburg: Rebroadcast of electronic field trips exploring our Early Americans heritage.

• Industrial Tradesman – (Sunday 10:00 a.m.)
• Portions, Ails, & Smallpox Tales – (Tuesday 10:00 p.m.)

A Conversation with our Superintendent - Superintendent of Schools Dr. Abelardo Saavedra talks about the challenges and plans for the future of the Houston Independent School District. (Wednesday 7:30 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m.)

Dogan Elementary Spark Park – Spark dedication former counselor member Eleanor Tinsley in attendance. The principal welcomes the new community spark park. (Friday 7:30 p.m.)

Engaging with Literature:

• Looking a Literature – The teachers in this video program talk about ways in which story affects their lives and the lives of their students. They move on to talk about selecting texts, considering age- and interest- appropriateness, text availability, and other issues. Classroom visits punctuate the discussion, showing practical ways to implement the suggestions the teachers discuss. (Monday 2:00 p.m.)
• Starting Classroom Conversation – This session concentrates on the basics of good discussions: defining “good” questions, identifying those who should have an opportunity to ask questions, and explaining the goals for this technique. Learn how teachers can make everyone feel comfortable contributing to a literary discussion and strategies for involving reluctant participants.
• Classroom Dialogues – The teacher examine the various roles the teacher plays in class discussions- maintaining a careful balance among leading, being a part of, and observing discussion- as well as which topics are better discussed with the whole class and which are better for small groups. Additionally, they offer important suggestions for folding traditional elements of the language arts curriculum, such as identifying literary elements, into the ongoing class discussion. (Wednesday 2:00 p.m.)
• Using Art and Other Disciplines To Enrich Classroom Conversations – Learn how the arts and other disciplines can enhance individual literary experiences for each student. Through classroom footage and group discussion, see how drama, drawing, and music add depth and dimension to literature, and offer students alternative ways of expressing their understandings of the text. The group also talks about various ways to encourage students as writers. (Thursday 2:00 p.m.)
• Beginning The Year – The kind of classroom that supports active and engaged readers begins with seeds sown in the first few days of the school year. The teachers share their thoughts on specific ways to set the tone for the year, setting goals as they begin, communicating these goals with their students, and tailoring literary experiences to meet students' needs. Classroom visits on the first few days of school show some of their suggestions in action. (Friday 2:00 p.m.)

Fine Arts Friday – Performances by HISD school children. (Monday-Friday @ 1:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00 p.m.)

Fun-A-Vicious Kid's Club– Positive Pre-K thru Third Grade lifestyles in HISD. (Saturday 9:30 a.m. & Thursday 11:30 a.m.)

HISD Golf Tournament: - (Wednesday 12:15 p.m.)

HISD News Today - Daily activities, events in HISD schools are featured. (Monday - Sundays 8:00 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 6:30 & 8:30 p.m. also Monday-Thursday 11:00 p.m.)

HISD Perspectives - A magazine of current activities in the Houston Independent School District (Monday 7:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 p.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m., Sunday 12:30 p.m.)

HISD Sports – A new thirty-minute weekly sports program highlighting local schools produced by Terry Burdick of Internet Athletics and the HISD Athletic Department. (Wednesday 8:00 p.m., Friday 12:30 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m. & 9:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.)

HISD Success Stories - People and programs that are making a difference... the inner-workings of what works in HISD. (Monday 9:30 p.m., Tuesday 8:00 p.m., Thursday 8:00 p.m.)

Human Geography:

• Imagining New Worlds – The different views of Cancun, Mexico, as seen by tourists, Mexicans who work at resorts, Mayan farmers, and global investors illustrate the concept of “geographical imagination.” (Monday 10:00 a.m.)
• Reflections on a Global Screen – The globalization of the media is a trend that some fear will homogenize culture, yet other see enormous advantages in transmitting local events to the world. (Tuesday 10:00 a.m.)
• Global Firms in the Industrializing East – In just a generation, Singapore has transformed itself into an economic intensive work to Malaysia and Indonesia while bringing in new business in research, development, and finance. (Wednesday 10:00 a.m.)
• Global Tourism – In Hawaii, Malaysia, and Borneo, the paradox of tourism offers opportunities for local development yet can destroy native cultures and environments. (Thursday 10:00 a.m.)
• Alaska: The Last Frontier? – Outsides may perceive Alaska as a pristine wilderness, but ongoing conflicts highlight the difficulties of balancing the needs of indigenous peoples and the wilderness with economic development and modern life. (Friday 10:00 a.m.)

It's Clearly About Learning – (Saturday 6:00 p.m.)

Kennedy Center for Theater Arts – Performance and discussion centered on the arts and the classics.

• The Remaking of Mame – In this intimate studio session, meet cast members Harriet Harris, Alan Muraoka, Parker Esse, and 13-year-old Harrison Chad as they discuss their roles and methods of preparation for the production of Mame, and offer students insights into the professional world of musical theater. American University Professor of Theatre Caleen Sinnette Jennings moderates this program that provides a unique perspective on reviving a cornerstone of American musical theater. (Sunday 9:00 a.m.)

Kid Fit – An elementary workout and nutritious program hosted by Candy San Pedro/North Region Office produced by the Houston ISD Instructional Media Services. (Wednesday 5:00 p.m., Thursday 11:30 a.m., Monday & Saturday 12:30 p.m.)

Kid-telligence – Local children's theater actress Luisa Amaral Smith hosts a children's show using a variety of segments to educate and entertain children ages 5-11. The Show is in English and Spanish with various segments including a bilingual segment. This exciting new program “Kidtelligence” is produced by Instructional Media Services with the assistance of the Office of School Services, and “Sidekick”, a life-sized puppet by Greg Rhue. (Tuesday – Thursday @ 12:3 p.m., , Thursday-Friday @ 5:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.

Lexiles for Learning – Learn from the creators of the Lexile Framework for Reading how teachers and parents can help students become successful readers. (Part I: Monday 9:00 p.m. & Part II: Tuesday 9:00 p.m.)

Math-A-Letics – A fun and exciting mathematics program designed to help K-6 students understand mathematical concepts. (Monday – Friday 5:30 p.m., Thursday 7:00 p.m.)

Mathematics in Motion – (Wednesday 11:00 a.m.)

Miriam Estrada's 5^th Grade Science Lesson – (Saturday 5:00 p.m.)

My Math Plus – (Saturday 8:30 a.m.)

NASA Education Hour – (Friday – Sunday 11:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m.)

NASA Programming – A variety of shows including daily launches and educational studies. (Saturday 1:30 p.m.)

News Writing:

• What is News? – Examines how journalists determine what the public needs and wants to know. (Monday 6:00 p.m.)
• Hard News Leads – Shows the power and process of the summary lead in newspaper, broadcast, and PR writing. (Tuesday 6:00 p.m.)
• News Writing Language Style – Explores print journalism style-from the AP to Rolling Stone magazine-focusing on accuracy and detail. (Wednesday 6:00 p.m.)
• Development and Organization of a Story – Deals with the use of the inverted pyramid, hourglass and circle story shapes. (Thursday 6:00 p.m.)
• Dealing with Sources – Illustrates how to interview sources and work quotes into a news story. (Friday 6:00 p.m.)
• Good Writing vs. Good Reporting – Essential issues such as accuracy, objectivity, fairness, and credibility are discussed. (Sunday 6:00 p.m.)

Parents Guides to TAKS Testing - ((Wednesday 9:00 p.m. {English}, Tuesday 11:00 a.m., Thursday 9:00 p.m., {Spanish})

Positively Parents - Produced by the HISD Department of Parent Engagement, the series is designed to strengthen the relationship between parents and the schools. Marybelle Perez will acquaint parents with the various avenues of involvement available throughout the year. (Wednesday & Sunday 7:00 p.m.)

Power of Place:

• Global Interactions – Singapore: Gateway to Southeast Asia- High-tech infrastructure, a well-educated workforce and strict government repression have all helped Singapore become a pre-eminent port and one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Australia: New Links to Asia-Australia shifts its trade from Europe to the Asian “economic tigers.” (Monday 10:30 a.m.)
• Sacred Space, Secular States? – Jerusalem: Capital of Two States? – Can the historical and political geography of this holy city provide clues to a peaceful resolution between Jews and Palestinians? Turkey: Fundamental Change— At the edge of Europe, Turkey hopes to take economic advantage of its proximity to the western world. (Tuesday 10:30 a.m.)
• Developing Countries – Cote d'Ivoire: Cocoa and Change- Cote d'Ivoire has long been the world's largest producer of cocoa, but has recently faced economic downturns and loss of its historically stable government. Gabon: sustainable Resources? –In one of Africa's wealthiest countries, oil revenues have declined, putting new pressure on the country's timber resources. (Wednesday 10:30 a.m.)
• Population Geography – Mexico: Motive to Migrate –A geographer's research reveals a major source of Mexican migration: the North-Central “Hollow Core.” Guatemala: Population and Conquest- Every year a greater number of Maya Indian victims of “continuing conquest” must share inadequate agricultural resources. (Thursday 10:30 a.m.)
• The Dynamic Pacific Rim – Ecuador: Orange Alert- When scientists monitoring the Tungurahua Volcano see dangerous signs, they have to advise the government: evacuate or remain? Chile: Pacific Rim Player- Bordered to the east by the towering Andes Mountains and to the west by the Pacific Ocean, Chile enjoys continued economic growth. (Friday 10:30 a.m.)

Region Focus –This is a new program, produced in both English and Spanish will highlight schools and activities important to the Region Offices. (Tuesday 7:30 p.m., Thursday 11:00 a.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m., Sunday 8:00 p.m.)

Reporté de HISD - A discussion of programs of interest to Spanish-speaking parents (Monday 7:30 p.m., Friday 7:00 p.m.)

Science Faction – Hands on science lessons for all ages. (Tuesday –Friday 8:15 a.m., Tuesday-Thursday-Friday @ 12:15 p.m., Monday –Thursday 8:45 p.m.)

State of the Schools 2008 – A presentation by Superintendent Dr. Abelardo Saavedra to the Community. (Monday 11:00 a.m., Wednesday 4:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 p.m.)

Summer Leadership Institute Keynote Series: Keynote speakers from 2007 Summer Leadership Institute discuss the benefits and methods of implementing Professional Learning Communities in HISD schools.

• Doug Reeves – (Saturday 2:00 p.m.)
• Rick Stiggens – (Saturday 4:00 p.m.)

Teaching Reading K-2:

• Williams Find His Base – Teacher Stacy Soto discovered early in the year that second-grader William Daly was pretending to read better than he tested. Over the course of six months, she works with him on decoding and comprehension, giving him challenging books for both guided and independent reading. By years end, William learns the basics and advances in reading skill and comprehension. (Monday 9:30 a.m.)
• Staying on Topic – Martha Duran-Contreras is a bilingual second-grade teacher with many bilingual students. She provides each child with individualized instruction, reviewing their progress and helping them to set goals and identify steps toward achieving those goals. During an independent writing activity, each student is challenged to “stay on topic.” (Tuesday 9:30 a.m.)
• 100 Days of Reading – Shari Frost runs a combined first-and second-grade classroom that includes students with physical and learning disabilities. We meet her class on the 100^th day of school as they engage in a math/reading lesson what they could buy with $100, read a poem featuring the number 100, and celebrate the milestone day. Mrs. Frost capitalizes on her students' age differences by encouraging peer support. (Wednesday 9:30 a.m.)
• Creating a Learning Community – A print rich environment is essential to building emerging literacy skills. Just as important are literacy routines and classroom management. In this session, teachers will look at the big picture of building a learni9ng community where reading and writing are the cornerstones of all learning and communication. (Monday 3:00 p.m.)
• Supporting the English Language Learner – This session explores how teachers can distinguish among and build upon the range of literacy skills English language learners bring to the classroom. Guest moderator Dr. Mileidis Gort explains how teachers can often address the needs of English language learners using the same instructional strategies and literacy routines used with general education students. (Tuesday 3:00 p.m.)
• Word Study & Fluency – This session examines the foundations of early literacy through a review of research-based principles for explicit and effective teaching of word study and fluency. Teachers will critique a word study lesson plan and compare approaches to teaching phonics. (Wednesday 3:00 p.m.)
• Comprehension and Response – A solid foundation in reading comprehension is the key to success in all subjects throughout school as well as to the development of a lifelong love of reading. Teachers will review key comprehension skills and match them with explicit teaching strategies, learning how to help students build their own set of strategies to use on increasingly more difficult texts. (Thursday 3:00 p.m.)
• Teaching Writing as a Process – Teaching writing is an important component in a comprehensive literacy program. In this session, teachers will discuss the stages of the writing process-planning, drafting, revising, and editing,-and brainstorm ways to inspire their students' narrative writing. (Friday 3:00 p.m.)

Unseen Life on Earth:

• Microbes and Human Diseases – How microbes come into contact with humans, and the many factors leading to disease outbreaks around the globe, are examined here. Students learn about current efforts to track infectious disease and the considerations necessary to control disease worldwide. (Thursday 9:30 a.m.)
• Microbial Interactions – Students will examine fundamental examples of the many symbiotic relationships that exist among microbes and between microbes and higher organisms. (Friday 9:30 a.m.)

VIPS Celebration – Houston ISD Volunteers in Public Schools Recognition Banquet. (Friday 11:00 a.m., Saturday 4:00 p.m.)

Welch Middle School Concert – (Saturday 2:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 p.m.)

World Tour of Language: Learning beginning Spanish and Japanese.

• Spanish Lessons 1-5 – (Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m.)

X = Success – (Thursday 7:45 p.m.)

Comcast Cable channel 18; Phonoscope channel 76;

TV Max channel 96; Suddenlink Cable channel 18
(check your local listings)