The 411 - News You Can Use About Broward Schools

Turn on to Science

What do a guy named Molecular Mike, a talking computer, three space cadets and a device called the "orb" have in common? They all help students succeed in science! The Broward Education Communications Network (BECON) has been hard at work creating original programming that will encourage and motivate students in the Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences and Science Process Skills.

Elementary students who tune into Soaring Into FCAT Science have awesome science fun! Using state-of-the-art graphic and production elements - as well as the scientific talents of host, Molecular Mike - this eight-program series gives students a whole new view of science learning. It's designed to take students through every benchmark in every strand of the grade 3-5 science curriculum correlated to the Florida Sunshine State Standards. Each program includes experiments, demonstrations, classroom links, professionals working with real life science applications and even a talking computer that shows how to apply new science concepts to technology!

Another original series produced by BECON is RealTime Science Connections (RTSC). Elementary and middle schoolteachers can use this exciting program series to present a wide range of scientific topics that are correlated to the Broward County Curriculum Maps. RTSC is a curriculum-friendly resource that is aligned to the Florida Sunshine State Standards and National Science Standards. Students blast-off into space with the talented crew of RealTime Science Connections, Commander Felichia, Science Officer Amanda and Communication Specialist Roxanne where they interact with science experts from Earth. They join in a mission aboard the Space Station Inquirer to discover and learn about topics including space exploration, the human body, ocean depths and much more.

Now in development is another program, Science and Me, that will introduce students in grades K-2 to the thrilling world of science and how it relates to their lives and experiences.

School Board and BTU Reach Tentative
Contract Agreement
Broward County Public Schools and Broward Teachers Union (BTU) officials have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that provides the District's 15,000+ teachers with a 4 percent average salary increase. The pact is effective on a retroactive basis to July 1, 2004 and includes a "step" advancement for the teachers. The tentative agreement also includes a 3 percent average salary increase that automatically takes effect on July 1, 2005. Both parties retain the option to reopen talks in the future and negotiate additional salary increases.

The School Board and the BTU are scheduled to vote to approve the tentative agreement in the next couple of months. Under the new contract, teachers receive increases in teacher supplements and degree incentives. The pact also carries over an arrangement that was included in the contract reached in February that provides a one-time $4,000 incentive paid over two years to teachers who switch from the PPO to the HMO health insurance plans. The HMO health care plan is a lower cost alternative to the PPO plan. Other provisions of the agreement involve work assignments, faculty meetings and work schedules. To review highlights of the tentative contract agreement, go to www.browardschools.com/info/contract.htm.