1/28/20

德州斯坦福市學區發起免費學童晚餐計畫


根據德州農業廳課後照顧計畫,德州斯坦福市(Stafford)學區將開始提供學生免費晚餐服務,學區官員歸功於S學區兒童營養中心主任Danny McDonald將此計畫推上軌道。

課後照顧計畫規定要求學區及參與計畫組織需按照聯邦規定,為學生制定豐富的菜單,且學區內符合免費或減價餐點資格之學生需超過50%S學區原已參加由美國農業部授權德州農業廳實施之全國學校早餐及午餐計畫,M主任表示學區內80%的學生符合免費或減價餐點資格,代表許多學童處於無法獲得足夠營養的風險,因此決定發展課後餐點計畫。

學校早餐計畫每日提供免費早餐予超過150萬德州學童,全國午餐計畫提供低價位或免費之營養午餐予德州公立及非營利之私立學校,照顧超過300萬德州學生。

M主任於遞交申請2週後即獲得許可,S學區於本(109)2月第1個星期一開始提供免費晚餐予學生。S學區總監Robert Bostic表示感謝德州農業廳讓此計畫得以實施,成為S學區有益於學生的重要資產,並特別致謝M主任勤勉的為學生爭取福利。

免費晚餐計畫將於每上課日下午3:45至下午5:45Stafford小學自助食堂提供晚餐予S學區內幼稚園至12年級所有學生。
資料提供時間:2020.01.28
撰稿人/譯稿人:凌璈
資料來源:20200122
Sugar Land Sun, a division of the Houston Chronicle
Retrieved from
資料來源:20200121
The Fort Bend Star
Retrieved from

1/21/20

奧克拉荷馬州州長提議教育廳廳長任命應以指派代替選舉


奧克拉荷馬州州長Kevin Stitt對制定教育政策之能力受到侷限感到沮喪,認為奧州教育廳廳長一職應以指派代替選舉。據奧克拉荷馬人民報指出,S州長雖未明確表明欲直接指派教育廳長,或由教育廳董事會進行指派,但現今7位教育廳董事中,有6位為S州長所指派,此舉勢必將使州長在公立教育上更具影響力。

S州長表示此舉並非針對奧州教育廳廳長Joy Hofmeister,但州長是由400萬奧州選民所選出來的,代表人民認為州長有能力為教育做出改變並帶來成果。於近400萬合法選票中,S州長獲得644,579票當選州長。

立法單位需制定憲法修正條文付諸公投,讓奧州選民決定教育廳廳長是否應由選舉改為指定。若選民不滿意教育廳之政策,可將此權力交由州長以改革教育體系。102年共和黨參議員Greg Treat曾試圖立法將指派權統一交予州長,但最終未能進入公投。

H廳長於104年當選奧州教育廳廳長,107年連任成功,此為H廳長的最後一任。H廳長辦公室不願對此事做出評論。奧州眾議員Melissa Provenzano表示容許州長指派教育廳長將徹底改變權力平衡,議會正持續改進教育政策及預算,此舉將抹煞其他人的聲音。
資料提供時間:2020.01.21
撰稿人/譯稿人:凌璈
資料來源:20200114
Education Week
Retrieved from

1/16/20

Teaching in Taiwan- MOE Foreign English Teachers Program (FET)

Applications are accepted between March 1 and April 30 every year.

Documents Download
Application form of Teaching in Taiwan.doc
Application form of Teaching in Taiwan.pdf
Teaching in Taiwan FAQ
Health Certificate
Teaching in Taiwan Program Website


In an effort to enhance the English learning environment for school-aged children in rural areas, Taiwan Ministry of Education has been actively recruiting qualified teachers to teach in K-9 public schools in Taiwan. The goals of the program are to broaden English immersion experiences of Taiwan’s young minds and to establish inter-school relationships between English-speaking countries and Taiwan. Taiwan is a very beautiful island often called Formosa. The territories of Taiwan (Republic of China) includes Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu and though they are only a small group of islands, they are rich in natural landscapes and cultural resources.

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher and with a teacher’s license are eligible to apply for the program. Benefits for teachers include round-trip airfare, a housing stipend, overtime pay, health and labor insurance, and a monthly salary based on educational background and teaching experience. The intangible benefits to teachers include broad exposure to the rich heritage and natural beauty of Taiwan as well as to world-renowned cuisine and local delicacies.

Teaching Duration_________________________________________________
l  One academic year (August to the following July, about 11 months)
l  Contracts may be renewed for the next academic year subject to agreement between teachers and schools

Qualifications_Required______________________________________________________
(1)         Native English speaker
(2)         Bachelor’s degree or higher
(3)         Government-issued teaching license
(4)         No criminal record
*Please see the application package for detailed description 


Remuneration and Other Benefits__________________________________________
l  Air Fare:
Round-trip air tickets; airfare reimbursement up to NT$40,000 (US$1,300) one-way, per teacher/spouse or one lineal blood relative
l  Housing Allowance/Dormitory: NT$5,000 (US$160) per month for a single person; NT$10,000 (US$330) per month if living with spouse or one lineal blood relative
l  Health Care Benefits: Health insurance and labor insurance
n   Health Insurance Premium:
Payroll Brackets on which Premiums Are Calculated
Bracket Income Differential
Income Tiers
Salary Basis(Amount in which Premiums Calculated) (NT$)
Actual Monthly Salary(NT$)
Premiums foreign teachers pay per month
Premiums schools cover per month
Bracket 6
NT$3000
22
60,800
57,801-60,800
1,863
6,282
23
63,800
60,801-63,800
1,906
6,417
24
66,800
63,801-66,800
1,948
6,553
25
69,800
66,801-69,800
1,990
6,689
26
72,800
69,801-72,800
2,032
6,825
Bracket 7
NT$3700
27
76,500
72,801-76,500
2,084
6,993
28
80,200
76,501-80,200
2,136
7,160
29
83,900
80,201-83,900
2,188
7,328
30
87,600
83,901-87,600
2,241
7,496
Bracket 8
NT$4500
31
92,100
87,601-92,100
2,304
7,700
32
96,600
92,101-96,600
2,367
7,904
33
101,100
96,601-101,100
2,430
8,107
34
105,600
101,101-105,600
2,494
8,311
35
110,100
105,601-110,100
2,557
8,515
Please note:
1. The actual monthly salary also includes the housing allowance (NT$5,000 to NT$10,000) a teacher receive per month.
2. The amount of the premium would be higher if a foreign teacher’s spouse and lineal blood relatives come to Taiwan with him/her.
Ø   More information regarding health insurance in Taiwan: https://www.nhi.gov.tw/English/Content_List.aspx?n=B9C9C690524F2543&topn=46FA76EB55BC2CB8
n   Labor Insurance Premium: The school will cover NT$3,527 for the teacher, and NT$1,008 will be deducted from the teacher’s salary every month.
Table of Grades of Labor Insurance Salary
Promulgated by the Ministry of Labor, which was amended on October 10, 2019, Order No. Lao-dong-pao-2-tzu-1080140541, and came into effect on January 1, 2020
Grades
Total Monthly Salary
(Wages paid in materials should calculated in term of cash)
Monthly Insurance Salary
16
NT$43,901~
NT$45,800
* Definition of Insurance Salary
The monthly insurance salary of Labor Insurance should be filed based on the total amount of the insured person's monthly salary according to the "Table of Grades of Labor Insurance Salary." The monthly salary a foreign teacher makes in our program falls in Grade 16 in the Table of Labor Insurance Salary.
Ø   More information regarding labor insurance in Taiwan: https://www.bli.gov.tw/EN/
l  Monthly Salary ( Depending on teaching experience):
n  Holders of doctoral degrees: NT$ 73,025~91,420 (US$2,356~2,949)
n  Holders of master’s degrees: NT$ 69,965~86,820 (US$2,256~2,800)
n  Holders of bachelor’s degrees: NT$ 62,720~78,045 (US$2,022~2,518)
*The salary rate is based on the teacher’s highest level of education and years of teaching experience. Teaching experience only refers to full-time teaching positions at a public or state school inside or outside of the R.O.C., or a registered private high or primary school in the R.O.C. Teaching experiences which are less than one year or without a valid teaching license at that time will not be considered.
l   Performance Bonus: Teachers who have worked for 11 months, whose annual performance is graded A, are each given an extra month’s pay as a bonus; those whose performance is graded B are each given an extra 1/2 month's pay as a bonus.
l   Overtime pay
l   Leaves, holidays and vacations
l   Work week: About 40 hours a week (8 hours a day, 5 days a week), from Monday to Friday.
* Please note that benefits and the working hours listed above are subject to applicable laws, regulations, and related provisions of the contract signed between teachers and schools.

Other Information ________________________________________________
l  Living Cost: Total expenses could be as little as NT$15,000 (US$484) for a single person, but more realistically expect NT$20,000~30,000 (US$645~968) per month.
l  Transportation: Convenient public transportation is accessible in most areas of Taiwan. Many towns have a local train stop that allows travel between towns and cities. The High Speed Rail (HSR) serves the west of Taiwan, and runs on its own track from Taipei to Kaohsiung. However, people usually ride a bicycle or scooter, or drive a car for daily transportation. In most places, public buses are also available.
ContactMinistry of Education  Wenni Li     e-j240@mail.k12ea.gov.tw
                                                                        Sara Tseng    fetmoe@gmail.com






2020 Intelligent Ironman Creativity Contest

Intelligent Ironman Creativity Contest is a 72-hour non-stop competition. Students have to design and create a real product from your own design. This is the requirement of the main project. Students can find all the past examples at the official website.

Intelligent Ironman Creativity Contest wants students to utilize what they have learned in school creatively, and to challenge theirself and create their own magic. During the contest, everyone can surf the Internet (the participants can use intranet only) to know each teams performance and their record at each side task.

Students registering high schools or vocational high schools can form a team. It is advised to have team mates in different disciplines.
  • A team should have minimum 4 and maximum 6 members.
  • Due to the needs of knowledge from natural sciences, social science and other ability such as implementation, creativity, and physical strength, it is recommended that team member should specialize in different aspects.
  • One team stands for each country. For those countries holding the preliminary contest with the team number exceeding 50, one more quota will be given.
  • At least six international teams will be accepted. If the number of teams exceeds the host can accommodate, countries holding preliminary contest have higher priority. Remaining quota will be given to teams registering earliest.
  • The official language is English.
  • Each team may bring one evaluation committee member.
SCHEDULE
Requesting for assistance (explanation, preliminary)
April 30, 2020
Registration deadline (by Postmark or email)
May 31, 2020
Contest
July 30 - Aug 2, 2020
Check-in & Rule explanation
Evening, July 27, 2020
One day local tour
July 28, 2020
Social activity for all Teams
July 29, 2020
Opening ceremony & Team jubilating & Evening banquet
Evening, July 29, 2020
Contest time
8AM of July 30, 2020 (72-hour non-stop) to 8AM of Aug 2, 2020
Project Evaluation
9AM to 2PM, Aug 2, 2020
Award presentation ceremony & Closing ceremony
Afternoon, Aug 2, 2020

PRIZES

  • Champion: NT$150,000 (approx. 4,600 USD)
  • Second place: NT$80,000 (approx. 2,500 USD)
  • Third place: NT$50,000 (approx. 1,500 USD)
  • Best Task Tackler Award: NT$80,000 (approx. 2,500 USD)
  • Creative Jubilating Award: NT$10,000 (approx. 300 USD)
Download




1/15/20

Reserved Seat Project for Foreign Student Groups by Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd.


To encourage foreign student groups to travel in Taiwan, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd. (THSR) intends to approve these groups to reserve seats in advance.

Applicable Passengers: 
Foreign student groups apply for the group tickets must through travel agencies that collaborate with THSR.

Applicable Period:
Bookings are available to be made in 2 months-12 months prior to the date of departure.
Not available for departure during the specific holidays or any specific period notified by THSR.

Cabin Class: 
THSR reserved seats in Standard Class.

Minimum Passengers:
Applicable to a student group with 11 or more passengers. The numbers of seats reservation are only up to 300 seats in a train; for more than 300 passengers, those will be arranged to trains before or after the specified train. 

Discount:
Each ticket offers 5% discount to the full fare of standard class seats.

Refund and Modification:
The regulations are identical to that of the existing group tickets.

For more information, please visit
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vaAnRTb_ie0SVyoS16wHYsGhtmPY2K9p

1/14/20

新興高中重視環境與氣候變遷議題


因預期未來氣候變遷及海平面升高現象,路易斯安那州紐奧良市New Harmony高中為學生打造海域保護及重建的職涯規劃。N高中於107年秋季班開始招生,目前有約100名學生,其中包含每日通勤100公里的14歲女同學Mei Miller。儘管只是新生,但M同學已經確定未來的研究領域為再生能源及海域重建。

M同學表示風力及太陽能發電對未來非常重要,因價格昂貴而不願使用再生能源的觀念需要改變,人們必須了解不使用再生能源造成的問題遠大於所支付的成本,並鼓勵資產雄厚的大型企業帶領社會使用綠色能源。

除了傳統課程數學、文學及歷史,N高中鼓勵學生進行科學實驗,專注於環境議題。M同學很喜歡跟其他同學一起探討全球性的議題,不單只關注美國國內發生的事情。N高中的願景與路州的未來錯綜複雜的交織在一起。因於密西西比河中採集石油及天然氣,造成海平面上升與築堤問題,使得路州自21年迄今失去超過5,200平方公里之土地,等同於德拉瓦州(Delaware)的面積。

前身為私立基督教學校的N高中是一所州立特許學校,由教育者及環境保育科學家團體所贊助。不同於在教室上課,N高中的學生每週有一天校外教學,赴社區內支持環境保護之企業實習有關永續能源、海平面上升及其他會影響氣候變遷的議題。有時種樹,有時前往具環保意識之餐廳實習,學習第一線廚餘堆肥、回收及如何減少能源浪費與避免使用塑膠製品。

N高中創辦人之一Sunny Dawn Summers表示重新思考對現代的學生而言,學校是什麼很重要,該校是因對路州及海域的關切而創立的。
資料提供時間:2020.01.14
撰稿人/譯稿人:凌璈
資料來源:20200106
Education Week
Retrieved from