Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/649572
Women's History Month In 1980, a group of women noticed that women were largely absent from textbooks, girls had few role models, and as a result, many assumed women did nothing important. They founded the National Women's History Project (NWHP) in Santa Rosa, and convinced Congress and the White House of the need for our nation to celebrate and recognize women's role in history every March. This year's theme is: "Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government." NWHP has identified 16 women who "dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. … They have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country." Honorees include civil rights organizer Daisy Bates, NOW co-founder Sonia Pressman Fuentes, Native American public policy advocate Suzan Shown Harjo, civil and human rights leader Karen Narasaki, former NASA Chief of Astron- omy Nancy Grace Roman, women's rights activist Bernice Sandler, and LGBTQ+ civil rights activist Nadine Smith. For the full list, see nwhp.org. #womenshistorymonth Both CTA and NEA have lesson plans and resources for classroom use. Go to cta.org/women and nea.org (search for "women's history"). Different Ways of Learning Hank Zipzer: The World's Greatest Underachiever is a California Reads-recommended series of books by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver. The first installment of the series (Niagara Falls, or Does It?) finds fourth-grader Hank Zipzer, who has always had problems with reading, writing and spelling, assigned to write a five-paragraph essay. He chooses to go the visual/tactile route instead, with chaotic results. Inspired by the true-life experiences of actor Winkler, whose undiagnosed dyslexia made him a classic childhood underachiever, the series chronicles the high-spirited and funny adventures of a boy with learning differences. For additional recommendations, see cta.org/californiareads. #californiareads High Note March is also Music in Our Schools Month, when music educators, students and communities promote the bene- fits of high-quality music education programs in schools. Educators can celebrate with special performances, lessons, sing-alongs and other activities. Go to nea.org (search for "music"). CALENDAR 8 cta.org