Corey Alderdice – Page 34 – The Gatton Academy News

Alumnus Luke Akridge Presents at International Bridges Conference

August 11, 2009 | Academics, International, News, Student Success | No Comments

Luke Akridge, an Honors College student and Gatton Academy alumnus from Woodford County, attended and gave a presentation at the 2009 Bridges Conference in Banff, Alberta, Canada, July 26 – 30, 2009.

His presentation, “Using Works of Visual Art to Teach Matrix Transformations,” with Rachel Bowman, Peter Hamburger, and Bruce Kessler, centered on a project he and Bowman began in Dr. Hamburger’s Linear Algebra class in the Fall 2008 semester. The exploration uses Mathematica code written by Dr. Kessler to explore the effects of different types of matrix transformations on points in the plane by applying the transformations to commonly-recognizable works of art.

Luke was the only undergraduate student to present at the conference.

The refereed paper of this work was published in the conference proceedings. A preprint of the paper can be downloaded at works.bepress.com/bruce_kessler/9/.

Luke’s travel was supported by the Honors College, Ogden College of Science & Engineering, and the Department of Mathematics.

By Corey Alderdice

Gatton Academy Students Shine in State ACT Scores

August 10, 2009 | Academics, News, Student Success | No Comments

Gatton Academy Students Shine in State ACT Students at Western Kentucky University’s Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky made significant gains on the state-required American College Test (ACT).

As mandated by state law, all of Kentucky’s public school juniors participate in the ACT, which assesses English, reading, mathematics and science and is scored on a scale of 1 to 36. This is the second year the test has been required for juniors.

On Monday, the Kentucky Department of Education announced the results of the March 2009 ACT for all public schools. Gatton Academy students outpaced their peers, receiving an average composite score of 29.9 out of 36 possible points on the exam — a score 11.7 points ahead of the statewide average.

View Full Results of the March 2009 ACT by District

In the individual subjects, Gatton Academy students scored an average of 29.9 in English, 30.4 in mathematics, 30.3 in reading and 29.0 in science.

Academy administrators were pleased with the improvement in scores between the 2008 and 2009 tests. The average composite score increased by 1.6 points, while the average math score increased by 1.8 points.

Corey Alderdice, assistant director for admissions and public relations, said the increase hints at the growing quality of students studying at the Gatton Academy.

“We are pleased that students are increasingly looking at the Gatton Academy as a place not only to challenge themselves but also learn alongside some of their most gifted and motivated peers from across Kentucky,” Alderdice said. “This test is, in many ways, the midpoint of their experiences during their two years at the Academy. We look forward to the great accomplishments of these students in their senior year and as they become future leaders for the commonwealth.”

The exceptional scores come as no surprise to Tim Gott, director of the Gatton Academy.

“When a program draws from many of the state’s most outstanding students, there is the expectation that their scores will be equally impressive,” Gott said. “This is a strong reflection of the caliber of gifted students from across Kentucky and their educational experiences to this point.”

Alderdice added that Gatton Academy students showed strength not only in math but across the English and critical reasoning sections of the exam as well.

“Because the emphasis of the Gatton Academy is math and science, many individuals are surprised to learn our students are equally outstanding in the classroom in subjects across the academic spectrum,” Alderdice said.

“Though these students intend to pursue advanced careers that require substantial study in math and science, we are pleased to know these students are growing as problem-solvers and critical thinkers, skills that are crucial to a 21st century economy.”

Statewide, the 43,511 public school juniors taking the exam received an average composite score of 18.2. In the individual subjects, students scored an average of 17.3 in English, 18.2 in mathematics, 18.4 in reading, and 18.5 in science.

Gott is quick to share the success of Gatton Academy students on the test with their local sending districts. Students’ scores are included in the average of their local school on this and other required assessments, an important component in the shared relationship between the program and high schools from across the state.

“We hope to be viewed as an extension of every school and district in the state,” Gott said. “We are excited that districts are partnering with us to provide appropriate challenges while helping students grow academically and socially.”

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Corey Alderdice at 270.745.6565.

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Katie Rush Travels to London with CCSA

August 8, 2009 | International, News, Student Life | No Comments

As our “Five Questions” series continues, we chat with Katie Rush, a second-year student from Franklin County. Like many Gatton Academy students, Katie has taken advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities available through WKU. Though the Academy offers a travel program during the Winter Term, many students study abroad through departmental programs in January, May, and summer.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

Well, I am currently participating in the the CCSA London Summer Program, consisting of about 150 college students from across the U.S. taking classes while living in London for a month. My particular class is about Jane Austen, one of my favorite authors in the whole wide world! Not only does the class have very few actual meetings, but there are no real organized group activities, encouraging participants to sightsee in London in small groups, as well as to take weekend trips through Europe.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

I’ve definitely loved everything about it! My favorite weekend trip was to Germany, to visit some friends that my family hosted on their trip to Kentucky my sophomore year. For our course, we visited Chawton Cottage,
where Jane Austen lived for most of her writing career, which was basically amazing. And my favorite thing about London is the amazing variety of things to do! There are a million different shows every night, a huge variety of places to visit (can I give a shout-out to free museums?), and (of course) very good places to eat.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Since it is a college trip, there is a completely different level of freedom and independence (especially in a city as safe as London) than such a trip organized for high school students. That being said, there is also a much higher level of responsibility expected, and I feel like I’ve risen to that challenge and had an amazing learning experience.

4. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

Most would say this has no connection to a future in math and science, but I can’t think of anything more important that seeing amazing new places and becoming a well-rounded individual. It’s been a nice break from math and science, since focusing on one area of study to the exclusion of all else can’t possibly be good for you.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

I’m looking forward to continuing my research with the Crawford Hydrology Lab, meeting the incoming juniors, and graduating of course!

By Corey Alderdice

5Q: Elaine Flynn Explores Geochemical Research this Summer at WKU

August 7, 2009 | News, Student Success | No Comments

Our “5 Questions” series continues as we chat with Elaine Flynn, a second-year student from Pendleton County, about her research this summer at WKU.

1. Tell us a little about the project or program in which you participated?

This summer I am working with Dr. Wulff in the Geology Department at WKU. I have been taking rock samples from Chilean volcano sites and grinding them up into powder. Then, I created glass samples of these rocks so that we could run chemical tests to find the elements that make up the rocks.

2. What is the part of the summer experience did you enjoy the most?

I have really enjoyed the fusing of the rocks into glass. The magma was really fun to stir due to the fact you never think you would have that chance in a lifetime.

3. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Many students in high school don’t plan on doing a research or internship during their summer. Most either look for a job or just relax. I, however, get all three through this research. I believe that if other high school students were pushed toward research experience that many would agree on how interesting and exciting it is.

4. How does this research experience or internship fit into your educational and professional goals?

Since I’m not 100% certain, or any percent for that matter, on what I would like to be when I grow up, this experience let me look into what is available and if I would enjoy it at all. I have come to realize that I might look more into a geology or geochem career.

5. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy/first year of college?

I’m extremely excited about being a Community Developer and Academy Avatar (even though it’s sad that I have less of a summer than some.) I am also looking forward to continuing research during the school year. The friendships made at the Academy have been so helpful–in the past and even now–that I can’t wait for all of us to get together again. And one more thing, I’m looking forward to the challenges that come from the classes. I still thank the Lord daily for the opportunity and the doors that the Academy has opened for me.

By Corey Alderdice

Updated With Video: Gatton Academy Students to Benefit from Lecture, Lab Facilities in New Snell Hall

July 24, 2009 | Academics, News, Student Life | No Comments

Snell Hall

The following is a story from the WKU Office of Media Relations.

The transformation of Western Kentucky University’s science campus is continuing as snellconstruction of the new Snell Hall nears completion.

The five-story, $24 million facility will open next month for fall 2009 semester classes. Snell Hall will house classrooms, lecture rooms, instructional labs and research labs for chemistry, biology and computer science departments.

“We’re a few weeks away from students entering these labs and classrooms,” said Dr. Blaine Ferrell, dean of WKU’s Ogden College of Science and Engineering. “Everyone is excited about moving in.”

Ogden College has more than 2,000 students in its programs plus hundreds of other WKU students taking general education classes, Dr. Ferrell said. He expects enrollments to increase thanks to the state-of-the-art facilities.

“This building will provide a great working environment. We like our students to get hands-on experience and become professional scientists,” Dr. Ferrell said. “We want to get more students excited about science, technology, engineering and math and this building will help that.”

The building was designed by Taylor Whitney Architects; the contractor is Abel Construction.

The new Snell Hall also has display cases built in where memorabilia and photographs from the original Ogden College campus and Snell Hall will be exhibited. The first floor will include a student lounge and DaVinci’s, a cafe open for breakfast and lunch.

Members of WKU’s Board of Regents will tour the building as part of their meeting on July 31.
Snell Hall is connected to Thompson Complex Central Wing, which will allow faculty and students to easily move between the two buildings.

“I don’t think I can convey what a shot in the arm this facility is for Ogden College and WKU,” Dr. Ferrell said.
With Snell Hall and the Complex for Engineering and Biological Sciences (which was completed in 2004), “we’ve changed the face of the Ogden campus,” Dr. Ferrell said.

But those aren’t the only changes. Renovation of Science and Technology Hall is progressing and should be complete by 2010. STH will house the mathematics department and the Ogden College dean’s office.
Additional renovation projects are planned for Thompson Complex Central Wing and Thompson Complex North Wing.

More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu and at http://wkunews.wordpress.com/. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu. Ferrell.

By Corey Alderdice

Now is the Time to be an Advocate! Contact Your US Senator in Support of Javits Funding!

July 23, 2009 | News | No Comments

Thanks to the efforts of advocates across the country, the House Appropriations Committee included $7.46 million for the Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act in its fiscal year 2010 bill, the same amount the program received in 2009.

But our work has not ended. We still need to secure funding for the program from the Senate! We need your help TODAY!

If you are in Kentucky, contact Senator Mitch McConnell’s office and tell him how important it is that he support funding the Javits Act at least at the level of $7.46 million. Click here for Senator McConnell’s email.

If you are outside Kentucky, contact your senator or a member of the Senate Appropriations Committe and tell them that by supporting the Javits Act they are supporting gifted children. And when gifted children meet their potential the future becomes brighter and better for us all. Click here for a list of the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Speak out! Support of gifted education!

By Corey Alderdice

Advocacy Alert! Contact Your US Representative TODAY in Support of funding the Javits G/T Student Education Program in 2010 Budget

July 16, 2009 | News, Parents | No Comments

Please call or fax today before 5:00 EDT members of Congress to tell them how important it is to include funding for the Javits Gifted and Talented Student Education Program in the 2010 budget. This twenty-year-old program is the only federal legislation for gifted education. Members of the House Appropriations Committee will meet tomorrow so it is important to get a message to them today. The message is to please restore the funding for the Javits in the 2010 budget.

If you live in Kentucky, Congressman Ben Chandler (202.225.4706 or fax 202.225.2122) and Congressman Hal Rogers (202.225.4601 or fax 202.225.0940) are on the Appropriations Committee so they are the members of Congress to contact.

A complete membership list for the Appropriations Committee is available online for our friends who are not from Kentucky.

The Center for Gifted Studies was funded for a five-year Javits grant last October. The focus is on developing high interest and increasing achievement in mathematics and science among elementary children, especially those from backgrounds that have been underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The research study includes six schools in Warren County. Four of the school will have professional development on problem-based science and math, and two of those schools will send 15 students each for an all-day magnet program in problem-based math and science. Two of the schools serve as the control group. This research can provide data on best practices for teaching students who are gifted and talented, especially those children from low-income families and children with special needs.

Please make your voice heard today. You can send an email to the office of your Representative at the following link.

You can follow updates regarding funding for gifted education on Twitter.

For more information, contact The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU at (270) 745-6323 or gifted@wku.edu.

By Corey Alderdice

Tyce Hodges Named National Merit Scholarship Winner

July 15, 2009 | Academics, News, Student Success | No Comments

Tyce Hodges, a Gatton Academy Class of 2009 graduate from Somerset, has been named a National Merit Scholarship winner.

Hodges is one of forty-five Kentucky high school seniors who are among 2,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships from across the United States.

Each will receive $500 to $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the college financing the scholarship.

Additional National Merit Scholarship winners from across the Commonwealth include:

Louisville-area winners, listed by high school (all are from Louisville unless otherwise noted):

Atherton: Ethan S. Walker-Seim.

Manual: Kelsey L. Hall, Laura K. Henry, James M. Huddleston, Lisa I. Neumann, Ramapriya Rangaraju and Nancy R. Zhang.

North Oldham: Joshua H. Rosenberg, of Prospect.

Oldham County: Andrea E. Atkin and Elizabeth M. Schaller, both of La Grange.

Sacred Heart: Elizabeth A. Otting.

St. Xavier: Francis X. McNamara.

Trinity: Christopher W. Hayes.

Winners from outside the Louisville area (listed by hometown):

Bowling Green: Clayton T. Crocker, Bowling Green High School.

Corbin: Deron L. Johnson, Corbin High School.

Corydon: Emily A. Naas, Henderson County High School.

Covington: David C. Mettens, Scott High School.

Crescent Springs: Christian J. Williams, Beechwood High School.

Danville: Andrew C. Taylor, McCallie School.

Elizabethtown: Joseph R. Swartz, John Hardin High School.

Erlanger: Katherine E. Hayes, Villa Madonna Academy.

Fort Mitchell: Peter L. Bradley, Beechwood High School.

Georgetown: Adam G. Tucker, Scott County High School.

Greenup County: Izaak P. Bruce, home school.

Henderson: Cassie L. Caudill, Henderson County High School.

Lawrenceburg: Dylan F. Reaves, Anderson County High School.

Lexington: Tessa M. Cavagnero, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Alexander E. Dutch, Jared M. Gibson and Daniel P. Richey, Henry Clay High School; Brittany P. Fenner, Evan T. Shirley and Qing Xie, Lafayette High School; John M. Jansen, Lexington Catholic High School.

Madisonville: Alexy S. Lake, Madisonville North Hopkins High School.

Morehead: Robert L. Morrison, Rowan County High School.

Mount Vernon: John R. Lambert, Rockcastle County High School.

Prestonsburg: Elizabeth R. Davis, Piarist School.

Richmond: Robert E. Carter, Lexington Catholic High School; Jamie E. Farrar, Model Laboratory School.

Verona: Alexandra B. Farrell, Walton‚ÄìVerona High School.

Versailles: Charles S. Fieseler, Lexington Catholic High School.

Williamsburg: James D. Williams, Williamsburg High School.

Wilmore: Lyman R. Stone, West Jessamine High School.

Information in this story originally appeared in the June 13, 2009, edition of The Courier-Journal.

By Corey Alderdice

Celebrate National Parenting Gifted Children Week July 19-25 With These Ideas

July 12, 2009 | Gifted Ed Week, News | No Comments

July 19-25 marks a celebration of the challenges and rewards of nurturing, supporting, and advocating for the needs of young people who are gifted and talented. This special week recognizes some of the strongest advocates for high-ability students: their parents.

Sponsored by SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of Gifted Children) and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC), National Parenting Gifted Children Week is a great opportunity to call attention to the special academic needs of gifted children. How can you contribute to the effort? According to SENG and NAGC, you can:

Encourage your state gifted association and local parent groups to publicize their own local or national efforts.

• Mention this celebratory week in your next blog, newsletter, or social networking site.

• Contact your local newspaper and suggest using this week as a tie‐in for a story about gifted kids in your area.

• Ask the Governor or Mayor to issue a proclamation. Invite elected officials to kick‐off a National Parenting Gifted Children Week event by reading the proclamation. Use the public appearance of elected officials as an opportunity to speak about specific initiatives and to thank them for their past support.

• Write a letter to an editor explaining what this week is and why local children, parents, and schools should be aware of it.

• Attend the SENG Conference in Orlando, FL in July and the NAGC conference in St. Louis in November to connect with other parents, learn techniques for dealing effectively with gifted kids, and obtain information to educate others.

• Encourage your local library to set‐up an exhibit during NPGCW, where they can display free informational brochures, handouts, and bookmarks, as well as their books about giftedness.

• Get involved with other parents of gifted students by participating in or establishing a local chapter of KAGE (The Kentucky Association for Gifted Education).

A special hat-tip to Jeanne Bernish at the High Ability blog for sharing this information!

By Corey Alderdice

Video: WKU “View from the Hill” Spotlights Summer Program for Verbally and Mathematically Precocious Youth (VAMPY)

July 11, 2009 | Academics, News | No Comments

The following story and video originally appeared on WBKO-DT 13 in Bowling Green, KY as part of the station’s weekly “View from the Hill” segment.

Six Gatton Academy Class of 2011 members are attending the camp: Anthony Bombik, Anthony Bates, Suzanne VanArsdall, Taylor Harbin, Michael Bowie, and Corban Coffman.

More than 200 of the nation’s brightest students are spending part of their summer getting even smarter at Western Kentucky University.

VAMPY stands for Verbally And Mathematically Precocious Youth.

It’s been around for 26 years, and students say they can’t get enough of it.

So what is it about VAMPY camp that seventh through tenth graders love?

For six hours every day, students find themselves in classrooms – for example one class is forensic chemistry, where every day they try to solve a crime scene.

Center for Gifted Studies Director Julia Roberts started the camp in 1984 as Duke University’s very first cooperative program.

The camp has grown from 40 students the first year, to 215 in 2009.

This will be Hallie Bates last year to attend VAMPY, and she says it’s both the knowledge and the friendships that make it so special.

“The best thing? I’m not sure if it’s the classes or the friendships. Both of my brothers came here, and are still friends even though they are about to graduate college.”

VAMPY, which wraps up next week, is also the perfect venue to tout Kentucky’s prestigious Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Math and Science on WKU’s campus.

The Gatton Acadamy was recently listed on Newsweek’s 2009 list of the Public Elites.

By Corey Alderdice

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Author: Corey Alderdice