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Administrative Memorandum

In Every Issue:
Secretary's Column
CANS

In This Issue:
New science standards open for comment
Moore to become state’s Indian education coordinator
Social studies content standards up for review
 Opportunity Scholarship: 8th grade algebra transition plan in place
QZAB applications now available
Regent Scholar Diplomas available for 2005
Ordering textbooks? Don’t forget electronic version
Retiring, outstanding bus drivers to be recognized
Observe “Through with Chew” week
Coordinated School Health offers spring training opportunities
Summer institute to focus on new 3-Rs
6+1 trainings to be held in Fort Pierre

Secretary’s Column
By Dr. Rick Melmer
South Dakota Department of Education

Staff changes at DOE

The Department of Education (DOE) has 150 staff members. When you have that many people working in one location, it isn’t unusual to see staff changes from time to time. We have had a number of changes in our department recently, and I’d like to fill you in on a few of them.

If you have been in South Dakota’s education field for a few years, you have probably talked with Roxie Thielen on the phone at one time or another. Roxie has been a pillar in the department, serving in the Secretary’s Office for the past 27 years. Roxie recently decided to leave her position as the assistant to the department secretary and will assist with the High Quality Teacher grant that has been a priority for our department over the past two years. We will miss Roxie in the Secretary’s Office, but she isn’t far away!

Rich Deaver is our new career and technical education director. Rich comes to the DOE from Sturgis, where he served as a high school principal for 25 years. Rich replaces Gloria Smith-Rockhold after her term as interim director. 

Tammy Bauck has accepted a new position with Three Rivers Cooperative. Tammy has been with the department for seven years, most recently as the director of the Office of Curriculum, Technology and Assessment.  Tammy did an excellent job as a department leader in the areas of technology and curriculum. We wish her the best as she accepts a new challenge in education. 

Wade Pogany has become director of Curriculum and Instruction. Wade’s duties will be to coordinate the Offices of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Curriculum, Technology and Assessment (CTA). We are excited to use Wade’s experience and skills to enhance the two offices mentioned above. In addition, Wade’s former Office of School Enhancement has been dissolved. Most of the programs in that office have been moved to the Office of Support Services directed by Janet Ricketts. 

Diane Lowery has moved from her position as coordinator of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) to a Title I team leader. Diane will remain involved in the school improvement process and will continue serving on the department’s NCLB team. Diane was instrumental in providing the foundation for the implementation of NCLB in South Dakota. We owe her a big “thank you” for the detail work that she performed for our state to be in compliance with NCLB. Melody Schopp is now the general contact person for NCLB.

The DOE’s mission is “Enhancing Learning through Leadership and Service.” Even as our organization changes, our staff remains focused on that mission and providing our customers with solid leadership and timely service. 

CANS

Guidelines for new wellness requirement issued
 Effective school year 2006-07, a new federal law requires that local education agencies that participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) meal programs must have a wellness policy in place. USDA has put information, guidelines, sample policies and resources on the TEAM Nutrition Web site to help schools and agencies prepare for this requirement. Visit www.fns.usda.gov/tn/ and click on Local Wellness Policy. Amy Richards in the S.D. Department of Education’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services also would be happy to answer questions. You can reach Amy at (605) 773-4718 or amy.richards@state.sd.us.

Verification report 742SD due
 New policy beginning in 2005 requires all schools to submit a summary of the verification results for the National School Lunch Program to Child and Adult Nutrition Services. The report form (742SD) was mailed out to school food authorities on Oct. 29, 2004, in NSLP Memo #51.1.  The memo also can be downloaded at www.state.sd.us/deca/CSCF/CANS/Forms/index.htm.

March 1 is the deadline to submit verification report 742SD.

The new policy requires school food authorities (SFA) to report their verification activity and results to their respective state agencies. Additionally, state agencies must report the SFA level data to the federal Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Submission of this data will enable state agencies and FNS to better understand certification errors and to improve oversight and technical assistance activities. This will help ensure that free and reduced-price subsidized meals are provided only to eligible children.

New dietary guidelines issued
New dietary guidelines were issued by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health last week. Changes include an increase in the amount of fruits and vegetables that should be consumed and an emphasis on eating whole grains.

According to the new recommendations, at least half of all grains consumed should be whole grains. The recommendations also state that both trans fat and saturated fat should be avoided. Finally, the guidelines suggest that children and adolescents should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.  

A new image – to replace the food pyramid – will be released in the next few months. 

At this time, South Dakota’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services has not been notified of any related changes that would impact requirements for the school lunch program.

For more information about the dietary guidelines, visit www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines/.   

Celebrate School Breakfast Week in March
National School Breakfast Week will be observed March 7-11. The department’s Office of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) encourages food service directors to work with teaching staff to plan activities that promote the importance of the breakfast meal, whether it is eaten at home or school.   

This year’s theme – “School Breakfast: Great Performances” – provides the perfect opportunity to convince teachers, administrators, parents and students of the links between breakfast and students’ health, happiness and academic performance. 

Research has shown that kids who eat breakfast pay more attention in class, show improved behavior, are less likely to be absent, increase their nutrient intake, and perform better on standardized tests. 

Please watch for the arrival of an activity packet from Child and Adult Nutrition Services to be mailed out the first part of February. The packet contains information and activity sheets that can be duplicated for classroom use.  

Accept the HealthierUS School Challenge
 To encourage schools to create a healthier nutrition environment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has initiated the HealthierUS School Challenge.  Schools can be certified as either silver or gold schools. 

Schools must meet a basic set of criteria. To be certified, a school must:

FNS will review all completed assessment tools and award schools that successfully meet the challenge with a plaque. In addition, recognized schools will be listed on the Team Nutrition Web site.   

For more information, visit the TEAM nutrition Web site at www.fns.usda.gov/tn/ and click on HealthierUS School Challenge. You also may contact Amy Richards, S.D. Department of Education’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services, at (605) 773-4718 or amy.richards@state.sd.us. 

What’s coming up in professional development?
National Teleconference on School Wellness Requirements
Feb. 17
 A teleconference session to address new federal wellness policy requirements will be held Feb. 17. For school year 2006-07, agencies that participate in the National School Lunch Program must have a wellness policy in place. The teleconference is hosted by the American Dietetic Association in partnership with the School Nutrition Association. To learn more, visit www.eatright.org/Member/ProfessionalDevelopment/100_20670.cfm.

Orientation to Child Nutrition Management
June 13-17
National Food Service Institute, Oxford, Mississippi
 A five-day seminar for new and aspiring food service directors will be held June 13-17 at the National Food Service Institute in Mississippi. Approved for continuing education credit, the seminar will provide customer-focused and cost-effective management topics including record keeping, menu planning, promoting healthy eating, purchasing, and staff management. Cost is $150. For more information, visit www.nfsmi.org/Education/Workshops.html or contact Melba Hollingsworth at 1-800-321-3054.

Certification Institute 2005
June 19-24
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D.
 Child and Adult Nutrition Services will host its annual training for food service personnel June 19-24 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Participants will receive a certificate of completion after successfully completing 30 hours of training in one of five tracks.  Food service personnel are not required to attend the Certification Institute, but it is strongly encouraged as nutrition staff learn skills that improve their ability to do their job and understand school nutrition. Watch for more information in the months ahead.

New science standards open for comment

South Dakota’s newly revised science standards were opened for public comment on Jan. 26 by the Board of Education. A group of nearly 50 K-16 educators, under the facilitation of Dr. Jan Sheinker, developed the standards.

Although a majority of the science standards have similar content and strand design as the previous standards, middle school science has been altered from an all-integrated core subject design. Under the new standards, 6th grade would be integrated, 7th grade would focus on life science and 8th grade would focus on earth science.

The public may review the new science standards and submit public comment at www.state.sd.us/deca/OCTA/contentstandards/index.htm. The standards will be presented to the Board of Education for approval later this spring. 

Questions regarding the new standards can be directed to Jennifer Neuhauser at (605) 773-2533 or jennifer.neuhauser@state.sd.us.

Moore to become state’s Indian education coordinator

Keith O. Moore of Onida has accepted the position of Indian education coordinator with the South Dakota Department of Education. Currently a principal with the Agar-Blunt-Onida School District, Moore will begin his new duties July 1. He is a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.  

“We are excited to have Keith officially on board,” said Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the Department of Education. “He is dedicated to the young people of this state and will be a real advocate for our Native American students.”

Moore has a solid background in education, including 10 years teaching, eight years coaching and nearly three years as a school administrator. He will play an integral role in working with the Indian Education Advisory Council to shape the future of Indian education initiatives in South Dakota.

Social studies content standards up for review

The Department of Education is forming a committee to revise the state’s social studies content standards. Committee work is slated to begin in June.

South Dakota’s content standards are reviewed in cycles. Language arts and math recently were revised and approved, while science standards were opened for public comment.

A copy of the review cycle schedule as well as the current social studies standards can be found at www.state.sd.us/deca/OCTA/contentstandards/index.htm.  

For more information, please contact Jennifer Neuhauser at (605) 773-2533. jennifer.neuhauser@state.sd.us

Opportunity Scholarship
8th grade algebra transition plan in place

Questions have arisen on how an 8th grade algebra course fits into requirements for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. A transition plan has been created to address this issue.

Effective for 2007 high school graduates, an 8th grade algebra course must be recorded on the high school transcript, with the unit of credit included in the requirements for high school graduation. The letter grade must be included in the high school cumulative grade point average.

For 2005 and 2006 high school graduates, the 8th grade algebra course must be recorded on the high school transcript, with the unit of credit and letter grade. However, the unit does not have to be included in the requirements for high school graduation. Furthermore, the letter grade does not have to be included in the cumulative grade point average. Finally, a “pass” grade may be used if the school district did not assign letter grades.

Keep in mind that the eligibility requirements for the Opportunity Scholarship call for 4 units of algebra or higher math. These courses include algebra, geometry, trigonometry or other advanced mathematics, including accelerated or honors mathematics (algebra) provided at the 8th grade level. They do not include arithmetic, business, consumer or general mathematics or similar courses.

Questions can be directed to Dr. Lesta Turchen, Board of Regents, at (605) 773-3455.

QZAB applications now available

Applications for authority to issue Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZABs) are now available. South Dakota will make approximately $2.4 million in QZAB authority available to school districts.

QZABs are bonds the federal government subsidizes by providing tax credits in lieu of cash interest payments to bondholders. As a result, school districts are generally responsible for repayment of just the principal. These bonds may be used at an eligible school to finance rehabilitating or repairing school facilities, purchasing equipment, developing curricula, and training school personnel, but not for new construction. 

The primary eligibility requirement is that a school has a reasonable expectation that at least 35 percent of its students are eligible for the free or reduced school lunch program. 

Additional information, including an application, can be downloaded at  www.state.sd.us/deca/Grants/QZAB/index.htm. The deadline to submit an application is March 4.

If you have any questions about the QZAB program, please contact Rob Huffman at (605) 773-4600. robyn.huffman@state.sd.us

Regent Scholar Diplomas available for 2005

The Regent Scholar Diploma program will be offered to graduating seniors in 2005. However, the future of the program has yet to be determined.

“We decided to reinstate the program for 2005 due to feedback from the field,” said Dr. Rick Melmer, secretary of the Department of Education. “We plan to visit with high school principals around the state to decide the future of this program for 2006 and beyond.”

The Regent Scholar Diploma recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated academic excellence. Criteria for the Regent Scholar Diploma can be found at www.state.sd.us/deca/Secretary/regents.htm.

To nominate a student for a Regent Scholar Diploma, high school principals should send the following information to the Department of Education by April 1, 2005:

Regent Scholar Diplomas will be sent to high school administrators for presentation at graduation ceremonies.

Nominations should be sent to Carol Uecker, Department of Education, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501. Fax: (605) 773-6139. E-mail: carol.uecker@state.sd.us

Ordering textbooks? Don’t forget electronic version

Changes concerning Braille, large print and audio textbooks are on the horizon. What does that mean for educators? Starting immediately, schools ordering new textbooks must require the publisher to provide an electronic “publisher’s file” for any textbook purchased.

The South Dakota State Library’s Braille & Talking Book Program can take that electronic file and turn it into Braille format. The service is free, and the availability of an electronic version will speed up production of the Braille textbook. 

For example, converting an 800-page literary textbook used to take an average of 363 hours or 2.6 months. With the use of publisher’s files, new Braille embossing equipment and tactile graphics hardware/software, that project now requires an average of 232 hours or 1.7 months.

In 2004, the South Dakota Legislature passed a law that requires publishers to provide – upon written request by a school district or the South Dakota State Library’s Braille & Talking Book Program – an electronic file within 60 days of the request for textbooks needed in Braille. (See text of law below.)

As schools receive the files, they can send them to the State Library’s Braille & Talking Book Program, which will hold the file for use if the textbook is requested for a South Dakota student.

With the passage of the IDEA reauthorization, federal legislation will require publishers to provide an electronic publisher’s file to a national repository for all books published from that date forward. As a producer of Braille textbooks, the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Program will be authorized to access this repository for needed files. The establishment of the national repository will take up to two years. In the meantime, South Dakota’s state legislation will require that publishers provide the files.

Initially, the publisher files will be authorized only for Braille production. Eventually the files will be used for color large-print production, computer access via enlarging software such as ZoomText, audio access via computer with speech software such as JAWs, an MP3 player or some similar audio playback equipment.

For more information, contact the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library at 1-800-423-6665.

14-1-66.   Publisher to provide electronic versions of textbooks--Cost--Legacy defined--Duty of Department of Education. Upon request, a publisher of a textbook that is adopted for instructional use by a school district shall furnish the South Dakota State Library with an electronic version of the textbook if the textbook is for a literary subject; or, if the textbook is for a nonliterary subject, such as natural sciences, computer science, mathematics, or music, an electronic version shall be furnished if the technology is available to convert the textbook directly to a format compatible with Braille translation software. The publisher shall provide the electronic file to the requesting agency within sixty days of receiving written notice that the file is needed. The cost of the electronic publisher’s file may not exceed the cost of a print copy of the same title. Legacy materials are exempt from the requirements of this section. For purposes of this section, the term, legacy, means images and graphics requiring release and permission from another source other than the publisher. The Department of Education shall oversee the process established in this section to ensure that the textbooks and electronic files arrive by the start of the school year.

Source: SL 2004, ch 138, § 1.

Retiring, outstanding bus drivers to be recognized

Each year, the South Dakota School Transportation Association (SDSTA) recognizes retiring bus drivers. Superintendents are invited to submit the names of their retirees via an online nomination form. Completed nominations must be received no later than April 15, in order to have them ready in time for local award ceremonies. The form can be found at www.state.sd.us/deca/OPA/schooltransportation.htm.

In addition, school districts that are members of SDSTA may nominate one of their drivers for South Dakota School Bus Driver of the Year. Completed nominations must be received no later than April 15. The form can be found at www.state.sd.us/deca/OPA/schooltransportation.htm.

For more information, contact Carol Uecker at (605) 773-4771. carol.uecker@state.sd.us

Observe “Through with Chew” week

To encourage students to quit using spit tobacco, schools are asked to observe Through with Chew Week, Feb. 13-19.  Help is available for anyone who wants to quit using tobacco by calling the toll-free South Dakota QuitLine at 1-866-737-8487.

According to the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 23.5 percent of male high school students in South Dakota use spit tobacco, one of the highest percentages in the nation.

The Departments of Health and Education are working to convince people of the serious consequences of spit tobacco. Educators can access a Through with Chew poster, fact sheet and statistics at www.state.sd.us/doh/tobacco/. Or, you may contact the Department of Health or your regional tobacco prevention coordinator, by selecting the “Local Contacts” tab available at this Web site. 

Coordinated School Health offers spring training opportunities

The department’s Coordinated School Health Program will offer two training opportunities this spring.

Summer institute to focus on new 3-Rs

Plan now to attend the Office of Career and Technical Education’s Summer Institute July 18-20 at the Ramkota RiverCentre in Pierre. The training’s focus will be on the new 3-Rs: rigor, relevance and relationships.

Trainers from Dr. Willard Daggett’s International Center for Leadership in Education, Rexburg, N.Y., will conduct the training. Participants will practice techniques to ensure that teaching and learning are driven to higher levels of cognitive skill development and to more in-depth real-world applications of these cognitive skills. Participants also will learn how the third R – relationships – contributes to academic success.

Cost of the workshop is $75, which covers materials and breaks. Expenses for registration, travel, lodging and meals are allowable Perkins costs for approved career and technical education programs.

Blocks of rooms have been reserved for July 18-19 at the following locations. They will be held until June 24, 6 p.m. (CST). Please call for rates.

Registration deadline is July 1, 2005. The workshop is limited to 100 people. Participants may receive one unit of graduate credit through Northern State University or one CEU. Cost for graduate credit will be approximately $60. There is no charge for CEUs.

Online registration is available at www.southdakotapd.com.

For more information, please contact Gloria Smith-Rockhold at (605) 773-4747 or gloria.smith-rockhold@state.sd.us.

6+1 trainings to be held in Fort Pierre

Trainings addressing each of the 6+1 Writing Traits have been held throughout the school year. Two remaining trainings are slated for Feb. 24 (sentence fluency) and March 22 (conventions). The trainings take place at the Fort Pierre Holiday Inn Express from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (CST).

The 6+1 Writing Traits model is a method of looking at the main characteristics of writing and assessing them independently from one another. These workshops provide attendees the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of each of the traits.

To register online, visit www.southdakotapd.com.

For more information, contact Shannon Schweitzer at (605) 773-8193 or shannon.schweitzer@state.sd.us.