For a more complete list of professional development opportunities, visit www.southdakotapd.com.

• DDN sessions address Consolidated Application

• New teachers invited to targeted pd sessions

• Writing to Win© workshops set for June

• Plan to attend Certification Institute 2006

DDN sessions address Consolidated Application

Workshops for those involved in completing the Consolidated Application will take place April 10, 11, 19 and 20 via the Digital Dakota Network (DDN). There is no cost to participate. During these sessions, Department of Education staff will cover specifics of filling out the Consolidated Application, including proper processes for completing a needs assessment and allowable use of funds. They also will provide an introduction to the e-grant system, including how to log in and how to maneuver through the grant.

Session schedule
All times listed are Central Daylight Time.

• Monday, April 10, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 11, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 11, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, April 19, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Thursday, April 20, 12:30-4:30 p.m.

For the participating site nearest you, contact Janet Haraldson at the Department of Education, (605) 773-3218.

New teachers invited to targeted pd sessions

Teachers planning to attend one of the 2006 Governor’s New Teacher Academies need to register by April 14.

First-year teachers are invited to attend the Governor’s New Teacher Academy on either June 7-9 or July 12-14. The June Academy will be held in Madison at Dakota State University. The July Academy will be held in Spearfish at Black Hills State University.

Second-year teachers are invited to attend the Governor’s New Teacher Academy on either June 5-7 or July 10-12. The June Academy will be held in Madison at Dakota State University. The July Academy will be held in Spearfish at Black Hills State University.

Online registration and further details are available at doe.sd.gov/oatq/newteacher.asp. 

Questions concerning the Governor’s New Teacher Academies can be directed to roxie.thielen@state.sd.us.

Writing to Win© workshops set for June

Writing to Win© workshops will be held this summer in Mitchell. Phase One: Journal Writing for Critical Thinking Across the Cur­riculum will be held June 13-15 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. Phase Two: Process Writing for Informing and Creating will be held June 11-13 at the same location. Those who already have taken Phase One are invited to attend the Phase Two workshop. Both sessions will be led by Dr. Warren Combs.

Writing to Win is designed for teams of teachers from each participating school. These participants will be trained to serve as writing coaches in their local schools. In two and a half days, participants will learn the keys to teaching effective writing.

Phase I presents the tools needed for energizing instruction in short writing across the curriculum. The objective is writing fluency. Researchers agree that young writers must write fluently before teachers can help them become refined creators of reports, essays and extended fiction. Through Phase One, you will learn to train students to be fluent thinkers in a dozen critical thinking strategies.

Phase II presents the tools needed for giving students the power to make good choices about writing at each step of the writing process. Research shows that clearly defined teacher expectations for each step of the process assure authentic and articulate writing from students. Through Phase Two, you will learn to train students to be confident users of tools, such as advance organizers and rubrics, in their writing.

The cost of each workshop is $65. Travel, lodging and meal costs are the responsibility of participating schools. Register online at www.southdakotapd.com. Registration is limited to 25 schools (each school has a team of three). Registration deadline is May 26, 2006.

For more information, contact Marsha Kucker at (605) 367-7680, mkucker@edec.org, or Faith Ellis at (605) 773-7030, faith.ellis@state.sd.us.

Plan to attend Certification Institute 2006
“Feeding the Future for a Healthy Tomorrow” is the theme of the 2006 Certification Institute. The event is slated for June 18-23 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls. Food-service directors and staff should plan to attend this exciting event!

Once again, one of the institute’s tracks will be devoted to Healthy Schools. It will feature topics related to school wellness, including strategies to address the childhood obesity epidemic. 

At the institute, participants will learn about incorporating whole grains, dried beans and fresh fruits and vegetables into their meals. Participants also will learn about discretionary calories, nutrient dense foods and energy balance. 

More information regarding the Certification Institute will be available soon from the department’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services. Questions can be directed to (605) 773-3413.