• Secretary's Column
• More high schools to get laptops
• South Dakota schools get A grade for technology
• Special board meeting addresses TCAP rules
• Deadline for certified administrators one year away
• Students asked to design covers for 2008 Dakota STEP
• Seminar to address school safety
• Hot Topic
• Upcoming Events

Secretary's Column

A view from the top

South Dakota prides itself on our top-flight public education system. There are many reasons for this feeling – reasons that include strong families, dedicated educators and reasonable teacher-student ratios. Another key reason is that our state is a national leader in using technology in our classrooms.

Recently, Education Week published a report on each state’s implementation of technology in the public schools. You have probably had a chance to review the report.  The news was outstanding: South Dakota was one of three states that earned an “A” for our technology initiatives.

Why was our state rated so high?  There were a number of reasons, but I wanted to highlight a couple that will have an impact for many years to come.

Classroom Connections

Our Classroom Connections laptop initiative is starting to hit the radar screen of educational agencies around the country. It is not unusual for me to get phone calls or inquiries about the initiative – all wanting to know the details of our 1-to-1 program. 

This fall, nearly 25 percent of our public high school students will be equipped with a computer to use throughout the school year. I have had the good fortune to visit many of the schools that are participating in the Classroom Connections program. I continue to believe that this initiative will change how classroom instruction occurs in our high schools. Until every teacher can depend on every student having access to technology all of the time, it will be difficult to infuse the use of technology into our high school classrooms.

Virtual High School

The South Dakota Virtual High School was unveiled in March. Plans are underway to have high school students taking courses through the Virtual High School by fall of 2007.  We anticipate that two groups of students will benefit from the Virtual High School. Those groups will include students who have not adapted to our traditional high schools and are in need of alternative instruction. The second group will be our students who want more, or different, courses than are offered in their respective high schools. We believe that the requests for virtual courses will be modest at first with more interest developing over time.

Statewide Connections

South Dakota is well connected – in more ways than one. Even though it has been a movement that has not captured any significant national attention, we are the envy of many states in our nation. Schools in our state have access to a sophisticated student management system, a state e-mail program that links all of us together, a Guidance Central program that assists as we prepare our high school students for the future, and a distance learning program that provides courses to the smallest and most sparse districts in our state.

We sometimes tend to focus on what we do not have, instead of the benefits that we enjoy. South Dakota has set a technology standard that other states are trying to emulate.  Our students are the true winners!

More high schools to get laptops

South Dakota’s Classroom Connections laptop project is expanding. Twenty-one new school districts have been selected to participate in the program, which means 4,600 additional students will receive laptops at the start of the 2007-08 school year. That brings the total number of high school students with laptops to 9,600 in 41 districts across the state.

“Twenty-first century skills are an absolute must in today’s world. Workers need to be able to problem solve, write and speak effectively, and be technology literate,” said Gov. Mike Rounds. “Use of the laptop technology is expected to enhance many of these skills.”

Part of the governor’s 2010 Education Initiative, Classroom Connections provides incentive money to districts to purchase laptops for their high school students. The state provides matching funds – $1 for every $2 invested by the local school district – to purchase laptops for every student in grades 9-12. Districts pay $1,207 per laptop, or $1,335 for tablets. That cost not only covers the initial investment of hardware, software and warranties, it also covers the training of teachers and technology coordinators in the schools.

According to Education Secretary Rick Melmer, the training component of this project is critical to its success. Teachers at the new pilot sites should receive their new laptops in May, and state-sponsored training will take place throughout the summer. The Department of Education has partnered with Dakota State University to provide training for teachers at the new pilot schools. The department also has partnered with the state’s Bureau of Information and Telecommunications to provide technical expertise, support and training for the schools’ technology coordinators.

South Dakota’s Classroom Connections project is made possible, in part, by funding from Citibank.

South Dakota’s Classroom Connections Pilot Schools 2^nd Year: 2007-08

• Conde (21 students)

• Doland (43 students)

• Elk Point-Jefferson (241 students)

• Estelline (100 students)

• Eureka (72 students)

• Gettysburg (105 students) 

• Huron (720 students) 

• Lead-Deadwood (275 students)

• Madison Central (397 students)

• McCook Central (165 students)

• Menno (77 students)

• Miller (171 students)

• Parker (125 students)

• Parkston (218 students)

• Pierre (907 students)

• Platte (150 students)

• TriValley (274 students)

• Viborg (95 students) 

• Wall (110 students)

• Warner (80 students)

• Winner (285 students)

South Dakota schools get A grade for technology

South Dakota was one of three states to receive an A grade on Education Week’s 2007 Technology Counts report, released March 29. 

“South Dakota’s leadership in the technology area started with the wiring of the schools nearly a decade ago, and it continues today with efforts like the South Dakota Classroom Connections laptop project and the new Virtual High School,” said Secretary of Education Rick Melmer.

The report grades states based on 14 indicators in three major areas: access to instructional technology, use of technology, and capacity to effectively use educational technology.

• Access to technology. While the rest of the nation’s schools average 3.7 students per high-speed Internet-connected computer, South Dakota averages 1.9 students. South Dakota scored an A in this category, while the average state score was C.
• Use of technology. South Dakota passed three of the four litmus tests in this category. The state is in the process of developing technology standards. The state has established a virtual school, and it offers computer-based assessments. The state does not test students on technology concepts. South Dakota scored an A- in this category, while the average state score was a C+.
• Capacity to use technology. This category encompasses standards and requirements related to the certification of teachers and administrators. South Dakota scored a B in this category, while the average state score was a C.

South Dakota’s overall grade on the report was A-. The average state score was C+.

Special board meeting addresses TCAP rules

The South Dakota Board of Education will discuss the proposed rules for the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program at a special meeting on April 11. The meeting, which will be held via the DDN, will originate from the Capitol (DDN Studio A) in Pierre. TCAP is a major component of the education funding package approved by the 2007 Legislature. The initiative is designed to help school districts enhance local teacher salaries.

Under the proposed rules, school districts apply for TCAP money each year. If a district’s application is approved, the state will provide $4 for every $1 that the local district invests in the program. Available funding is based on a district’s student enrollment.

Below is a quick review of TCAP guidelines that the board will consider. The May Ed Online will contain a summary of any board action taken on April 11. Click here to view the proposed rules.

District plans

The requirements for developing a TCAP plan are minimal, allowing for school districts to create a program based on their unique goals and situation. A district’s TCAP plan must be based on:

• meeting district instructional goals, or

• market compensation strategies, or 

• a combination of both

Plans must be approved by the local school board prior to submitting an application. A district’s TCAP funds must:

• be distributed to certified instructional staff only
• supplement and not supplant local salary policy
• include matching funds, which must be taken from general funds. (Federal or private funds may be used.)

Application and review process

A Teacher Compensation Assistance Oversight Board will be established to review all applications. The TCAP Oversight Board will make recommendations to the South Dakota Board of Education, which will make the final decision on whether or not a district receives funds.

Under the proposed rules, the TCAP Oversight Board will consist of nine members, appointed by the Secretary of Education. The board membership will include two legislators, two school officials, a school board member, a business leader, a teacher, and two members at large. 

Timeline

The proposed rules outline the following application timeline:

• November – applications released to school districts by November
• December – review by Teacher Compensation Assistance Oversight Board
• January – applications approved by Board of Education
• February – districts notified of board’s decision by Feb. 1 for funds available for the following school year

PLEASE NOTE: The timeline for the 2007-08 school year varies from the above, as the law was not in effect in the prior school year. Click here for deadlines for this first year of implementation.

For more information about the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program, contact the South Dakota Department of Education at (605) 773-3282 or e-mail wade.pogany@state.sd.us.

Deadline for certified administrators one year away

By July 1, 2008, all school administrators in South Dakota must be properly certified by the South Dakota Department of Education. The requirement stems back to legislation passed in 2004.

By now, any non-certified administrators should be on a plan to become certified. Certification can be achieved by completing an approved school administrator program by the 2008 deadline. If an individual needs additional years to complete this program, he or she can opt to take the Praxis test “Educational Leadership: Administration & Supervision.” By passing this test, the individual gains two years (July 2010) to complete the school administrator program. The individual also may continue to serve in their current capacity until July 2010.

Individuals who plan to resign or retire by July 2008 have the option of signing a waiver, noting their intent.

Click here for more information, or call Lanette Johnston at the Department of Education. (605) 773-8415. lanette@johnston@state.sd.us.

Students asked to design covers for 2008 Dakota STEP

No one ever said tests were fun. But a new promotion might help. The South Dakota Department of Education is conducting a design contest for next year’s Dakota STEP covers. Winning students will earn a $100 savings bond from Citibank and the right to have their artwork featured statewide on the 2008 Dakota STEP.

The Dakota STEP is given in grades 3-8 and 11 each spring. Each grade has a unique test and test booklet cover, which means seven winning artists – one per grade level.

Here’s how the contest works:

• Students in grades 3-8 and 11 are eligible to participate.
• Teachers can access the template for this contest. Click here to download the form.
• Teachers should print out the template and assist students with filling out the required information.  
• Students create their artwork on the template. Artwork must fit within the black borders.
• Teachers mail entries to Gay Pickner, Department of Education, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, by April 25.
• Winners for each grade level will be announced mid-May.
• All submitted artwork becomes the property of the South Dakota Department of Education.

For more information, contact Gay Pickner at the Department of Education, (605) 773-3247. gay.pickner@state.sd.us.

Turn off the TV, tune into health 

April 23-29 is National Turn Off the TV Week. During this week, schools can encourage students and their families to turn off the television and turn on to fun family activities!

Collectively, Americans spend 231 billion hours per year watching television, according to The Television Project. For adults, that translates into watching TV approximately two months out of the year. For children, that means spending more time watching television than any other single activity.

Sedentary activities such as watching television, playing video games, and using computers affect both activity levels and diet – the two major components of lifestyle that impact weight. Studies have shown that an increase in sedentary behavior contributes to an increase in obesity and the risk for developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are that children under two years of age should not be watching TV. Children over two years of age and adolescents should have two hours of TV or less per day, and adults should watch no more than 10 hours of TV per week. 

The purpose of National Turn off the TV Week is to encourage families to spend time normally spent in front of a screen to explore other fun activities. Encourage your students and staff members to take this opportunity to ride a bike, take a walk, toss a Frisbee, and play, play, play!

For more information, visit www.healthysd.gov.

Upcoming Events

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

• Driver's ed: Ride, Sally, ride!

• PD for new teachers

• Jump into good nutrition

• DOE provides free AP Institutes for teachers

Driver’s ed: Ride, Sally, ride!

Interested in getting an endorsement in driver’s education? Northern State University is offering the coursework this summer.

DRED 460 will be held June 4-8, and DRED 480 will be held June 11-15. Times will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. IE 450 is offered per correspondence, and students can begin at any time. All are three-credit courses. Cost will be approximately $200 per credit.

For more information, contact Northern State’s Extended Studies Office at (605) 626-2568 or Terry Richardson at (605) 225-9042.

PD for new teachers

First- and second-year teachers are invited to attend one of the 2007 Governor’s New Teacher Academies. The first takes place June 6-8 at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. The second will be held July 11-13 at Dakota State University in Madison.

During the Governor’s New Teacher Academy, teachers will have opportunities to:

• Celebrate the accomplishments of their initial years of teaching.
• Reflect on their progress as a teacher and the resulting influence on student achievement.
• Develop professional relationships to achieve common educational goals.
• Participate in activities that demonstrate their commitment to the teaching profession.

The deadline to register for either event is April 30. The Governor’s New Teacher Academy is designed for South Dakota classroom teachers who are new to the teaching profession and completing their first or second contract year.

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

For more information, contact Lanette Johnston at the Department of Education, (605) 773-8415. lanette.johnston@state.sd.us.

Jump into good nutrition

Registration is now open for the 2007 Certification Institute, which provides 30 hours of training in one week for those who work with child nutrition programs. The event is scheduled for June 24-29 at Augustana College in Sioux Falls.

Click here to view the agenda.  New this year is online registration, which is also available at this link.  If you are unable to register online, a paper registration form is available. 

For more information about the 2007 Certification Institute, please contact Amy Richards or Janelle Peterson, Child and Adult Nutrition Services, at (605) 773-3413.

DOE provides free AP Institutes for teachers

The Department of Education is funding teachers in public school districts across the state to attend Advanced Placement Institutes this summer. AP Institutes are a weeklong institute where teachers of a specific subject area come together to learn, in detail, about teaching an AP course.

By attending an AP Summer Institute, teachers will receive help in understanding content, choosing texts, supplementary materials, and a host of contacts that can help them as they teach their specific AP course. Public school teachers attending an AP Institute will receive a $50 per-day stipend and will be reimbursed for room and board.

The following AP Institutes will be offered this summer:

• Composition and Literature, June 18-22, University of South Dakota
• Human Geography, June 25-29, South Dakota State University
• Chemistry, July 9-13, South Dakota State University

For more information, contact Michelle Mehlberg with the South Dakota Department of Education at (605) 280-3614.