2008
  • Secretary's Column
  • Students can earn $100 for passing online AP courses
  • State CTE grant application now available
  • Claim your FY 08 TCAP expenditures now
  • Schools can earn $5,000 for healthy habits
  • Administrators:
    Deadline to be properly certified is July 1
  • Educator recognition
    Shine a spotlight on your “best and brightest”
  • Feed your part of the world
    Host sites needed for Summer Food Service Program
  • Hot Topic
  • Upcoming Events

Secretary's Column

Feeling ignored

If you’re like me, you have noticed there has been a relative absence of discussion about education during the presidential debates. Even though we have three viable candidates running for president, rarely is education a subject of their conversations. I am sure I speak for many educators when I say that is very disappointing. I have tried to speculate why there has been such an absence of conversation regarding education, and I have settled on three theories I believe may capture the reason for this omission.

The “Urgent” Theory
The primary topics of conversation relate to items such as the war in Iraq, the slumbering economy, high gas prices, and concerns about health care. There are immediate consequences and concerns to each one of the items mentioned above. With the war, we have lost more than 4,000 soldiers to date. Issues such as rising gas prices and the slumping economy hit us in the pocket book. Finally, concerns about health care cause us to fear lingering health issues with loved ones and friends. People want to hear about the urgent instead of the important, which would include education. Unfortunately, not caring for important issues like education will create an urgency in future years.

The “Prenuptial” Theory
As we approach the election, voters are looking for commitments from the candidates. In some respects, a campaign is like a courtship. We are getting to know each other with the hopes that a commitment will be made at some point to address issues that we care about. It is my belief that the candidates know of this feeling and are cautious to make commitments that they may not be able to keep. Making promises in the area of education can be dangerous because the voters will actually expect the candidates to deliver on those promises. As a result, candidates may be reluctant to make any promises for fear that they will be held accountable upon election.

The “No Money Honey” Theory
Face it: Solutions can sometimes be expensive. It has always been easier to identify the problems in education than it is to identify the solutions. Furthermore, it seems that every solution comes with a price tag. Candidates may be fearful of identifying solutions to our educational problems because those solutions will need to be supported by financial resources. Given the status of our current federal budget, it doesn’t appear that there are extra dollars to address new and emerging problems. There is little doubt that initiatives such as pre-kindergarten, intensive support for needy schools and teacher pay can be solved without additional resources devoted at the federal level.

Investment in human capital will pay long term dividends for our country. It is my hope that as the campaign for president moves into the summer, we will hear education discussed in more detail. In the meantime, as educators, let’s continue to challenge people around the country to discuss the future of our students and the future of our educational programs.

Boosting math, science and English skills
Students can earn $100 for passing online AP courses

Under a new program announced last month, South Dakota high school students can take online Advanced Placement ™ courses in math, science and English and earn $100 for each course they pass. Called Learning Power, the program is funded by the National Math and Science Initiative with support from ExxonMobil.

“As a nation, we need to ramp up our efforts to challenge students to take more rigorous coursework in math and science, and to excel in those areas,” said Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard. Daugaard made the announcement March 10 at the Parker School District. “This grant allows South Dakota the chance to do its part in preparing students who have advanced knowledge and skills in critical subject areas.”

While some South Dakota schools, especially larger ones, are able to offer Advanced Placement™ courses, many are not. The new pilot program aims to increase access to these courses by making them available via the South Dakota Virtual School.

“South Dakota was selected for this pilot because of its strong leadership and commitment to advanced study for its students,” said Tom Luce, chief executive officer of the National Math and Science Initiative. “The most successful partnerships are those that benefit all partners. Piloting this model for rural states, while improving student access in South Dakota to rigorous math and science courses is a unique opportunity.”

Beginning in the fall of 2008, high school students will be able to choose from seven AP™ courses offered via the South Dakota Virtual School. The courses include AP Calculus AB, AP English Literature and Composition, AP English Language and Composition, AP Biology, AP Physics B, AP Statistics, and AP Chemistry. If the student passes the course exam with a 3 or higher, the program pays the student $100.

In addition, the teachers of students who receive passing scores on any of these exams also receive $100. Twenty-five teachers will be selected to teach the courses, all of which will be online. Teachers will be selected based on a record of successfully integrating technology into their teaching methods.

The National Math and Science Initiative selected South Dakota to pilot the statewide program. If successful, the pilot could provide a model for improving student achievement in rural and sparsely populated states across the nation. The $2 million grant was awarded to the South Dakota Collaborative for Advanced Placement, whose membership includes leaders from the government, education and business communities.

“This program engages teachers and students as partners in achieving academic success as well as sharing in the award funds,” said Dr. Jim Parry, project director. “With these courses under their belts, the pilot program positions South Dakota students for greater success as they enter college or technical programs.”

The National Math and Science Initiative was launched in 2007 in response to the National Academies blue-ribbon report, “Rising Above the Gathering Storm,” which warned that declining math and science achievement in the U.S. is threatening American competitiveness and security.

Academy targets leadership skills, supports administrators

School leaders have a challenging job. Balancing the needs of students, teachers, parents and community stakeholders requires skill, courage and finesse. Your leadership can mean the difference between a student body that is achieving and one that is not.

While the job can be extremely rewarding, it may make you feel like you’re being stretched in a dozen directions. A new program, the Balanced Leadership Academy, will help superintendents and principals strike the right balance and concentrate on key areas where leadership can impact your school community. The program kicks off this summer. Participation is limited to 40 superintendents and 40 principals.

“The growing demands for school accountability have put increased pressure on educators at all levels – from classroom teachers to school administrators,” said Wade Pogany, who oversees the program for the Department of Education. “The Balanced Leadership Academy supports school administrators by helping them to identify and develop key practices that will make them effective leaders.”

The academy focuses on 21 key leadership responsibilities identified in research compiled by McRel. School leaders will leave the program with the skills of knowing how to lead, why leadership is so important, and when it’s critical to provide effective leadership.

“McRel’s 21 responsibilities range from practical things such as establishing a set of standard operating procedures and establishing clear goals to more lofty concepts such as inspiring innovation and challenging the status quo.”

Delivered in a series of five sessions, the Balanced Leadership Academy will begin June 23-27 in Sioux Falls. That first workshop will cover Sessions 1 and 2 of the program. The remaining three sessions will be offered in one- or two-day workshops throughout the course of the year.

The academy is a joint effort of the School Administrators of South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Education, McRel, and North Central Comprehensive Center. It is part of a larger initiative developed by the South Dakota Department of Education called Project LEAD. Project Lead is a system of leadership development that supports the work of school administrators in successfully leading and managing K-12 schools.

For information about the Balanced Leadership Academy, contact Wade Pogany at the South Dakota Department of Education, (605) 773-3282, wade.pogany@state.sd.us.

State CTE grant application now available

The South Dakota Department of Education will award $1.5 million through a competitive grant process for approved career and technical education programs. The focus of the grant includes: implementing rigorous new programs (based on career clusters), increasing rigor and relevance of current programs, providing career guidance, implementing capstone experiences, development of virtual courses, and increasing academic and technical skills.

Applications are due May 16, 2008. The application is available online at http://doe.sd.gov/CTEGrant/index.asp. 

Questions may be directed to Mark Wilson or Gloria Smith-Rockhold, Department of Education, (605) 773-3423.

Claim your FY 08 TCAP expenditures now

Districts that are participating in the Teacher Compensation Assistance Program for FY 08 have just three more opportunities to claim their expenses. TCAP claims are paid in conjunction with monthly state aid.

Claims for any authorized TCAP expenditures incurred in FY 08 must be claimed before the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2008), or an agreement signed by the district administrator and Department of Education must be filed to allow funds to be carried over and paid in FY 09. Please note: Funds carried over to be paid in FY 09 must still be incurred during FY 08.

If you questions about this process, please contact Bobbi Leiferman, Department of Education, at (605) 773-5407. bobbi.leiferman@state.sd.us. 

Schools can earn $5,000 for healthy habits

As announced in February, applications for the 5th annual Governor Rounds’ Healthy School Awards are being accepted until April 15. The awards, which come with a $5,000 cash prize, recognize public schools for their leadership in school health programming.

Awards are given to schools at four levels: 1) elementary, 2) middle/junior high, 3) high school and 4) district-wide. In addition to the $5,000 cash prize, each winner receives a banner to display at the school. Selected schools serve as models for schools around the state. Last year’s winners included Eureka Elementary School, Spearfish Middle School, Eureka High School, and Colman-Egan School District.

Public school superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals or assistant principals may apply on behalf of their schools or district. An application is available on the Department of Education’s Web site at http://doe.sd.gov/oess/schoolhealth/index.asp. 

For more information, contact Kari Senger, Coordinated School Health, South Dakota Department of Education, at kari.senger@state.sd.us or (605) 773-4257.

Administrators:
Deadline to be properly certified is July 1

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 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 his or her 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.

For more information, visit http://doe.sd.gov/oatq/noncertified/Noncertadmins.asp  or call Lanette Johnston, Department of Education, at (605) 773-8415. lanette@johnston@state.sd.us. 

Educator recognition
Shine a spotlight on your “best and brightest”

Attention, school administrators: If you have an educator who represents South Dakota’s best and brightest, we want to hear from you. The Department of Education maintains a list of Emerging Classroom Leaders, which consists of distinguished teachers and principals from across South Dakota. These talented educators may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs.

Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in education. Candidates must be building-level personnel. They are typically classroom teachers, as opposed to specialists, and are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their growth. Occasionally, a principal or specialist is considered. Previous recognition is not required.

To nominate someone for our Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool, please print out the online “Talent Pool Recommendation Form” and return it to Lanette Johnston, Department of Education, 700 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, no later than May 1, 2008. In addition to filling out the form, we ask that you include a one-page narrative and a resume if possible. Please keep your recommendation confidential and do not share it with the individual.

Questions can be directed to Lanette Johnston at (605) 773-8415. lanette.johnston@state.sd.us.

Feed your part of the world
Host sites needed for Summer Food Service Program

Nationwide, more than 18 million children receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year. In the summer, that number drops to about 3 million. That means a lot of hungry kids aren’t getting the nutrition they need.

In South Dakota, the Summer Food Service Program helps children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow when they are out of school. One change to this year’s program: Sponsoring agencies will be paid the maximum meal rate multiplied by the number of students served, rather than actual costs. “This new process really reduces paperwork for agencies, which can be a barrier to participation,” said Sandra Kangas, director of South Dakota’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services.

SFSP is administered by Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State education agencies administer the program at the state level.

More sponsors are needed at the local level in order to feed hungry children during the summer months. If your school is interested in participating, please contact the South Dakota Department of Education’s Child and Adult Nutrition Services at (605) 773-3413.

Ask the bus guru

Jim Shafer, manager of School Bus Inc., provides answers to some of your most frequently asked questions related to school vehicles. The Sioux Falls-based company manages school transportation issues for the South Dakota Department of Education.

Q: Can a school district purchase a vehicle that has a capacity of nine or less?
A: A nine-passenger or less vehicle is unregulated. Schools and contract companies can do as they choose. This vehicle cannot be used for a daily route to and from school. It may be used for administrative travel and activity trips.

LAW: This falls to SDCL 32-32-1, which defines a school bus. While school districts may utilize this type of vehicle for purpose noted above, they should consider any civil liabilities and safety concerns that an actual school bus may reduce.


Q: Can a school district purchase or lease a 15-passenger van?
A: A 10- to 15-passenger vehicle is considered a 15-passenger van and therefore can not be purchased, leased or used by a school district for any reason. Private companies can use them for pupil transportation, but for safety reasons, it is highly discouraged.

LAW: According to the SAFETEA-LU law, Public Law 109-59 Section 7259, a school or school system, may not purchase or lease a new 15-passenger van if used for school activities or transporting pupils for pre-primary age students through secondary students. The safety record for this type of van is very poor, especially when compared to the very good safety record for actual school buses.


Q: Can a school district purchase or lease a 10- to 15-passenger people mover bus?
A: A 10-15 passenger people mover bus cannot be purchased or leased for any reason by school districts because it does not meet the specifications of a multifunction school activity bus. Private companies can use them, but for safety reasons, it is highly discouraged.

LAW: According to the SAFETEA-LU law, Public Law 109-59 Section 7259, a school or school system, may not purchase or lease a new 15-passenger van if used for school activities or transporting pupils for pre-primary age students through secondary students. The safety record for this type of van is very poor, especially when compared to the very good safety record for actual school buses.


Q: Can a school district purchase or lease a 10- to 15-passenger school bus?
A: School districts may use a 10- to 15-passenger bus that is yellow and meets all the requirements for a school bus. This may be used for to-and-from school routes and activity travel.

School districts may purchase and use a white multifunction school activity bus that meets all of the school bus specifications except that is does not have student lights and it is not yellow. However, this bus may not be used for a daily route to and from school. The determination is the same for private companies.

LAW: A school bus of this type is a Class A School Bus. It is a conversion bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front section vehicle with a left side driver's door. This definition includes two classifications: Type A-1, with a GVWR of 14,500 pounds or less; and Type A-2 with a GVWR greater that 14,500 pounds and less than or equal to 21,500 pounds.

In short, this type of vehicle looks like a bus, just a short bus. To be used as an activity bus, it has to meet all the requirements other than color and lighting (SDCL 32-32-2 and SDCL 32-32-5).


Q: Can a school district purchase or lease a 16-plus passenger people mover type bus?
A: Sixteen and over passenger people mover buses, multifunction school activity buses, white activity buses, and motor coach buses may be used for administrative and activity travel by both school districts and private companies. These buses may not be used for a daily route to and from school.

LAW: In this example, the vehicle would not meet the requirements of SDCL 32-32-2 and SDCL 32-32-5 requiring markings and lights. Depending on how you define administrative travel, you should be familiar with SDCL 32-32-13. That law governs what purposes a bus can be used for when not transporting students to or from school. Please note that this law addresses only buses owned by private persons or corporations. It leaves out buses owned by school districts.

32-32-13. Transportation of persons attending conventions by school buses. Any school bus meeting the requirements of § 32-32-4 which is owned by a private person or corporation in this state and used to provide transportation services for school children may, when not being used to transport children under the contract, be used for transporting persons attending a convention if:
(1) The words, school bus, are covered with opaque material;
(2) The lights required by § 32-32-5 are disabled;
(3) The appropriate permit and a licensed driver for commercial operation of the bus are in effect at the time of usage.
This section is applicable only in circumstances when no other South Dakota commercial bus is available.
Source: SL 1988, ch 267.


Q: Does a 10- to 14-passenger school bus, a multifunction school bus or activity bus require a CDL?
A: No.

LAW: The driver is not required to have a CDL. This is covered by SDCL 32-12A-1(5)(c)(5) "Commercial motor vehicle," a motor vehicle designed or used to transport passengers or property:

(a) If the vehicle has a gross combination weight rating of twenty-six thousand one pounds or more and the towed unit has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than ten thousand pounds;
(b) If the vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one or more pounds;
(c) If the vehicle is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver; or
(d) If the vehicle is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials and is required to be placarded in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 172, Subpart F, as amended through January 1, 2007;

Q: Is the driver of a 10- to 14-passenger non-CDL school bus required to take the state’s annual training?
A: Yes, the annual school bus driver training is required by the State of South Dakota.

LAW: SDAR 24:06:08:01. Training of school bus drivers and bus attendants. School bus operators must provide annual training for school bus drivers in accordance with the section entitled "Driver" pages 121 to 124 and the section entitled "Bus Attendant" pages 124 and 125, in the National School Transportation Specifications & Procedures, 2005 Revised Edition. In addition, the following provisions apply:
(1) The State approved pre-service training program shall include a minimum of two hours of classroom training, which will include knowledge of basic first aid procedures, and two hours of behind-the-wheel training to enable safe and efficient vehicle operation;
(2) The annual State approved in-service program shall include a minimum of four hours of classroom and/or behind-the-wheel training.

Upcoming Events

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

  • South Dakota Board of Education to meet
  • Find your balance as a leader:
    New event targets school administrators
  • Master 21st century teaching skills
  • Save the date:
    Career and technical education conference
  • Teacher Leadership Conference
    Event takes new bent: focus on first-year teachers

South Dakota Board of Education to meet

The South Dakota Board of Education will meet May 19-20, 2008, in Rapid City at Western Dakota Technical Institute. An agenda will be posted at http://doe.sd.gov/secretary/board/schedule.asp as soon as it is available.

Find your balance as a leader
New event targets school administrators

School leaders are stretched in a hundred different directions. The new Balanced Leadership Academy will help frazzled superintendents and principals find their balance! The first session begins June 23-37 in Sioux Falls.

The Balanced Leadership Academy, which includes five sessions, is based on McRel’s 21 key leadership responsibilities. School administrators will leave the program with the skills of knowing how to lead, why leadership is so important, and when it’s critical to provide effective leadership.

This academy is a joint effort of the School Administrators of South Dakota, South Dakota Department of Education, McRel, and North Central Comprehensive Center.

For more information, click here.

Master 21st century teaching skills

The Department of Education will host a 21st Century Master Teacher Academy July 21-25. (Location to be determined.) Teachers who participate will learn to design curriculum and instructional practices that support 21st century learning, which includes a focus on skills such as innovation, creativity, problem solving and communications. In addition, they will learn to incorporate 21st century tools into their classrooms.

The department’s goal is to develop a cadre of about 40 teachers to serve as 21st century skills master teachers in South Dakota.

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

Save the date:
Career and technical education conference

The annual Career and Technical Education Conference is slated for July 27-30 at the Ramkota RiverCentre in Pierre. This year’s event will feature hands-on activities related to career clusters, career guidance, personal learning plans, programs of study and units of instruction.

The event is hosted by the South Dakota Department of Education and the South Dakota Association for Career & Technical Education.

Teacher Leadership Conference
Event takes new bent: focus on first-year teachers

South Dakota’s newest teachers will be the stars at the 2008 Governor Rounds’ Teacher Leadership Conference in Pierre! In the weeks ahead, first- and second-year teachers will receive an invitation to attend the Oct. 5-7 event. Teachers must have the permission of their principal and superintendent to attend the event.

This year’s Teacher Leadership Conference is designed to support new teachers on the road to becoming accomplished professionals. Sessions will cover a range of topics pertinent to new teachers. Veteran South Dakota educators will facilitate.

There is no cost to attend the event, and lodging and meals will be provided during the conference. However, mileage and other travel expenses must be covered by the local school district.

With the new focus of the Teacher Leadership Conference, the department will no longer host the Governor’s New Teacher Academies in the summer.

For more information about this year’s TCL, visit http://doe.sd.gov/conferences/TLC/index.asp.