2012
- Secretary's Column:
Work group response positive
- Tech Corner:
Something’s Phishy!
- Hot Topics:
Dakota STEP testing beginsg
April is School Library Month
i3 Fund grants announced
- Q&A answers Common Core training questions
- High schools must begin offering either Capstone, Service Learning
- Check status of any waivers now
- Educator recognition: Shine a spotlight on your “best and brightest”
- School library survey will collect data by district
- Nominate Driver of the Year, recognize long-time drivers
- Upcoming Events
- Early Childhood Education Conference
April 12-14, Spearfish
- 26th Annual TIE Conference
April 15-17, Sioux Falls
- SPARK Physical Education Workshop
May 29-30, Mitchell
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers Conference
May 29-30, Pierre
- LifeSkills Training
May 30-31 in Watertown OR Aug. 15-16 in Spearfish
- Harvest of the Month training
June 5-6 in Sioux Falls, June 12-13 in Rapid City OR Aug. 7-8 in Pierre
- ELL/Migrant Education Conference
June 20-21, Chamberlain
Secretary's Column:
By Dr. Melody Schopp
Department of Education
Work group response positive
Less than a month after the department began seeking volunteers from the education community to fill several work groups tied to HB 1234, we had more than 350 educators say they wanted to be part of the process.
After all the dialogue that took place following the announcement of Governor Daugaard’s plan to make some changes to the education system, I’m pleased that you and your teachers continue to step up in hopes of finding the best possible solution for our students.
Beyond HB 1234, we have a lot of work ahead of us to hold our focus over the summer. New school meal patterns begin to take effect in the fall. Many of the changes are being phased in gradually.
We continue to move ahead with implementation of the Common Core standards for English and math; development of the Next Generation Science Standards; plans for a new accountability system; and groundwork for a new Longitudinal Data System.
Yes, there is a lot of new material on the table, but it all weaves together for a stronger education system for South Dakota.
Tech Corner:
Something’s Phishy!
Can you imagine what school districts would be like today without email? Today, South Dakota school districts communicate, make announcements, schedule meetings, share assignments and other documents all through the digital medium of electronic mail. It’s fast, it’s easy and it allows us to reach multiple people with the single click of a button. For the most part, email is a tool that affects our working and personal lives in a positive way. It allows us to perform all of the aforementioned activities quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, there are individuals out there who choose to use it in a negative way.
Every so often in the news, we’ll see, read or hear about a phone scam going around that is trying to trick people into divulging sensitive or personal information. These phone scammers oftentimes pretend to be representing a legitimate organization or purpose. They try to gain our trust, and ask us questions that allow them to gather this sensitive or personal information, usually for the purpose of financial gain or similar. Their goal is to reach as many people as possible to facilitate their scam to maximize their results. It didn’t take these nefarious individuals long to see the same benefits in email that we see in using it today. They developed a method of reaching out to large groups of people quickly and efficiently to carry out these malicious activities. The practice is called “Phishing,” and it’s a practice that email administrators, and more importantly, email users need to be aware of all the time.
Phishing is formally defined as a way of attempting to acquire personal and private information such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, etc. by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in electronic communication. This communication often purports to be from popular social web sites, auction sites, online shopping sites, online payment processors or IT administrators and is used to lure the unsuspecting public. Phishing can be used to gain this personal information by redirecting the user to a fake website that is designed to look legitimate. Some phishing attempts can even use web links to install malware or spyware on a user’s computer that collects information about that user. Typically, a phishing attempt is started by an email that appears to be from a legitimate source. Most often, it asks a user to click on a specific link or go to a specific website for a seemingly legitimate reason. Often it’s to “verify information” or that there is a problem with their account or transaction and they need to “enter their username and password,” or “re-enter their payment information.” Another popular phishing scam is “you’ve exceeded your mailbox quota” and it subsequently asks you to enter your username and password. These are just a few different examples, but they all have the same goal – to get your private and personal information.
It’s often said in IT Security, that the largest vulnerability is the end user. Conversely, an educated end user can be your best line of defense. Here are a few simple tips users can follow to protect themselves against a phishing attempt:
- Never respond to requests for personal information via email. Legitimate businesses and organizations will never ask for password, credit card numbers or other personal information in an email
- Never enter personal information in a pop-up screen
- Never click on any links listed in an email message. Copy and paste the URL into the address bar of your browser.
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them regularly.
- Always check the URL of website carefully to make sure they are accurate. Often times, phishing websites will use an obscure variant of the legitimate URL for their phony website.
In the State of South Dakota, our school districts are fortunate to have a state provided, statewide K-12 Email system. As part of the provision of this email service, a lot of effort goes into combatting dangerous emails like phishing emails. In the month of February, the K12 Data Center processed almost 62 million emails for South Dakota’s 152 public school districts. Of those, approximately 23.5 million malicious emails were blocked from getting to end users in these districts. However, a few do slip by. If a user receives a suspicious email, we ask that they send that message to help@K12.sd.us.
Hot Topics:
Dakota STEP testing begins
The Dakota STEP testing window has opened.
Test administration began April 2 and must conclude by April 20.
Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be tested in reading and math. Science is tested in grades 5, 8 and 11.
Throughout the testing window, Department of Education staff will visit various districts across the state. Staff will contact the district’s testing coordinator at least 48 hours in advance to discuss this visit.
Questions regarding administration of the Dakota STEP should be directed to Gay Pickner, Department of Education, at (605) 773-3247.
April is School Library Month
Spring is a good time to celebrate school libraries – and to recognize the contributions that library staff make in improving educational outcomes for students. April is School Library Month, and across the country, schools are taking this opportunity to encourage students to spend time reading over the summer.
Today’s school libraries and librarians play a critical role in making sure that children are strong readers. But they also are charged with making sure students are information literate, which means the role of school libraries and librarians is increasingly important and constantly expanding.
Join South Dakota State Library staff for an online chat about this role on April 12. Go to http://library.sd.gov/CAL/2012/sdsl-schoollibchats.aspx to learn more.
i3 Fund grants announced
The U.S. Department of Education has issued notices inviting applications for “validation grants” (up to $15 million) and “scale-up grants” (up to $25 million) through the Investing in Innovation, or i3, Fund. School districts, groups of schools, and non-profits organizations in partnership with districts and schools are eligible to compete for these grants, with applications due May 29. Grant awards will be made to those with the strongest proposals for expanding promising or effective educational practices to improve learning.
For more information, go to: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/
Q&A answers Common Core training questions
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions related to the Investing in Teachers Common Core training. Go to http://www.doe.sd.gov/pressroom/educationonline/2012/apr/documents/ComCrFAQs.pdf to view the most frequently asked questions and responses. If you still have questions, please contact Becky Nelson (becky.nelson@state.sd.us) in the Department of Education’s Office of Learning and Instruction.
May 1 is the deadline for teachers to register for the state-sponsored training.
High schools must begin offering either Capstone, Service Learning
Beginning with those entering 9th grade in fall 2013, students will be required to take at least one unit of credit from the following (in any combination), in order to meet the state’s minimum graduation requirements:
• Approved Career and Technical Education courses
• Capstone Experience or Service Learning
• World Languages
Because of this new requirement, school districts will need to offer either a Capstone – such as a Senior Experience, Youth Internship or Entrepreneurship Experience – or Service Learning. Not all of the options have to be offered, though a school could choose to offer all, or several, if it wishes.
Trainings will be held in school year 2012-13 for schools interested in learning more about the opportunities and requirements. Watch the Department of Education’s website for information, as dates and locations are still being finalized.
For more information on capstone experiences and service learning, visit doe.sd.gov/octe/capstone.asp. State graduation requirements can be found at doe.sd.gov/octe/gradrequirements.asp.
Check status of any waivers now
Districts should review the status of any current waivers from administrative rule and make any necessary applications soon. After approval by the department, waivers take effect at the beginning of the next school fiscal year on July 1.
A school district may apply for a waiver from South Dakota Administrative Rule governing school accreditation, in order to implement an alternative plan that better addresses local learning goals, enhances educational opportunities, promotes equity or increases accountability.
While many waivers last for five years, some have a shorter life span. One of the most common waivers among districts is to offer high school credit for Algebra I at the 8th grade.
Questions can be directed to Carol Uecker, at the Department of Education, at (605) 773-4771.
Educator recognition: Shine a spotlight on your “best and brightest”
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 recommend someone for our Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool, complete a Talent Pool Recommendation Form and return it to Lanette Johnston, Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501, no later than May 1, 2012.
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, Department of Education, at (605) 773-8415.
School library survey will collect data by district
On April 1, the South Dakota State Library opened the annual school library survey to collect data for the 2011-12 school year. Each district is asked to submit one survey per district rather than one survey per library. The survey will be available online through May 16. District superintendents should have been notified of survey access details via email on March 29.
The State Library is charged with collecting annual data from the state’s school libraries (SDCL 14-1-44 (7) Execution of State Library Policy).
The State Library will compile survey data and report back to superintendents in the fall of 2012 so that the data can be informative in the district’s decision-making processes and school improvement planning. Previous data digests are available at http://www.library.sd.gov/SDSL/publications/index.aspx#Reports
Research results from across the nation show that effective school libraries result in higher student achievement – achievement that can be measured in improved reading scores. Effective school libraries have a program, a place, and a professional who collaborates with and supports all content areas in delivering curriculum and meeting standards.
For more information, please contact Daria Bossman, Assistant State Librarian for Development Services, at (605)773-3131.
Nominate Driver of the Year, recognize long-time drivers
The South Dakota School Transportation Association is seeking nominations for Bus Driver of the Year. Nominees must be members of SDSTA. Nomination forms are due by July 1 to Tim Steichen. The winner will be announced at the association’s annual meeting in July.
SDSTA also will recognize drivers with 25 years or more of service with a plaque sent to your district. Those recognized must be members of SDSTA. Deadline is May 31.
SDSTA also will print certificates of recognition for any driver – regardless of membership status – who is retiring. Allow two weeks to process the certificate.
For more information about any of these programs, please contact Tim Steichen, SDSTA president, at (605) 882-6335.
Upcoming Events
- Early Childhood Education Conference
April 12-14, Spearfish
- 26th Annual TIE Conference
April 15-17, Sioux Falls
- SPARK Physical Education Workshop
May 29-30, Mitchell
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
May 29-30, Pierre
- LifeSkills Training
May 30-31 in Watertown OR Aug. 15-16 in Spearfish
- Harvest of the Month training
June 5-6 in Sioux Falls, June 12-13 in Rapid City OR Aug. 7-8 in Pierre
- ELL/Migrant Education Conference
June 20-21, Chamberlain
Early Childhood Education Conference
April 12-14, Spearfish
The theme for this year’s conference is “Planting the Seeds of Change.” There are tried and true best practices available to parents and early childhood education professionals alike, but there are always new and improved methods we may utilize to develop our future leaders.
For more information or to register go to:http://sdececonference-org.doodlekit.com/home.
26th Annual TIE Conference
April 15-17, Sioux Falls
The annual TIE Conference has gained a reputation for having the best classroom teachers, network administrators and education administrators share their strategies, methods and best practices. This year’s event will feature dozens of four-hour, in-depth workshops, nearly 100 breakout sessions, three world-class keynote speakers, an expanded exhibit hall, prizes and much more.
Watch tie.net/ for more information as the conference date approaches.
SPARK Physical Education Workshop
May 29-30, Mitchell
Teachers will be motivated and ready to “SPARK-up” their students for a lifetime of good health with the SPARK Physical Education workshop held May 29- 30 at Mitchell Middle School.
SPARK PE has been identified as a successful model for improving the quantity and quality of physical activity/education. Participants in the SPARK PE workshop will learn how to maximize class activity time, without sacrificing learning and to make their PE classes more inclusive, active and fun!
21st Century Community Learning Centers Conference
May 29-30, Pierre
Attend the annual 21st CCLC conference to learn how to provide students with the best possible learning experience – inside and outside the classroom. Find out how to build on, enhance and support academic enrichment outside of school time through communication and community involvement strategies.
Preference is given to 21st CCLC grantees, but registration is open to other schools or organizations as well, and renewal credit is available for educators.
Go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE82Y2VkYUZTSDNaZnBHeWJmYzVYckE6MQ to register or email jill.cotton@state.sd.us for more information.
LifeSkills Training
May 30-31 in Watertown OR Aug. 15-16 in Spearfish
LifeSkills training will be conducted in Watertown on May 30-31, and on Aug. 15-16 in Spearfish. LifeSkills is a proven, highly effective, substance abuse prevention program. This comprehensive program provides adolescents and young teens with the confidence and skills necessary to resist social pressures to smoke tobacco, to drink, and to use drugs.
Harvest of the Month training
June 5-6 in Sioux Falls, June 12-13 in Rapid City OR Aug. 7-8 in Pierre
Learn how to organize a Harvest of the Month Team for your school or community. Attendees will prepare recipes, create lessons and evaluation, discuss food-to-table demonstrations, and learn about growing and transplanting.
The cost is free for up to two people per school or community agency, with a $500 Team Nutrition mini-grant available for implementation of a Harvest of the Month project. College credit and CEUs pending. Go to http://doe.sd.gov/cans/teamnutrition.asp for details on how to register.
ELL/Migrant Education Conference
June 20-21, Chamberlain
Join Dr. Catherine Collier for a one-day workshop, with keynote presentations by Dr. Sara Waring and Jane Hill, as part of the Department of Education’s inaugural ELL/Migrant Education Conference.
With the percent of migrant and English Language Learner students on the rise in South Dakota, come learn about the challenges that migrant and ELL students face and find out about the latest strategies to help them succeed.
Registration is free, with some meals provided. One transcripted credit is being offered at the participant’s expense.
