2013
- Secretary's Column:
Legislative session winding down, sequester gearing up
- Smarter Balanced Pilot to begin in coming weeks
- Tentative timeline for School Performance Index release announced
- Time to start planning for District Teacher of the Year awards
- Growth model work group gets going
- Dakota STEP testing window opens April 1
- Board of Education members reappointed
- Nominate a teacher for the Aspiring School Leaders Retreat
- Upcoming Events
- SDMyLife: Customizing to fit your school
March 5 in Sioux Falls OR March 25 in Mobridge
- SDMyLife Network: Connecting students to the workforce
March 25, Mobridge
- South Dakota Board of Education meeting
March 25, Pierre
- TIE Conference
April 21-23, Rapid City
- 2013 Middle/High School (6-12) Science Academies
June 12 – July 11, Various locations statewide
Secretary's Column:
By Dr. Melody Schopp
Department of Education
Legislative session winding down, sequester gearing up
Next week begins the final week of the legislative session, when law makers will make key decisions about education funding and other important topics. In the education arena, the following concepts for one-time funds remain alive and viable: funding for ESAs, CTE grants, classroom innovation grants. Bills to create a critical teaching needs scholarship (SB 233) and to create a needs-based scholarship for SD students entering postsecondary (SB 237) remain alive as well. The bill to provide additional funding for ELL students is in House Appropriations; this one would be a change to the formula. And, of course, law makers need to decide on basic formula funding and setting of levies as well. So, the first few days of next week will be telling.
Sequestration is on the minds of many as well. The latest information we have from the chief state school officers’ organization is that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is projecting a 5.1 percent across the board cut to all nondefense discretionary programming or roughly $2.5 billion from the U.S. Department of Education’s overall budget. Advanced-funded programs such as Title I and Special Education will not be retroactively cut. Rather, the full 5.1 percent cut would be implemented at the next allocation. Our understanding is that Impact Aid dollars could be impacted immediately. We will continue to share information we receive on this issue as it become available.
As always, thank you for your work on behalf of South Dakota’s students.
Smarter Balanced Pilot to begin in coming weeks
In the coming weeks, schools across South Dakota will participate in the Pilot Test of the Smarter Balanced assessments. The Pilot Test, which is slated to involve more than one million students in grades 3-11 nationwide, is being conducted in Smarter Balanced member states through late May. Aligned to the Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics, the Smarter Balanced assessment system is designed to measure student progress toward college and career readiness.
The Pilot Test will allow Smarter Balanced to evaluate the performance of assessment items and the online test delivery system under real-world conditions. This information will be used to develop additional items and performance tasks, conduct initial scaling, and refine the test engine during the next 18 months.
Schools will have access to support and resources, including a training test to become familiar with the format of the online assessment. Since the Pilot Test is designed to be a test of the items and performance tasks—not an opportunity to report on student learning—schools will not receive student scores and the test will not replace other statewide assessments.
There are two important phases to the Pilot Test. Approximately 100 South Dakota schools were recruited to participate in the scientific sample based on demographic characteristics. The scientific sample will ensure that the results from the Pilot Test accurately represent the student population across Smarter Balanced member states. Schools in the scientific sample will administer one content area (either mathematics or ELA/literacy) in up to two grades during a pre-determined two-week window under secure conditions.
Schools not selected as part of the scientific sample may still volunteer to participate through an online survey. South Dakota schools can still sign up to participate in the volunteer portion of the Pilot Test and complete an online survey before March 27 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SmarterBalancedPilot.
As a Smarter Balanced member state, South Dakota plays a key role in the development of next-generation assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Educators from across the state have participated in the development and review of assessment items, achievement level descriptors, and test specifications.
Smarter Balanced is developing a balanced system of assessments—with formative, interim and summative components—that measure achievement and growth toward college and career readiness. The work of Smarter Balanced is guided by the belief that a high-quality assessment system can provide information and tools for teachers and schools to improve instruction and help students succeed—regardless of disability, language or background.
Tentative timeline for School Performance Index release announced
The Department of Education is looking ahead to the release of School Performance Index data and scores this summer and recently released a timeline of critical dates relating to the process.
Please keep in mind that the dates below are tentative.
TENTATIVE schedule for release of 2012-13 School Performance Index data, scores, classifications (i.e., annual Report Card process)
June 14 – Last day for districts to make changes to SY 2012-13 data in Infinite Campus
July 8-12 – Districts review and validate School Performance Index data. If errors in the data are discovered, this will be the time period to fix them. We recommend that you have appropriate staff available during this time to assist with the data review process.
July 17 – Department offers session on School Performance Index and annual Report Card at Superintendents Conference, Pierre
July 25 – Department provides districts with their schools’ School Performance Index data and scores prior to public release of Report Card on Tuesday, July 30
July 25-29 – Districts use this time to share their local School Performance Index data and scores with key audiences, including Monday board meetings if applicable
July 30 – Public release of statewide School Performance Index data and Report Card (results posted on DOE’s website and media release sent out)
Aug. 15 – Deadline for formal appeals to be submitted
Sept. 14 – Deadline for department to make decisions on formal appeals
Time to start planning for District Teacher of the Year awards
It’s almost springtime, and that means it will soon be time to select your district’s next Teacher of the Year. If you haven’t already begun, now is the time to start seeking nominations for this prestigious honor.
A school district can determine its own method for selecting an award winner, but nomination forms should be made available to teachers, parents, students, school support professionals and the general public through multiple avenues and formats.
All district-level Teachers of the Year will be considered at the regional level, and ultimately, one of the six regional finalists will become South Dakota’s 2014 Teacher of the Year. In order to be considered for the regional Teacher of the Year award, your district’s honoree must have his or her application on file with your respective Education Service Agency by its designated deadline.
For more information, including frequently asked questions, a nomination form, sample guidelines, and a timeline for selection, visit the Teacher of the Year webpage. For further assistance, contact Lanette Johnston at the Department of Education.
Growth model work group gets going
The South Dakota Department of Education has called together teachers, administrators and other experts to help study growth models for use in the state’s new accountability system.
Last month, the group had its first meeting, and representatives from REL Central gave an overview of seven selected growth models. The seven models being considered for implementation as part of South Dakota’s new accountability system are all research-based and have been thoroughly tested in other states. South Dakota’s new accountability system includes academic growth as one of the five indicators that make up the School Performance Index at the elementary and middle school levels.
The seven models the group is considering are:
• The Gain Score growth model describes growth with simple differences of average gains over time.
• The Residual Gain model describes growth as the difference between current status and expected status given past scores.
• The Trajectory model extends gains or average gains in a predictable, usually linear fashion into the future.
• The Categorical model defines growth by transitions among status categories (i.e. Basic, Proficient, Advanced) over time.
• The Projection model uses past scores to predict future scores through regression equations.
• The Student Growth Percentiles model employs a percentile rank of current status in a reference group of students with similar past scores.
• The Multivariate or Value Added model uses entire student score histories, including other subjects and teachers, to direct higher than expected student scores associated with particular teachers.
Several of South Dakota’s neighbors are already using one of these growth models. Minnesota uses the Residual Gain model. Colorado is using the Student Growth Percentiles model, and Iowa uses the Categorical model, one of the most popular models being examined by the group.
The group will weigh the pros and cons of each model and whittle down the options at future meetings, according to Abby Javurek-Humig, the department’s Director of Accountability and Assessment. The model could then be adapted for use on a school level, so it fits within the accountability system.
The growth model selected by this group will be different from how growth is approached for teacher evaluations.
Contact Abby Javurek-Humig for more information.
Dakota STEP testing window opens April 1
Dakota STEP-A testing is underway and administration of the Dakota STEP will begin soon. The 2012 Dakota STEP testing window beings on April 1 and will end April 19.
As in previous years, students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be tested in reading and math. Science is tested in grades 5, 8 and 11.
Districts should receive their testing materials from Pearson later this month. All testing must be completed within the established test window.
For more information on test administration, go to: http://www.doe.sd.gov/oats/documents/DSTEP_A_13.pdf
Questions regarding administration of the Dakota STEP should be directed to Gay Pickner at (605) 773-3247.
Board of Education members reappointed
Gov. Dennis Daugaard recently reappointed three members of the South Dakota Board of Education. Kelly Duncan of Vermillion, Stacy Phelps of Rapid City and Julie Mathiesen of Sturgis were reappointed to the nine-member board for another four years. The other six board members’ terms expire in alternating years.
Duncan has been a member of the board since November 1996, and served as its president from 2007 to 2011. She is a faculty member at the University of South Dakota.
Phelps was first appointed to the board by former Gov. Mike Rounds in 2008. Phelps is recognized for his work in developing solutions to increase the success rate of students graduating from high school and continuing onto postsecondary opportunities.
Mathiesen is the newest member of the board, having been initially appointed in February 2011. She is the director of Technology and Innovation in Education, which is based in Rapid City.
The other state Board of Education members are President Don Kirkegaard of Sturgis, Vice President Patricia Simmons of Sioux Falls, Glenna Fouberg of Aberdeen, Dick Gowen of Rapid City, Marilyn Hoyt of Huron, and Terry Sabers of Mitchell. The board’s next meeting will be March 25 in Pierre.
Gor more information, go to: http://www.doe.sd.gov/board/index.aspx
Nominate a teacher for the Aspiring School Leaders Retreat
This year’s Aspiring School Leaders Retreat, sponsored by DOE and MAPLE, will be held May 1-4 at Nemo.
This event is designed to encourage interested educators to seek careers in administration. We invite you to nominate one or more teachers from your district that you believe are promising candidates for administration.
For more information and to access the online application form, please have your candidates visit www.midwestmaple.org Applications are due by March 22.
Hot Topics
USDA proposes nutrition rules for foods sold in schools; submit comments now
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule on nutrition standards for all foods sold in school was published in the Federal Register earlier this month. Public comments are due before April 9.
Application deadline for CTE program approval approaching
Applications are now being accepted to become an approved Career & Technical Education program in school year 2013-14. The deadline to submit an application is March 8. Each program seeking approval must apply.
Upcoming Events
SDMyLife: Customizing to fit your school
March 5 in Sioux Falls OR March 25 in Mobridge
Spend a morning with DOE’s Career Development team to find out ways to you can make SDMyLife work at your school. We encourage districts to send teams of two or three individuals. Create a plan for how SDMyLife can be incorporated in different classrooms and become a shared responsibility. For example, one teacher can facilitate the Career Matchmaker and another can start Personal Learning Plans. Take away some plans and activities as well as network and share your plans and ideas with other SDMyLife educators. Continuing education units are available.
To register, go to: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6r5btkme050ea5d&llr=eviduvhab, or contact Alyssa Krogstrand for more information.
SDMyLife Network: Connecting students to the workforce
March 25, Mobridge
To help students identify their career path, transition successfully into postsecondary education and careers, and prepare to be productive citizens of the community, it is important for them to understand what the workforce demands. And who better knows the needs of employers than the employers themselves? You will learn how to leverage the expertise of employers to provide your students the information, advice, and encouragement they need. We will demonstrate how you can implement activities in the classroom to facilitate discussion forums between your students and career coaches in their careers of interest. Continuing education units are available.
To register, go to: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e6r5btkme050ea5d&llr=eviduvhab, or contact Alyssa Krogstrand for more information.
South Dakota Board of Education meeting
March 25, Pierre
More information regarding this regularly scheduled meeting will be provided on the Board of Education’s webpage as it becomes available at http://www.doe.sd.gov/board/index.aspx.
TIE Conference
April 21-23, Rapid City
This year’s annual TIE Conference will be held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Three nationally-known keynote speakers will address participants, beginning with the TIE organization's director, Dr. Julie Mathiesen on Sunday. Dr. Mathiesen is a longtime South Dakota educator who earned her PhD in Educational Technology at Pepperdine University. She advises schools across the United States about implementing Mass Customized Learning strategies.
Other keynote speakers will be Adam Bellow, a New York educator selected as 2011 Outstanding Young Educator of the Year by the International Society for Technology in Education, and Richard Byrne. Byrne, from Maine, is well known for his blog, Free Technology for Teachers, reaching more than 53,000 subscribers daily.
Find more information at www.conference.tie.net.
2013 Middle/High School (6-12) Science Academies
June 12 – July 11, Various locations statewide
South Dakota teachers will model three-dimensional instruction (Three Dimensions: Scientific and Engineering Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas, and Crosscutting Concepts from the Framework for K-12 Science Education and NGSS) through activities and provide video evidence of this instruction occurring in South Dakota classrooms. The video footage is based on model lessons that have been aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards and South Dakota Science Standards.
Teachers will leave with three-dimensional lessons that can be immediately implemented and will gain an understanding of the vision for science education in South Dakota. Teachers also will leave the training with knowledge of the three-dimensional lesson-building process, which they can use to advance their curriculum.
This is a two-day regional training for middle school and high school science teachers. There are 10 locations with two trainings occurring per location. At each location, one training will be for middle school and one training will be for high school. Up to 60 teachers will be accommodated at each location, with 30 at each training. Stipends of $125/day, available through the Investing in Teachers effort, will be paid to each attending science teacher, for no more than two days of training. Therefore, teachers should only sign up for one training. A minimum of 20 teachers will be required to host a training.
Graduate credit will be available. More information will be sent out, post-registration, including what to bring, graduate credit information, specific location details, etc.
To register, go to: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFF2dHJoZXhmUDE3S3pfVUZyTHNMY0E6MA. Note: Registration closes April 26.
A complete calendar of Science Academy training dates is listed below:
June 12-13 – Aberdeen
June 12-13 – Rapid City
June 12-13 – Sioux Falls
June 19-20 – Mitchell
June 19-20 – Mobridge
June 19-20 – Pierre
June 26-27 – Watertown
June 26-27 – Yankton
July 10-11 – Rapid City
July 10-11 – Sioux Falls
For more details, visit http://doe.sd.gov/secretary/investinginteachers.aspx or contact Sam Shaw.
