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Weekly Newsletter


December 7, 2023

Welcome to the Idaho Department of Education Weekly Newsletter
For Administrators | For Teachers | For Parents | Important Dates
For Administrators 

Feedback Sought in Advance of RFP for the Idaho Reading Indicator 
The Idaho Department of Education is seeking input from educational stakeholders in preparation for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to overhaul the state’s early literacy assessment, the Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI).  

Stakeholders are invited to fill out a short, 10-minute survey to help guide this process. The survey will close on December 22. 

Your feedback will inform the department on what changes or additions may be needed future IRI assessments. Feedback is anonymous, and although several questions are geared towards educators and administrators, any member of the public is welcome to take the survey. Not all survey questions are required to make your submission. Learn more and access the survey at the button below. 
Take the Survey
"Let's Prepare for E-Rate 2024" Webinar Registration Now Open

E-Rate season begins soon and now is the best time to prepare. If you are responsible for your school’s E-Rate filings and need a refresher on what to do next, then this short webinar is for you. The webinar will cover which E-Rate tasks need to be accomplished in the coming weeks, how to navigate the E-Rate portal and the FCC's recent changes to the program. The first training was held on December 7 with two additional trainings to be held on December 14 and 18. Ensure that you are able login to your E-Rate portal at usac.org. Please contact broadband@edu.idaho.gov with any questions.

Learn More and Register
PD Opportunity: Dyslexia Assessment Implementation
 
Idaho Code 33-1822 requires all schools to assess K-5 students for characteristics of dyslexia, and associated professional development opportunities are being provided to assist educators in fulfilling this requirement. Join the Idaho Department of Education Special Education Team at an upcoming Dyslexia Assessment Implementation training on December 14. The online webinar will feature discussions about current requirements and best practices based off the Idaho Dyslexia Handbook's screening, diagnostic, intervention and progress monitoring cycle. 

Access the Training Zoom Link
For Teachers

A Message from Superintendent Critchfield: Computer Science Education Week Opportunities
Join Superintendent Critchfield in kicking off Computer Science Education Week. Educators are encouraged to bring the growing world of computer science into their classrooms this week with some of these fun, educational opportunities: 

Free STEM Professional Development: ASM Materials Camp - Teachers 
ASM Materials Camp - Teachers is a free idea-generating workshop introducing teachers to methods that make math and core science principles more enticing and relevant to their middle and high school students. Hands-on applications are great motivators in any engineering, technology or science course as students learn concepts that are reflected in their everyday lives. Teachers will leave with new skills to engage students using simple, low-cost experiments that integrate into existing lesson plans. 

Participants will also receive: 
  • Three graduate-level professional development credits through Boise State University or four Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
  • Breakfast and lunch every day
  • Free on-campus parking
  • Materials and lab supplies to take back to the classroom
  • Limited on-campus housing is available on a first come, first serve application basis for Idaho teachers outside of Ada County
Access the registration form here or download the program flyer at the button below. 
Download the Program Flyer

Quick Preview: Coding in Minecraft for Idaho Classrooms
The Idaho Department of Education has made the computer science credential program Coding in Minecraft available to all grade 6-8 classrooms, free of charge. Students will develop and improve their coding skills in MakeCode and JavaScript or Python. Interested in learning more or signing up? Email khoyt@sde.idaho.gov.

In-Person With Emily Kircher-Morris of The Neurodiversity Podcast 
The West Ada School district invites educators to join them for an in-person visit with podcaster Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC. Kircher-Morris is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, where she explores the psychological, educational and social needs of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens, including Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners.

The event will take place on January 26. There are 50 slots available, and there is no limit to virtual participation. The Moscow School District and Coeur d'Alene School Districts have also arranged for in-person viewing hubs to allow participants to engage in the activities offered to the in-person attendees. Please contact Moscow School District's Marianne Sletteland or Coeur d'Alene School District's Heather Somers for more information on the viewing hubs.

Register for the in-person West Ada event here or register for event Zoom link here. The program flyer is available at the button below.  
Download the Event Flyer

2024 WIDA Annual Conference Call for Proposals 
The 2024 WIDA Annual Conference is the premier event for educators of pre-k through grade 12 multilingual learners, giving educators from around the globe the chance to come together to share best practice and discover innovative classroom strategies. The in-person conference will take place October 15 - 18 in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Educators interested in presenting at this year's conference are encouraged to submit their proposals now. Educators can review submission guidelines and learn more about what it means to present here. The deadline to submit concurrent session and workshop proposals is January 24. 
Learn More About the WIDA Annual Conference
For Parents

Bring Computer Science Home with Free Coding Activities for Kids and Families 
Parents looking for high-quality, free coding websites and apps to get kids involved in Computer Science Week are encouraged to check out a list of resources provided by Childhood.com. The list has been curated to suit kids from ages 5 - 15 and also includes a list of paid coding website and app options for kids who want to take the next step in advancing their skills. 

These resources provide the structure kids need to master basic concepts while keeping them engaged and exploring the world of computer science and coding. 
Access the Full List of Free Resources
Important Dates
Recent News Releases

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