Weekly Newsletter
Thursday August 24, 2023
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FOR ADMINISTRATORS
Idahoans for Openness in Government (IDOG) Seminar Registration Now Open
Explore the ins and outs of government transparency and what it means for Idaho citizens in several upcoming Idahoans for Openness in Government (IDOG) seminars. In pursuit of their mission to foster open government and an informed and engaged citizenry, IDOG will present a multi-session seminar series open to all Idaho citizens.
- Session 1, August 30: Transparent Idaho and Townhall Idaho, presented by Idaho State Controller Brandon Woolf.
- Session 2, September 27: Campaign finance and lobbying, presented by Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane
- Session 3, October 25: Idaho Open Meeting Law, presented by former Idaho Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane and IDOG president Betsy Russell
- Session 4, November 28: Idaho Public Records Acts, presented by former Idaho Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Kane and IDOG president Betsy Russell
Each of the sessions will take place in the Lincoln Auditorium of the Idaho State Capitol and will be streamed online in partnership with Idaho Public Television. Sessions 3 and 4 will be most useful to district administrators and staff. The seminars are free to attend in person or virtually, but participants are asked to please register in advance at www.openidaho.org or by calling the State Controller's Office at 208-334-3100, ext. 0.
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Content Area Experts Sought for the 2023/2024 Content Standard Review Cycle
The State Department of Education is seeking content area experts to assist with the upcoming 2023/2024 content standard review cycle. The content standard areas up for review are:
- Arts & Humanities
- Computer Science
- Drivers Education
- Education Technology
- Social Studies
- World Language
All Idaho educators and stakeholders with experience in applicable content areas are encouraged to apply for a place on this cycle's review committees. Working groups will be organized based on a diverse representation of regions, district size and roles. Selected committee members will be notified and confirmed by September 1.
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Assessment Item Review Committee Alternate Members Needed
The SDE is looking for alternate members of the Assessment Item Review Committee. The committee consists of 30 parents, teachers, administrators and school board members who review all statewide summative computer adaptive test questions for any potential bias or sensitivity. Alternate members can participate virtually or in person, and a per diem will be offered to cover travel and meals as well as lodging for those traveling more than 50 miles. Spots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please use the email link below to learn more or apply to participate.
Become an Alternate Committee Member
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Registration Now Open for the 2023 Idaho FACE Conference
Educators interested in exploring ways to increase participation and communication between families, schools and communities now have the opportunity to register for the 2023 Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Conference. This year's conference includes a two-day event at the Boise Centre on November 1 - 3 as well as a single-day event at the Coeur d'Alene Resort in Coeur d'Alene on November 13. Attendees at the Boise event can add an optional Community School visit on November 3. The cost for the Boise event is $150 and the cost for the Coeur d'Alene event is $50.
Register for the 2023 FACE Conference
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FOR TEACHERS
Registration Now Open for the Idaho Art Education Association's 2023 Fall Conference
Join the Idaho Art Education Association at their 2023 fall conference, "Connect & Collaborate: Making Art to Build Community" on October 6 - 7 at the University of Idaho in Moscow. This year's conference explores the connections between artists and communities. Learn more about the positive impact collaboration can have on student learning, community engagement and your own teaching practices. Over the course of this two-day event, educators will learn how to design collaborative projects to incorporate student voice and to build a positive classroom culture. Sessions will focus on finding new ways to integrate art into other content areas while giving participants an opportunity to connect on what's working for them when it comes to art in the classroom.
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Save the Date: Professional Development Scholarships for K-12 Educators - Inquiry in the Amazon
The Educator Academy in the Amazon Rainforest provides immersive professional development opportunities designed to transform student learning. Teachers will learn about this key global ecosystem while building their ability to engage students in scientific research, engineering design, cross-cultural connections and stewardship projects, all while immersed in the Peruvian Amazon. Field workshops support NGSS 3D learning, STEM, 5E and more. With specialized tracks for elementary, middle and high school/AP educators, participants will:
- Work side-by-side with scientists and researchers on citizen science projects and field studies on the ACTS Rainforest Canopy Walkway in one of the world’s most biologically diverse environments;
- Explore conservation and sustainability via hands-on workshops with indigenous communities;
- Spend a day in an Amazon village and explore the role of education in creating a sustainable future for Amazon children; and
- Work in grade level cohorts to develop strategies for using the Amazon as a vehicle for incorporating standards-based inquiry, STEM and sustainability education into the classroom.
Scholarship and grant applications open on October 15. Submission deadline is December 15. Space is limited to 26 educators.
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FOR PARENTS
Parent Resources Available from the National Association for Gifted Children
Parents interested in exploring options for gifted students are encouraged to visit the National Association for Gifted Children's library of resources. This collection is designed to assist parents with every aspect of their gifted child's education. Parents can access worksheets to guide them through traits and definitions of giftedness, find information on formal identification of gifted students and review ways to stay connected with their student's school, community and educational network:
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Map Out a Path to Graduation and Beyond with Next Steps Idaho
As the school year gets underway, Next Steps Idaho is a resource to keep parents and students on track for graduation and what lies ahead. The program is an initiative of the State Board of Education in partnership with Idaho's employers, and is designed to help students and families understand and pursue the many education and career opportunities available in Idaho. Whether students and families need assistance with planning a path to college, career or both, Next Steps has resources carefully chosen by Idaho's career and education experts. Information on the site has been curated for those seeking career or education advice and includes a section just for high school students.
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