Schools across Idaho now have the opportunity to put their visions for the next-generation classroom into action. The Idaho State Department of Education announced today that schools can now apply for the Idaho Technology Pilot Project funds.
“The demand for more technology in the classroom among students, teachers, and parents continues to grow. It’s clear in the 21st Century that technology is a critical tool to help engage students and raise academic achievement,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Through the Idaho Technology Pilot Program, the state will identify effective classroom technologies that can be fully integrated at any grade level and will be scalable and sustainable in any school statewide to make sure every child and every teacher – no matter where they live – have equal access to the necessary tools and the best educational opportunities.”
The Idaho Legislature appropriated $3 million in funding for technology pilot projects in K-12 public schools. The goal is for schools to pilot ways that the effective use of technology in elementary and secondary schools can help improve student achievement.
The Idaho State Department of Education worked with a committee of experts in education technology to design the application process.
To be eligible, a pilot project must be designed to improve student academic growth and financial efficiencies throughout an entire school. The project must be scalable to other schools in Idaho and sustainable statewide after the technology pilot period ends. The grant funding for the pilot projects will be for one fiscal year. Local school districts can plan to implement the pilot projects over a one-year or two-year period.
Each application must include a research component that shows how the school will evaluate student achievement and other measures. At the end of the technology pilot period, the state will evaluate the pilot projects and identify best practices for how the state can improve education for every child by providing the necessary instructional technology in every classroom in the state.
Only one application per school is permitted. The state will accept multiple applications from a district.
Grant proposals must be submitted via e-mail to the Idaho State Department of Education before midnight (MST) on June 14, 2013. Awardees will be announced before the beginning of July, when funding becomes available.
Download the grant application online.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Friday, April 19, 2013
SUPERINTENDENT LUNA HONORS IDAHO TEACHERS WITH GIANTS AWARD
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna joined Lieutenant Governor Brad Little this week in recognizing the exceptional efforts of three Idaho teachers who go above and beyond in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The teachers were honored with the 2013 Governor's Industry Award for Notable Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (GIANTS) Award during a presentation in the Governor’s Ceremonial office.
“Through the GIANTS Award program, the State of Idaho works with industry partners to recognize teachers who create unique opportunities for students to not only experience the fun and excitement of science but also to learn how to apply lessons in real-world settings,” Superintendent Luna said.
Here are the teachers honored with the 2013 GIANTS Award. Each teacher received a $2,000 award.
The GIANTS program was initiated by the Office of the Governor and is sponsored by the Science and Technology Roundtable, a group of industry leaders including the Micron Foundation, Idaho National Laboratory, URS, Hewlett-Packard, LCF Enterprises, and Idaho Power Company. With support from the State Department of Education and Office of the State Board of Education, as well as the Discovery Center of Idaho, GIANTS recognizes teachers for their efforts to link industry and the economic future of Idaho to the classroom through the enhancement of science and technology education.
All the participating teachers were nominated by the student council and/or parent groups at their school for making science exciting, challenging, and relevant.
A cash prize of $500 goes to each school/student council that nominated the GIANTS award recipients, with a cash prize of $100 going to each school/student council that nominated the Honorable Mention award recipients.
Here is a brief description of each 2013 GIANTS Award recipient:
Elementary School GIANTS Awardee: Luella Stelck
Luella Stelck teaches Gifted and Talented classes in Moscow at both West Park and Lena Whitmore Elementary. Lulu, as she is known to close friends and co-workers, was nominated for her innovative integration and application of science and technology in the classroom, for her professional collaboration with others to “bring science and math to life” in the minds of her students, and for her desire to help other teachers understand and apply the inquiry methods of science instruction.
Students consistently love her class because of activities such as neuroscience, aeronautics, activity-based chemistry, robotics and other theme-based units. These inquiry based units motivate students to use higher cognitive abilities as they make connections with the language of science. She utilizes a wide variety of science and research professionals, and also coordinates the chemistry and chess clubs, the We Do Lego programs, and Math and Field days for the schools she serves.
Middle School GIANTS Awardee: David Moon
David Moon of North Idaho STEM Charter Academy in Rathdrum is known for keeping the students discovering, experimenting, and continually achieving. Through rocketry he teaches the relevance of math – more specifically trigonometry. He also utilizes T-bots, Minds-I and First Lego League to help his students learn to build, program, test and revise their product.
His guest speakers include those from IBM, Discover Technology, Rathdrum Animal clinic, Architects West, Time Warner Cable, LCF Enterprises, the Lake Pend Orielle (Pond – duh – ray) Acoustic Research Detachment, and NASA just to name a few. It is David’s constant connection of real world application to his daily classrooms programs that keeps his kids engaged and their education relevant.
High School GIANTS Awardee: Sandy Powell
Sandy Powell of Emmett High School teaches chemistry, physics and physical science. She also assists with the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program.
She consistently looks for opportunities to strengthen her knowledge and teaching skills by participating in industry, academic and professional training seminars that include aerospace, mining, and chemistry topics.
Through Sandy’s programs her high school students are given the opportunity to be involved in elementary science teaching and science fairs. She helps them see what it would be like to be a science teacher someday. Many experiments in class are also examples of what students could be doing in their jobs in the media, technology, or engineering fields. Through guest speakers, field trips to places like Micron, and extracurricular STEM activities such as Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program and engineering camps, Sandy has increased the interest in STEM careers, especially for females. Though most Emmett students complete their science requirements their junior year, her physics class continues to be full of seniors excited to learn more science from her. Helping the students see its relevance is making a big impact on the futures of the students in this small town.
“Through the GIANTS Award program, the State of Idaho works with industry partners to recognize teachers who create unique opportunities for students to not only experience the fun and excitement of science but also to learn how to apply lessons in real-world settings,” Superintendent Luna said.
Here are the teachers honored with the 2013 GIANTS Award. Each teacher received a $2,000 award.
- Sandy Powell of Emmett High School,
- David Moon of North Idaho STEM Academy in Rathdrum,
- Luella Stelck, a gifted and talented teacher in Moscow School District.
The GIANTS program was initiated by the Office of the Governor and is sponsored by the Science and Technology Roundtable, a group of industry leaders including the Micron Foundation, Idaho National Laboratory, URS, Hewlett-Packard, LCF Enterprises, and Idaho Power Company. With support from the State Department of Education and Office of the State Board of Education, as well as the Discovery Center of Idaho, GIANTS recognizes teachers for their efforts to link industry and the economic future of Idaho to the classroom through the enhancement of science and technology education.
All the participating teachers were nominated by the student council and/or parent groups at their school for making science exciting, challenging, and relevant.
A cash prize of $500 goes to each school/student council that nominated the GIANTS award recipients, with a cash prize of $100 going to each school/student council that nominated the Honorable Mention award recipients.
Here is a brief description of each 2013 GIANTS Award recipient:
Elementary School GIANTS Awardee: Luella Stelck
Luella Stelck teaches Gifted and Talented classes in Moscow at both West Park and Lena Whitmore Elementary. Lulu, as she is known to close friends and co-workers, was nominated for her innovative integration and application of science and technology in the classroom, for her professional collaboration with others to “bring science and math to life” in the minds of her students, and for her desire to help other teachers understand and apply the inquiry methods of science instruction.
Students consistently love her class because of activities such as neuroscience, aeronautics, activity-based chemistry, robotics and other theme-based units. These inquiry based units motivate students to use higher cognitive abilities as they make connections with the language of science. She utilizes a wide variety of science and research professionals, and also coordinates the chemistry and chess clubs, the We Do Lego programs, and Math and Field days for the schools she serves.
Middle School GIANTS Awardee: David Moon
David Moon of North Idaho STEM Charter Academy in Rathdrum is known for keeping the students discovering, experimenting, and continually achieving. Through rocketry he teaches the relevance of math – more specifically trigonometry. He also utilizes T-bots, Minds-I and First Lego League to help his students learn to build, program, test and revise their product.
His guest speakers include those from IBM, Discover Technology, Rathdrum Animal clinic, Architects West, Time Warner Cable, LCF Enterprises, the Lake Pend Orielle (Pond – duh – ray) Acoustic Research Detachment, and NASA just to name a few. It is David’s constant connection of real world application to his daily classrooms programs that keeps his kids engaged and their education relevant.
High School GIANTS Awardee: Sandy Powell
Sandy Powell of Emmett High School teaches chemistry, physics and physical science. She also assists with the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program.
She consistently looks for opportunities to strengthen her knowledge and teaching skills by participating in industry, academic and professional training seminars that include aerospace, mining, and chemistry topics.
Through Sandy’s programs her high school students are given the opportunity to be involved in elementary science teaching and science fairs. She helps them see what it would be like to be a science teacher someday. Many experiments in class are also examples of what students could be doing in their jobs in the media, technology, or engineering fields. Through guest speakers, field trips to places like Micron, and extracurricular STEM activities such as Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program and engineering camps, Sandy has increased the interest in STEM careers, especially for females. Though most Emmett students complete their science requirements their junior year, her physics class continues to be full of seniors excited to learn more science from her. Helping the students see its relevance is making a big impact on the futures of the students in this small town.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Education Task Force to Hold Community Forums
The Idaho State Board of Education announced today that the statewide Task Force for Improving Education will hold a series of community forums across the state in April.
The forums will provide information and seek input on K-12 education issues in Idaho. Task Force Chair and State Board of Education member Richard Westerberg will update participants on the progress of the Task Force, which has been meeting since January, and will share initial strategies and recommendations being discussed by the group.
“This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about what the Task Force has been working on and to offer feedback and ideas about education in our state,” said Westerberg. “We hope to get the input of a broad cross section of the public including parents, students, educators and civic leaders.”
Forums will be held at the following locations:
The community forums in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and Boise will be streamed on the web by Idaho Public Television.
Those not able to attend one of the forums can provide feedback and comments via e-mail at taskforce@osbe.idaho.gov.
The forums will provide information and seek input on K-12 education issues in Idaho. Task Force Chair and State Board of Education member Richard Westerberg will update participants on the progress of the Task Force, which has been meeting since January, and will share initial strategies and recommendations being discussed by the group.
“This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to learn about what the Task Force has been working on and to offer feedback and ideas about education in our state,” said Westerberg. “We hope to get the input of a broad cross section of the public including parents, students, educators and civic leaders.”
Forums will be held at the following locations:
- Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m. Nampa High School Little Theatre, 203 Lake Lowell, Nampa, ID 83686
- Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. O’Leary Middle School auditorium (Twin Falls), 2350 Elizabeth Blvd., Twin Falls, ID 83301
- Monday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. Meriwether Lewis Hall (MLH) Room 100, Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, ID 83501
- Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, North Idaho College Student Union Building,
- Monday, April 22, 6:30 p.m. Tingey Auditorium, University Place, 1776 Science Center Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. Century High School, 7801 W. Diamondback Dr., Pocatello, ID 83204
- Thursday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. Lincoln Auditorium, Idaho Capitol Building, 700 W. Jefferson, Boise, ID 83720
The community forums in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and Boise will be streamed on the web by Idaho Public Television.
Those not able to attend one of the forums can provide feedback and comments via e-mail at taskforce@osbe.idaho.gov.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Learn More About Childhood Obesity Prevention
On Saturday, April 13, St. Luke’s is hosting Taking Charge: A Call to Action, a conference open to anyone interested in learning more about intervention and prevention of childhood obesity.
The conference will feature experts on childhood obesity and prevention. Local experts and community leaders will also be on hand for session breakouts on physical activity, nutrition and obesity management.
After the conference, St. Luke’s Children’s in partnership with Boise State is hosting the Be Well Now Family Wellness Festival. The event will be held from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Caven-Williams Sports Complex. The day will feature fun and healthy activities for the entire family, including the following: demonstrations by local outdoor and activity groups and nutrition and wellness tips from Treasure Valley healthy lifestyle experts.
It’s free to attend. Learn more online.
The conference will feature experts on childhood obesity and prevention. Local experts and community leaders will also be on hand for session breakouts on physical activity, nutrition and obesity management.
After the conference, St. Luke’s Children’s in partnership with Boise State is hosting the Be Well Now Family Wellness Festival. The event will be held from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Caven-Williams Sports Complex. The day will feature fun and healthy activities for the entire family, including the following: demonstrations by local outdoor and activity groups and nutrition and wellness tips from Treasure Valley healthy lifestyle experts.
It’s free to attend. Learn more online.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Idaho Teacher Named 2013-2014 Einstein Fellow
An Idaho teacher is one of 27 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educators from across the country who have been selected for the 2013-2014 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program, according to the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education.
Shawn Tiegs, a teacher at Nezperce Joint School District in Nezperce, Idaho, and other selected educators will serve in Washington, D.C. for 11 months beginning September 1, 2013 at sponsoring federal agencies which include the Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Einstein Fellows provide practical classroom insight in guiding education programs and policies, especially those related to STEM education.
Tiegs will serve as a Congressional Fellow, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, with program support from Brian O’Donnell.
Founded in 1990, the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators with demonstrated excellence in teaching. Fellowships aim to increase understanding, communication, and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of the government and the STEM education community. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act, authorized by Congress in 1994, gave DOE federal responsibility for the program. The Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education administers the Program for the DOE Office of Science in partnership with the other participating federal agencies.
The 2013-2014 Einstein Fellows were selected through a rigorous application and interview process from a competitive, nationwide pool of nearly 200 applicants. Of the 27 fellows in the 2013-2014 cohort, five are returning fellows invited to serve for a second year in their sponsoring agencies.
The Triangle Coalition recently announced the names of the 22 newly selected Einstein Fellows as follows:
Shawn Tiegs, a teacher at Nezperce Joint School District in Nezperce, Idaho, and other selected educators will serve in Washington, D.C. for 11 months beginning September 1, 2013 at sponsoring federal agencies which include the Department of Energy (DOE), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Einstein Fellows provide practical classroom insight in guiding education programs and policies, especially those related to STEM education.
Tiegs will serve as a Congressional Fellow, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, with program support from Brian O’Donnell.
Founded in 1990, the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators with demonstrated excellence in teaching. Fellowships aim to increase understanding, communication, and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of the government and the STEM education community. The Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act, authorized by Congress in 1994, gave DOE federal responsibility for the program. The Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education administers the Program for the DOE Office of Science in partnership with the other participating federal agencies.
The 2013-2014 Einstein Fellows were selected through a rigorous application and interview process from a competitive, nationwide pool of nearly 200 applicants. Of the 27 fellows in the 2013-2014 cohort, five are returning fellows invited to serve for a second year in their sponsoring agencies.
The Triangle Coalition recently announced the names of the 22 newly selected Einstein Fellows as follows:
- Six, including Shawn Tiegs of Idaho, will serve as Congressional Fellows, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Two will serve at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) office.
- Fourteen will serve at the National Science Foundation.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Two Idaho Schools Go Head to Head in March Math Madness
While men’s and women’s college basketball teams are fighting their way through the NCAA Tournament this month, there’s another version of March Madness underway… in Idaho’s schools.
Idaho students are participating in the March Math Madness competition, hosted by Think Through Math, where students from across the country compete to solve the most complex math problems during the month of March.
Through the Idaho Math Initiative, the state has contracted with Think Through Math, a web-based, interactive tutoring program, to provide supplemental mathematics to students in grades 3-12 both in the classroom and outside the school day. Think Through Math has an incentive program built in so as students solve more math problems, they earn points and can win prizes or turn their points into donations for charity.
In March Math Madness (MX3), two Idaho schools battled their way to the Final Four last week, competing against even a community college in Indiana!
But we know how great Idaho students are, especially when it comes to mathematics. Think Through Math announced this week the final two schools going to the Big Dance are…
River Valley Elementary School in Meridian and Sacajawea Junior High School in Lewiston!
These two Idaho schools will go head to head this week to see who will win the esteemed title of 2013 Think Through Math’s March MATH Madness Champion!
The final round begins today and ends at 11:59 p.m. local time on Friday, March 29. The winning school will be announced Tuesday, April 2.
This final challenge will determine a winning school and will be based on the highest combined score of average lessons per active student plus total problems completed during the final week of competition. The school with the highest final score will be victorious.
The winning school will receive an awards event where they will be presented the March “Math” Madness Trophy, a school banner, exclusive MX3 t-shirts, national recognition, and the top students recognized.
The MX3 Runner-Up school will receive an awards event, the Runner-Up March “Math” Madness trophy, and the top students recognized.
Learn more about Think Through Math on our website.
Idaho students are participating in the March Math Madness competition, hosted by Think Through Math, where students from across the country compete to solve the most complex math problems during the month of March.
Through the Idaho Math Initiative, the state has contracted with Think Through Math, a web-based, interactive tutoring program, to provide supplemental mathematics to students in grades 3-12 both in the classroom and outside the school day. Think Through Math has an incentive program built in so as students solve more math problems, they earn points and can win prizes or turn their points into donations for charity.
In March Math Madness (MX3), two Idaho schools battled their way to the Final Four last week, competing against even a community college in Indiana!
But we know how great Idaho students are, especially when it comes to mathematics. Think Through Math announced this week the final two schools going to the Big Dance are…
River Valley Elementary School in Meridian and Sacajawea Junior High School in Lewiston!
These two Idaho schools will go head to head this week to see who will win the esteemed title of 2013 Think Through Math’s March MATH Madness Champion!
The final round begins today and ends at 11:59 p.m. local time on Friday, March 29. The winning school will be announced Tuesday, April 2.
This final challenge will determine a winning school and will be based on the highest combined score of average lessons per active student plus total problems completed during the final week of competition. The school with the highest final score will be victorious.
The winning school will receive an awards event where they will be presented the March “Math” Madness Trophy, a school banner, exclusive MX3 t-shirts, national recognition, and the top students recognized.
The MX3 Runner-Up school will receive an awards event, the Runner-Up March “Math” Madness trophy, and the top students recognized.
Learn more about Think Through Math on our website.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Idaho Teacher Wins National Science Lab Challenge
Shell
Oil Company and the National Science Teachers Association announced an Idaho
teacher is the grand prize winner of the third annual Shell Science Lab
Challenge. Four national finalists also were named.
The
competition encouraged teachers (grades 6-12) in the U.S. and Canada, who have
found innovative ways to deliver quality lab experiences with limited school
and laboratory resources, to share their approaches for a chance to win a
school science lab makeover valued at $20,000.
“Inquiry-based
learning and hands-on experimentation are key elements for encouraging student
interest in science,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Vice President, Shell Oil
Company Foundation, Manager, Social Investment. “The Shell Science Lab
Challenge strives to support inquiry-based instructional practices of our
science teachers and excite students about the wonders and possibilities of
science through active learning that emphasizes questioning, data analysis, and
critical thinking. Exemplary science teaching is more relevant when it occurs
in a quality lab environment where science concepts can be explored by
students.”
“These
science teachers have implemented some remarkable science programs, providing
quality lab experiences for their students with few resources,” said Dr. David
Evans, Executive Director, NSTA. “We commend the winner and national finalists
of the Shell Science Lab Challenge for their creativity, resourcefulness and
commitment to their students.”
To
enter the Shell Science Lab Challenge, science teachers of grades 6-12 in the
U.S. and Canada were asked to describe their school’s current laboratory
resources, explain why the school’s laboratory facilities might be classified
as “limited” resources, and describe their approach to science education
instruction utilizing their school’s current lab facilities. A panel of science
educators then reviewed and selected the top entries.
Merrie
Rampy of Highland High School in Craigmont was named the Grand Prize
Winner.
Rampy’s
principal says she has seen her “take our basic middle and high school science
program and change it to a rigorous and exciting place for students to learn
about all of the possibilities science has to offer…Other teachers have
observed her excitement about her subject area and the improvements she wanted
to bring to her program, and in turn, improve their own programs. Our high
school has moved from ‘let's get these students to graduate' to ‘let’s ensure
all of our students can reach their educational and life goals, including
attending a four-year college…’ Our students believe it is cool to be a science
nerd."
The
only thing holding Rampy back from having an exceptional program is the
antiquated science lab in her rural school. The lack of funding for quality
equipment and materials has prevented students from experiencing the
sophisticated labs that would prepare them for scientific careers. Despite the
limitations, Rampy continues to provide high-quality learning experiences for
her students.
Congratulations
to Merrie Rampy!
As
the grand prize winner, Rampy will receive a science lab makeover support
package for her school valued at $20,000. The prize package includes an $8,000
Shell cash grant, $8,000 in donated lab equipment, $1,000 in NSTA prizes—to
include an NSTA bookstore gift certificate and NSTA conference registrations,
NSTA memberships and NSTA Learning Center subscriptions for two teachers—and an
expense-paid trip for two teachers to attend the 2013 NSTA National Conference
on Science Education in San Antonio next month.
For
more information about the Challenge, visit the competition web site.
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