Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced Monday that a Rigby teacher has been honored as the 2011 Idaho Teacher of the Year.
Stefani S. Cook is a business education teacher at Rigby High School. As Idaho Teacher of the Year, she will receive $1,000 from the Idaho State Department of Education, $16,000 in technology from the SMARTer Kids Foundation, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to represent Idaho as a nominee for the National Teacher of the Year.
“Stefani Cook represents great teachers all across Idaho. She was selected as Idaho’s Teacher of the Year for her unending passion to raise student achievement, constant innovation in the classroom, and strong will to continue to improve the craft of teaching,” Superintendent Luna said.
Superintendent Luna also noted that Cook doesn’t shy away from using technology in the classroom but has embraced new technologies and is using them to engage her students in the classroom.
Superintendent Luna announced Cook as Idaho’s 2011 Teacher of the Year in a surprise assembly at Rigby High on Monday. In accepting the award, Cook thanked all her students and the faculty at Rigby High for the role they have played throughout her career.
The Idaho Teacher of the Year program began in 1959 and has become one of the most prestigious honors in the state for teachers. The program focuses public attention on excellence in teaching that has a real impact on the students of Idaho.
Every year, school districts and charter schools across Idaho have the opportunity to nominate one teacher for the Idaho Teacher of the Year. A state selection committee representing teachers, education leaders, parents and legislators from across the state choose the Idaho Teacher of the Year from among the nominations.
To learn more about the Idaho Teacher of the Year program, please visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/teacher_of_year/.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Moscow High School student will be in Macy's Day Parade
The parade can be viewed beginning at 9 a.m. on NBC.
(As reported by the Moscow-Pullman Daily News)
~Niccole B.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Scholarship Application Window Now Open for Idaho Students
The holidays are quickly approaching and so too is the opportunity for Idaho students to apply for financial aid.
The Idaho State Board of Education Student Affairs office would like to notify current and future students that the window to complete online scholarship applications is now open.
“It’s imperative that students do their work now in order to be eligible for funds later,” said Dana Kelly, Program Manager for the Idaho State Board of Education. “Especially in these lean economic times, students and their families need all the help they can get. This is the first step.”
Students should log on to State Board’s website to apply! The deadline for completion of the online application is January 15, 2011.
The State of Idaho, through the Office of the State Board of Education, provides several scholarship opportunities to students, including:
The Idaho State Board of Education Student Affairs office would like to notify current and future students that the window to complete online scholarship applications is now open.
“It’s imperative that students do their work now in order to be eligible for funds later,” said Dana Kelly, Program Manager for the Idaho State Board of Education. “Especially in these lean economic times, students and their families need all the help they can get. This is the first step.”
Students should log on to State Board’s website to apply! The deadline for completion of the online application is January 15, 2011.
The State of Idaho, through the Office of the State Board of Education, provides several scholarship opportunities to students, including:
- Governor’s Cup Scholarship
- Robert R. Lee Promise “A”
- Robert R. Lee Promise “B”
- Opportunity Scholarship
- Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
- Tschudy Family Scholarship
Monday, November 22, 2010
It's National Day of Blogging for Real Education Reform. Join the Discussion!
Today is the National Day of Blogging for Real Education Reform, an opportunity for people to discuss real education reform and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Since Superintendent Luna took office in 2007, he has implemented a number of educational reforms across Idaho that led to Idaho schools making significant strides in student achievement. In 2007, just 26 percent of Idaho schools met the high academic goals we set for them. Now, 62 percent of schools are reaching these high goals.
How has Idaho accomplished this? The credit first and foremost goes to the talented teachers, dedicated parents and hard-working students across our great state.
The investments and reforms we have made to our education system have also contributed to the great success we have seen statewide. Here are some of the things Idaho has worked on in recent years:
If you are interested in learning more about education reform happening on a state and national scale, here are a few things to check out:
Since Superintendent Luna took office in 2007, he has implemented a number of educational reforms across Idaho that led to Idaho schools making significant strides in student achievement. In 2007, just 26 percent of Idaho schools met the high academic goals we set for them. Now, 62 percent of schools are reaching these high goals.
How has Idaho accomplished this? The credit first and foremost goes to the talented teachers, dedicated parents and hard-working students across our great state.
The investments and reforms we have made to our education system have also contributed to the great success we have seen statewide. Here are some of the things Idaho has worked on in recent years:
- Idaho established a strong Statewide System of Support to provide support and technical assistance to schools and districts at every level. The System includes the Idaho Building Capacity Project, which provides one-on-one instructional coaches to schools identified as in need of improvement.
- Superintendent Luna secured the Classroom Enhancement Package, which included $20 million in new money a year for schools for classroom supplies, textbooks and remediation funding.
- With support from the Governor and Legislature, the state has implemented the Idaho Education Network statewide. The state is halfway into a three-year project of connecting every public high school and college and university to the Idaho Education Network (IEN), a high-speed, secure intranet system that gives students access to unprecedented educational opportunities. The IEN offers unprecedented educational opportunities, such as access to advanced courses and dual credit courses, to students in the most rural and remote parts of Idaho.
- Superintendent Luna created the Middle Level Task Force to address ways the state could better prepare Idaho students for high school and beyond. As a result, the state has now created a Middle Level Credit System to hold students accountable in 7th and 8th grades.
- Idaho is one of only three states across the nation to develop a statewide Teacher Performance Evaluation Framework. The system develops statewide standards for teachers across Idaho.
- Idaho is in the process of adopting Common Core State Standards for math and English language arts. These standards are higher, more rigorous and comparable with any top-performing country around the world.
If you are interested in learning more about education reform happening on a state and national scale, here are a few things to check out:
- Take a look at the Education Alliance of Idaho’s recommendations for improving student achievement across Idaho. For two years, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna, Governor Otter, key educational stakeholder groups, and representatives of the state’s largest corporations worked to develop and agree upon these goals and performance indicators.
- Read the text of Bill Gates's speech to the Council of Chief State School Officers last week. He outlines his ideas for moving education forward.
- Secretary Duncan has also weighed in on National Day of Blogging for Real Education Reform with his ideas.
- ASCD has pulled together several other articles on education reform.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Idaho Compares Student Achievement in 12th Grade to National Peers for First Time
Idaho’s 12th graders are performing above the national average in reading and on par with their peers nationwide in mathematics, according to the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the only nationally representative measure of what American students know and can do.
This is the first time Idaho has ever received state-level results for NAEP in Grade 12. This year, Idaho was one of 11 states to voluntarily participate in a pilot program to release state-level results.
“Idaho volunteered to participate in this pilot program because it’s critical for us to gather data on how our high school seniors are performing if we are going to continue to improve our public education system and ensure every student graduates from an Idaho high school ready for the 21st century,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Now, in future assessments, we have the initial data we need to begin to identify changes or trends in the reading and math achievement of our seniors.”
In addition to Idaho, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Dakota and West Virginia participated in the pilot program, allowing their state-level results for the NAEP Grade 12 in reading and mathematics to be released this year.
Superintendent Luna participated in the national conference call with the other chief state school officers from participating states and fielded questions from reporters.
Here are the results for Grade 12 students in Idaho:
The NAEP Grade 12 is given every four years. The next Grade 12 assessment will be given in 2013. Idaho students in grades 4 and 8 take the NAEP in reading and mathematics every two years.
More detailed information on the results of the 2009 NAEP State Grade 12 pilot program is available on the State Department of Education’s website.
~ Melissa M.
This is the first time Idaho has ever received state-level results for NAEP in Grade 12. This year, Idaho was one of 11 states to voluntarily participate in a pilot program to release state-level results.
“Idaho volunteered to participate in this pilot program because it’s critical for us to gather data on how our high school seniors are performing if we are going to continue to improve our public education system and ensure every student graduates from an Idaho high school ready for the 21st century,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Now, in future assessments, we have the initial data we need to begin to identify changes or trends in the reading and math achievement of our seniors.”
In addition to Idaho, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, South Dakota and West Virginia participated in the pilot program, allowing their state-level results for the NAEP Grade 12 in reading and mathematics to be released this year.
Superintendent Luna participated in the national conference call with the other chief state school officers from participating states and fielded questions from reporters.
Here are the results for Grade 12 students in Idaho:
- 78 percent of Idaho’s high school seniors scored at or above grade level in reading, compared to 73 percent nationally. Of the 10 other states participating in the pilot program, none had a greater percentage of students meeting grade-level in reading than Idaho.
- 66 percent of Idaho’s high school seniors scored at or above grade level in mathematics, which was not significantly different from the 63 percent nationally. Of the 10 other states in the pilot program, four had a greater percentage of students meeting grade-level in mathematics than Idaho.
The NAEP Grade 12 is given every four years. The next Grade 12 assessment will be given in 2013. Idaho students in grades 4 and 8 take the NAEP in reading and mathematics every two years.
More detailed information on the results of the 2009 NAEP State Grade 12 pilot program is available on the State Department of Education’s website.
~ Melissa M.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
State Board Approves Common Core State Standards
Members of the State Board of Education today approved the K-12 Common Core State Standards for mathematics and English language arts to better prepare Idaho students for the 21st century.
The standards will now go to the Idaho Legislature in January for final approval. If adopted, the new standards will go into effect in the 2013-2014 school year.
“We must ensure we build a public education system that prepares all students to be successful in life after high school. Idaho students are ready for this challenge,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
Idaho initially signed on to the Common Core State Standards Initiative in June 2009. The final standards were published in June 2010.
Adopting the Common Core State Standards is voluntary. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have already adopted the Common Core State Standards. Neighboring states Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have all adopted these standards.
Staff from the State Department of Education traveled across the state in June and in September hosting two series of regional public meetings to explain the Common Core State Standards and to gather feedback. The Department also hosted official public hearings in each region across Idaho throughout October.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative builds directly on previous efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate from high school able to succeed beyond high school in post-secondary education and the workforce.
Specifically, the standards:
~ Melissa M.
The standards will now go to the Idaho Legislature in January for final approval. If adopted, the new standards will go into effect in the 2013-2014 school year.
“We must ensure we build a public education system that prepares all students to be successful in life after high school. Idaho students are ready for this challenge,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
Idaho initially signed on to the Common Core State Standards Initiative in June 2009. The final standards were published in June 2010.
Adopting the Common Core State Standards is voluntary. Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands have already adopted the Common Core State Standards. Neighboring states Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have all adopted these standards.
Staff from the State Department of Education traveled across the state in June and in September hosting two series of regional public meetings to explain the Common Core State Standards and to gather feedback. The Department also hosted official public hearings in each region across Idaho throughout October.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative builds directly on previous efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have within their K-12 education careers so that they will graduate from high school able to succeed beyond high school in post-secondary education and the workforce.
Specifically, the standards:
- Are aligned with college and workforce expectations;
- Are clear, understandable and consistent;
- Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills;
- Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards;
- Are informed by standards in other top-performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society; and
- Are evidence-based.
~ Melissa M.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
IEN Provides Unprecedented Educational Opportunities to Students across Idaho
On Monday, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna provided legislators with an update on the progress of the Idaho Education Network.
The state is halfway into a three-year project of connecting every public high school and college and university to the Idaho Education Network (IEN), a high-speed, secure intranet system that gives students access to unprecedented educational opportunities. The process of connecting all schools began in Fall 2009.
Superintendent Luna presented the update on the IEN to the November meeting of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
At the end of September 2010, Superintendent Luna reported, 66 high schools were connected to the IEN and 73 were in the process, leaving 57 high schools remaining to be connected statewide.
The high schools that have been connected to date are from urban and rural communities in every region across Idaho. Just half-way through the project, Idaho students are already taking advantage of the many opportunities available through the IEN.
Students are taking courses never offered at their school before and earning college credits through dual credit classes.
Students in several rural high schools are now taking Calculus II from a math teacher in Meridian, for example. The number of college credits high school students have earned since the IEN rolled out last year has increased from 180 to more than 1,300 – in just one year.
Learn more about the IEN and the progress schools are making statewide.
~ Melissa M.
The state is halfway into a three-year project of connecting every public high school and college and university to the Idaho Education Network (IEN), a high-speed, secure intranet system that gives students access to unprecedented educational opportunities. The process of connecting all schools began in Fall 2009.
Superintendent Luna presented the update on the IEN to the November meeting of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee.
At the end of September 2010, Superintendent Luna reported, 66 high schools were connected to the IEN and 73 were in the process, leaving 57 high schools remaining to be connected statewide.
The high schools that have been connected to date are from urban and rural communities in every region across Idaho. Just half-way through the project, Idaho students are already taking advantage of the many opportunities available through the IEN.
Students are taking courses never offered at their school before and earning college credits through dual credit classes.
Students in several rural high schools are now taking Calculus II from a math teacher in Meridian, for example. The number of college credits high school students have earned since the IEN rolled out last year has increased from 180 to more than 1,300 – in just one year.
Learn more about the IEN and the progress schools are making statewide.
~ Melissa M.
Albertson Foundation, Idaho Statesman Sponsor Statewide Contests for Students through 2011
For the first time in our history, according to the Lumina Foundation, this generation of students in the United States is at risk of being less educated than the generation before it.
It doesn’t mean that every citizen needs a bachelor’s degree. It simply means that our students need to go on to apprenticeships, go on to associate degrees, go on to certificates, go on to professional technical training, and go on to better jobs and a better quality of life.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation and the Idaho Statesman are sponsoring a series of contests over the next year to draw attention to this need.
These contests are not just for students in the Treasure Valley. They are for Idaho students all across our great state.
A panel of judges will select the best essay each time around. The winner will get $275!
The Foundation and the Statesman sponsored contests throughout 2010 and will continue in 2011. They’ve already awarded $275 to three students and one Idaho teacher.
The essay contest for November is due today.
Here are the upcoming essay contests in 2011:
January 2011: “It's a New Year. Is It Your Time to Go On?”
Students who go on to college or advanced training are more likely to vote and exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. This upcoming July 4, how will you show that you are a good citizen?
February 2011: Are You a Creative Thinker?
It's important to take the tough classes and be prepared, but getting ready for post-secondary education involves a bit of creative thinking, too. Thinking outside the box can help you solve problems, boost critical thinking and make you more productive — whether you're faced with writing a poem or tackling a math problem or organizing a group volunteer effort. How are you being creative, and how is it helping you Go On?
April 2011: Choosing the Tough Option: Are You Taking the Right Classes?
It's time to register for your classes for next fall. Are you taking the easy way out or are you registering for the tough classes? Tell us about the advanced placement or math and science classes you're choosing. Why are you doing it?
May 2011: Who is Helping You Go On?
Going on to higher education or training isn't the work of just one person — everyone needs a little help to achieve their goals. Who is helping you? Is it a teacher, an older sibling, a relative, a parent or a friend? Let us know about your mentor by showing us how he or she helps you stay focused on your goals.
Check back to the Idaho Statesman for specifics on the essay contests for 2011, including upcoming deadlines.
~ Melissa M.
It doesn’t mean that every citizen needs a bachelor’s degree. It simply means that our students need to go on to apprenticeships, go on to associate degrees, go on to certificates, go on to professional technical training, and go on to better jobs and a better quality of life.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation and the Idaho Statesman are sponsoring a series of contests over the next year to draw attention to this need.
These contests are not just for students in the Treasure Valley. They are for Idaho students all across our great state.
A panel of judges will select the best essay each time around. The winner will get $275!
The Foundation and the Statesman sponsored contests throughout 2010 and will continue in 2011. They’ve already awarded $275 to three students and one Idaho teacher.
The essay contest for November is due today.
Here are the upcoming essay contests in 2011:
January 2011: “It's a New Year. Is It Your Time to Go On?”
Students who go on to college or advanced training are more likely to vote and exercise their civic rights and responsibilities. This upcoming July 4, how will you show that you are a good citizen?
February 2011: Are You a Creative Thinker?
It's important to take the tough classes and be prepared, but getting ready for post-secondary education involves a bit of creative thinking, too. Thinking outside the box can help you solve problems, boost critical thinking and make you more productive — whether you're faced with writing a poem or tackling a math problem or organizing a group volunteer effort. How are you being creative, and how is it helping you Go On?
April 2011: Choosing the Tough Option: Are You Taking the Right Classes?
It's time to register for your classes for next fall. Are you taking the easy way out or are you registering for the tough classes? Tell us about the advanced placement or math and science classes you're choosing. Why are you doing it?
May 2011: Who is Helping You Go On?
Going on to higher education or training isn't the work of just one person — everyone needs a little help to achieve their goals. Who is helping you? Is it a teacher, an older sibling, a relative, a parent or a friend? Let us know about your mentor by showing us how he or she helps you stay focused on your goals.
Check back to the Idaho Statesman for specifics on the essay contests for 2011, including upcoming deadlines.
~ Melissa M.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Department Extends Deadline for Students to Apply for Idaho Science & Aerospace Scholars Program
The State Department of Education has extended the deadline for Idaho high school juniors to apply for the exciting second year of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program.
Students now have until Monday, December 20, 2010 to apply!
Through the competitive Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program, students from across Idaho take an engaging online course in space exploration and learn a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills aligned with Idaho’s content standards. Based on their performance in this course, students are then selected to participate in a weeklong, all-expenses-paid, residential Summer Academy at Boise State University and NASA Ames Research Center in California.
“The Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program and Summer Academy give Idaho students the unprecedented opportunity to work directly with experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at NASA and throughout Idaho,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
Superintendent Luna worked with astronaut and Boise State Distinguished Educator-in-Residence Barbara Morgan in 2009 to create this competitive program in Idaho. Last year, more than 70 high school juniors participated in the inaugural year. Based on this success, the State Department of Education received a $1.2 million grant from NASA to expand the program over the next two years. The state plans to serve 180 students this year.
If you know of any high school juniors who have a passion for STEM subjects, please urge them to apply for this outstanding program. The application deadline is now December 20, 2010.
If you have questions during the application process, please contact Dr. Val Schorzman at the State Department of Education.
~ Melissa M.
Students now have until Monday, December 20, 2010 to apply!
Through the competitive Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program, students from across Idaho take an engaging online course in space exploration and learn a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills aligned with Idaho’s content standards. Based on their performance in this course, students are then selected to participate in a weeklong, all-expenses-paid, residential Summer Academy at Boise State University and NASA Ames Research Center in California.
“The Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program and Summer Academy give Idaho students the unprecedented opportunity to work directly with experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at NASA and throughout Idaho,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
Superintendent Luna worked with astronaut and Boise State Distinguished Educator-in-Residence Barbara Morgan in 2009 to create this competitive program in Idaho. Last year, more than 70 high school juniors participated in the inaugural year. Based on this success, the State Department of Education received a $1.2 million grant from NASA to expand the program over the next two years. The state plans to serve 180 students this year.
If you know of any high school juniors who have a passion for STEM subjects, please urge them to apply for this outstanding program. The application deadline is now December 20, 2010.
If you have questions during the application process, please contact Dr. Val Schorzman at the State Department of Education.
~ Melissa M.
PERSI Executive Director Dispels Rumors about Changes
I have to extend a huge thanks to PERSI's Executive Director Don Drum for dispelling the rumors going around that PERSI was going to move to a defined contribution plan. Before the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee today, he said once and for all, it's not true.
He also helped us dispel these rumors in our Weekly E-Newsletter last week, which goes out to all schools and districts. Here's the message from Drum that went out in our Newsletter:
Governor Otter has faced some extremely challenging budget issues in the past few years. I believe when such challenges arise you must alter well intended plans, prioritize issues and in Idaho balance the budget. The governor has worked closely with JFAC and they are leading Idaho through the challenges of the economic recession.
I have spent the summer and fall meeting with employers, legislators and members. I have also spoken with the Governor. All parties understand the value of the PERSI benefit. All parties desire to retain the benefit and sustain the PERSI fund. The PERSI fund was not immune from the economic downturn. We ended fiscal year 2009 with a 73.4% funded ratio and a $3.2 billion unfunded liability. I believe all parties were concerned about the sustainability of the fund.
Today we have experienced a very strong recovery. Our funded ratio is over 88% and our unfunded liability has dropped to just over $1.4 billion. The legislators I have spoken to are pleased with our recovery and none of them are aware of any other legislator who is working on changes to PERSI. The system is sustainable, and we believe we can achieve full funding in 3 to 5 years without benefit changes.
PERSI has an excellent working relationship with all the legislators and especially with the Governor. All parties understand the PERSI benefit is important to employers in attracting and retaining quality staff. All parties appreciate the importance of this benefit to Idaho’s public employees. We must continue to take the appropriate actions to protect the sustainability of the fund.
~ Melissa M.
He also helped us dispel these rumors in our Weekly E-Newsletter last week, which goes out to all schools and districts. Here's the message from Drum that went out in our Newsletter:
Governor Otter has faced some extremely challenging budget issues in the past few years. I believe when such challenges arise you must alter well intended plans, prioritize issues and in Idaho balance the budget. The governor has worked closely with JFAC and they are leading Idaho through the challenges of the economic recession.
I have spent the summer and fall meeting with employers, legislators and members. I have also spoken with the Governor. All parties understand the value of the PERSI benefit. All parties desire to retain the benefit and sustain the PERSI fund. The PERSI fund was not immune from the economic downturn. We ended fiscal year 2009 with a 73.4% funded ratio and a $3.2 billion unfunded liability. I believe all parties were concerned about the sustainability of the fund.
Today we have experienced a very strong recovery. Our funded ratio is over 88% and our unfunded liability has dropped to just over $1.4 billion. The legislators I have spoken to are pleased with our recovery and none of them are aware of any other legislator who is working on changes to PERSI. The system is sustainable, and we believe we can achieve full funding in 3 to 5 years without benefit changes.
PERSI has an excellent working relationship with all the legislators and especially with the Governor. All parties understand the PERSI benefit is important to employers in attracting and retaining quality staff. All parties appreciate the importance of this benefit to Idaho’s public employees. We must continue to take the appropriate actions to protect the sustainability of the fund.
~ Melissa M.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Superintendent Luna Announces Idaho's AP Scholars
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today that two Idaho students have received the College Board State AP Scholar Awards based on their outstanding performance on the 2010 Advanced Placement Exams.
Chelsea L. Merriman, a graduate of Timberline High School in Boise, and Evan S. Olson, a graduate of Capital High School in Boise, are among 109 students nationwide to receive this honor.
“It’s exciting to see Idaho students honored nationally with such a prestigious award,” said Superintendent Luna. “I’m proud of the accomplishments of Chelsea and Evan to choose to take advanced courses. Taking AP and dual credit courses are great ways for Idaho high school students to challenge themselves academically while getting a head start on college work.”
This is the 20th annual celebration of State AP Scholars. The College Board confers this distinction on the top male and female students in each U. S. state and D.C. with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.
The College Board’s AP Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school and to earn college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. In 2010, 3.2 million exams were taken by more than 1.8 million students at nearly 18,000 high schools. On nearly 60 percent of these exams, students received scores of 3 or higher on a five-point scale, which potentially qualifies them for credit, advanced placement or both at colleges and universities worldwide.
Merriman is now studying at Notre Dame, and Olson is studying at Harvard.
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid and enrollment. Among its widely recognized programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®), SpringBoard® and ACCUPLACER®. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.
~ Melissa M.
Chelsea L. Merriman, a graduate of Timberline High School in Boise, and Evan S. Olson, a graduate of Capital High School in Boise, are among 109 students nationwide to receive this honor.
“It’s exciting to see Idaho students honored nationally with such a prestigious award,” said Superintendent Luna. “I’m proud of the accomplishments of Chelsea and Evan to choose to take advanced courses. Taking AP and dual credit courses are great ways for Idaho high school students to challenge themselves academically while getting a head start on college work.”
This is the 20th annual celebration of State AP Scholars. The College Board confers this distinction on the top male and female students in each U. S. state and D.C. with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken.
The College Board’s AP Program provides willing and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school and to earn college credit, advanced placement or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. In 2010, 3.2 million exams were taken by more than 1.8 million students at nearly 18,000 high schools. On nearly 60 percent of these exams, students received scores of 3 or higher on a five-point scale, which potentially qualifies them for credit, advanced placement or both at colleges and universities worldwide.
Merriman is now studying at Notre Dame, and Olson is studying at Harvard.
The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid and enrollment. Among its widely recognized programs are the SAT®, the PSAT/NMSQT®, the Advanced Placement Program® (AP®), SpringBoard® and ACCUPLACER®. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.
~ Melissa M.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Idaho’s Student Achievement Results Receive National Recognition
Idaho’s success in raising student achievement is being touted in a national report published this month.
The national Center on Innovation and Improvement has published Transforming a Statewide System of Support: The Idaho Story, by Brett Lane, as an example to other states on how they can improve student achievement statewide.
“Idaho’s story demonstrates the value of collaboration, commitment, and above all leadership,” said Sam Redding, Director of the Center on Innovation and Improvement. “Their energy and focus transformed the state’s approach to school improvement by building capacity at all levels. And the evidence is clear that a customer-driven focus can be a catalyst for real change.”
The case study highlights the complex nature of state-level change. By building upon internal capacity and external resources, Idaho has energetically and single-mindedly transformed how the state approached, not only its lowest-performing schools but moved toward school improvement overall in only three years, according to the Center on Innovation and Improvement. This timely transformation story highlights triggers and conditions other states can identify to advance their own improvement efforts.
“By working with educators, parents, and our hard-working students, we have been able to raise student achievement at all levels. I am excited Idaho is now a national leader and receiving recognition for its hard work and great success,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
The Center on Innovation & Improvement is administered by the Academic Development Institute in collaboration with its partners, Temple University Center for Research in Human Development and Education and Little Planet Learning. The Academic Development Institute and its partners—Temple University Center for Research in Human Development and Education and Little Planet Learning—operate the Center on Innovation and Improvement with an experienced staff, a Scientific Council with distinguished scholars, a Leadership Council of school administrators, and technical advisors with specific expertise.
~ Melissa M.
The national Center on Innovation and Improvement has published Transforming a Statewide System of Support: The Idaho Story, by Brett Lane, as an example to other states on how they can improve student achievement statewide.
“Idaho’s story demonstrates the value of collaboration, commitment, and above all leadership,” said Sam Redding, Director of the Center on Innovation and Improvement. “Their energy and focus transformed the state’s approach to school improvement by building capacity at all levels. And the evidence is clear that a customer-driven focus can be a catalyst for real change.”
The case study highlights the complex nature of state-level change. By building upon internal capacity and external resources, Idaho has energetically and single-mindedly transformed how the state approached, not only its lowest-performing schools but moved toward school improvement overall in only three years, according to the Center on Innovation and Improvement. This timely transformation story highlights triggers and conditions other states can identify to advance their own improvement efforts.
“By working with educators, parents, and our hard-working students, we have been able to raise student achievement at all levels. I am excited Idaho is now a national leader and receiving recognition for its hard work and great success,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
The Center on Innovation & Improvement is administered by the Academic Development Institute in collaboration with its partners, Temple University Center for Research in Human Development and Education and Little Planet Learning. The Academic Development Institute and its partners—Temple University Center for Research in Human Development and Education and Little Planet Learning—operate the Center on Innovation and Improvement with an experienced staff, a Scientific Council with distinguished scholars, a Leadership Council of school administrators, and technical advisors with specific expertise.
~ Melissa M.
Oregon Becomes Latest State to Adopt Common Core State Standards
Oregon has become the most recent state to adopt the proposed Common Core State Standards for English language arts and mathematics.
With Oregon’s adoption of the standards, 38 states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands have now adopted these K-12 standards. Neighboring states Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have all adopted the standards.
The Idaho State Board of Education will consider these standards at its meeting in November.
Idaho initially signed on to the Common Core State Standards Initiative in June 2009 to help develop these more rigorous, common standards in math and English language arts that are comparable with any country around the globe.
“We must ensure we build a public education system that prepares all students to be successful in life after high school. Idaho students are ready for this challenge,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative builds directly on previous efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards.
Adopting the common core standards is voluntary. Staff from the State Department of Education traveled across the state in June and in September hosting two series of regional public meetings to explain the Common Core State Standards and to gather feedback.
Learn more about the Common Core State Standards and how they compare to Idaho’s current standards.
~ Melissa M.
With Oregon’s adoption of the standards, 38 states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands have now adopted these K-12 standards. Neighboring states Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have all adopted the standards.
The Idaho State Board of Education will consider these standards at its meeting in November.
Idaho initially signed on to the Common Core State Standards Initiative in June 2009 to help develop these more rigorous, common standards in math and English language arts that are comparable with any country around the globe.
“We must ensure we build a public education system that prepares all students to be successful in life after high school. Idaho students are ready for this challenge,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative builds directly on previous efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards.
Adopting the common core standards is voluntary. Staff from the State Department of Education traveled across the state in June and in September hosting two series of regional public meetings to explain the Common Core State Standards and to gather feedback.
Learn more about the Common Core State Standards and how they compare to Idaho’s current standards.
~ Melissa M.
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