Know an Excellent Math or Science Teacher? Nominate Them for the Presidential Award!

Do you know an excellent math or science teacher in Idaho? Nominate them for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching – the highest recognition a K-12 math or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Nominations are now being accepted online for secondary math and science teachers in grades 7-12.

Enacted by Congress in 1983, the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions.

The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science. In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Recipients of the award receive the following:

• A citation signed by the President of the United States.
• A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

This year, the eligibility requirements have been updated slightly. Here are the requirements for nominating a teacher this year:

• Teach mathematics or science at the 7-12th grade level in a public or private school.
• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Be a full-time employee of the school or school district as determined by state and district policies, and teach K-12 students at least 50% of the time.
• Have at least 5 years of full-time, K-12 mathematics or science teaching experience prior to 2010-2011 academic school year. 
• Teach in one of the 50 states or the four U.S. jurisdictions. The jurisdictions are Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Not have received the PAEMST award at the national level in any prior competition or category.

Go online to nominate an Idaho teacher for this prestigious award today! You can also see a list of prior Presidential Awards recipients from the State of Idaho.

~ Melissa M.

Superintendent Luna Named President-Elect of Chief State School Officers

Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna has been named President-Elect of the Council of Chief State School Officers, a national group that represents state superintendents and education commissioners across the country.

Superintendent Luna will serve as President-Elect of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) through November 2011 and then take over as President of the organization.

“It is an honor to be chosen by my peers to serve at the national level,” Superintendent Luna said. “I am looking forward to playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of public education across Idaho and our nation in the coming years as we work on reauthorizing No Child Left Behind and other critical issues.”

As Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna has helped raise student achievement across Idaho.  In 2007, just 26 percent of Idaho schools met the state’s high academic goals, known as Adequate Yearly Progress. Now, 62 percent of schools are meeting this goal.

“Tom has a record of success working on behalf of the children in Idaho, and he is a trusted voice among chief state school officers.  I am pleased Tom will continue to serve on the board of directors,” said CCSSO Executive Director Gene Wilhoit. “States are committed to continuing to lead the education reform discussion in this country and the members of the CCSSO Board of Directors are prepared help guide that effort.”

Superintendent Luna has served on the Board of Directors for CCSSO since 2009.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks members’ consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

~ Melissa M. 

Give the Gift of Education this Holiday Season

The Office of the State Board of Education sent a reminder this week that you can give the gift of education this holiday season by donating to the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship.

It’s simple. While planning your charitable giving for this season and the coming year, be sure to check the box on your Idaho State Tax Return designating a portion of your refund to the Opportunity Scholarship.

Your donation will help hundreds of your fellow Idahoans in their pursuit for a better life.

~ Melissa M.

Mackay Student Wins Holiday Card Contest

Kali Gamett, a sixth-grade student at Mackay Elementary School, has won the 2010 Holiday Card Contest, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today.

“The annual Holiday Card Contest is a great way to celebrate the importance of arts in education and showcase the great talent of students across Idaho,” Superintendent Luna said. “Congratulations to Kali Gamett for winning the grand prize in the 2010 Holiday Card Contest. We received hundreds of entries this year, and her drawing of winter scenes stood out for its creativity and color.”

Kali Gamett's winning 2010 Holiday Card Contest entry.

Gamett’s artwork will be featured on the State Department of Education’s holiday greeting cards this year, which are sent to schools, districts and others across the state. She will also receive a certificate and copies of the greeting card to share with her friends and family members.

Superintendent Luna also awarded the following grade-level winners across the state:

• Kindergarten: Ashlynn Skinner, Centennial Elementary School, Lewiston
• 1st grade: Sierra Kelley, Centennial Elementary School, Lewiston
• 2nd grade: Hailey Skinner, Centennial Elementary School, Lewiston
• 3rd grade: Paige Larsen, Mackay Elementary School, Mackay
• 4th grade: Paul Sonnen, Prairie Elementary School, Cottonwood
• 5th grade: Madison Frisbie, Whitman Elementary School, Lewiston
• 6th grade: Kali Gamett, Mackay Elementary School, Mackay (also the Grand Prize winner)

Congratulations to all the winners!  Each student will receive a certificate of recognition.

~ Melissa M.

Idaho Virtual Academy Class Wins Idaho Math Cup

Lisa Frost’s math class at Idaho Virtual Academy has won the second annual Idaho Math Cup, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today.

“I am so proud of the students at Idaho Virtual Academy and all students who participated in the Idaho Math Cup this year. Through the Idaho Math Initiative, we are seeing more and more students solving complex math problems and raising their academic achievement in math every year,” Superintendent Luna said.

The Idaho Math Cup is a math contest sponsored by Apangea Learning, a web-based supplemental math instruction program that is part of the Idaho Math Initiative.  As part of the statewide Math Initiative, Apangea provides additional assistance to students who struggle in math as well as advanced opportunities to those students who excel.

During the Idaho Math Cup contest, students across Idaho competed with one another to see who could solve the most complex math problems over Apangea during a four-week period.  Students statewide spent more than 23,000 hours in class and at home in the evenings and on the weekends solving complex math problems during the competition.

The 18 students in Lisa Frost’s class at Idaho Virtual Academy took home the Idaho Math Cup in the end.  They spent 633 hours solving more than 3,000 math problems. The class had a 93 percent pass rate on the math problems they tackled during the competition.

Because of their hard work, Frost and each student in her class will receive a Family Activity Pack, which includes gift cards for dinner and a movie.  Dustin Theile, a student in Frost’s class, also was awarded the Class MVP for completing and passing nearly 200 sections of math content during the four-week period.  He will receive a Nintendo Wii gaming system.

Superintendent Luna hands out awards to Lisa Frost's class at Idaho Virtual Academy.

In addition to Frost’s class, seven other students across Idaho have been awarded their choice of an iPod Touch, $200 gift card or a Nintendo Wii for their achievements during the Idaho Math Cup.  Here is the list of the Regional Champions in the Idaho Math Cup:

• Spencer Hunt, Webster Elementary School, Lewiston
• Abby Rusner, Wendell Middle School, Wendell
• Tammay Shetye, White Pine Elementary School, Boise
• Kaci Fields, Mountain View Middle School, Blackfoot
• Allison Duffin, Canfield Middle School, Coeur d’Alene
• Adam Ping, Franklin Middle School, Pocatello
• Brittany Grigg, Hawthorne Middle School, Pocatello

~ Melissa M.

Superintendent Luna Urges Attorney General to Stop Legal Battle on Cottage Sites

Here is Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna’s reaction to the Idaho Supreme Court’s decision on Wednesday regarding the Land Board’s decision on cottage site lease rates.

“At this point, what is best for kids is to stop spending precious tax dollars on attorneys in this case. As I said before, if the Attorney General thinks the current cottage site lease rates are unconstitutional, then as a fellow member of the Land Board he needs to put a motion on the table that he believes is constitutional and let the Board debate it in a public forum. We've already spent too many tax dollars on this matter and going to district court without first putting a proposal on the table will just continue to cost taxpayers, and ultimately schoolchildren, dollars that are need elsewhere.”

Read the full Associated Press story about the case.

~ Melissa M.

Rigby Teacher Named 2011 Idaho Teacher of the Year

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/.

Moscow High School student will be in Macy's Day Parade

New York City is a long way from Moscow, Idaho, but for one lucky trumpeter it's worth going the distance. Moscow High School student Niklass Dumroese will perform in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday. He will be part of the trumpet section in Macy’s Great American Marching Band.

The parade can be viewed beginning at 9 a.m. on NBC.

(As reported by the Moscow-Pullman Daily News)

~Niccole B.

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:

• Governor’s Cup Scholarship
• Robert R. Lee Promise “A”
• Robert R. Lee Promise “B”
• Opportunity Scholarship
• Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
• Tschudy Family Scholarship

~ Melissa M.

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:

• 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.

These are just some of the reforms Idaho has implemented over the past four years.  We recognize we still have a long way to go. The ultimate goal has to be ensure every student graduates from high school and not only graduates but is prepared to go on to postsecondary education or the workforce without the need for remediation.

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.

 ~ Melissa M.

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:

• 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 results of this national Grade 12 assessment are consistent with what we have seen in our statewide assessments. The majority of Idaho students are performing well in reading and mathematics, but our goal must be for every student to graduate prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce without the need for remediation,” Superintendent Luna said. “We are on the right path and headed in the right direction, and we will continue to work until we reach our goal.”

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.

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:

• 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.

Learn more about the Common Core State Standards and how they compare to Idaho’s current standards on the State Department of Education’s website.  Be sure to let us know if you have any questions!

~ Melissa M.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Deadline to Apply for Idaho Science & Aerospace Scholars Program is Nearing...

The deadline for students to apply for the second year of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program is nearing.

This competitive program provides an unprecedented opportunity for Idaho students to take an engaging online course in space exploration and learn a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and work side-by-side with STEM experts from NASA and from right here in Idaho.

High juniors interested in participating must apply by November 15, 2010.

So what is the program all about?

The Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars (ISAS) is a competitive program that allows high school juniors to take an engaging online NASA-developed course on Space Exploration that teaches a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills aligned with Idaho Content Standards. Based on their course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an expense-paid, resident academy at NASA Ames Research Center in California.

The ISAS Coursework is offered online through Idaho Digital Learning Academy from January through May. This graded course consists of eight online units and a semester project that allow students to build their knowledge of NASA, space exploration and their relationship to Idaho STEM. Master educators will work with students online throughout the course. At the completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to participate in the ISAS Capstone Celebration, a regional gathering with other scholars, at universities and other locations throughout the state. Based on their performance in this course, students may also be selected to participate in an expense-paid, week-long residential academy at NASA Ames Research Center in California and Boise State University. Students will receive one science credit for successful completion of online coursework.

The ISAS Summer Academy is offered to select students who are top performers in the online course. At the residential Summer Academy students will be exposed to math, science, engineering and technology mentors and master educators at NASA Ames Research Center in California and Boise State University. They will undertake a mentored team aerospace mission and will be immersed in hands-on Idaho STEM activities.

So if you know of any high school juniors who have a passion for STEM subjects, please urge them to apply for this outstanding program.  Remember, the application deadline is November 15, 2010.

~ Melissa M.

Melba Teacher Wins $25,000 National Teaching Award

BOISE – A 6th grade teacher in Melba received the 2010 Milken Educator Award for Idaho during a surprise assembly Tuesday morning.

Carmen Larrinaga, a teacher at Melba Elementary School, won the $25,000 prestigious award from the Milken Family Foundation for her innovative work in the classroom to raise student achievement and to keep students engaged. Along with the financial award, Larrinaga will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles to participate in the Milken National Education Conference focused on solutions to America’s pressing challenges in education today.

“I am honored to present Carmen Larrinaga with the prestigious Milken Educator of the Year Award. Through her work in the classroom each and every day, she serves as a great example of the highly effective and hard-working educators we have across Idaho,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I also want to thank the Milken Family Foundation for continuing to recognize excellent teachers in Idaho and across the United States.”

Superintendent Tom Luna with 2010 Milken Educator of the Year Carmen Larrinaga in her classroom.

Larrinaga’s identity was kept secret until Superintendent Luna announced the award during a school-wide assembly at Melba Elementary School on Tuesday morning. Superintendent Luna was joined by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, State Board Member Milford Terrell, Dr. Jane Foley of the Milken Family Foundation, Melba School District Superintendent Andrew Grover, and Melba Elementary School Principal Sherry Ann Adams.
“I’d like to extend my congratulations to another outstanding Idaho teacher. Today’s recognition by the Milken Family Foundation again affirms that Idaho is home to some of our nation’s best educators. Carmen Larrinaga is a true asset to her students and the entire community,” Governor Otter said.

As Milken Educator of the Year, Larrinaga receives $25,000!

Larrinaga is now one of 12 educators in Idaho who have received the prestigious Milken Educator Award since Idaho joined the Milken program in 2003. More than 2,500 educators have received the award nationwide.

“Thank you so much. Teaching in Melba is such a blessing,” Larrinaga said after the announcement. “It has been a great seven-plus years. I’m looking forward to many more years and many more great students.”

Larrinaga accepting her award during a surprise assembly in Melba.

The Milken Family Foundation was established in 1982 to discover and advance inventive and effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives. The Foundation advances this mission primarily through its work in education and medical research. For more information about the Milken Family Foundation, please visit www.mff.org.

Here's more about Carmen Larrinaga.

Carmen Larrinaga, 29, has been a classroom teacher for seven years. Though she has only been in the profession a short time, Principal Sherry Ann Adams says Larrinaga’s “classroom performance exceeds what is typically seen from a new teacher.”

“Carmen creates and maintains a classroom environment that encourages students to perform at high levels both academically and socially,” Adams said. “Carmen is always willing to step up and help out whenever and wherever needed to make our school more successful.”

In addition to being a classroom teacher, Larrinaga serves on the district technology committee and helped the school and district implement a new student management program. She helps mentor new teachers, and her colleagues recognize she works well with all students, including students with special needs and limited English proficient (LEP) students.

~ Melissa M. 

Idaho State Board Honors Schools for Academic Achievement

Members of the Idaho State Board of Education are traveling across Idaho this month to recognize a handful of Idaho schools for making significant strides in raising student achievement over the past two years.

Eleven schools earned the 2010 Additional Yearly Growth Award and just two schools have been named Distinguished Schools this year.

Superintendent Luna was in Coeur d’Alene on Friday to recognize Winton Elementary School for its Additional Yearly Growth Award.  He celebrated Whittier Elementary School’s Distinguished School Award this morning in Boise.

Whittier Elementary Principal Derek Gardner and State Superintendent Tom Luna

“Idaho is a national leader,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board member Tom Luna. “Our success is not a coincidence. It takes teamwork and focus. The schools awarded today are examples of dedicated teachers, hard-working students and involved parents. I'm proud to celebrate Idaho's public school success.”

Idaho State Board of Education President Richard Westerberg said, “These schools show us that our students, teachers, administrators- everyone involved- can perform at a high level.”

To be honored with an Additional Yearly Growth Award, a school must make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) for two consecutive years and show a minimum of a ten percent improvement in one of the forty-one subcategories.

The top five percent of schools who meet the above criteria earn a Distinguished School designation.

Here’s the full list of award winners this year.

Schools honored this year with an Additional Yearly Growth Award include:

• Mountain View Elementary- Cassia County Schools- Reading Hispanic Students
• Hailey Elementary- Blaine County Schools- Reading in Hispanic Students
• Hailey Elementary-Blaine County Schools- Reading in students on Free/Reduced Lunch
• Peregrine Elementary- Meridian School District- Math in Special Education students
• Horizon Elementary- Jerome School District- Math in students on Free/Reduced Lunch
• Downey Elementary-Marsh Valley School District-Math in white students
• Jefferson Elementary- Pocatello/Chubbuck School District- Reading in students on Free/Reduced Lunch
• Winton Elementary-Coeur d'Alene School District- Math in students on Free/Reduced Lunch
• Priest River Lamanna High School- West Bonner County Schools- Math in students on free/reduced lunch
• Priest River Lamanna High School-West Bonner County Schools-Math in white students
• Whittier Elementary-Boise School District- Math in Hispanic Students

Distinguished Schools:

• Peregrine Elementary in the Meridian School District- Math in Special Education Students
• Whittier Elementary in the Boise Independent School District- Math in Hispanic Students

Visit the State Board of Education website for more information. Congratulations to these outstanding schools!

~ Melissa M.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary Celebrates Idaho’s Progress in Farm to School Program

Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Janey Thornton was in Boise this morning to salute Idaho’s efforts to support Farm to School programs, a key component of USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative to help children across America get a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it gets to their plates in the school cafeteria.

Four schools and districts in Idaho were recently selected to pilot Farm to School programs in the state through a federal grant. The program is run by the Idaho State Departments of Education and Agriculture.

“It’s vital that we provide our children with nutritious meals so they are able to learn and thrive,” said Thornton. “And incorporating local produce into school menus is a wonderful way to ensure that they have access to the fruits and vegetables that are such an important part of a healthy diet.”

On Tuesday, the Deputy Under Secretary joined staff from the Child Nutrition Programs at the State Department of Education to eat lunch with students at Boise’s Whitney Elementary School, which features a Healthful Choice Bar with a variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables and grain products.

Idaho implemented new, more nutritious standards for all school meals in Fall 2009.

~ Melissa M.

Superintendent Luna Helps Dedicate New COSSA Regional Center

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna joined superintendents from five Idaho school districts and dignitaries in Canyon and Owyhee counties in dedicating the new COSSA Regional Technical and Educational Center. 

Founded in 1969, the Canyon-Owyhee School Service Agency (COSSA) is a consortium of five school districts that pooled resources in an effort to provide services that were financially impossible for each district to provide individually: special education, an alternative high school, and professional-technical education.

COSSA annually serves more than 1,100 students:

In previous years, COSSA provided these services at multiple locations throughout the two counties and five school districts – Homedale, Marsing, Notus, Parma and Wilder.  Now, COSSA cut the ribbon on a new facility in Wilder that will not only provide new and improve classrooms but also a central location for all these services, significantly reducing transportation costs.

The new COSSA Regional Technical and Educational Center has truly been a community effort, COSSA’s executive director Mark Cotner explained.

The Wilder School District donated the land for the facility, valued at more than $200,000, and local community member Rob Roberts who owns R&M Steel donated all the steel that went into constructing the building, amounting to a $400,000 donation!

Many others from Superintendent Luna, Rep. Darrell Bolz and Congressman Walt Minnick to the Idaho Department of Labor and Sage Community Resources worked to see this project through to the end.

The new facility will house:

• Professional-Technical (PTE) Programs
• Health Professions Medical Records
• Engineering Design and Automation
• Business Education
• Centerpoint Alternative Jr/Sr High School
• COSSA Administrative Services
• Special Education & Gifted/Talented Administrative Services

~ Melissa M.

2nd Annual Idaho Math Cup Kicks Off Today

The second annual Idaho Math Cup kicks off today in schools across the state, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced.

As part of the Idaho Math Initiative, Apangea Math hosts the annual Idaho Math Cup, which challenges students to build their math skills by solving more complex math problems.

“The Idaho Math Cup has been a great success in motivating Idaho’s kids even more to build a strong foundation in math and improve on the great progress they have made,” Superintendent Luna said.

The Idaho Math Cup contest runs September 27 through October 24.  During this month, classes of students will compete to solve problems on Apangea Math. The winning class will bring home the Idaho Math Cup along with a class grand prize, which includes a “Family Activity Pack.” The contest also features individual prizes for students, including a Nintendo Wii Bundle, iPod Touches or retail gift cards.

Last year, students in Mr. John Keiser’s 6th grade class at White Pine Elementary School in Boise won the statewide Idaho Math Cup. The students were so excited about the competition, they began showing up at school as early as 7 a.m. to work on Apangea – more than an hour before school started at 8:45 a.m.

For full details, visit the Idaho Math Cup page on Facebook.

Apangea Math, a web-based supplemental math instruction tool, has helped raise student achievement in mathematics by providing extra assistance to students who struggle in math and advanced opportunities to those students who excel.

Take a look at this video to see how Apangea Math has made a real difference in the lives of students at White Pine Elementary School in Boise as well as other schools across Idaho.

~ Melissa M.

Superintendent Luna Announces Holiday Card Contest

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna today called for elementary students across Idaho to participate in the annual Holiday Card Contest.

“The Holiday Card Contest is a great opportunity for elementary students from across the state to showcase their artistic abilities and for us all to recognize the importance of arts in education,” Superintendent Luna said.

The contest is open to all public school students in grades K-6. One drawing will be selected to be published on the State Department of Education’s website and used as the Department’s holiday greeting card. The child who submits the selected artwork will receive cards for his or her own use. 

The following is a list of instructions for the 2010 Holiday Card Contest:

1. The contest is open to public school students in grades K-6.
2. Drawings should reflect winter scenes in Idaho appropriate for seasonal correspondence, and should not include copyrighted images such as Garfield the Cat, Bugs Bunny, Digimon characters, etc.
3. Drawings should be on 8.5” by 11” paper in a landscape format.
4. Drawings must be properly labeled. Write the name of the student, the student’s grade, district, school, and the teacher's name on the back of the artwork. Please make sure this information is legible. (If you submit multiple grade levels, please keep the entries for each grade level separate.)
5. Students may use as many colors as they wish in their drawings and may use watercolors, colored paper, magic markers, crayons, or some combination. Bold colors work best for the printing process. Please note: Fabric designs and pencil drawings are not suitable to our printing process and will not be selected.
6. Students must be advised that entry into this contest constitutes (1) a waiver of all copyrights students have in their entries, and (2) permission to republish entries without compensation.
7. Drawings will not be returned.
8. The winning entries from each grade level will be published on the Idaho State Department of Education website. 
9. Submissions must be postmarked by Friday, November 5, 2010. Results will be announced in December.
10. Drawings may be mailed to: State Department of Education, ATTN: Melissa McGrath, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0027

If you have questions, please contact Melissa McGrath.

~ Melissa M.

Applications for Idaho Science & Aerospace Scholars Program Now Available

Idaho’s high school juniors can apply now to take part in the exciting second year of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program.

Through this competitive 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. “I am excited we have been able to secure a grant from NASA and expand this program to even more students statewide this year.”

Last year, more than 70 high school juniors participated in the inaugural Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Program. 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.

Superintendent Luna worked with astronaut and Boise State Distinguished Educator-in-Residence Barbara Morgan in 2009 to create this competitive program in Idaho. The State Department of Education funded the initial pilot year with help and support from partners, such as Boise State University, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, Discovery Center of Idaho, Micron Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Air National Guard, University of Idaho and Idaho State University.

Students can learn more about the experience of the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars Summer Academy by checking out our live blog of this summer’s events or downloading ISAS Alumni Presentation.

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 November 15, 2010.

Apply now!

If you have questions during the application process, please contact Dr. Val Schorzman at (208) 332-6920 or vjschorzman@sde.idaho.gov.

~ Melissa M.

Idaho Secures Grant to Improve School Safety

Idaho has been awarded a $125,000 federal grant to continue its work in ensuring every student across our state attends school in a safe and secure environment, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced this week.

“The safety and security of Idaho’s kids is of the highest importance. Our students will never truly be free to learn until they are free from fear,” Superintendent Luna said.

The U.S. Department of Education announced this week Idaho is one of 28 states to receive a Building State Capacity for Preventing Youth Substance Use and Violence program competitive grant. States use this grant funding to support local school districts and public charter schools in their efforts to create and sustain safe and drug-free school environments.

The Idaho State Department of Education will specifically use the $125,000 it receives to maintain its structure of support and technical assistance for Idaho’s public schools and communities across Idaho. The Department will provide hands-on training and create guidance for students, school staff and community stakeholders on how they can work together to mitigate and prevent underage drinking, suicide, bullying and truancy to improve student achievement.

Since taking office in 2007, Superintendent Luna has worked to improve the safety and security of Idaho’s schools.  He spearheaded the Safe and Secure Schools Assessment in 2007, which provided baseline data on school safety and security and brought about meaningful recommendations on ways in which Idaho schools could improve.

Superintendent Luna has also awarded $50,000 to Idaho schools to implement the highly successful Rachel’s Challenge program, which prevents bullying and intimidation among schoolchildren.

~ Melissa M.

IDLA Announces New CEO

After eight years at the helm, Idaho Digital Learning Academy’s CEO Donna Hutchison has accepted a notable position with a national online school. This fall, Hutchison will become Regional Vice President with Connections Academy.

“This job offer is a direct reflection on IDLA’s reputation as a national leader in 21st Century learning,” said Hutchison. “As a founding member of IDLA, I am sad to leave the organization, but I am looking forward to the challenge of advancing online learning by serving students at a regional and national level.”

At Hutchison’s recommendation, the IDLA Board of Directors appointed veteran administrator, Cheryl Charlton to take over the role of Chief Executive Officer. For the past three years, Charlton has been IDLA’s Chief Operating Officer.

“I am excited to elevate my role within this outstanding organization,” said Charlton. “The demand for our online services continues to grow and we will continue to serve the needs of students throughout Idaho.”

In 2002, Idaho Digital Learning was created by the Idaho Legislature and Idaho School Administrator Association. Since its inception, it has served more than 40,000 students in nearly all of Idaho’s school districts!

“We are proud of IDLA’s accomplishments and its service to Idaho students under the direction of Donna Hutchison,” said George Boland, IDLA Board Chairman. “We are not surprised that her talents are being recognized at the national level. We are also delighted that Cheryl Charlton will succeed Donna as the next visionary leader of IDLA.”

 “I will always remain passionate about the importance of IDLA and its role in the future of online learning and opportunities for students,” said Hutchison. “It has been a job of a lifetime!”

Charlton will take over as CEO effective November 1, 2010.

~ Melissa M.

Superintendent Luna Marks Constitution Day with School Visits

BOISE – Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna visited Kellogg High School this morning to celebrate Constitution Day by speaking with students about the importance of the U.S. Constitution.

Constitution Day is September 17, commemorating the day in 1787 when our country’s founders signed the United States Constitution.

“Constitution Day is an important day each year because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the miracle in Philadelphia and teach students about the U.S. Constitution, which is the foundation of our republic and remains the supreme law of the land to this day,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.

All public schools in Idaho and across the country are required to teach about the U.S. Constitution on September 17.  Lessons about the U.S. Constitution help Idaho’s students to better understand the role of a citizen in a constitutional republic and the importance of respecting and obeying laws enacted by the Idaho Legislature and Congress of the United States.

On Thursday, September 16, Superintendent Luna spent the morning in the Kootenai School District in Harrison, where he spoke with high school juniors about the history of the U.S. Constitution and the role it still plays in our lives today.  The Superintendent visited all the schools in the Kootenai district, reading to 2nd grade students, seeing an innovative graphic design program first-hand, and listening to the district’s plans to offer more educational opportunities for students through the Idaho Education Network.

~Niccole B.

Idaho Students Outpace Peers Nationally on SAT

BOISE – Idaho students continue to outperform their peers nationally and in neighboring states on the SAT, according to the most recent results.



“I am excited to see Idaho students continue to outpace students nationally and their peers in Washington, Oregon and other surrounding states on the SAT. We still have a lot of work to do to ensure every student is college- and career-ready after high school, but I celebrate the great achievements our students have made so far and look forward to building on this progress,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said.


The SAT is a college readiness exam that students take when applying for undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States. The SAT measures students’ skills in critical reading, mathematics and writing.


On average, Idaho students scored a 1601. That’s well above the national average score of 1509 and above students in most of Idaho’s surrounding states. For example, students in Washington State scored an average 1564, and Oregon students scored an average 1546, according to the 2010 SAT results.


Here is how Idaho students, on average, scored when compared to students around the country in each subject area:

Idaho National average

Critical Reading 543 501

Mathematics 541 516

Writing 517 492

Total 1601 1509


To see the full report on the 2010 SAT scores, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/

Superintendent Luna has played a lead role in the Education Alliance of Idaho, a coalition of leaders in the education and business communities throughout Idaho working to ensure every Idaho student not only graduates from high school but graduates prepared to go on to postsecondary education or the workforce without the need for remediation.

Learn more about the Education Alliance of Idaho and its plan to improve education statewide at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/visionmissiongoals.htm

Great job students!

~Niccole B.

Governor Otter, Superintendent Luna Recognize Idaho Education Network Heroes

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna recognized nine pioneering educators today on the first anniversary of the Idaho Education Network (IEN).

The “Talk” awards highlight innovative uses of Idaho’s new super high-speed, interactive educational network that makes real-time, two-way education possible. Each recipient’s school will receive a $250 prize to use toward further innovation via the IEN.

 “After just one year, approximately 40 percent of Idaho high schools and more than 33,000 students are connected to the Idaho Education Network,” Governor Otter said.  “These awards highlight educators who are leading the way in tapping the full and incredible potential of this new technology.”

To demonstrate the power of the network’s technology, the Governor and Superintendent Luna made the presentations live from the State Department of Education, connecting with high schools statewide.

The IEN equips high school classrooms with giant screens and multiple cameras powered by fiber-optic technology, which allows students and teachers to “visit” virtually anywhere in the world, and to talk and learn from others in real time, face to face.  The technology provides schools with significantly more bandwidth, and in the case of some schools, it’s ten times the capacity prior to the IEN.

A primary purpose of the system is to increase access to educational opportunities in Idaho’s schools, especially in rural communities. 

“Every day we strive to meet the needs of all students, no matter where they live or what they want to be when they grow up. The IEN will help us accomplish this goal,” Superintendent Luna said. “The IEN bridges the digital divide between urban and rural communities in Idaho, providing unprecedented educational opportunities to students regardless of where they live in our great state.  Now, students have access to any high school or college-level course via the IEN.”

Currently, 33,674 students at 80 Idaho high schools (40 percent statewide) have access to the IEN.  By the end of the 2010-2011 school year, another 80 high schools will be connected to the IEN, and by mid-2012, all of Idaho’s 82,000 students at 200 public high schools will be connected.

Want to learn more about the IEN? Check out the IEN's new website and see videos of how Idaho teachers and principals are using it to improve student achievement statewide.      

Here are the recipients of the 2010 “Talk” awards are:

Cindy Albertson, counselor at Sandpoint High School (Lake Pend Oreille School District).  Cindy was introduced to the IEN last year and found that she had four high school students who were willing and ready to take a Calculus II class their senior year.  Last spring and summer, Cindy led the charge to bring in a class from Dave Gural at Eagle High School.  She received interest from Northwestern University and the University of Idaho for an online class, but ultimately selected to receive a class from one of Idaho’s best teachers. Sandpoint students will begin class with Gural over the IEN this fall.

Steve Higgins, principal at Grangeville High School (Mountain View School District).   Grangeville is located in one of Idaho’s most rugged and remote areas of the state, making educational access a challenge.  Steve forged partnerships with Lewis and Clark State College and the neighboring Cottonwood School District to share classes over the IEN.  Because of Steve’s collaborative efforts, students in two high schools now will have increased educational opportunities, and both these districts will benefit from the efficiencies provided by the IEN. 

Dave Davies, principal at Weiser High School (Weiser School District).  Dave has been involved with the IEN since before its inception, cultivating the possibilities for students and communities using distance learning.  Because of Dave, the Weiser community has had workforce training and professional development opportunities provided by Idaho State University and the POST Academy.  Elementary and secondary students in his district have been introduced to the world on “field trips” to NASA and Alaska’s Sea Life Center.  Weiser High School has forged innovative partnerships with the Emmett School District to share a series of classes, and this fall will offer a speech class to the Murtaugh School District.

Dave Gural, Calculus II teacher at Eagle High School (Meridian School District). Dave was at first reluctant to teach over the IEN, but in doing so, he quickly became one of the hottest commodities in education.  Dave has been a champion in leveraging technology to deliver demanding and rigorous curricula.  Dave started out delivering his Eagle High advanced placement course concurrently with students at Emmett High School. This fall, he will include students at Sandpoint High School, more than 450 miles away. 

Michelle Capps, Superintendent of the Murtaugh School District.  Since the beginning, Michelle saw the IEN as a huge opportunity for her school district.  In a very short time, Michelle forged a partnership with Weiser High School to offer a speech class to her students.  To introduce her community to the IEN and showcase its possibilities, Michelle took residents – young and old – on a virtual dive at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  This demonstrated the power of the IEN through an eye-opening experience for many who rarely have the opportunity to leave Idaho.

Ben Allen, principal at Twin Falls High School (Twin Falls School District).  Because of Ben’s leadership, the Twin Falls School District is rapidly becoming the state leader in creating dual credit opportunities for students all over southern and eastern Idaho.  By partnering with the College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls High School is now offering college-level classes intra-district to students at Canyon Ridge High School, and out of district to high school students in the Jerome, Sugar Salem, Gooding, North Gem and Preston School Districts.

Melvin Beutler, Superintendent of the West Side School District. If you want to build a dual credit program where 95 percent of your high school seniors graduate with college credits, you need a champion like Melvin.  Last year, West Side High School juniors and seniors completed more than 800 college credits. West Side’s goal is for every student to graduate from high school with 20 college credits.  Melvin knows that a rigorous high school experience is what best prepares students to succeed in college.  West Side is setting the bar high statewide as Melvin’s vision is that his high school become a de facto community college, where all students graduate from high school with an associate’s degree. 

Jared Jenks, Sugar-Salem High School principal, and Jim Winn, Literature teacher (Sugar Salem School District.  Jared has been an outspoken advocate for the increased opportunities provided by the IEN.  In a very short time, he developed multiple dual credit opportunities for his students, encouraging his teachers to use the IEN as an innovative teaching tool and classroom resource.  He is currently working to offer the community professional-technical education opportunities in the energy field in conjunction with Idaho State University. 

Jim Winn used the IEN to provide real-world relevance to what students were learning in his class. Following readings about the Holocaust, students took a virtual tour of the Holocaust Museum in New York, followed by talking for an hour with a survivor.  Jim also arranged for a master’s degree program in Human Resources from Utah State University to be provided over the IEN. 

The name “Talk” awards reflects the fact that talking and sharing with others is fundamental to learning, and that the IEN offers a “face-to-face” experience that is the next best thing to being there in person.  “Talk” award winners also received $250 in prize money to be used to further use of the IEN (i.e. dual enrollment courses, field trips, professional development classes, etc). 

The IEN "Talk” awards were underwritten as a public service by the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation. Prizes were underwritten by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Home Federal Bank, Intermountain Community Bank, K12 Inc, and Premier Technology, Inc.

~ Melissa M.

Idaho Receives Approval for $51.6 Million in Education Jobs Funding

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Idaho will receive $51.6 million to support education jobs across the state through the federal Education Jobs Fund.

“We will work to make the Education Jobs Funds available to Idaho’s schools and districts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I continue to encourage our schools to use these funds over the next two years to focus on student achievement and preserve student-teacher contact time by keeping teachers and teaching aides in the classroom and restoring any instructional days that might have been lost.”

The Office of Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter submitted Idaho’s application for its portion of the federal Education Jobs Fund on August 20. The application was approved this week.

The federal Education Jobs Fund was appropriated as part of the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act that Congress and the President approved in August. Under the Education Jobs Fund, each state receives additional funding to save or create education jobs over the next 27 months. Each Idaho school district and public charter school has confirmed it will use this funding in the coming school years.

Superintendent Luna and Governor Otter have strongly encouraged Idaho’s school districts and public charter schools to use this funding effectively and efficiently to rehire classroom teachers who might have been laid off, to restore classroom time that has been lost, and to budget this funding over the next two years.

“We appreciate how quickly the Education Department processed our application. Superintendent Luna and I will do all we can to ensure the money is used efficiently and for improving classroom instruction, but at the end of the day it will be local school administrators who determine how to put the funding to work in the best interest of our students,” said Governor Otter.

Learn more about the Education Jobs Fund in Idaho.

~ Melissa M.

Governor, Superintendent Luna Address Idaho Students via Idaho Education Network

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna joined Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter this afternoon in delivering a back-to-school message from the Governor’s Ceremonial Office in the Capitol. The Governor and Superintendent interacted with students in three Idaho school districts via the Idaho Education Network.

It was Governor Otter’s first virtual office visit with Nezperce High School, New Plymouth High School and Canyon Ridge High School in Twin Falls.

It was an opportunity for government students and student council members from each of the schools to hear from state leaders and report to them on some of the highlights of their areas of Idaho – all at the same time, and live via the IEN.

Many Idaho students with limited access to Boise and the Capitol were able to get the Governor’s perspectives on issues and share their thoughts on a variety of topics.  The Governor and students discussed such issues as wolves, agriculture, gas prices and their schools’ academic achievements.  Students at each of the high schools were well prepared to present their vision and ideas about their local community. They focused on ideas for economic development and tourism.

“I can see why so many of Idaho’s communities are so proud of their heritage and culture when they are so well represented by such talented young students. It makes me proud to be an Idahoan, and to bring this kind of technology to enhance their educational experience,” Governor Otter said.

The Governor and Superintendent Luna encouraged the students to challenge themselves by taking difficult classes to prepare for college, and whenever possible to take advantage of dual credit opportunities and other courses offered over the IEN that might not otherwise be available in their local schools. Governor Otter emphasized the possibilities for collaborating with their peers in other high schools on research and academic competition over the IEN.  

The Idaho Education Network celebrates its one year anniversary next Tuesday, September 14, at 3:30 p.m. MST from the Barbara Morgan Room on the 2nd floor of the Len B. Jordan Building, across State Street from the Capitol in Boise, by recognizing those administrators and teachers who have most creatively embraced the broadband technology in their classrooms. The Governor and Superintendent Luna will host the IEN “Talk” Awards ceremony to recognize these education pioneers.  

Check out photos from today’s event.

~ Melissa M.

Department to Host Regional Meetings on Common Core State Standards

Officials from the State Department of Education will be hitting the road in September to host a series of regional public meetings on the proposed K-12 Common Core State Standards for mathematics and English language arts.

Idaho has worked with 47 other states, two territories and the District of Columbia over the past year to develop these more rigorous, common standards in math and English language arts that are comparable with any country around the world. Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia have already adopted the Common Core State Standards.

“The Common Core State Standards are a voluntary, state-led effort to help ensure Idaho has a public education system that prepares all students to be successful in life after high school,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Idaho students are ready for this challenge.”

Idaho initially signed on to join the Common Core State Standards Initiative in June 2009. This Initiative builds directly on previous efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards. After a series of drafts, public comment periods and revisions, the final Common Core State Standards were published on June 2, 2010.

Adopting the Common Core State Standards is voluntary. Idaho is using the same process to adopt the proposed Common Core State Standards as it uses to adopt content standards each year.

The proposed standards were initially approved by the Idaho State Board of Education in August and are now available for public comment. The standards will go back before the State Board for official approval in November. If approved, the standards will go to the Idaho Legislature in January 2011 for final approval.

Content area experts in math and English language arts from the State Department of Education will be traveling across the state in September to explain how the Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English compare to Idaho’s current standards and to answer questions and gather feedback.

These meetings are open to the public. Teachers, school administrators, parents, community members, and others are invited to attend.

Here is the schedule for the Common Core State Standards Regional Public Meetings:

• September 14: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Idaho Falls (Ammon), Hillcrest High School, Library
• September 15: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pocatello, Idaho State University, Student Union Building Selway Room
• September 16: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Twin Falls, Canyon Ridge High School, Room 301
• September 22: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Coeur d’Alene, North Idaho College, Student Union Building
• September 23: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Lewiston, Lewis-Clark State College, Sacajawea Room 112
• September 29: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Meridian, Mountain View High School, Lecture Hall

If you are unable to attend a regional public meeting, you still have the opportunity to review the standards and comment on the State Department of Education’s website.

~ Melissa M.

Tom Luna visits local school

From the Idaho State Journal in Pocatello, Idaho.

Tom Luna visits local school
By John Bulger

"POCATELLO — Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna got to see the progress of one of his offspring Wednesday when he visited a local charter school.

No, Luna does not have a relative enrolled at the Academy at Roosevelt Center. Rather, Luna toured the school that bases its curriculum and philosophy on the Liberty Charter School in Nampa, which Luna helped establish during his seven years on the Nampa School Board.

The central credo of the schools is that a safe harbor, coupled with highly challenging content, equates to accelerated learning. Luna’s message was for the kids to take every benefit the school offers.

“There are thousands of students just like you all around the state of Idaho that are on waiting lists to go to a school like you are going to,” he said. “You are very privileged to be one of the students in Idaho that can attend a charter school.”

Luna said that schools such as the Academy are a critical component for the future of education by providing additional choices.

“Magnet schools and professional/technical opportunities, dual enrollment, alternative schools — all of those different choices are necessary if we’re going to make sure every child graduates, and not only graduates, but when they graduate from high school and go onto college or into the workforce ..., they do not need remediation,” he said.

Luna’s visit was to kick off the Academy’s newly established foundation to ensure the school’s future, including the expansion into a building that will accommodate a high school program.

“One of the things we don’t want to have happen is to lose out on human resources or program resources because of budget cuts. When a community rallies around and supports an organization like this, it keeps our doors open,” said Jonathan Braack, the academy’s assistant administrator.

The Academy has looked into purchasing the old Bonneville Elementary School at 320 N. Eighth Ave., but has also expressed interest in moving into the Grace Lutheran School facility if that school’s plans to occupy the vacant Ballard Medical facility can be wrangled. Last week, the City Council denied Grace Lutheran a conditional use permit in order to facilitate the purchase of the site.

“We’re just in a holding pattern,” Braack said, “just seeing what all works out.”

During his tour of the classrooms prior to a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a science class interrupted its studies to give Luna its pledge, complete with accompanying pantomime.

“Those who take responsibility for their actions are the real winners in life,” the student recited. “It’s never too late or too early to begin. Time plays no favorites and will pass by whether you act or not.”

Luna applauded.

“I heard what you said in your pledge and ... I believe every bit of that,” he told the students. “What you’ve talked about is exactly what’s happened in my life.”"

"Idaho’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Luna fields questions Wednesday from students at the Academy at Roosevelt Center Charter School in Pocatello."

~Niccole B.