Students across Idaho now have access to sample test questions for grades 3–8 and 11 in both English language arts/literacy and mathematics, similar to questions students will see in the new assessment they will take beginning in Spring 2015.
Idaho is transitioning to higher academic standards, known as the Idaho Core Standards, in English language arts/literacy and mathematics next school year. Students will first be measured against these higher academic standards in Spring 2015.
“The Practice Tests are another tool we are able to provide parents, teachers and students in the coming years as we transition to higher academic standards in mathematics and English language arts,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “In Idaho, we face a significant challenge. While we have one of the highest graduation rates in the United States, we rank nearly last in the nation when it comes to the number of students who pursue education after high school, which we know is critical to succeed in the workforce of today. With these higher academic standards and a robust assessment to measure students against these standards, we can now ensure every Idaho student who graduates from high school is prepared with the skills and knowledge they will need to be successful in life after high school.”
Idaho is a governing state in a state-led effort to develop the next generation of assessments that will replace the ISAT and better measure students’ academic progress every year. Through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, Idaho is collaborating with more than 20 other states to develop a year-end assessment as well as assessment tools teachers can use in the classroom throughout the school year to monitor student progress. The new year-end test will include multiple choice questions as well as open-ended questions that require students to solve complex problems, utilize technology, and show their work.
While the first test will not be administered to students until Spring 2015, the Practice Tests are available online and available for anyone. Teachers can access these example questions to incorporate in lesson plans or upcoming professional development opportunities. Parents can take a look and better understand what students will be expected to know and be able to do at the end of each grade level, and students can experience the features of this new test and how it might differ from the ISAT.
The Practice Tests are freely available on the Smarter Balanced website. To access the tests by grade level, click on the “Explore the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests” link in the middle of the page and then click on the box titled “Student Interface Practice Tests.” From there, click “sign in” and explore the example test items by grade level.
(Please note: the Practice Tests are not currently available for viewing on Internet Explorer. They are available on most other browsers, including Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome.)
The Practice Tests include questions with the same features that students will experience in the 2014-15 school year. The test system also includes an initial set of accessibility tools for all students and accommodations—such as Braille—for those who need them.
The tests provide a preview of the Smarter Balanced assessments, but they do not reflect the full range of content that students may encounter on the operational assessments. In addition, students and teachers will not receive reports or scores from the Practice Tests.
As a governing state in Smarter Balanced, Idaho plays a key role in the development of these next-generation assessments. More than 100 educators from Idaho have participated in the development and review of assessment items, achievement level descriptors, and test specifications since 2011.
The release of online Practice Tests demonstrates that the work of the state-led consortium is on track and moving forward. In May, Smarter Balanced concluded a Pilot Test of the assessment system in 21 Governing States. About 120 schools across Idaho participated in this scientific pilot earlier this year.
What are the Idaho Core Standards?
Idaho voluntarily chose to adopt the Common Core State Standards as Idaho’s new Core Standards in English language arts and Mathematics in 2011. The Common Core State Standards were developed in 2009 through a voluntary, state-led effort in which states took the lead to develop these new academic standards that are higher, more in depth, and comparable with any other country in the world. The standards were published in 2010. Idaho held more than 20 public meetings across the state to get feedback on the standards. Idaho teachers reviewed the standards and conducted a gap analysis comparing Idaho’s previous standards to the new standards. The State Board of Education reviewed the standards, held a public comment period, and approved them in November 2010. The House and Senate Education Committees of the Idaho Legislature gave final approval of the standards in 2011. Idaho schools have been working to implement these standards two years.
Learn more about Idaho’s work to raise academic standards on our website.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Eastern Idaho teachers win approximately $7,000 in grants from the CenturyLink Foundation for innovative technology projects
CenturyLink, Inc. today announced the two eastern Idaho winners of the CenturyLink Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. The program awards teachers in CenturyLink’s local service areas who have innovatively implemented technology in their classroom to increase student achievement. These teachers are among 16 statewide winners of the grant, with an approximate total of $70,000 donated in Idaho this year.
CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Idaho, Jim Schmit, presented the awards to both teachers in their individual classrooms on May 22.
“The selection committee, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Education, reviewed more than 70 applications and was very impressed with the number of entries and overall excellence of the grant proposals,” Schmit said. “There are many teachers in Idaho who are doing innovative things with technology in their classrooms. This is a great opportunity for the CenturyLink Foundation to make a positive difference in students’ lives by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their outstanding work, and supporting them in further expanding their use of technology. Over the years, we have found that students are genuinely excited to experience the learning opportunities provided by these teachers through their creative use of technology.”
The teachers will use the funds to purchase technology with which to engage students and supplement their curriculum:
About the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service. CenturyLink extends this vision through the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to contributing to endeavors that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people throughout CenturyLink’s communities. Named after CenturyLink’s founder Clarke M. Williams, the Foundation is endowed by CenturyLink to support community initiatives that encourage our employees to use their time, talents and resources to strengthen the communities in which they live and work.
CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Idaho, Jim Schmit, presented the awards to both teachers in their individual classrooms on May 22.
“The selection committee, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Education, reviewed more than 70 applications and was very impressed with the number of entries and overall excellence of the grant proposals,” Schmit said. “There are many teachers in Idaho who are doing innovative things with technology in their classrooms. This is a great opportunity for the CenturyLink Foundation to make a positive difference in students’ lives by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their outstanding work, and supporting them in further expanding their use of technology. Over the years, we have found that students are genuinely excited to experience the learning opportunities provided by these teachers through their creative use of technology.”
The teachers will use the funds to purchase technology with which to engage students and supplement their curriculum:
- Arik Durfee, a teacher at the Compass Academy in Idaho Falls, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase video equipment and accessories for students to create an educational YouTube channel called “Science in Slow Motion” where they can publish student-made videos.
- Trevor Jensen, a teacher at Beutler Middle School, was awarded approximately $2,000 to purchase an iMac computer, as well as a digital audio recorder and tripod, to create a dedicated video editing station for producing and sharing educational videos.
About the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service. CenturyLink extends this vision through the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to contributing to endeavors that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people throughout CenturyLink’s communities. Named after CenturyLink’s founder Clarke M. Williams, the Foundation is endowed by CenturyLink to support community initiatives that encourage our employees to use their time, talents and resources to strengthen the communities in which they live and work.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Southern Idaho teachers win $30,000 in grants from the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink, Inc. today announced the six southern Idaho winners of the CenturyLink Foundation’s Teachers and Technology grant program, administered by the Idaho Department of Education. The program awards teachers in CenturyLink’s local service areas who have innovatively implemented technology in their classroom to increase student achievement. These teachers are among 16 statewide winners of the grant, with an approximate total of $70,000 donated in Idaho this year.
CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Idaho, Jim Schmit, presented the awards to all six teachers in their individual classrooms on May 21.
“The selection committee, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Education, reviewed more than 70 applications and was very impressed with the number of entries and overall excellence of the grant proposals,” Schmit said. “There are many teachers in Idaho who are doing innovative things with technology in their classrooms. This is a great opportunity for the CenturyLink Foundation to make a positive difference in students’ lives by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their outstanding work, and supporting them in further expanding their use of technology. Over the years, we have found that students are genuinely excited to experience the learning opportunities provided by these teachers through their creative use of technology.”
The teachers will use the funds to purchase technology with which to engage students and supplement their curriculum:
· LeAnn Castor, a teacher at Vision Charter School in Caldwell, was awarded $5,000 to purchase iPad Minis and tripods that her students will use to create stop motion animated videos.
· Shaun Cornwell, a teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in Caldwell, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase netbooks for his students to use for “Quadblogging,” a modern twist on the pen pal in which students blog with classes from around the world.
· Sandy Powell, a teacher at Emmett High School in Emmett, was awarded $5,000 for camera equipment for students to capture high-speed and time-lapsed videos of science experiments.
· Brad Fackrell, a teacher at Purple Sage Elementary School in Caldwell, was awarded $5,000 for power and data upgrades to the school’s Extended Classroom Research and Presentation Center, as well as to purchase camera equipment and iPad Minis for students to use in a variety of classes.
· Glen Croft, a teacher at ATLAS School in Middleton, was awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and accessories for students to use in a variety of classroom activities, including developing financial plans and learning about business writing.
· Melisa LaPrath, a teacher at Ridgeline High School in Nampa, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase MacBooks and iAuthor software so that students will have access to books with interactive features such as diagrams, galleries and 3D objects.
“These teachers know and understand the important role technology can play in the classroom to help individualize instruction and raise academic achievement for every student,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I am grateful to the CenturyLink Foundation for its continued commitment to Idaho’s teachers and students every year as they work to bring these innovative ideas to life and create a 21st century classroom in every school.”
About the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service. CenturyLink extends this vision through the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to contributing to endeavors that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people throughout CenturyLink’s communities. Named after CenturyLink’s founder Clarke M. Williams, the Foundation is endowed by CenturyLink to support community initiatives that encourage our employees to use their time, talents and resources to strengthen the communities in which they live and work.
CenturyLink’s vice president and general manager for Idaho, Jim Schmit, presented the awards to all six teachers in their individual classrooms on May 21.
“The selection committee, which included representatives from the Idaho Department of Education, reviewed more than 70 applications and was very impressed with the number of entries and overall excellence of the grant proposals,” Schmit said. “There are many teachers in Idaho who are doing innovative things with technology in their classrooms. This is a great opportunity for the CenturyLink Foundation to make a positive difference in students’ lives by identifying some of those teachers, recognizing them for their outstanding work, and supporting them in further expanding their use of technology. Over the years, we have found that students are genuinely excited to experience the learning opportunities provided by these teachers through their creative use of technology.”
The teachers will use the funds to purchase technology with which to engage students and supplement their curriculum:
· LeAnn Castor, a teacher at Vision Charter School in Caldwell, was awarded $5,000 to purchase iPad Minis and tripods that her students will use to create stop motion animated videos.
· Shaun Cornwell, a teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in Caldwell, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase netbooks for his students to use for “Quadblogging,” a modern twist on the pen pal in which students blog with classes from around the world.
· Sandy Powell, a teacher at Emmett High School in Emmett, was awarded $5,000 for camera equipment for students to capture high-speed and time-lapsed videos of science experiments.
· Brad Fackrell, a teacher at Purple Sage Elementary School in Caldwell, was awarded $5,000 for power and data upgrades to the school’s Extended Classroom Research and Presentation Center, as well as to purchase camera equipment and iPad Minis for students to use in a variety of classes.
· Glen Croft, a teacher at ATLAS School in Middleton, was awarded $5,000 to purchase iPads and accessories for students to use in a variety of classroom activities, including developing financial plans and learning about business writing.
· Melisa LaPrath, a teacher at Ridgeline High School in Nampa, was awarded approximately $5,000 to purchase MacBooks and iAuthor software so that students will have access to books with interactive features such as diagrams, galleries and 3D objects.
“These teachers know and understand the important role technology can play in the classroom to help individualize instruction and raise academic achievement for every student,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I am grateful to the CenturyLink Foundation for its continued commitment to Idaho’s teachers and students every year as they work to bring these innovative ideas to life and create a 21st century classroom in every school.”
About the CenturyLink Foundation
CenturyLink’s vision is to improve lives, strengthen businesses and connect communities by delivering advanced technologies and solutions with honest and personal service. CenturyLink extends this vision through the CenturyLink Clarke M. Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to contributing to endeavors that improve the well-being and overall quality of life for people throughout CenturyLink’s communities. Named after CenturyLink’s founder Clarke M. Williams, the Foundation is endowed by CenturyLink to support community initiatives that encourage our employees to use their time, talents and resources to strengthen the communities in which they live and work.
Latest Census Report Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Did you know that about half of Idaho’s state revenues are spent on Idaho’s K-12 public schools each year? That's well above the national average of just 34 percent.
You wouldn't know that that by looking at the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau on per-pupil spending. This report is published and always shows Idaho and Utah near the bottom in rankings of per-pupil spending when compared to other states.
“It's really one of the only common standards we can measure across states. I've said this many times: it's why common academic standards are important,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said about the U.S. Census Bureau report. “It's difficult to compare how states do academically. NAEP is only a sampling of students, and you can't get down to the school level. If the only way you can compare schools is based on how much we spend per student, then it's going to get a lot of attention. It's important information. I don’t take it lightly. But it's also important to compare our students to how students in other states do academically. I hope academically gets as much attention, and with the Common Core State Standards we will get that.”
Idaho voluntarily chose to adopt the Common Core State Standards in 2011, making them Idaho’s Core Standards in mathematics and English language arts. This means Idaho now has similar standards in these two core subject areas with 44 other states across the country and will be able to finally compare how Idaho’s students perform academically with students in a majority of other states.
“How students perform academically should be as important, and it will then have an impact on what we do spend,” Superintendent Luna added.
Superintendent Luna also pointed out that Idaho spends about 47 percent of its general fund state revenues on education per year. During the recession, K-12 education made up more than 50 percent of the state budget. Idaho is well above average in its commitment of state revenues. According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, states on average dedicated just 34 percent of state revenues to K-12 public schools in a given year.
Superintendent Luna has worked in education at the local, state and federal levels. “I’ve never said take some of this money back. We can’t find places to spend it. But while looking for more revenue, we have to look at what we’re currently spending and make sure we’re getting efficient use of it,” Superintendent Luna said. “I recognize the important role money plays in education, but I recognize we have to spend what we have most efficiently.”
You can also read Idaho Education News for more information on the latest Census report.
You wouldn't know that that by looking at the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau on per-pupil spending. This report is published and always shows Idaho and Utah near the bottom in rankings of per-pupil spending when compared to other states.
“It's really one of the only common standards we can measure across states. I've said this many times: it's why common academic standards are important,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said about the U.S. Census Bureau report. “It's difficult to compare how states do academically. NAEP is only a sampling of students, and you can't get down to the school level. If the only way you can compare schools is based on how much we spend per student, then it's going to get a lot of attention. It's important information. I don’t take it lightly. But it's also important to compare our students to how students in other states do academically. I hope academically gets as much attention, and with the Common Core State Standards we will get that.”
Idaho voluntarily chose to adopt the Common Core State Standards in 2011, making them Idaho’s Core Standards in mathematics and English language arts. This means Idaho now has similar standards in these two core subject areas with 44 other states across the country and will be able to finally compare how Idaho’s students perform academically with students in a majority of other states.
“How students perform academically should be as important, and it will then have an impact on what we do spend,” Superintendent Luna added.
Superintendent Luna also pointed out that Idaho spends about 47 percent of its general fund state revenues on education per year. During the recession, K-12 education made up more than 50 percent of the state budget. Idaho is well above average in its commitment of state revenues. According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, states on average dedicated just 34 percent of state revenues to K-12 public schools in a given year.
Superintendent Luna has worked in education at the local, state and federal levels. “I’ve never said take some of this money back. We can’t find places to spend it. But while looking for more revenue, we have to look at what we’re currently spending and make sure we’re getting efficient use of it,” Superintendent Luna said. “I recognize the important role money plays in education, but I recognize we have to spend what we have most efficiently.”
You can also read Idaho Education News for more information on the latest Census report.
Monday, May 6, 2013
IDAHO SCHOOLS CAN NOW APPLY FOR TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROJECT GRANTS
Schools across Idaho now have the opportunity to put their visions for the next-generation classroom into action. The Idaho State Department of Education announced today that schools can now apply for the Idaho Technology Pilot Project funds.
“The demand for more technology in the classroom among students, teachers, and parents continues to grow. It’s clear in the 21st Century that technology is a critical tool to help engage students and raise academic achievement,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Through the Idaho Technology Pilot Program, the state will identify effective classroom technologies that can be fully integrated at any grade level and will be scalable and sustainable in any school statewide to make sure every child and every teacher – no matter where they live – have equal access to the necessary tools and the best educational opportunities.”
The Idaho Legislature appropriated $3 million in funding for technology pilot projects in K-12 public schools. The goal is for schools to pilot ways that the effective use of technology in elementary and secondary schools can help improve student achievement.
The Idaho State Department of Education worked with a committee of experts in education technology to design the application process.
To be eligible, a pilot project must be designed to improve student academic growth and financial efficiencies throughout an entire school. The project must be scalable to other schools in Idaho and sustainable statewide after the technology pilot period ends. The grant funding for the pilot projects will be for one fiscal year. Local school districts can plan to implement the pilot projects over a one-year or two-year period.
Each application must include a research component that shows how the school will evaluate student achievement and other measures. At the end of the technology pilot period, the state will evaluate the pilot projects and identify best practices for how the state can improve education for every child by providing the necessary instructional technology in every classroom in the state.
Only one application per school is permitted. The state will accept multiple applications from a district.
Grant proposals must be submitted via e-mail to the Idaho State Department of Education before midnight (MST) on June 14, 2013. Awardees will be announced before the beginning of July, when funding becomes available.
Download the grant application online.
“The demand for more technology in the classroom among students, teachers, and parents continues to grow. It’s clear in the 21st Century that technology is a critical tool to help engage students and raise academic achievement,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Through the Idaho Technology Pilot Program, the state will identify effective classroom technologies that can be fully integrated at any grade level and will be scalable and sustainable in any school statewide to make sure every child and every teacher – no matter where they live – have equal access to the necessary tools and the best educational opportunities.”
The Idaho Legislature appropriated $3 million in funding for technology pilot projects in K-12 public schools. The goal is for schools to pilot ways that the effective use of technology in elementary and secondary schools can help improve student achievement.
The Idaho State Department of Education worked with a committee of experts in education technology to design the application process.
To be eligible, a pilot project must be designed to improve student academic growth and financial efficiencies throughout an entire school. The project must be scalable to other schools in Idaho and sustainable statewide after the technology pilot period ends. The grant funding for the pilot projects will be for one fiscal year. Local school districts can plan to implement the pilot projects over a one-year or two-year period.
Each application must include a research component that shows how the school will evaluate student achievement and other measures. At the end of the technology pilot period, the state will evaluate the pilot projects and identify best practices for how the state can improve education for every child by providing the necessary instructional technology in every classroom in the state.
Only one application per school is permitted. The state will accept multiple applications from a district.
Grant proposals must be submitted via e-mail to the Idaho State Department of Education before midnight (MST) on June 14, 2013. Awardees will be announced before the beginning of July, when funding becomes available.
Download the grant application online.
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