The Students Come First Technology Task Force is scheduled to meet July 11-12, 2011 at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. The meeting is open to the public.
The Technology Task Force meeting will include presentations on the Maine Learning Technology Initiative, the Denver Public Schools Instructional Management System, and Discovery Learning’s digital content for classrooms.
The task force will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The Executive Committee, made up of subcommittee chairs and vice chairs, will meet from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. See the full agenda.
All meetings are open to the public and will be streamed live online via Idaho Public Television's Legislature Live.
Find more information about the Students Come First Technology Task Force at the Students Come First Website.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Governor Bush, Governor Wise Kick Off First Technology Task Force Meeting
Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida from 1999-2007, and Bob Wise, Governor of West Virginia from 2001-2005, helped kick off the first meeting of Idaho’s Students Come First Technology Task Force.
“The Students Come First Technology Task Force has hit the ground running. Over the past two days, this broad-based group has worked hard, learning from state experts in educational technology and national leaders in education reform,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I am excited for our work going forward as we create the 21st Century Classroom for every Idaho student.”
The Students Come First Technology Task Force is a 39-member task force working to successfully implement the technology components of Idaho’s education reform laws. Specifically, the task force is studying and developing plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses for a graduation requirement, the task force also will develop implementation plans for this requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers.
Governor Bush and Governor Wise, who traveled to Idaho at their own expense, applauded the State of Idaho for its reform efforts. They jointly lead the bipartisan Digital Learning Now! This initiative advances policies to integrate current and future technological innovations into education to provide all students with a customized, quality education experience.
“Imagine if every student in the state of Idaho gained the knowledge to pursue their dreams. Idaho would lead the nation and the world in education as well as business, innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Jeb Bush. “The Students Come First plan is an excellent example of taking real, tangible steps toward improving education. Idaho has the opportunity to pursue the most innovative methods to give every student the opportunity to achieve their God-given learning potential.”
“It is time we stop asking students to power down when they go to school and instead to power up and use their interest in technology and social networking as a new way to learn,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Digital learning can provide all students, rural or urban, with access to a number of high-quality subjects that may not be available in their individual schools, including foreign languages and advanced math and science courses. Effective teachers are an invaluable component of digital learning. Imagine delivering high-quality content over the internet to large numbers of students where classroom teachers could then personalize that content to meet individual students’ learning needs. Now that’s what I call a force multiplier.”
During the two-day meeting, the task force also heard presentations from Jeff Coe and Jeremy Davidson of Schoolnet, Dr. Lisa Dawley and Chris Haskell of Boise State University, and Dan Thomander from Cassia Alternative High School.
Each presentation focused on how Idaho teachers can use technology in the classroom to engage students and enhance the learning experience for every child.
All presentations along with PowerPoints and meeting minutes will be posted on the Students Come First website.
“The Students Come First Technology Task Force has hit the ground running. Over the past two days, this broad-based group has worked hard, learning from state experts in educational technology and national leaders in education reform,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I am excited for our work going forward as we create the 21st Century Classroom for every Idaho student.”
The Students Come First Technology Task Force is a 39-member task force working to successfully implement the technology components of Idaho’s education reform laws. Specifically, the task force is studying and developing plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses for a graduation requirement, the task force also will develop implementation plans for this requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers.
Governor Bush and Governor Wise, who traveled to Idaho at their own expense, applauded the State of Idaho for its reform efforts. They jointly lead the bipartisan Digital Learning Now! This initiative advances policies to integrate current and future technological innovations into education to provide all students with a customized, quality education experience.
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| Gov. Jeb Bush and Gov. Bob Wise present at the Technology Task Force meeting. |
“It is time we stop asking students to power down when they go to school and instead to power up and use their interest in technology and social networking as a new way to learn,” said Bob Wise, president of the Alliance for Excellent Education and former governor of West Virginia. “Digital learning can provide all students, rural or urban, with access to a number of high-quality subjects that may not be available in their individual schools, including foreign languages and advanced math and science courses. Effective teachers are an invaluable component of digital learning. Imagine delivering high-quality content over the internet to large numbers of students where classroom teachers could then personalize that content to meet individual students’ learning needs. Now that’s what I call a force multiplier.”
During the two-day meeting, the task force also heard presentations from Jeff Coe and Jeremy Davidson of Schoolnet, Dr. Lisa Dawley and Chris Haskell of Boise State University, and Dan Thomander from Cassia Alternative High School.
Each presentation focused on how Idaho teachers can use technology in the classroom to engage students and enhance the learning experience for every child.
All presentations along with PowerPoints and meeting minutes will be posted on the Students Come First website.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Qwest Funding for Innovative Uses of Technology in Education in Idaho Classrooms Exceeds Half-Million Dollars
Qwest, soon to be CenturyLink, announced today that its commitment to fund innovative uses of technology in the classroom, administered through the Idaho State Department of Education, has resulted in a milestone. A recent donation of $75,000 brings the total amount funded to more than a half-million dollars invested over the course of eight years.
“Qwest recognized several years ago the value of teachers having access to technology in the classroom and as a result, have been helping teachers across Idaho raise student achievement through the innovative use of technology,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. “I am excited to continue this partnership as we work to create the 21st century classroom in every school across our great state.”
Last year’s grant recipients included Lena Whitmore and West Park Elementary in Moscow, where teacher Luella Stark was awarded $9,600 for programmable LEGO robots to teach math, science and engineering at both schools. In addition, Sunnyside Elementary’s Michelle Ball was awarded $6,900 for iPads and accessories to allow students in Idaho Falls to create presentations on planets, constellations and other space topics and Valley High School’s Sam Franklin in Hazelton used $8,900 for advanced graphing calculators.
“It is very rewarding to provide more than a half-million dollars for teachers to develop creative ways to be innovative with technology in the classroom,” said CenturyLink Idaho Vice President and General Manager Jim Schmit. “We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Idaho students and teachers through this wonderful program.”
Idaho teachers are invited to apply for the newly announced $75,000 in grants that are available from the Qwest Foundation to fund innovative technology projects. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2012.
~ Melissa M.
“Qwest recognized several years ago the value of teachers having access to technology in the classroom and as a result, have been helping teachers across Idaho raise student achievement through the innovative use of technology,” said Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna. “I am excited to continue this partnership as we work to create the 21st century classroom in every school across our great state.”
Last year’s grant recipients included Lena Whitmore and West Park Elementary in Moscow, where teacher Luella Stark was awarded $9,600 for programmable LEGO robots to teach math, science and engineering at both schools. In addition, Sunnyside Elementary’s Michelle Ball was awarded $6,900 for iPads and accessories to allow students in Idaho Falls to create presentations on planets, constellations and other space topics and Valley High School’s Sam Franklin in Hazelton used $8,900 for advanced graphing calculators.
“It is very rewarding to provide more than a half-million dollars for teachers to develop creative ways to be innovative with technology in the classroom,” said CenturyLink Idaho Vice President and General Manager Jim Schmit. “We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Idaho students and teachers through this wonderful program.”
Idaho teachers are invited to apply for the newly announced $75,000 in grants that are available from the Qwest Foundation to fund innovative technology projects. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2012.
~ Melissa M.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Governor Bush, Governor Wise to Present at First Technology Task Force Meeting
Jeb Bush, Governor of Florida from 1999-2007, and Bob Wise, Governor of West Virginia from 2001-2005, will present at the first Students Come First Technology Task Force meeting, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today.
“I am excited to begin the important work of the Technology Task Force next week, and we are pleased former Governors Bush and Wise can help kick off the first meeting,” Superintendent Luna said. “Both of these Governors showed great leadership in improving their state’s public education systems in many ways, including the expansion of advanced technology and virtual learning. As the task force works to reform every Idaho classroom into a 21st Century Classroom, I hope we can learn from the experience of Florida, West Virginia and other states and districts across the country.”
Governor Bush and Governor Wise jointly lead the bipartisan Digital Learning Now! This initiative advances policies to integrate current and future technological innovations into education to provide all students with a customized, quality education experience.
Under Senate Bill 1184, Superintendent Luna is chairing the 39-member task force as it works to successfully implement the technology components of Idaho’s education reform laws, known as Students Come First. Specifically, the legislation calls on the task force to study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses for a graduation requirement, the task force also will develop implementation plans for the requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
The first task force meeting will be held June 13-14, 2011 in the Senate Auditorium at the Idaho Statehouse.
Governor Bush and Governor Wise will present at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14. The meeting will be open to the public and streamed live online via Idaho Public Television’s Legislature Live.
The first meeting will include presentations from other experts in education and technology at national, state, and local levels including Jeff Coe and Jeremy Davidson from Schoolnet; Dr. Lisa Dawley and Chris Haskell with Boise State University; and Dan Thomander from Cassia Alternative High School.
See the full agenda of the first Students Come First Technology Task Force meeting and learn more about the task force online.
“I am excited to begin the important work of the Technology Task Force next week, and we are pleased former Governors Bush and Wise can help kick off the first meeting,” Superintendent Luna said. “Both of these Governors showed great leadership in improving their state’s public education systems in many ways, including the expansion of advanced technology and virtual learning. As the task force works to reform every Idaho classroom into a 21st Century Classroom, I hope we can learn from the experience of Florida, West Virginia and other states and districts across the country.”
Governor Bush and Governor Wise jointly lead the bipartisan Digital Learning Now! This initiative advances policies to integrate current and future technological innovations into education to provide all students with a customized, quality education experience.
Under Senate Bill 1184, Superintendent Luna is chairing the 39-member task force as it works to successfully implement the technology components of Idaho’s education reform laws, known as Students Come First. Specifically, the legislation calls on the task force to study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses for a graduation requirement, the task force also will develop implementation plans for the requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
The first task force meeting will be held June 13-14, 2011 in the Senate Auditorium at the Idaho Statehouse.
Governor Bush and Governor Wise will present at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14. The meeting will be open to the public and streamed live online via Idaho Public Television’s Legislature Live.
The first meeting will include presentations from other experts in education and technology at national, state, and local levels including Jeff Coe and Jeremy Davidson from Schoolnet; Dr. Lisa Dawley and Chris Haskell with Boise State University; and Dan Thomander from Cassia Alternative High School.
See the full agenda of the first Students Come First Technology Task Force meeting and learn more about the task force online.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Superintendent Luna Announces Students Come First Technology Task Force
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna announced today the 38-member Students Come First Technology Task Force that will help implement the unprecedented investments in classroom technology that are part of Idaho’s education reform laws.
Under Senate Bill 1184, the Superintendent of Public Instruction will chair a task force to help in implementing the technology components of the Students Come First law. Specifically, this task force will study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses to graduate, the task force also will develop implementation plans for the requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
“This task force will play a critical role in implementing key components of the Students Come First laws and creating the 21st Century Classroom for every Idaho student, no matter where they live. I’m confident in the group we have put together,” Superintendent Luna said. “Through this task force, we have pulled together individuals from education, technology, and the business community to work together in making this implementation successful for every child.”
Under the law, the task force had to be made up of at least 28 members, 17 of which the State Superintendent appointed and 11 of which were appointed by educational stakeholder groups, the Idaho Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Superintendent Luna expanded the task force to 38 members to include parents, school board trustees, and more classroom teachers.
Now, 12 educators will be serving on the task force, including four current classroom teachers. Teachers include: Idaho’s 2011 Teacher of the Year Stefani Cook, a business teacher at Rigby High School, and 2009 Milken Educator of the Year Aaron McKinnon, a science teacher at South Junior High in Boise.
The task force also includes the House and Senate Education Committee Chairmen, Democrat Rep. Wendy Jaquet, Superintendent Linda Clark of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian), and Bonneville School District Trustee Wendy Horman, among others.
The first task force meeting will be held June 13-14, 2011 in the Auditorium room at the Idaho Statehouse. It will be open to the public. The task force will meet throughout the year.
The following is a list of the members of the Students Come First Technology Task Force. Biographies on each member are attached.
Here is more information about each member of the Students Come First Technology Task Force:
Andy Grover is the superintendent of the Melba School District and a former principal, technology director, special education director, and social studies teacher. Melba High School has gone from three students taking online courses three years ago to 109 online classes this year. Grover also serves on the Idaho Human Rights Education Committee and traveled to Jordan as a delegate to the Idaho Human Rights Council in 2009. He holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Alan Dunn is the superintendent of the Sugar-Salem School District and a former principal and teacher. Sugar-Salem led the state with an online learning graduation requirement, and in the upcoming school year, nearly two-thirds of their high school students will be enrolled in an online or Idaho Education Network (IEN) class. Dunn holds an Education Specialist Degree from Idaho State University.
Linda Clark is the superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian) and a former principal, curriculum director, and teacher. Clark recently received the Northwest Council for Computer Education’s Outstanding Technology Leader of the Year Award and holds an Ed.D. in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Colby Gull is the superintendent of the Challis School District and a former principal and special education teacher. The Challis School District has begun integrating a variety of instructional technology in its classrooms all the way from preschool through high school. Gull is working on an Ed.D. in School Administration from Idaho State University.
Christopher Campbell is the technology director in the Genesee School District and a member of the Idaho Education Technology Association. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems from Andrews University as well as multiple certifications.
Keven Denton is the technology director in Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian). Denton has a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology from Boise State University as well as multiple certifications.
Bicker Therien is the principal of New Plymouth High School in the New Plymouth School District. Therien was formerly the director of Idaho Digital Learning Academy and an alternative school teacher. He holds a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Idaho.
Spencer Barzee is the principal at West Side High School in the West Side School District. West Side High School is a leader in the state in dual credit. Nearly 90% of their students graduated from high school last year having earned college credit. Barzee holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Jennifer Johnson is the finance specialist in the Moscow School District and president of the Idaho Association of School Business Officials. Johnson holds a degree in Business Education from the University of Idaho.
Desiree Laughlin is the head of Idaho Virtual Academy and a former teacher and administrator. Laughlin holds a Master of Education Administration Degree from Idaho State University.
Alan Millar is the principal of Sandpoint Charter School and a former teacher. Millar holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
Stefani Cook is a business education teacher at Rigby High School in the Jefferson County School District and the 2011 Idaho Teacher of the Year. She holds a Masters of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Idaho State University.
Salvatore Lorenzen is a technology teacher at Post Falls High School in the Post Falls School District and a 2009 Giants Award recipient. Lorenzen also serves as a FIRST Robotics coach. He holds an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Idaho.
Eileen Lento is a K-12 Strategist for Intel Corporation. She also serves as a board member for the International Society for Technology in Education.
Gary Smith is a board member for the Eagle/Emmett/Star Tech Corridor (ESTech) and on the Boise Valley Economic Working Group (BVEP). He also serves as a Star City Council Member.
Jayson Ronk is the vice-president of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI), which represents hundreds of businesses across the state. Ronk holds a degree Political Science from Idaho State University.
Michael Fornander is the region vice-president of Data Projection, Inc., a telecommunications and audio/visual design and engineering firm. He is also a former elementary school teacher with a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University.
Maria Nate is a parent in Rexburg and a former school board trustee. Over the past decade, Nate has served on numerous state and district level education committees and was recognized by her local community for her hard work in the successful passage of two school bonds. Nate studied Communications at the University of Utah.
Mary Vollmer is a parent and a registrar at American Falls High School in the American Falls School District.
Debbie Critchfield is the Cassia County School Board Chairman. She has served on the school board for the last 10 years and was a member of the Idaho School Boards Association Executive Board. She holds a Political Science Degree from Brigham Young University.
Melinda Smyser is a school board member in the Parma School District where she has served for 13 years. She is also an educator and counselor of over 25 years. Smyser is a current state senator. She holds a Masters Degree in Education from the College of Idaho.
Wendy Horman is a school board member in the Bonneville School District. She is a mother of five and the former president of the Idaho School Boards Association.
Heidi Rogers is the executive director of the Northwest Council for Computer Education and past president of the International Society for Technology in Education. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University.
Cliff Green is the regional vice president for Insight Schools and a former district technology coordinator and business education teacher. Green previously chaired the Boise State University College of Education Advancement Committee and was the gubernatorial appointment to the Idaho Council for Technology in Learning. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University.
Marne Curtis is a fourth grade teacher at Gooding Elementary School in the Gooding School District. She recently received her Masters of Educational Technology from Boise State University.
Aaron McKinnon is a physical science teacher at South Junior High in the Boise School District and online for Idaho Digital Learning Academy. McKinnon also serves as the technology coordinator at his school. He is the 2009 Milken Idaho Educator of the Year and holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University.
Wendy Jaquet is an Idaho State Representative from Ketchum. She serves on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and the IEN Program Advisory Committee. Jaquet served as the House Minority Leader from 1998-2008.
Sherri Wood is the Idaho Education Association’s appointment to the task force and the current president of the IEA. Wood is a former teacher in the Caldwell School District.
Brad Patzer is an online principal at Idaho Digital Learning Academy and the Northwest Professional Educators’ appointment to the task force. He is the 2003 Milken National Educator of the Year and a member of iNACOL, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. He holds a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Idaho.
George Boland is the superintendent of the Idaho Falls School District and the Idaho Association of School Administrators’ appointment to the task force. Boland currently serves as the Idaho Digital Learning Academy Board Chair and holds an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Brent Lloyd is the president and CEO of Futura Corporation and the Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence’s appointment to the task force. Lloyd also currently serves on as the Saint Alphonsus Health System Chair. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of Idaho.
Mike Caldwell is the director of academics at Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), and IDLA’s appointment to the task force. Caldwell has ten years teaching experience in a traditional high school combined with over eight years experience in eLearning. He holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
Brian Duncan is the Minidoka County School Board Chair and the Idaho School Board Association’s appointment to the task force. Duncan is the manager of Evans Grain and Evans Mineral and Nutrition in Heyburn. He also served as president of the Idaho School Boards Association and holds a degree in Sociology from Weber State University.
Representative Bob Nonini from Coeur d’Alene and Representative Reed DeMordaunt from Eagle have been appointed from the Idaho House of Representatives. Nonini serves as the House Education Chair. DeMordaunt is also a member of the House Education Committee.
Senator John Goedde from Coeur d’Alene and Senator Chuck Winder from Boise have been appointed from the Idaho State Senate. Goedde serves as the Senate Education Chair. Winder is also a member of the Senate Education Committee.
Christine Donnell is the former superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian). She retired in 2004 after spending 34 years in the district as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. She currently serves as executive director of the Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence. Donnell has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Boise State University, a Masters in School Administration from the College of Idaho and a Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Under Senate Bill 1184, the Superintendent of Public Instruction will chair a task force to help in implementing the technology components of the Students Come First law. Specifically, this task force will study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools. Once the State Board of Education determines the number of online courses to graduate, the task force also will develop implementation plans for the requirement, in addition to the necessary professional development for teachers and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
“This task force will play a critical role in implementing key components of the Students Come First laws and creating the 21st Century Classroom for every Idaho student, no matter where they live. I’m confident in the group we have put together,” Superintendent Luna said. “Through this task force, we have pulled together individuals from education, technology, and the business community to work together in making this implementation successful for every child.”
Under the law, the task force had to be made up of at least 28 members, 17 of which the State Superintendent appointed and 11 of which were appointed by educational stakeholder groups, the Idaho Legislature and the Office of the Governor. Superintendent Luna expanded the task force to 38 members to include parents, school board trustees, and more classroom teachers.
Now, 12 educators will be serving on the task force, including four current classroom teachers. Teachers include: Idaho’s 2011 Teacher of the Year Stefani Cook, a business teacher at Rigby High School, and 2009 Milken Educator of the Year Aaron McKinnon, a science teacher at South Junior High in Boise.
The task force also includes the House and Senate Education Committee Chairmen, Democrat Rep. Wendy Jaquet, Superintendent Linda Clark of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian), and Bonneville School District Trustee Wendy Horman, among others.
The first task force meeting will be held June 13-14, 2011 in the Auditorium room at the Idaho Statehouse. It will be open to the public. The task force will meet throughout the year.
The following is a list of the members of the Students Come First Technology Task Force. Biographies on each member are attached.
- District Superintendent: Andy Grover, Melba School District
- District Superintendent: Alan Dunn, Sugar-Salem School District
- District Superintendent: Linda Clark, Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian)
- District Superintendent: Colby Gull, Challis School District
- District Technology Director: Christopher Campbell, Genesee School District
- District Technology Director: Keven Denton, Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian)
- Secondary Principal: Bicker Therien, New Plymouth High School
- Secondary Principal: Spencer Barzee, West Side School District
- Business Manager: Jenn Johnson, Moscow School District
- Head of Virtual School: Desiree Laughlin, Idaho Virtual Academy
- Head of Secondary Charter School: Alan Millar, Sandpoint Charter School
- Secondary Teacher: Salvatore Lorenzen, Post Falls High School
- Secondary Teacher: Stefani Cook, Rigby High School
- Private Education Sector: Eileen Lento, Intel
- Business Community: Gary Smith, Board member of ESTech
- Business Community: Jayson Ronk, Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry
- Business Community: Michael Fornander, Data Projections Inc.
- Parent: Maria Nate, Rexburg
- Parent: Mary Vollmer, Aberdeen
- School Board Trustee: Debbie Critchfield, Cassia County School District
- School Board Trustee: Wendy Horman, Bonneville School District
- School Board Trustee: Melinda Smyser, Parma School District
- At-Large: Marne Curtis, Teacher, Gooding Elementary School
- At-Large: Aaron McKinnon, Teacher, South Junior High School, Boise
- At-Large: Cliff Green, Insight Schools
- At-Large: Rep. Wendy Jaquet, House of Representatives
- At-Large: Heidi Rogers, Executive Director, Northwest Council for Computer Education
- Idaho Education Association: Sherri Wood, President, Idaho Education Association
- Northwest Professional Educators: Brad Patzer, Member
- Idaho Association of School Administrators: George Boland, Superintendent, Idaho Falls School District
- Idaho School Boards Association: Brian Duncan, Trustee, Minidoka County School District
- Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence: Brent Lloyd, President and CEO, Futura Corporation
- Idaho Digital Learning Academy: Mike Caldwell, Director of Academics, Idaho Digital Learning Academy
- Idaho House of Representatives: Rep. Bob Nonini, Chair, House Education Committee, R-Coeur d’Alene
- Idaho House of Representatives: Rep. Reed DeMordaunt, R-Eagle
- Idaho Senate: Sen. John Goedde, Chair, Senate Education Committee, R-Coeur d’Alene
- Idaho Senate: Sen. Chuck Winder, R-Boise
- Office of the Governor: Christine Donnell, former educator and district superintendent
Here is more information about each member of the Students Come First Technology Task Force:
Andy Grover is the superintendent of the Melba School District and a former principal, technology director, special education director, and social studies teacher. Melba High School has gone from three students taking online courses three years ago to 109 online classes this year. Grover also serves on the Idaho Human Rights Education Committee and traveled to Jordan as a delegate to the Idaho Human Rights Council in 2009. He holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Alan Dunn is the superintendent of the Sugar-Salem School District and a former principal and teacher. Sugar-Salem led the state with an online learning graduation requirement, and in the upcoming school year, nearly two-thirds of their high school students will be enrolled in an online or Idaho Education Network (IEN) class. Dunn holds an Education Specialist Degree from Idaho State University.
Linda Clark is the superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian) and a former principal, curriculum director, and teacher. Clark recently received the Northwest Council for Computer Education’s Outstanding Technology Leader of the Year Award and holds an Ed.D. in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Colby Gull is the superintendent of the Challis School District and a former principal and special education teacher. The Challis School District has begun integrating a variety of instructional technology in its classrooms all the way from preschool through high school. Gull is working on an Ed.D. in School Administration from Idaho State University.
Christopher Campbell is the technology director in the Genesee School District and a member of the Idaho Education Technology Association. He holds a degree in Computer Information Systems from Andrews University as well as multiple certifications.
Keven Denton is the technology director in Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian). Denton has a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology from Boise State University as well as multiple certifications.
Bicker Therien is the principal of New Plymouth High School in the New Plymouth School District. Therien was formerly the director of Idaho Digital Learning Academy and an alternative school teacher. He holds a Master of Educational Administration from the University of Idaho.
Spencer Barzee is the principal at West Side High School in the West Side School District. West Side High School is a leader in the state in dual credit. Nearly 90% of their students graduated from high school last year having earned college credit. Barzee holds an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Jennifer Johnson is the finance specialist in the Moscow School District and president of the Idaho Association of School Business Officials. Johnson holds a degree in Business Education from the University of Idaho.
Desiree Laughlin is the head of Idaho Virtual Academy and a former teacher and administrator. Laughlin holds a Master of Education Administration Degree from Idaho State University.
Alan Millar is the principal of Sandpoint Charter School and a former teacher. Millar holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.
Stefani Cook is a business education teacher at Rigby High School in the Jefferson County School District and the 2011 Idaho Teacher of the Year. She holds a Masters of Education Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Idaho State University.
Salvatore Lorenzen is a technology teacher at Post Falls High School in the Post Falls School District and a 2009 Giants Award recipient. Lorenzen also serves as a FIRST Robotics coach. He holds an Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Idaho.
Eileen Lento is a K-12 Strategist for Intel Corporation. She also serves as a board member for the International Society for Technology in Education.
Gary Smith is a board member for the Eagle/Emmett/Star Tech Corridor (ESTech) and on the Boise Valley Economic Working Group (BVEP). He also serves as a Star City Council Member.
Jayson Ronk is the vice-president of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry (IACI), which represents hundreds of businesses across the state. Ronk holds a degree Political Science from Idaho State University.
Michael Fornander is the region vice-president of Data Projection, Inc., a telecommunications and audio/visual design and engineering firm. He is also a former elementary school teacher with a Masters Degree in Educational Technology from Boise State University.
Maria Nate is a parent in Rexburg and a former school board trustee. Over the past decade, Nate has served on numerous state and district level education committees and was recognized by her local community for her hard work in the successful passage of two school bonds. Nate studied Communications at the University of Utah.
Mary Vollmer is a parent and a registrar at American Falls High School in the American Falls School District.
Debbie Critchfield is the Cassia County School Board Chairman. She has served on the school board for the last 10 years and was a member of the Idaho School Boards Association Executive Board. She holds a Political Science Degree from Brigham Young University.
Melinda Smyser is a school board member in the Parma School District where she has served for 13 years. She is also an educator and counselor of over 25 years. Smyser is a current state senator. She holds a Masters Degree in Education from the College of Idaho.
Wendy Horman is a school board member in the Bonneville School District. She is a mother of five and the former president of the Idaho School Boards Association.
Heidi Rogers is the executive director of the Northwest Council for Computer Education and past president of the International Society for Technology in Education. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Oklahoma State University.
Cliff Green is the regional vice president for Insight Schools and a former district technology coordinator and business education teacher. Green previously chaired the Boise State University College of Education Advancement Committee and was the gubernatorial appointment to the Idaho Council for Technology in Learning. He holds a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University.
Marne Curtis is a fourth grade teacher at Gooding Elementary School in the Gooding School District. She recently received her Masters of Educational Technology from Boise State University.
Aaron McKinnon is a physical science teacher at South Junior High in the Boise School District and online for Idaho Digital Learning Academy. McKinnon also serves as the technology coordinator at his school. He is the 2009 Milken Idaho Educator of the Year and holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University.
Wendy Jaquet is an Idaho State Representative from Ketchum. She serves on the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee and the IEN Program Advisory Committee. Jaquet served as the House Minority Leader from 1998-2008.
Sherri Wood is the Idaho Education Association’s appointment to the task force and the current president of the IEA. Wood is a former teacher in the Caldwell School District.
Brad Patzer is an online principal at Idaho Digital Learning Academy and the Northwest Professional Educators’ appointment to the task force. He is the 2003 Milken National Educator of the Year and a member of iNACOL, the International Association for K-12 Online Learning. He holds a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Idaho.
George Boland is the superintendent of the Idaho Falls School District and the Idaho Association of School Administrators’ appointment to the task force. Boland currently serves as the Idaho Digital Learning Academy Board Chair and holds an Education Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Brent Lloyd is the president and CEO of Futura Corporation and the Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence’s appointment to the task force. Lloyd also currently serves on as the Saint Alphonsus Health System Chair. He holds a J.D. degree from the University of Idaho.
Mike Caldwell is the director of academics at Idaho Digital Learning Academy (IDLA), and IDLA’s appointment to the task force. Caldwell has ten years teaching experience in a traditional high school combined with over eight years experience in eLearning. He holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.
Brian Duncan is the Minidoka County School Board Chair and the Idaho School Board Association’s appointment to the task force. Duncan is the manager of Evans Grain and Evans Mineral and Nutrition in Heyburn. He also served as president of the Idaho School Boards Association and holds a degree in Sociology from Weber State University.
Representative Bob Nonini from Coeur d’Alene and Representative Reed DeMordaunt from Eagle have been appointed from the Idaho House of Representatives. Nonini serves as the House Education Chair. DeMordaunt is also a member of the House Education Committee.
Senator John Goedde from Coeur d’Alene and Senator Chuck Winder from Boise have been appointed from the Idaho State Senate. Goedde serves as the Senate Education Chair. Winder is also a member of the Senate Education Committee.
Christine Donnell is the former superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 (Meridian). She retired in 2004 after spending 34 years in the district as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent. She currently serves as executive director of the Idaho Business Coalition for Education Excellence. Donnell has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Boise State University, a Masters in School Administration from the College of Idaho and a Specialist Degree from the University of Idaho.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Superintendent Luna Responds to News that Referendum will be on the Ballot
The following is a statement from Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna in response to news that enough signatures have been gathered to put a referendum on the Students Come First laws on the ballot in November 2012.
“We knew the referendum was a possibility, but I remain confident that a majority of Idahoans support education reform in Idaho. Repealing these laws would mean a return to the status quo, where the hands of local school boards are tied, educators receive tenure, the state distributes retirement bonuses, every teacher is paid the exact same, staffing decisions are made solely based on seniority, and classrooms remain stuck in the 20th century. This isn’t the answer to the challenges we face in education today. The burden of proof should be on those who want to defend the status quo, not on those who want to change it.”
“We knew the referendum was a possibility, but I remain confident that a majority of Idahoans support education reform in Idaho. Repealing these laws would mean a return to the status quo, where the hands of local school boards are tied, educators receive tenure, the state distributes retirement bonuses, every teacher is paid the exact same, staffing decisions are made solely based on seniority, and classrooms remain stuck in the 20th century. This isn’t the answer to the challenges we face in education today. The burden of proof should be on those who want to defend the status quo, not on those who want to change it.”
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Albertson Foundation Donates $21 Million to Improve 21st Century Classroom for Teachers
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation announced today it is donating $21 million to the State Department of Education to help create the 21st century classroom in every Idaho school. With its grant funding, the Foundation will help equip classroom teachers across the state with state-of-the-art tools to raise student achievement through data-driven decision making.
“This is an exciting day for Idaho students, teachers and school leaders. This generous grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation builds upon the bold and innovative reforms we have made through the Students Come First laws,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “While the Students Come First laws invest in advanced technology used for instruction, this Albertson Foundation grant will give every classroom teacher the technology they need to streamline reporting processes, save critical instructional time and gain access to immediate data on student achievement, robust assessments and research-based best practices. I am grateful to the Albertson Foundation for this donation and its show of confidence in the direction that Idaho schools are now going.”
With this funding, the Idaho State Department of Education will offer local school districts and public charter schools grants to implement the Schoolnet learning management system. Through this secure software, classroom teachers will have instant access to current, accurate data. With this, they can develop lesson plans, share best practices, and assess and analyze student progress throughout the school year.
School administrators and school board trustees are able to use this technology to track student progress schoolwide as well as the impact of specific programs or professional development. Parents will have the ability to check their child’s grades and communicate with the teacher.
The state has been working for two years to identify this type of innovative technology that Idaho teachers and school leaders can use to ensure all Idaho students successfully graduate from high school prepared to go on to postsecondary education and the 21st century workforce. The Schoolnet learning management system was chosen last year after a rigorous selection process conducted by classroom teachers, school administrators, parents, school board trustees, and representatives of the business community.
Many classroom teachers and school administrators are excited to begin using Schoolnet. Here are a few examples:
Dr. Linda Clark, Superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 based in Meridian: “Joint School District No. 2 has been actively seeking a solution for formative assessment and hope Schoolnet can meet this need. We appreciate the willingness of the Albertson Foundation to partner with and support the educational community in using data for continuous school improvement and increased student academic growth and achievement.”
Gretchen Simpson, a middle school teacher at Rimrock Junior Senior High School: “I attended the Schoolnet training in March and believe that Schoolnet will provide teachers with immediate and meaningful information about their students’ previous and current performance on both state assessments and content assessments within classrooms. This information is vital in planning for sound instruction as well as targeting and closing the gaps that are found in student learning.”
Ryan Kerby, Superintendent of the New Plymouth School District: “This announcement is exciting,” said Ryan Kerby, Superintendent of the New Plymouth School District. “The assessment piece of Schoolnet will allow our great teachers to use technology to identify gaps in student learning, enhancing teacher’s ability to review or re-teach, maximizing the learning for all kids.”
Vickie Chandler, Superintendent of the Bruneau-Grand View Jt. School District: “As a superintendent of a small school district in Idaho, and as a principal of a 7-12 Jr./Sr. High, I am excited and supportive of the ability to access Schoolnet as provided by the Albertson Foundation grant. Our budget does not allow for many of the formative assessment tools that Schoolnet will provide as well as the End of Course Assessments that are being required and of great benefit to our teachers as well as our school leadership team to determine appropriate curriculum and progress monitoring of all students. This is truly a gift to our staff and students.”
William Goodman of the Bruneau-Grand View Joint School District: “I am very excited that the Idaho State Department of Education and the Albertson Foundation have teamed up to provide the assessment module for Schoolnet for Idaho schools. I have had the option to review this system and as a classroom teacher, District Technology Coordinator, Idaho Education Technology Association Regional Representative, and a parent, I can say that Schoolnet will provide teachers with a tool that will allow them to make greater progress in educating Idaho’s youth.”
“This is an exciting day for Idaho students, teachers and school leaders. This generous grant from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation builds upon the bold and innovative reforms we have made through the Students Come First laws,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “While the Students Come First laws invest in advanced technology used for instruction, this Albertson Foundation grant will give every classroom teacher the technology they need to streamline reporting processes, save critical instructional time and gain access to immediate data on student achievement, robust assessments and research-based best practices. I am grateful to the Albertson Foundation for this donation and its show of confidence in the direction that Idaho schools are now going.”
With this funding, the Idaho State Department of Education will offer local school districts and public charter schools grants to implement the Schoolnet learning management system. Through this secure software, classroom teachers will have instant access to current, accurate data. With this, they can develop lesson plans, share best practices, and assess and analyze student progress throughout the school year.
School administrators and school board trustees are able to use this technology to track student progress schoolwide as well as the impact of specific programs or professional development. Parents will have the ability to check their child’s grades and communicate with the teacher.
The state has been working for two years to identify this type of innovative technology that Idaho teachers and school leaders can use to ensure all Idaho students successfully graduate from high school prepared to go on to postsecondary education and the 21st century workforce. The Schoolnet learning management system was chosen last year after a rigorous selection process conducted by classroom teachers, school administrators, parents, school board trustees, and representatives of the business community.
Many classroom teachers and school administrators are excited to begin using Schoolnet. Here are a few examples:
Dr. Linda Clark, Superintendent of Joint School District No. 2 based in Meridian: “Joint School District No. 2 has been actively seeking a solution for formative assessment and hope Schoolnet can meet this need. We appreciate the willingness of the Albertson Foundation to partner with and support the educational community in using data for continuous school improvement and increased student academic growth and achievement.”
Gretchen Simpson, a middle school teacher at Rimrock Junior Senior High School: “I attended the Schoolnet training in March and believe that Schoolnet will provide teachers with immediate and meaningful information about their students’ previous and current performance on both state assessments and content assessments within classrooms. This information is vital in planning for sound instruction as well as targeting and closing the gaps that are found in student learning.”
Ryan Kerby, Superintendent of the New Plymouth School District: “This announcement is exciting,” said Ryan Kerby, Superintendent of the New Plymouth School District. “The assessment piece of Schoolnet will allow our great teachers to use technology to identify gaps in student learning, enhancing teacher’s ability to review or re-teach, maximizing the learning for all kids.”
Vickie Chandler, Superintendent of the Bruneau-Grand View Jt. School District: “As a superintendent of a small school district in Idaho, and as a principal of a 7-12 Jr./Sr. High, I am excited and supportive of the ability to access Schoolnet as provided by the Albertson Foundation grant. Our budget does not allow for many of the formative assessment tools that Schoolnet will provide as well as the End of Course Assessments that are being required and of great benefit to our teachers as well as our school leadership team to determine appropriate curriculum and progress monitoring of all students. This is truly a gift to our staff and students.”
William Goodman of the Bruneau-Grand View Joint School District: “I am very excited that the Idaho State Department of Education and the Albertson Foundation have teamed up to provide the assessment module for Schoolnet for Idaho schools. I have had the option to review this system and as a classroom teacher, District Technology Coordinator, Idaho Education Technology Association Regional Representative, and a parent, I can say that Schoolnet will provide teachers with a tool that will allow them to make greater progress in educating Idaho’s youth.”
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