| HOT TOPICS | |
 |
SBAC testing window open March 8-May 5
The Smarter Balanced testing window opens March 8 for all tested grade levels (grades 3-8 and 11). Find more information on the Department of Education website. Check announcements on the Smarter Balanced portal for updates or contact Jan Martin to receive email alerts. |
 |
Applications available for statewide mentoring program
The statewide mentoring program provides a first-year teacher access to a mentor teacher for a period of two years. Applications for new mentors are due May 1, and applications for new teachers are due June 16. Late hires will also have an opportunity to participate.  |
 |
DOE seeking applicants for standards review work groups
|
Two SD schools honored as National Title I Distinguished Schools Anne Sullivan Elementary (Sioux Falls) and Leola Elementary were among those honored recently as National Title I Distinguished Schools at the National Title I Conference in Long Beach, Calif. Kudos to these outstanding schools! |
 |
Perkins Reserve grant apps due March 13
The Department of Education is accepting applications for Perkins Reserve Grants. Maximum grant awards of $30,000 are available. These grants will be awarded competitively for purchase of industry-grade classroom equipment or curricula or high-quality professional development. |
 |
SDMyLife update: Personal Learning Plans
A new Personal Learning Plan tab on SDMyLife provides students a more comprehensive view of the career decision-making process, broken down into five clear steps. There is also a new resource for parents to help them support their child throughout the decision-making process. |
|
Share your knowledge by presenting at an upcoming conference
Conference organizers call for proposals
|
 |
Deadline extended to add to DOE’s Emerging Classroom Leaders Pool
Tell us about that early-career teacher in your district who goes above and beyond. The Department of Education maintains a list of Emerging Classroom Leaders to be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces, as well as candidates for special recognition programs. |
 |
Nominate a teacher for the Aspiring School Leaders program
The Aspiring School Leaders program has been helping South Dakota grow its next generation of school leaders for more than 15 years. This year’s program will be held April 20-21, in the Black Hills. Teacher applications are due March 17. Find more info at http://www.midwestmaple.org/. |
 |
Make plans now for selecting your district's Teacher of the Year
Who will be your District Teacher of the Year this spring? Start seeking nominations for this special recognition now. Districts can determine their own methods for selecting winners, but nomination forms should be made widely available. |
 |
Upcoming Events A complete listing of events is available at GoSignMeUp. SD-STARS Webinar for STARS Account Managers March 9 April 13 May 11 School Finance Accountability Board March 16, Pierre Board of Education March 20, Aberdeen South Dakota Special Education Conference March 21-22, Deadwood SD-STARS Webinar for Data STARS March 23 April 27 May 25 New & Recent Sped Director Webinar Series March 28 April 25 **Note: Each session of the New & Recent Sped Director Webinar Series listed is unique; not a repeat of a previous session Administrative Support Series April 5, online Multi-hazard Emergency Planning for Schools April 6-7, Title Programs Wednesday Café April 12, online South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference April 20-22, Sioux Falls Perkins Data Collection Training April 25, Pierre April 26, Rapid City April 27, Mitchell May 1, Sioux Falls Save the Date!
|
Printable version of this newsletter.
©2017 S.D. Department of Education, 800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501 - (605) 773-3134