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TEACHER FEATURE: Developing ‘doers’ of science Textbooks are gone from the classroom of Watertown Middle School science teacher Mark Iverson. In their place is the latest in technology: Vernier sensors, 360-degree cameras, virtual reality glasses, 3D printers and more.  |
Proposed certification rule changes to get first reading Nov. 15
Proposed changes to certification rules will get a first reading at the state Board of Education’s Nov. 15 meeting in Sioux Falls. The intent is to streamline rules and make them easier to understand. New rules are scheduled to be phased in, beginning in July 2017.
Open eBooks app expands access for Title I schools
The Open eBooks app contains thousands of popular and award-winning titles that are free for children from in-need households. Educators in Title I or Title I-eligible schools, or programs or libraries that serve at least 70 percent of children from in-need families can sign up. Learn more at openebooks.net.
South Dakota’s ESSA Accountability Work Group has held what should be its final face-to-face meeting. This group’s ideas, along with those of the School Improvement and ELL Work Groups will serve as a starting point for proposals on which the Department of Education will seek broad input from across the state.
Davis-Bahcall Scholarship application open until Jan. 6
High school seniors and college freshman are eligible to apply for the Davis-Bahcall Scholarship program. Davis-Bahcall Scholars spend five weeks in the summer exploring the world of modern scientific research at some of the nation’s leading laboratories and universities. The program also includes travel abroad.
Bringing students to Pierre this winter to observe the state legislature? Discover hands-on history at the Cultural Heritage Center, home of the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society. With a museum visit, students can gain insight into the state history that informs the legislature’s work.
Administrators at Terry Redlin Elementary School in Sioux Falls are working to improve attendance rates with a weekly Strive for 5 program that rewards students for being in school on time, all day, for five consecutive days. So far, they’re encouraged by the results.
Recipients of the 21st Century School Library Award for 2016 were honored at the Systems Change Conference in October. Twelve school libraries received the award, which recognizes performance in three areas: place, programming and the professional.
Teachers of all grade levels can highlight student work in art, literature and photography at the 2017 South Dakota State Fair. The work must be from the 2016-17 school year, and entries must be submitted no later than April 16.
Schools are invited to participate in the Veterans’ Holiday Relief Drive Service Project by filling Buddy Baskets. Each participating school/group will be nominated for a National American Legion Auxiliary Good Deed Award. Find more information on this poster.
A complete listing of events is available at GoSignMeUp.
Board of Education
Nov. 15, Sioux Falls
SBAC Interim Assessments
Nov. 29, Pierre
CTE – Standards Implementation Collaborative Work Day
Jan. 11, Rapid City
Jan. 25, Sioux Falls
Preparing for ACCESS 2.0
Jan. 17, Watertown
Jan. 18, Sioux Falls
Jan. 19, Chamberlain
Jan. 20, Rapid City
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