The Child Nutrition Division of the State Department of Education is seeking sponsors for this year’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free meals for children, ages 1-18, who live in areas in need of economic assistance during school summer vacations.
Now more than ever, this program is needed to fill the gap for families who may not be able to afford to give their children nutritious meals during the summer months when school is not in session.
The Department contracts with public and private schools, non-profit organizations, city, county, and tribal governments, and other organizations to feed low-income children during the summer months. Nationally, more than 26 million children eat school lunch daily when school is in session, and about half of them receive their meals free or at a reduced price because they are from families with low household incomes. The summer program offers them nutritious food when school is not in session.
Last year, Idaho’s 88 summer food sponsors served approximately 1.4 million meals at 337 sites. For the 2012 program year, sponsors may be:
• Public or private nonprofit schools;
• Public or private nonprofit residential camps;
• Local, municipal, county, tribal, or state governments;
• Public or private nonprofit colleges or universities that participate in the National Youth Sports Program;
• Upward Bound programs;
• Libraries; or
• Private nonprofit organizations.
New sponsors are required to attend training at a location near them and complete a paper application as soon as possible. Continuing sponsors for the 2012 summer program are invited to choose a training session in March or April at a location near to them. The 2012 training schedule is:
• March 14 – Fruitland
• March 21 – Boise
• April 9 – Coeur d’Alene
• April 10 – Lewiston
• April 17 – Idaho Falls
• April 18 – Pocatello
• April 19 – Twin Falls
The 2012 training registration information is available online at http://www.databasesdoneright.com/nutrition/. Select the calendar to find the training.
Applications are provided at training and are due to the Department by May 4, 2012.
Meals for the Summer Food Service Program must be served in accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Additional information about the Simplified Summer Food Program is available on our website at www.sde.idaho.gov/site/cnp/summerFoods, or from Angela T. Miller, (208) 332-6821 or at ATMiller@sde.idaho.gov.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
DEPARTMENT SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON NEW ACCOUNTABILITY PLAN
The Idaho State Department of Education is seeking public comment on a new system of increased accountability that focuses on academic growth.
The Department created the new accountability plan as part of its application for more flexibility under No Child Left Behind. While the official application is due February 21, the Department is seeking public comment on the new accountability system and other parts of the waiver application during the month of January.
“Through this new, higher level of accountability, Idaho will have the flexibility it needs to make sure every student in Idaho is growing academically every year they are in school,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I encourage parents, teachers, school administrators and others to review the draft of our new accountability plan and give us feedback on how we can further improve it for Idaho students.”
Idaho has taken a lead role in building the next generation of accountability systems. By passing the Students Come First reform laws in 2011, the state has moved toward an education system based on academic growth and better preparing students for the world that awaits them after high school.
Superintendent Luna worked with other states to develop key principles for new accountability systems through his role as President-Elect (and now current President) of the Council of Chief State School Officers. In June, Superintendent Luna sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, informing him that Idaho would begin moving toward a new system of increased accountability since Congress has not reauthorized No Child Left Behind. The new system would include more flexibility for school districts and a new accountability system that measures growth.
Under the current No Child Left Behind law, states only measure school success based on proficiency – or how many students pass the test. The federal law, which originally passed in 2001, was supposed to be reauthorized four years ago so states could include academic growth, or how much progress a student makes in a given year. However, Congress has not taken action on reauthorization.
With a waiver to certain parts of the No Child Left Behind law, Idaho is creating its new system of increased accountability based on higher standards, academic growth, and improved performance evaluations for educators – all key components of the Students Come First reform laws. These laws have positioned Idaho well to implement its new system of increased accountability.
Under the new accountability plan, schools will no longer receive an Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) ranking. Instead, schools will be rated based on a Five-Star scale.
A Five-Star School is performing excellent in key areas – proficiency, academic growth, and postsecondary and career-ready metrics. A One-Star School, on the other hand, is struggling to meet the state’s goals in these areas and will receive additional technical assistance from the state.
Educational stakeholders and members of the public have until February 1, 2012 to provide feedback on the draft of Idaho’s waiver application. Comments can be submitted online at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/FederalReq/.
The final waiver application will go to the Idaho State Board of Education for approval in February before being submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.
Visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/FederalReq/ to review a draft of Idaho’s new accountability plan, read an executive summary of the state’s application, or comment on the plan. (An executive summary of the plan also is attached.)
The Department created the new accountability plan as part of its application for more flexibility under No Child Left Behind. While the official application is due February 21, the Department is seeking public comment on the new accountability system and other parts of the waiver application during the month of January.
“Through this new, higher level of accountability, Idaho will have the flexibility it needs to make sure every student in Idaho is growing academically every year they are in school,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “I encourage parents, teachers, school administrators and others to review the draft of our new accountability plan and give us feedback on how we can further improve it for Idaho students.”
Idaho has taken a lead role in building the next generation of accountability systems. By passing the Students Come First reform laws in 2011, the state has moved toward an education system based on academic growth and better preparing students for the world that awaits them after high school.
Superintendent Luna worked with other states to develop key principles for new accountability systems through his role as President-Elect (and now current President) of the Council of Chief State School Officers. In June, Superintendent Luna sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, informing him that Idaho would begin moving toward a new system of increased accountability since Congress has not reauthorized No Child Left Behind. The new system would include more flexibility for school districts and a new accountability system that measures growth.
Under the current No Child Left Behind law, states only measure school success based on proficiency – or how many students pass the test. The federal law, which originally passed in 2001, was supposed to be reauthorized four years ago so states could include academic growth, or how much progress a student makes in a given year. However, Congress has not taken action on reauthorization.
With a waiver to certain parts of the No Child Left Behind law, Idaho is creating its new system of increased accountability based on higher standards, academic growth, and improved performance evaluations for educators – all key components of the Students Come First reform laws. These laws have positioned Idaho well to implement its new system of increased accountability.
Under the new accountability plan, schools will no longer receive an Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) ranking. Instead, schools will be rated based on a Five-Star scale.
A Five-Star School is performing excellent in key areas – proficiency, academic growth, and postsecondary and career-ready metrics. A One-Star School, on the other hand, is struggling to meet the state’s goals in these areas and will receive additional technical assistance from the state.
Educational stakeholders and members of the public have until February 1, 2012 to provide feedback on the draft of Idaho’s waiver application. Comments can be submitted online at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/FederalReq/.
The final waiver application will go to the Idaho State Board of Education for approval in February before being submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.
Visit http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/assessment/FederalReq/ to review a draft of Idaho’s new accountability plan, read an executive summary of the state’s application, or comment on the plan. (An executive summary of the plan also is attached.)
Monday, January 9, 2012
9 High Schools Watch State of the State via Idaho Education Network
Nine high schools in Idaho got to watch the State of the State live over the Idaho Education Network (IEN).
The Idaho Education Network is a high-speed, broadband intranet that connects every Idaho high school with each other and with Idaho’s colleges and universities. Through the Idaho Education Network, students can take advanced courses and go on virtual field trips. Today, they got to watch the State of the State Address live.
The high schools were:
“St. Maries High School shares the Governor’s enthusiasm for the opportunities that are provided for students throughout the State of Idaho. Although the Idaho Education Network is a valuable tool for Idaho schools, its strength lies in the ability to connect rural and remote campuses to other high schools and institutions of higher education,” said John Cordell, principal of St. Maries High School. “Students Come First was truly the overall feeling in our building, as St. Maries High School was mentioned by the Governor.”
All 194 Idaho high schools are now connected to the IEN—almost a year ahead of schedule and 16 percent under budget.
The Idaho Education Network is a high-speed, broadband intranet that connects every Idaho high school with each other and with Idaho’s colleges and universities. Through the Idaho Education Network, students can take advanced courses and go on virtual field trips. Today, they got to watch the State of the State Address live.
The high schools were:
- Bonneville High School
- Buhl High School
- Fruitland High School
- Kellogg High School
- Richfield High School
- Rigby High School
- St. Maries High School
- West Side High School
- Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind
“St. Maries High School shares the Governor’s enthusiasm for the opportunities that are provided for students throughout the State of Idaho. Although the Idaho Education Network is a valuable tool for Idaho schools, its strength lies in the ability to connect rural and remote campuses to other high schools and institutions of higher education,” said John Cordell, principal of St. Maries High School. “Students Come First was truly the overall feeling in our building, as St. Maries High School was mentioned by the Governor.”
All 194 Idaho high schools are now connected to the IEN—almost a year ahead of schedule and 16 percent under budget.
EDUCATION A PRIORITY IN GOVERNOR'S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
In what he described as one of the more pleasant State of the State addresses he's had the privilege to deliver since 2007, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter spoke this afternoon of his two top priorities for this legislative session: jobs and education.
Gov. Otter described his inseparable focus on jobs and education as the locus of Idaho's commitment to spur economic growth and create more job opportunities—for both our citizens working here in Idaho and our veterans returning from their service abroad.
To that end, Gov. Otter reiterated his continued commitment to the success of the Students Come First reforms. His budget calls for fully funding Students Come First, including its technology and pay-for-performance elements, with what the Governor called his “modest but targeted and responsible” budget increase for K-12 education.
In addition, based on current revenue projections, the Governor proposed increasing funding for state and public school employee salaries by 3 percent. This increase would more than offset reductions to salary-based apportionment.
The Governor also expressed his continued desire to “ensure the success of our Idaho students in an increasingly complex, connected and competitive global marketplace. He reminded the audience, “When it comes to education, we cannot rely on the policies of the past to prepare our children for the possibilities of the future.”
The Governor wants our students to be prepared for all the world has to offer, and he’d like to see them find the great jobs and opportunities they dream of right here in Idaho. That’s why jobs and education go hand-in-hand.
The Governor also expressed his desire to see our colleges prosper, requesting the full funding of enrollment growth at Idaho’s universities, colleges, and community colleges, as well as funding the cost of moving into and operating new facilities on their campuses. He also highlighted the selflessness of NIC and CSI as they deferred their share of an additional $1 million in funding proposed for FY 2013 so that CWI could receive that full sum to fund the exciting and explosive growth of its job training programs.
Governor Otter commended the work of the IEN, which has successfully connected all of Idaho’s 194 high schools to the internet a year ahead of schedule and 16 percent under budget. Internet access is a powerful component of Students Come First that unlocks the power and opportunities of distance learning.
Superintendent Tom Luna was pleased with the priority Governor Otter placed on education in Idaho.
“The Governor delivered great news today,” Superintendent Luna said after the speech. “He clearly demonstrated his ongoing commitment to education. We have a path forward to fully fund Students Come First, financially rewarding our hard-working teachers and providing equal access and opportunity to every student no matter where they live in Idaho. In addition to that, everyone is excited we will be able to increase funding for public schools for the first time in four years.”
Gov. Otter described his inseparable focus on jobs and education as the locus of Idaho's commitment to spur economic growth and create more job opportunities—for both our citizens working here in Idaho and our veterans returning from their service abroad.
To that end, Gov. Otter reiterated his continued commitment to the success of the Students Come First reforms. His budget calls for fully funding Students Come First, including its technology and pay-for-performance elements, with what the Governor called his “modest but targeted and responsible” budget increase for K-12 education.
In addition, based on current revenue projections, the Governor proposed increasing funding for state and public school employee salaries by 3 percent. This increase would more than offset reductions to salary-based apportionment.
The Governor also expressed his continued desire to “ensure the success of our Idaho students in an increasingly complex, connected and competitive global marketplace. He reminded the audience, “When it comes to education, we cannot rely on the policies of the past to prepare our children for the possibilities of the future.”
The Governor wants our students to be prepared for all the world has to offer, and he’d like to see them find the great jobs and opportunities they dream of right here in Idaho. That’s why jobs and education go hand-in-hand.
The Governor also expressed his desire to see our colleges prosper, requesting the full funding of enrollment growth at Idaho’s universities, colleges, and community colleges, as well as funding the cost of moving into and operating new facilities on their campuses. He also highlighted the selflessness of NIC and CSI as they deferred their share of an additional $1 million in funding proposed for FY 2013 so that CWI could receive that full sum to fund the exciting and explosive growth of its job training programs.
Governor Otter commended the work of the IEN, which has successfully connected all of Idaho’s 194 high schools to the internet a year ahead of schedule and 16 percent under budget. Internet access is a powerful component of Students Come First that unlocks the power and opportunities of distance learning.
Superintendent Tom Luna was pleased with the priority Governor Otter placed on education in Idaho.
“The Governor delivered great news today,” Superintendent Luna said after the speech. “He clearly demonstrated his ongoing commitment to education. We have a path forward to fully fund Students Come First, financially rewarding our hard-working teachers and providing equal access and opportunity to every student no matter where they live in Idaho. In addition to that, everyone is excited we will be able to increase funding for public schools for the first time in four years.”
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE VOTES UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE 47 RECOMMENDATIONS
The 38-member Students Come First Technology Task Force today voted unanimously to approve recommendations that will help the state and local school districts successfully implement the technology components of the state’s education reform laws. In total, the Task Force approved 47 recommendations.
“I am impressed with the work of the Task Force. In June, 38 individuals came together with different ideas, attitudes and opinions about education reform in Idaho. After months of study and hard work, we agreed unanimously on the best ways to move the Students Come First laws forward across our state,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Through these laws and now with these recommendations, we will truly be able to provide equal education opportunities for all Idaho students and the tools and resources Idaho teachers need to raise academic achievement.”
In 2011, Superintendent Luna worked with Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and the Idaho Legislature to pass comprehensive education reform that will make every classroom a 21st Century Classroom, ensure every student has access to a highly effective teacher every year in school, and give parents immediate access to understandable information about their child’s school and district.
Under Senate Bill 1184, Superintendent Luna was charged with chairing a task force to help in implementing the technology components of the Students Come First law. Specifically, this task force was asked to study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools, the online credit requirement, the necessary professional development for teachers, and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
The Task Force was made up of classroom teachers, parents, principals, superintendents, school board trustees, legislators, business managers, technology directors, and representatives of the business community. Eleven positions on the task force were appointed by educational stakeholder groups as well as the Idaho Legislature and the Office of the Governor.
Here are highlights of the recommendations approved by the Task Force today:
• The state phase in the one-to-one mobile computing devices to one-third of high schools at a time, beginning in Fall 2013. High school teachers will still receive devices in Fall 2012.
• The state procure a laptop as the mobile computing device.
• If local school boards determine the device will be taken home, all schools provide parent trainings multiple times throughout the year. Attendance at one training would be required before the device is taken home.
• The state increase the amount of professional development allowed in school calendars.
• The state require Idaho’s colleges of education to ensure pre-service students learn how to integrate technology in the classroom before becoming teachers.
• The State Department of Education work with local schools and districts to develop and implement an online portal where parents and students can get more information on each online course, including the provider, instructor, quality and performance metrics and parent and student customer ratings.
For more information on the work of the Technology Task Force, including a list of Task Force members, meeting minutes, and a list of recommendations, visit http://www.studentscomefirst.org/technologytaskforce.htm.
“I am impressed with the work of the Task Force. In June, 38 individuals came together with different ideas, attitudes and opinions about education reform in Idaho. After months of study and hard work, we agreed unanimously on the best ways to move the Students Come First laws forward across our state,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Through these laws and now with these recommendations, we will truly be able to provide equal education opportunities for all Idaho students and the tools and resources Idaho teachers need to raise academic achievement.”
In 2011, Superintendent Luna worked with Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and the Idaho Legislature to pass comprehensive education reform that will make every classroom a 21st Century Classroom, ensure every student has access to a highly effective teacher every year in school, and give parents immediate access to understandable information about their child’s school and district.
Under Senate Bill 1184, Superintendent Luna was charged with chairing a task force to help in implementing the technology components of the Students Come First law. Specifically, this task force was asked to study and develop plans for the one-to-one ratio of mobile computing devices in high schools, the online credit requirement, the necessary professional development for teachers, and other topics determined by the task force chairman.
The Task Force was made up of classroom teachers, parents, principals, superintendents, school board trustees, legislators, business managers, technology directors, and representatives of the business community. Eleven positions on the task force were appointed by educational stakeholder groups as well as the Idaho Legislature and the Office of the Governor.
Here are highlights of the recommendations approved by the Task Force today:
• The state phase in the one-to-one mobile computing devices to one-third of high schools at a time, beginning in Fall 2013. High school teachers will still receive devices in Fall 2012.
• The state procure a laptop as the mobile computing device.
• If local school boards determine the device will be taken home, all schools provide parent trainings multiple times throughout the year. Attendance at one training would be required before the device is taken home.
• The state increase the amount of professional development allowed in school calendars.
• The state require Idaho’s colleges of education to ensure pre-service students learn how to integrate technology in the classroom before becoming teachers.
• The State Department of Education work with local schools and districts to develop and implement an online portal where parents and students can get more information on each online course, including the provider, instructor, quality and performance metrics and parent and student customer ratings.
For more information on the work of the Technology Task Force, including a list of Task Force members, meeting minutes, and a list of recommendations, visit http://www.studentscomefirst.org/technologytaskforce.htm.
Friday, December 9, 2011
BOISE STUDENT WINS HOLIDAY CARD CONTEST
“Congratulations to You-Jean Cho for winning the grand prize this year! Idaho’s annual Holiday Card Contest is a great way to celebrate the importance of arts in education and showcase the great talent of Idaho’s students,” Superintendent Luna said.
Cho’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.
“We are so proud of You-Jean for being selected for this statewide honor,” said Boise Superintendent Don Coberly. “Though she arrived in the United States just last year, she has impressed her Jefferson Elementary School teachers with her talent and dedication to her studies. Her use of artistic perspective and attention to detail are unusual for a student of her age.”
Superintendent Luna also awarded the following grade-level winners across the state:
• Kindergarten: Lydia Frederick, Pioneer Elementary School, Weiser School District
• 1st Grade: Emmitt Brown, Idaho Virtual Academy, Post Falls
• 2nd Grade: Tucker Rhodes, Orchards Elementary School, Lewiston School District
• 3rd Grade: Breanna Nine, McSorley Elementary School, Lewiston School District
• 4th Grade: Sophia Boson, McSorley Elementary School, Lewiston School District
• 5th Grade: Rebecca Hammond, Idaho Virtual Academy, Deary
• 6th Grade: Taytum Allen, New Plymouth Middle School, New Plymouth School District
Congratulations to all the winners! Each student will receive a certificate of recognition. The grand prize winner’s drawing is posted online at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/media_center/.
For electronic copies of other artwork, please e-mail Melissa McGrath at mrmcgrath@sde.idaho.gov.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Sun Valley to host December "Capital for a Day"
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced today that the Blaine County community of Sun Valley will be Idaho’s “Capital for a Day” on Wednesday, December 21st. The event will coincide with the celebration of Sun Valley’s 75th anniversary.
Governor Otter brings State government to Idahoans living outside Boise each month by making a different town in Idaho the state’s “Capital for a Day.” The events provide local residents an all-day opportunity to have open discussions about government issues with Governor Otter, members of his Cabinet and other senior State officials.
The open meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sun Valley Inn, Continental Room. Governor Otter will join Mayor Wayne Willich and other local leaders for a lunch at noon at the same location. The public is encouraged to attend the lunch, which will cost $10 per person.
Officials joining Governor Otter and First Lady Lori Otter at Capital for a Day will include Lieutenant Governor Brad Little; Secretary of State Ben Ysursa; Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna; Brigadier General Bill Shawver, commanding officer of the Idaho Air National Guard and director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security; Roger Madsen, director of the Idaho Department of Labor; Dick Armstrong, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare; Bill Deal, director of the Idaho Department of Insurance; Brian Ness, director of the Idaho Transportation Department; Jeff Sayer, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce; Brent Reinke, director of the Idaho Department of Correction; Gary Spackman, interim director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources; Jeff Anderson, director of the Idaho Lottery and the Idaho State Liquor Division; College of Southern Idaho President Jerry Beck; Michael Faison, director of the Idaho Commission on the Arts; and Jim Unsworth, deputy director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Also on hand to help answer questions from residents will be a representative from the State Board of Education and regional representatives from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho State Historical Society, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Lands, and the Idaho Division of Building Safety.
“Sun Valley has been synonymous with resort and recreational excellence for 75 years now. We all are proud to be associated not only with the name, but more importantly with the people who make it great,” Governor Otter said. “There is a unique set of challenges associated with a community like Sun Valley. I look forward to hearing the perspective of those who live, work and raise their families here.”
Governor Otter brings State government to Idahoans living outside Boise each month by making a different town in Idaho the state’s “Capital for a Day.” The events provide local residents an all-day opportunity to have open discussions about government issues with Governor Otter, members of his Cabinet and other senior State officials.
The open meeting is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sun Valley Inn, Continental Room. Governor Otter will join Mayor Wayne Willich and other local leaders for a lunch at noon at the same location. The public is encouraged to attend the lunch, which will cost $10 per person.
Officials joining Governor Otter and First Lady Lori Otter at Capital for a Day will include Lieutenant Governor Brad Little; Secretary of State Ben Ysursa; Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna; Brigadier General Bill Shawver, commanding officer of the Idaho Air National Guard and director of the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security; Roger Madsen, director of the Idaho Department of Labor; Dick Armstrong, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare; Bill Deal, director of the Idaho Department of Insurance; Brian Ness, director of the Idaho Transportation Department; Jeff Sayer, director of the Idaho Department of Commerce; Brent Reinke, director of the Idaho Department of Correction; Gary Spackman, interim director of the Idaho Department of Water Resources; Jeff Anderson, director of the Idaho Lottery and the Idaho State Liquor Division; College of Southern Idaho President Jerry Beck; Michael Faison, director of the Idaho Commission on the Arts; and Jim Unsworth, deputy director of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Also on hand to help answer questions from residents will be a representative from the State Board of Education and regional representatives from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho State Historical Society, Idaho State Police, Idaho Department of Lands, and the Idaho Division of Building Safety.
“Sun Valley has been synonymous with resort and recreational excellence for 75 years now. We all are proud to be associated not only with the name, but more importantly with the people who make it great,” Governor Otter said. “There is a unique set of challenges associated with a community like Sun Valley. I look forward to hearing the perspective of those who live, work and raise their families here.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)