Source: http://senator-tom-seymour.blogspot.com/2009/06/
Timestamp: 2018-07-15 22:51:21
Document Index: 119853055

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 6', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 16', '§ 16', '§ 22', '§ 22', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 34', '§ 34', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 61', '§ 61', '§ 62', '§ 62', '§ 63', '§ 63', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 7', '§ 7', '§ 31', '§ 31', '§ 32', '§ 32', '§ 33', '§ 33', '§ 34', '§ 34', '§ 10', '§ 10', '§ 24', '§ 24', '§ 25', '§ 25', '§ 18', '§ 18', '§ 19', '§ 19', '§ 8', '§ 8', '§ 13', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 6', '§ 9', '§ 9', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 31', '§ 31', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 1', '§ 1']

Professor Emeritus Minot State University - Dr. Tom Seymour - Minot, ND: June 2009
Dr. Tom Seymour re-elected to the SRT Board of Directors in Minot, North Dakota
Tom Seymour, Minot, was re-elected for his fourth term on the SRT Communications Inc. board of directors at the annual meeting June 18 in the North Dakota State Fair Center in Minot. He won over Jonn Knecht, Minot, in District 4, the only contested district director election, by 585-414 votes.
Other directors elected at the meeting were: Ardel Rice, Mohall, 62 votes in District 1; Dennis Erber, Glenburn, 123 votes in District 2; and Dennis Schott, Butte, 70 votes in District 3.
Posted by Tom Seymour at 12:39 PM No comments:
North Dakota Higher Education Legislative Interim committee
the committee's study of higher education funding methods, the use of tuition waivers,
and other related topics as directed by Sections 31 and 32 of 2009 Senate Bill No. 2003
and by Section 9 of 2009 Senate Bill No. 2038
9:40 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of memorandums providing the history of
the Higher Education Roundtable and an overview of the 2007-08 interim study on
Presentation by representatives of the North Dakota University System regarding:
10:30 a.m. • An update on the status of implementation of the 2008 Higher Education Roundtable
10:50 a.m. • An update on the development of a financing plan for higher education as
recommended by the 2007-08 interim Higher Education Committee
11:05 a.m. • A review of the most recent performance and accountability report required by North
Dakota Century Code (NDCC) Section 15-10-14.2
11:25 a.m. • A review of the status of the higher education system and expectations of the study
11:40 a.m. • An update on potential funding that may be received through the American Recovery
11:50 a.m. Comments by other interested persons and committee discussion regarding the
committee's study of higher education
1:00 p.m. Committee discussion regarding the higher education study and approval of a study
1:30 p.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a background memorandum regarding
other committee responsibilities, including:
• A biennial report from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health
Sciences Advisory Council regarding the strategic plan, programs, and facilities of
• Reports from any tribally controlled community college receiving a grant under
NDCC Chapter 15-70 detailing grant expenditures and recipient demographics
• A report from the chairman of the American Indian Language Preservation
Committee before September 2010 regarding the work of the committee
• Annual reports from the State Board of Higher Education regarding North Dakota
academic scholarships and career and technical education scholarships
• A report from the State Board of Higher Education regarding employee
compensation and student enrollment
1:50 p.m. Comments by other interested persons regarding the committee's other responsibilities
2:05 p.m. Committee discussion regarding its other responsibilities
Heller, Nancy Johnson, RaeAnn G. Kelsch, Joe Kroeber, Bob Martinson, Darrell D. Nottestad,
Kenton Onstad, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams
Posted by Tom Seymour at 7:50 PM No comments:
North Dakota Telecommunications Conference in Medora
9:00 a.m. BROADBAND STIMULUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR NORTH
At the close of the meeting on Wednesday, please leave your name badge in the box provided at the back of the room.
Posted by Tom Seymour at 7:42 AM No comments:
North Dakota Legislative Council Minutes
Prairie Room, State Capitol
Representative Al Carlson, Chairman, called the
Members present: Representatives Al Carlson,
Merle Boucher, Chris Griffin, Gary Kreidt, Shirley
Meyer, David Monson, Bob Skarphol, Robin Weisz,
Lisa Wolf; Senators Robert S. Erbele, Tony S.
Grindberg, Ray Holmberg, David O'Connell, Tracy
Potter, Larry J. Robinson, Bob Stenehjem, Rich
Others present: Jay E. Buringrud, Allen H.
Knudson, Jason J. Steckler; Legislative Council,
RaeAnn G. Kelsch, State Representative, Mandan
See attached appendix for additional persons
Chairman Carlson welcomed the attendees and
outlined the procedure to be followed. He said there
are 84 studies under consideration, 13 of which are
required and 71 are discretionary studies. He said
during the 2007-08 interim there were 53 studies
approved and his goal is to have 50 or fewer studies
for the 2009-10 interim. He said that means about
34 of the discretionary studies should not be
approved. He said the procedure he planned to follow
was to take up the various studies for consideration
and to place them on lists to be approved, not
approved, or in a "maybe" category for further
consideration. He said at the end of the day the
Legislative Council will take a recorded roll call vote
on those discretionary studies that are to be
approved. He said Mr. Jay E. Buringrud, Assistant
Director, will be categorizing the studies for
consideration of interim committee structure. He said
last interim there were 26 interim committees.
Chairman Carlson called on the director of the
Legislative Council to review the documents that had
been distributed and to make some announcements.
The director said the memorandum entitled
2009 Legislation Directly Affecting the Legislative
Council and the Legislative Assembly has been
distributed to members of the Legislative Council. He
said there is one new interim statutory committee--the
nine-member Water-Related Topics Overview
Committee--and there are 12 additional statutory
established or recognized committees. He said the
staff has also distributed a numeric listing of studies to
be considered with a short description of the subject
matter and a binder which includes detailed
information on legislation calling for the studies again
in numeric order. He said the primary memorandum
that the committee should use in determining the
priority of Legislative Council studies lists in numeric
order each proposed study, including information
regarding related legislation from the 2009 session,
notes regarding related information, rationale if
available for the study, and prior Legislative Council
study information. The director said the agenda also
includes establishment of the membership of the
Budget Section for the 2009-10 interim to allow for the
committee to meet before June 30 and a motion
authorizing the chairman to send questionnaires to
members of the Legislative Assembly regarding
committee preferences. He said the June 16, 2009,
Legislative Council meeting will be the meeting where
the Legislative Council determines the actual
committee membership for the selected designated
committees. The information regarding committee
preferences will be sent by e-mail and hardcopy to all
Chairman Carlson reviewed each of the proposed
studies in the document listing the studies
numerically. The Legislative Council then proceeded
to discuss each study, including the merits and
reasons for proposed studies. The following is a chart
listing the Legislative Council's preliminary action on
each of the 84 studies:
No. Study Description
1003 § 7 Penalties for felonies 1003 § 7
1005 § 4 Salaries for state elected officials 1005 § 4
1009 § 6 Agreements between the Agriculture Commissioner and the United States
Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services Program - Wildlife damage control
1009 § 6
1011 § 3 Fees charged by the Securities Commissioner 1011 § 3
1012 § 9 Child support enforcement program 1012 § 9
1012 § 10 Long-term care services study 1012 § 10
1012 § 16 Traumatic brain injury study 1012 § 16
Legislative Council 2 May 20, 2009
1015 § 22 Capitol complex master plan 1015 § 22
1129 § 4 Auditing of political subdivisions 1129 § 4
1263 § 2 Regulation of basic care and assisted living in the state 1263 § 2
1269 § 3 Registry for certified nurse assistants 1269 § 3
1280 § 1 Application by administrative agencies of standards that have not been adopted as
1280 § 1
1309 § 1 Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children 1309 § 1
1322 § 3 Livestock feeding facilities 1322 § 3
1324 § 33 Corporate income taxes 1324 § 33
1324 § 34 Homestead tax credit 1324 § 34
1338 § 1 Solid waste management, siting and zoning of landfills 1338 § 1
1341 § 1 State employee tuition reimbursement pool program 1341 § 1
1391 § 1 Unmet health care needs 1391 § 1
1400 § 61 Accreditation of schools, approval of public and nonpublic schools 1400 § 61
1400 § 62 Length of school days, weather-related closures 1400 § 62
1400 § 63 School closings and student transfers - Impact of disasters 1400 § 63
1403 § 1 Capitol grounds study 1403 § 1
1412 § 2 911 fee structure 1412 § 2
1425 § 1 County foster care costs paid by the state 1425 § 1
1449 § 3 Development of wind resources 1449 § 3
1459 § 4 Weed control by the Army Corps of Engineers 1459 § 4
1489 § 2 Tax incentives for the promotion of value-added agriculture 1489 § 2
1497 § 1 Responsibility of the cost of providing legal counsel for sexually dangerous
1497 § 1
1509 § 2 Wind easement and wind energy leases 1509 § 2
1545 § 1 Creation of a low-profit limited liability company 1545 § 1
1562 § 1 Administrative leave program for state employees 1562 § 1
1573 § 1 Voucher use for various human services clients 1573 § 1
1577 § 1 Factors influencing the cost of health insurance 1577 § 1
2001 § 7 Classified state employee compensation study 2001 § 7
2003 § 31 Option for funding higher education institutions 2003 § 31
2003 § 32 Impact of higher education tuition waivers 2003 § 32
2003 § 33 Creation of a department to oversee all education entities 2003 § 33
2003 § 34 Higher education student trust fund 2003 § 34
2004 § 10 State immunization program 2004 § 10
2012 § 24 Relocation of the Department of Transportation Fargo office 2012 § 24
2012 § 25 Highway construction funding options 2012 § 25
2018 § 18 Entrepreneurship and economic development best practices 2018 § 18
2018 § 19 State's system for addressing workforce needs 2018 § 19
2021 § 8 Information Technology Department's Criminal Justice Information Sharing
2021 § 8
2032 § 13 Property tax reform and property tax relief 2032 § 13
2038 § 6 Utilization of the North Dakota University System to meet workforce needs 2038 § 6
2038 § 9 Higher education study 2038 § 9
2050 § 5 Emergency medical services (EMS) funding 2050 § 5
2051 § 2 Taxation issues related to the production of mineral resources 2051 § 2
2267 § 2 Whistleblower protection laws in the state 2267 § 2
2324 § 31 Determining residency status under state law 2324 § 31
2336 § 1 Legislative overview committee for water-related topics 2336 § 1
2342 § 2 Impact of Johnes disease 2342 § 2
2355 § 4 At-risk children and youth service needs 2355 § 4
2370 § 1 Transferring the cost of expert examinations for mental health commitments from
counties to the state
2370 § 1
Legislative Council 3 May 20, 2009
2390 § 1 Establishment and development of certified technology parks 2390 § 1
2394 § 2 Educational and human services for minors who are pregnant 2394 § 2
2401 § 1 Bid requirements for public improvements 2401 § 1
2417 § 1 Landfill waste reduction program 2417 § 1
2420 § 1 Child support determination, ombudsman program 2420 § 1
2420 § 2 Ombudsman program - Child and family services 2420 § 2
2421 § 3 Involuntary mental health commitment procedures 2421 § 3
2422 § 1 Purchasing of goods and services by political subdivisions 2422 § 1
3001 Agriculture Century Code rewrite 3001
3003 Tribal social services needs-related state program 3003
3004 Indian education issues 3004
3005 Adopting of the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act 3005
3006 Adopting of the Uniform Debt-Management Services Act 3006
3008 Workers' compensation laws relating to prior injuries and conditions 3008
3013 Legal representation to injured employees for Workforce Safety and Insurance
3019 Article X, Section 18, of the Constitution of North Dakota 3019
3023 Monetary amount triggers for criminal offenses 3023
3044 Allocation of wind rights 3044
3045 Severed and abandoned mineral rights, oil discounts 3045
3048 Bonding requirements placed on grain warehouses and buyers 3048
3051 Penalties, fines, and fees imposed by administrative rule 3051
3061 Educational delivery to Indian students 3061
4002 State workforce system 4002
4006 Professional development opportunities for teachers 4006
4009 Adequacy of governmental services 4009
4010 Transportation issues in the state 4010
4027 Leasing of state lands 4027
4028 Charitable gaming laws 4028
The Council recessed at 12:00 noon for lunch and
reconvened at 1:00 p.m. and continued its
consideration of prioritization of studies.
At the conclusion of the first time through the
studies, Chairman Carlson announced that 59 of the
studies had been approved for committee study,
16 had been denied, and 9 remained for additional
Legislative Council consideration.
The Council then considered Section 3 of House
Bill No. 1322 which provides for a study of livestock
feeding facilities and the use of byproducts for biofuels
production. It was moved by Representative
Boucher, seconded by Representative Meyer, and
carried on a voice vote that the Legislative Council
give approval to the study in Section 3 of House
Bill No. 1322.
The Council considered Section 4 of House Bill
No. 1459 relating to a study of the weed control
program of the Army Corps of Engineers on federal
land. It was moved by Representative Meyer,
seconded by Senator Erbele, and carried on a
voice vote that the Legislative Council give
approval to the study in Section 4 of House Bill
The Council discussed Section 1 of House Bill
No. 1545 relating to the study of the feasibility and
desirability of creating a new type of limited liability
company called a low-profit limited liability company.
Representative Boucher said this study area has
potential as it would allow certain entities, in lieu of
providing grants, to provide financial support in return
for an investment. Senator Potter said he does not
believe there is any need for this study as nonprofits
can currently do many things, including purchasing
for-profit businesses. Chairman Carlson announced
the study would not be given priority.
The Council discussed the provisions of Section 24
of Senate Bill No. 2012 dealing with the review of the
Department of Transportation's Fargo office.
Chairman Carlson said the location is a concern as it
is in a prime retail development area and there are
other places available for sand and salt storage.
Representative Monson suggested the Council not do
the study. Representative Meyer indicated there is a
need for it as there are additional considerations.
Chairman Carlson announced that as there was no
motion to approve this study the study would not be
The Council discussed Section 8 of Senate Bill
No. 2021 dealing with the value of the Information
Technology Department's Criminal Justice Information
Sharing Initiative. Representative Skarphol said there
Legislative Council 4 May 20, 2009
is no question of the value of the Criminal Justice
Information Sharing Initiative. He said the only
potential would be to review this system's potential
value relating to the replacement of the State Radio
communications system. Chairman Carlson
announced that as there was no motion to approve
the study this study would not be given priority.
The Council considered Section 5 of Senate Bill
No. 2050 providing for a study of the EMS funding
system within the state. Representative Kreidt said a
potential value of the study would be to look at how
local political subdivisions are funding EMS, including
ambulances, as there is a wide variation in the
availability of funds for local ambulance services. It
was moved by Representative Kreidt, seconded by
Senator O'Connell, and carried on a voice vote
that the Legislative Council give approval to the
study called for in Section 5 of Senate Bill
The Council considered the study called for in
Section 2 of Senate Bill No. 2342 regarding the impact
of Johnes disease on livestock producers in the state.
Representative Meyer said this study was needed as
this disease has a potential significant impact on
livestock producers in North Dakota. It was moved
by Representative Meyer and seconded by
Representative Wolf that the Legislative Council
give priority to this study. The motion failed.
The Council considered the study pursuant to
Section 4 of Senate Bill No. 2355 relating to the
statewide need for short-term shelter, assessment,
and intervention services for at-risk youth. Senator
Wardner said this is an issue that needs to be
considered, but in light of the passage of House Bill
No. 1044, which requires the Department of Human
Services to develop a program for services to
transition-aged youth at risk and the provision of
Senate Bill No. 2355, which appropriates $200,000 for
a pilot program for short-term shelter, assessment,
and intervention services for at-risk youth, he believes
this study is not necessary. Chairman Carlson
this study the study would not be given priority.
The Council considered House Concurrent
Resolution No. 3045 dealing with the study of severed
and abandoned mineral rights and methods to reduce
the discount for oil produced in North Dakota.
Representative Meyer said this needs to be looked at
because there was not significant time during the
2009 session. Representative Skarphol suggested
the study not include the methods to reduce the
discount for oil produced in North Dakota as that was
a transportation issue separate from the issue of
severed mineral rights. Representative Meyer said
the discount issue related to instances where oil
companies have onsite storage and royalties are not
being paid to the mineral owners because the product
is not marketed. She said that is the issue that needs
to be studied relative to the effect of discounted oil. It
was moved by Senator O'Connell, seconded by
Representative Meyer, and carried on a voice vote
that the Legislative Council give priority to the
study called for in House Concurrent Resolution
No. 3045.
The Council reconsidered the study provisions of
Section 62 of House Bill No. 1400 relating to the
cancellation of school and early dismissal as a result
of severe weather or other emergency conditions.
The Council had previously decided not to approve
this study. Representative Wolf said she supported
this study citing an issue in Minot when the school
superintendent did not cancel school due to a winter
storm, resulting in the Minot Police Department
requiring the closure of the school. It was moved by
Representative Wolf and seconded by
Representative Boucher that the Legislative
Council give priority to Section 62 of House Bill
No. 1400. The motion failed.
The Council reconsidered its action regarding
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4009 regarding the
study of adequacy of governmental services, including
judicial services to respond to issues relating to an
aging population. The Council had previously decided
not to study this area. Representative Wolf indicated
that this issue was before the House Judiciary
Committee, was supported by Chief Justice Gerald W.
VandeWalle, and was to address in part an unfunded
mandate on local political subdivisions. It was moved
by Representative Wolf and seconded by
Council give priority to the study pursuant to
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4009. The
The Council reconsidered the provisions of
Section 4 of House Bill No. 1005 relating to the study
of the salaries of state elected officials. The Council
had previously approved this study area. Senator
Potter said this study was not necessary as elected
officials should be treated like other state employees.
It was moved by Senator Potter and seconded by
Senator O'Connell that the Legislative Council do
not study the salaries of state elected officials
pursuant to Section 4 of House Bill No. 1005. The
Senator Erbele discussed the Council's potential
reconsideration of the study provisions in House Bill
No. 1425 relating to the feasibility and desirability of
transferring from the county to the state the
responsibility for the funding of foster care costs.
It was moved by Representative Skarphol,
seconded by Senator Grindberg, and carried on a
voice vote that the Legislative Council revise the
study provisions of Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 4028 to include pari-mutuel racing laws and
the administration of pari-mutuel racing.
Regarding the studies approved, Legislative
Council members had additional directives or
comments summarized as follows:
• Regarding Section 7 of House Bill No. 1003,
Senator Stenehjem suggested the review of
felonies should include the issue considered in
the 2009 session of providing a cellular phone
Legislative Council 5 May 20, 2009
to an inmate of the Department of Corrections
• Regarding the study pursuant to Section 25 of
Senate Bill No. 2012 regarding highway
funding, it was moved by Senator Robinson,
seconded by Senator Holmberg, and carried
on a voice vote that the study be changed to
read "the study of potential options for
highway construction funding".
• Senator Stenehjem said the reports regarding
the use by the Department of Transportation of
funding provided for the 2009-11 biennium from
state, federal, emergency, and other highway
funding; reports from the Department of
Emergency Services regarding emergency
snow removal grants distributed to counties,
townships, and cities, and emergency disaster
relief grants awarded to political subdivisions;
and reports from the Tax Commissioner
regarding political subdivision transportation
projects and programs should be received by a
Legislative Council transportation-related
committee. The reports from the Department of
Transportation and the Department of
Emergency Services are also to be provided to
the Budget Section. Senator Stenehjem said a
concern for the Legislative Assembly in 2011
will be the expectations to continue the level of
transportation funding provided for the 2009-11
It was moved by Senator Robinson, seconded
by Representative Skarphol, and carried on a roll
call vote that the Legislative Council give approval
to the list of studies placed in the approved
category. Representatives Carlson, Boucher, Griffin,
Kreidt, Meyer, Monson, Skarphol, Weisz, and Wolf
and Senators Erbele, Grindberg, Holmberg,
O'Connell, Potter, Robinson, Stenehjem, and Wardner
voted "aye." No negative votes were cast.
It was moved by Senator Grindberg and
seconded by Senator Robinson that the
membership of the Budget Section would consist
of the same membership as before, including
members of the House and Senate Appropriations
Committees, the majority and minority leaders and
their assistants from both houses, and the
A substitute motion was moved by Senator
Potter and seconded by Senator O'Connell that
the Budget Section consist of the senator from
each of the 47 legislative districts and the most
senior representative from each of the
47 legislative districts based on years of service in
the House of Representatives, and in case of
equal seniority within a district, the member from
that district is determined by alphabetical order.
Senator Potter said this would address two of the
concerns regarding the constitutionality of the Budget
Section acting as a "minilegislature." He said it would
provide broader representation as each district would
have two representatives. He said it also would
provide a better balance between the House and
Senate as each chamber would have equal
representation on the Budget Section. Representative
Monson said this would result in even more of a
"minilegislature" as there would be at least
94 members on the Budget Section. Representative
Skarphol said the Budget Section currently does not
approve additional spending that has not been
appropriated by the Legislative Assembly. Senator
Potter said the Budget Section can approve spending
and can therefore also disapprove spending. He said
although the Budget Section typically may approve
Emergency Commission requests, it does have the
authority to not approve those requests.
The chairman called for a roll call vote.
Representatives Boucher, Griffin, Meyer, and Wolf
and Senators O'Connell, Potter, and Robinson voted
"aye." Representatives Carlson, Kreidt, Monson,
Skarphol, and Weisz and Senators Erbele, Grindberg,
Holmberg, Stenehjem, and Wardner voted "nay." The
The Council considered Senator Grindberg's
motion. Chairman Carlson called for a roll call vote.
Representatives Carlson, Boucher, Griffin, Kreidt,
Meyer, Monson, Skarphol, Weisz, and Wolf and
Senators Erbele, Grindberg, Holmberg, O'Connell,
Robinson, Stenehjem, and Wardner voted "aye."
Senator Potter voted "nay."
by Representative Skarphol, and carried on a
voice vote that the chairman be authorized to
prepare a proposed interim committee structure
and a questionnaire containing the proposed
committee structure and to send the questionnaire
to legislators to indicate their preference for
service on interim committees.
Chairman Carlson announced the next meeting of
the Legislative Council for Tuesday, June 16, 2009.
No further business appearing, Chairman Carlson
adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
ATTACH:1
AACTE Weekly News Briefs | June 23, 2009
Revisit 2009 Day on the Hill Online
Materials from AACTE's 5th annual Day on the Hill are available online. Download our new publication on innovation and reform in teacher preparation, read presenters' remarks, and browse photos from the congressional reception and briefing.
FREE Access to Archived Webinar on Closing the Achievement Gap for Children in Foster Care
Access this free AACTE webinar anytime through June 30! “Tutor Connection: Closing the Educational Achievement Gap for Children in Foster Care” is sponsored by the Casey Family Programs. Tutor Connection has provided 1,240 student teachers from California State University-San Marcos to work directly with children in foster care to improve academic performance. Hear about the results for over 1,500 foster care youth who have participated in this program and learn more about the roles that Departments of Education can play in positively impacting this unique and often invisible population.
Teacher education programs are now required to meet higher standards or increase their emphasis on classroom training in order to achieve accreditation, according to new guidelines announced today by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education in a briefing at the National Press Club. The majority of NCATE's 632 accredited colleges of education do not currently meet the new "target" level of achievement, according to Cibulka. They have until 2012 to either raise their curriculum to that level or develop a new training or research program.
As the Obama administration pushes for more charter schools, a teachers' union is pushing for a bigger role in them. Education Secretary Arne Duncan made a point of talking about unions in a speech Monday in Washington to a national charter school conference. Charters usually operate free from restrictions like tenure and other rules found in union contracts. Duncan is pushing aggressively to expand the number of charter schools. He has threatened to withhold millions of stimulus dollars from states that put limitations on charter schools.
Seven years ago, a rally at the Department of Education promoted one of then-President George W. Bush's most significant domestic achievements -- the No Child Left Behind law. The backdrop: a red schoolhouse. But now that symbol has been ripped down. The Obama administration has made clear that it is putting its own stamp on education reform. That will mean a new name and image for a law that has grown unpopular with many teachers and suburban parents, even though it was enacted with bipartisan support in Congress.
Obama's Education Budget Sees Some Pushback on Capitol Hill
Congressmen are challenging some of the biggest programs in the fiscal 2010 education budget request that Education Secretary Arne Duncan recently outlined to Senate and House appropriations subcommittees. President Obama's budget proposal asks for $46.7 billion in discretionary funding, or $1.3 billion more than the 2009 level.
Since the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted, critics have questioned whether the law's mandate to bring students to "proficiency" has resulted in schools ignoring the needs of the nation's highest- and lowest-achieving students. A new study from the Center on Education Policy suggests those fears have not become reality. The 50-state analysis found that test scores for both "advanced" and "basic" students rose in nearly three-quarters of assessments studied across states and grade levels, a level of progress only slightly lower than that of students reaching proficiency.
Asian Universities Join Hands to Improve Education of Teachers
Presidents and representatives of 40 universities in Asia, including many universities of education (teacher colleges), pledged to collaborate to improve the education of teachers and promote educational research and development. At the inaugural Asian Roundtable of Presidents of Universities of Education hosted by the Hong Kong Institute of Education (HKIEd) on May 22, HKIEd President Professor Anthony B. L. Cheung underlined that universities, schools and teachers are facing unprecedented challenges arising from globalization and the knowledge economy.
The quality of science and maths teaching will be severely compromised by sharp cuts in funding for university education departments, senior academics have warned in a letter seen by The TES. The cuts have also placed the Institute of Education in London in significant financial difficulty. And universities around the country could choose to close their expensive teacher training programmes. Heads of 13 high-profile education departments have written to Brian Follett, chair of the Training and Development Agency for Schools, to draw his attention to “the adverse consequences for children and young people, quality teacher training and public policy” of the recent funding settlement.
For Indiana students to meet realities of 21st century global competition, state schools chief Tony Bennett says it's critical to fill the ranks of elementary teachers with the highest academic achievers. But students going into and out of Indiana's teacher education programs tend to score below average on standardized test scores. And national data indicate the gap is entirely attributable to those headed into elementary education.
Texas has always been known for its independent streak. Now the state is one of four that is sitting out an effort to create voluntary national standards for what students are expected to learn in school. Texas just updated its standards and textbooks and doesn't need to start over, said Commissioner of Education Robert Scott.
Join the UTRU Residency for Residencies Program
Urban Teacher Residency United (UTRU) is seeking participants for its Residency for Residencies Program (RRP), a 2-year-long program of development and support for school districts, not-for-profit organizations, and universities that are developing residency-based teacher preparation programs. The RRP combines an intensive series of learning institutes and site-based, individualized support services. Through the RRP, UTRU provides training and support to emerging residency programs in their design year and in the first year of program operation, leveraging the learning from the three founding residency programs in Boston, Chicago, and Denver. For application information, contact Anissa Listak at alistak@teacherresidencies.org.
U.S. Issues Guidance for Reporting Use of Stimulus Funds
On June 22, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published Implementing Guidance for the Reports on Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act"). This guidance implements the reporting requirements included in Section 1512 of the Recovery Act for recipients of grants, loans, and other forms of assistance. A nationwide data collection system at www.FederalReporting.gov will reduce information reporting burden on recipients by simplifying reporting instructions and providing a user-friendly mechanism for submitting required data.
Help Accredit the Accreditors
The U.S. Secretary of Education invites nominations for six positions on the restructured National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity, the panel charged with oversight of U.S. accrediting bodies. Another 12 members will be appointed by the House and Senate. Nominations for the six at-large seats are due July 22.
K-12 Education Blogs That Are Worth Your Time
From the Center for University, School, and Community Partnerships at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Here at CUSP, being in earshot of the latest research, news, opinion and policy in K-12 education is a top priority. There is not nearly enough time in our day to read all of the education blogs, and we assume that's true for you too. To make things easier, we have compiled a short list of blogs we believe are worth our time and yours.
REMINDER: Teacher Quality Partnership Grant Letters Due June 26
The U.S. Department of Education has opened this year's Teacher Quality Partnership grant competition. Interested applicants must file a letter of intent by June 26. Final applications are due July 23. To read the notice in the Federal Register, click here. For the application package and other information, click here.
Report Looks at Learning Disabilities in Context of Education Reform
The National Center for Learning Disabilities has released a comprehensive report on the status of individuals with learning disabilities in the United States. The report also offers a data-based perspective on what learning disabilities look like in the context of education reform.
Dean Franstvog takes Minot State Phi Beta Lambda chapter to National Competition in California
The PBL Club returned this afternoon from the National Competition in Anaheim, CA. To compete in the national competition, each student must have first competed in their respective state competition and finished either first or second in their events. Thus, all the students who competed in Anaheim were high quality.
The Minot State PBL team did amazingly well. The students earned four top ten finishes and one was a National Champion! Although all of the students did well, the place winners were as follows:
Megan Perdue - 1st Place - Computer Applications
Robin Deutsch - 2nd Place - Future Business Teacher
Mallory Westby- 9th Place - Financial Concepts
Robin Deutsch - 6th Place - Management Analysis and Decision Making
Other participants: Chris Barney, Lexi Swallers, Rifkatou Tchignaha (Leafy), Derek Ostdahl, James Knudson
All of the students (and the advisor) had a great time. Thank you Dr. Linrud for generously supporting the club as well as all three COB departments for your support as well. Sharon Reynolds deserves the most credit as she did so much work to get the students ready for this great opportunity. After she won, Megan thanked Sharon many times for pushing her to enter that event when she really didn't think she would do well. I guess Sharon can spot talent!
Posted by Tom Seymour at 3:08 PM No comments:
Thursday, June 25 -- North Dakota Governor's Committee on Aging
Contacts: Linda Wright, Aging Services Division Director, Department of Human Services, 701-328-4607; or Heather Steffl, Public Information Officer, Department of Human Services, 701-328-4933
Governor’s Committee on Aging to meet June 25 in Bismarck
BISMARCK, N.D. – The Governor’s Committee on Aging is meeting June 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Comfort Inn, 1030 E. Interstate Avenue, Bismarck. The meeting is open to the public.
Agenda items include 2009 Forums on Aging evaluation, Silver Haired Education Association update, an update on the Aging 2020 project of the N.D. Department of Human Services, legislative outcomes, dementia care services program legislation, the N.D. Department of Human Services’ budget for Aging Services and federal stimulus funding, state fair participation, Northern Plains Conference on Aging and Disability funding request, work plan review, committee reports, and other business.
The committee monitors issues impacting older individuals, acts as an advisory body for the Department of Human Services’ Aging Services Division, sponsors community forums, and works to achieve goals related to the needs of older individuals, including making recommendations on legislation and government policies. Members also participate in Regional Councils on Aging.
For information about the committee or meeting, contact Linda Wright, Aging Services Division Director, N.D. Department of Human Services, at 701-328-4601.
2009-11 IT procurement opportunities:
The 2009 legislative session has wrapped up and state agencies are busy gearing up for the 2009-11 biennium, which begins July 1. According to the ND Information Technology Department (ITD), the state’s sound financial condition allowed the legislature to fund many IT projects. The department says that while it may take a little work and due diligence, vendors looking to do business with the state should find many opportunities in the next biennium.
While it would be ideal to be able to list the approved agency IT projects that came out of the session, ITD says it is not that simple. Each agency submitted its 2009-11 IT plan in July 2008, which means it projected 12-36 months out. With the ever-changing advancements in technology, this is a very difficult feat. This is why the process provides flexibility allowing agencies to adjust their plans as the biennium unfolds to ensure they are meeting the current needs of the citizens of North Dakota.
So, what are the best methods of identifying current and future procurement opportunities?
1. Review the statewide IT plan. The plan breaks down IT projects by agency. Although some unexpected changes may occur, these plans are an accurate outline of the technology projects occurring over the 2009-11 biennium.
2. Make sure you are registered on the ND State Procurement Bidders List. Special attention needs to be given to the commodity codes your business is registered under. These are used when an agency is looking for a vendor pool. There currently are 246 major codes, each with numerous sub-codes, so careful review is encouraged to make sure you are registered under the appropriate categories. Once registered in the Bidders List, you will receive notice of procurement opportunities within the commodity codes you have selected.
3. Once identified, aggressively pursue these contracts as you would any other.
If you have questions regarding the statewide IT plan, contact Jeff Swank, IT business analyst with the ND Information Technology Department, at 701-328-1994. Questions surrounding the ND State Procurement Bidders List can be addressed by the ND State Procurement Office at 701-328-2773.
IT Career Awareness Program begins implementation:
Wade Kadrmas of Bismarck began his position as the ND IT Career Awareness Program Coordinator June 1. He is responsible for implementing ITCND’s statewide IT Career Awareness Program with the objective of informing 7-12 grade students, their parents and educators of the state’s IT career opportunities in an effort to secure a workforce into the future.
Kadrmas was hired by the ND Department of Career and Technical Education, ITCND’s partner in implementing the program. He has a bachelor’s degree in business education with an emphasis in computer science. Prior to this position, he was the technology coordinator and IT instructor at Bismarck’s St. Mary’s High School.
Kadrmas can be contacted at 701-328-3178 or by e-mail. Learn more about the IT Career Awareness Program here.
ITCND reaches out to colleges and universities:
As part of its IT Career Awareness Program, ITCND has recently shared the results of its 2008 IT Workforce Needs Assessment with ND colleges and universities. This is an effort to partner with the state’s postsecondary educational institutions to ensure IT workforce needs are met into the future.
The results of the assessment have been presented to the presidents of North Dakota’s two-year colleges, the North Dakota State College of Science and MinotStateUniversity, IT department advisory boards and at a Rasmussen IT event in Fargo. A letter, the 2009 State of the IT Industry Guide and a North Dakota IT industry fact sheet have been sent to all North Dakota colleges and universities encouraging their continuation of IT-related degree programs.
If you serve on an advisory board for a ND college or university, you are encouraged to share the results of the assessment with them. Information is available at the ITCND website. If you would like additional information, contact Deana Wiese, ITCND executive director, at 701-355-4458.
IT making the news:
Prairie Business explains how regional employment, including IT, shows strength despite the nation’s recession. View the complete article here.
Interim legislative studies selected:
The ND Legislative Council recently prioritized the studies to be conducted during the 2009-10 interim. IT-related studies selected include:
· SB 2018 – Study technology-based entrepreneurship and economic development best practices
· SB 2018 – Study the state’s system for addressing workforce needs through a workforce system initiative
· SB 2038 – Study the means by which the North Dakota University System can further contribute to developing and attracting the human capital to meet North Dakota’s economic and workforce needs
· SB 2390 – Study the establishment and development of certified technology parks
· SCR 4002 – Study the state’s workforce system, the feasibility and desirability of enacting legislation to address the issues identified in the 2007-08 interim Workforce Committee’s consultant’s report, and the implementation of workforce initiatives enacted by the 61st Legislative Assembly
A complete listing of interim legislative studies can be found at the ND Legislative Council website.
IT resource materials available:
The following materials have been developed by ITCND and are available to the membership for reference. These materials feature statistics on the IT industry in North Dakota and may be used as tools for the media, resources for education and classroom visits, and as general handouts.
· 2009 State of the IT Industry Guide – Features information on infrastructure, workforce, trends and economic impact on the state.
· North Dakota’s IT Industry at a Glance – Offers a snapshot view of the IT industry.
· IT-related Degree Programs in North Dakota – Highlights the computer and IT programs offered at North Dakota University System colleges and universities.
· IT Competency Model – Outlines the skills necessary for IT careers.
· IT Tops Hot Jobs in North Dakota – Summarizes Job Service North Dakota’s 2008 “Hot Jobs” and focuses on the IT jobs that topped the list.
View all of the above documents on the ITCND website.
Member Bits & Bytes:
BEK Communications – Steele, ND
BEK Communications is a leader in residential communications services and business solutions and is a member-owned cooperative committed to delivering cutting-edge, advanced services and technologies to its customers. It has been providing innovative technologies for telephone, Internet and TV and highly responsive local support to its membership in Burleigh, Emmons, Kidder, Logan, McLean and McIntosh counties since 1952. BEK also maintains two subsidiaries – BEK Business Solutions and BEK Sports Network. BEK Business Solutions offers a full line of products and services for office phones, computer networks, Internet connections, security, infrastructure implementation, cabling and more. BEK Sports Network is a fully functional broadcast company that produces live sporting events, sports shows and general interest shows.
Future opportunities for BEK Communications and the IT industry in the state: BEK Communications sees future opportunities in three primary areas.
1. Work-from-home opportunities: Approximately 20 percent of BEK’s broadband customers derive household income using their high speed Internet connection. In a more rural-based community, there aren’t as many career opportunities. BEK continues to search for and help deliver work-from-home opportunities for its members.
2. BEK Sports growth: BEK Sports continues to expand. It began by delivering live sporting events to the homes of BEKTV subscribers in south-central North Dakota and expanded by partnering with other North Dakota telephone cooperatives/companies to deliver several state-wide games. This partnership continued to grow quickly, and today, BEK Sports consists of three networks in one, with the potential for future growth.
3. Increase its Internet penetration: BEK’s Internet speeds in fiber-based areas are at 12 Mbps, which is among the best in the state. Currently, 100 percent of BEK’s customers are broadband capable. However, just over 50 percent of BEK’s customers are BEK Internet subscribers.
Current challenges facing BEK Communications and the IT industry in the state: Fiber to the home is the technology that will bring BEK’s services to customers well into the future. However, as a small cooperative, BEK Communications faces the challenge of delivering fiber to the homes to the remaining 40 percent of its subscriber base (currently, approximately 60 percent of BEK’s members have fiber-to-the-home). The cost of fiber-construction becomes a huge burden on a small, member-based company. Along with the initial cost of placing new facilities, it also can be expensive maintaining and servicing these subscribers on a daily basis. BEK’s total territory covers more than 6,000 square miles.
Learn more about BEK Communications here or contact Derrick Bulawa at 701-475-2361 for more information.
If you are interested in having your business featured in an upcoming "Member Bits & Bytes," e-mail ITCND. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
North Dakota Deptartment of Human Services
Contacts: Andrea Peña, Executive Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, 701-328-4847, or Heather Steffl, Public Information Officer, 701-328-4933
State Council on Developmental Disabilities invites agencies and programs to apply for grant funding
BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota State Council on Developmental Disabilities announced today that grant funding is available to support projects that enhance opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Interested organizations can obtain information online at www.ndscdd.org or by contacting the council at 701-328-4847 or apena@nd.gov. Grant applications are due July 31, 2009.
Council Executive Director Andrea Peña said the 19-member council distributes funds annually, and has historically provided start-up funds for innovative programs that continue to directly benefit people with developmental disabilities. These include para-transit services, pre-natal screenings, education for expectant mothers to help prevent birth defects, guardianship services, respite care for families, consumer training to promote employment, self-advocacy solutions, the Family-to-Family peer support project, after-school programs, and other initiatives.
Council members include individuals with developmental disabilities, parents and other immediate relatives, guardians, representatives from the North Dakota Department of Human Services and its Developmental Center, Job Service North Dakota, the Department of Public Instruction, the Department of Health, the Protection and Advocacy Project, and the N.D. Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University. Community-based service providers are also represented.
Last year the council approved 11 grants totaling over $363,000 for projects and services that supported employment, education, early intervention, and community supports for persons with developmental disabilities, as well as quality assurance efforts.
North Dakota Legislative Budget Section Meeting in Bismarck
9:05 a.m. Review by the Legislative Council staff of the Legislative Council rules of operation and
9:10 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff on the duties and responsibilities of the
Budget Section for the 2009-10 interim
9:20 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
Code (NDCC) Section 54-14-03.1
• 2009-11 biennium salary equity pool allocations
9:40 a.m. Committee consideration of the following state agency requests pursuant to NDCC
Chapter 54-16 that have been authorized by the Emergency Commission and require
consideration by the Budget Section:
• Department of Agriculture (Request #1698) - The request is to increase the grants
line item by $1 million to accept federal funds ($750,000) and funding from OMB
($250,000) to assist livestock producers affected by severe winter conditions and
spring flooding. The $250,000 of funding from the permanent oil tax trust fund was
appropriated to OMB for the 2007-09 biennium in Section 3 of 2009 House Bill No.
• Veterans' Home (Request #1699) - The request is to transfer $25,000 from the
capital assets line item to the operating expenses line item and to increase special
funds spending authority in the operating expenses line item by $75,000. The
transfer and additional special funds spending authority are for increased operating
expenses related to contract nursing and other operating costs, including utilities,
travel, and supplies.
• Valley City State University (Request #1701) - The request is for $276,596 from the
2007-09 state contingencies appropriation to increase the capital assets line item for
repairs needed to the W. E. Osmon Fieldhouse.
10:00 a.m. Presentations by representatives of the North Dakota University System regarding:
• University of North Dakota - Request for Budget Section approval to accept a gift of a
$1.3 million addition to Harrington Hall (Jodsaas Center) on the University of North
Dakota campus, pursuant to NDCC Section 15-10-12.1, rather than the acceptance
of funding of $1.3 million for construction of an addition as approved by the Budget
Section during the 2007-08 interim
project authorization for the Northern Plains Center for Behavioral Research from
$3,900,000 to $3,913,697 pursuant to NDCC Section 48-01.2-25
10:15 a.m. Report by the commissioner of University and School Lands regarding state agencies
that have not submitted a claim for unclaimed property belonging to that agency and
regarding the agency relinquishing its rights to recover its property, subject to Budget
Section approval, pursuant to NDCC Section 47-30.1-24.1
10:30 a.m. Presentation by a representative of the Department of Human Services regarding the
status of the Medicaid management information system project
10:45 a.m. Report from the Tobacco Prevention and Control Executive Committee regarding the
11:00 a.m. Presentation by the State Treasurer regarding weather-related cost-sharing funds
distributed to cities, counties, and townships pursuant to 2009 Senate Bill No. 2012
11:15 a.m. Report from the Department of Emergency Services regarding emergency snow
removal grants distributed to counties, townships, and cities pursuant to 2009 Senate
11:30 a.m. Report from the Adjutant General on 2009 flood disaster-related expenditures,
transfers, reimbursements, and general fund deposits pursuant to 2009 Senate Bill
11:45 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the Department of Transportation regarding the
anticipated use of state, federal, emergency, and other highway funding during the 2009
construction season pursuant to 2009 Senate Bill No. 2012
12:00 noon Presentation by the Legislative Council staff on the following reports:
• Analysis of Legislative Changes to the Executive Budget 2009-11 Biennium
(Including Supplemental and Statistical Information Regarding the State Budget)
• Budget status reports on appropriations and estimated revenues - 2009-11 biennium
12:15 p.m. Distribution by the Legislative Council staff of a written summary report from the
Veterans' Home construction project manager regarding the status of the Veterans'
12:20 p.m. Committee discussion and staff directives
Grindberg, Ralph L. Kilzer, Aaron Krauter, Karen K. Krebsbach, Elroy N. Lindaas, Tim Mathern,
Carolyn Nelson, David O'Connell, Larry J. Robinson, Tom Seymour, Bob Stenehjem, Rich Wardner,
1. Scam Alert: CMS has become aware of a scam targeting physician offices
2. FDA Consumer Alert: Warning Consumers of a Tainted Skin Sanitizer
3. The Availability of Qualified Registries for 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Reporting
4. Get Ready for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding!
5. Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System – June News
6. July 2009 Average Sales Price (ASP) Files Are Now Available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the availability of Qualified Registries for 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) Reporting.
A list of qualified registries can be accessed under the “Reporting” section page on the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI. Each of the registries listed has gone through a vetting process. CMS believes that it is highly likely each of these registries will be successful in their data submission for the PQRI program.
Eligible professionals who wish to participate in the 2009 PQRI using one of the registry-based options may contact the registries for additional details on participation options.
All publicly available information on the CMS Physician Quality Reporting Initiative can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRIon the CMS website.
1. Bidding begins
1. The Five-Star provider preview reports are beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Providers can access the report from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the State servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.
2. BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov is available to address June’s data concerns and/or issues. The helpline will reopen in July to coincide with quarterly Quality Measure (QM) data updates.
3. Nursing Home Compare will update with June’s Five-Star data on Thursday, June 25, 2009.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted the July 2009 ASP pricing files and crosswalks, which are available for download at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/McrPartBDrugAvgSalesPrice/01a1_2009aspfiles.asp
The revised Sole Community Hospital Fact Sheet ( April 2009), which provides information about Sole Community Hospital classification and payments, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/SoleCommHospfctsht508-09.pdf .
The revised Rural Referral Center Fact Sheet (April 2009), which provides information about Rural Referral Center program requirements, is now available in downloadable format from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Medicare Learning Network at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/RuralRefCtrfctsht2008.pdf .
Revised in June 2009 -- The Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) Web-Based Training (WBT), which is made available by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network (MLN), contains information about the Certificate of Medical Necessity, commonly known as a CMN.
This course will be helpful to physicians, health care professional, and medical administrative staff in the completion, submission and maintenance of the documentation required to verify the CMN. It can be accessed by going to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNGenInfo. Scroll to the "Related Links Inside CMS" section at the bottom of the page, and select Web Based Training (WBT) Modules. You will find the "Certificate of Medical Necessity WBT " from the list provided.
· List the items that require a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN)
· Identify the responsibilities of Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, or Clinical Nurse Specialists as they relate to the CMN
· Define medical record documentation
· Identify the sections of a CMN
· List CMN common Errors
· Identify CMN completion resources
Successful completion of this course requires completion of all course lessons, pre-test, course evaluation and a score of 70 percent of higher on the post-test.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is authorized by IACET to offer 0.1 continuing education units (CEUs) for this program.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services designates this educational Activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Credit for this course expires May 4, 2012.
This course and its post test score of 70% or higher, is approved for 1 CEU by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Index # CMS06140728A
When submitting a CMS completed web-based training course to AAPC as part of your recertification, please retain a copy of your CMS certificate and a copy of the course description that contains the AAPC index number and number of AAPC CEUs. The AAPC will request copies of these if you are selected for verification of the CEUs listed on your renewal form.
This course was developed without any commercial support.
Click here to view the biographical information of the course developers. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNEdWebGuide/Downloads/2009_May_Biographical_Data_CMN_WBT.pdf
Over the last two weeks, Secretary Duncan delivered two of four major policy speeches on priorities for the “Race to the Top” Fund. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), states must offer assurances that they are making progress in four critical areas of reform: adopting rigorous standards that prepare students for success in college and the workforce; recruiting and retaining effective teachers, especially in classrooms where they are needed most; turning around low-performing schools; and building data systems to track student achievement and teacher effectiveness. States must report on their progress toward completing these assurances in their applications to receive formula funding under the $48.6 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF). The Department will evaluate states’ success in meeting assurances when reviewing states’ applications for competitive grants under the $4.35 billion “Race to the Top” Fund.
First, on June 8, at the fourth annual conference of the Department’s Institute of Education Sciences, the Secretary told education researchers that supporting states’ efforts to build warehouses of data on student achievement is a top priority. “I am a deep believer in the power of data to drive our decisions,” he said. “Data gives us the roadmap to reform. Its tells us where we are, where we need to go, and who is most at risk.” The Secretary specifically urged researchers to work on improving accountability models based on the growth of student test scores and developing fair models of compensating teachers and other school staff based on the achievement of their students. Ultimately, he added, the data should be used to ensure that students are on track to graduation and success in college. “Hopefully, some day, we can track children from preschool to high school, from high school to college, and from college to career,” he stated. “We must track high-growth children in classrooms to their great teachers, and great teachers to their schools of education.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06082009.html.
Then, on June 15, during an address at the 2009 Governors Education Symposium in North Carolina, the Secretary urged the nation’s governors and state education leaders to continue the movement toward adopting internationally benchmarked standards for K-12 education. He also applauded the 46 states and three territories that agreed this month to develop common standards, announcing the Department will commit up to $350 million of the “Race to the Top” Fund to support the states in the creation of rigorous assessments that are linked to those common standards. “With higher standards that are common across states, we can share best practices and collaborate on curricula,” he noted. “We can learn together about how to improve teacher preparation and development so that far more teachers can help students master challenging standards. This can accelerate all of your [education] reform work.” Regarding assessments, “You will create these tests. You will drive the process. You will call the shots,” he said. “We just want tests that are aligned with rigorous standards and that accurately reflect what is happening in the classroom so that teachers, parents, and students can trust the results.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2009/06/higher-standards-better-tests-race-to-the-top/.
The Secretary will shortly deliver two more major policy speeches. He will discuss turning around low-performing schools on June 22 at the National Charter School Conference (Washington, D.C.). He will discuss teacher quality on July 2 at the National Education Association’s Annual Meeting (San Diego).
“Race to the Top” grants will be made in two rounds. States that miss in the first round may reapply for the second round. The Secretary has laid out the following timeline:
late July 2009 -- the Department will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register, inviting public comment for 30 days on the proposed grant application and evaluation criteria
October 2009 -- notice inviting applications will be published in the Federal Register
December 2009 -- Phase 1 applications will be due
March 2010 -- Phase 1 grants awarded
June 2010 -- Phase 2 applications will be due
September 2010 -- Phase 2 grants awarded
Prefacing his speech on school turnarounds, the Secretary told reporters on a June 8 conference call that states must be open to charter schools. “States that do not have public charter laws or put artificial caps on the growth of charter schools will jeopardize their applications under the ‘Race to the Top’ Fund,” he declared. “To be clear, the administration is not looking to open unregulated and unaccountable schools. We want real autonomy for charters, combined with a rigorous authorization process and higher performance standards.” Currently, 10 states lack laws allowing public charter schools, and, in the 40 states with charters, 26 put artificial caps on the number of charters. Such actions, stressed the Secretary, are “restricting reforms, limiting choices for parents and students, and denying children full access to new, high-quality instruction.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06082009a.html.
More Grants Available. Funding provided by the ARRA and the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) increases the maximum Pell Grant for the 2009-10 school year to $5,350 – a $600 increase over last year’s award. Pell Grants are awarded mainly to students with family incomes under $50,000. Also, students will now be eligible to receive Pell Grants year round.
Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Program. IBR (https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/IBRPlan.jsp) caps eligible borrowers’ monthly federal loan payments at 15% of their discretionary income, or, more technically, 15% of what a borrower earns above 150% of the poverty level for their family size. The program covers nearly all federal loans made to undergraduate and graduate students, past, present, or future, including Direct Loans and federal loans from a private lender. The debt and interest remaining after 25 years of payments will be forgiven. Moreover, under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PSF.jsp), if the borrower works in a government, non-profit, or other public service job, debts could be forgiven in as few as 10 years under IBR or other qualifying payment options. Yet, only Direct consolidated loans are eligible for this program. Borrowers can use the Department’s IBR Calculator (https://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/IBRCalc.jsp) to estimate if they will benefit from IBR.
All unconsolidated Stafford loans that originated before July 1, 2006, have variable interest rates that reset each year. This year, the variable rate is dropping from 4.21% to 2.48%. And, for Class of 2009 graduates, the news is even better: if they consolidate during the six-month grace period, they can lock in a rate of 1.88%. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://studentaid.ed.gov/ AND http://projectonstudentdebt.org/july1-2009.vp.html.
Also: This week, Secretary Duncan announced that four companies were awarded new contracts to service a portion of the nearly $550 billion outstanding federal student loan portfolio held by the Department. The contractors will also service loans originated by and sold to the agency in the future. The awarding of these contracts provides the Department with the capacity necessary to support anticipated increases in the number of loans owned by the Department and ensures borrowers receive the assistance they need to effectively manage their federal student loan obligations. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06172009b.html.
A nationally representative sample of 7,900 eighth-grade students from 260 public and private schools participated in the 2008 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment in arts. Approximately one-half of the students were assessed in music; the other half were assessed in visual arts. Two separate scores were reported for the assessment: average responding score (reflecting students’ ability to observe, describe, analyze, and evaluate works), reported for both music and visual arts, and average creating task score (reflecting students’ ability to express ideas in the form of an original work), reported only for visual arts. Since this assessment differed substantially from the previous assessment, a trend could not be reported on overall scores. Yet, compared to 1997, about the same percentage of students correctly answered a set of multiple choice questions in visual arts; in music, there was a decline from 53% to 51%. In addition, 57% of eighth-graders in 2008 attended schools where students received music instruction at least three or four times a week (not significantly different from the 43% reported in 1997), and 47% of eighth-graders in 2008 attended schools where students received visual arts instruction at least three or four times a week (not significantly different from the 52% reported in 1997). FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nationsreportcard.gov/arts_2008/. (The Secretary’s statement on the results is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06152009.html.)
Also: New survey research from the National Endowment for the Arts finds that American audiences for the arts are getting older, and their numbers are declining. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.nea.gov/news/news09/SPPA-highlights.html.
In a joint letter, Secretary Duncan and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius commended parents and educators for addressing challenges “faced as a result of the H1N1 flu outbreak, particularly balancing health and safety requirements with the educational, business, and social needs of the community.” They also urged stakeholders “to begin thinking about the next school year, and how we can work together to keep our students and local communities safe.” Among their recommendations: updating school emergency plans; considering ways to promote good hand hygiene, regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces in schools, and other infection control measures; and considering alternative mechanisms for the delivery of education content. The recommendations are linked with federal resources. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/.
The Department’s State Fiscal Stabilization Fund resources page includes states’ initial applications, approved applications, and any amendments. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/resources.html.
“The Opportunity Equation: Transforming Mathematics and Science Education for Citizenship and the Global Economy,” from the Carnegie Corporation, offers concrete actions to a range of organizations who must coalesce to “do school differently” to transform math and science education. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.opportunityequation.org/.
“Late High School Dropouts: Characteristics, Experiences, and Changes Across Cohorts,” from the Department’s National Center for Education Statistics, presents selected information about high school sophomores in 2002 who, subsequently, dropped out of school. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2009307.
The Department recently announced the awarding of $18.5 million to enhance libraries in 57 low-income school districts across the U.S. The grants will help schools improve reading achievement by providing students with increased access to current school library materials, technologically advanced media centers, and professionally certified media specialists. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/lsl/.
The Department also recently announced the awarding of $3.4 million for 14 programs in 11 states to enhance American Indian preschool preparation and prepare American Indian high school students to transition to and succeed in college or other postsecondary education options (http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06172009a.html), and $3.8 million for 11 programs in seven states to provide training programs to recruit and graduate new American Indian teachers and administrators (http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06172009.html).
“You must resist the temptation to make [common] standards too easy. Our children deserve to graduate from high school prepared for college and the jobs of the future. The standards must be rigorous, and they must also be tightly focused on the most important things students need to know. Right now, standards are too broad…. Teachers scramble to cover everything -- a little of this, a little of that -- and not enough of what’s really important. They can’t dig deeper on a challenging subject that excites students. And, students can’t master material when they are racing thorough it.”
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (6/14/09), at the Governors Education Symposium
President Obama has unveiled United We Serve -- a sustained effort to expand the size and impact of volunteer efforts in addressing challenges facing the nation. The initiative, led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, officially kicks off on June 22 and runs for 81 days, all the way through to new National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. To make it easy to get involved, the President is urging Americans to visit the Corporation’s web site (http://www.serve.gov/), where individuals can search for local volunteer opportunities, recruit volunteers by posting their organization’s projects, or get ideas for creating their own projects with families and friends.
Hold on! Over the next two weeks, the Department will exhibit at the National Charter Schools Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 21-24), the Council of Chief State School Officers’ National Conference on Student Assessment in Los Angeles (June 21-24), the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials’ Annual Conference in Los Angeles (June 25-27), the National Parent Teacher Association’s National Convention in Fort Lauderdale (June 26-29), and the National School Public Relations Association’s National Seminar in San Francisco (June 28-July 1). If you are attending any of these events, please stop by the Department’s booth.
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