Announcement
Announcing Content Specialist Online Office Topics and Dates for October and November
Attn: Superintendents, Curriculum Directors and Specialists, Principals, Teachers
As part of CDE's continued efforts to provide service and support to the field, the CDE content specialists host regular online "office hours" using chat tools and Adobe Connect Pro. The purpose of office hours is to provide the field with up-to-date information on teaching and learning research and best practices. Each session has a specific focus and provides opportunities for educators to engage in collegial dialogue with educators across Colorado.
To help you plan to participate in upcoming office hours, you’ll find the topics and dates of the Oct. and Nov. sessions:
Wednesday, Oct. 14
Phase 3 standards update: Dance, Drama and Theatre Arts, Visual Arts, World Language, and PE and Health.
Hosted by Karol Gates, Arts Content Specialist
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/phasethree/
Wednesday, Oct. 21
Math standards update
Hosted by Melissa Colsman, Math Content Specialist
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/mathupdate/
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Social studies standards update
Hosted by Dr. Brenda Barr, Social Studies Content Specialist
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/r85906648/
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Science standards update
Hosted by Barry Cartwright, Science Content Specialist
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/r65042103/
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Literacy standards update
Hosted by Gena Feury, Language Arts Content Specialist
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/literacyupdate/
Monday, Nov. 16
Standards implementation input session: What support do YOU need to implement the revised Colorado standards?
Hosted by all of the content specialists
Click to join the meeting: http://cecc.na4.acrobat.com/standardsimplementation/
In addition to these live, online sessions, each week the content specialists will host content specific blog discussions on topics of interest. An initial blog will be posted on Mondays by each content specialist. This posting will include times that the discussion will be monitored live allowing for back and forth chatting with the content specialist and the Colorado education community.
We welcome your participation in this outreach effort!
For More Information, Contact:
Melissa Colsman
Phone: 303-866-6737
Email: colsman_m@cde.state.co.us
Release of Proposed Guidelines for the Investing in Innovation Grant Program
Attn: Superintendents
The U.S. Department of Education has recently released its Proposed Priorities, Criteria and Requirements for the Investing in Innovation grant program. The proposed guidelines, as well as a Power Point presentation on the grant program, can be accessed at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Nina Lopez
ARRA Director
Phone: 303-866-6245
Email: lopez_n@cde.state.co.us
Colorado Model Autism and Significant Support Needs Programs
Attn: Special Education Directors, Program Coordinators, Superintendents, Principals
CDE is pleased to announce this opportunity for your school to partner with CDE in a collaborative project to develop quality programs for your students with Autism Spectrum Disorders or Significant Support Needs.
This project, partially funded by an Office of Special Education Programs State Personnel Development Grant, will be a collaborative effort between the Exceptional Student Leadership Office, Institutions of Higher Education, the RtI/PBS Office and four Colorado schools.
The school staff will use CDE’s “Quality Indicators” to assess their current programming, which may be specific to individual students and/or an administrative unit program, and identify the areas they would like to target for improvement. The CDE team will assist by recommending new evidence-based interventions to support the program and increase the achievement of the students involved in the project. There will be a focus on literacy for students with moderate-to-severe cognitive disabilities using the RtI model and improving social-emotional skills using strategies from the Positive Behavior Support framework and other evidence based practices. Training and ongoing coaching will be individualized to meet the needs of each school.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Melinda Graham or Gina Quintana
Phone: 303-866-6707 or 303-866-6605
Email: graham_m@cde.state.co.us or quintana_g@cde.state.co.us
Framework Standards Radar Graph Reports Are Now Available
Attn: Superintendents, DACs
CDE is pleased to announce the availability of the Framework Standards Radar Graph Reports. They are available to all authorized users of the CEDAR reporting system.
For More Information, Contact:
CEDAR Help Desk
IMS
Phone: 303-866-6833
Email: cedar@cde.state.co.us
Learn More about Race to the Top
Attn: Superintendents
The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) will be hosting webinars to provide information about the Race to the Top grant program and Colorado's application submission process on the following dates:
Monday, Oct. 26, from 9 to 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m.
For further information, please visit: http://www.cde.state.co.us/scripts/federalstimulus/detail.asp?itemid=806271
In addition, CDE will be coordinating regional meetings throughout the state in order to share information about the Race to the Top Program. More details to follow.
Finally, superintendents have been asked to express their interest in participating in the Race to the Top through an online survey by today, Oct. 7. Over 70 districts have indicated some degree of interest. Based on the feedback received in that survey, districts will be offered additional opportunities to learn more about what participation will mean, which may include webinars and regional meetings. Superintendents that have not responded to the online survey but are still interested in participating may still signal their interest by completing the online survey at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Nina Lopez
ARRA Director
Phone: 303-866-6245
Email: lopez_n@cde.state.co.us
Conference
GEO To Host Grand Junction Workshop to Promote LEED, Energy Efficiency for Schools
Attn: Superintendents, Board Members, Facility Staff
In most school districts, utility costs are second only to salary as the greatest expense. The Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) can help schools reduce their energy costs and allocate the savings toward improved facilities and academics. The GEO’s High Performance Building Program helps school districts maximize energy efficiency and renewable energy potential in schools and other public building projects.
The next workshop is planned for Thursday, Oct. 29 at Mesa State College Grand Mesa Residence Hall in Grand Junction. Tours of the adjacent LEED Certified Classroom Building start at Noon and the workshop runs from 1 to 5 p.m. There is no cost to attend.
AGENDA
With the goal of creating energy champions across the state, the workshop will:
-Provide an overview of the High Performance Building Program which includes public education, outreach and partner participation.
-Demonstrate how integrated design brings all stakeholders to the planning table.
-Offer strategies to maximize energy efficiency in your building projects.
-Feature examples and success stories from Mesa State and around Colorado.
-Identify funding opportunities.
-Strengthen your networking community.
BENEFITS
Discover opportunities to partner with the Governor’s Energy Office:
High Performance Building team on your project.
Learn about financial incentives for High Performance Building.
Network with other regional professionals implementing high performance
building techniques within similar organizations.
Get to know GEO representatives currently working in your area.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Planners, funders, designers, builders, operations and maintenance managers responsible for public building projects.
Pre-Registration is required. Please go to the link below for more information.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Joel Asrael
Commercial Program Manager - Governor's Energy Office
Phone: (303) 866-2204
Email: joel.asrael@state.co.us
Annual School Nurse Conference
Attn: School Nurses
The annual School Nurse Conference will be held at Beaver Run in Breckenridge Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 & 7. Preconference sessions will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The conference will open with a welcome from Commissioner of Education Dwight Jones. Topics include: vision screening & disabilities, asthma clinical guidelines and sleep disorders to name just a few.
Further information can be found on the CASN Web site. Register online at www.blacktie-colorado.com/rsvp. Enter the code CASNfall09 to register online.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Kathleen Patrick RN
PI
Phone: 303-866-6779
Email: patrick_k@cde.state.co.us
Event
Webinar: Oral Expression & Listening Comprehension as Areas of Specific Learning Disability
Attn: Special Educators, Administrators
Intended Audience: Teams of special educators
Date: Thursday, Oct. 29
Time: Webinar will run from 2:30– 4:30 p.m.
Session Description: Oral Expression and Listening Comprehension are now explicitly included among “areas” of Specific Learning Disability in Colorado Exceptional Children’s Education Act Rules. This Webinar session will address the characteristics and skills involved in these two areas, as well as provide examples of interventions, assessment and progress monitoring strategies. Because there is considerable overlap related to these two areas in the special education eligibility criteria within the categories of Specific Learning Disabilities and Speech-Language Impairment, guidance as to the considerations that might be addressed when determining primary disability will be provided.
Below is the link to the Specific Learning Disability (CDE) Web page. The event flyer, including the link to online registration, is posted under “Professional Development Opportunities.”
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Melissa Chaffin
Exceptional Student Leadership
Phone: 303-866-6819
Email: chaffin_m@cde.state.co.us
Federal Programs
Comparability Training Webinars
Attn: Comparability respondents, Title I Directors, HR Directors
CDE will host training webinars on the Online Comparability System. These trainings are geared to comparability respondents and other district personnel who will help compile the data and update the online system. Webinars will be held:
Wednesday, Oct. 21 (1 to 3 p.m.)
Thursday, Oct. 22 (9:30 to 11:30 a.m.) and (1 to 3 p.m.)
Friday, Oct. 23 (10 a.m. to noon) and (1 to 3 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 4 (1 to 3 p.m.)
Additional trainings will be scheduled as need arises. To register, contact Clara Algiene at Algiene_c@cde.state.co.us
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Donna Morganstern
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 303-866-6209
Email: Morganstern_d@cde.state.co.us
Webinars for the Title IV-A Year End Performance Report
Attn: District Administrators of the Title IV-A “Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities” Program
The 2008-09 Year End Performance Report is now available online. It is due Tuesday, Nov. 1.
A 15-minute webinar, intended to increase the quality of the report, will be offered at the following times:
Tuesday, Oct. 13
8:15 – 8:30 a.m. and 12:45 – 1 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 14
11:45 – Noon and 3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Instructions and access for each time can be obtained at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Janelle Krueger
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 303-866-6660
Email: Krueger_J@cde.state.co.us
FYI
Race To The Top Briefing
Attn: Superintendents, Communications Directors, Community Relations Personnel
The CDE Communications Office will hold a Race to the Top briefing on Thursday, Oct. 29 from 11:30 to 1 p.m. The meeting will be held at CDE, 201 E. Colfax Ave., Room 101 in Denver. Nina Lopez, ARRA Director will provide an update and then take questions. This meeting is being provided primarily for those district personnel who deal with news media and public relations.
Please RSVP to the Communications Office at CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us if you plan to attend or would like to call in. We'll provide the call in information to those that RSVP.
For More Information, Contact:
Megan McDermott
Communications
Phone: 303-866-2334
Email: mcdermott_m@cde.state.co.us
Important Due Date
Assessment Checkpoint Deadline for Results Matter
Attn: Superintendents, Principals, Special Education Directors, Preschool Coordinators
The first online reporting checkpoint due date for Results Matter is Thursday, Oct. 29. Observation notes, portfolio postings and assessment ratings must be entered into the online assessment system by 6 p.m. on Oct. 29. Please remind preschool staff about this due date and monitor their completion of the ongoing assessment results by logging into your assessment system.
For those new to this initiative, Results Matter is a child and family outcomes system that provides a framework for monitoring and responding to preschool student progress. For more information about Results Matter, visit the link below.
The 2009/2010 checkpoint deadlines are: Oct. 29, Feb. 14 and May 31. An optional checkpoint for year round programs is Aug. 14.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Nan Vendegna
Early Childhood Initiatives - The Office of Teaching and Learning
Phone: 303-866-6602
Email: vendegna_n@cde.state.co.us
To Do
You Still Have Time To Submit Your Scoop Feedback
Attn: Scoop Recipients
If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to provide the Communications Office with your feedback regarding The Scoop. Your response will help us better support your needs. Please take a moment to fill out a brief survey at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Megan McDermott
Communications
Phone: 303-866-2334
Email: mcdermott_m@cde.state.co.us
Update
DEADLINE EXTENDED for Distinguished Principal and Teacher Award Nominations
Attn: Principals, Title I Directors, Superintendents
The deadline for the Distinguished Principal and Teacher Award applications has been extended to Friday, Oct. 30.
Please note: the information on achievement criteria has been updated. The earlier application referred to an incorrect Growth Model file. The “Percent Catching Up” column of the School Summary Growth Files will not provide applicants with adequate information to meet the data requirements of this award. Applicants should refer to the Colorado Growth Model flat files sent to each district to obtain information on the percentage of students moving from Unsatisfactory to Partially Proficient. The application should include the number and percentage of students who are on track to be Partially Proficient or above within three years.
Distinguished Principal - http://www.cde.state.co.us/FedPrograms/awards/ti_distprinc.asp
Distinguished Teacher - http://www.cde.state.co.us/FedPrograms/awards/ti_distteach.asp
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Judy Huddleston
Office of Federal Program Administration
Phone: 720-939-8848
Email: huddleston_j@cde.state.co.us
Phase III Academics Standards Review
Attn: Superintendents, District Personnel, Teachers
It's your last chance to weigh in on Colorado’s new academic standards. It’s the final stretch! The Colorado Department of Education has crisscrossed the state since May to get input on draft Colorado Academic Standards. The standards spell out what public school students should know and be able to do in preschool through grade 12 in thirteen content areas.
Parents, educators and community members can weigh in by Webinar this month only on the final round of drafts. Each one-hour Webinar focuses on select topics:
• 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12: World languages
• 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16: Theater, dance and visual arts
• 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19: English language development – for students learning English as a second language
• 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20: Comprehensive health and physical education
Colorado’s outdated standards have been revised to better prepare students for success after high school graduation – whether they pursue college, the workforce or other options. For example, there’s a greater focus on 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and reasoning, managing new information, creativity, and self direction.
Time is short! The window to share feedback closes Wednesday, Oct. 21. The Colorado State Board of Education will adopt new standards in December.
All you need to join a Webinar is an Internet-connected computer and a phone. To join the Webinar visit https://admin.na4.acrobat.com/_a829237908/standards/
Login as a guest and view the instructions.
The call in number for the audio is 1-866-645-5820.
Can’t attend a Webinar? Attend one of our public meetings, or submit online feedback.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Angela Norlander
Standards and Assessment
Phone: 303-866-6931
Email: norlander_a@cde.state.co.us
CDE's Statewide Longitudinal Data System Data Effectiveness Survey Update
Attn: Superintendents, District Assessment Coordinators, Data Collections, District Data Analysts
CDE would like to thank everyone that has participated in the survey up to this point. As of Monday, Oct. 5 we have received 184 responses. For those of you who have not completed the survey, please do so by Friday, Oct. 16. Your feedback is vital to help guide decisions over the next year.
The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Check your respective e-mails for the details.
Thanks again to those of you who have already completed the survey.
For More Information, Contact:
Dan Domagala
IMS
Phone: 303-866-6961
Email: domagala_d@cde.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado
80203-1799
Phone: 303-866-6822 or 303-866-2334
Do you know somebody in your school district who needs to read The Scoop each week? Send an e-mail to: CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us with "Sign Me Up For The Scoop" in the subject line. If you are having trouble signing up, please call the communications office at the telephone numbers above.
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