The State Board of Education has continued to lead efforts to further refine the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force for Improving Education and to develop proposals for implementation of these recommendations. Two committees began work in April 2014 to address each of the recommendations and bring forward detailed recommendations for implementation, including Administrative Rules and legislation to the Governor, the State Board of Education, and the 2015 Legislature. This session will include an overview of the committees’ work and their recommendations for implementation in 2015.
In this workshop we will discuss the changing best practices for school staff responding to a threat inside and outside their building. We will discuss what the staff can do to empower themselves in the time before police arrive at their building in the event of a violent intruder.
Research shows small districts retain important positions in America. Not only do they provide basic education, but they also serve as social and cultural centers. 108 of 144 Idaho districts and charters meet Idaho’s definition for Rural School. Of those, 26 are located in Idaho’s panhandle. This session highlights the results of a study designed to ascertain challenges faced by Idaho’s rural districts and schools through a leadership lens. 51 interviews with rural superintendents and principals in 25 districts were conducted. Archival records and other statistical documentation were synthesized to generate one-page profiles for each district. Results from this study will also be shared with policymakers in the form of a legislative brief. Possible solutions to address these problems will be presented.
Nearly every major university requires a core of 36 college credits (12 high school classes) that is required for every incoming college freshman. Interestingly enough, almost every one of these classes’ curriculum is closely aligned with required high school courses. These 36 college credits (12 high school classes) can be taken while students are in high school for less than one-third of the cost. These classes can be taught by your existing high school teachers. In most cases, universities compensate your high school teachers $1,000 per course. These classes are extremely beneficial to all students. Completing them gives students a one year head start to college and increases their likelihood of them graduating. Come learn how our school district has one this successfully for many years, despite being a rural district.
Do you know what your district spends per child and how that compares to other districts? Do you know your high school’s SAT average or your elementary school’s reading results? All of that information and much more is available for on a free, easy-to-use website. Attendees will learn what data is publicly available, where to get it and what to ask for. This workshop will show attendees information about their district’s demographics, spending patterns and academic results and compare that data with other districts.
This session offers attendees an opportunity to learn how to cultivate a classroom environment that supports and respects the civil rights of students. During the panel, we will discuss opportunities for school leaders to address a variety of civil rights issues in the classroom that will better inform students of their right to speech, expression, and privacy. Discussion topics will include: 1.) Bullying in the era of modern technology; 2.) Freedom of expression; and 3.) Privacy in the classroom.
Come learn about a variety of topics relevant in an ever-changing bond market and regulatory environment. These topics include new SEC Municipal Advisor rules which impact relationships between districts and those they hire to secure financing, recent disclosure initiatives, the market’s appetite for Idaho school bonds, recent competitive sale results, and how to pass a bond election. Topics may be slightly revised as we near the presentation date in order to reflect the most relevant and up-to-date information.
This presentation focuses on the elements of school district records policies. Background will be provided on Idaho Public Records law and federal laws, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), that impact records policies. This background sets the stage for a discussion of the purposes and goals of records policy and the power authorizing a school district to adopt records policy. The presentation then focuses on policy guidelines, suggestions, and ideas concerning public records requests and the classification, custody, and maintenance (including proper records destruction) of records.
How can IDLA and your district work together for the academic success of all students? Come learn and discuss together.
Attend this informative session to learn more about the current trends in education employment law. Attendees will specifically learn how to avoid whistleblower and first amendment retaliation claims.
Children are being educated by their peers on social media every day. Parents are giving their kids devices that enable predators to contact them 24 hours a day in their own homes and at school. What education do the parents and school leaders need on the dangers of social media? Come to this workshop and get educated on the dangers of social media and what you can do to help protect your children, students, and yourself. We will discuss topics such as: Kids versus Parents; Dangers of Social Media; Current Applications Used; Bullying; Facebook Security; SnapChat; Dangers of GPS on Your Phone; Popular Applications Kids Use; Fellow Classmate Predators; Adult Predators; Scammers; Secret Applications; How to Block Numbers on Your Smartphone; and Cell Phone Security.
Student achievement and success depends in large part on the continual improvement of teaching and learning. There is no magical moment or perfect initiative that will suddenly bring about high levels of achievement. In this workshop we will explore how school boards and administrators can build a culture of continual improvement. What are the components of a healthy educational organization that leads to student success? How can school boards and administrators build trust in their communities and among staff to bring about success? The workshop will utilize the Socratic seminar, reading strategies, discussion techniques, lecture to explore these ideas.
What is community? What is engagement? Why is it important? Learn ways to create a strong district relationship with your entire community. Share experiences and understand why it is so important to maintain a good relationship not only with the public at large, but with your school community as well.
Participate in this review of property taxes, changes to the process by the 2014 Legislature, personal property, how to compute maximums, how to complete the forms, where to find the forms on the State Tax Commission’s web page, and more.
You already know that the Idaho Digital Learning (IDLA) is the state virtual school, supplemental to all schools. You may already know IDLA provides online learning opportunities to students across the State. Do you also know about other products and services provided by IDLA? Participants in this session will learn about Blended Learning, Professional Development, School Portals, and other innovative programs and services available to schools and districts through IDLA.
The Hub and PD360: Your Teachers’ One-Stop Shop for Professional Development! The Idaho State Department of Education has developed a new website to house professional development (PD) for Idaho educators. The Hub includes links to websites that provide information about educational topics where Idaho educators may seek PD for themselves or their staff members. It also includes a state PD Google Calendar that organizes all of the PD for the State. The website is a vehicle to access such websites as PD 360 (Edivation), Discovery Education, Schoolnet, and Think Through Math. Our goal is to provide a place to coordinate all of the state’s PD so that there are fewer conflicts and to build a strong collaboration between Idaho Educators, the State Department of Education, and PD providers and agencies for effective PD for Idaho Educators.
Children are being educated by their peers on social media every day. Parents are giving their kids devices which enable predators to contact them 24 hours a day in their own homes and at school. What education do the parents and school leaders need on the dangers of social media? Come to this workshop and get educated on the dangers of social media and what you can do to help protect your children, students, and yourself. We will discuss topics such as: Kids vs Parents; Dangers of Social Media; Current Applications Used; Bullying; Facebook Security; SnapChat; Dangers of GPS on Your Phone; Popular Applications Kids Use; Fellow Classmate Predators; Adult Predators; Scammers; Secret Applications; How to Block Numbers on Your Smartphone; and Cell Phone Security.
This workshop will provide background information on the Affordable Care Act provisions that make this relevant in today’s market. There will also be discussion on the current status of filing with the Department of Insurance.
Zero-tolerance policies have been adopted across the country, but with more than a decade of data and analysis, schools are now turning away from most of them and opting to use alternative methods to deal with disciplinary actions in schools. This workshop will review findings from a report commissioned by the National School Boards Association, as well as other sources including data specific to Idaho schools to show the consequences of such policies and offer recommendations for moving forward. As Idaho works toward achieving equity in education, this workshop will offer participants an opportunity to discuss and take away best-practice recommendations for how to move away from certain policies that have a disproportionate impact on at-risk students, including racial minorities, students with disabilities, and low-income households.
While “unfair treatment” is no longer the basis for a statutory grievance, there is more to the picture. Learn about the changes in the statutory right to a grievance, the need to review and amend your grievance policies, and the recent trends as to what grievances employees are filing.
The way in which we fund Idaho schools and the level of support they receive have both changed dramatically in recent years. More changes may arise as new threats to school funding continue to emerge. Raising needed resources is made even more complex by negative attitudes about taxes. This presentation will cover key facts about trends in school finance, current State policy issues that may impact school funding, and communications techniques that can effectively convey why education investment matters to our State.
Come learn about the contracting differences between the Agency Construction Manager (presently enjoyed by many school districts) and the new Construction Manager / General Contractor law recently enacted by the Idaho Legislature.
Offering students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school significantly increases the likelihood those students will go on and complete a postsecondary degree or certificate. The State Board of Education and other policy makers have increased state support for advanced opportunities including dual credit, professional-technical courses, and advanced placement courses in recent years through new programs and more funding. This workshop will detail how those programs are working to help Idaho students succeed after high school. It will include information on the new Fast Forward program ($200 for juniors / $300 for seniors), the 8 in 6 program, early completers, and the State’s new articulation and transfer portal to help students see where and how credits will apply at the postsecondary institution.
The (Station) Rotation Model is a common implementation of Blended Learning for teachers wanting to get started. In this session you will see the potential of a blended classroom rotation model and how you can implement it in your school or classroom. You will learn from teachers in Idaho and around the nation that are making this transition and how it works for them.
Working together as a governance team is a critical practice for today’s school board members and superintendents. This partnership may be paramount to every relationship in the school district. Learn how your team can have the tough conversations that lead toward effective relationships and improved student achievement. Discover ways to make expectations clear, communicate effectively, and work well together.
This presentation is an outgrowth of the statewide threat and vulnerability assessment contracted by the SDE and performed in Fall of 2013. Geared to school governance and top administration, attendees will receive information to help them more accurately assess the condition of school safety and security with an included assessment rubric. We will discuss how assessment can be used to improve school safety planning, policy, purchasing, and training. The workshop will also focus on the relationship between threat and vulnerability in K12 schools. This will include information on safety and security in each of the three elements (school community, school operations, and school facilities) and the interaction between the three.
Update on transfer of Federal lands to western states and the potential impact on school budgets.
Idaho has raised academic standards in math and English language arts and therefore, must revise its assessment. In 2014, Idaho field tested all students utilizing the Smarter Balanced Assessment. In 2015, students will take the operational test. How does the new ISAT by Smarter Balanced compare to the old one? How will the new ISAT affect accountability ratings? Learn what’s new and different and what is the same about assessment in Idaho and how accountability will be measured for the 2014-2015 school year. This session will provide basic information on the assessment, as well as opportunities to ask questions.
This presentation will help attendees to understand what data is available and how to use that data to inform decisions. We will look specifically at the go-on rates from the high school feedback reports. We will discuss how those rates are calculated and explore ways that schools can use that information to track and improve performance. We will address how to get this information for your school and provide time for questions from attendees.
Idaho Digital Learning has available courses that will help students take advantage of the funds provided through Advanced Opportunities in the State of Idaho. In this session, participants will learn about Advanced Opportunities programs and what courses IDLA provides that meet criteria for each of those programs.
This session will examine the role trustees play in improving learning outcomes for students. We will examine how school boards can provide the conditions and develop the culture for 21st century learning. School board trustees are elected for the education of students – we will focus on current research that study where trustees fit in the accountability and transformation movement of public education. Does board behavior affect student test scores? Do some school boards create higher student achievement than others? What is the role of school boards in improving student achievement? This interactive discussion will focus on strategies trustees can use to help their board keep student learning a priority.
What’s the problem? Every group experiences challenges with relationships. How can a board-superintendent team ensure the good work of the district moves forward regardless of dynamics and personalities? Learn how to communicate effectively even through conflict. Practice separating performance from personality. Gain skills to help your district maintain strategic focus. Develop a plan to work through challenges and keep the priorities on students.
One of the largest complaints from the public is that school boards and school board members consistently abuse the parameters allowed under the law for Executive Session. This workshop will ensure that you know posting and motion requirements, what can occur during Executive Session, and what happens once Executive Session is over.
Do you have questions about education law? Education law expert, Amy White, will be answering your legal questions. Topics include, but are not limited to, employment, student discipline, executive session, fair labor standards, family medical leave, military leave, Title IX, and more.
This presentation will review the principal levy authorizations schools can implement – supplemental, plant, and bond – and the permitted uses of each. The presentation then will describe whether and how any of these revenue streams can be utilized for facility financing. In particular, the presenters will describe the recent successful judicial confirmation of the Orofino School District’s ability to use plant levy dollars to finance essential upgrades to school facilities.
As more students with disability labels are actively learning in general education classrooms, it is time to rethink how teachers are prepared to support diverse learners. Come to this interactive session and share your thoughts and concerns on how higher education teacher programs can help teachers meet the needs of students with diverse strengths and challenges.
Are you a school board member of a small school district or charter school? Do you have one administrator accountable for both superintendent and principal responsibilities? Are you interested in Idaho Standards for Effective Principals and/or Idaho’s Principal Evaluation Framework? If so, this workshop is for you! The Administrative Rule governing Local District Evaluation Policy – School Principal includes standards by which each district’s principal evaluation model shall be aligned. Idaho School Boards may find themselves evaluating the administrator using Idaho Standards for Effective Principals. This workshop will provide an overview of Idaho Standards for Effective Principals and the Idaho Principal Evaluation Framework.
This will be an interactive workshop describing the Academic Decathlon program, here in Idaho and across the nation. A PowerPoint presentation describing the program will be followed by a Question & Answer period.
This workshop is designed to help attendees better understand the recently approved Model Student Data Privacy and Security Policy. We will discuss how this policy impacts districts and public charter schools. We will also discuss the Statewide Longitudinal Data System and the data collected. We will explore what the system is, how it works, and the benefits of the system. There will be ample time for questions from attendees.
Most accidents that happen at school are preventable. This workshop will help you know what to look for and what procedures you should have in place to prevent accidents.
Join Friday’s keynote speaker, Dr. Tom Alsbury, and NSBA’s Director, Phil Gore, as they lead you through a board member conflict assessment. This workshop includes a full analysis of a board member’s potential for conflict and resolution.
Finding and understanding education laws and rules can be difficult, but this is critical knowledge for school board members and administrators to have in order to do their jobs effectively. Come learn how to find the information you seek with a click of the mouse. ISBA staff will help attendees access Idaho Code and Administrative Rules, learn the difference between a law and a rule, and navigate the Idaho Legislature’s website. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips if you just know where to look.
Do you have questions about education law? Education law expert, Amy White, will be answering your legal questions. Topics include, but are not limited to, employment, student discipline, executive session, fair labor standards, family medical leave, military leave, Title IX, and more.
This presentation will include an introductory description of the foundational principles of restorative practices as an alternative to exclusionary disciplinary policies. It will describe research based evidence regarding benefits to school culture including enhanced attendance, improved academic performance, reductions in disruptive behavior including bullying, and improvement of student/staff relationships. The presenters will present various case study examples including several that are Idaho specific. The presenters hope to engage those in attendance in a discussion of possible implementation strategies which can range from case by case utilization of restorative justice strategies to whole school change including model disciplinary policies.
The first step in being invited to submit a full grant proposal is the letter of inquiry. Some private and corporate foundations require a letter of inquiry (or letter of intent “LOI”) before they qualify your organization. The information you will provide in the LOI is merely a thumbnail sketch of what would be your full-blown proposal. Participants will learn how to organize the LOI including the introduction, overview of the organization, statement of need, description of the project, and how your program fits the funder’s guidelines for funding support. You will learn to write a LOI that gets the grant administrator’s attention and recommendation for full review of your LOI by the board.
“The board seeks patron input.”
“The board revised its policy on patron input.”
“It is important to the board to hear patron input.”
“The board welcomes patron input.”
All of these statements are from recent articles about school districts published throughout the United States. But how do you actually do this the most effective way possible. Come share best practices and role play how to actually handle patrons who want to give input to the school board.
Recent legislation has provided unprecedented funding for high school students to earn college credit through courses and exams under the Advanced Opportunities programs. This workshop will provide a succinct overview of the 8 in 6, Dual Credit for Early Completers, Fast Forward, and Mastery Advancement programs. The majority of the session will focus on specific tools and recommendations for implementation at the local level and will include representation from key partners (colleges / universities, the State Board of Education and IDLA). Ample time will be provided for discussion and troubleshooting local constraints to program adoption.
This presentation will clarify for attendees the difference between Common Core Standards and the manner in which student mastery of the Standards is achieved. Using the Five4Kids framework, the changing role of schools from information dissemination and “how-to” delivery, to the development of critical student aptitudes will be presented. The call for higher standards via the Common Core is met with a change in the manner in which students develop mastery of the standards. The Five Critical Aptitudes: Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Adaptability, Problem Solving and Time/Task Management. Core mastery is facilitated with the development of these aptitudes, each of which is essential for success as students move into higher education or into the workplace.
The Department of Educational Leadership at Idaho State University conducted a survey of Idaho school boards regarding superintendent searches. Questions pertained to all aspects of the search process including the number of applications the board received, the general profile of the applicants, and superintendent characteristics boards find most important in the candidates they interviewed. The most important research question posed for this project regarded the adequacy of the pool of superintendent candidates in the near future for Idaho school districts. Responses were categorized by district size and location to determine if the search experience differed between boards in different areas and with different enrollments. Over 60% of the school boards in Idaho participated in the survey. The findings have implications, not only for Idaho school boards, but for superintendent preparation programs as well.
Data use initiatives such as Early Warning Systems (EWS), Response to Intervention (RTI), and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) focus on identifying key indicators to help identify struggling students. However, identifying the root cause of why students are struggling can be challenging and time consuming. This session will begin with a brief overview of a framework for mapping current interventions to key indicators’ schools and districts are using to flag students as off-track for reaching targeted outcomes. We will then go more in depth on developing a concise protocol for conducting root cause analysis and appropriately assigning students to available interventions. This session will be interactive through the use of sample student data to walk through the protocol. School Board members, Superintendents, and district staff will learn how to support their districts in improving graduation rates and student outcomes.