Hello Everyone,
Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.
Table of Contents
1. Reminder: Registration System and Help Desk Closed Labor Day Weekend
2. 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) National Provider Call with Question & Answer Session
3. Medicare Coverage and Reimbursement Rules for the H1N1 Vaccine and Seasonal Flu Coverage and Reimbursement
4. Reminder: 5010 - Taking EDI to the Next Level - Third National Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
5. New from the Medicare Learning Network
6. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
7. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
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1. Reminder: Registration System and Help Desk Closed Labor Day Weekend
This is a reminder that the CMS registration system for the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program will be unavailable due to routine maintenance from Friday, September 4, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time until Tuesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The Competitive Bidding Implementation Contractor (CBIC) toll-free help desk will close for the Labor Day holiday on Friday, September 4, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time and will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The CBIC website, www.DMECompetitiveBid.com, and the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) unit will be available for registration and bidding information.
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2. 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI) National Provider Call with Question & Answer Session
2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative
National Provider Call with Question & Answer Session
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Provider Communications Group will host a national provider conference call on the 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI). This toll-free call will take place from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., EDT, on Thursday, September 17, 2009.
The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) made the PQRI program permanent, but only authorized incentive payments through 2010. Eligible professionals who meet the criteria for satisfactory submission of quality measures data for services furnished during the reporting period, January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009, will earn an incentive payment of 2.0 percent of their total allowed charges for Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) covered professional services furnished during that same period. The 2009 PQRI consists of 153 quality measures and 7 measures groups.
The topics covered on this national provider call will include:
· Status of the 2007 re-run and 2008 PQRI Incentive payments and feedback reports;
· How to access the 2007 re-run and 2008 PQRI feedback reports; Resources to assist eligible professionals; and
· PQRI and E-Prescribing Alternative Report Request Process
Following this presentation, the lines will be opened to allow participants to ask questions of CMS PQRI subject matter experts.
Educational products are available on the PQRI dedicated web page located at, http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PQRI , on the CMS website, in the Educational Resources section, section, as well as educational products are available on the e-prescribing dedicated web page located at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/ERxIncentive. Feel free to download the resources prior to the call so that you may ask questions of the CMS presenters.
Conference call details:
Date: 9/17/2009
Conference Title: 2009 Physician Quality Reporting Initiative National Provider Call
Time: 2:30 p.m. EDT
In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation. Registration will close at 2:30 p.m. EDT on 9/16/2009, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.
1. To register for the call participants need to go to: http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/091709
2. Fill in all required data.
3. Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.
4. Click "Register".
5. You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.
For those of you who will be unable to attend, a transcript of the call will be available at least one week after the call at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/pqri on the CMS website.
If you require services for the hearing impaired please send an email to: Medicare.TTT@PalmettoGBA.com.
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3. Medicare Coverage and Reimbursement Rules for the H1N1 Vaccine and Seasonal Flu Coverage and Reimbursement
A new Special Edition MLN Matters article regarding Billing for the Administration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Vaccine is now available. This article explains Medicare coverage and reimbursement rules for the H1N1 vaccine and also addresses seasonal flu coverage and reimbursement.
Note that Medicare will pay for seasonal flu vaccinations even if the vaccinations are rendered earlier in the year than normal. We understand that such preparations are critical for the upcoming flu season, especially in planning for the influenza A (H1N1) vaccine.
Though Medicare typically pays for one vaccination per year, if more than one vaccination per year is medically necessary (i.e., the number of doses of a vaccine and/or type of influenza vaccine), then Medicare will pay for those additional vaccinations. Our Medicare claims processing contractors have been notified to expect and prepare for earlier-than-usual seasonal flu claims and there should not be a problem in getting those claims paid. Furthermore, in the event that it is necessary for Medicare beneficiaries to receive both a seasonal flu vaccination and an influenza A (H1N1) vaccination, then Medicare will pay for both.
Please be advised that if either vaccine is provided free of charge to the health care provider, then Medicare will only pay for the vaccine’s administration (not for the vaccine itself).
All providers administering flu vaccine should review this article and be sure that their billing staffs are aware of this information. For more information, please read the article located at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0920.pdf
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4. Reminder: 5010 - Taking EDI to the Next Level - Third National Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
5010: Taking EDI to the Next Level
Third National Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS) Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
Conference call details:
Date: September 9, 2009
Conference Title: Third National Medicare FFS Education Call on HIPAA Version 5010
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will present the third in a series of National Education Conference Calls focused on Medicare’s Fee-for-Service (FFS) implementation of HIPAA Version 5010. The presentation will cover Medicare FFS error handling transactions (TA1, 999, and 277CA), planned use of each transaction and applicable rules and exceptions for the Medicare FFS program. The presentation is geared to billing software programmers or developers that reside within provider organizations. A Question & Answer (Q&A) session will follow the presentation that will give participants an opportunity to ask questions of CMS’ subject matter experts.
In order to receive the call-in information, you must register for the call. It is important to note that if you are planning to sit in with a group, only one person needs to register to receive the call-in data. This registration is solely to reserve a phone line, NOT to allow participation.
Registration will close at 2:00 p.m. ET on September 8, 2009, or when available space has been filled. No exceptions will be made, so please be sure to register prior to this time.
To register for the call participants need to go to:
http://www2.eventsvc.com/palmettogba/090909
Fill in all required data.
Verify your time zone is displayed correctly the drop down box.
Click "Register".
You will be taken to the “Thank you for registering” page and will receive a confirmation email shortly thereafter. Note: Please print and save this page, in the event that your server blocks the confirmation emails. If you do not receive the confirmation email, please check your spam/junk mail filter as it may have been directed there.
A few days prior to the call (not before September 6th), check the Educational Resources page on CMS’ 5010 web page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Versions5010andD0/40_Educational_Resources.asp to obtain a copy of the presentation that will be used during the call.
Learn more about 5010, visit CMS’ dedicated page at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Versions5010andD0/ on the web.
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5. New from the Medicare Learning Network
Recently Released MLN Matters Articles of Particular Interest:
SE0916 – Medicare Parts A and B Coverage and Prior Authorization
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0916.pdf
SE0920 – Billing for the Administration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Vaccine
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0920.pdf
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The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals, which provides comprehensive information about the wide array of preventive benefits covered under Medicare, has been newly revised and updated! The third edition of this guide provides a variety of information on these vital benefits, including coverage, frequency, risk factors, billing, and reimbursement. It is now available on the Medicare Learning Network in a downloadable, printable format at the following address:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/mps_guide_web-061305.pdf
For more products related to Medicare-covered preventive services, please visit our preventive services educational products website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp
# # # # #
The Cancer Screenings Brochure, which provides information about the screening mammography, screening pap test, screening pelvic examination, colorectal cancer screening, and prostate cancer screening benefits covered under Medicare, has been newly revised and updated! It is now available on the Medicare Learning Network in a downloadable, printable format at the following address: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/Cancer_Screening.pdf
A printed hardcopy version will be available at a later date.
For more products related to Medicare-covered preventive services, please visit our preventive services educational products website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp
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6. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is asking the provider community to keep their patients with Medicare healthy by encouraging them to take advantage of Medicare-covered prostate cancer screenings.
Medicare provides annual coverage for digital rectal exams (DREs) and prostate specific antigen tests (PSAs) for qualified beneficiaries.
What Can You Do?
As a health care professional who provides care to seniors and others with Medicare, you can help protect the health of your Medicare patients by educating them about their risk factors and reminding them of the importance of getting screenings that are appropriate for them.
For More Information
CMS has developed several educational products related to Medicare-covered prostate cancer screenings:
o The Guide to Medicare Preventive Services for Physicians, Providers, Suppliers, and Other Health Care Professionals ~ provides coverage and coding information on the array of preventive services and screenings that Medicare covers, including prostate cancer screening. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/mps_guide_web-061305.pdf
o The MLN Preventive Services Educational Products Web Page ~ provides descriptions and ordering information for Medicare Learning Network (MLN) preventive services educational products, including Medicare-covered prostate cancer screenings, and resources for health care professionals and their staff. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/35_PreventiveServices.asp
o Quick Reference Information: Medicare Preventive Services ~ this double-sided chart provides coverage and coding information on Medicare-covered preventive services, including prostate cancer screenings. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/MPS_QuickReferenceChart_1.pdf
o Cancer Screenings brochure~ this brochure provides information on coverage for Medicare-covered cancer screenings, including screenings for prostate cancer.
o http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/cancer_screening.pdf
Please visit the Medicare Learning Network for more information on these and other Medicare fee-for-service educational products.
Thank you for helping CMS improve the health of patients with Medicare by joining in the effort to educate beneficiaries about the importance of taking advantage of cancer screenings and other preventive services covered by Medicare.
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7. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs
Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?
Medicare Can Help!
If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.
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Lucretia James
Division of Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Lucretia James
Division of Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov
Professor Emeritus -- Dr. Tom Seymour from West Fargo, North Dakota -- Professor, Minot State University, MSU Faculty Regents Award (2015) -- PAST Peer Reviewer (Higher Learning Commission - Chicago); - Author and Presenter Board of Directors, SRT Communications, Inc and Minot City Alderman - Ward 5 (2010-June, 2016) PAST - Editor-in-Chief (North Dakota State Senator (2002-2010) 2017-Cass County Electric Cooperative- Board of Directors
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
US Education Review
ED REVIEW
September 4, 2009
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
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BACK TO SCHOOL
In a recent letter to school principals, Secretary Duncan announced that, on Tuesday, September 8, at 12:00 noon ET, President Obama will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. (Note: The time of this speech has changed from 1:00 p.m. ET.) The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents, and educators to ensure that every child in every school gets the best education possible, so he or she can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as citizens. The 15 to 20 minute address will be broadcast live (as well as archived) on the White House web site (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/) and C-SPAN. Furthermore, the Department is offering educators a menu of classroom activities -- created by its Teaching Ambassador Fellows -- to engage students in the address and stimulate classroom discussions about the importance of education. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html.
To encourage student engagement, the Department is also launching the “I Am What I Learn” video contest. On September 8, students will be asked to respond to the President’s challenge by creating videos describing the steps they will take to improve their education and the role education will play in fulfilling their dreams. All students age 13 and older are asked to create and upload their videos to YouTube by October 8; entries may be in the form of video blogs, public service announcements, music videos, or documentaries. The general public will then vote on their favorites -- to determine the top 20 finalists. These 20 videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Secretary Duncan. The panel will select three winners, each of whom will receive a $1,000 prize. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/iamwhatilearn/.
And don’t forget! The next “Education News Parents Can Use” broadcast (September 15, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) will feature Secretary Duncan in a special town hall meeting, subtitled “America Goes Back to School.” Since May, the Secretary has been traveling throughout the country to engage a broad group of stakeholders -- including parents -- in an open and honest conversation about federal education policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. Already, he has met with hundreds of students, parents, teachers, principals, education support staff, superintendents, professors, higher education administrators, and community leaders during his tour: “Listening and Learning: A Conversation About Education Reform” (see http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/topic/listening-tour/). Now, for his latest tour “stop,” he will engage in a live, interactive discussion via telephone, email, and video and with a studio audience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/edtv/.
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H1N1 FLU VIRUS
On August 24, Secretary Duncan joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty, and District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee to announce new recommendations on the continuity of learning in the event of student absences or school closures due to seasonal or novel H1N1 flu. “We can all work to keep ourselves healthy now by practicing prevention, close monitoring, and using common sense,” Duncan said. “We know that some students may be affected by H1N1. And our top priority is making sure that they have a way to get well, stay well, and to keep learning. With these recommendations, we’re providing strategies for educators to help ensure that the learning process will continue.” The recommendations suggest that educators prepare take-home assignments in advance for distribution to affected students and use the Internet and telephones to post homework materials, conduct classes, share information, and keep students, parents, and teachers in close touch. The Department is working with Apple, Curriki, Google, the International Association for Online Learning, Microsoft, Pearson, Scholastic, and other private sector parties to make continuity of learning resources (such as conference call services, webinar support, and virtual classrooms) more accessible and affordable. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/continuity-recs.pdf AND http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/continuity-qa.pdf.
The Department has also issued new guidance to help prepare states, school districts, schools, and institutions of higher education in the event of an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus during the school year. In general, this guidance discusses waivers and some other forms of relief from federal education requirements that may provide entities with the operational flexibility necessary to efficiently close schools and, otherwise, respond to the administrative challenges presented by an H1N1 outbreak (such as prolonged school closures, excessive absenteeism, and other disruptions in the regular delivery of education services). This guidance only covers federal education requirements. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/flexibility-and-waivers.doc.
Later this morning, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will release new guidance for child care facilities to plan for and respond to the upcoming flu season. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.flu.gov/ AND http://www.ed.gov/h1n1flu/.
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ARRA OUTREACH
Last week, the Secretary announced the publication in the Federal Register of draft requirements for $3.5 billion in Title I School Improvement Grants to turn-around the nation’s lowest-performing schools. Title I School Improvement grants are funded by $546 million in the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations and $3 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Secretary is required to award grants to each state based on the proportional share of funds it receives under Title I. Each state must provide subgrants to school districts that apply for funds and have demonstrated the greatest commitment to serve their Title I schools currently identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Administration’s strategy includes: identifying and serving the lowest-achieving Title I schools in each state; supporting only the most rigorous interventions that hold the promise of producing rapid improvements in student achievement and school culture; providing sufficient resources over several years to implement those interventions; and measuring progress in achieving results. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08262009.html.
This week -- the same week it released the second half of ARRA Title I, IDEA, and Vocational Rehabilitation funding 30 days ahead of schedule (see http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08032009.html) -- the Department released new guidance on the use of ARRA Title I, Part A, and IDEA, Parts B and C, funds to strengthen education, drive reform, and improve results for students. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/titlei-reform.pdf, http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/idea-b-reform.pdf, http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/idea-c-reform.pdf, AND http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/titlei-idea-useoffunds.ppt.
Meanwhile, the Department has developed tip sheets to assist recipients in completing ARRA recipient reporting at http://www.federalreporting.gov/. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/section-1512.html.
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STATEMENT ON SENATOR KENNEDY
The Secretary issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy:
“Senator Kennedy was a tireless agent of change on behalf of the American people. His passing marks a great loss for both the United States Senate and the nation. He dedicated his life in public service to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all people. I drew inspiration from Senator Kennedy throughout my career and will miss his voice as a champion of education reform. My wife, Karen, and I extend our prayers and condolences to the Kennedy family, especially with Senator Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, and with Kara, Teddy Jr., and Patrick.”
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KIDS FOR KING
On August 25, the Secretary joined the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation on the National Mall to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the March on Washington and officially launch the Kids for King Education Initiative. “We must never forget the progress that Dr. King inspired in civil rights and social justice, and we must recognize how much work is still ahead of us,” he said. “With high school dropout rates unacceptably high and college completion rates far too low, education is clearly the civil rights issue of this generation. Every child and adult deserves a high-quality education. This is the only lasting way to fuel our economic recovery and end the stubborn cycles of poverty and social failure.” The Kids for King Education Initiative (http://www.kidsforking.org/) invites youth from grades 3-12 to write an essay, create a piece of art, or produce a short video about the lasting legacy of Dr. King and his ideals of democracy, justice, hope, and love. The program also contains a lesson plan for parents and teachers to educate youth about Dr. King; three lesson plans have been developed, including plans for grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. The year-long program will culminate in fall 2010, when nine students will win a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a live press event on the National Mall. A memorial honoring Dr. King will be built on the Mall, adjacent to the FDR Memorial and in direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The foundation has raised $106 million out of the needed $120 million to build the memorial. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08252009b.html.
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ODDS AND ENDS
· The National Center for Education Statistics’ Back to School Forecast notes more students are entering and returning to America’s schools and colleges than ever before. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372.
· The Department has published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to implement general and non-loan provisions that were added to the Higher Education Act, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2009/gen-program.html.
· Under the ARRA, more students and parents will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit to pay for college expenses. The American Opportunity Credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds “required course materials” to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four postsecondary education years, versus two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html.
· The Census in Schools program promotes data literacy and increases awareness of Census Bureau products and activities by providing educators with teaching tools, resource materials, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/teachers.html.
· On a long-term basis, students’ SAT mathematics scores have experienced an upward trend and are now four points higher than a decade ago. Conversely, students’ SAT reading scores have declined somewhat and are now four points below what they were a decade ago. As in past years, the strongest SAT performers on average had three things in common: they had completed a core curriculum, had taken their school’s most rigorous courses, and had familiarized themselves with the test. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.collegeboard.com/press/releases/206201.html.
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QUOTE TO NOTE
“I often hear that managing the multiple missions of higher education, today, is akin to being caught in an ‘iron triangle.’ Every college president and every governing board wants to simultaneously improve quality, increase access -- and yet constrain costs. To college executives, these three sides of the iron triangle often seem like mutually conflicting choices. Elevating quality raises costs. Increasing access can dilute quality. And, reducing costs impairs both quality and access. In the standard formulation, the only way out of the iron triangle is to secure unlimited resources, either in the form of bigger endowments or state and federal support. Now, the tension between these three goals is real -- and I don’t question for a minute that boosting resources for higher education is essential…. At the same time, I don’t think that more resources alone are the answer to the challenges facing higher education…. A more promising long-term solution for breaking out of the iron triangle is to have college presidents and administrators make better and more imaginative use of efficiency, productivity improvements, and accountability.”
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (9/2/09), speaking at the National HBCU Conference
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UPCOMING EVENTS
On September 14, the Department will hold its next web conference designed to assist grantees and subgrantees in managing ARRA grants. The topic is the new Title I and IDEA use of funds guidance. Remember, previous conferences (on fraud prevention, completing Section 1512 quarterly reports, and cash management) are archived for review. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TO GO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/web-conferences.html.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2010 MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Awards, which recognize exemplary institutions from across the nation that are making a significant difference in their communities. The foundation will present three awards: (1) for Exceptional Service to Students, (2) for Service to Communities, and (3) for Service through Innovation. Winners will receive a $40,000 grant. The deadline for nominations is October 2. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.jff.org/Content/Current+Projects_Building+Economic+Opportunity+for+Adults_MetLife+Foundation+Community+College+Excellence+Award.html.
Over the next two weeks, the Department will exhibit at the National Council of Negro Women’s Black Family Reunion Celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC (September 12-13) and the National College Access Network’s Annual Conference in San Francisco (September 15-17). If you are attending either of these events, please stop by the Department’s booth.
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Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs -- Stacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Stacey.Jordan@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites
September 4, 2009
...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
BACK TO SCHOOL
In a recent letter to school principals, Secretary Duncan announced that, on Tuesday, September 8, at 12:00 noon ET, President Obama will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. (Note: The time of this speech has changed from 1:00 p.m. ET.) The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents, and educators to ensure that every child in every school gets the best education possible, so he or she can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as citizens. The 15 to 20 minute address will be broadcast live (as well as archived) on the White House web site (http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/) and C-SPAN. Furthermore, the Department is offering educators a menu of classroom activities -- created by its Teaching Ambassador Fellows -- to engage students in the address and stimulate classroom discussions about the importance of education. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/academic/bts.html.
To encourage student engagement, the Department is also launching the “I Am What I Learn” video contest. On September 8, students will be asked to respond to the President’s challenge by creating videos describing the steps they will take to improve their education and the role education will play in fulfilling their dreams. All students age 13 and older are asked to create and upload their videos to YouTube by October 8; entries may be in the form of video blogs, public service announcements, music videos, or documentaries. The general public will then vote on their favorites -- to determine the top 20 finalists. These 20 videos will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Secretary Duncan. The panel will select three winners, each of whom will receive a $1,000 prize. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/iamwhatilearn/.
And don’t forget! The next “Education News Parents Can Use” broadcast (September 15, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) will feature Secretary Duncan in a special town hall meeting, subtitled “America Goes Back to School.” Since May, the Secretary has been traveling throughout the country to engage a broad group of stakeholders -- including parents -- in an open and honest conversation about federal education policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. Already, he has met with hundreds of students, parents, teachers, principals, education support staff, superintendents, professors, higher education administrators, and community leaders during his tour: “Listening and Learning: A Conversation About Education Reform” (see http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/topic/listening-tour/). Now, for his latest tour “stop,” he will engage in a live, interactive discussion via telephone, email, and video and with a studio audience. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/edtv/.
______________________________________________________________________
H1N1 FLU VIRUS
On August 24, Secretary Duncan joined Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty, and District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee to announce new recommendations on the continuity of learning in the event of student absences or school closures due to seasonal or novel H1N1 flu. “We can all work to keep ourselves healthy now by practicing prevention, close monitoring, and using common sense,” Duncan said. “We know that some students may be affected by H1N1. And our top priority is making sure that they have a way to get well, stay well, and to keep learning. With these recommendations, we’re providing strategies for educators to help ensure that the learning process will continue.” The recommendations suggest that educators prepare take-home assignments in advance for distribution to affected students and use the Internet and telephones to post homework materials, conduct classes, share information, and keep students, parents, and teachers in close touch. The Department is working with Apple, Curriki, Google, the International Association for Online Learning, Microsoft, Pearson, Scholastic, and other private sector parties to make continuity of learning resources (such as conference call services, webinar support, and virtual classrooms) more accessible and affordable. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/continuity-recs.pdf AND http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/continuity-qa.pdf.
The Department has also issued new guidance to help prepare states, school districts, schools, and institutions of higher education in the event of an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus during the school year. In general, this guidance discusses waivers and some other forms of relief from federal education requirements that may provide entities with the operational flexibility necessary to efficiently close schools and, otherwise, respond to the administrative challenges presented by an H1N1 outbreak (such as prolonged school closures, excessive absenteeism, and other disruptions in the regular delivery of education services). This guidance only covers federal education requirements. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/emergencyplan/pandemic/guidance/flexibility-and-waivers.doc.
Later this morning, the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will release new guidance for child care facilities to plan for and respond to the upcoming flu season. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.flu.gov/ AND http://www.ed.gov/h1n1flu/.
______________________________________________________________________
ARRA OUTREACH
Last week, the Secretary announced the publication in the Federal Register of draft requirements for $3.5 billion in Title I School Improvement Grants to turn-around the nation’s lowest-performing schools. Title I School Improvement grants are funded by $546 million in the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations and $3 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Secretary is required to award grants to each state based on the proportional share of funds it receives under Title I. Each state must provide subgrants to school districts that apply for funds and have demonstrated the greatest commitment to serve their Title I schools currently identified for improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Administration’s strategy includes: identifying and serving the lowest-achieving Title I schools in each state; supporting only the most rigorous interventions that hold the promise of producing rapid improvements in student achievement and school culture; providing sufficient resources over several years to implement those interventions; and measuring progress in achieving results. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08262009.html.
This week -- the same week it released the second half of ARRA Title I, IDEA, and Vocational Rehabilitation funding 30 days ahead of schedule (see http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08032009.html) -- the Department released new guidance on the use of ARRA Title I, Part A, and IDEA, Parts B and C, funds to strengthen education, drive reform, and improve results for students. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/titlei-reform.pdf, http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/idea-b-reform.pdf, http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/idea-c-reform.pdf, AND http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/guidance/titlei-idea-useoffunds.ppt.
Meanwhile, the Department has developed tip sheets to assist recipients in completing ARRA recipient reporting at http://www.federalreporting.gov/. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/section-1512.html.
______________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT ON SENATOR KENNEDY
The Secretary issued the following statement on the passing of Senator Edward Kennedy:
“Senator Kennedy was a tireless agent of change on behalf of the American people. His passing marks a great loss for both the United States Senate and the nation. He dedicated his life in public service to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all people. I drew inspiration from Senator Kennedy throughout my career and will miss his voice as a champion of education reform. My wife, Karen, and I extend our prayers and condolences to the Kennedy family, especially with Senator Kennedy’s wife, Vicki, and with Kara, Teddy Jr., and Patrick.”
______________________________________________________________________
KIDS FOR KING
On August 25, the Secretary joined the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation on the National Mall to commemorate the 46th anniversary of the March on Washington and officially launch the Kids for King Education Initiative. “We must never forget the progress that Dr. King inspired in civil rights and social justice, and we must recognize how much work is still ahead of us,” he said. “With high school dropout rates unacceptably high and college completion rates far too low, education is clearly the civil rights issue of this generation. Every child and adult deserves a high-quality education. This is the only lasting way to fuel our economic recovery and end the stubborn cycles of poverty and social failure.” The Kids for King Education Initiative (http://www.kidsforking.org/) invites youth from grades 3-12 to write an essay, create a piece of art, or produce a short video about the lasting legacy of Dr. King and his ideals of democracy, justice, hope, and love. The program also contains a lesson plan for parents and teachers to educate youth about Dr. King; three lesson plans have been developed, including plans for grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12. The year-long program will culminate in fall 2010, when nine students will win a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a live press event on the National Mall. A memorial honoring Dr. King will be built on the Mall, adjacent to the FDR Memorial and in direct line between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials. The foundation has raised $106 million out of the needed $120 million to build the memorial. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/08/08252009b.html.
______________________________________________________________________
ODDS AND ENDS
· The National Center for Education Statistics’ Back to School Forecast notes more students are entering and returning to America’s schools and colleges than ever before. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=372.
· The Department has published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to implement general and non-loan provisions that were added to the Higher Education Act, as amended by the Higher Education Opportunity Act. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/policy/highered/reg/hearulemaking/2009/gen-program.html.
· Under the ARRA, more students and parents will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit to pay for college expenses. The American Opportunity Credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making it available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds “required course materials” to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four postsecondary education years, versus two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html.
· The Census in Schools program promotes data literacy and increases awareness of Census Bureau products and activities by providing educators with teaching tools, resource materials, workshops, and other professional development opportunities. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/teachers.html.
· On a long-term basis, students’ SAT mathematics scores have experienced an upward trend and are now four points higher than a decade ago. Conversely, students’ SAT reading scores have declined somewhat and are now four points below what they were a decade ago. As in past years, the strongest SAT performers on average had three things in common: they had completed a core curriculum, had taken their school’s most rigorous courses, and had familiarized themselves with the test. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.collegeboard.com/press/releases/206201.html.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I often hear that managing the multiple missions of higher education, today, is akin to being caught in an ‘iron triangle.’ Every college president and every governing board wants to simultaneously improve quality, increase access -- and yet constrain costs. To college executives, these three sides of the iron triangle often seem like mutually conflicting choices. Elevating quality raises costs. Increasing access can dilute quality. And, reducing costs impairs both quality and access. In the standard formulation, the only way out of the iron triangle is to secure unlimited resources, either in the form of bigger endowments or state and federal support. Now, the tension between these three goals is real -- and I don’t question for a minute that boosting resources for higher education is essential…. At the same time, I don’t think that more resources alone are the answer to the challenges facing higher education…. A more promising long-term solution for breaking out of the iron triangle is to have college presidents and administrators make better and more imaginative use of efficiency, productivity improvements, and accountability.”
-- Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (9/2/09), speaking at the National HBCU Conference
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS
On September 14, the Department will hold its next web conference designed to assist grantees and subgrantees in managing ARRA grants. The topic is the new Title I and IDEA use of funds guidance. Remember, previous conferences (on fraud prevention, completing Section 1512 quarterly reports, and cash management) are archived for review. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TO GO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/web-conferences.html.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2010 MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Awards, which recognize exemplary institutions from across the nation that are making a significant difference in their communities. The foundation will present three awards: (1) for Exceptional Service to Students, (2) for Service to Communities, and (3) for Service through Innovation. Winners will receive a $40,000 grant. The deadline for nominations is October 2. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.jff.org/Content/Current+Projects_Building+Economic+Opportunity+for+Adults_MetLife+Foundation+Community+College+Excellence+Award.html.
Over the next two weeks, the Department will exhibit at the National Council of Negro Women’s Black Family Reunion Celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC (September 12-13) and the National College Access Network’s Annual Conference in San Francisco (September 15-17). If you are attending either of these events, please stop by the Department’s booth.
______________________________________________________________________
Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs -- Stacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Stacey.Jordan@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites
Friday, September 4, 2009
Senator Tom Seymour Wins SRT Communications Election in Minot, North Dakota
Thanks to you calling your friends in Minot Tom Seymour won his SRT election Link: BELOW
http://www.srt.com/pdf/getFile.do?size=pdf&id=2626
http://www.srt.com/pdf/getFile.do?size=pdf&id=2626
Thursday, September 3, 2009
North Dakota Legislative Higher Education Meeting
NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE MANAGEMENT
Tentative Agenda
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Consideration of the minutes of the August 20, 2009, meeting
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY
9:05 a.m. Comments by the chairman regarding the committee meeting
9:10 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a memorandum summarizing
recommendations resulting from the 1999-2000 Higher Education Roundtable, including
the status of the implementation of recommendations
9:15 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the North Dakota University System regarding the
report of the 1999-2000 Higher Education Roundtable, including:
• Actions taken to comply with roundtable recommendations and status of the
implementation of the recommendations
• Suggested changes to the Higher Education Roundtable recommendations and
cornerstones
9:50 a.m. Committee discussion regarding the Higher Education Roundtable report and potential
changes to previous roundtable recommendations and cornerstones
10:30 a.m. Comments by a representative of the University System regarding a report on higher
education productivity prepared by the Delta Cost Project
10:45 a.m. Committee discussion regarding the Delta Cost Project report on higher education
productivity
11:30 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding tuition waivers,
including:
• The types of tuition waivers granted pursuant to State Board of Higher Education
policy and institution policy and differences among the institutions on the types of
waivers granted
• Findings from the tuition waiver study conducted by the University System
• The value of tuition waivers granted annually by each higher education institution
since 2003-04 compared to total tuition revenue
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
1:00 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding 2007-09 biennium
general fund appropriation authority continued into the 2009-11 biennium by the system
office and by campus pursuant to the University System's exemption from North Dakota
Century Code Section 54-44.1-11
1:15 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding a summary of
previous and current higher education funding methods, including the effect of the state's
changing demographics on the current funding method
2
1:45 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding potential changes
being considered by the State Board of Higher Education to the current higher education
funding system
2:15 p.m. Committee discussion regarding higher education funding methods
2:45 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding the following:
• Reciprocity agreements with other states, including the amount of tuition costs saved
by North Dakota students as a result of the agreements
• The number of resident and nonresident students attending each higher education
institution
• The methods of calculating enrollment relating to students taking both on-campus and
online courses
• The cost of educating students using distance education methods compared to a
traditional classroom setting
• The completion rates of students using distance education methods compared to a
traditional classroom setting
• Total funding available to higher education programs through the federal American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
3:15 p.m. Committee discussion and staff directives
4:00 p.m. Adjourn
Committee Members
Tentative Agenda
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Consideration of the minutes of the August 20, 2009, meeting
HIGHER EDUCATION STUDY
9:05 a.m. Comments by the chairman regarding the committee meeting
9:10 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a memorandum summarizing
recommendations resulting from the 1999-2000 Higher Education Roundtable, including
the status of the implementation of recommendations
9:15 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the North Dakota University System regarding the
report of the 1999-2000 Higher Education Roundtable, including:
• Actions taken to comply with roundtable recommendations and status of the
implementation of the recommendations
• Suggested changes to the Higher Education Roundtable recommendations and
cornerstones
9:50 a.m. Committee discussion regarding the Higher Education Roundtable report and potential
changes to previous roundtable recommendations and cornerstones
10:30 a.m. Comments by a representative of the University System regarding a report on higher
education productivity prepared by the Delta Cost Project
10:45 a.m. Committee discussion regarding the Delta Cost Project report on higher education
productivity
11:30 a.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding tuition waivers,
including:
• The types of tuition waivers granted pursuant to State Board of Higher Education
policy and institution policy and differences among the institutions on the types of
waivers granted
• Findings from the tuition waiver study conducted by the University System
• The value of tuition waivers granted annually by each higher education institution
since 2003-04 compared to total tuition revenue
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
1:00 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding 2007-09 biennium
general fund appropriation authority continued into the 2009-11 biennium by the system
office and by campus pursuant to the University System's exemption from North Dakota
Century Code Section 54-44.1-11
1:15 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding a summary of
previous and current higher education funding methods, including the effect of the state's
changing demographics on the current funding method
2
1:45 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding potential changes
being considered by the State Board of Higher Education to the current higher education
funding system
2:15 p.m. Committee discussion regarding higher education funding methods
2:45 p.m. Presentation by representatives of the University System regarding the following:
• Reciprocity agreements with other states, including the amount of tuition costs saved
by North Dakota students as a result of the agreements
• The number of resident and nonresident students attending each higher education
institution
• The methods of calculating enrollment relating to students taking both on-campus and
online courses
• The cost of educating students using distance education methods compared to a
traditional classroom setting
• The completion rates of students using distance education methods compared to a
traditional classroom setting
• Total funding available to higher education programs through the federal American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
3:15 p.m. Committee discussion and staff directives
4:00 p.m. Adjourn
Committee Members
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
United States Teacher Education
AACTE Weekly News Briefs | September 2, 2009
. . . delivered to your inbox so you can enjoy up-to-date news on colleges of education, teaching and the classroom, legislation, STEM teacher issues, grants, and upcoming events. Please click on linked headlines for full story.
AACTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
AACTE Submits Comments on the Race to the Top Fund
AACTE submitted comments last week to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on its proposed priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Race to the Top Fund. ED will review all of the public's comments and plans to release an application for the funding this fall.
Register for AACTE's Web Conference on Teacher Residencies
September 15-17 – Lessons From Practice in Teacher Education: Teacher Residency Models
Join thought leaders and successful teacher residency program developers as they share their motivations and lessons. Education school deans and their school district and community-based partners will discuss roles, pitfalls, and essential elements of residency programs that prepare teachers for challenging schools. Model profiles, how-to steps, "dos and don'ts," and funding sources will help you on your way.
Early Bird Registration Open for 62nd Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Come to Atlanta for AACTE's 2010 Annual Meeting & Exhibits! Register by October 30 and save $70.
Check Out AACTE's Latest Online Enhancements!
Keep up to the minute with AACTE on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Access the new Media Café tab on the AACTE home page for direct access to new media including video, PowerPoint, podcasts, and traditional media such as Briefs, the Journal of Teacher Education, the Bookstore, free print-on-demand documents, and more.
NATIONAL NEWS
Rural Areas Perceive Policy Tilt
From Education Week
Rural school advocates say the federal priorities emerging under U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan – a former chief executive officer of the 408,000-student Chicago public school system – favor education improvement ideas that are best suited to urban settings. Initiatives such as the Race to the Top Fund competition fail to recognize the distinctive problems facing rural districts, which serve some 13 million students, or about one-quarter of the nation's public school enrollment, according to the Rural School and Community Trust.
Learning Curve: Necessary Roughness?
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan outlined an ambitious goal Wednesday in a conference call with the press: Revitalize the nation's 5,000 worst schools, those he describes as the "bottom of the bottom." His aggressive blueprint builds on a baseline premise: It's the leaders and teachers in each school who can make the difference in student achievement, even when those kids come from homes without hot breakfasts, books or PTA-going parents.
Obama Education Views Can Sway Public, Poll Says
From Education Week
A popular president's strong stances on education issues can shift the public perception of those issues, according to a new national survey released today by the journal Education Next and the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University. The national survey, conducted earlier this year, found that knowing President Barack Obama's opinion on education topics gave a boost to those who said they supported particular goals.
PDK Poll: Public Supports Obama's Education Agenda, Weary of NCLB
From PRNewswire
Whether the issue is expanding charter schools or implementing merit pay for teachers, Americans appear to agree with President Barack Obama's plans for education reform, according to the 2009 annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. Americans continue to support annual testing of students in grades three through eight by a two-to-one margin, and they favor using a single national test rather than letting each state use its own.
What Are the Best Methods for School Improvement?
From the National Journal
Education insiders discuss the Obama administration's goal of turning around the nation's 5,000 lowest-performing schools over the next five years.
As Nation's Schools Open, Obama Hails Black Colleges
From the Los Angeles Times
President Obama released a special proclamation Monday saluting the country's historically black universities and colleges. He proclaimed the entire week National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
A Survival Guide for New Teachers of Color
From The Nation
There are several reasons why almost 90 percent of teachers are white in a country where 40 percent of students are minorities. People of color are more likely to fail the entrance and exit exams for teacher education programs; older, white teachers are sometimes more comfortable mentoring other white teachers than a young teacher of color; teachers of color disproportionately teach the most difficult student populations. For those of you that do make it, here is advice that will help you survive and thrive during those first years.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Amid Hiring Freeze, Principals Leave Jobs Empty
From The New York Times
Less than two weeks before the start of school, about 1,800 teaching jobs in New York City remain open as principals appear to be resisting orders to fill vacancies with teachers whose previous positions were eliminated. The Education Department enacted a hiring freeze in the spring, requiring principals with openings to hire teachers who are already on the city's payroll but who have no permanent position.
Report: Teachers Program Effective
From The Monroe News-Star (LA)
New teachers certified by the University of Louisiana at Monroe's master of arts in teaching program are at least as effective as experienced teachers, according to a recently released state report. The study, titled "Value Added Assessment of Teacher Preparation in Louisiana" and funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, analyzed standardized test scores of fourth-through-ninth-grade students for the academic years 2005-06 and 2007-08 and teacher and curriculum databases.
Editorial: Effective Teachers in the Classroom
From The Grand Rapids Press
The Michigan Board of Education is considering a proposal that would expedite teacher certification for professionals wanting a career change. The idea has value, particularly in certain study areas. But teacher colleges have raised some legitimate concerns that deserve more discussion before the measure, as written, is voted on.
Vote Could Open 250 L.A. Schools to Outside Operators
From the Los Angeles Times
In a startling acknowledgment that the Los Angeles school system cannot improve enough schools on its own, the city Board of Education approved a plan Tuesday that could turn over 250 campuses – including 50 new multimillion-dollar facilities – to charter groups and other outside operators.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 6 to Be Second Closing Date for TQP Grant Competition
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a second closing date for the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant program competition: October 6, 2009. This date was set up to accommodate applicants affected by the technical amendments that Congress passed in July. Two amendments impacted the TQP grant program – extending the 12-month teacher residency program to 18 months and allowing 5th-year initial licensing programs to participate in the prebaccalaureate activity. However, all eligible partnerships may apply in this round of the competition.
Fulbright Applications Available for 2010-2011
October 15, 2009: Application deadline for Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program
January 15, 2010: Application deadline for Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching
Visit www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org for application forms and more information on both programs.
GAO Study: Better Coordination Needed to Support Preparation of Teachers of Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
The Government Accountability Office recently released a study on federal education offices' support of teacher preparation for instructing students with disabilities and English language learners. The study found that while multiple federal offices support teacher preparation in this area, better systematic department-wide coordination could enhance this assistance.
GAO Study: Better Coordination Needed to Support Teacher Quality
The Government Accountability Office recently released a study on the quality of coordination among federal offices to support teacher quality. The study found that while multiple federal offices support teacher-quality initiatives, there is little coordination among the offices.
Annual TASH Conference and TASH TECH Workshops
November 18-21, Pittsburgh, PA
The TASH conference is the largest conference in the United States focusing on strategies for achieving full inclusion for people with disabilities. The TASH TECH workshops November 18 will address topics such as tools to support inclusive education, service-learning, and postsecondary education.
Going to College: A Resource for Teens With Disabilities
Going to College is a web resource focused on college life for students with a disability. A Teacher's Toolbox also is included for each section. Going to College site directly or through the August newsletter of Think College .
Click Here to unsubscribe.
. . . delivered to your inbox so you can enjoy up-to-date news on colleges of education, teaching and the classroom, legislation, STEM teacher issues, grants, and upcoming events. Please click on linked headlines for full story.
AACTE ANNOUNCEMENTS
AACTE Submits Comments on the Race to the Top Fund
AACTE submitted comments last week to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) on its proposed priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria for the Race to the Top Fund. ED will review all of the public's comments and plans to release an application for the funding this fall.
Register for AACTE's Web Conference on Teacher Residencies
September 15-17 – Lessons From Practice in Teacher Education: Teacher Residency Models
Join thought leaders and successful teacher residency program developers as they share their motivations and lessons. Education school deans and their school district and community-based partners will discuss roles, pitfalls, and essential elements of residency programs that prepare teachers for challenging schools. Model profiles, how-to steps, "dos and don'ts," and funding sources will help you on your way.
Early Bird Registration Open for 62nd Annual Meeting & Exhibits
Come to Atlanta for AACTE's 2010 Annual Meeting & Exhibits! Register by October 30 and save $70.
Check Out AACTE's Latest Online Enhancements!
Keep up to the minute with AACTE on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Access the new Media Café tab on the AACTE home page for direct access to new media including video, PowerPoint, podcasts, and traditional media such as Briefs, the Journal of Teacher Education, the Bookstore, free print-on-demand documents, and more.
NATIONAL NEWS
Rural Areas Perceive Policy Tilt
From Education Week
Rural school advocates say the federal priorities emerging under U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan – a former chief executive officer of the 408,000-student Chicago public school system – favor education improvement ideas that are best suited to urban settings. Initiatives such as the Race to the Top Fund competition fail to recognize the distinctive problems facing rural districts, which serve some 13 million students, or about one-quarter of the nation's public school enrollment, according to the Rural School and Community Trust.
Learning Curve: Necessary Roughness?
From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan outlined an ambitious goal Wednesday in a conference call with the press: Revitalize the nation's 5,000 worst schools, those he describes as the "bottom of the bottom." His aggressive blueprint builds on a baseline premise: It's the leaders and teachers in each school who can make the difference in student achievement, even when those kids come from homes without hot breakfasts, books or PTA-going parents.
Obama Education Views Can Sway Public, Poll Says
From Education Week
A popular president's strong stances on education issues can shift the public perception of those issues, according to a new national survey released today by the journal Education Next and the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University. The national survey, conducted earlier this year, found that knowing President Barack Obama's opinion on education topics gave a boost to those who said they supported particular goals.
PDK Poll: Public Supports Obama's Education Agenda, Weary of NCLB
From PRNewswire
Whether the issue is expanding charter schools or implementing merit pay for teachers, Americans appear to agree with President Barack Obama's plans for education reform, according to the 2009 annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. Americans continue to support annual testing of students in grades three through eight by a two-to-one margin, and they favor using a single national test rather than letting each state use its own.
What Are the Best Methods for School Improvement?
From the National Journal
Education insiders discuss the Obama administration's goal of turning around the nation's 5,000 lowest-performing schools over the next five years.
As Nation's Schools Open, Obama Hails Black Colleges
From the Los Angeles Times
President Obama released a special proclamation Monday saluting the country's historically black universities and colleges. He proclaimed the entire week National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week.
A Survival Guide for New Teachers of Color
From The Nation
There are several reasons why almost 90 percent of teachers are white in a country where 40 percent of students are minorities. People of color are more likely to fail the entrance and exit exams for teacher education programs; older, white teachers are sometimes more comfortable mentoring other white teachers than a young teacher of color; teachers of color disproportionately teach the most difficult student populations. For those of you that do make it, here is advice that will help you survive and thrive during those first years.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Amid Hiring Freeze, Principals Leave Jobs Empty
From The New York Times
Less than two weeks before the start of school, about 1,800 teaching jobs in New York City remain open as principals appear to be resisting orders to fill vacancies with teachers whose previous positions were eliminated. The Education Department enacted a hiring freeze in the spring, requiring principals with openings to hire teachers who are already on the city's payroll but who have no permanent position.
Report: Teachers Program Effective
From The Monroe News-Star (LA)
New teachers certified by the University of Louisiana at Monroe's master of arts in teaching program are at least as effective as experienced teachers, according to a recently released state report. The study, titled "Value Added Assessment of Teacher Preparation in Louisiana" and funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, analyzed standardized test scores of fourth-through-ninth-grade students for the academic years 2005-06 and 2007-08 and teacher and curriculum databases.
Editorial: Effective Teachers in the Classroom
From The Grand Rapids Press
The Michigan Board of Education is considering a proposal that would expedite teacher certification for professionals wanting a career change. The idea has value, particularly in certain study areas. But teacher colleges have raised some legitimate concerns that deserve more discussion before the measure, as written, is voted on.
Vote Could Open 250 L.A. Schools to Outside Operators
From the Los Angeles Times
In a startling acknowledgment that the Los Angeles school system cannot improve enough schools on its own, the city Board of Education approved a plan Tuesday that could turn over 250 campuses – including 50 new multimillion-dollar facilities – to charter groups and other outside operators.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
October 6 to Be Second Closing Date for TQP Grant Competition
The U.S. Department of Education has announced a second closing date for the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant program competition: October 6, 2009. This date was set up to accommodate applicants affected by the technical amendments that Congress passed in July. Two amendments impacted the TQP grant program – extending the 12-month teacher residency program to 18 months and allowing 5th-year initial licensing programs to participate in the prebaccalaureate activity. However, all eligible partnerships may apply in this round of the competition.
Fulbright Applications Available for 2010-2011
October 15, 2009: Application deadline for Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Program
January 15, 2010: Application deadline for Distinguished Fulbright Awards in Teaching
Visit www.fulbrightteacherexchange.org for application forms and more information on both programs.
GAO Study: Better Coordination Needed to Support Preparation of Teachers of Students with Disabilities and English Language Learners
The Government Accountability Office recently released a study on federal education offices' support of teacher preparation for instructing students with disabilities and English language learners. The study found that while multiple federal offices support teacher preparation in this area, better systematic department-wide coordination could enhance this assistance.
GAO Study: Better Coordination Needed to Support Teacher Quality
The Government Accountability Office recently released a study on the quality of coordination among federal offices to support teacher quality. The study found that while multiple federal offices support teacher-quality initiatives, there is little coordination among the offices.
Annual TASH Conference and TASH TECH Workshops
November 18-21, Pittsburgh, PA
The TASH conference is the largest conference in the United States focusing on strategies for achieving full inclusion for people with disabilities. The TASH TECH workshops November 18 will address topics such as tools to support inclusive education, service-learning, and postsecondary education.
Going to College: A Resource for Teens With Disabilities
Going to College is a web resource focused on college life for students with a disability. A Teacher's Toolbox also is included for each section. Going to College site directly or through the August newsletter of Think College .
Click Here to unsubscribe.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A Business Guide to Twitter by Dr. John Girard
A business guide to Twitter
Should you and your business join the millions of tweeters around the globe?
By: John Girard, Prairie Business Magazine
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Check out Prairie Business on Twitter
A recent Sprint ad answered the question, “What’s happening now?” The ad included a variety of intriguing statistics about how connected people are today. One mentioned that “233,000 people just twittered on Twitter,” followed by the revelation that “26 percent of you viewing this have no idea what that means.”
From a business standpoint this begs an important question: Should you and your business join the millions of tweeters around the globe?
Twitter is a micro-blog that facilitates concise communication between users. Each Twitter message, known as a tweet, is limited to only 140 characters. Although it may sound difficult to share much about you or your business in 140 characters, tweeters have come up with a number of ingenious shortcuts and protocols to enhance communication. Once you become accustomed to this shorthand, tweets can be incredibly rewarding.
Like many other social networking tools, Twitter is a 21st century development. In the last year, Twitter has experienced extraordinary growth. According to the website ranking company Alexa.com, Twitter is now the 15th most popular global internet site. Compete.com suggests this translates to about 23 million unique users every month — an increase of more than 1,000 percent in the last year.
Twitter’s presence on the national and international stage is also growing. President Barack Obama used Twitter very successfully during his presidential campaign. Actor Ashton Kutcher made headlines in his very public race against CNN to be the first to one million followers. The recent elections in Iran and resulting protests have highlighted how Twitter can be used to report on fast-moving events.
Twitter is also starting to catch on in the Northern Great Plains. During this spring’s severe flooding, tweeters provided up-to-date reports on flood conditions, using prefixes like #flood09 and #fargoflood. North Dakota state Senator Tom Seymour (twitter.com/SenTomSeymour) used Twitter during the state legislative session and said he found it to be an excellent way to quickly share information with his constituents. South Dakota Senator John Thune (twitter.com/johnthune) recently used Twitter to encourage his followers to click on a link and sign an online petition opposing the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.
One of the advantages of Twitter is there are no direct costs to use the service. It will take some time and a little practice to learn how to write concisely, but there is no cost to use the service.
If you are using other forms of social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, or blogs, there are also ways to feed updates to all of them simultaneously. So it may not even cost you time to attract Twitter followers and begin reaping the benefits.
Twitter is extremely user friendly. You don’t have to be a twenty something tech geek to figure out how to do it.
The best way to learn the value of Twitter is to try it out for yourself. Just go to Twitter.com and sign up for a free account. You can take a few minutes to watch a how-to video to familiarize yourself with the service.
The best resource to learn the business value of Twitter is the recently launched Twitter 101 for Business (http://business.twitter.com). The site includes an overview of Twitter, a series of case studies highlighting how businesses are using Twitter to create value, a getting started guide and much more including a list of resources for those interested in learning more.
The time is right for you and your business to give Twitter a try. Join today and make sure to follow Prairie Business magazine (twitter.com/PrairieBiz) and yours truly (twitter.com/JohnGirard).
Girard is an associate professor at Minot State University and the founder and chief knowledge strategist at Sagology (www.sagology.com), a firm dedicated to connecting people with people with a view to facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. He can be reached at john@sagology.com.
Tags: business advice
Should you and your business join the millions of tweeters around the globe?
By: John Girard, Prairie Business Magazine
1
RELATED CONTENT
Add a comment (0)
Image
Check out Prairie Business on Twitter
A recent Sprint ad answered the question, “What’s happening now?” The ad included a variety of intriguing statistics about how connected people are today. One mentioned that “233,000 people just twittered on Twitter,” followed by the revelation that “26 percent of you viewing this have no idea what that means.”
From a business standpoint this begs an important question: Should you and your business join the millions of tweeters around the globe?
Twitter is a micro-blog that facilitates concise communication between users. Each Twitter message, known as a tweet, is limited to only 140 characters. Although it may sound difficult to share much about you or your business in 140 characters, tweeters have come up with a number of ingenious shortcuts and protocols to enhance communication. Once you become accustomed to this shorthand, tweets can be incredibly rewarding.
Like many other social networking tools, Twitter is a 21st century development. In the last year, Twitter has experienced extraordinary growth. According to the website ranking company Alexa.com, Twitter is now the 15th most popular global internet site. Compete.com suggests this translates to about 23 million unique users every month — an increase of more than 1,000 percent in the last year.
Twitter’s presence on the national and international stage is also growing. President Barack Obama used Twitter very successfully during his presidential campaign. Actor Ashton Kutcher made headlines in his very public race against CNN to be the first to one million followers. The recent elections in Iran and resulting protests have highlighted how Twitter can be used to report on fast-moving events.
Twitter is also starting to catch on in the Northern Great Plains. During this spring’s severe flooding, tweeters provided up-to-date reports on flood conditions, using prefixes like #flood09 and #fargoflood. North Dakota state Senator Tom Seymour (twitter.com/SenTomSeymour) used Twitter during the state legislative session and said he found it to be an excellent way to quickly share information with his constituents. South Dakota Senator John Thune (twitter.com/johnthune) recently used Twitter to encourage his followers to click on a link and sign an online petition opposing the confirmation of Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.
One of the advantages of Twitter is there are no direct costs to use the service. It will take some time and a little practice to learn how to write concisely, but there is no cost to use the service.
If you are using other forms of social media like Facebook, LinkedIn, or blogs, there are also ways to feed updates to all of them simultaneously. So it may not even cost you time to attract Twitter followers and begin reaping the benefits.
Twitter is extremely user friendly. You don’t have to be a twenty something tech geek to figure out how to do it.
The best way to learn the value of Twitter is to try it out for yourself. Just go to Twitter.com and sign up for a free account. You can take a few minutes to watch a how-to video to familiarize yourself with the service.
The best resource to learn the business value of Twitter is the recently launched Twitter 101 for Business (http://business.twitter.com). The site includes an overview of Twitter, a series of case studies highlighting how businesses are using Twitter to create value, a getting started guide and much more including a list of resources for those interested in learning more.
The time is right for you and your business to give Twitter a try. Join today and make sure to follow Prairie Business magazine (twitter.com/PrairieBiz) and yours truly (twitter.com/JohnGirard).
Girard is an associate professor at Minot State University and the founder and chief knowledge strategist at Sagology (www.sagology.com), a firm dedicated to connecting people with people with a view to facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. He can be reached at john@sagology.com.
Tags: business advice
Pete Williams -- Internship with National Wildlife Federation
Campaigns/Organizing Internship
Have you ever wanted to learn how to run an environmental organizing campaign? If you are looking an internship in a dynamic campaign atmosphere, you may be the right person for an exciting internship with National Wildlife Federation! We are now accepting applications for the Fall semester.
Our campaigns internship is a leadership skills-building program, in which interns will take on a significant project to advance National Wildlife Federation’s campaign to implement solutions to the Climate Crisis. Gobal warming is the single biggest threat to wildlife and wild places. The impacts of global warming, caused by increased carbon pollution, are already being felt: more droughts, food and water shortages, severe weather, and habitat loss. National Wildlife Federation is advancing bold yet practical solutions to global warming. The organization is working to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation in 2009 with a cap on carbon pollution to improve our economy, our security and the planet's future. In addition to working to change America's energy policy, National Wildlife Federation educates businesses, institutions and individuals on achievable ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Additional opportunities may be available to work on our other campaigns.
Interns will have primary responsibility for significant projects and will master a variety of skills, including:
Organizing events
Recruiting and training volunteers
Outreach to activists in person and on the phone
Research
Design of organizing materials
Ongoing administration to support the work of the campaigns team
Additional training in fundraising and communications may be included, depending on the interests of the intern and needs of the campaign work.
Qualifications
Demonstrated commitment to environment and/or progressive social change desirable
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Basic organizing experience in a high-energy campaign or non-profit setting desirable
Experience with databases desirable, and at ease with MS Word and computers overall
Organizational skills and the ability to juggle several tasks while meeting deadlines
Active in a student group on campus and/or willingness to bring the campaign back to campus
Able to commit 8-12 hours per week (varies with class requirements) during the Fall semester with an agreed-upon schedule
All internships will be supervised by campaign staff in Richmond, and require a minimum commitment of 8-12 hours per week, unless otherwise noted. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All internships are unpaid.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Pete Williams at peteloraxwilliams@gmail.com
Have you ever wanted to learn how to run an environmental organizing campaign? If you are looking an internship in a dynamic campaign atmosphere, you may be the right person for an exciting internship with National Wildlife Federation! We are now accepting applications for the Fall semester.
Our campaigns internship is a leadership skills-building program, in which interns will take on a significant project to advance National Wildlife Federation’s campaign to implement solutions to the Climate Crisis. Gobal warming is the single biggest threat to wildlife and wild places. The impacts of global warming, caused by increased carbon pollution, are already being felt: more droughts, food and water shortages, severe weather, and habitat loss. National Wildlife Federation is advancing bold yet practical solutions to global warming. The organization is working to pass comprehensive climate and energy legislation in 2009 with a cap on carbon pollution to improve our economy, our security and the planet's future. In addition to working to change America's energy policy, National Wildlife Federation educates businesses, institutions and individuals on achievable ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Additional opportunities may be available to work on our other campaigns.
Interns will have primary responsibility for significant projects and will master a variety of skills, including:
Organizing events
Recruiting and training volunteers
Outreach to activists in person and on the phone
Research
Design of organizing materials
Ongoing administration to support the work of the campaigns team
Additional training in fundraising and communications may be included, depending on the interests of the intern and needs of the campaign work.
Qualifications
Demonstrated commitment to environment and/or progressive social change desirable
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Basic organizing experience in a high-energy campaign or non-profit setting desirable
Experience with databases desirable, and at ease with MS Word and computers overall
Organizational skills and the ability to juggle several tasks while meeting deadlines
Active in a student group on campus and/or willingness to bring the campaign back to campus
Able to commit 8-12 hours per week (varies with class requirements) during the Fall semester with an agreed-upon schedule
All internships will be supervised by campaign staff in Richmond, and require a minimum commitment of 8-12 hours per week, unless otherwise noted. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All internships are unpaid.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Pete Williams at peteloraxwilliams@gmail.com
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