Dear Education Leader,
Wimba is offering these free online seminars exclusively to education professionals like you. Please feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues.
Using Collaborative
Online Technology for
Non-Instructional Use
Wimba Study Break: Using Collaborative Online Technology for Meetings, Disaster Preparedness, Office Hours, and other
Non-Instructional Uses Across a Campus
Date: Nov 12 Time: 2pm EST Place: Online - Sign-up Here
If you can't make the time, sign-up to get an email with a link to the recording.
University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension holds live online meetings each week to save its statewide user base time and travel dollars?
Instructors at Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana conduct live virtual office hours with students who are located in distant pockets of the state?
Bristol Community College conducts emergency preparedness meetings, HR interviews, and faculty CMS and software training live online?
Collaborative technologies extend far beyond teaching and learning. This presentation features three experts from three uniquely different institutions who will share their creative non-instructional uses of collaborative technology to save time and money while simultaneously increasing attendance and productivity.
Presenter: Janet Sylvia, University of Georgia; Bonnie Willy, Ivy Tech Community College & Diane Forand, Bristol Community College
Register Here:
http://www.wimba.com/company/events/1632
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Lecture Capture with Wimba
Date: Nov 9 Time: 3pm EST Place: Online - Sign-up Here
If you can't make the time, sign-up to get an email with a link to the recording.
In addition to using Wimba Classroom and the podcasting feature of Wimba Voice for online instruction, did you know they can also be used for capturing face-to-face lectures? Learn tips and tricks of lecture capture with Wimba.
This demonstration will not only give practical tips and tricks for successful lecture capture, but will also share numerous real-life examples of how schools today are already doing this.
Register Here:
http://www.wimba.com/company/events/1723
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Wimba Classroom 6.0 - a robust, virtual learning environment that includes audio, video, application sharing and content display - now with advanced MP4 functionality. Learn more.
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Wimba Pronto 3.0 - the only instant messaging system designed for educators to advance and promote learning - now with state-of-the-art whiteboard. Learn more.
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Wimba Voice 6.0 - an audio solution that supports traditional communicative styles of language learning for onnline learning - now with an integrated gradebook.
Learn more.
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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
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
National Teachers Group
NATIONAL NEWS
Federal Researchers Find Lower Standards in Schools
From The New York Times
A new federal study shows that nearly a third of the states lowered their academic proficiency standards in recent years, a step that helps schools stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law. But lowering standards also confuses parents about how children's achievement compares with those in other states and countries. The study, released Thursday, was the first by the federal Department of Education's research arm to use a statistical comparison between federal and state tests to analyze whether states had changed their testing standards.
Conflict of Interest Arises as Concern in Standards Push
From Education Week
A literacy group says that many of the writers of the common national academic standards are "representatives of multiple commercial entities that stand to profit."
Report Questions Duncan's Policy of Closing Failing Schools
From The New York Times
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan presided over the closing of dozens of failing schools when he was chief executive of the Chicago public schools from 2001 until last December. In his new post, he has drawn on those experiences, putting school turnaround efforts at the center of the nation's education reform agenda. Now a study by researchers at the University of Chicago concludes that most students in schools that closed in the first five years of Mr. Duncan's tenure in Chicago saw little benefit.
U.S. Publishes Final Rules on Higher Ed Accreditation
From Inside Higher Ed
The U.S. Education Department published final regulations Tuesday to carry out changes Congress made to federal law governing higher education accreditation. The rules, which were published in the Federal Register, deal with a wide range of issues involving the relationships between the federal government and accrediting agencies, and between the agencies and the colleges they accredit.
Blair, Duncan Push Schools as Community Hubs
From Education Week (LOGIN REQUIRED)
British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan Wednesday at a "community schools" event sponsored by the Center for American Progress. The occasion was the release of a new report by the Washington-based think tank pointing to England as a model for the nationwide spread of community schools, which offer a venue for both academics and social services. By next year, all of England's 23,000 public schools will become "extended schools" open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Academy of Education Releases White Paper on Teacher Quality
From Reuters
The National Academy of Education has released a new white paper on teacher quality calling for improvements in teacher recruitment, preparation, and ongoing professional development. The paper calls for research on a variety of approaches to teacher preparation. Investments should be made in research and development on the core practices and skills that early career teachers require, and preparation programs should then focus on these skills.
How Institutions Can Leverage Change as an Opportunity for Educator Preparation
From NCATE's Quality Teaching Newsletter
NCATE President James Cibulka challenges schools of education to build new models of preparation to meet the needs of 21st century learners. The brief also includes a summary of changes in the major components of the accreditation process under the NCATE redesign.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Licensing Debate Pits Indiana Chief vs. Teacher Colleges
From Education Week
Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett has never been afraid to ruffle a few feathers. But Bennett's latest proposal – one that would revamp teacher licensing standards – has sparked fierce opposition and created a turf battle between teacher colleges and the Department of Education that could come to a head Monday when the state holds its final public hearing on the issue in Indianapolis.
Mich. Board Asks Governor, Lawmakers to Reduce Education Cuts
From the Associated Press
Michigan's bipartisan State Board of Education urged Gov. Jennifer Granholm and lawmakers to find money to reduce cuts in public education and buy time for a long-term funding solution. The 8-0 vote October 26 came after a series of blows delivered to public schools the previous week.
Teachers' Trainers Must Make the Grade, Too
From the Houston Chronicle
Texas is among the first states to toughen its standards for colleges of education and other teacher-training programs amid criticism that too many are "cash cows" that produce weak instructors. Under a proposed new rating system, the programs would be held accountable for their graduates' effectiveness on the job – especially regarding student achievement. Teacher programs that repeatedly fall short of the standards could lose their state accreditation.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS / REPORTS
Last Chance to Comment on Proposed Priorities for Investing in Innovation Fund
Deadline: November 9
The U.S. Department of Education seeks public comment on proposed priorities for the Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund. The final application for the competitive grant program will be posted in the late winter 2009/early spring 2010. Grants will be given to LEAs or to partnerships of nonprofit organizations (which include institutions of higher education) and LEAs or school consortia. AACTE encourages its members to review the proposed priorities and to submit comments.
AASCU Commission Warns of Waning U.S. Competitiveness
A drop in the number of college degrees, particularly in the sciences, is threatening U.S. supremacy in scientific advances and the nation's edge in the world marketplace, according to a report from the Presidential Leadership and Global Competitiveness Commission of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
Partnership for 21st Century Skills Releases State Implementation Guides
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has released state implementation guides that offer best practices on building standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development and learning environments – to help integrate skills more purposefully into core academic subjects.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).
1307 New York Ave., NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005-4701. ph 202-293-2450. fx 202-457-8095.
Federal Researchers Find Lower Standards in Schools
From The New York Times
A new federal study shows that nearly a third of the states lowered their academic proficiency standards in recent years, a step that helps schools stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law. But lowering standards also confuses parents about how children's achievement compares with those in other states and countries. The study, released Thursday, was the first by the federal Department of Education's research arm to use a statistical comparison between federal and state tests to analyze whether states had changed their testing standards.
Conflict of Interest Arises as Concern in Standards Push
From Education Week
A literacy group says that many of the writers of the common national academic standards are "representatives of multiple commercial entities that stand to profit."
Report Questions Duncan's Policy of Closing Failing Schools
From The New York Times
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan presided over the closing of dozens of failing schools when he was chief executive of the Chicago public schools from 2001 until last December. In his new post, he has drawn on those experiences, putting school turnaround efforts at the center of the nation's education reform agenda. Now a study by researchers at the University of Chicago concludes that most students in schools that closed in the first five years of Mr. Duncan's tenure in Chicago saw little benefit.
U.S. Publishes Final Rules on Higher Ed Accreditation
From Inside Higher Ed
The U.S. Education Department published final regulations Tuesday to carry out changes Congress made to federal law governing higher education accreditation. The rules, which were published in the Federal Register, deal with a wide range of issues involving the relationships between the federal government and accrediting agencies, and between the agencies and the colleges they accredit.
Blair, Duncan Push Schools as Community Hubs
From Education Week (LOGIN REQUIRED)
British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan Wednesday at a "community schools" event sponsored by the Center for American Progress. The occasion was the release of a new report by the Washington-based think tank pointing to England as a model for the nationwide spread of community schools, which offer a venue for both academics and social services. By next year, all of England's 23,000 public schools will become "extended schools" open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Academy of Education Releases White Paper on Teacher Quality
From Reuters
The National Academy of Education has released a new white paper on teacher quality calling for improvements in teacher recruitment, preparation, and ongoing professional development. The paper calls for research on a variety of approaches to teacher preparation. Investments should be made in research and development on the core practices and skills that early career teachers require, and preparation programs should then focus on these skills.
How Institutions Can Leverage Change as an Opportunity for Educator Preparation
From NCATE's Quality Teaching Newsletter
NCATE President James Cibulka challenges schools of education to build new models of preparation to meet the needs of 21st century learners. The brief also includes a summary of changes in the major components of the accreditation process under the NCATE redesign.
NEWS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Licensing Debate Pits Indiana Chief vs. Teacher Colleges
From Education Week
Indiana schools chief Tony Bennett has never been afraid to ruffle a few feathers. But Bennett's latest proposal – one that would revamp teacher licensing standards – has sparked fierce opposition and created a turf battle between teacher colleges and the Department of Education that could come to a head Monday when the state holds its final public hearing on the issue in Indianapolis.
Mich. Board Asks Governor, Lawmakers to Reduce Education Cuts
From the Associated Press
Michigan's bipartisan State Board of Education urged Gov. Jennifer Granholm and lawmakers to find money to reduce cuts in public education and buy time for a long-term funding solution. The 8-0 vote October 26 came after a series of blows delivered to public schools the previous week.
Teachers' Trainers Must Make the Grade, Too
From the Houston Chronicle
Texas is among the first states to toughen its standards for colleges of education and other teacher-training programs amid criticism that too many are "cash cows" that produce weak instructors. Under a proposed new rating system, the programs would be held accountable for their graduates' effectiveness on the job – especially regarding student achievement. Teacher programs that repeatedly fall short of the standards could lose their state accreditation.
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS / REPORTS
Last Chance to Comment on Proposed Priorities for Investing in Innovation Fund
Deadline: November 9
The U.S. Department of Education seeks public comment on proposed priorities for the Investing in Innovation (i3) Fund. The final application for the competitive grant program will be posted in the late winter 2009/early spring 2010. Grants will be given to LEAs or to partnerships of nonprofit organizations (which include institutions of higher education) and LEAs or school consortia. AACTE encourages its members to review the proposed priorities and to submit comments.
AASCU Commission Warns of Waning U.S. Competitiveness
A drop in the number of college degrees, particularly in the sciences, is threatening U.S. supremacy in scientific advances and the nation's edge in the world marketplace, according to a report from the Presidential Leadership and Global Competitiveness Commission of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU).
Partnership for 21st Century Skills Releases State Implementation Guides
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has released state implementation guides that offer best practices on building standards, assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development and learning environments – to help integrate skills more purposefully into core academic subjects.
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE).
1307 New York Ave., NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005-4701. ph 202-293-2450. fx 202-457-8095.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Midwestern Higher Education Meeting in Fargo on November 8-10 / Larry Issac
Annual Policy Summit & Commission Meeting
November 8-10, 2009: Fargo, ND
Investing in Success: Improving Postsecondary Access and Completion Rates for ALL Citizens
MHEC will hold its annual policy summit on Monday, November 9, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Commission Meeting will meet on Tuesday, November 10, adjourning at approximately 2:30 p.m. to allow commissioners and guests time to get home for any Veteran’s Day events that may be scheduled on November 11. These two meetings will be preceded by a working dinner meeting of the MHEC Executive Committee on Sunday, November 8.
All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn of Fargo, 3803 13th Ave. South, Fargo, ND 58103.
The theme for the summit is Investing in Success: Improving Postsecondary Access and Completion Rates of ALL Citizens.
The region's economic competitiveness is contingent upon citizens having the education and training required in a rapidly evolving labor market. However, America has fallen behind other nations in its efforts to increase the education level of its workforce. The United States is one of only two nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development where the postsecondary credentialing rate of younger citizens is lower than the rate for older citizens.
President Obama recently challenged Americans to increase their investment in higher education by committing to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. The data make it very clear that as a country we must endeavor to ensure that no part of our citizenry is left behind in our efforts to achieve postsecondary completion rates that rival top performing nations of the world.
To that end, MHEC, through its continued work with Lumina Foundation for Education's "Making Opportunity Affordable" initiative, will hold its Fifth Annual Policy Summit focusing on strategies to help all citizens achieve the education and training required to enable their full participation in the workforce. The summit will approach this challenge in two ways: 1) through an examination of funding mechanisms designed to incent students and reward institutions for their successes and 2) through a focus on proven strategies and promising practices to improve college access and completion rates among selected segments of the population, including low-income citizens, ethnic minorities, rural and isolated populations, children of recent immigrants, Native Americans and First Nations peoples, and returning adults.
States that have experimented with completion-based funding and have built incentives into appropriations formulas will share their experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities such experiments can bring. Colleges and universities in surrounding states and Canadian provinces will be invited to present programs and practices that have proven effective in boosting access and completion rates among individuals who traditionally have been underrepresented in higher education.
For further information on the policy summit, please contact Chris Rasmussen, vice president for research and policy analysis at 612-625-2431.
Nov. 8-Executive Committee Meeting Information »
Nov. 8-Executive Committee Members »
Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau »
Holiday Inn of Fargo »
Summit Agenda »
Commission Mtg. Agenda »
Agenda Book Nov. 2009 »
Cost SavingsStudent AccessPolicy Research & ResourcesEvents & NewsAbout MHECSite MapTo sign up for MHEC e-News or update your contact information in our database, please click HERE.
Click here to e-mail this page to a friend!
Copyright © 2009 Midwestern Higher Education Compact - All Rights Reserved
Midwestern Higher Education Compact
1300 South Second St. Suite 130 Minneapolis, MN 55454-1079
Phone: (612) 626-8288 • Fax: (612) 626-8290
November 8-10, 2009: Fargo, ND
Investing in Success: Improving Postsecondary Access and Completion Rates for ALL Citizens
MHEC will hold its annual policy summit on Monday, November 9, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Commission Meeting will meet on Tuesday, November 10, adjourning at approximately 2:30 p.m. to allow commissioners and guests time to get home for any Veteran’s Day events that may be scheduled on November 11. These two meetings will be preceded by a working dinner meeting of the MHEC Executive Committee on Sunday, November 8.
All meetings will be held at the Holiday Inn of Fargo, 3803 13th Ave. South, Fargo, ND 58103.
The theme for the summit is Investing in Success: Improving Postsecondary Access and Completion Rates of ALL Citizens.
The region's economic competitiveness is contingent upon citizens having the education and training required in a rapidly evolving labor market. However, America has fallen behind other nations in its efforts to increase the education level of its workforce. The United States is one of only two nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development where the postsecondary credentialing rate of younger citizens is lower than the rate for older citizens.
President Obama recently challenged Americans to increase their investment in higher education by committing to at least one year or more of higher education or career training. The data make it very clear that as a country we must endeavor to ensure that no part of our citizenry is left behind in our efforts to achieve postsecondary completion rates that rival top performing nations of the world.
To that end, MHEC, through its continued work with Lumina Foundation for Education's "Making Opportunity Affordable" initiative, will hold its Fifth Annual Policy Summit focusing on strategies to help all citizens achieve the education and training required to enable their full participation in the workforce. The summit will approach this challenge in two ways: 1) through an examination of funding mechanisms designed to incent students and reward institutions for their successes and 2) through a focus on proven strategies and promising practices to improve college access and completion rates among selected segments of the population, including low-income citizens, ethnic minorities, rural and isolated populations, children of recent immigrants, Native Americans and First Nations peoples, and returning adults.
States that have experimented with completion-based funding and have built incentives into appropriations formulas will share their experiences and discuss the challenges and opportunities such experiments can bring. Colleges and universities in surrounding states and Canadian provinces will be invited to present programs and practices that have proven effective in boosting access and completion rates among individuals who traditionally have been underrepresented in higher education.
For further information on the policy summit, please contact Chris Rasmussen, vice president for research and policy analysis at 612-625-2431.
Nov. 8-Executive Committee Meeting Information »
Nov. 8-Executive Committee Members »
Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau »
Holiday Inn of Fargo »
Summit Agenda »
Commission Mtg. Agenda »
Agenda Book Nov. 2009 »
Cost SavingsStudent AccessPolicy Research & ResourcesEvents & NewsAbout MHECSite MapTo sign up for MHEC e-News or update your contact information in our database, please click HERE.
Click here to e-mail this page to a friend!
Copyright © 2009 Midwestern Higher Education Compact - All Rights Reserved
Midwestern Higher Education Compact
1300 South Second St. Suite 130 Minneapolis, MN 55454-1079
Phone: (612) 626-8288 • Fax: (612) 626-8290
The North Dakota Humanities Council
The North Dakota Humanities Council is currently accepting applications to host the next Smithsonian Exhibit in North Dakota.
Key Ingredients: America by Food is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution developed as part of the Museum on Main Street (MOMS) program. This exhibit combines cultural resources at federal, state, and local levels to provide high-quality educational events to underserved rural citizens and to spark lasting professional improvement for small town museums.
The NDHC invites museums, public libraries, and cultural institutions to apply to host the exhibition in 2011-2012. We encourage community organizations to work together as partners.
To apply, please complete application and submit to North Dakota Humanities Council, postmarked by November 15, 2009.
Click Here for Application and Information
Key Ingredients Exhibition Description
Key Ingredients: America by Food explores the connections between Americans and the foods they produce, prepare, preserve, and present at table – a provocative and thoughtful look at the historical,regional, and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations. Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, vKey Ingredients examines the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared, and fresh foods. Key Ingredients also looks beyond the home to restaurants, diners, and celebrations that help build a sense of community through food. The exhibition offers a multitude of opportunities for hosting organizations to link their own collections and local food specialties to the panoramic story told in the exhibition. Key Ingredients addresses farming, table manners, history, markets, and kitchen gadgets in a lively presentation that stimulates comparisons of back then and right now, over there and right here. The exhibition will engage audiences everywhere, creating conversations and inspiring community recollection and celebration.
Key Ingredients: America by Food is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution developed as part of the Museum on Main Street (MOMS) program. This exhibit combines cultural resources at federal, state, and local levels to provide high-quality educational events to underserved rural citizens and to spark lasting professional improvement for small town museums.
The NDHC invites museums, public libraries, and cultural institutions to apply to host the exhibition in 2011-2012. We encourage community organizations to work together as partners.
To apply, please complete application and submit to North Dakota Humanities Council, postmarked by November 15, 2009.
Click Here for Application and Information
Key Ingredients Exhibition Description
Key Ingredients: America by Food explores the connections between Americans and the foods they produce, prepare, preserve, and present at table – a provocative and thoughtful look at the historical,regional, and social traditions that merge in everyday meals and celebrations. Through a selection of artifacts, photographs, and illustrations, vKey Ingredients examines the evolution of the American kitchen and how food industries have responded to the technological innovations that have enabled Americans to choose an ever-wider variety of frozen, prepared, and fresh foods. Key Ingredients also looks beyond the home to restaurants, diners, and celebrations that help build a sense of community through food. The exhibition offers a multitude of opportunities for hosting organizations to link their own collections and local food specialties to the panoramic story told in the exhibition. Key Ingredients addresses farming, table manners, history, markets, and kitchen gadgets in a lively presentation that stimulates comparisons of back then and right now, over there and right here. The exhibition will engage audiences everywhere, creating conversations and inspiring community recollection and celebration.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Todd Cresap Named NorthWest Judicial Judge in Minot, North Dakota
NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009
Contact: Don Canton or Ryan Bernstein
(701) 328-2200
HOEVEN NAMES CRESAP TO NORTHWEST JUDICIAL DISTRICT
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today named Todd L. Cresap of Minot to the Northwest Judicial District Court, chambered in Minot. Cresap’s position is one of two new judicial benches created by the North Dakota Legislature at the request of the Supreme Court in Senate Bill 2121. The other is a position in the Southeast Judicial District, which will be chambered in Jamestown. Hoeven named Thomas E. Merrick to that bench earlier this month. The new positions will begin on January 1, 2010.
“Todd gets high rankings from his peers in key areas like professional competence, judicial temperament, legal experience and integrity,” Hoeven said. “These traits, along with his commitment to the community of Minot and his genuine concern for youth, uniquely qualify him for the responsibilities of this new judicial bench.”
Cresap earned his Bachelor’s Degree, Cum Laude, in economics, from Minot State University in 1983, and his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1986. Upon graduating, he joined the firm of Olson, Burns and Lee, PC in Minot as an associate, where he practiced until 1995. He then joined the firm of Kenner Sturdevant, and Cresap, PC as a partner and shareholder until 2005, when he established his own practice, Cresap law Office, LLC.
In the course of his career, Cresap has handled a wide variety of legal cases, but his principal fields of practice have been in domestic law and criminal defense work in the state’s Juvenile Court system, as well as representation of juveniles and adults in the Federal Criminal Court System. He has handled numerous bench and jury trials in the State and Federal Court system, as well as appeals to the North Dakota Supreme Court and the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals. He is currently the Defense Attorney for the Minot Juvenile Drug Court.
Cresap has been active in the state and local bar associations, as well as a number of civic and nonprofit organizations. These include his role as a legal advisor for the Minot Junior Golf Association, International Music Camp, Neighborhood Development Enterprises and the Brass Band of Minot. He is a member of the Minot Chamber of Commerce, Minot State University Beaver Boosters and the Minot Moose Lodge.
Cresap and his wife Linda, who is the Dean of Minot State University Graduate School, have three children and reside in Minot.
-###-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 2, 2009
Contact: Don Canton or Ryan Bernstein
(701) 328-2200
HOEVEN NAMES CRESAP TO NORTHWEST JUDICIAL DISTRICT
BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. John Hoeven today named Todd L. Cresap of Minot to the Northwest Judicial District Court, chambered in Minot. Cresap’s position is one of two new judicial benches created by the North Dakota Legislature at the request of the Supreme Court in Senate Bill 2121. The other is a position in the Southeast Judicial District, which will be chambered in Jamestown. Hoeven named Thomas E. Merrick to that bench earlier this month. The new positions will begin on January 1, 2010.
“Todd gets high rankings from his peers in key areas like professional competence, judicial temperament, legal experience and integrity,” Hoeven said. “These traits, along with his commitment to the community of Minot and his genuine concern for youth, uniquely qualify him for the responsibilities of this new judicial bench.”
Cresap earned his Bachelor’s Degree, Cum Laude, in economics, from Minot State University in 1983, and his Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota Law School in 1986. Upon graduating, he joined the firm of Olson, Burns and Lee, PC in Minot as an associate, where he practiced until 1995. He then joined the firm of Kenner Sturdevant, and Cresap, PC as a partner and shareholder until 2005, when he established his own practice, Cresap law Office, LLC.
In the course of his career, Cresap has handled a wide variety of legal cases, but his principal fields of practice have been in domestic law and criminal defense work in the state’s Juvenile Court system, as well as representation of juveniles and adults in the Federal Criminal Court System. He has handled numerous bench and jury trials in the State and Federal Court system, as well as appeals to the North Dakota Supreme Court and the Eight Circuit Court of Appeals. He is currently the Defense Attorney for the Minot Juvenile Drug Court.
Cresap has been active in the state and local bar associations, as well as a number of civic and nonprofit organizations. These include his role as a legal advisor for the Minot Junior Golf Association, International Music Camp, Neighborhood Development Enterprises and the Brass Band of Minot. He is a member of the Minot Chamber of Commerce, Minot State University Beaver Boosters and the Minot Moose Lodge.
Cresap and his wife Linda, who is the Dean of Minot State University Graduate School, have three children and reside in Minot.
-###-
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Medicare Update
In our efforts to keep you updated regarding the new Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Supplier Accreditation/Surety Bond Requirements, we wanted to share with you potential areas within North Dakota where a Medicare beneficiary may experience supplier access issues in obtaining certain DMEPOS. Additionally, were also providing you with some quick facts/resources regarding the program. If you have additional questions, please call Beverly Mendicello at 303-844-6337.
Supplier Access:
Medicare beneficiaries in North Dakota, may experience potential access issues for the following equipment/supply categories in the counties listed below. Keep in mind this information is subject to change because supplier accreditation is ongoing.
North Dakota
Affected Counties
Oxygen
Slope, Bowman, Adams, Emmons, McIntosh, Dickey, Hettinger, Grant, Sioux, Golden Valley & Logan
Enteral Nutrition
Adams, McIntosh, Dickey & Sargent
Parenteral Nutrition
McKenzie
For Assistance in Finding Another Supplier:
Beneficiaries should call 1-800-MEDICARE, that’s 1-800-633-4227, or visit www.medicare.gov and select “Find Suppliers of Medicare Equipment in Your Area – Supplier Look-up Tool.” On October 15, the Supplier Look-up Tool was updated with accredited and exempt suppliers only (including mail order companies). In order to ensure Medicare payment, beneficiaries should ask any new supplier they contact if they are still approved by Medicare to provide covered medical equipment and supplies.
Quick Facts:
· Starting October 1, 2009, new rules went into effect for certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers in order to be paid by Medicare.
· The new requirements include being accredited and having a surety bond which will help assure that Medicare beneficiaries continue to get high-quality products and services and help to prevent fraud in the Medicare program.
· If a beneficiary’s supplier doesn’t meet these new requirements, the beneficiary will have to look for another Medicare-approved supplier in order for Medicare to pay for their equipment and supplies.
· If a beneficiary continues to get supplies from a supplier who has not met these requirements, Medicare won’t pay and the beneficiary may have to pay the full cost for the supplies.
· The new requirements affect the following types of DMEPOS suppliers:
• Durable medical equipment
(such as oxygen equipment and power wheelchairs)
• Medical supplies
(such as diabetic supplies - unless acquired at a pharmacy, thru 12/31/09)
• Home dialysis supplies and equipment
• Therapeutic shoes
• Parenteral/enteral nutrition
• Transfusion medicine
• Prosthetic devices
• Prosthetics and orthotics
· Although most suppliers will continue in the Medicare program, some have chosen not to stay enrolled.
· Beneficiaries should ask if their current supplier plans to meet these new Medicare program requirements to avoid any interruption in their services.
· For beneficiaries who are renting equipment, their current supplier should make arrangements to remove the equipment after the beneficiary has received replacement equipment from their new supplier.
· For more information, please reference the DMEPOS toolkit on cms.hhs.gov, which contains facts sheets, FAQs, and which has been recently updated with the beneficiary notification letter:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/03_DMEPOS_Toolkit.asp#TopOfPage
Lucretia James
Division for 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
Supplier Access:
Medicare beneficiaries in North Dakota, may experience potential access issues for the following equipment/supply categories in the counties listed below. Keep in mind this information is subject to change because supplier accreditation is ongoing.
North Dakota
Affected Counties
Oxygen
Slope, Bowman, Adams, Emmons, McIntosh, Dickey, Hettinger, Grant, Sioux, Golden Valley & Logan
Enteral Nutrition
Adams, McIntosh, Dickey & Sargent
Parenteral Nutrition
McKenzie
For Assistance in Finding Another Supplier:
Beneficiaries should call 1-800-MEDICARE, that’s 1-800-633-4227, or visit www.medicare.gov and select “Find Suppliers of Medicare Equipment in Your Area – Supplier Look-up Tool.” On October 15, the Supplier Look-up Tool was updated with accredited and exempt suppliers only (including mail order companies). In order to ensure Medicare payment, beneficiaries should ask any new supplier they contact if they are still approved by Medicare to provide covered medical equipment and supplies.
Quick Facts:
· Starting October 1, 2009, new rules went into effect for certain Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) suppliers in order to be paid by Medicare.
· The new requirements include being accredited and having a surety bond which will help assure that Medicare beneficiaries continue to get high-quality products and services and help to prevent fraud in the Medicare program.
· If a beneficiary’s supplier doesn’t meet these new requirements, the beneficiary will have to look for another Medicare-approved supplier in order for Medicare to pay for their equipment and supplies.
· If a beneficiary continues to get supplies from a supplier who has not met these requirements, Medicare won’t pay and the beneficiary may have to pay the full cost for the supplies.
· The new requirements affect the following types of DMEPOS suppliers:
• Durable medical equipment
(such as oxygen equipment and power wheelchairs)
• Medical supplies
(such as diabetic supplies - unless acquired at a pharmacy, thru 12/31/09)
• Home dialysis supplies and equipment
• Therapeutic shoes
• Parenteral/enteral nutrition
• Transfusion medicine
• Prosthetic devices
• Prosthetics and orthotics
· Although most suppliers will continue in the Medicare program, some have chosen not to stay enrolled.
· Beneficiaries should ask if their current supplier plans to meet these new Medicare program requirements to avoid any interruption in their services.
· For beneficiaries who are renting equipment, their current supplier should make arrangements to remove the equipment after the beneficiary has received replacement equipment from their new supplier.
· For more information, please reference the DMEPOS toolkit on cms.hhs.gov, which contains facts sheets, FAQs, and which has been recently updated with the beneficiary notification letter:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/03_DMEPOS_Toolkit.asp#TopOfPage
Lucretia James
Division for 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
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