| LDOE Contacts | |
John White
State Superintendent of Education
877.453.2721
(toll-free)
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LDOE Weekly Newsletter 09/18/2012
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Dear Colleagues:
The Common Core State Standards are going to call our students and teachers to work differently. The PARCC assessment prototype test items and the PASS sample test items indicate this to Louisiana educators who are using them as tools to practice the Common Core.
The scale on which our students will be assessed will also be more rigorous. It's for this reason that BESE passed changes to the state's accountability system and that these changes were linked to the state's ESEA waiver. For a great summary of the accountability changes, and for sample cases that show how the scoring works, see this summary from Stand for Children.
While the new system is not designed to drop school letter grades, one critical change is that schools will no longer receive credit when a student scores below "basic" on LEAP or iLEAP or below "good" on End-of-Course tests. This shift was made explicitly to align with the PARCC assessments, whose definitions of college and career readiness will far exceed "approaching basic" or "fair" scores.
At the same time, schools often enroll students who come to the school performing at low levels. Schools that do well with these students should be rewarded, which is why, for the first time, schools will now receive a bonus for making significant progress with students who are below grade level. In schools that test students within grades 3-8, this means that if 30 percent or more of below grade-level students exceed their projected growth on the value-added model for LEAP or iLEAP in ELA or math, the school will receive a bonus. The same will be true for high school students in grades 9-11 on the Explore/Plan/ACT series. See the Stand for Children summary for more information.
Too many teachers are not provided full information about the accountability system. In this case, the bar has been raised. But just as important, the system calls teachers to focus on students who are performing below level, and to make progress with those students. Let's make sure every teacher has identified those students and is working to make the progress the system now rewards.
As always, my thanks for all you do for our children,
John
John White
Louisiana Department of Education
Twitter @LouisianaSupe
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New District and Teacher Newsletters
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Thank you so much to all of you who have sent us email addresses for your teachers and professional staff. We have already added close to 5,000 new email addresses to our Ed Connect email list. Please keep them coming.
We are in the process of redesigning our weekly newsletter to districts and bi-weekly newsletter to teachers. Please send us your feedback on how we can improve these newsletters. Send an email to sarah.mulhearn@la.gov or leslie.hill@la.gov with your ideas and suggestions.
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Assessments and Accountability
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Adjustment made to 2012-2013 Testing Schedule
Please forward to District Test Coordinators:
The 2012-2013 Testing Schedule dates have been adjusted for LAA 2 and EOC testing. LAA 2 (grades 10 and 11) has been moved from March 4-8, 2013 to April 8-17, 2013. For the EOC testing, a few days were removed from the December, May, and June testing windows.
The makeup test date for EXPLORE (grade 9) and PLAN (grade 10) is April 2, 2013 and the ACT (grade 11) is April 23, 2013. The makeup dates for EXPLORE, PLAN, and ACT have been added to the testing schedule. The revised 2012-2013 Testing Schedule is located at http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/19121.pdf.
If you have any questions, contact Bernadette Morris at Bernadette.morris@la.gov.
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Accountability Overview
Starting with the 2012-2013 school year, Louisiana will institute a refined, state-designed accountability system, as approved in the ESEA Waiver and recent BESE action. For a high-level overview of the revised accountability system, please refer to Stand for Children's overview document. Please also refer to our ESEA Waiver webpage which includes resources such as PowerPoint overview of the new system and a recently-recorded webinar describing the components of the new system.
To further support our transition to the revised accountability system, the LDOE produced a document of Frequently Asked Questions (available here).
For questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Baird (jennifer.baird@la.gov) or Jessica Baghian (jessica.baghian@la.gov).
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Assessment Rosters
Some districts have expressed concerns about the assessment rosters that were distributed on August 27, 2012. Some discrepancies on the rosters were created by the transition from GEE tests that are driven by grade level enrollment to the EOC tests that are based on class enrollment. Departments within the LDoE are working together on a system that will improve this process for 2012-13. The accountability staff is in contact with districts to assist everyone and reduce the workload. Districts will be given sufficient time to complete the errors that require documentation. If you have concerns, please contact Jennifer Baird at 225.342.3514 or Jennifer.Baird@la.gov.
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EXPLORE and PLAN Assessments
Please forward to District Test Coordinators and Principals (Grades 8 through 10)
Forward to District Test Coordinators and School Principals (grades 8, 9, and 10).
ACT will email District Test Coordinators (DTCs) to confirm when ordering begins under the Department state-specific contract. If you order testing materials early, your district will be responsible for payment. Please do not order EXPLORE and PLAN test materials before January 7, 2013.
Each testing activity is listed below with the dates for EXPLORE (grade 8) and EXPLORE (grade 9) & PLAN (grade 10), respectively.
- DTCs order test materials January 7-February 8 and January 7-March 14, respectively.Schools receive test materials January 23-March 7 and January 23-April 1, respectively.
- Schools receive Pre-ID labels no later than February 8 and no later than March 5, respectively.
- Schools administer assessment(s) March 4-8 and March 19 with April 2, 2013 as the only make-up date, respectively.
- Schools ship answer documents to ACT by March 8 (post mark date) and by April 2 (post mark date), respectively.
- Schools receive school and student reports no later than March 29 and no later than April 19, respectively.
- DTCs receive parish reports no later than April 9 and no later than May 10, respectively.
If you have any questions, contact Bernadette Morris at Bernadette.morris@la.gov.
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Updated EAGLE Transitional Plan for 2012-2013
Please forward to all District Test Coordinators.
The EAGLE system has been updated to reflect the academic strategies plan for Louisiana Believes. The existing item bank contains only items that are aligned with the current GLEs and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The LDOE is in the process of developing new items to align with CCSS. The new items are expected to be added to the EAGLE item bank beginning in winter 2012 and continuing through spring 2013.
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Organizing Your AP Exam Administration: A Workshop for AP Coordinators
Please forward to all Network Leaders, High School Principals, Counselors, Testing Coordinators, and AP Coordinators.
This FREE one-day workshop, endorsed by The College Board, provides new and experienced AP Coordinators a comprehensive understanding of topics, including ordering AP Exams, conducting a pre-administration session, training proctors, setting up off-site testing, administering exams to students with disabilities, navigating the AP Course Audit, administering exams that require audio or video equipment, managing exam security, handling irregularities and disruptions, arranging for late testing, returning AP Exams and calculating the school's invoice online. Participants will also learn how to fill in the students' Answer Key properly if the student qualifies for the fee reduction or AP Test Fee Reimbursement for low-income students.
To register go to AP Coordinator Workshop
Registration Deadline: September 28, 2012
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Resources on Compass for Leaders
A recording of the Compass for School Leaders webinar, which was presented earlier this summer, is available on the LDOE website here. The Compass Leader Rubric can also be accessed on the LDOE website here. Information on Student Learning Targets for school leaders is available here.
Network Teams will be reaching out to schedule Compass Leader trainings for mid-late October.
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Resources on Professional Growth Plans
Consistent with past practices, teachers and administrators are required to complete Professional Growth Plans (PGPs) as a part of the Compass process. The LDOE has provided PGP exemplars for teachers, leaders, and counselors, as well as a PGP guidance document, intended to answer frequently asked questions about PGPs. These documents are available here. Please note: PGP forms DO NOT need to be submitted to the LDOE.
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Human Capital Information Systems (HCIS)
The Human Capital Information System (HCIS) is now live for LEAs that have successfully completed Super User training. Training sessions will continue through Sept. 25. Important information on LEA HCIS launch activities is provided here including video tutorials, a user guide, and instructions for launching HCIS in your LEA. Please refer to your LEA's network leader for additional support, if necessary.
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District Goal Setting Network leaders have completed most of their initial visits with district leaders and are more excited about their work than ever. They will soon begin to meet with you for Goal Setting Meetings, which will occur throughout the month of September. These meetings are meant to result in a clear vision for student outcomes and establish your district level priorities that will lead to academic improvements. The network teams will support you and your district team on these priorities throughout the school year. As the state standards shift dramatically with the adoption of Common Core, network teams are focused on supporting districts in orienting teachers and students to these higher levels of rigor. You will find the LDOE academic strategy memo very useful in helping to prepare for these meetings. The District Support Office is eager to learn more about your goals and to help you and your students achieve them. |
Act 1 - RIF The LDE will use this rubric to assess districts' new RIF policies' compliance with Act 1. We ask that you submit those policies to act1@la.gov by October 1, 2012. Soon after that date, we will publish the districts that meet or exceed minimum requirements. For an example of a contract that meets "exemplar" criteria, please see Jefferson Parish's revised policy. If you have any questions, please contact Gary Jones at gary.jones@la.gov. |
Act 1 - Compensation Many districts are working to revise their salary schedules in light of Act 1's requirement to take effectiveness, demand, and experience into account. The deadline to establish and publish revised salary schedules is January 1, 2013. Those schedules must become effective in school year 13-14. The LDE will offer several resources to districts to support this undertaking. Those resources, to be released in mid-October, will include: diagnostic tools to help districts identify compensation priorities, budget constraints, etc.; compensation models that are flexible and adaptable; and sustainability guidance. While these resources will be designed with teacher compensation in mind, they may be applied to other personnel. The LDE was invited to seek feedback on the first version of the compensation models from a small group of business managers who met on September 13th. We will continue to seek feedback on these resources from district staff. Superintendents, if you have questions about Act 1 implementation, please contact Gary Jones at gary.jones@la.gov. |
AEPSi Training for Early Childhood Special Education Program Coordinators (Attendance is Optional) Please forward to Directors/Supervisors of Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education Program Coordinators. CourseWhere registration is now open for Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System interactive (AEPSi) training for Early Childhood Special Education Program Coordinators. This computer-based training will be held at five locations across the state during the week of September 24-28, 2012. AEPSi features that support Compass and Common Core will be addressed, including the Curriculum Reference Guide, Reports, and Administrative Functions. Learn to use the features of the system to track and improve student outcomes. Attendance is optional. To register for the training, click http://tinyurl.com/bmynsfl For additional information, contact Kaye Eichler at 225-342-3647 or Kaye.Eichler@LA.Gov. |
Child Nutrition Program Notification Please forward to LEA Child Nutrition Program Supervisors. LDOE Child Nutrition Program School Food Service has issued the following memo: Child Nutrition Program Website Address Change http://tinyurl.com/9vh7pck. |
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2011-2012 Annual Financial Report
Please forward to Business Managers and Financial Officials of Public School Districts, Charter Schools, Lab Schools, and State Agencies defined as an LEA for these purposes.
Pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 17:92, each LEA must electronically submit their AFR (including all applicable fiscal project codes) to the LDE via the LEADS Portal https://leads3.doe.louisiana.gov/ptl/ no later than September 30, 2012. The necessary forms and instructions may be accessed at http://www.louisianaschools.net/divisions/edfn/afr_instructions.html.
For further information or questions regarding reporting or coding, contact Keya Williams (Keya.Williams@la.gov) or Marella Houghton (Marella.Houghton@la.gov) at 225-342-8848. For questions regarding the filebuild tools or electronic submission process, contact Robert Robbins (Robert.Robbins@la.gov) at 225-342-3619 or David Kibbe (David.Kibbe@la.gov) at 225-342-9133.
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Additional State Provided Trainings
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$17 Adobe Software Bundle for Schools - Deadline Extended for Opt-in October 12, 2012
Due to the huge interest and questions we are receiving, DOE and Adobe will be extending the opt-in Enrollment period for schools and LEAs to participate in this new Adobe bundle. This program allows schools to purchase new yearly licensing rights for the complete C6 Design and Web Premium Bundle as well as discounted individual licenses of Premier Elements and Adobe Production Premium. Several webinars/phone conferences will be offered over the coming weeks to allow schools to ask questions and get answers about the program and its process.
For more information including times and dates of trainings,
http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/20461.pdf
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EDGAR and Perkins Grant Training
Please forward to all CTE Supervisors and District Financial/Grant Management Staff.
We are pleased to announce that the LCTCS and the LDOE will be hosting Carl Perkins Grants Management Training for the third consecutive year. The training will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude mid-afternoon on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Capitol Area Technical College, Baton Rouge Campus. Michael Brustein of Brustein & Manasevit will be conducting the training. The deadline for registration is Thursday, September 20, 2012. The link for the Online Registration Form is: http://tinyurl.com/Perkins-Training. Lunch will be provided. Travel is the responsibility of each participant.
Topics of discussion will center around:
- Brief review of Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR);
- Impact of sequestration on CTE funding;
- Administration's Blueprint for Perkins Reauthorization;
- OMB's proposal to simplify the audit, administrative and cost principles;
- Carl Perkins implementation issues related to cash management, procurement, equipment, and time and effort certifications;
- Potential funding cuts for FY 2013; and
- Questions & Discussion.
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Louisiana Indistar Results Network (LIRN) Monitoring Training Please forward to RTT-3 and HPSI SIG 1003(g) Participating Districts We have made an effort to make monitoring for your Race to the Top Phase 3(RTT-3) and HPSI SIG 1003 (g) grant(s) as streamlined and efficient as possible. We will launch our online web application for monitoring--Louisiana Indistar Results Network (LIRN)--via webinar Wednesday and Thursday. You can register for a session by clicking one of the links below. You may attend any of the sessions, but need only attend one. Your log-in and password to LIRN will be sent to your district contact prior to the webinar. We look forward to sharing this new tool to assist you to implement your RTT-3 Scope of Work. |
2012-2013 LASARD "Free" online Workgroups The LASARD (Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities) project is offering FREE one hour workgroups which are offered online using Microsoft Live Technology for the 2012-2013 school year. The purpose of the workgroups is to develop specific skills in evidence based practices to support students with disabilities in their educational settings. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded for participation. LASARD project will provide an online workgroup titled, "Effectively Utilizing Paraeducators" on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. This one hour workgroup will discuss practical strategies while working with paraeducators who support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders. These strategies include collaboration with other educational team members, setting up opportunities for social interaction, and data collection. The workgroup is not just for paraeducators, but also for teachers, administrators, and other educational team members who work alongside paraeducators. The 2012-2013 LASARD Workgroup Schedule with dates, times, topics and registration information are located online at http://tinyurl.com/9z2nm6p. For more information, contact Robyn Hargrave at Robyn.Hargrave@la.gov. |
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"Hidden Healthy" Lunches
We would like to introduce a Louisiana company who is partnering with Jefferson Parish to provide "Hidden Healthy" lunches to students. MMI Culinary is a local company looking to partner with other districts.
To learn more- contact Hermann Schulze with MMI (504) 465-9770 or www.mimischoolnutrition.com.
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Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)
The Strategic Research Group, with permission from the USDOE, will be contacting some of the districts regarding and international survey they will be conducting of principals and teachers at grades 7, 8 and 9. Two schools in our state have been randomly selected to participate. I am attaching the letter from the USDOE that outlines the study and an FAQ.
Attachment: TALIS
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