TopDecember 2014
In This Issue
Quick Links
Stay Connected to ADE's K-12 Standards Section
Subscribers Receive Information on Training Sessions and More

 

Do you want to receive the latest news from the Arizona Department of Education's K-12 Academic Standards group? Join their exclusive mailing list! You will receive regular updates on professional development activities, engagement opportunities and general topics of interest. Complete this brief form to join.

K-12 Standards December Newsletter Now Available

 

For more information on current K-12 Standards happenings, please
click here to read their December newsletter.

 

Included in this month's edition is a comprehensive list of professional development opportunities.
Seeking Success Stories
Do You Have a Success Story You Would Like to Share?

 

We would love to hear it, from students excelling in statewide or national competitions to teachers being honored for their passion and dedication.

Please send your Success Story suggestions to [email protected] and a member of ADE's Communications team will reach out for more information.
  
Thank you for helping us share the great work that Arizona students, teachers, and schools are doing every day!
AzMERIT Update

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) continues to work diligently and expeditiously to implement AzMERIT and will continue providing timely and informative materials as they come available to students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and education stakeholders throughout the transition to this new test. 
 

Since last month's Progress Report was sent, ADE has shared the following important information with Arizona's test coordinators:

    1. Last week, a committee of 90 Arizona educators reviewed and approved potential AzMERIT passages and items. Every AzMERIT passage and item that will appear on the Spring 2015 AzMERIT tests was approved by this committee. The Assessment Section is greatly appreciative of the work this committee did, their focus on producing an excellent test for AZ students, and their willingness to leave their classrooms at this very busy time of year for this purpose. The Assessment Section is also greatly appreciative of the schools and districts that allowed their teachers the opportunity to participate in this committee.
    2. A three part AzMERIT presentation has been posted on www.azed.gov/AzMERIT under "General AzMERIT Information." This was presented at the MEGA Conference general session on November 20, 2014 and is available as a PowerPoint and a narrated PowerPoint presentation.
       
      • Part I - From AIMS to AzMERIT (approx. 10 minutes)
         
      • Part II - What is AzMERIT (approx. 13 minutes)
         
      • Part III - Preparing for AzMERIT (approx. 11 minutes)
         
    3. The AzMERIT testing blueprints have been posted on www.azed.gov/AzMERIT under "Additional Resources for Teachers and Students."
    4. Calculator guidance for AzMERIT has now been posted on www.azed.gov/AzMERIT under "Additional Resources for Teachers and Students."
    5. AzMERIT is a computer-based test. Schools that have the ability to administer the computer-based version of the test are encouraged to do so. An equated, paper-based version of the test will be available to schools that do not have the ability to administer the computer-based version or choose not to administer the computer-based version. Schools are being asked to make a decision as to whether they will use the computer-based test or paper-based test by January 5, 2015.

As Arizona continues to transition to AzMERIT, ADE is seeking educator involvement on several projects. If you are interested in getting involved, please complete or update a Committee Application.


For more information on the administration of AzMERIT, please visit ADE's website at www.azed.gov/AzMERIT.

 

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A Message from Superintendent Huppenthal
 

As my term of office comes to an end, I want to express what an honor and privilege it has been to serve you in the capacity of Superintendent of Public Instruction. This has truly been a crowning jewel to my 30 years of public service, from first cutting my teeth on the Chandler City Council, to serving as both a state Senator and Representative, and finally to statewide service as State Superintendent. While each phase of public service has brought its own rewards and challenges, my passion has always been in assuring that every child has the best opportunity for success in achieving the American Dream.

 

To that end, I am extremely proud of the work we have done together.  To my staff at the Department "thank you" is so inadequate to truly express what is in my heart.  I know first-hand your dedication, passion, and commitment to the mission of educating Arizona's one million students. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to you all for your support and hard work. It has been one of the extraordinary highlights of my life to have served with you. I will miss all of you.

 

To the Education Community--our school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and dedicated partners--I am grateful that you welcomed me into your schools and your world and allowed me to share in the joys and challenges of your education journeys. I am humbled by the trust you placed in me over the past four years. The great educators and students I've met are indelibly imprinted in my mind and my heart. I have been focused on supporting your mission to educate our students with the least amount of government obstruction and intrusion, and the greatest amount of support and service. As I move on, I am confident the agency I leave will continue to serve your best interests.

 

For me this office has been my dream.  In my extensive travels throughout the state I have met passionate, committed people who have dedicated themselves to educating our children and serving a higher public purpose. I have inherited wonderful staff as well as brought great talent into the agency, and together we have profoundly improved the service our agency provides to our schools, administrators, parents, teachers and students. The many "thank yous" I have received as I've traveled throughout the state has let me know that on many levels we've served the public well.

 

There is so much more to be done. While we've come a long way, there are "miles to go before we sleep."  Over the past weeks, we have worked closely with Superintendent Elect-Diane Douglas and her transition team to assure a smooth transition.  Her team is already working with our staff to prepare themselves for continuing to build upon the great foundation that has been laid at the Department during my administration.   We are encouraged by her commitment to furthering the agency's great work and supporting the efforts of our great staff.

 

As I transition back to my private life, I plan to continue my efforts to improve education opportunities for all our students, and look forward to supporting our educators and education system in whatever capacity I can.

 

Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a successful journey as you continue to improve Arizona's education system for all our children.

 

Sincerely,
John Huppenthal

 

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A Look Into Superintendent Huppenthal's Advisory Groups
Since the beginning of his term, Superintendent Huppenthal has had over 20 advisory groups with foci that range from students, educational development among various cultures, and school improvement. These groups worked diligently to advance Arizona's education system for the betterment of students, educators and their local communities. Although all of the groups have played a large role in the progression of education, a few actions taken are highlighted below.

 

"I have enjoyed and learned more from the stakeholders involved in these groups than I would have ever dreamed," said Superintendent Huppenthal. "As individual groups, wrapped into one team, we have made enormous strides towards improving education in Arizona."

 

The African American Advisory group has worked with the Superintendent to provide educational opportunities that will benefit students in low income, high-crime communities. With programs including the Community Engagement Initiative, the Summer Lunch Feeding Program, and a six week online course, the African American Advisory group made a large impact on the community. The Summer Lunch Feeding Program has not only fed hundreds of students, but it has also allowed students, educators and other stakeholders to discuss the issues hindering the community from succeeding in education. The online course, African-American Experiences in the Historical Development of Arizona and the Southwest, aims to increase the knowledge and awareness of the contributions and experiences of African-Americans in the historical development of Arizona and the Southwest. This course will be beneficial to many education stakeholders as it provides opportunity for student engagement and dialogue and educators may earn professional hours for recertification.

 

Amanda McAdams, English Language Arts and Student Government Instruction Coordinator, in the Award Winning Teachers Advisory group said, "The Superintendent bent over backwards to get us the answers we needed. We discussed everything from policies to academic standards and he would even bring in specialists to make sure that we gathered a full understanding and received clarity."

 

Next, the Students Advisory group, that holds 55 student members from across the state, allowed students to share their ideas concerning educational issues facing themselves and their peers. Because bullying has become a rising terror on students, the students developed a bullying position statement that is currently displayed on the Arizona Department of Education's (ADE) School Safety and Prevention webpage. The students also created posters that identified the characteristics of ideal and affective teachers, schools and students, which are posted across the state in various education venues including classrooms and the ADE building.

 

The AZ Tribal Education Leaders and the World Languages Advisory group have brought together world language educators from across the state. World Languages Advisory group helped pass Senate Bill 1242 - Arizona Critical Languages; Economic Development; Pilot, which was presented to the senate by students who demonstrated the benefits of alternate languages. The members believe that teaching students languages and cultures from all over the world is a way to ensure "economic competitiveness" in Arizona. The AZ Tribal Education Leaders assisted Arizona's Native American population in preserving their heritage and culture by using the federal Native American Language Act (NALA) to override certification barriers impeding fluent elders from teaching their tribal languages in their schools.

 

Together, with the assistance and encouragement from Superintendent Huppenthal, the advisory groups have helped make Arizona better, one group at a time.

 

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Success Stories
Two Arizona CTE Teachers Recognized with National Awards

ADE is pleased to share that two Arizona educators recently received top honors from the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Clyde McBride, from Kayenta, won the ACTE Teacher of the Year award for 2015 on November 19 in Nashville, TN at the annual ACTE National Conference. Amanda Shively, CTE Director for the Glendale Union High School District, was honored as ACTE's Region V Administrator of the Year; Region V includes Arizona and 13 other states.

 

McBride teaches agriculture and serves as the CTE Director and Future Farmers of America advisor at Monument Valley High School in the Kayenta Unified School District. He originally was honored as the 2014 Teacher of the Year for Region V. McBride was one of five finalists for the 2015 national award.

 

McBride and his program were previously featured in a 2012 Time magazine story illustrating the promise CTE holds for so many youth. McBride was successful in developing a $2.4 million agricultural-science center for the Kayenta district. McBride said one of the students in his program, which prepares students to be veterinary aides and technicians, has been accepted into veterinary school and he hopes that this year three more will apply and be accepted.

 

Shively was awarded for developing and implementing the first CTE programs in the Glendale district to receive core academic credit. Currently there are four programs in the district that offer credit. 

Arizona FBLA, FCCLA and HOSA Members FLEX their Leadership Muscles

Last month, over 5,000 AzHOSA - Future Health Professionals, Arizona Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Arizona Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students and teachers from around the state arrived at the US Airways Center for the Opening Session of the 2014 Fall Leadership Extravaganza (FLEX) Conference - making it the largest Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) conference to date in Arizona! 
 

After the Suns' dunk team and entertainment got the crowd pumped, the 23 FBLA, FCCLA, and HOSA State Officers took center court. The state presidents of each CTSO challenged the members in attendance to FLEX their leadership muscles. The keynote speaker, Kevin Wanzer, got the crowd excited and inspired as they began to make their way to the Phoenix Convention Center. Over 90 dynamic, interactive sessions were presented to members by TRI Leadership, academic institutions, and industry leaders. Each member was able to choose their own schedule from sessions in business, IT, fashion design, culinary, early childhood, and healthcare careers to leadership, social media, and more. 

 

HOSA - Future Health Professionals is the only student organization in the nation that is 100% healthcare based. HOSA is committed to excel with committed, well-educated and compassionate young adults and supporting them through their education with the hopes that they will return to AzHOSA and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals!

 

FBLA is a dynamic organization of young people who are actively interested in pursuing careers in business. Arizona FBLA works with business and information technology education partners throughout the state to prepare our future leaders through innovative career and leadership development programs.

 

FCCLA is committed to promoting personal growth and leadership development through family and consumer sciences education. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers, and communities by addressing important personal, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education.

Math Scores on Rise for Arizona Hispanic Students 

According to a new report published by the Child Trends Hispanic Institute (Child Trends), Arizona has been identified as one of four top performing states for gains in mathematics scores among Hispanic students. In addition to Arizona, Indiana, Hawaii, New Jersey, and the Department of Defense Education Activity also were called "notable" in the report for their combination of recent improvement and current math scores among Hispanic students, the report said.

 

By utilizing data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Child Trends, a nonprofit research center, analyzed and compared fourth and eighth grade math scores in the nation, states, large cities, and select school districts. In this secondary analysis of 2013 NAEP data, Arizona was cited for its short-term (four year) and long-term (10 year) gains among Hispanic fourth and eighth graders. Arizona was the only state to show significant short-term gains in both grades. In fourth grade, Hispanic students in Arizona had a top gain of 12 points for the time period from 2009-2013. In eighth grade, Hispanic students in Arizona showed a gain of four points for the same time period.

 

Arizona's overall score for all fourth grade math students showed the most growth of all the states at an increase of 10 points from 2009 to 2013. Eighth grade math scores in Arizona have remained steady since 2011. In the last decade, math scores of Hispanic students in Arizona increased by 15 points in the fourth grade and by 11 points in the eighth grade. Nationally, over the last decade, math scores of Hispanic students increased by nine points for fourth graders and 13 points for eighth graders.

 

The report, "Math Scores Add Up for Hispanic Students" can be found here.

Arizona Future Farmers of America (FFA) Attends the 87th National FFA Convention

Over 400 Arizona students and teachers recently returned from the 87th National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY. While at the convention, these students joined over 60,000 other students from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and attended large general sessions complete with an elaborate stage set, lights and music. Standout sessions included notable keynote speakers, awards and recognition ceremonies, national officer speeches, and performances by the National FFA Band & Chorus. 

 

Many students competed in Career Development Events (CDEs). Arizona members, along with other students from across the country, qualified for competition in these national events by winning at the state level. Events included public speaking, agricultural mechanics, and livestock and food product judging and took place at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, downtown hotels and other locations. Arizona was represented well by its students and was fortunate this year in bringing back nine Bronze, ten Silver and one Gold team medals. Arizona's individual recognition was just as notable with 29 Bronze, 36 Silver and four Gold medalists. Chandler FFA placed 2nd in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE, and this year Arizona FFA had 37 American Degree recipients and nine finalists in the Agriscience Fair competition. To see a full list of winners and their schools, click here.

 

In addition, each state sent voting delegates who follow parliamentary procedure in considering delegate issues and voting on important organizational initiatives. Students and advisors alike also enjoyed attending the FFA National Agricultural Career Show. Housed at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, the career show covered more than 260,000 square feet and attracted more than 400 exhibitors including businesses, industry, colleges and universities. Educational tours throughout the state of Kentucky were also available from 25 Kentucky based businesses.

To learn more about Arizona FFA, visit www.azffa.org.

Arizona Department of Education Updates
Important Information About Federal Grant Requirements

The federal government has initiated Uniform Guidance regarding federal grant requirements. This regulation will become effective on December 26, 2014. Any time a new regulation is instituted, it only applies to grants funded in the subsequent grant year. Therefore, the requirements of the Uniform Guidance do not affect Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2014 grants (2014-15), but will affect FFY 2015 grants (2015-16) that become available on July 1, 2015.  

 

The Council on Financial Assistance Reform (COFAR) recently released FAQs on this issue. It is recommended that LEAs and schools take a close look at the grant start dates.

 

If you have any questions, please email ADE's Fiscal Monitoring Department at [email protected] or visit their website.

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) received notice on Wednesday that it had been awarded $20 million in federal funds as part of the 2014 Preschool Development Grant program, which is administered jointly by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

 

The funds will be used to make preschool programs in a variety of settings more readily available to thousands of children in 15 high-needs communities across the state and will promote success in those programs by enhancing quality and building infrastructure statewide.

 

Staff in ADE's Early Childhood Education unit finalized the grant application earlier this year with support from the Governor's Office, First Things First, and other early learning stakeholders. The $20 million award was the largest of five development grants announced, and the second largest of 18 total state awards.

  

Funds will also be used to support Quality First, Arizona's multi-tiered rating and improvement system, and to grow partnerships with institutes of higher education designed to increase the number of professionals with Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education certifications.

 

Also announced Wednesday were several new Early Head Start-Child Care (EHS-CC) Partnership grants, which allow new or existing Early Head Start programs to partner with local child care centers and family child care providers serving infants and toddlers from low-income families. Several Arizona EHS grantees applied and were awarded a total of $8,400,000 in yearly grant funding.
ADE Partners with Navajo Nation to Improve Support for Native Youth

Earlier this week, the Navajo Nation Department of Din� Education and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) signed an agreement so that the Navajo Nation can better meet the educational needs of each Navajo student in Arizona.
 

This partnership will help the Navajo Nation see how Navajo students are succeeding in Arizona public schools and enable the Navajo Nation to determine what education programs and interventions can improve the achievement of Navajo students in Arizona public schools, BIE grant schools, and BIE tribally controlled schools. Additionally, the Navajo Nation will now be better able to track Navajo student academic achievement at all schools within Arizona. 
 

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to work and partner with the Navajo Nation to better educate Navajo children and to provide the necessary information for all educators working with Navajo children," said Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. "Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, and this is one way ADE can assist in this effort." 
 

"This partnership with ADE is monumental for my people," said Dr. Kalvin White, Education Administrator for the Office of Din� Science, Math, and Technology."It is through this collaboration that we can better support our youth throughout the duration of their schooling to best prepare them to succeed both academically and in their careers. Today marks another improvement in educating the Navajo Nation's future generations." 

ADE and Grand Canyon University Participate in College Access Event in Washington, D.C.
Last week, a coalition of Arizona educators including ADE's Deputy Superintendent of Policy and Programs Dr. Jennifer Johnson and Grand Canyon University (GCU) President Brian Mueller travelled to Washington for the White House College Opportunity Day of Action Summit. While there, they met with President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden along with other national education leaders to discuss expanding opportunity for more students, especially low-income and underrepresented students, to enroll and succeed in college.

Dr. Johnson noted that Arizona's College and Career Ready Team, a network dedicated to the professional development of school counselors and other college access professionals, has committed to increasing the state's college enrollment by one percent each year over the next six years.
 
While at the event, GCU President Mueller announced Grand Canyon's new STEM Scholars Program, which will enable qualified high school students to earn up to 32 free college credit hours and complete a year of college before they even graduate from high school. The program aims to introduce Arizona students to college-level STEM programs, place them with teacher mentors, and open their minds to possible career paths in science, technology, engineering and math.

STEM Scholars is a partnership between GCU and the Peoria Unified School District, and students in the district's Medical, Engineering and Technology (MET) Professional Academy and Sunrise Mountain High will be first in line to enroll. The students are required to have a 3.25 GPA or higher and a demonstrated proficiency in their first two years of high school math and science courses.

 

GCU plans to expand STEM Scholars to 650 students across 10 local school districts over the next two years.

 

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Opportunities for Schools and Educators
Arizona Schools Invited to Apply for 21st Century Learning Exemplar Program

For over 10 years, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) has worked with policymakers, education leaders, and the business community to ensure that all students receive an education that prepares them for the challenges of college, career and citizenship in this century and beyond. 

 

P21's 21st Century Learning Exemplar School Program seeks to identify and celebrate schools across the nation that are implementing 21st century learning with fidelity--to showcase what 21st century learning looks like and where it is happening. More information is available at www.P21.org/Exemplars

 

To encourage exemplary learning in Arizona, schools are encouraged to apply to be considered for the Exemplar designation.

PBS Is Looking for America's Most Innovative Educators

Are you a tech-savvy, K-12 educator with a passion for using digital media and technology in the classroom? Apply now to the 2015 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program for a chance to receive one-year of free professional development and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Philadelphia, PA!
 


Why Apply to the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Progam?

100 applicants will be rewarded with access to exclusive resources, premium content, special events, and will receive membership into a robust professional learning community. 30 of the top applicants will be designated as Lead PBS Digital Innovators and will also receive a three day, all-expense paid trip to Philadelphia to participate in the PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Summit and the prestigious ISTE Conference from June 26-28, 2015. Plus, each Lead PBS Digital Innovator will receive a Samsung Galaxy� tablet.
 

PBS LearningMedia is a FREE service offering educators and students thousands of curriculum-targeted digital resources. To access your favorite content, simply create an account and log in! 

  

Opportunities for Students

Free Program Available to Middle School Educators and Students -- Cubes in Space™
idoodlelearning, inc, the Colorado Space Grant Consortium and NASA's Science Mission Directorate are offering a free STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) focused education program for students ages 11-14. Cubes in Space provides students an opportunity to design and compete to launch an experiment into space.
 
Using formal or informal learning environments, students and educators will be exposed to engaging online content and activities in preparation for the design and development of an experimental payload to be integrated into a small cube. These cubes will be launched via a Terrier-Orion sounding rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va., in late June 2015 or on a scientific balloon from Ft. Sumner, New Mexico in September 2015.

Leveraging the excitement of space exploration, students and educators will learn about the methodology for taking an idea from design through the review process. Throughout the experience, students will acquire key 21st century skills necessary for success in a highly connected, global society.

The deadline for program registration is January 12, 2015.

For more information, visit www.CubesInSpace.com.

Questions about this program should be directed to [email protected].
 

 

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Upcoming Conferences
2nd Annual Civic Learning Conference

The Arizona Department of Education and Maricopa Community Colleges are pleased to present the 2nd Annual Civic Learning Conference on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Join 12 News anchor and reporter, Brahm Resnik, naturalized citizens, representatives from Arizona Civic Engagement Schools and Community College faculty as they discuss the importance of U.S. citizenship and civic learning.

 

Participant highlights of this one-day conference include:

  • Speaker, Brahm Resnik, channel 12 news anchor, reporter and naturalized citizen.
  • Experience a USCIS naturalization ceremony and engage in lively discussions with our new citizens.
  • Network with fellow conference participants.
  • Engage in interactive sessions presented by current Arizona K-12 and Community College educators.
  • Examine the six proven practices in civic learning and take away strategies on how they can be implemented with your own students.
  • Gather valuable information and resources from leading civic organizations.
  • Receive Professional Development hours for re-certification.

The event will take place at Gateway Community College, 108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034, which is conveniently located at the 38th Street and Washington Street Light Rail stop.

 



ADE Office of Communications Staff

Sally Stewart, Public Information Officer

Ashley Dammen, Communications Officer

Charles Tack, Electronic Communications Manager
Cassandra Cothron, Communications Intern

Contact us at: [email protected]