Ohio Department of Education Publications from ODE

The weekly e-newsletters to superintendents, principals and other educators includes information about ODE policies, program updates and deadlines, as well as resources to help support student achievement.

2010	Contents
Dec. 20, 2010	Reflections on 2010 and our central mission as educators Ohio Teacher of the Year selected Ohio School Board Recognition Month is January Federal Hunger-Free Kids Act passed Register early for Ohio Educational Technology Conference Limited seats remain for Jan. 13 Ohio ASCD Winter Conference 2010 School District Fiscal Benchmark Report posted Teachers of critical languages program applications due Jan. 31 Spotlight on Mt. Vernon City Schools and Tree of Life Christian High School
Dec. 13, 2010	Calamity day questions addressed Schools eligible for School Improvement Grant announced Abdinur Mohamud appointed to Somalia’s chief education post National Board Certified Teachers to be announced Dec. 15 Feature on STEM program focuses on career readiness Physical Education Evaluation Survey now available Model curriculum survey open; please provide input  New online PD series offered by southeast Ohio consortium Applications for International Teacher Program due Jan. 23 Reading Recovery conference scheduled for Feb. 5-8 New kindergarten waiver application available online Spotlight on Rock Creek Elementary, Jefferson Area Local Schools
Dec, 6, 2010	High school football state championships announced Please remember calamity day policies RttT budgets due Dec. 10 School Funding Advisory Council report issued State Board hosts Chinese educators USDA approves mini-grants for school-lunch recipe challenge Apply now for National School Change Awards Spotlight on Miami Trace High School, Miami Trace Local Schools and Fayette Christian School
Nov. 29, 2010	RttT Scopes of Work submitted Submit your ideas on improving efficiencies in education Cleveland-area career center assists with project to be featured on ABC-TV Please verify race/ethnicity assessment data elements  ARRA 1512 reporting data collection begins Award of merit criteria announced Spotlight on Waterloo High School and Greenwood Early Learning Center
Nov. 22, 2010	RttT budgets due by Dec. 3 We Are IT Day attracts 3,000 participants Response requested to survey on draft model curricula text Asset Builder Awards presented One-day seminar on middle-level instruction Free robotics competition offers high school STEM experience Spotlight on Warren County Career Center
Nov. 15, 2010	Send ODE community service examples State Board held at OSBA; students recognized Winter Safety Awareness Week is Nov. 14 to 20 On Wednesday – learn how families and communities can support credit flexibility Real World Design Challenge offers more ways to participate ODE offices to close several days as part of cost-savings measures  Writers sought for re-vision of Ohio’s arts academic content standards Young writers contest deadline is Jan. 15
Nov. 8, 2010	RttT scope revisions due Nov. 22 for some LEAs  Many ask questions about funding and election impact Japikse named pupil transportation Administrator of the Year State Board meeting and Veterans Day are this week Registration closes Nov. 15 for Ohio Transition Resident Educator Program ODE to release Special Education Performance Profiles Registration due Nov. 22 for OLAC Action Forum Training added on new licensure structure and Master Teacher Financial literacy and college and career readiness requirements Spotlight on Rocky River High School
Nov. 1, 2010	USDOE sent letter regarding civil rights and bullying Hicksville High School receives national honor Cuyahoga Falls High School recognized for healthy initiatives New feature highlights high school program in promising field School Improvement Institute “early bird” registration ends today Reminder: discussion begins on Ohio’s fine arts academic content standards Nov. 15 Webinar on Nov. 17 to focus on engaging families and communities in credit flexibility Nov. 17 webinar describes technology resources for educators eTech Ohio offers webinar and new, free online PD modules Training scheduled on new licensure structure and Master Teacher scoring Ohio State Bar Foundation introduces video contest Registration now open for Dec. 3 OLAC Action Forum USDA funding available in eligible rural districts Spotlight on Elida High School
Oct. 25, 2010	Questions regarding current fiscal year adjustments addressed FY2012-2013 budget development process outlined Foreign exchange students in grades 10-12 must take OGT Reminder: application deadline for free APPLE professional development is Nov. 1 Volunteers sought for Physical Education Benchmark Evaluation pilot program Register by Nov. 19 for 2010-2011 Real World Design Challenge Spotlight on Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Schools
Oct. 18, 2010	PD for oral history project about veterans is Nov. 8 This is National School Bus Safety Week State Board budget request posted RttT local scopes of work due Oct. 22 Resources explain newly approved content standards Discussion begins on re-visioning of Ohio’s fine arts content standards Ohio Prevention and Education Conference 2010 is Nov. 16-18 Register by Nov. 19 for 2010-2011 Real World Design Challenge  Save the date for 2011 statewide technology conference Spotlight on Upper Valley Joint Vocational School
Oct. 11, 2010	Roger McCauley to fill unexpired State Board seat State Board to vote on 2012-2013 biennial budget request EMIS October 2010 count eliminates need for December count Questions about the OGT and foreign students under review School Improvement Institute early registration through Oct. 15 Tools for Teachers newsletter  2011 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest Federal Trade Commission offers Internet safety publication for parents SPARK Physical Education Training for Elementary and Middle School Teachers Answers to questions regarding physical education offered First Lady Obama and USDA seek participants in nutritious school lunch recipe challenge Spotlight on Hamilton Local School District
Oct. 4, 2010	Answers to RttT questions from regional meetings posted RttT scopes of work due Oct. 22 ODE receives 21st Century Best Practice Award Read for the Record campaign to be held Oct. 7 October Count Week Oct. 4-8 Credit flexibility Web conference Oct. 12 ASCD Fall Conference Oct. 19 Certification required for improvements with ARRA Funds (SFSF and IDEA) State Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council members needed New resource available for student health data Spotlight on Valley View School District in Montgomery County
Oct. 1, 2010	Application for EdJobs funds is available in the CCIP
Sept. 27, 2010	RTTT regional meetings held and local plans due Oct. 22 ODE to seek appropriations for Ed Jobs funds today USDOE TIF funds received School Funding Advisory Council requests report comments Cyber Summit continues this week eTech Ohio launches free online professional development tools Oct. 16 event highlights new mathematics content standards Asset Builder Award nominations due Oct. 15 Early educators sought for professional development study before Nov. 1 Horatio Alger Scholarship program expands scholarships to Ohio students Spotlight on Tri-Rivers Career Center in Marion
Sept. 20, 2010	Franklin B. Walter passed away Hiring of Adrian Allison and Michael Sawyers is approved Ohio Model Schools Conference is Oct. 6-7 National Hispanic Heritage Month begins Registration continues for Ohio Transition Resident Educator Program Nominations sought for Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Support available for children of military personnel Cyber Summit begins this week Spotlight on Carey High School, Carey Exempted Village Schools
Sept. 13, 2010	Reflections on Sept. 11, 2001 National Blue Ribbon Schools honored Ohio’s application for Ed Jobs Program funds approved Five Ohio education administrators honored Arts in Education week has begun President Obama to deliver Back-to-School speech tomorrow, Sept. 14 Reminder: LEAs must complete ARRA Quarterly Reporting by Sept. 17  New credit flexibility webinar scheduled for Sept. 21 September workshops focus on improving communications for school levies Reminder: application deadline is Sept. 30 for 2011 Ohio Teacher of the Year ASCD Fall Conference is Oct. 19
Sept. 7, 2010	Ed Jobs fund questions received; FAQs posted More model curriculum statewide teacher meetings planned High school students have access to more distance learning opportunities Ohio Schools of Character Summit early-bird registration closes Sept. 10 ODE to host webinars on 2010 LEA special education determinations Sept. 15-16 Session on project-based learning offered for administrators Applications for Caseload Ratio Project funding due Sept. 30 One-day program on international baccalaureate programs offered Oct. 20 Student registration for annual We Are IT Day now open
Aug. 31, 2010	Ed Jobs estimated initial district allocations posted
Aug. 30, 2010	Race to the Top webinar planned for participating schools Comments regarding Local and State Report Cards Ed Jobs estimated allocations expected later this week Congratulations to Olentangy High School Choir Reminder: calamity days reduced for 2010-2011 Applications available online for 2011 Ohio Teacher of the Year Schools may apply for grants to defray travel costs to Statehouse eTech Ohio offers Google SketchUp Pro licensing opportunity Want quick access to Ohio educator data? Fifth Quarterly ARRA Reporting Period for Calendar Year 2010, Third Quarter begins Wednesday Please submit suggestions for Spotlight feature on community service
Aug. 24, 2010	Ohio wins $400 million in Race to the Top Round 2 funding
Aug. 23, 2010	ACT released scores for 2010 high school graduates USDOE to announce Round 2 winners tomorrow at noon Local Report Card to be released Friday; related guide posted Miami University ranked # 2 by U.S. News and World Report ODE introduces improved value-added features LEA special education performance determinations are coming Live Chat on credit flexibility scheduled for Aug. 31 Applicants sought for peer assistance committee  Reminder: validate CCR registration for ARRA reporting Upper Valley student captures national graphic arts honor
Aug. 16, 2010	Ohio to receive about $361 million in federal Ed Jobs funds Ohio presented RttT proposal; awaiting Sept. 1 decision Kent Boyd takes second in national dance competition Registration is open for Ohio Transition Resident Educator Program Remember requirement to observe Constitution Day on Sept. 17 Translated letters to parents of students exiting LEP programs available
Aug. 9, 2010	Ohio to present RttT plan Aug. 10 U.S. House to vote on $10 billion in federal education funding Amendments to Operating Standards posted to Web Family and civic engagement webinar video available Ohio SkillsUSA captures most medals nationwide ODH provides information about 3M’s Tartan Brand floor covering Spotlight on Nelsonville High School
Aug. 2, 2010	It’s time again to reflect on district vision and student progress Five Ohio representatives to answer questions re RttT strategy Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Act now in effect Credit Flexibility Web conference is Aug. 17 State Board approves revised LEP accountability plan 2010-2011 Ohio Educational Directory updates due Sept. 10
July 27, 2010	Ohio selected as an RttT Round 2 finalist
July 26, 2010	RttT finalists to be named on Tuesday, July 27 Ohio leads the nation in High Schools That Work awards ODE seeks feedback from Ohio elementary school principals Invitation for webcast with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
July 19, 2010	Local Report Card release date set for Aug. 27 Superintendent’s budget proposal summarized online OBM budget guidance sent to all state agencies Innovative Learning Environments conference is Aug. 2-5 Battelle for Kids holds teachers conference Aug. 9-11
July 12, 2010	Superintendent submits initial FY 2012-2013 budget proposal to State Board; ODE issues Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT) Toolkit for 2010-2011
July 6, 2010	Ohio to provide a state standard instructional improvement system (IIS) Register for IIS focus groups by July 16
June 28, 2010	Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Act is effective in September Feedback needed on Draft School District Fiscal Benchmarking Report Successful Title I competitive grant applications posted online Proposal deadline for School Improvement presentations extended to July 7 Physical Education for Progress (PEP) Grant Applications due July 19 Vouchers available for free technology training Spotlight on Winton Woods City Schools
June 21, 2010	International education leaders shared strategies and concerns USDOE Promise Neighborhoods grant deadline approaching Reminder: register for Model Curriculum Teacher Team Meetings Special Education Leadership Events Scheduled for Sept. 20-21 Spotlight on Patrick Henry Middle School, Patrick Henry Local Schools
June 14, 2010	Many provide support to tornado-stricken northwest Ohio area Two educators selected for presidential STEM awards Ohioan wins national spelling bee competition Round 2 RttT presentation available online Reminder: ASCD offers summer conference June 29 ODE co-hosts national conference on school readiness for young learners Open enrollment EMIS reports available for year-end data submissions  Spotlight on Centennial Elementary School, Wapakoneta City Schools
June 7, 2010	Past week was marked by celebrations as well as tragedies NCAA interpretation of “nontraditional coursework” may impact credit flexibility  Reminder: fourth quarter ARRA data collection ends June 18 Discussion meeting to kick off K-12 foreign language content standards revision Spotlight on Jackson Middle School, South-Western City Schools
June 1, 2010	RttT application submitted early and is posted online Common Core standards due for release June 2 Students in Ohio and France to connect via videoconferences Reminder: districts to complete bullying reports  Teachers can register for all Model Curriculum team meetings Spotlight on Woodland Primary School, Greenville City Schools, and Circleville High School, Circleville City Schools
May 24, 2010	RttT application is nearly complete; allocations posted Board of Regents to release report on high school transition Sentinel Career Center earns National School of Character Award  Registration is open for Model Curriculum teacher team meetings Open Enrollment data submission process changing OLAC Summit precedes Making Ohio Schools Work Conference Spotlight on Otis Elementary School, Fremont City Schools
May 17, 2010	MOUs received from 533 districts and community schools Steve Puckett retires June 1 Schools encourage to observe Memorial Day New operational waiver form approved by State Board Credit flexibility waiver is available Web applications to be temporarily unavailable Arts education survey deadline extended Updates announced to Transition Resident Educator Program Register now for the 2010-2011 Real World Design Challenge Session proposals due June 6 for School Improvement Institute Spotlight on Hollingsworth East Elementary School, Eaton Community City Schools
May 10, 2010	Remember RttT MOU May 14 deadline Myths and Facts About RttT posted RttT review and editorial session held Three newest Ohio Schools to Watch recognized GRADs addressed in Senate Bill 155   eTech Ohio presents free webinars in May Javits program offers gifted education PD Report on runaway youth to offer helpful research and resources Spotlight on Timmons Elementary School, Kenston Local Schools
May 3, 2010	Special Edition: Race to the Top Phase II application update Final MOUs due 4 p.m. May 14 Conference calls and web documents provide guidance
May 3, 2010	Applause given for Teacher Appreciation Week School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is today Superintendent answers questions regarding funding More than 170 school issues will appear on ballots statewide Space still available for May 11 free conference Credit flexibility sessions to feature assessment and case studies New SAMHSA grant applications for classroom behavior program due May 20 ODE to co-host National Conference for Elementary School Principals Spotlight on Hastings Middle School, Upper Arlington Schools
April 26, 2010	RttT vision described; conference calls planned this week; LEAs are submitting MOUs; resources are available to help with vitally important  MOUs  FFA Convention showcases 21st century skill development We need your help!  Please send feedback on state standards for treasurers and business managers Assessment program added to credit flexibility Web conferences Workshops focus on physical education content standards ODE to distribute KRA-L score sheets and family guides ODE to present final family and civic engagement webcast OLAC Summit precedes Making Ohio Schools Work Conference Ohioana Book Festival features authors for all readers Training date added on new licensure structure and Master Teacher scoring Spotlight on St. Christopher School in Rocky River
April 19, 2010	Administrative Professionals Day and Earth Day are this week EMIS-R project moves forward; EMIS reporting periods closing  Phase II RttT MOU released EMIS-R project moves ahead New content standards among topics at FCS teacher conference EdSteps seeks student work in writing and global competence Innovative Learning Environments program planned Social studies and science standards revisions meetings scheduled Two weeks left to help chart future of arts education in Ohio Friday registration deadline for Ohio Summit on 21st-Century Skills Spotlight on Columbia Elementary School, Kings Local School District
April 12, 2010	Important MOUs for Phase 2 RttT to be announced soon Second RttT conference call will be this Wednesday Question regarding OAA dates for 2011 addressed Hudson educator is Foreign Language Teacher of the Year Critical EMIS submission dates approaching Credit Flexibility Web conferences scheduled Survey ends Friday on social studies and science standards revisions Social studies and science standards revisions meetings scheduled for April 26-May3 Transition Resident Educator Program state trainer applications due April 30 Special week is devoted to physical education and sports Annual count of immigrant children due by May 14 Please help area residents with 2010 census information Reminder: principals asked to complete Ohio Arts Education Online Survey Reserve a place in the U.S.-China Administrator Shadowing Partnership Register now for May 4 Ohio Summit on 21st-Century Skills  Spotlight on Hamilton City Schools
April 5, 2010	RttT conference call  and MOU for Phase II Reminder: Deadline for fulfilling HB 1 family and civic engagement requirements is June 30 Nationally known speakers to address needs of Ohio educators on May 11 New drafts of science and social studies revisions to content standards posted ODE planning collaborative summer meetings for model curricula development Resident Educator Program trainer applications due April 30 Preview of Ohio’s Career Information System is now available Ohio ASCD calls for summer conference proposals by April 15 Ohio Summit on 21st-Century Skills set for May 4 in Columbus STEM committee requests proposals for expanding and establishing regional partnerships Spotlight on New Knoxville High School, New Knoxville Local Schools
March 29, 2010	RttT Phase I awards announced Census Day 2010 is April 1 ODE to offer fourth family and civic engagement program Financial Literacy Month begins Thursday Credit Flexibility Web conference schedule updated Check out the ODE feature on a unique school building project Spotlight on Lynchburg-Clay Elementary School, Lynchburg-Clay Local Schools
March 22, 2010	Today begins Spring Severe Weather Awareness Week RttT presentation made in Washington D.C. Science and social studies academic content standards revised InfOhio celebrates 20th anniversary Title III Accountability Plan for limited English proficient students revised March is good time to prepare Women Making History Essay Contest entries April 13 information technology conference registration opens  Physical education academic content standards meetings are scheduled State character education awards and national finalist announced National History Day program in Ohio seeks judges Free high school robotics competition offers real-world engineering lessons Spotlight on Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
March 15, 2010	Ohio team to make presentation to RTTT panel in Washington Board recognizes Milken and PAEMST honorees Principals asked to complete Ohio Arts Education Online Survey ODE Web site features new guidance on credit flexibility Application for USDOE’s Investing in Innovation Fund announced Council for Attracting Prospective Educators offers summer academy  ODE recruiting middle and high schools for revised parent involvement survey Spotlight on New Bremen High School, New Bremen Local Schools
March 8, 2010	Ohio named a finalist in RTTT Phase I grant process Common Core standards to be released; regional meetings scheduled Statewide STEM conference held Ohio Summit on 21st Century Skills scheduled for May 4 Exceptions to caps on alternative assessments no longer accepted from most LEAs Interactive televised panel to discuss risky teen behavior March 12 New French educator exchange program accepts applications this month Reimbursement applications for violence prevention training are available National Board funding available for first-time candidates Training dates announced on new licensure structure and Master Teacher scoring Spotlight on Main Elementary, Beavercreek; Milford Junior High School, Milford; and Trimble Elementary School, Glouster
March 1, 2010	Calamity day questions clarified Economic Education wrap-up article available Ohio STEM Conference held this week U.S. Census begins April 1 Two Ohioans participate in U.S. Senate Youth program  Third quarter ARRA reporting process begins today ARRA competitive grant RFP for educational technology released Feedback needed on School Nurse Wellness Coordinator recommendations ODE offers March 15 webcast on writing family and civic engagement plans Jennings Educators Institute to help educators enhance their skills  Severe Weather Awareness Week set for March 21-27 Spotlight on Deer Park Community City Schools
Feb. 22, 2010	ODE hosts annual Economic Education Summit Summer Food Service Program looking for nonprofit participants Registration for Statewide STEM Conference closes Wednesday Operating Standards revisions now open for comment Registration deadline is March 1 for regional community of practice sessions Training sessions to support military families begin March 3-4 Webinar on behavior management offered on March 3 Exchange program with China accepts applications through March 26 INFOhio launches the 21st Century Learning Commons Spotlight on Madison Christian Elementary School, Groveport
Feb. 16, 2010	Review calamity day practices Remember House Bill 1 intent for gifted education Governor Strickland hosts Statewide STEM Conference March 2 Registration deadline is Feb. 22 for Momentum 2010: Ohio Young Women’s Summit Follow-up Q&A on family and civic engagement offered Feb. 19 Representative from Spain to explain Visiting Teacher Program Student name-SSID crosswalk entry closed; student names available in EVAAS Spotlight on Elida Local Schools, Horizon Science Academy and Nordonia Hill City Schools
Feb. 8, 2010	Ohio Teacher of the Year recognized by State Board School Funding Advisory Council Web site created Registration opens for March regional community of practice sessions Annual summit highlights education-industry partnerships Young Women’s Summit seeks girls aged 12 through 18 PAEMST nominations for grades K-6 science and mathematics teachers sought Teacher Academies for Financial Literacy 2010 schedule posted Federal law eliminates Safe and Drug-Free Schools state grants Reminder: SPARK physical education training application deadline is Feb. 15 Spotlight on Fredericktown Elementary School (Fredericktown Local Schools) and Winchester Trail Elementary (Canal Winchester Local Schools)
Feb. 1, 2010	Ohio wins Education Commission of the States award Today begins Black History Month ODE communicates news via Twitter Webinar to help teams create family and civic engagement plans  Ohio Core information updated to include JROTC elective option Ohio Women’s Summit 2010 registration opens Free Cyber Security Summit for educators to be held Feb. 17 Award of Merit certificate ordering period begins tomorrow Spotlight on Union Furnace Elementary School, Logan-Hocking Local Schools
Jan. 25, 2010	Governor’s State-of-the-State address is Jan. 26 Preliminary EMIS data is under review Training sessions to support military families Updated OEDS Directory is available Women Making History eighth-grade essay contest entries due April 23 Orange City Schools honored for digital technology efforts SAMMY award program applications available Spotlight on Sycamore Junior High School, Sycamore Community City Schools
Jan. 20, 2010	Race to the Top application submitted; application and summary posted online
Jan. 19, 2010	Ohio ranks fifth in Quality Counts report It’s not too late to benefit from H1N1 vaccinations Blue Ribbon Schools Program recipients recognized RTTT application due for submission today New immunization requirements announced for 2010-2011 COSI offers open house for science teachers on Saturday Physical Education Grants Expanded for Grades 3-6 Teachers Spotlight on Marshall Elementary School, Talawanda City Schools
Jan. 11, 2010	Calamity days to change in 2010-11 school year LEAs submitted RTTT memoranda of understanding Further details about RTTT expected this week Two State Board members sworn in today Pupil activity permit now requires superintendent’s signature  Trainings scheduled on Physical Education Academic Content Standards New Web page provides resources for food allergy requirements Young writers contest deadline extended until Jan. 29 Registration opens for annual economic-education summit Shine the spotlight on Ayer Elementary School, Forest Hills Local Schools, and Coventry Junior High School, Coventry Local Schools
Jan. 4, 2010	Four Ohio bands appear in Tournament of Roses ® Parade MOU deadline for Race to the Top grant application Waiver application for all-day, every-day kindergarten Reminder – Race to the Top conference call scheduled for Jan. 5 SPARK Physical Education grant deadline extended to Jan. 15 Summer Learning Initiative funding opportunity announced ACT State Organization offers annual conference National School Change Award nominations due March 4 Shine the spotlight on St. Henry Consolidated Local Schools