SUPERINTENDENTS' MESSAGES 2013

MARCH 8, 2013 - NCDPI WEB HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Atkinson Discusses State Testing in Her Latest Blog
In her blog post for Feb.26, State Superintendent June Atkinson answers the question, "How many tests do North Carolina students have to take?" To read this blog post and earlier entries please visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/statesuperintendent/blog/2013/20130226.

Educator Recruitment and Development Division Renamed
The NCDPI Educator Recruitment and Development Division has been renamed to Educator Effectiveness Division. The original website, www.ncpublicschools.org/recruitment/ will redirect you to the new site automatically. The new site is www.ncpublicschools.org/educatoreffectiveness/. Please update your bookmarks. In addition, the former Educator Effectiveness site, www.ncpublicschools.org/educatoreffect/, has been renamed to Educator Effectiveness Model. The new site is www.ncpublicschools.org/effectiveness-model/. Although you will be redirected automatically, please update your bookmarks. The information is still the same as only the titles have changed.

Budget Information Website Educates Citizens on State Budget's Impact to Schools
The Budget Information website hosts a variety of resources related to the public school budget including public school trends, teacher allotment ratios, news features and more. During this long session, which started Jan. 9, lawmakers started to craft a state budget that will support public schools, as well as many other government functions, for the next two years. The website's information is updated frequently to help citizens stay informed about the developing budget and how it will impact public schools in North Carolina. To view the latest material, please visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/budget/communication/.

IDEA Grant Award Application for 2013 Available on the Web
The proposed State Application for the 2013 IDEA grant award is available for public review through May 5. Public comment will be accepted March 21-April 21. To view the application, please visit http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/. Please submit comments with reference to the application section number via email to IDEAGrant2013@dpi.nc.gov or by mail to NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), 6356 Mail Service Center, NC 27699-6356, ATTN: Valerie Herndon or Ira Wolfe.

Race to the Top Updates Highlight Latest Program News
Race to the Top Weekly Updates feature the latest program information for curriculum, professional development and more. The updates for February 27 and March 6 are available at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/rttt/updates/2013. If you know individuals who would like to receive the updates, please send their email addresses to Michael Yarbrough, RttT communications specialist, at michael.yarbrough@dpi.nc.gov.

Robotics Course Help Students Gear Up for the Future
The latest "Celebrate NC" feature highlighting creative and innovative initiatives in NC public schools spotlights Thomas Kremen, a West Wilkes Middle School educator, who teaches a popular robotics class. Read about how Kremen shares various scientific, mathematical and design concepts in his class by visiting http://www.ncpublicschools.org/celebrate/feature/.

NC READY Comes to Facebook
Check out the latest information about the READY initiative, view photos and join the conversation about preparing North Carolina's K-12 students for success and to elevate teaching and learning. You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NCReadyInitiative .

Featured Publications at NCDPI

To order, please call 800.663.1250 or visit Publication Sales on the web at http://www.ncpublicschools.org/publications/.

Standards for Math Practice Poster
This 22.5" X 28.5 " poster describes varieties of expertise that math educators at the elementary, middle and high school levels should seek to develop in their students. This poster provides a reminder of the critical behaviors mathematically proficient students should demonstrate. Price is per poster.
MA190, 2013, $4

Formative Instructional & Assessments Tasks for Math Common Core for Kindergarten, First and Second Grades
In response to North Carolina legislative and State Board requirements, the NCDPI provides local school districts with state-developed assessments to be implemented in kindergarten, first and second grades. These notebook-ready booklets contain assessment tasks that are aligned to the Common Core State Standards. They are designed for use in a formative manner to guide instruction. All Blackline Masters and Student Forms are included. The booklets also contain copies of the Kindergarten, First and Second Grades Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, assessment manuals and record keeping forms.

Formative Instructional & Assessments Tasks for Math Common Core (Kindergarten)
MA191, 2013, $13

Formative Instructional & Assessments Tasks for Math Common Core (First Grade)
MA192, 2013, $15

Formative Instructional & Assessments Tasks for Math Common Core (Second Grade)
MA193, 2013, $15

Science Essential Standards Posters
K-5 Science Essential Standards Posters Poster set containing the NC Science Essential Standards for K-5 science based on the three domains - Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science (three - poster set; each poster measures 18" X 24").
SC151, 2013, $8

6-8 Science Essential Standards Posters
Poster set containing the NC Science Essential Standards for 6-8 science based on the three domains - Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science (three - poster set; each poster measures 18" X 24").
SC152, 2013, $8

9-12 Science Essential Standards Posters
Poster set containing the NC Science Essential Standards for 9-12 science based on the three domains - Earth Science, Life Science and Physical Science (five - poster set; each poster measures 12" X 18").
SC153, 2013, $5

What Can a Small Bird Be?
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a little yellow bird that uses character traits such as courage, good judgment, integrity and kindness to lend a helping hand to animal friends in distant lands. The NCDPI's English Language Arts section and the North Carolina Art Museum sponsored the creative venture as part of the Character Education Teen Residency Project. Under the leadership of the artist Marguerite Jay Gignoux and writer Susie Wilde, the students and teacher transformed their ideas into images and words that tell the story of what it means to be a good person.
IS174, 2011, $5

Featured Certificates

Certificate of Honor
Students like to be recognized for their academic achievements. Show them how much you value their efforts by presenting a Certificate of Honor award. The certificate is designed to recognize students who made the honor roll. (100 certificates per pack)
A-3, 2005, $10

Certificate of Promotion - Elementary to Middle School
A promotion from elementary school to middle school is an exciting event for students and their parents. Recognize students for achieving this special milestone by presenting a Certificate of Promotion. The certificate is specifically designed for students who are moving from elementary to middle school. (100 certificates per pack)
A-2E, 2005, $10