2012/2013 ANNUAL REPORT
Looking Back & Moving Forward Working to ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING… LEARNING… by building RELATIONSHIPS that make all members stronger. stronger.
Table of Contents
The Year in Numbers 2,032 attendees at SEEC sponsored events
The Year in Numbers ........................................ 1
2,900 students impacted by SEEC student services E-newsletter distributed to 4,856 people per month
Quick Facts ........................................................ 1
63 workshops offered 35,000 approximate miles driven by SEEC staff
Letter from the Executive Director.................... 2
About the SEEC ......................................... 3 & 4
Almost 350 people attended the ND RTI Conference 15 Common Core Trainings were held 42 of 43 districts participated in SEEC Common Core trainings 11 School Districts trained in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program
Our Offices ........................................................ 5
Quick Facts
Finances ............................................................. 6
We are one of eight regional education associations (REAs) in the state and serve nearly 1/3 of the students and teachers in North Dakota.
We have offices in Fargo, Jamestown and Edgeley
We were established in July 2005
Professional development is our major focus
We manage several grants including Succeed 2020, 21st Century Community Learning Centers , Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)/RTI, ELL, AmeriCorps SEECing Student Progress (SSP), Coordinated School Health and SEEC Beginning Teacher Network Grant
We assist in managing the Gearing Up for Kindergarten programs in Cass County
We have 13 full-time and part-time staff
SEEC e-Newsletter arrives every 3 weeks, and can also be found on our home page www.ndseec.com – check it out!
SEEC Resource Library – instructional materials available for check -out. Resource topics include assessment, RTI, differentiated instruction, PLCs, using data, behavior, Coordinated School Health, Health, PE, Bullying Prevention, and Employee Wellness
Succeed 2020............................................. 7 & 8
Beginning Teacher Network ............................. 9
Olweus Bullying Prevention ............................. 9
Response to Intervention ................................. 10
SEECing Student Progress/AmeriCorps ......... 11
Coordinated School Health ............................. 11
21st Century Learning Centers ........................ 12
Strategic Partnerships ............................ 13 & 14 Teachers in Industry..................................... 13 Health, Tech & Trades Expo ....................... 13 VC Teacher Center ...................................... 13 Gearing Up for Kindergarten ...................... 14 NDSCS Online Classes ............................... 14 1
Working to ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING by building RELATIONSHIPS that make all members STRONGER
Dear Friends of the SEEC, One of the many benefits and pleasures of my role is the ability to take some time over the summer to reflect on our collaborative work with SEEC members and educators from across the state. I continue to believe collaboration, identifying key leaders in our schools, and integrating proven educational research practices into our classrooms will allow us to positively impact the educational outcomes for students and ultimately develop a competitive global workforce to sustain our region’s economy. The SEEC believes it can play a part in those areas by providing the expertise, facilitation and funding to support this work. One of the key grants which allowed us to increase staff and resources this past year was Succeed 2020. This funding from the Hess Corporation, two million dollars over five years, allowed us to put a stronger focus on helping students transition from school to college and careers. In addition, we received new funding for our work in Response-toInvention (RTI) and to support the Gearing Up for Kindergarten program in Cass County. These are just a few of many funding opportunities the SEEC pursued that will allow us to continue to provide quality programming, build relationships, create partnerships, and collaborate with the learning community in an effort to better prepare schools and students for the future. With the new funding streams from grants and partnerships our revenue growth was again strong. The long-term financial outlook remains positive. We added significantly more to our workload this past year but were able to hire additional staff to meet this demand. We also strategically invested in long-term office space in Fargo, Jamestown and Edgeley. This will allow us to better serve all our member schools across our region. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read more in depth about our past year and the strides we’ve made in collaboration with our members. It’s the strength and support of our member schools which makes the SEEC a stronger and more progressive organization. I believe I can speak for our entire staff in saying “thank you” for your trust and support. We look forward to working with you for many years to come. Sincerely,
Kyle Davison Executive Director
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About the SEEC The South East Educational Cooperative is one of eight regional education associations originally created in July 2005 with 17 schools. In July 2008, the SEEC merged with the South Central Education Cooperative (SCEC) and its 18 schools. The new SEEC has more than 31,000 students and 3,500 teachers, in 43 school districts. Through this merger, the Executive Committees and Governing Boards wanted to build on the strengths of each organization and expand services to support schools in increasing student achievement. The SEEC membership includes school districts, colleges, special education groups, and career and technology centers.
We provide support to schools in areas such as technology, grant writing, and expanded opportunities in professional development. Assisting schools in reaching their goals for student achievement has become central to our mission.
Mission The South East Education
Vision By 2013, the South East
The SEEC Member Benefits
Governing Board
Cooperative is a collaborative organization that strives to provide visionary leadership and quality services to strengthen teaching and learning for member schools.
1. Access to high-quality professional development 2. Access to Curriculum Companion 3. Opportunities to collaborate with other schools 4. SEEC online classes 5. Support for new teachers & administrators 6. Coordinated School Health programming 7. Succeed 2020 programs provide support for College & Career Readiness activities and collaboration across North Dakota 8. SEEC partnerships create efficiencies and foster communication with DPI, Career Resource Network, businesses and higher education 9. Food Service Support 10. Cutting edge innovative programs such as the Gearing Up for Middle School pilot program and Reading Corps (AmeriCorps)
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Education Cooperative will provide effective support services to member schools to assist them in maximizing their potential.
2012-2013 Jim Johnson*, Fargo —Region 1— Vice Chair Patti Stedman, West Fargo—Region 2 Art Nelson, Wahpeton —Region 3 Tim Herman*, Montpelier —Region 4—Chair Dan Billing*, Enderlin—Region 5—Vice Chair Ann Ueland, Central Cass – Region 6 Heidi Heim-Larson, Jamestown—Region 7 Lori Carlson, Barnes County North —Region 8 *Also serves on the Executive Committee 2012-2013 Committee Updates Allen Burgad, West Fargo—Region 2 Lead Administrator Mitch Carlson, LaMoure—Region 4 Executive Committee Member
We are the SEEC
Cooperating Members North Dakota State University Valley City State University North Dakota State College of Science Valley City Area Teacher Center Sheyenne Valley Area CTE Center Southeast Region CTE Center South Valley Special Education Unit
Member Schools SEEC STAFF: Back L-R: Connie, Carol, Jamie, Michelyn, Erika, Shelley, LaCosta & Toni Front L-R: Jennifer, Sandy, Kyle, Amy and Deb
New to our Staff
Jolene Garty was hired in January 2013 as Student Services Program Coordinator in the Fargo office.
Lori Vesel started in December 2013 as Administrative Assistant for the Jamestown office.
Barnes County North Carrington Central Cass Edgeley Ellendale Enderlin Fairmount Fargo Fessenden-Bowdon Fort Ransom Gackle-Streeter Griggs County Central Hankinson Hope-Page Jamestown Kindred Kulm LaMoure Lidgerwood Lisbon Litchville-Marion Maple Valley Mapleton Medina Midkota Milnor Montpelier New Rockford-Sheyenne North Sargent Northern Cass Oakes Pingree-Buchanan Richland 44 Sargent Central Valley City Wahpeton West Fargo
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The SEEC Offices
Fargo We moved our offices from the NDSCS Skills and Technology Center in February of 2011 to the current location in the Agassiz school building. This central office space houses nine staff and offers access to professional training space. Staff at this site are: Kyle Davison, Deb Herman, Jennifer Glasheen, Connie Molony, LaCosta Potter, Michelyn Butler-Kemp, Carol Beaton, Jolene Garty and Erika Bartunek.
Jamestown The offices were completed in April of 2013 and are located at the Jamestown Administration and Middle School Building. The three SEEC staff employed in Jamestown are Amy Walters, Shelley Mansavage and Lori Vesel. This new space also affords the opportunity for professional training space, allowing greater access to our member schools on the western side of our region.
Edgeley Obtained in Spring 2013, this new space is in the Edgeley Public School and houses our Director of Instructional Technology, Sandy Zahn.
These three office spaces allow us to better serve our member schools regionally in the SEEC.
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Finances & Grants Received
2013 Legislative Session News
Several grants related to emerging needs of our cooperative were pursued and received this year. (Strategic Goal 3A) Including:
Increased foundation aid payment to $8810 first year and $9020 second year (increase in funding for REAs)
Loan funds increased to $200 million
TEAM Nutrition
Appropriated $3 million for school safety grants
Revenue $2,845,000
School district rapid enrollment growth grants of up to $13.6 million
ND Scholarships allow for a Career and Technical Education plan of study
Districts can operate an early childhood education program with local funds provided the program is approved by DPI
Funding up to $160,000 in CTE grants for STEM advancement
Increased transportation grants by $5,000,000
Increases minimum teacher salary from $22,500 to $27,500 beginning 2014-15
Exempts personnel dispensing medication to students from liability if trained
Succeed 2020 (see sidebar)
Olweus Bullying Prevention Grant
Teacher Support Grant (Beginning Teacher Network)
Response to Intervention (renewed)
AmeriCorps (renewed)
Expenses
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ND Education & Workforce Initiative Succeed 2020: Working to ensure a successful transition from school to college and careers for all North Dakota students
Succeed 2020 is a North Dakota education and workforce initiative that aims to improve students’ preparation for college and careers. This initiative serves as a prime example of how the people of North Dakota are working together to make things better for the future of our state, our communities and our students.
In 2011, the Hess Corporation, a global energy company, donated $25 million to implement Succeed 2020 as a statewide program aimed at helping North Dakota students become better prepared for college and careers. The funding is allocated over a 5-year funding period.
The Succeed 2020 project is designed for middle and high school students in an effort to put them on a path to be better prepared for their college and career goals. Specific goals of the Succeed 2020 project aim to increase ACT scores, decrease developmental or remedial education, and increase the number of students who complete high school and college programs on time.
North Dakota’s eight regional education associations are working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including state and local leaders, school districts, educational institutions, Native American groups, Hess Corporation and FHI 360 to implement this initiative.
Succeed 2020 aims to improve North Dakota's education and workforce development systems and increase students’ achievement in middle grades and high school, access to and success in post-secondary education, and preparation for 21st century careers.
SEEC Project Director: Jennifer Glasheen, glashej@ndseec.com NDSucceed2020.org 7
The SEEC Succeed 2020 Projects and Activities Access to and Success in Rigorous Academic and CTE Programs The Standards-based Instruction (SBI) Project will guide the transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The SBI process will assist in the implementation of a rigorous curriculum, implementation of effective instructional practices and assessment, and fostering professional growth through learning communities and data teams. Activities, Resources, & Professional Development: Common Core Leadership Training—Big Shifts of Common Core and Leading Change Common Core Investigations—Materials purchased and facilitator and teacher workshops were held to guide grade level investigations of the Common Core State Standards. SEEC Common Core Webpage—Resources, links, and information for SEEC educators www.ndseec.com/commoncore Curriculum Companion ™ is an web-based tool to provide educators with a comprehensive scope and sequence to teach the CCSS, allowing for collaborative and individualized use, unpacked standards, curriculum development templates built upon Gradual Release of Responsibility model, and resource alignment and sharing. Curriculum Companion Boot Camp was held in June with over 150 teachers participating. On-site, customized Professional Development on various Common Core topics NDREA Common Core Group Coming Soon! Making Sense of Math—Just In Time Professional Development—Grade 6 Content & Pedagogy Series To date: 42 districts, 220 administrators, and 2054 teachers participated in SEEC Common Core trainings!!
Ongoing College & Career Counseling & Planning Integration of academic and career curricula, which will promote rigor and relevance for all students, with the development and implementation of a district wide comprehensive career development plan. Activities, Resources, & Professional Development: Counselor Timeline—outlining general counseling activities throughout the year and offering new counselors guidance and organization Career Development framework—this 6-12 framework can be used to develop, expand, or improve a Career Development program, follows ASCA and NDCTE standards, and integrates Roads to Success Partnership with NDSCS and SE Career Resource Network Coordinator Roads to Success Curriculum Integration Hired two part-time Career Readiness Advisors to assist SEEC schools with integration of College and Career planning resources, curriculum, and processes Coming soon! SEEC Counselor Network—for new and existing secondary counselors College & Career Readiness Workshop—To be held October 8, 2013 in Fargo. Facilitated by the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) Targeted and Coordinated Supports Development of processes to identify at-risk students through early warning systems and use of data. Two pilot programs are being conducted as promising practices of targeted supports: Successful Journeys – American Indian Education Project. This project has focused on developing a strategic plan and building capacity with the Fargo/West Fargo Indian Education Program addressing needs of Native American students in an urban setting. Program mentors are being trained in Check & Connect, and evidence-based intervention being piloted in middle and high schools in the two districts. Gearing- Up for Middle School Program.—In collaboration with ND DPI Title I and NDSU extension, the SEEC is piloting this program in two districts. The program engages parents and students in educational activities that address the transition from elementary to middle school.
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Beginning Teacher Network The SEEC Beginning Teacher Network sponsored three full-day sessions for first year teachers in Jamestown and Fargo throughout the school year. These workshops offered an opportunity for collegiality and collaboration for the teachers and professional development on topics that would be timed to match the cycle of the first year teachers’ learning. Sessions focused on a variety of active learning strategies and techniques that could be implemented in classrooms. One graduate credit was offered for attendance at each session and a followup reflective paper. The reflection each session focused on the material covered, asking the new teacher to implement a practice, reflect on its outcome, and record suggested revisions. These reflections were turned in and reviewed by the teacher of record. Feedback was returned to the participants. Letter grades were awarded since some districts require this in order to apply the credit. The teachers could also verify hours attended and accumulate them for credit through the cafeteria plan. Both of these options were available through Valley City State University. By the end of the year, we had identified 77 beginning teachers in SEEC member schools. This year, the Beginning Teacher Network included only those teachers new to the profession. This was a change from last year’s format which included 2nd and 3rd year teachers as well. We had a 69% attendance rate among those participants who were identified as first-year teachers. "I loved getting the chance to make contacts with other first year teachers! We are all going through the same things! These contacts will be very nice to have as we grow together as educators."
The timing of the session (September, December and February) seemed to coincide well with learning cycle of new teachers. In September, the teachers had a chance to set up their rooms and begin to see issues or concerns developing. This gave some immediacy to the topics of classroom management and parents as partners. By December, teachers began to focus on the learning, so discussions about learning targets and creating assessments that really measured the intended learning were timeappropriate. The February session really built nicely on the assessments discussed earlier. Now, the teachers were finding the need to do something about those who came to them already knowing, or those who did not learn. I firmly believe in the idea of “just in time” professional development. As student teachers, these new teachers inherited the culture of their supervising teacher. Establishing their own culture is a daunting task, and classroom management takes on new meaning. But, until the new teachers experience this, they have no frame of reference on which to build their learning.
Olweus Bullying Prevention Program The SEEC submitted a grant proposal through the Coordinated School Health program to receive funding from the Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program to train schools in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. The funding was received on behalf of eleven schools; Jamestown Public Schools-Lincoln Elementary, Pingree-Buchanan, LaMoure, Kindred, Northern Cass, Fairmount, Sargent Central, North Sargent, Lisbon, Fessenden-Bowdon, and Griggs County Central. The SEEC developed a Comprehensive Bullying Prevention Program that included professional development and training for all adults who come in contact with students at the school. The Comprehensive Bullying Prevention Program also includes school building implementation strategies, and evaluation and data tracking. This program utilized the research based Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) as it’s foundation. OBPP is a systems-change program proven to prevent or reduce bullying by involving everyone who comes in contact with students at the school, classroom, individual, and community levels. The OBPP is designed to improve peer relations and make schools safer, more positive places for students to learn and develop. A network of certified Olweus trainers was created to establish this knowledge and expertise within the SEEC. 9
Response to Intervention The SEEC’s work pertinent to RTI continues through the ND State Personnel and Development Grant (SPDG) received from the US Department of Education’s (USDOE) Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). The ND SPDG’s vision is to advance educational practices that will result in improved outcomes for students with and without disabilities and their families through (multi-tiered system of supports) MTSS. MTSS is a framework to provide all students with the best opportunities to succeed academically and behaviorally in school. MTSS focuses on providing high quality instruction and interventions matched to student need, monitoring progress frequently to make decisions about changes in instruction or goals. Data are used to allocate resources to improve student learning and support staff implementation of effective practices. To accomplish these goals, the SPDG grant is developing an evidence-based professional development model that can efficiently carry-out organizational and systems change for districts and school buildings. Positioned as a conduit between the state and local districts, the SEEC provides leadership, advertisement, training, and technical assistance at the state and district level; in efforts of assisting schools with their MTSS implementation efforts. The goal of the SEEC is to ensure that schools/districts implement MTSS practices with fidelity which begins by developing local implementation capacity.
Team Training & Professional Development Highlights: Response to Intervention – Behavior (RTI-B/PBIS) Year 2 Training Fargo Area Cohort – 62 school personnel Grand Forks Cohort – 28 school personnel
Response to Intervention and English Language Learners Dr. Craig Albers, Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, visited the Fargo area to introduce the core principles, evidence-based practices, and the role of English language proficiency (ELP) when instructing and assessing English language learners within a RTI Framework. Dr. Albers recently finished serving as the Principal Investigator, Project Director, and author on a $1.3 million Enhanced Assessment Grant from the US Department of Education to develop the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs, which is an English language proficiency (ELP) measure designed for use with ELLs with significant disabilities. This ELP measure was groundbreaking research as it was the first measure that was developed for this population of students. Currently, Craig is the Principal Investigator and Project Director on a 4-year, $1.6 million IES grant that is examining universal screening and progress monitoring procedures for ELL students within RTI models. Fargo Public Schools Trainings 32 school personnel West Fargo Public Schools Training 13 school personnel
3rd Annual ND RTI Conference – June 10-12, 2013 Nearly 350 educators and administrators from across North Dakota and Minnesota participated in this year’s conference, Multi-tiered System of Supports: A Whole Child Approach. This year's conference included special preconference sessions focused on Response to Intervention Behavior, featuring nationally respected behavior specialist, Dr. George Batsche. Keynote speakers, Dr. Mark Shinn and Dr. Marcy Stein shared information on RTI at the elementary and secondary levels. Thirty-five sessions were held and included a variety of topics including trainings of the Strategic Instruction Model (SIM) Strategies created by the University of Kansas' Center for Learning. MTSS/RTI Coordinator: Kim Pepin at pepink@ndseec.com 10
SEECing Student Progress The highly successful SSP program continued to serve students in Fargo, Jamestown, and West Fargo school districts through the work of 22 AmeriCorps members. Last year, the program focused on providing literacy interventions to over 400 students in kindergarten through Fifth Grade in 17 school buildings. Across all grade levels, the students receiving SSP interventions had average rates of growth per week higher than the target rate of growth. In fact, in many cases the SSP average rate of growth far exceeded, was even double or triple, the target rate of growth. This means that overall the students in SSP interventions were on track to make more than a year’s growth in a year’s time and were catching up to the achievement levels of their more high achieving peers; they were closing the gap. Student Services Program Coordinator: Jolene Garty at gartyj@ndseec.com
Coordinated School Health The health of young people is strongly linked to their academic success, and the academic success of youth is strongly linked with their health. As a result, helping students stay healthy is a fundamental part of the mission of schools. After all, schools cannot achieve their primary mission of education if students and staff are not healthy. Coordinated School Health is a systematic approach that links families, communities and schools with a health focused lifestyle. Eight interactive components work together to promote lifelong positive health of youth, to limit social risk behaviors, and to increase and maintain academic success and healthy habits. 8 Critical Components of Coordinated School Health are: health education physical education health services nutrition services counseling—psychological & social services healthy school environment health promotion for staff family & community involvement
The SEEC is the only REA in North Dakota that offers a Coordinated School Health (CSH) program to its members. The CSH program had a busy year starting over the summer months supporting school district food service programs as they transitioned to the new meal pattern requirements. The annual School Wellness Summit was held in April with close to 100 attendees from North Dakota and Minnesota schools learning about the importance of incorporating physical activity into the school day and offering healthy food choices to students. Throughout the year, the SEEC supported additional professional development opportunities including; Be Fit to Learn, School Health Guidelines to Promote Healthy Eating and Physical Activity, and Schools Alive! Active Recess. The SEEC and Missouri River Education Cooperative (MREC) began a partnership on TEAM Nutrition, a grant funded project to build capacity of the REAs and school districts in order to provide more efficient and higher quality food service management and improved school nutrition environment in local schools. The CSH program also received funding from the Department of Health Suicide Prevention Program to train schools in the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. Director of Student Services: Amy Walters at waltera@ndseec.com
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21st Century Learning Centers This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. Within the SEEC there were sixteen 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) in nine different school districts. Over 650 students attended before school, after school and summer programming in these centers. In most centers certified teachers are on staff to deliver engaging hands-on lessons in Reading, Math, Science, and Technology. In addition all participants are provided a healthy snack and opportunity to participate in recreational activities.
21st Century Summer Conference Just over 100 afterschool program staff from across North Dakota attended the conference held in Fargo at the Holiday Inn on August 7-8, 2012. The keynote speaker was Dr. Kevin Honeycutt who spoke about Trends, Tools and Tactics for 21st Century. His keynote was a fun look at the exciting things that happen when educators step outside the box and try new tools. It reinforced the importance of relationships while encouraging teachers to become learners again through positive examples of student success. Breakout sessions from the conference included “Junk Drawer Robotics & Engineering” by NDSU Extension Service, Teaching “Wired” Learners by Dr. Kevin Honeycutt, Using Kidz Lit and Kidz Math in your Afterschool Programs” by YMCA of Cass Clay, and “Sneakin’ in Some Science and Mixin’ in Math” by Mike and Chelsea Ashcraft. Jamestown Site Manager, 21st Century Community Learning Center: Shelley Mansavage @mansavs@ndseec.com 21CCLC Program Coordinator: Karen Alm at almk@ndseec.com 21CCLC Program Coordinator: Beth Stokka@stokkae@ndseec.com
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The SEEC Strategic Partnerships Teachers in Industry Six area teachers learned the ropes at area companies for four weeks this summer. The teachers will make stronger connections between education and industry. The teachers have been placed at Microsoft, Sanford Health, John Deere Electronic Solutions, Bobcat Company, Ulteig and Moore Engineering. The experience gave each teacher the opportunity to further develop their understanding of the engineering design process through practical work experience. By working with engineers at their respective company, the teacher gained more indepth knowledge of teamwork, collaboration, communication and other critical skills needed to be successful in the work environment. Each teacher learned to develop curriculum materials and lesson plans that create project-based STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) activities in the classroom. Each teacher strengthened their ability to make curriculum content more relevant and applicable. Each teacher earned a $2000 stipend provided by the respective company and the remainder was sponsored by the South East Education Cooperative and the ESTEEM Institute.
Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo The SEEC continued its sponsoring partnership of the Health, Tech, & Trades Career Expo. The mission of the event is to expose students to regional occupational opportunities through hands on experiences. This event is designed to promote careers in the health, technical and trades industries to 9th graders in Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo and area rural public and private schools with the goal of educating, informing, and exposing students to lucrative career pathways that they might not otherwise consider.
Valley City Teacher Center The Valley City Area Teacher Center (VCATC) and the SEEC formed a partnership which began in the 2007-08 school year. Sandy Zahn serves a dual role as the Director of the VCATC and Director of Instructional Technology. The VCATC has 18 member schools plus the Sheyenne Valley Career and Technology Center and the Sheyenne Valley Special Education Unit. The VCATC provides resources such as the Ellison machines with over 400 dies, the new Digital Digitals portable planetarium, and life-size whales. In addition, VCATC provides training for bus drivers, poverty workshops for teachers and administrators, and is the liaison agency between the ND Game and Fish, US Forrest Service, and Geographic Alliance. To learn more about the VCATC go to www.vcateachercenter.info. Director of Valley City Area Teacher Center & Director of Instructional Technology: Sandy Zahn at zahns@ndseec.com 13
Gearing Up for Kindergarten Program in Cass County During the 2012-13 school year, the SEEC partnered with the United Way of Cass Clay to provide additional support and coordination to help strengthen the Gearing Up for Kindergarten programs in Cass County. Gearing Up for Kindergarten is 10 or 16 week parent and child education program created by the NDSU Extension Service that supports child development, school readiness, and healthy parenting. 18 Gearing Up for Kindergarten classes were held at the following sites: Central Cass, Fargo: Jefferson, Kennedy, Lincoln, Madison, and McKinley, Kindred, Oak Grove Lutheran, Nokomis I & II, Northern Cass, and West Fargo: Lodoen and Osgood. The SEEC provided assistance with family recruitment and registration, program logistics, and served as a point of contact for questions relating to the evaluations and curriculum. We look forward to continuing to build relationships and supporting this program. Student Services Program Coordinator: Jolene Garty at gartyj@ndseec.com
NDSCS Online Classes The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) in partnership with the SEEC has been offering online dual credit classes to students since the beginning of the fall of 2007. Through the partnership, the SEEC covers the distance delivery fee, NDSCS has reduced tuition, and the students pay for the college credits. This partnership has allowed the SEEC to meet a goal of expanding curriculum offerings in southeastern North Dakota. This partnership started in the 2007-2008 school year with a total of 42 students participating. The first year a total of 148 college credits were earned. This past school year 2012-2013 a total of 154 students participated with 507 college credits earned. This is an increase of over 200% in the last six years. The most popular classes are Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Psychology and Medical Terminology.
Want more information on Professional Development through SEEC and our partners? Visit www.ndseec.com/pd 14
Agassiz 1305 9th Ave. S Fargo ND 58103
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