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VOL. 2 NO. 2

Serving the publ ic every step of the way!

UNITED VOICES

TEACHERYEAR

� �eGovernor, Baesler Name Dean Aamodt2015 North Dakota Teacher of the Year

SPECIAL ISSUE:NORTH DAKOTA TOY

AND CANDIDATESND UNITED ELECTION INFORMATION2014 FALL CONFERENCE/REGISTER

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United Voices is the official publication of North Dakota United, 301 N 4th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501.

Postmaster, send address changes to:North Dakota United301 N 4th StreetBismarck, ND 58501 Linda HarscheDirector of Communications

Kelly HagenDirector of Field Communications

Image PrintingDesign/Publisher

2015 NORTH DAKOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEDAs ND United went to press, Gov. Jack Dalrymple and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler presented Dean Aamodt, a vocal and classroom music teacher with Wahpeton Public Schools, with the 2015 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award. Find out more information about 2015 TOY Dean Aamodt and the other three candidates: Melissa Stanley of Minot, Chris Harvey of Hazen, and Dawn Johnson of Devils Lake. Each candidate submitted a written application and then was judged by a panel assembled by the North Dakota DPI.

ND UNITED RECOMMENDSSINNER, STENEHJEM, FAIRFIELD, & TAYLOR After initial interviews by members of the ND United and its Board of Directors, the Association confirmed the recommendations of George Sinner for U.S. House of Representatives, Wayne Stenehjem for North Dakota Attorney General, April Fairfield for Secretary of State and Ryan Taylor for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner.

2015 ND UNITEDLEGISLATIVE AGENDAND United advocates for great public schools to enhance studentachievement and great public services to enhance the quality of life in NorthDakota. Therefore, NDU supports legislation that will...

ND UNITED FALL CONFERENCEFOCUSES ON EFFECTIVE USEOF CLASSROOM DATAThe 2014 ND United Fall Conference will kick off on Oct. 16, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome from President Nick Archuleta. Keynote speaker Rob Weil, the Director of Field Programs, Education Issues Department of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Washington, DC, will kick off the program at 8:45 a.m.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTWHAT IS IT?This reference article discusses the history, concept, and application of formative assessment. Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides explicit feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement of intended instructional outcomes. Formative assessment is a method of continually evaluating students’ academic needs and development within the classroom and precedes local benchmark assessments and state-mandated summative assessments.

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GET INVOLVED IN POLITICSMake candidates earn your votePericles once said, “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you.”

Truer words were never spoken. Whether you work as a heavy-equipment operator for the North Dakota Department of Transportation, as an educator or support professional at a public K-12 school or public university, or as a social worker or administrative assistant in a county office building, every single decision affecting the terms and conditions of your employment is a political decision. I’m here to tell you that you do not have the luxury of not being interested in politics.

As a public employee, it is in your best interest to be keenly engaged in the democratic process. The people who are elected to make decisions about your livelihood and the conditions under which you work should absolutely understand that there is a price to be paid for taking your vote for granted. I encourage you to go to the town hall meetings, ask the candidates the tough questions about the issues that will impact your job, your family and your community. In short, make these candidates EARN your vote.

North Dakota United members across the state took time away from their busy lives to serve on candidate interview teams. With the help of our Assistant Executive Director Stuart Savelkoul and our dedicated UniServ directors, NDU members came together to interview candidates in every district in order to engage the candidates on issues of importance to all our members. You will see their findings and recommendations in these pages. The NDU Board of Directors and the UPAC committee adopted their endorsement recommendations, and the endorsed candidates have received donations to their campaigns from our UPAC funds.

But that will not be enough to put champions of public education and public employment in office. The deciding factor in every legislative race and the U.S. House race will be ... YOU! You will make all the difference by donating to the campaign of a friend of public service. You will be instrumental in a winning campaign by volunteering to participate at a phone bank in support of our candidates. You will give voice to your brothers and sisters around the state by knocking doors and taking part in lit drops. With all due respect to George W. Bush, YOU are the decider! YOU are the one responsible for putting our friends in the Capitol in Bismarck where they can act to improve the terms and conditions of your employment!

Make no mistake. This is not a Democrat thing or a Republican thing. We have endorsed candidates from both parties. Regardless of their or your party affiliation, choosing to do nothing in support of our friends is a vote against acting in your best interest. Do not be fooled by those who tell you that your vote or your efforts won’t make a difference. They will make all the difference! Find out how you can make a difference at www.ndunited.org.

By Nick ArchuletaNDU President

President’s Post

“Regardless of their or your

party affiliation, choosing

to do nothing in support

of our friends is a vote

against acting in your best

interest.”

4 ND United Voices

2015 NORTH DAKOTA TEACHER OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCEDBy Linda Harsche, NDU Communications Photos by Kyle Locket, NDU Communications

As ND United went to press, Gov. Jack Dalrymple and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler presented Dean Aamodt, a vocal and classroom music teacher at Wahpeton Public Schools, with the 2015 North Dakota Teacher of the Year award. The announcement was made on Sept. 22, 2014 during a ceremony at Wahpeton High School (WHS) which was attended by administrators, educators, representatives from the state’s education associations along with ND United, and students. The ceremony included performances by the WHS Concert Choir and Women’s Ensemble, and the kindergarten and first grade students.

“North Dakota has one of the best educational systems in the nation and that is due in large part to the great work that is going on in classrooms across our state,” Dalrymple said. “Dean and the Teacher of the Year finalists exemplify the innovative and inspiring work being performed by North Dakota’s teachers and their dedication to shaping the lives and futures of our young people.”

The 2015 North Dakota Teacher of the Year Program is funded and facilitated by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Find out more information about 2015 TOY Dean Aamodt and the other three candidates: Melissa Stanley of Minot, Chris Harvey of Hazen, and Dawn Johnson of Devils Lake. Each candidate submitted a written application and then was judged by a panel assembled by the North Dakota DPI.

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TEACHERYEAR

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Dean Aamodt, a K-12 vocal/classroom music teacher at Wahpeton, remembers a high school guest conductor who spent the whole day with his class rehearsing their music, sharing his life story, demanding more from them, encouraging them, and teaching them in an evening concert. “His enthusiasm, unrelenting commitment, high energy, and charisma released in me a joy and satisfaction that I had never felt before,” said Aamodt. “His hard work looked so effortless and the music he helped us create was divine. But, above all, he was having a great time. Could hard work, dedication, and a narrowed focus be fun? That day proved to me that it could and it instilled in me an educational seed that continued to grow.”

Student teaching in Hawley, Minn., made it clear to Aamodt that education was his calling, his future livelihood and his passion. “How lucky I was to find a career in which I was excited to go to work and it was not just a job,” he said.

Over the years, Aamodt has received much correspondence from former student and colleagues. “An often repeating them in those notes, letters, calls, emails, tweets, and Facebook posts is the thanks for the ‘life lessons’ learning choir or music class; the value of hard work; teamwork; commitment to excellence; goal setting; positive attitudes each day; having fun; following your dreams,” he said. “These are lessons being taught in every classroom regardless of subject matter or grade level.”

“Students are watching closely for competency, approachability, compassion, honesty, flexibility, hard work, and passion,” he said. “With evidence of those attributes, students are eager to ‘buy in’ and will give a strong effort in their education. And it is these students who over the years have had a great impact on me, giving me much joy, strength, resolve, and satisfaction on a job ‘well done’ … together.”

According to Aamodt, students come into his classroom, bringing with them very diverse backgrounds. “Their experiences have helped to shape their personalities into who they are today and, more importantly, who they are becoming,” he said. “Each student has his/her own expectations about the class they are joining, their role in it, and what they will receive from the teacher. Some students are shy, some are overbearing, some are gifted, some very uncertain, some are divas, and some just think they are. All belong! I see my job as a commission to blend all of these strengths, weaknesses, and diversities into a team of human beings who will do, for one another, whatever is necessary to succeed and thus becoming so much greater than the sum of themselves.”

6 ND United Voices

Melissa Stanley, a fourth-grade teacher at Edison Elementary in Minot, cannot remember a time when she did not want to teach. “I was the product of excellent teachers who committed passionately to teaching,” said Stanley. “I believe wholeheartedly that teaching calls one to the profession, and most certainly I was called.”

According to Stanley, one of her greatest accomplishments has been in the area of successful teachers. “Years ago, I had a principal who asked each of us to describe oneself with a simple phrase. It was through this process that I wrote my descriptive phrase, ‘a teacher’s teacher,’” she said. “Helping others succeed at teaching and providing learning opportunities for students and staff is a wonderful part of my job. I truly feel my greatest accomplishments lie in the assistance I have given to help colleagues, student teachers, and students succeed. It is empowering for me to be part of contributing to a greater good.”

Stanley’s feelings about teaching reside at the core of her being. Each fall when she receives her class list, she tells her students that we are a “student family” for the upcoming year. “Our work together begins on day one and we strive to create a safe productive learning community together,” she said. “To grow together, my philosophy of education embraces the needs of the whole child. Knowing how children learn is key to my teaching. I believe that education must address the diverse abilities of children and the need to assess learning using multiple evaluation tools.”

“My philosophy includes a clear focus on district approved curriculum that aligns to state and national standards,” she said. “Solid educators must constantly evolve with the onset of Common Core State Standards in mathematics and English Language Arts, and the Next Generation Science Standards to deliver instruction that is standard specific. To do this, traditional methodology married with best practices and trends for creative and innovative thinking, allow children to succeed with the many tasks students are presents with. I believe lifelong learning must be taught for students to thrive in today’s global society. There is no greater reward than witnessing a freckled face, ten year old call out, ‘I get it!’ when teaching long division.”

TEACHERYEAR

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Candidates

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Dawn Johnson, a K-4 reading coach at Prairie View Elementary in Devils Lake, says that many years of babysitting and her love for teaching Sunday school made her realize that she could make a career of working with children and helping them learn. “I wanted to be more than ‘just a classroom teacher,” she said, “so I doubled majored in elementary and special education.”

Johnson also went on to get her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. The idea of reading coach was not even on her radar. But, today she believes her strengths are best matched with her current position as a reading coach. “I consider myself a leader, and this position affords me opportunities to use my leadership skills, creativity, knowledge and experience to help other educators increase their effectiveness,” she said. “I still have the opportunity to work directly with students in various aspects, such as though teaching enrichment groups or tutoring in our after school program, but I also mentor teachers to positively affect others on a school-wide level.”

According to Johnson, her greatest contribution as a reading coach is her ability to help others be more effective in their position. She shares research with teachers so they can stay current without having to do all the research themselves. “I organize, desegregate and help teachers to interpret and use data to drive their instruction,” she said. “I model lessons, provide feedback, and help teachers and paraprofessionals to improve their practices. I assist when our administrator is out of the building by making decisions or dealing with issues so that things can run efficiently. By providing professional development, I help others increase their skills and knowledge.”

“Two wise men, my dad and Confucius always said, ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ I am fortunate to have followed this great advice,” said Johnson. “I cherish the opportunities I have had as an educator including teaching in a two-room school. My grandmother was a teacher in a one-room school, but I never dreamed I would have the opportunity in this day and age to see what her experiences were like, teaching multi-age children, all subjects, in one classroom.”

Johnson says she has also been fortunate to team-teach with a special education teacher in an inclusion classroom. “With each grade-level, position, or school change I have made, in my 23 years as an educator,” she said. “I have learned so much, and I hope I have had, and continue to have a positive impact on the lives of all that I touch.”

Chris Harvey, a fifth-through twelfth-grade instrumental music teacher in Hazen, believes the two factors that influenced him to become a teacher are his love of music and his love of working with young people.

Harvey is proud of the impact that the band program has had to the school and to the community of Hazen. He is also proud of his involvement in starting the North Dakota Junior High All-State Band Festival with West Fargo colleague Mark Berntson. “I believe this event has strengthened the middle school bands across the state and provided an exceptional musical experience for hundreds of middle school band students through North Dakota,” he said.

A third-generation teacher married to a third generation teacher, Harvey feels blessed. “I believe teaching is an honorable profession, and I receive satisfaction from my choice of profession.”

Concepts that have proven important to Harvey during his teaching career are to stay true to who you are. “Embrace your personality as a teacher,” he said. “Second, have high expectations for student achievement. Last, demonstrate a sense of humor. Whether I am working with fourth grade general music students or twelfth grade band students, being able to laugh with students is a great way to show them that you are a real human being.”

According to Harvey, the implementation of Common Core standards is the biggest issue facing education today. The many myths and misunderstandings surrounding these standards are causing their implementation to become a problem in our state and across the country. “These standards raise the bar for all students and will help students better prepare for college and the workforce,” said Harvey. “The standards also provide for consistency in what students should be learning across the country.”

Harvey’s school has seen an influx of students from out of state in recent years. “Many of the students come in to our district with a lower academic level than the students who are already in our district,” he said. “A common set of standards across the nation would not solve, but would help address this issue.”

With the focus today on high stakes testing and raising academic standards, Harvey feels schools are making the study of the arts more difficult and less important. “I would like the public to be aware of how the arts fit in with higher academic standards by teaching students many skills that will also help them reach higher academic goals,” he said.

8 ND United Voices

TURN TO ND UNITED PROFESSIONALLYJoin us Oct. 16-17 at Mandan Middle SchoolOn Aug. 20, 2014, I tossed and turned most of the night because I was so excited to get to school in the morning! By 3:00 a.m. I gave up trying to sleep and got ready for school.

I unlocked the front door at 7:00 a.m. and stepped into the building. The halls were shining clean, decorated and welcoming. As I walked down the hall to my room, I stopped and reviewed the names on the 6th grade welcome list. I wondered if I had prepared them well enough to make them successful sixth graders.

Believing they were ready, I continued down the hall and looked at my rock wall with Fredrick, the mouse, as my theme for this year. I contemplated the idea of how I will get the opportunity to help these students gather words like Fredrick and apply those words to express thoughts and create reports and stories. My goal for this year is to get my students to be more proficient writers. Fredrick was going to remind me daily that benchmarks for writing were going to be given extra attention this year.

As I stood at my desk and looked at my classroom, I considered those first few years in this classroom. So much to do! I had to study the curriculum over the summer and make sure outlines were done, Promethean lessons were prepared, and students had a smooth flowing classroom to make their day the best learning environment possible. My greatest resource was the veteran teachers on staff. I utilized them for school culture, expectation, and discipline questions.

Professionally, I turned to my union. I used the teacher resources, member benefits, and professional development

opportunities to help me be more informed about my profession. I looked to the union for support in developing professional practices, political activism, upcoming issues in education, and friendship. Staying informed has helped me to be a more responsible educator.

Our Fall Conference, which has been an incredible resource for information, is a few short weeks away. The topics for Fall Conference include the topic of SLOs Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), Formative Assessment and the Smarter Balance Digital Library, Using NWEA (MAP) Data to Inform Instruction, and Connecting Classroom Data to Teacher Evaluation. We will also hear from TERC, which is an external evaluation service for the STEM education sector. SEEC evaluators have experience conducting needs assessments, front-end evaluations, process evaluations, formative evaluations, and external summative evaluations for clients and organizations ranging from school districts to universities to research think tanks. These sessions will help you develop instructional strategies using data to meet the needs of your students.

I hope you have a wonderful year and use the services your union offers. Sometimes the service can be as simple as a place to go to in order to have questions answered. Hope to see you at the ND United Fall Conference!

By Karen ChristensenVice President of Education

Education Perspectives

“Professionally, I turned

to my union. I used the

teacher resources, member

benefits, and professional

development opportunities

to help me be more informed

about my profession.”

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BECOME INVOLVED POLITICALLYGet out to vote on Nov. 4Have you ever said or heard your co-workers say, “I don’t like politics”? I know politics can be frustrating at times, but as public employees, we cannot afford to not be involved in politics. Engaging in the political process is one of the most important ways public employees can have their voices heard regarding the services they provide and the resources they need to effectively serve the citizens of North Dakota. North Dakota is experiencing tremendous economic growth and the state is changing. We need to have a voice in our state’s future.

The economic prosperity being experienced should enable the state to fund programs that have been put off in the past and fund public services at the levels that are necessary to make North Dakota a place where everyone has the opportunity to prosper and have a higher quality of life. As public employees and educators, we have the opportunity to affect the lives of every citizen of this state. Therefore, we must stand up and become involved in the political debate that will be taking place over the next several months. We must do whatever we can to elect the candidates that support public employees and the services that we provide.

This issue of United Voices includes the names of legislative and statewide candidates that your fellow members have interviewed and determined are the ones who best represent our vision for North Dakota and will support the members of North Dakota United. I am asking you to become involved in this campaign by volunteering for one or more of NDU’s recommended candidates. Your involvement can be as easy as putting a sign in your yard, talking to a co-worker, friend or family member about our recommended candidate, or getting together with other NDU members and potential members to help do a literature drop sponsored by the candidate or by NDU. All the candidates will tell you that volunteers helping to spread their message are what will lead them to victory on Nov. 4.

This is our opportunity as North Dakota United to have our voice heard. Our membership of public employees, teachers, school support personnel, higher education faculty and staff standing up and working together will make a difference in this election. Through our activism, we will elect a Legislature that values public service and public employees.

By Gary FeistVice President of

Public Employees

Public Service Perspectives

“Our membership of public

employees, teachers, school

support personnel, higher

education faculty and staff

standing up and working

together will make a

difference in this election.”

10 ND United Voices

By Linda Harsche, NDU Communications

After initial interviews by members of the ND United Political Action Committee and its Board of Directors, the Association confirmed the

recommendations of George Sinner for U.S. House of Representatives, Wayne Stenehjem for North Dakota Attorney General, April Fairfield for Secretary of State and Ryan Taylor for North Dakota Agriculture.

Election Section

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North Dakota United recommends George Sinner for the position of U.S. House of Representatives because Sinner believes that dollar for dollar investments in public education have a greater net positive impact on economic growth than any other type of investments, including tax cuts. “We must continue to fund our children’s futures, and that starts with electing the right people to federal office,” he said.

Sinner also says he has been fortunate in his professional career, and he believes that he has an opportunity to give back to the people of North Dakota by dedicating himself to public service. “I ran for the state Senate two years ago,” he said, “not because I needed a job, but because I wanted to give something back to the communities, public employees and educators that have done so much for me and my family.”

According to Sinner, recent partisan gridlock inside the Beltway has produced some of the most ineffective congressional sessions in our nation’s history. Elected officials, more often than not, are beholden to their respective parties, and as a result, have stopped representing the needs of their constituents. “If we hope to end the status quo,” he said, “we have to elect U.S. Representatives who are willing to reach across the aisle and work toward the necessary compromises that will move our country in the right direction.”

“It’s no secret that North Dakota is struggling to provide quality education for our students and a quality life for public employees,” said Sinner. “This, of course, is not reflective of the quality of our educators or public employees. North Dakota’s struggles are the product of budget cuts at both the state and federal levels. These cuts have led to constantly increasing class sizes and cuts to curriculum. Students and teachers deserve an opportunity to learn and work in the best possible environments, and our Congressional representatives can have an impact.”

“Over the course of this campaign,” he said, “I have heard a great deal about the issues that are affecting people across the state. Throughout my career as a small-town banker, I saw many of the same issues come across my desk in the form of struggles with repaying home mortgages, making monthly car payments, saving the family farm, even people who just wanted to borrow a few dollars to pay for groceries. I understand that things are hard and that times can be tough, but what I have learned is that there is always a way to help. If we take the time to listen and work together we can find a way to reach a compromise that works for everyone.”

“If we hope to end the status

quo, we have to elect U.S.

Representatives who are

willing to reach across the

aisle and work toward the

necessary compromises that

will move our country in the

right direction.”

GEORGE SINNER FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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North Dakota United recommends Wayne Stenehjem for North Dakota Attorney General.With Stenehjem’s important and extensive experience serving the public, including 37 years as a practicing attorney, and the valuable history of representing North Dakotans both as a legislator and now as the state’s longest-serving Attorney General, he is the clear candidate for re-election to the Attorney General seat.

Over the years, Stenehjem’s vigorous and well-known support for strong law enforcement, especially in the critical areas of serious drug crimes, domestic violence prevention and sex offenders, together with strong consumer protection measures, have been his top priorities.

“This started with efforts to curtail the rampant meth labs that were a scourge a decade ago, and which are now a rarity, thanks to our efforts,” he said. “Two years ago, synthetic drugs were the rage, but with new legislation together with my actions to shut down the head shops that were purveying these toxic substances, synthetic drugs are not near the problem they are in other states.”

According to Stenehjem, it is equally important to remember that, while it now appears the current development of our energy resources may be with us for a long time, we also know that one day it will be gone. “That’s why long-term investment is critical, and why we have to remember that taking care of our environment is equally critical,” he said. “At the same time, we need to emphasize that our state is not just about energy development. We have a robust high-tech sector, which results in large part due to our support and investment in our colleges and universities. For this reason, we must always keep our focus on the world we will be living in decades from now.”

“Our students and school districts rely, in part, on funding provided through the Common Schools Trust Fund,” he said. “But those resources belong to the state in trust for our schools, and it is the legal and fiduciary duty of the members of the Land Board to assure that we realize the maximum return possible. I will continue, as I have for the last 13 years, to do everything I can to realize the maximum prudent return possible from our holdings.”

In addition to a long record of support for salary and benefits for state employees during his 24 years as a member of the Legislature, as an executive branch employer, Stenehjem sees the consequences that can result if we fail to keep pace. “As part of my budget presentations, I have vigorously stressed the importance of competitive wages, and supported the medical and retirement benefits the state offers that are incentives for high-quality employees,” he said.

“It’s a vision that doesn’t ignore

the needs of people and

families that want to be safe

and productive and valued in

the midst of it all. It’s a vision

that uses the abundance

of today, credited much to

one industry, to build an

economy for tomorrow that’s

diverse, innovative, and

resilient.”

NORTH DAKOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL WAYNE STENEHJEM

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April Fairfield gets ND United’s nod for Secretary of State. Fairfield has served the people of North Dakota since the age of 25, when she was the youngest woman elected to the state Legislature. Originally from Eldridge, Fairfield represented District 29 as a state Senator from 2002-2006 and in the House of Representatives from 1996-2002. Fairfield is currently the Executive Director of a non-profit association and a Bush Leadership Fellow.

“As the first stop for businesses in the state,” said Fairfield, “the Secretary of State has the ability to foster an environment of customer service and transparent business practices. The office also extends to the Secretary of State being the Chief Elections Officer in the state, which means actively protecting the legitimate voting rights for all North Dakotans, as well as encouraging the involvement of North Dakotans in our state government. I will strive for accessibility and clear communication to the public on all issues, as I believe the role of Secretary of State is to do the people’s business.”

“With the sustained growth and wealth of our state, we must make important investments in our state’s future and that starts with ensuring adequate funding for our children’s education,” she said.

“As a constitutionally elected officer,” she added, “I would also appear before the Legislative Assembly in support of state employee salary increases in order to bring them into line with market salaries and/or previously inadequate pay raises.”

According to Fairfield, the “surplus” is what is leftover in the General Fund after appropriations have been made and the Budget Stabilization Fund has reached its maximum as determined by the Legislative Assembly. “That amount, which is currently at about $1.6 billion,” said Fairfield, “could be invested in areas such as public employee pay, children’s issues or to make up gaps in funding that have occurred over the years.”

“As Secretary of State for North Dakota,” she added, “I will have the office set the bar for transparency and efficiency in state government. Through my position on the Land Board, I will continue advocating for public employees and teachers through responsible management of the Trust revenue, and fighting for the resources our schools and communities need.”

“With the sustained growth

and wealth of our state,

we must make important

investments in our state’s

future and that starts with

ensuring adequate funding

for our children’s education.”

APRIL FAIRFIELD FOR NORTH DAKOTA SECRETARY OF STATE

14 ND United Voices

“I’ve always been proud to support the educators and the public employees who prepare our children for a bright future and who keep our state and economy moving every day.” said ND United recommended candidate for Agriculture Commissioner, Ryan Taylor. “I was glad to stand with you for ten years in the state senate, and you can expect the same from me in this four-year term I seek as the office of Agriculture Commissioner.”

According to Taylor, if the agricultural commission seat on the Industrial Commission had the commitment and passion to do so, we could see lower Bank of North Dakota student loan rates for ND United members and families; we could see an expanded Housing Incentive Funds from the Commission’s Housing Finance Agency to increase affordable housing for ND United members and families; we could see a commitment to not only harvesting the oil and gas of western North Dakota as charged by the Industrial Commission Oil and Gas Division, but see it done in a way that adheres to North Dakota’s values to ensure a long, lasting harvest that cares for the communities, schools, infrastructure, and families who have paid the price of the rapid growth while the state stockpiles its tax revenues.

“We need to be purposeful in our commitment to that future,” said Taylor, “and be able to clearly articulate our vision for that future, a vision that North Dakotans can rally around and work towards. It’s a vision that allows for development of what’s below the ground, but doesn’t forsake the agriculture that takes place above the ground. It’s a vision that doesn’t ignore the needs of people and families that want to be safe and productive and valued in the midst of it all. It’s a vision that uses the abundance of today, credited much to one industry, to build an economy for tomorrow that’s diverse, innovative, and resilient so it can take off when the finite mineral resources begin to dwindle, as they most certainly will at some future date. It will take a commitment to education and infrastructure to build the framework for that successful future.”

Taylor said he would advocate for better salaries for state employees in the Legislature. “When employees feel safe and respected, and find meaning in their work, combined with the pay and benefits to be competitive and provide for their families, we can bring that turnover rate down to normal levels,” he said.

“It’s a vision that doesn’t ignore

the needs of people and

families that want to be safe

and productive and valued in

the midst of it all. It’s a vision

that uses the abundance

of today, credited much to

one industry, to build an

economy for tomorrow that’s

diverse, innovative, and

resilient … ”

RYAN TAYLOR FOR NORTH DAKOTA AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER

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North Dakota United is proud to announce its 2014 Legislative Candidate Recommendations. (See list below)

State Senate

District Recommendation

1 Brad Bekkedahl3 Lisa Wolf5 Bill Klimpel7 Nicole Poolman9 Richard Marcellais - P11 Tim Mathern - P13 Judy Lee17 Ray Holmberg19 Tork Kilichowski21 Carolyn Nelson - P23 Joan Heckaman - P27 Warren Solberg29 Jeff Piehl31 Kristen Vesledahl35 Erin Oban37 Rich Wardner39 Stephanie Pretzer41 Kyle Davison43 JoNell Bakke47 Bradley Bergstad

State House of Representatives District Recommendation

3 Andrew Maragos3 Lee Snyder5 Heidi Elise Rintoul9 Tracy Boe - P9 Marvin Nelson - P11 Ron Guggisberg - P11 Kris Wallman13 Scott Brand17 Mark Sanford17 Ed Grossbauer19 Carol Gierszewski21 Kathy Hogan - P21 Mary Schneider23 Ben Vig23 Austin Langley27 Jess Roscoe27 Thomas Beadle29 Charles Linderman29 Lori Carlson35 Bob Martinson35 Tracy Potter37 Mandy Kubik37 Mike Lefor41 Pamela Anderson41 Sheila Christensen43 Lois Delmore - P43 Kyle Thorson45 Ed Gruchalla - P45 Brenda Warren

VOTENov. 4th

16 ND United Voices

These individuals were recommended by members who do what you do every day. They work in schools and public service just like you do and are serving the public every step of the way.

Candidates were recommended based either on their responses to an interview questionnaire, or in the case of incumbents, on their past record of performance on education issues. (See questionnaire and the 2013 vote record at http://ndunited.org/political-action/).

As professionals you play a vital role in shaping and influencing policies affecting your practice and expertise. Every decision made affecting classrooms, public schools and public service is at some level a political decision.

That is why ND United works hard to ensure that our members are involved in visiting with candidates to get their views on issues important to the work you do.

Some candidates are performance-recommended, designated by the “P” after the Recommendation. These candidates are incumbents whose record of support for our issues exceeded 80 percent during their most recent term of office. (Go to http://ndunited.org/political-action/ for further information on voting records.)

To find out what district you live in, go to http://ndunited.org/political-action/.

ND United also interviews statewide elected officials, and for 2014 elections interviewed the Attorney General, Secretary of State and Agriculture Commissioner candidates.

How Does the Association Recommend Candidates?ND United members choose candidates to recommend based on face-to-face interviews. The following is a step-by step process in how ND United makes its recommendations.

North Dakota Legislature Recommendations1. A list of questions is developed based on the ND United Legislative Agenda adopted

at our Delegate Assembly. The candidate appears before a local interview team of members for an interview where the candidate is asked a list of questions that were provided to the candidate in advance of the interview.

2. In addition to the comments made during the interview, the interview team discusses evidence of support (relationship with association, past voting records) before making a recommendation. The committee votes, and submits its recommendations to the United Political Action Committee (UPAC) and the NDU Board of Directors for approval.

3. If the recommendations are accepted, they are then made public.

North Dakota Statewide Recommendations1. UPAC meets to determine which statewide races have a significant impact on the

professional lives of our members. Candidates for office in those races are then invited to interview with representatives of UPAC. Candidates accepting the invitation to interview appear before an interview team of members from the UPAC.

2. In addition to the comments made during the interview, the interview team discusses evidence of support (relationship with association, past voting records) before making a recommendation. The committee votes, and submits its recommendations to the UPAC and the NDU Board for approval.

3. If the recommendations are accepted, they are then made public.

Congressional Recommendations1. A list of questions is developed by members based on federal issues adopted by the NEA

and AFT Conventions. The candidate appears before an interview team of members from the NDU Board and the UPAC.

2. In addition to the comments made during the interview, the interview team discusses evidence of support (relationship with association, past voting records) before making a recommendation. The committee votes, and submits its recommendations to the UPAC and the NDU Board.

3. If the recommendations are accepted by the UPAC and the NDU Board, they are then forwarded to the NEA Fund’s Council and the AFT Executive Committee for approval.

4. After approval from the NEA and the AFT, the recommendation is made public.

Here’s Some ValuableInformation to Keep Voting Easy.Election Day is Nov. 4, 2014. We encourage all members to get out and vote. You can vote at the polls on Election Day or vote early and avoid lines. In some counties you can even vote early in person.

Remember, voting in North Dakota has changed. You need to show up on Election Day at your polling place with identification that has your photo and home address and you will be given a ballot to vote.

Don’t know where to vote? Go to our website: http://ndunited.org/political-action/

Going to be gone on Election Day or don’t want to wait in line at the polls?Go to our website: http://ndunited.org/political-action/

Election Section

17ndunited.org

TYPE TITLE SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

LRCA Measure 1 Abortion Declares in the state constitution that

life begins at conception

LRCA Measure 2 Taxes

Prevents the state from imposing mortgage, sales or transfer taxes

on the mortgage or transfer of real property

LRCA Measure 3 Education

Abolishes elected State Board of Higher Education and replaces it with appointed Commission of

Higher Education

LRCA Measure 4

Direct Democracy

Requires measures that have significant fiscal impacts on the state to be voted on at a general election

CICA Measure 5 Taxes Redirects some of the state’s oil tax

revenues to conservation efforts

CISS Measure 6

Divorce & Custody

Creates a legal presumption that each parent is a fit parent and entitled to

be awarded equal parental rights by a court

CISS Measure 7 Business

Removes requirement that majority ownership in a pharmacy be held by a

registered pharmacist

CISS Measure 8 Education Mandates that school classes begin

after Labor Day

Here’s How

the Ballot

Measures Will

Look on Your

November

4th Ballot:

(ND United Delegate Assembly has taken a position against Measure 3, Measure 4,

and a neutral stance on Measure 5)

OPPOSE

OPPOSE

NO POSITION

18 ND United Voices

Measure 1 is an amendment to the state constitution proposed by the Legislature declaring that “The inalienable right to life of every human being at any stage of develop-ment must be recognized and protected.”

This proposal is intended to prohibit abortion from the fertilized egg to birth. The public debate will center on the sanctity of life, the unknown consequences of the measure and the possibility of prosecution of women and/or medical personnel for some degree of homicide.

Measure 2 is another constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, prohibiting the imposition of a tax on mortgages.

In the eight states imposing a mortgage tax, the rate is around 1 percent of the mortgage. North Dakota does not have a mortgage tax, so this is designed to protect the people from a tax-happy Legislature, should one be elected in the future.

Measure 3 is also a constitutional amendment, proposed by the Legislature to abolish the present nine-member Board of Higher Education and replace it with a three-member commission. It would also delete the names of specific institu-tions but leave the names of the college cities.

Measure 4 is another constitutional amendment proposed by the Legislature, prohibiting electors from placing on the ballot any measure that would appropriate money or require the Legislature to appropriate money.

With the state treasury accumulating huge surpluses, legislators are fearful that various groups will propose spending measures that upset the Legislature’s fiscal priorities.

These are measures proposed by citizen petitions.Measure 5 A “Clean Water, Wildlife and Parks” constitutional amendment proposes to

dedicate 5 percent of the state’s oil extraction tax (perhaps $90 million annual-ly) to a variety of conservation programs.

The measure will be fought over the long-term commitment, the amount of money involved, the failure of the Legislature to address needs, the availability of the funds and the need for long-term programming.

Measure 6 An “equal” parenting measure has been proposed to force “equal parenting rights and responsibilities, equal parenting time, equal primary residential responsibility and equal decision-making” on parents involved in divorce.

The measure was defeated by a vote of 57 percent to 43 percent in 2006. It would enable disgruntled divorcees to bypass the normal judicial process for determining parenting ground rules.

Measure 7 Another measure proposes repeal of the law limiting pharmaceutical sales to drugstores owned at least 50 percent by druggists.

Since passage of this law, the big-box stores have come into the state with a de-sire to get into the pharmacy business. The chain stores that existed at the time of passage were permitted to continue.

Measure 8 Mandates that school classes begin after Labor Day. Presently schools around the state can set their own starting date. This measure would mandate when all schools in ND start.

Measures on November

BallotLearn More about

Each MeasureBallot Explanations by

Lloyd Omdahl, Columnist

Election Section

19ndunited.org

2015 ND UNITED LEGISLATIVE AGENDAAs approved by the NDU Delegate Assembly

North Dakota United advocates for great public schools to enhance student achievement and great public services to enhance the quality of life in North Dakota. Therefore, NDU supports legislation that will...

Ensure quality public education for students and quality public services for North Dakotans.

Provide adequate and equitable funding for schools to offer a diverse and challenging curriculum and the services that will prepare students for global opportunities.

Provide adequate and equitable funding for all public services to provide for the diverse and changing needs of our state.

Ensure that public money supports only public institutions and that only public employees provide public services.

Improve and enhance student learning and public services. Provide fully qualified professionals in all service areas of public employ-

ment. Ensure that all public facilities and agencies are adequately staffed to pro-

vide quality service. Provide mentoring programs for employees that will heighten their exper-

tise and confidence early in their careers. Provide time and resources for employees to participate in quality profes-

sional development. Provide modern, safe buildings and facilities. Provide students and employees with nutrition and wellness programs that

encourage healthful living and a healthful attitude for learning. Support programs or initiatives for school readiness.

Recruit and retain education and public employees. Promote increased funding for equitable salary increases for all education

and public employees. Maintain the current health insurance benefit for all education and public

employees. Maintain high standards for licensure and credentials. Provide job security for all education and public employees. Provide bargaining and employment rights for all education and public

employees.

Provide retirement benefits for present and future retirees. Preserve defined benefit retirement plans for current and future education

and public employees. Maintain the current multiplier.

VOTE Nov. 4th

20 ND United Voices

Oct. 16-17, 2014Mandan Middle School

2901 12 Ave NW, Mandan, NDRegister at http://ndunited.org/news/fall-conference/

Each local from outside the Bismarck-Mandan area that sends members will receive $50 in transportation assistance. In addition, the local will be reimbursed $65 for each member needing a hotel room. To claim the $65 the local will need to submit a hotel statement.

�e purpose of this assistance is to help all our locals in sending participants to the conference. �e locals are encouraged to augment the state funds with local dollars.

�ursday, Oct. 168:30 - 8:45 am ...................................................................Welcome, President Archuleta

8:45 - 9:30 am ................. Keynote Speaker: Rob Weil, AFT Educational Issues Director

9:30 - 9:40 am ........................................................................................................ Break

9:40 - 11:40 am ....................................Introduction to Effective Use of Classroom Data,

Naomi Nelson and Jennifer Unger, Technical Education Research Center (TERC)

11:40 - 12:40 pm ................................................................................................... Lunch

12:40 - 2:30 pm ......Using Data, Continuation, Naomi Nelson & Jennifer Unger, TERC

2:30 - 2:45 pm ........................................................................................................ Break

2:45 - 3:30 pm .......... �e Amazing Balancing Act: How To Manage Stress, Ann Dolence

3:30 - 4:00 pm ..............................................................................Reflection and Preview

Friday, Oct. 178:30 - 9:00 am ................................................................................................ Discussion

9:15 - 10:15 am ...................................................................................Breakout Sessions:

1. Using Student Learning Objectives (SLO), Karen Christensen, NDU Vice President of Education, Wishek

2. Formative Assessment & the Smarter Balance Digital Library, Mary McHugh, Bismarck Public Schools

3. Using NWEA (MAP) Data to Inform Instruction, Billy Demaree, MAP Foundation Facilitator, Bismarck

4. Connecting Classroom Data to Teacher Evaluation, LeAnn Nelson, University of Jamestown

10:15 - 10:30 am .................................................................................................... Break

10:30 - 11:30 am ...................................................................... Breakout Sessions Repeat

11:30 -11:45 am ...........................................Wrap Up, Closing Remarks and �ank You

ND UNITED FALL CONFERENCEUsing Assessment to Inform Classroom Instruction

21ndunited.org

ND UNITED FALL CONFERENCE FOCUSES ON EFFECTIVE USE OF CLASSROOM DATAAssociation Helps Defray ExpensesThe 2014 North Dakota United (NDU) Fall Conference will kick off on Oct. 16, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome from President Nick Archuleta.

Keynote speaker Rob Weil, from the Director of Field Programs Education Issues Department of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Washington, DC, will kick off the program at 8:45 a.m.

Rob Weil’s current responsibilities include managing all of AFT’s in-the-field efforts regarding school and instructional improvement at the state, district, school and classroom level. In the past few years, Weil’s work has expanded to include international education reform.

After a break, an Introduction to Effective Use of Classroom Data presented by the Technical Educa-tion Research Center, (TERC) will begin and continue for the rest of Thursday. Here is a synopsis on what to expect from TERC.

“ Each local from outside the Bismarck-Mandan area that sends members will receive $50 in transportation assistance. In addition, the local will be reimbursed $65 for each member needing a hotel room. To claim the $65 the local will need to submit a hotel statement.

The purpose of this assistance is to help all our locals in sending participants to the conference. The locals are encouraged to augment the state funds with local dollars.”

22 ND United Voices

Effective Use of Classroom DataNEW! 1-Day Workshop Focused on Student Academic Growth Effective Use of Classroom Data, Jennifer Unger and Naomi Nelson, TERC

Jennifer Unger, Senior Consultant/Facilitator TERCAs a senior consultant for Using Data, Unger assists in the design of training sessions and materials as well as the delivery of professional development. She has presented at numerous national and regional conferences, developed and published articles and training materials, and conducted workshops for educators nationally and internationally. Unger is the founder of The Groupworks, LLC where her work focuses on assisting groups to develop and implement data informed plans that address critical needs and improve educational outcomes. Her background includes 30 years of experience in education as an English Language Arts teacher, district coordinator of professional development, statewide coordinator for the Mas-sachusetts National Science Foundation State Systemic Initiative, and Strategic Planning Specialist for the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden, Mass.

Naomi Nelson, Program Facilitator TERCNaomi is an experienced educator with over 25 years of experience. She is the executive director of A.C.T. Alemán Coach-ing and Training L.L.C. and a trainer with Education Across Frontiers Sdn. Bhd. Naomi coaches and plans professional development with district administrators; she conducts workshops on data analysis, assessment and differentiation around the world. Naomi has extensive experience in data analysis and teaming, curriculum development, the principles of differ-entiation, strategic planning and in Cognitive Coaching.

For the past 22 years, Naomi has served overseas in international schools around Asia. She was the Director of Curriculum & Professional Development at the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) in Malaysia. Naomi spent her classroom years teaching high school students Japanese in Washington State, followed by elementary school in Japan and Malaysia. She continues to develop and teach courses for the State University of New York, Buffalo (SUNY) on assessment, leader-ship, and data analysis.

This workshop is for you if you are interested in: • Formative vs. summative assessment • Student progress monitoring • Meeting state or district student learning targets• Processes that support collaborative inquiry for instructional improvement • Effective professional learning communities

Description: This full-day session provides the tools that educators need to function as effective improvement teams. In small groups, participants learn to collaboratively analyze classroom data and use it to plan and monitor instruction that leads to targeted student improvement toward meeting district and/or school-level student learning goals.

Using Data facilitators offer hands-on opportunities for small groups of teachers, administrators, and specialists to engage in deep and meaningful data driven dialogue that culminates in the development of short cycle classroom action plans tied to district and/or school improvement plans. Teams will use their own multiple measures of classroom data to learn how to pinpoint student learning challenges, select instructional interventions, and monitor progress toward reaching district- and/or school-level student learning goals.

Intended Audience: Educators and ESP’s

Learning Outcomes: Participants will:• Know how to connect classroom data use to overarching district and/or school-level student learning goals (e.g.,

District Determined Measures/DDMs, Student Learning Outcomes/SLOs, Student Growth Objectives/SGOs), and professional development plans.

• Identify a variety of available classroom data sources that can be used to accurately identify student learning challenges and monitor progress toward improvement.

• Employ a 4-phase data driven dialogue process and use it to analyze two classroom data sources. • Identify and validate potential causes of student learning problems and identify changes to instruction based on

research and best practices.• Develop a short-cycle classroom action plan targeting improved student outcomes. • Identify data to collect and use to monitor progress of the short-cycle plan’s implementation and results.

Participants will leave the session with useful resources to support effective ongoing classroom data use, including: • a proven method for collaboratively analyzing data• a classroom-based short cycle action plan template• a bibliography of additional resources that further inform effective data use at the classroom level If participants take the workshop as a team, they will leave the session with an analysis of their own classroom data and a plan for putting it into action to raise student outcomes.

Ending Thursday’s session is The Amazing Balancing Act: How to Manage Stress presented by Ann Dolence.

Ann Dolence spent 15 years as a certified recreation therapist working in the area of psychiatric treatment. She has owned her own professional speaking and training business, The Leisure Connection, for the past 20 years. Dolence is a trained Wellness Coach and has facilitated Worksite and School Wellness programs for Lakes Country Service Cooperative for the past 13 years and teaches as an adjunct instructor at the University of North Dakota Recreation and Tourism Depart-

23ndunited.org

ment. Her newest business venture is becoming the co-owner and co- developer of Wellday at Work; Healthy online breaks for your workday.

Dolence’s session promotes nationally and locally that creativity, playfulness, laughter, and celebra-tions of life are nature’s way of re-energizing and revitalizing ourselves. Once we remove the obstacles that conflict and negative attitudes produce, we are sure to obtain our goals. Simple techniques implemented daily can make these positive life qualities of success available to everyone.

The Amazing Balancing Act: How to Manage Stress

Remember You’re Amazing and It’s Amazing! When we step back and begin to realize all of the responsibilities and demands that we balance on a daily basis we quickly realize how amazing we are. Balance is essential for maintaining health, happiness and long term success. The Amazing Balancing Act will help you find that balance of maintaining a healthy and balanced optimistic attitude.

Participants will:• Understand the definition of dis-stress (what puts us out of balance) and a formula to re-cal-

culate eu-stress (what puts us back into balance) • Learn why zebras don’t get ulcers and remember how stress affects the body’s resistance to

illness putting us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually out of balance • Identify what “pushes your buttons” • Learn “Smiling Aerobics” and laugh to remember the power of humor

Friday morning, Oct. 17, will begin with a discussion connecting Thursday with four Friday sessions which will be repeated:

Using Student Learning Objectives (SLO), Karen Christensen

Karen Christensen is a fifth-grade teacher at the Wishek Public School and is completing her 22nd

year in the district. She serves on the Education Standards and Practices Board (ESPB), Program Approval Advisory Committee (PAAC), NEA ‘I Can Do It’ Trainer, and Imagination Library Site Coordinator. Currently, Karen serves as the NDU Vice President of Education. As a local leader, Christensen served 12 years as president of the Wishek Education Association and served one year as vice president.)

Formative Assessment & the Smarter Balance Digital Library, Mary McHugh

Mary McHugh began her career in education as a middle school math teacher and currently works as a staff developer for Bismarck Public Schools. She loves to discuss teaching and learning, and enjoys spending time with kids of all ages.

NWEA’s Learning Continuum and Other New Tools for Informing Instruction, Billy Demaree

Billy Demaree recently worked at Missouri River Educational Cooperative, a North Dakota regional education agency, as their data and assessment coordinator. Demaree has 11 years of experience using MAP assessments to help make instructional decisions, set growth and proficiency goals, and use for program evaluation. He is qualified to facilitate NWEA Professional Development content. Demaree is currently a member of North Dakota’s Title I Statewide System of Support Team and a member of North Dakota’s Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) Development/Implementation Team.

This session will highlight some of the new NWEA MAP’s Common Core features, web-based MAP reports and the new Learning Continuum. For web-based schools, the Learning Continuum is replac-ing the DesCartes. The new Learning Continuum is a particularly strong tool that will change how teachers use MAP data to inform their instruction. Teacher Reports, Student Progress Reports, Goal Setting and Achievement Status and Growth (ASG) are some of other reports that will be highlighted.

Connecting Classroom Data to Teacher Evaluation, Dr. LeAnn Nelson

Dr. LeAnn Nelson, Assistant Chair in the Education Department at the University of Jamestown, previously served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for NDU/NDEA for 12 years. During this time she maintained close observation of and provided input into the development of the new North Dakota teacher evaluation system to make sure that student test scores were not the only determinate of teacher effectiveness. Dr. Nelson feels that multiple measures, including formative assessment, should be incorporated into an evaluation system that leads to teacher support and not penalization.One component of the new North Dakota teacher evaluation system is the use of multiple measures to provide evidence of student growth. In this session participants will review the new evaluation

24 ND United Voices

system and determine how the classroom data they collect on an ongoing basis can be used as evidence in the new teacher evaluation system. Participants will also learn some quick and easy formative assessment tips, so bring your tablet or smartphone.

The Conference will have a final wrap-up session after breakouts with closing remarks. It will end by 11:45 a.m.

Sectionals:DRIVER’S EDUCATION

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014

Mandan Middle School • Room 702

1:00-2:00 pm. Lynn Dodge, Ed. D., Special Education Coordinator for the ND Department of Education. This session will address some consider-ations and intervention strategies for addressing the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the learning to drive sequence of classes.

Presenter: Dr. Lynn Dodge is a Special Education Regional Coordinator for the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Her portfolio assign-ments include: Autism, Universal Design for Learning, Assistive Technology, the National Instructional Materials Standard (NIMAS), and Special Health Care Needs. During her 33 years in multiple school systems, she worked in self-contained classroom settings as well as content inclusion classes. Her expe-rience in public school settings includes working as a Transition Coordinator assisting students with various disabilities find employment and the process of moving from school to post-secondary life. As a Middle School Special Education Department chair for six years, she facilitated the transition of students with various disabilities from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. This middle school was a regional center for students with ASD; it provided a wider range of instructional environments for students with ASD within a public school setting. Dr. Dodge earned her doctorate and Ed. S. in Secondary Transition from The George Washington University. As part of her doctoral program she spent a summer at the National Education Association during which she co-wrote its publication, The Puzzle of Autism.

2:10-3:10 pm. Aaron Birst, Legal Counsel for the North Dakota Association of Counties. This session will address lobbying of our legislature of Driver’s Education Issues and Concerns.

Presenter: Aaron Birst graduated with distinction in 2001 from the University of North Dakota School of Law. Currently, Aaron is legal counsel for the Association of Counties where he provides legislative services and support to all of North Dakota Counties. Additionally, Aaron serves as the Executive Director for the North Dakota State’s Attorneys Association and works on a contract for the Department of Transportation to provide support to law enforcement and prosecutors in the area of traffic safety. The Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program was adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as a way to help reduce and eliminate traffic fatalities on our nation’s highways. Previously, Aaron was a prosecutor in both Cass and Stutsman counties where he practiced all areas of criminal law. Aaron received his B.S. in History Education from North Dakota State University in 1998.

FLANDFLAND will join ND United’s Thursday’s sessions and have Executive Committee Meetings on Friday.

NDAHPERD Conference ScheduleThursday, Oct. 16, 2014Time Speaker Location7:30-8:30 Registration Front Entrance8:30-9:30 Keynote-Terry Eckmann- Brain Breaks Gym 19:45-10:45 Clayton Ellis-PUNT on 1st Down Gym 19:45-10:45 Brad Strand-The Incidence of Bullying by Sport Coaches Classroom9:45-10:45 Joe McCarthy-Academic Games in Physical Education Gym 210:55-11:55 Minot State Students-MSCOPE Gym 110:55-11:55 Mike-Contemporary Adapted Physical Education Classroom10:55-11:55 Kurt Weinberg-LaCrosse Gym 212:00-1:00 Working Lunch-Keynote-Joe M. Gym 11:00-2:00 (USA Games) Lois Mauch-5 C’s for Intrinsic Motivation Gym 11:00-2:00 Kurt Weinberg, Amy Walters and Lyndsi Johnson- New ND PE Standards Classroom1:00-2:00 Joe McCarthy- Academic Games in Physical Education Gym 22:00-3:00 Clayton Ellis-HIYAWWW! Easily Incorporate Maria Arts into any PE classroom Gym 12:00-3:00 Mike-Adventure Education for Everyone Classroom2:00-3:00 Amy Heuer-Spikeball Gym 23:00-4:00 Joe Deutsch and NDSU Students Gym 23:00-4:00 Andrea Schneider-Orienteering and Navigation, Gym 16:00-9:00 NDAHPERD Awards Celebration Minerva’s/Kelly Inn

Friday, Oct. 17, 2014Time Speaker Location8:00-10:00 Clayton Ellis/Amy Heuer/Joe Deutsch-PYFB Implementation & Physical Best Gym 18:00-9:00 Joe McCarthy-Academic Games in Physical Education Gym 29:00-10:00 Mike-APE Presentation Classroom10:00-12:00 Andrea Schneider-Orienteering and Navigation GYM 1 or outside

25ndunited.org

Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides explicit feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement of intended instructional outcomes.1 Formative assessment is a method of continually evaluating students’ academic needs and development within the classroom and precedes local benchmark assessments and state-mandated summative assessments.

Teachers who engage in formative assessments give continual, explicit feedback to students and assist them in answering the following questions:

1. Where am I going?2. Where am I now?3. How can I close the gap between the two?2

In order to show students how to close the gap between where they are academically and where they want to be, teachers must help students evaluate their progress in the learning process and give them explicit, descriptive feedback specific to the learning task.

HISTORY OF FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT WHAT IS IT?This reference article discusses the history, concept, and application of formative assessment.By Heather Coffey

26 ND United Voices

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) developed a focus for formative assessment in October 2006. Working from the definition of formative assessment (listed above), the council outlined two major goals of formative assessment:

• Provide evidence that is used by teachers and students to inform instruction and learning during the teaching/learning process.

• Collect evidence about how student learning is progressing during the course of instruction so that necessary instructional adjustments can be made to close the gap between students’ current understanding and the desired goals.3

The CCSSO also developed “Five Attributes of Effective Formative Assessment”:1. Learning Progressions

Learning progressions should clearly articulate the sub-goals of the ultimate learning goal.• These learning progressions show the course students should

follow to achieve goals within the “big picture” of the discipline.• Teachers should help students set short-term goals within these

learning progressions in order to track progress.

2. Learning Goals and Criteria for Success Learning goals and criteria for success should be clearly identified and communicated to students.• In the formative assessment model, teachers are responsible for

identifying and communicating instructional goals to students in order to help them achieve intended learning outcomes.

• Teachers should also communicate these goals in learner-friendly language, so students can understand and participate in the completion of these goals.

3. Descriptive FeedbackStudents should be provided with evidence-based feedback that is linked to the intended instructional outcomes and criteria for success.• “Descriptive feedback should be about the particular qualities of

student learning with discussion or suggestions about what the student can do to improve.”4

• Feedback should be learner-specific and answer the questions above.

4. Self- and Peer-AssessmentBoth self- and peer-assessment are important for providing students an opportunity to think metacognitively about their learning.• Teachers must assist students in the development of

metacognitive thinking about their own learning. This enables students to take responsibility for learning and evaluating their own progress in the learning process.

• Teachers should provide opportunities and instruction that models how students can participate in this reflective process for meaningful and constructive feedback.

• Student- and peer-assessment should not be used in the formal grading process.

5. CollaborationA classroom culture in which teachers and students are partners in learning should be established.• Teachers must create an environment where students feel that

they are partners in the learning process.• The teacher should establish trust and mutual respectful spaces

where all students feel safe to provide constructive feedback.5

In their review of the literature on formative assessment, Paul Black and Dylan Wiliam argue that it is not possible to introduce formative assessments into a traditionally formatted classroom.6 The teacher in a classroom that uses formative assessment must give up some control and encourage students to participate in developing learning goals and outcomes. Black and Wiliam also contend that formative assessment is effective in virtually all educational settings: content areas, knowledge and skill types, and levels of education.

In an article explaining the importance of using formative assessments in the classroom, Black and Wiliam make several suggestions for effective implementation of formative assessments7:

• There is a need for teachers to pay close attention to the nature, contextualization, and timing of formative assessments. If implemented incorrectly, they can have negative outcomes.

• If paired with a more summative model of assessment, they can be ineffective.

• Formative assessments should not include too many recall/rote activities.

• Teachers involved in formative assessment models should not emphasize grading over learning.

• In the formative assessment model, there should be more of a cooperative and less of a competitive classroom atmosphere.

• Teachers must make sure to focus on quality rather than quantity.

• To be truly helpful to students, feedback in the formative assessment model should be focused on the task, not the student, and the student must understand the feedback so as to make use of it. Teachers must guide students through the process of learning to self-assess and understand both peer and teacher feedback.

• Teachers should provide opportunities for students to express their understanding, classroom dialogue that focuses on exploring, understanding, and feedback which includes opportunities to improve and guidance on how to improve.

Notes

1. McManus, S. (2006). “Attributes of Effective Formative Assessment.” Accessed March 20, 2009 from The Council of Chief State School Officers website. Website: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/accountability/educators/fastattributes04081.pdf [return]

2. McManus, S. (2006), p. 3. [return]3. McManus, S. (2006), p. 3. [return]4. McManus, S. (2006), p. 4. [return]5. McManus, S. (2006), pp. 4-5. [return]6. Black, P. & Wiliam, D. (1998). “Assessment and Classroom

Learning.” Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice. 5(1), pp. 7-74. [return]

7. Black, P. & Wiliam, D. (1998). “Inside the Black Box: Raising Standards Through Classroom Assessment.” Phi Delta Kappan, 80(2), pp. 139-144. [return]

LEARN NC, a program of the UNC School of Education, finds the most innovative and successful practices in K-12 education and makes them available to the teachers and students of North Carolina - and the world.

Fall Conference Section

27ndunited.org

YES, SIGN ME UP NOW IN NDU/NEA/AFT-RETIREDComplete and mail with your check today, to NDU-Retired, 301 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501-4020

Name: _______________________________________Social Security Number: __________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________

City: _________________________________________ State: ______________ Zip: ______________

Phone: ______________________________E-mail:_________________________________________

Local Association: ____________________________Signature_______________________Date______

_______ I wish to join as Annual Retired and pay $52 per year. Mail this form and your check to NDU, 301 N 4th Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-4020. (NDU membership year is from Sept. 1 to August 31.)

_______ I wish to pay a one-time payment of $412 for Lifetime Retired. Expected Date of Retirement ___________ (month/year)

_______ I wish to pay one payment of $52 and have 9 (nine) electronic transfers of $40 from my bank account for Lifetime Retired.

THANK YOU RETIRED MEMBERSFor your involvementOur retired members are in the news again! Back-to school news media was full of stories of schools unable to fill positions and the opening days were upon them.

I must thank all the retired teachers and school employees who stepped into our schools to fill positions in communities in a panic. The panic is real. We have many new students in our schools and problems hiring new teachers and support staff. The problem in hiring more school employees is not a lack of interested, qualified professionals. The problem relates to salaries that do not allow new folks to live in the communities because of a lack of affordable housing and the high cost of living.

Our dedicated retired teachers and support staff cannot be expected to solve the problem. Our communities must recognize this is a temporary fix, and continue to provide housing, incentives and salaries that allow new folks to move into our communities and provide the services needed.

Another area our retired folks provide needed service is by attending conferences to stay current on the needs of today’s worksite. The ND United Fall Conference

on Using Assessments is an opportunity to remain ‘in the know’ on the huge topic of assessment. Our retired folks are so appreciated because they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience while enhancing that base with current information. I know there will be many retired members attending the conference.

And, of course, the retired never tire of political involvement. I assume it is because they have lived the history of attaining goals through political involvement. They worked hard to bring the working conditions we expect and enjoy to our workplace. They also know we must continue to support the gains made and work to solve today’s issues. That is why our retired also work in the political arena. They are involved in promoting good candidates. They are informed of the issues. They contribute financially. They VOTE. So call on your retired to get the job done!

It is so easy to join this awesome group of retired. Thank you to all our members for all you do so well, and welcome to you folks that will join us now!

“And, of course, the retired

never tire of political

involvement. I assume it

is because they have lived

the history of attaining

goals through political

involvement.”

28 ND United Voices

North Dakota United301 N 4th StBismarck, ND 58501-4020

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AT PUBLIC EDUCATIO

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E AT P U B L I C S E R V

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