MRVED Update - September 28, 2023

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - Superintendents' Council Meeting

Friday, October 28, 2022 - Principals' Council Meeting

Welcome Back

Welcome back to the 2022-23 school year. It's been fun to see all the smiling faces back in the buildings with lots of learning happening. The MRVED staff wishes you the best school year ever. If there is anything we can do to help you accomplish your goals please don't hesitate to call or email any one of us. Our main goal is to be of help and service to our member school districts. Have a great year!

Karen Jacobson - Director

Brandon Raymo - Assistant Director

Katie Raymo - Administrative Assistant

Pam Bruns - Administrative Assistant

October 19th Common Inservice Day

The MRVED has prided itself on providing high quality professional development opportunities for the past 25 years. For the past 6 years our nine school districts have collaborated during 3 common inservice dates per school year. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances with our keynote speaker, the October 19th common MRVED inservice date will now be converted back to district controlled time. The MRVED is thankful to the Benson School District for being willing to host the day. Your administration will be in contact with you about your individual plans for the October 19th inservice day. We look forward to coming together during the MELT Conference on January 16, 2023 at Lac qui Parle Valley High School.

MELT Call for Presentations

The 2023 MELT will once again be held at Lac qui Parle Valley High School on January 16, 2023. This conference is the envy of many around the state of Minnesota. There aren't very many school districts in the state of Minnesota that send their whole staff to a conference like this, let alone 9 school districts!

Each year, we rely heavily on local presenters to share what they are doing in their classroom. This year is no exception. There are so many great things happening in all our classrooms. Please consider sharing your ideas & talents with your colleagues. There is a stipend and perks to presenting.

The Call for Presentations is NOT a guarantee or agreement to present. It is simply providing your name and idea for the committee to consider. Brandon will contact you by the middle of October if your session is selected.

MELT Call for Presentations Link

Paraprofessional Conference Recap - August 17, 2022

MRVED hosted the annual Paraprofessional Conference on August 17, 2022 at Benson High School. Over 120 paraprofessionals attended the conference and participated in a variety of breakout sessions throughout the day. The day started with a general session focused on poverty presented by Heather Jesertiz and Angela Larson from United Community Action Partnership. After the general session there were breakout sessions the remainder of the day. Breakout sessions that were offered are listed below. Thank you to all that attended and to those that were willing to present.

Poor vs. Poverty Follow-Up - H. Jeseritz & A. Larson	Para 101; Karen Jacobson	Phrases para la classe - Ana Pieda & Missy Ochsendorf
Minnesota Standards Update - Brandon Raymo	Why I'm Right and You're Wrong - Dr. Jennie Gunlogson	Suicide Prevention - Brian Skogen
From Para to SPED Track - SMSU Professors	Fine Motor Strategies - Peggy Knutson	Intro to Google Apps - Aimee Thalberg
What is LETRS? - Sheri Schneider	Immigration Process - Rafael Antonio Valenzuela Charver	Behavior Regulation Strategies and Supports - Angie Young
Race and Culture for Ourselves & for our Students - Hope Schmidt	What Would You Do? - Brandon Raymo	Math Tips, Tricks, & Games - Karen Hartke
Para 201 - Karen Jacobson

Professional Development

Perpich Center Regional Arts Teacher-Leader Network

The Regional Arts Teacher-Leader Network is a virtual cohort of Minnesota arts educators (dance, music, theater, visual & media) working collaboratively through multi-year professional development to advance their leadership skills and classroom practices. This opportunity is hosted by the Perpich Center.

While an Interest Form is available now, more detailed information will be coming as applications open, which they are anticipating will be in late October. Applications will close in December with an anticipated start date of January 2023. As this is a multi-year professional development network, applications may not open again for two or more years.

SWWC It2 Conference

Date: October 27-28, 2022

Location: Willmar Event Center

What: The conference begins on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 1:00 pm with a series of concurrent sessions. New this year, the Exhibit Hall will have exclusive hours during the conference from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, during which appetizers and refreshments will be available. Our Exhibit Hall challenge will make a return this year, which is your ticket to enter the drawings for some awesome door prizes. The conference will resume on Friday, October 28, 2022. Our keynote speaker, Steven Baule, will begin the day at 8:00 a.m. with breakout sessions to follow. The breakout sessions should conclude around 3:00 p.m. with the door prize drawings held after.

Registration Link

Standards Update

In the past four years we have seen updates to the ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies state standards. While implementation of these standards are a few years away, there will still be valuable work that needs to be completed to be ready for implementation and the first testing of the new standards. Currently all four documents are in the rulemaking process. This process can take upwards of two years after the final draft has been completed. Sometime this winter we should see ELA and Science exit the rulemaking process and move into implementation. Social Studies and Math will likely be in rulemaking throughout this school year.

There are significant changes in all the standard areas, so an implementation plan should be in place in all our districts to prepare ourselves for the first testing of the new standards. All new standards are linked below. Please note - these standards are NOT what our students are CURRENTLY being tested on.

ELA Standards

Math Standards

Science Standards

Social Studies Standards

Brandon's Books to Read for 2022-23

I always enjoy getting book suggestions from people. It helps me narrow down my search for the next book I'll read. Here is my list of professional books I am currently reading, have recently read, or are on my list to read.

Dare to Lead - Brene Brown

Teach Like a Champion - Doug Lemov

Leaders Eat Last - Simon Sinek

You Win in the Locker Room First - Jon Gordon & Mike Smith

The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More, & Change the Way You Lead Forever - Michael Bungay Stanier

MRVED Update - May 1, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

May 22nd - Superintendents' Advisory Council

June 12th - MRVED Board Meeting
June 26th - Superintendents' Advisory Council

August 14th - Paraprofessional Conference     *Registration information will be sent out soon.

April 18th MRVED Common Inservice Day

The MRVED staff would like to thank everyone who participated in our April 18, 2019, MRVED Common Inservice Day.  From the evaluations, it appears that the presenters were beneficial to our districts.  We appreciate your feedback in the evaluations as they are reviewed by our MRVED staff, administrators, and the Teacher Advisory Council.

Social Emotional Learning Handouts

A couple of people requested the handouts that were provided at the Social Emotional Learning training with Chad Harlander.  If you would like the handouts, please contact Karen or Brandon at the MRVED and they will be sure to get you what you need.

MRVED - Did You Know

The MRVED offers online learning to our 9 member school districts.  Each district offers at least one course to be taught online that anyone from our other schools can take.  All our courses are elective credits and have helped fill needs in some districts, while providing additional options for others.  Enrollment each semester runs between 60-80 students typically.  You can find additional information about our online learning program at the MRVED website.

Vision/Goals:

• Provide additional course offerings to students without a loss in revenue for member districts.
• Create opportunities for students to experience learning in an online learning environment.
• Provide professional development for educators in the areas of online learning, personalized learning, and integration of technology to increase student learning.
• Promote and support educators in using online tools to individualize, differentiate, and personalize student learning.

Chad Greenway's "Day to REACH" Football Camp

Please join All Pro Chad Greenway of the Minnesota Vikings and the Hutchinson REACH
Program for a team building experience. Campers will build their football knowledge along with key motivational elements needed to succeed in all aspects of life.

Ages: 2019-20 4th-6th and 7th-9th Graders

Date: June 20 & 21

Time: 9:00-1:45

Cost: $50 (Includes Lunch and T-shirt)

Flyer Link

Registration Link

End of the Year Activities

As the end of the year approaches and MCA tests have concluded, teachers seem to be looking for engaging activities for their classrooms.  Here are a couple places to find some great activities.

• Minds in Bloom - 37 Awesome End of the Year Activities
• Cult of Pedagogy - What to Do on Lame Duck School Days
• Edutopia - 8 Epic Ideas for Ending the School Year

Tech Tip of the Week - Khan Academy Kids

If you have kids ages 2-6 or you work with kids in that age range, check out Khan Academy Kids.  Khan Academy Kids is an app designed to help kids learn in a personalized and fun way.  It offers a robust curriculum with a holistic approach to learning.  Take a look today!

Ditch That Textbook - Conclusion

We have spent most of 2019 examining the book, Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller.  If you are a teacher of any age kid, I highly suggest buying this book.

Ditch That Textbook really is not fully about ditching the textbook, but rather more about how you can create effective and engaging lessons for all students.  One could still utilize the textbook as a supplement and I would argue could still be a tool in the classroom, just like your devices or a ruler.  The great thing about this book is that is might question some of your own philosophies of teaching, but that's OK.  This world would be pretty boring if we all agreed with one another.  Learn from it...grow from it.

Ditch That Textbook is a well-written book that is PACKED with great ideas and practical advice.  It's written so people can understand it.  It's not packed with research and/or numbers, but Miller uses his space wisely to give you ideas.  The chapters are short and the reading is fast.  One could read this book easily in a couple sittings.  It would also make for a good book study.  If you ever get a chance to see Matt Miller, take the opportunity.

If you have any book suggestions for next year, please send them to Brandon (braymo@mrved.net).  He's currently looking for a book to highlight in the update next year.

MRVED Update - April 17, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

Upcoming Meetings

April 18th - MRVED Common Inservice Day
April 24th - Superintendents' Advisory Council
April 24th - MRVED Board Meeting

April 18th Common Inservice Day

The spring MRVED Common Inservice Day will be held on April 18, 2019, at the Dawson-Boyd Schools. You will be welcomed with coffee, juice, and muffins to begin your day, compliments of your administration.  For those individuals who are participating, you should have received an email with detailed information regarding the day.  Once you arrive, please come to the registration table near the commons area to pick up your registration packet.  This packet includes room numbers, clock, hours, and lunch ticket, if applicable.  Please enter through Door #4. 

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

(Please Note: Districts not participating in the inservice due to a school make-up day: Minneota/Ivanhoe, Ortonville, YME)

MRVED - Did You Know - Strategic Plan

The MRVED went through the strategic planning process a couple years ago.  Below you will find the mission and goals of the MRVED.

MISSION:
The mission of the Minnesota River Valley Education District is to effectively and efficiently assist member districts in meeting the goals they have set for themselves, their students, and their staff.

Goal One: Educational Success
Implement a level of services that will lead to the educational success of MRVED’s various stakeholders.

Belief:
We are committed to the development and implementation of high quality programs that enhance the educational success of the students and staff members of the MRVED school districts.

Strategies:
1. Provide a broad spectrum of professional development activities that enable all staff members to grow in their professional craft.

2. Work with member districts in the development of mentorship programs to develop the professional and leadership capacity of staff members within the MRVED school districts.

3. Provide ongoing technology training to meet the varied needs of the member districts to keep staff and students engaged in learning.

4. Through partnerships, provide high quality broadband connectivity to the MRVED districts.

Goal Two: Collaboration
Provide leadership for our member districts to connect the educational needs of each diverse school by focusing on staff and student success.

Belief:
We believe that by working collectively as a MRVED district, we can efficiently increase opportunities and cultivate a culture of professional relationships.

Strategies:
1. Provide opportunities for each district to collaborate and share resources to meet the needs of our students and staff to promote their success.

2. Increase resources to benefit member districts.

3. Continuously gather information from stakeholders to provide direction in identifying a common vision and identifying unmet needs.

4. Recognize and facilitate collaboration between districts.

Goal Three: Engagement
Engage all member districts to increase awareness, connectedness, and enhance communication in an effort to foster a cohesive partnership for educators.

Belief: 

 We believe investment by member districts is essential to MRVED’s success.

Strategies:
1. Communicate in an effective and consistent manner with and amongst internal and external stakeholders.

2. Utilize multiple approaches to encourage connectedness across districts and facilitate collaboration.

3. Establish clear leadership roles and responsibilities to enhance participation and expectation of member districts.

4. Inform and advocate use of the multiple MRVED resources/services.

Student Mental Health

MREA did a nice write-up of the joint house hearing on student mental health and the shortage of mental health workers in our schools.  The statistics are staggering in this area and it is well worth the read to become educated about this huge issue facing our schools.

• 50 percent of student mental issues begin before age 14.
• 20 percent of students age 14-18 will live with a mental health issue.
• 1 in 5 students had a symptom of depression in the last two weeks.
• Suicide is now the second leading cause of death in people aged 10-34.

Check out the article and the corresponding files and slides that go with it.

MREA Article

Tech Tip of the Week - PDF Tools

If you are like me, you beg, borrow, and steal from the internet.  Sometime you come across files that are in PDF format and you want to do something else with them.  There are two great online tools to help you work with your PDF.  Check them out today!

PDF Candy
Clever PDF

Ditch That Textbook - Section 4 Ditch That Curriculum

Chapters 34 to the end of the book are interesting chapters to read.  They really give the reader the map to ditch your textbook.  Miller uses the analogy of being a pilot and taking your kids on a journey.

Chapter 34 is about establishing your philosophy.  Miller says, "The motivation to ditch that textbook isn't only - or even mostly - driven by a desire to go paperless...it's about purpose.  What do you want to do with the powerful platform you've been given? (Miller, 198)"  Having a clear understanding of who you are and what you want your students to be is the first step to ditching that textbook.  Miller says to use the following questions to help determine your purpose:

• What kind of teacher are you?
• What do you want to be known for?
• What do you want your students to be known for?
• What do you want your students to be able to do at the end of the year?
• What skills do they need to develop for success?
• What discussion do they need to have to cultivate new ideas?

The next chapter Miller writes about establishing your mission statement.  He talks about creating a one word mission statement that guides everything you do in your room.  Miller says, "What is your mission?  What one word encapsulates what you want to accomplish this year? (Miller, 203)"  For example, his word was "create" one year.  He wanted to create more and he wanted his students to create more.  Everything he did was centered around this one word.  Think about, for next year, what one word do you want for your mission statement?

He ends the book by talking about planning and learning from failures.  Utilize some form of curriculum map to guide your process of ditching your textbook.  Backwards plan with the end in mind.  When your plan blows up in your face, learn from it, grow from it.  It can be really easy to drop what you are doing and go back to your textbook.  Don't!  Fight through it and fail forward.  Failure is bound to happen, expect it and react accordingly.  Miller says your students will forgive and forget.

MRVED Update - March 20, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

March 27th - Superintendents' Advisory Council
March 28th - Teachers' Advisory Council
April 12th - Title III Teachers


April 18th Common Inservice Day

The spring MRVED Common Inservice Day will be held on April 18, 2019, at the Dawson-Boyd Schools. You will be welcomed with coffee, juice, and muffins to begin your day. The day will consist of attending one session for the entire morning and the afternoon will be time with your district, determined by your administrator. The choices for the morning sessions are: Social Emotional Learning, Teach Like a Pirate, and Structured Unconference. Registration has been sent out and is also available on our website: www.mrved.com

New at this inservice day will be a catered lunch provided by Trish’s Catering. The menu will be pork roast, baby red potatoes, green beans, broccoli grape salad, bar and lemonade. The cost is $10.00 and is to be paid to your district. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY TO THE MRVED. The last day to cancel your lunch is March 29th by 4:00 P.M. After that date, you will be held responsible for the lunch cost.

Closer to the inservice date, you will receive an email with detailed information including the school's address, which to door to enter, and other information. Please read this carefully. When you arrive, your meal ticket and agenda will be in the commons area at the registration table.

Registration is now open and closes on March 29th at 4:00 P.M.

We look forward to seeing everyone on April 18th!

(Please Note: Districts not participating in the inservice due to a school make-up day: Minneota/Ivanhoe, Ortonville, YME)

MRVED - Did You Know

The MRVED schools are all members of a Flexible Learning Year (FLY).  The FLY allows schools the ability to start pre-Labor Day.  It also aligns 4 common inservice days for the 9 districts.  The first common day is during inservice.  The staggered start dates for the districts allows Brandon and Karen the ability to get into more districts prior to school starting.  Prior to the FLY, it was a race to schedule Brandon or Karen as all our districts had the same inservice dates.  The first date that all our districts have in common is the Wednesday prior to MEA break.  This date has been designated as our "Best Practice" day.  Typically we have a keynote speaker that deals with classroom practices and is completely teacher focused.  January is the annual MELT conference with around 100 breakout sessions.  The spring date corresponds with Easter break and is used as a follow up from the fall or a look ahead to next fall.

Early Care and Education Grant

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is seeking request for proposals for a $5,000 Early Care and Education Grant.  More information can be found at the following link:

https://swifoundation.org/how-to-apply/grants/early-care-education/

PreK-3rd Grade Alignment 

Enhancing the continuity and consistency of learning for children birth to grade 3 through trainings and professional development, resource development, strategy implementation, quality staff planning time or building community-wide approaches.

Social and Emotional Development 

Building resilient communities through the enhancement of existing or development of new trainings, prevention, education and programs that continue to have a far-reaching impact.

Early Care and Education 

Increasing access to and availability of high quality early care and education environments through (including, but not limited to) staff development, curriculum and/or assessment implementation, Parent Aware rating attainment, expansion of number of children in care, provider appreciation, community conversations, etc. 

Funding requests of up to $5,000 will be considered. We expect the project will be completed within 12 months of the grant award date, at which time a final report will be due. 

This is a competitive grant program. It is our expectation these funds will help our region address early care and education. Grants will be awarded in May 2019. 

Questions can be directed to Jodi Maertens at (320) 583-4775 or jodim@swifoundation.org. Applications Due by 5 p.m. on April 26, 2019.

Article - Test Prep Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming

Everyone is probably in some form of test prep mode right now as Minnesota gears up for the MCA tests. Edutopia published a great article by Heather Wolpert-Gawron titled Test Prep Doesn't Have to be Overwhelming.  In the article Wolpert-Gawron provides tips and reminders for teachers as they enter test prep season.  This article is a nice reminder for all of us as we prep our students for any test.

Tech Tip of the Week - MCA Released Items

The Minnesota Department of Education has a database of released items from the MCA test. These items are different than the item sampler many teachers are familiar with. The released items are questions directly from the MCA tests that have been retired out of testing. Educators may choose to use them to better understand how the MCA is aligned to the Minnesota K–12 Academic Standards and how the items are written to reflect the rigor and complexity of these standards. The released content, data table, and rationales can be used by educators to explore examples of questions that evaluate the knowledge and skills expected in the standards.

These questions would make a nice addition to any test prep you do in your course.  There is currently math questions and reading passage sets available.

Released Item Database from MDE

Ditch That Textbook - Section 3, Part 2

We will examine Chapters 27-29 this week.  Again, what follows is my thoughts on the chapters.  This, by no means, takes the place of reading the book.  Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller is a super-fast read and well worth the time!

Chapter 27 is about classroom management with devices.  This is a chapter that every teacher in a 1:1 environment should read.  One of my favorite lines in the whole book is in this chapter.  "We can't make students use their time wisely; that decision will always have to be their choice".  Miller compares it to a child sitting at a bus stop.  We can't make a kid get on the bus, we can only help them make a good decision.  Miller offers the following suggestions:

• Circulate frequently
• Ask questions
• Develop relationships
• Set mini-deadlines
• Keep it engaging

Chapter 28, Jump In and Try!  A teacher cannot be afraid to try new things in the classroom.  Think about how boring life and your classroom would be if you did the same thing every year!  Always have a purpose for what you are doing.  Miller says, "don't use technology for technology's sake".  I fully agree with this statement.  Don't just use the latest greatest website because it looks cool.  Think about how this technology enhances the activity or assignment.  Without a plan in place, we set ourselves us for failure from the start.  But, we cannot be afraid to use the tools.  My second favorite quote is in this chapter, "Inaction is crippling.  Action is empowering."

The last chapter is titled, Don't Use it All.  We all go to conferences or inservice trainings where we see tons of cool, new technology tools.  I present trainings titled 60 sites in 60 minutes or 30 tools in 60 minutes.  My hope when doing these trainings is not for you to walk away with 60 websites you can use in your classroom tomorrow.  My goal is for you to grab one, maybe two things you can bring back and implement into your classroom.  You can't do it all!  Don't try to use them all!  It goes back to the old saying, "It's better to be really good at one or two things, than mediocre at 10".  Take one or two things per year and become really good at it.  Don't get complacent and stagnant and not learn anything new.

MRVED Update - March 6, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

March 15th - Principals' Advisory Council
March 27th - Superintendents' Advisory Council
March 28th - Teachers' Advisory Council

April 18th - MRVED Common Day Inservice       *More information to follow soon!*


MRVED - Did You Know
The MRVED financially oversees the Minnesota River Valley Career and Technical Education Collaborative.  The MRVCTEC is a collaborative of Lakeview, RCW, YME, Montevideo, and MACCRAY.  They provide CTE courses for those schools, mostly for college credit.  Bruce Bergeson is the director of the collaborative.  If you have any questions or want further information please contact Bruce (bbergeson@mrved.net).

March Madness in the Classroom

When Dave Burgess was with us this past October, he talked about incorporating March Madness into your classroom.  Here is his blog post that explains the use of brackets.  Let's see your creative uses of brackets on Twitter using the hashtag #mrvedtlap.  March Madness would be a great topic to bring in this year especially as the Final Four is in Minneapolis this year.

Tech Tip of the Week - Chrome Music Lab

This tool goes under the category of, "I'm not sure how to use this in the classroom, but someone might have an idea".  Chrome Music Lab is a neat website that allows users the opportunity to make music in a variety of fun ways.  You can drum a beat with a couple monkeys, play a piano, or draw music, among other things.  Like I mentioned, I have been trying to think of a way in which to use this in the classroom and have yet to have a great idea.  If you have an idea, let me know on Twitter with the hashtag #mrvedtlap.  In the meantime, you can check out my wicked bad beats.

Example

Ditch That Textbook - Section 3 - Ditch That Textbook

Sections 1 and 2 of Ditch That Textbook dealt primarily with theory and mindsets, whereas section 3 is the ideas for your classroom.  Miller did a great job in sections 1 & 2 laying the groundwork for the remainder of the book.  Many of the theories and mindsets need to be put into practice before these ideas take hold.  Without the prior mindsets in place, the ideas will fail.  Here we will examine chapters 23-26.  Again, this is simply my thoughts and reflection on the chapters.

Miller starts by talking about creating a home for your stuff.  As you start ditching your textbook, you replace that content with something digital.  You will need a home for your digital "stuff".  He suggests using a website to organize and save everything.  Think of your website as a digital file cabinet.  You can put your links, worksheets, printables, etc... here.  Make it as interactive as possible as well.  Use your site to post student work or pictures of your class in action.  Creating a USABLE website for your class is very important if you are going to ditch your textbook.  Without this space, you are going to be frustrated and lost.  Without it, you will come back year 2 and wonder, "what was that video I used to show topic A?".

Once you have your space, you will need content on there.  You will probably start by finding content on the web, but more than likely, you will start to see the benefits of creating your own content.  When you create your own content, you are in control of what the students are learning.  It makes meeting your learning targets so much easier.  Miller provides a wealth of examples in this chapter, of which I am not going to take the time to highlight here.  Don't be afraid to use student-created content as well.  One example from my own teaching, that proves the point of kids being able to grasp content from other kids, is my students made videos of the Epic of Gilgamesh.  I had a group create a phenomenal video.  In fact, it was so good, it was actually better than what I had been using.  So every year following, I used that video and then provided a challenge to the class to make one better.  Kids were extremely motivated to make a better video.  It was fun to see.

In the next chapter Miller talks about having kids write and create utilizing a blog or something similar.  Having kids create their own blog or website is a great way for kids to be able to showcase their work.  It also creates a global audience, versus an audience of one.  Have kids post their work, share their work via Twitter, etc... It creates a powerful learning experience for all.

MRVED Update - February 20, 2019

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

February 21 - Teachers' Advisory Council
February 22 - Principals' Advisory Council
February 27 - Superintendents' Advisory Council

MRVED Did You Know

Did you know there are 9 school districts that are members of the Minnesota River Valley Education District?  The 9 school districts are Ortonville, Lac qui Parle Valley, Dawson-Boyd, Montevideo, Benson, Yellow Medicine East, Lakeview, Minneota, and Renville County West.  The MRVED serves over 600 teachers and and 5,800 students.

Science Standards - 2nd Draft & Comment Period

The second draft of the 2019 Minnesota K-12 Science Education Standards is now available. The public is invited to provide feedback on the standards during its Public Review and Comment Period, February 14-28, 2019.  The standards can be found on the MDE Science page (link below the article) and the online feedback form link can be found below as well.  Let your voice be heard.  The standards committee reads all feedback and makes adjustments to the standards accordingly.

MDE Science Page

Online Feedback Form

Tech Tip of the Week - All Sides

In the political climate of today, showing kids both sides of stories is important.  All Sides allows you to examine news headlines from all sides.  It will even tell you if the article is left or right leaning, or centered.  All Sides can be used as a great teaching tool to show bias in the media, and teaching kids to think critically while they read.  If you are not going to use it with your kids, take a look yourself and see how headlines and stories are spun based upon political bias.

Ditch That Textbook - Ditch That Mindset (Part 3)

This week we will look at chapters 19-22.  Again, this book is such a quick read and full of awesome ideas!  Below is simply my thoughts from these chapters, so please get Ditch That Textbook and read the chapters.  I can, by no means, do the book justice in my short couple paragraphs of a synopsis.

Matt Miller starts chapter 19 by talking about Daniel Pink's research on motivation.  You can see Pink's TED talk on Motivation on the TED website.  I have watched this TED talk numerous times and find something to take away from it every time.  Students need to feel as if they have a choice while learning.  This could be choice in the activities or even how they learn the new material.  Students must also see a purpose in why they need to learn something or do an activity.  If the purpose is simply to get the activity completed, that may not be enough motivation for many of your students.  Show them the purpose, talk about the purpose.  If you can't give them a good reason as to why you are doing something, then maybe you shouldn't be doing it.

Chapter 20 moves into embracing new technology.  Miller gives us a great quote in this chapter, he says, "Technology must be an inalienable right to students" (Miller, 112).  I love this quote and it really made me think.  Miller gives the example of a new technology that comes out in the medical field that can save lives or make surgery recovery quicker...we would INSIST our doctors learn the new technology.  I don't think we would give them a choice if they want to implement the latest device into their practice.  Yet, we do this as teachers.  Our students are INSISTING we use the latest technology to make their learning more relevant.

This idea of insisting we (teachers) learn new technology flows right into the premise of chapter 21.  YOU are your own best PD.  Miller talks about not waiting until the next staff PD day to learn or see how the new technology works.  Dig in and try to figure it out yourself.  YOU have the greatest minds at your fingertips with Twitter, the best tutorial videos imaginable on YouTube.  Not to mention, you probably have a classroom of 20+ "experts" in front of you every day!  YOU have full control over your own PD. YOU.  YOU.  YOU!

I get a little fired up over this topic.  Miller reaffirms many of the same thoughts I have about education, PD, and technology.  We are living in a day and age where we have access to SO much information, almost too much information.  There should be no reason in the world why we can't learn something new to be the best we can.  After all, our kids deserve your very best EVERY DAY!

MRVED Update - January 9, 2019

MRVED Meetings

January 11, 2019 - Title III Paras
January 21, 2019 - MELT
January 23, 2019 - Superintendents' Council
January 25, 2019 - Principals' Council

NOTE:  Gloria Stotesbery has resigned and Mary Brown will be filling in until we rehire for the position.  Should you have any questions or needs, please email Karen Jacobson (kjacobson@mrved.net) or Brandon Raymo (braymo@mrved.net).

MELT Information

The MELT will soon be here.  An email will be sent in the next week with all of the details of the day.

MRVED Region Map

Someone recently asked a really good question; "How big is the MRVED?".  Below is a link to a map of the MRVED region as well as a spreadsheet that provides information about distance between the MRVED school districts.

MRVED Region Map
Spreadsheet of Distance

MRVED region - Google My Maps

MRVED region

Tech Tip of the Week - Microsoft Translator

It's been all Google the past couple years, so it's time to take a look at an innovative piece of technology from Microsoft.  Microsoft Translator is a website and app that does exactly what it says, it translates.  The technology in the translator website/app is really amazing and has awesome reviews.  If you are in need of a translator, or teach a foreign language, check it out and let me know how well it works.

Ditch That Textbook - Part 1, Why Go Digital

If you have not picked up your copy of Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller yet, do so today.  It is a great read and one that you will find picking up time and time again.  There are so many great ideas in this book that you will want to keep it close by when lesson planning.  Matt Miller also has a blog/website for Ditch That Textbook (DTT) that has even more great ideas!

My synopsis, by no means should take the place of reading the book.  These are simply my thoughts, ideas, and questions about the chapters as I read the book.

Part 1 of the book is a super-quick read and lays the groundwork for why we need to change the way we "do" education.  It's also the reason why we need to "ditch the textbook" and go digital.  I won't go chapter by chapter through part 1, but will share my thoughts over the whole part.

The question that I kept asking myself as I read this part was: Are we really preparing our kids to be successful in the world in which they are going to work?  Our industrial model of education needs to change.  There is a disconnect from what our kids are going to do for work/life and what they are learning in school.  I'm not talking about the content we are teaching our kids (math, science, social studies, reading, etc...), I'm talking about the disconnect with other skills.  Miller says it best, "A disconnect exists between what the workforce wants from graduates and what schools teach them to be and do.  Math, science, social studies, and English are important, but employers are also looking for communication, digital literacy, problem-solving, and creative-thinking skills (Miller, 43).

Miller also made me think when he talks about comparing our educational experience as a child to that of the children we are teaching.  Even a 1st year teacher, fresh out of college, had a vastly different elementary experience than that of our kids today.  Miller talks about, and I can vividly remember, taking the walk to the computer lab for your 45 minutes of computer time for the week and playing Oregon Trail, Number Munchers, or printing large banners on an archaic word processor.  Our kids today don't have to leave the classroom to go to the mystical world of the computer lab.  They don't even have to have "computer time".  They can pull out their device right in the comfort of their own classroom and access a million times more information than we could have even dreamed of during our 45 minutes of "computer time".  Stop and think for a moment about everything our kids today have access to that we didn't as kids.
Kids today can:

• Video chat with an astronaut in outer space
• Watch actual footage of the JFK assassination or the moon landing
• Research any question they have within seconds
• Create multimedia presentations in a day

This list could go on and on and on.  Sure, we had access to actual footage of the JFK assassination, but think about what it took in order to watch it.  We would need to go to a library, look up where the video is located in the library in the card catalog, locate the video, locate a player and TV that could play the video, then rewind or fast forward to the part we wanted to see.  All this is assuming our library even had a video on the JFK assassination, because if they didn't, we would have to request it from a neighboring library.  Then we would have to wait at least a week to get the tape.  Our kids today can go to YouTube and find the actual footage in less than 30 seconds.  Think about that access and what it has done in how we can educate our kids.  Amazing!

 I'm really looking forward to reading the next couple chapters as Matt Miller will fill our toolbox and arm us with ideas to teach the kids of today.  Come along on the journey with me.  In the next update, we'll look at Part 2 - Ditch That Mindset, chapters 8-13.

Welcome Back

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to school!  We hope that your summer was relaxing and rejuvenating.  2017-18 is going to be the best school year ever.  We can't wait to interact with the 650+ teachers of the MRVED in the coming school year.

This year is going to be an AWESOME year as a MRVED.  One of the highlights this year is that we have not one, but TWO top-notch big name speakers coming to speak to us.  This Fall Kayla Delzer will be in attendance at our first common in-service day.  If you have not seen or heard Kayla, she is phenomenal and you are in for a real treat.  You can check out her website HERE.  More information will be coming about the October common day soon, in the meantime, here is her TEDx talk from 2015.

Then, this Spring, George Couros will be keynoting our Spring common in-service day.  Couros is another rock star presenter that delivers a great message to all educators.  You can find more information about him HERE, or check out his TEDx talk from 2013.

We also can't forget that MELT 2018 is going to be the best yet!  Featuring some of our very own rock star teachers sharing and showing inspiring things happening in their classrooms.

We can't wait for all the great opportunities we have before us this year.

#weareMRVED

#WeAreMRVED

For those of you on Twitter, we are encouraging the use of the hashtag #WeAreMRVED to promote great things happening in your school or classroom.  If your classroom or school uses Twitter give us a follow and we will follow you back.

@MNRVED

Arts Standards Review Process

Are you interested in helping to review and revise Minnesota’s K-12 arts standards? Consider joining the Arts Standards Review Committee! Before applying to the committee, please read the Assumptions for Guiding the Standards Committee’s Work and the Standards Review Timeline documents posted below. Serving on the committee requires an intense time commitment of at least one two-day and nine full-day committee meetings from October 2017 through May 2018. The initial two-day meeting is scheduled for October 30-31, 2017, at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), and is required of all committee members. Applications will be accepted August 22-September 19, 2017. Committee members will be announced on the MDE website on September 29, 2017.

MDE and the Perpich Center for Arts Education will cover mileage costs for all committee members as well as meal and lodging costs for those travelling from great distances. MDE and the Perpich Center for Arts Education also will cover the cost of substitutes for all teachers selected for the committee. For more information about the standards review process, contact Alina Campana (763-279-4183).
Minnesota Department of Education Website

Tech Tip - SeeSaw

If you have been looking for a way to use the tablets in your classroom?  Look no further than SeeSaw.  SeeSaw is an AWESOME App that allows students to capture their work and then easily submit to the teacher.  SeeSaw is great for K-12, but probably geared more toward the Elementary level.  If you think signing in to the app will be an issue for the kids, it's not.  You can setup your class list and student log in is a breeze.  Students can also scan a QR code or create their own accounts, depending on age.  The app works if students have their own device, or if you have a classroom set.  It does not matter your age group or how your devices are distributed, this app works in ALL environments!  Teachers who have used this app, absolutely love it!  It's free, give it a try right away this 1st quarter.

Innovator's Mindset

For the past couple years we have highlighted a couple books in the MRVED Update.  Last year we looked at What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker.  This year we will examine The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros.  Couros will be the keynote speaker for our common in-service date in March 2018.

I highly recommend purchasing the book The Innovator's Mindset and following along as we examine a chapter for each MRVED Update this year.  This book is amazing and could possibly change the way you approach your classroom on a day to day basis.  Give it a try, you will not be disappointed.

Last Update of The Year

This is the last update of the 2016-2017 school year.  We hope you gained something from reading the updates this past school year.  We strive to create and pass along content that is relevant to our nine member school districts.  If you ever have a topic or something you think other teachers would enjoy reading or attending, please let Brandon know and he will gladly place it in the update.

Have an enjoyable and restful break.  As every year, the MRVED offices will be open all summer, so stop by, grab a piece of candy (or a cup of coffee) and say hello.  We always enjoy summer visitors and hearing about all your adventures during the break.  If you need anything over break, do not hesitate to let us know. Get rejuvenated and some rest for another school year. Thank you all for another great year and we will see you in September.

MRVED Meetings
May 15, 2017  Principals' and Teachers' Advisory Council combined meeting (8:30 a.m. start)
May 24, 2017  Superintendents' Council

June 21, 2017  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
June 28, 2017  Superintendents' Council

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
March 17, 2017  Title III Paraprofessionals
March 21, 2017  Counselors
March 22, 2017   Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017  Social Workers
March 24, 2017  Principals Council (START TIME OF 9:00 A.M.)

April 13, 2017  MRVED Common Day - Todd Whitaker will be presenting


Learn to Use the MDE Data Center
Holly Brunson, Outreach and Training Specialist from the Minnesota Department of Education will be coming to the MRVED on May 4th to provide a training on accessing the MDE data center.  More information and how to register will be coming in the next few weeks.  Mark the date on your calendar for this great learning opportunity.

MRVED Business

MRVED Meetings
February 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council
February 23, 2017  TAC
February 24, 2017  Principals' Council

March 17, 2017  Title III Paraprofessionals
March 21, 2017  Counselors
March 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council
March 23, 2017  Social Workers

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
February 3, 2017    Title III Teachers
February 15, 2017  MRVED Board (7:00 p.m.)
February 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council
February 23, 2017  TAC
February 24, 2017  Principals' Council

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
January 25, 2017  Superintendents' Council
January 27, 2017  Principals' Council

February 3, 2017    Title III Teachers
February 15, 2017  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
February 22, 2017  Superintendents' Council
February 23, 2017  Teachers' Advisory Council
February 24, 2017  Principals' Council

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
January 10, 2017  Title III Paraprofessionals
January 16, 2017  MELT
January 25, 2017  Superintendents' Council
January 27, 2017  Principals' Council

February 3, 2017  Title III Teachers
February 15, 2017  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings
December 21, 2016  Superintendents' Council
December 21, 2016  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)

January 6, 2017  Strategic Planning - Core Planning Team (American Legion)
January 10, 2017  Title III Paras
January 16, 2017  MELT

Happy Holidays From The MRVED

MRVED Business

Weather Policy
Since we are located in the Montevideo School District area, if Montevideo schools are open and on time, we will hold the meeting. If Montevideo has a late start, the meeting will be cancelled and rescheduled.

However, even if the meeting is still being held, if the weather is unsafe to travel in your area, stay home! We want you to be safe. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 320-269-9297. 

MRVED will also submit meeting cancellations and/or updates on WCCO’s TV channel and website wcco.com (See School Closings under Quick Links). We will be listed under MRVED (just our initials.)

Upcoming Meetings
December 5, 2016  District Assessment Coordinators
December 15, 2016  Teachers' Advisory Council
December 16, 2016  Principals' Council
December 21, 2016  MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
December 21, 2016  Superintendents' Council

January 6, 2017  Core Strategic Planning Team
January 10, 2017  Title III Paras
January 16, 2017  MELT

MRVED Business

October 19, Professional Development Day
The MRVED wishes to thank everyone for their participation in our first common professional development day on October 19.  We hope the day was beneficial to you as an educator and helped move you forward in your professional learning.  The MRVED would also like to thank the people who were willing to facilitate the meetings.  Without them, this day would not be possible.

If you have not already filled out the evaluation for the day, please do so.  You can access the evaluation by clicking the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScyfc3X_UtiPxyJp1Xnm61aglJF_jww522PK3lxFnvdpoTTsg/viewform

We look forward to providing another excellent day of professional development on January 16, when we will all gather for the MELT conference.  This year is shaping up to be the best MELT yet with many new presenters.  You still have time to submit a presentation proposal.  More information can be found at the link below.

http://mrvedupdate.blogspot.com/2016/09/melt-2017-call-for-presentation.html

MRVED Meetings

November 18, 2016   Principals' Council
November 23, 2016   Superintendents' Council

December 2, 2016     Title III Teachers
December 5, 2016     District Assessment Coordinators
December 15, 2016   TAC
December 16, 2016   Principals' Council
December 21, 2016   MRVED Board (7 p.m.)
December 21, 2016   Superintendents' Council

MRVED Business

MELT Call for Presentation Proposals
The 2017 MELT Call for Presentation Proposals has been sent out,  See the previous weeks blog post explaining the Call for Presentation Proposals.  Proposals are due by October 26.  If you know someone who is doing awesome things in their classroom, encourage them to present.  Or, if you, yourself, are doing something awesome, show it off!

MRVED Upcoming Meetings

October 19, 2016  MRVED Common Day for Best Practice Meetings
October 26, 2016  Superintendents' Council
October 28, 2016  Principals' Council

November 18, 2016  Principals' Council
November 23, 2016  Superintendents' Council

October 19 Professional Development Day Information

October 19, 2016 Update

The MRVED Common Professional Development Day will soon be upon us.  Teachers will be attending this day either at the Montevideo High School or the Dawson-Boyd High School depending on their discipline or grade level.  Teachers should have received an email yesterday, Thursday, indicating where they will be attending and some additional details on the day.  The following information is probably redundant but it never hurts to reiterate details on the day.

Agenda: (Special Ed teachers have a slightly different agenda)

8:00 a.m. - Coffee and breakfast treats

8:30 a.m. - Meetings commence

11:30 a.m. - Lunch on site

12:00 p.m. - Afternoon meetings commence

2:30 p.m. - Day is done

Lunch:

• We are allowing only a half hour for lunch so if you did not sign up for the catered meal, please bring a bag lunch.
• Money is to be collected at each district. 
• The district superintendents are providing the morning refreshments.

Transportation:

• Check with your district office for transportation details.
• If teachers drive themselves:
• Dawson has parking available in the Community Center lot located on Chestnut St.; a small church parking lot across from the main doors on Chestnut St; and a small parking lot west of the building.
• Montevideo has a very large parking lot on the south side of the building.
• Buses can be parked:
• Dawson - in the Community Center parking lot
• Montevideo - in the bus garage parking lot across from the high school

Entrance Location:

• In Dawson, enter through the main door located on Chestnut Street.
• In Montevideo, enter through the main door on William Avenue (not the gym doors).  A sign above the door reads "Montevideo Senior High School Main Entrance" and the numeral 1.
• There will be a registration table for teachers to pick up their agendas for the day, along with their lunch ticket if they selected to eat the catered meal.

You are strongly encouraged to bring a device.  WiFi will be available at both sites.

This is a new venture for us this year and we will be anxious to read your evaluations on the day.  You will receive an evaluation survey on Monday, 10/24/16 and we would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to complete the survey.

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