5. Remote Learning Technology Updates:
Procurement: Massachusetts has established a statewide contract with Verizon Wireless for Unlimited 4G LTE Data for MiFi/jetpack Devices to support internet access for remote learning. Schools and districts interested in learning more can visit COMMBUYS.
Additionally, due to the higher-than-normal volume of purchases districts are making to prepare for school reopening, DESE encourages leaders to access the following state resources for help navigating procurement options and emergency flexibilities: The Office of the Inspector General, https://www.mass.gov/get-help-from-the-oig-with-public-procurement-questions, has a dedicated team to help municipal leaders, and the Operational Services Division has a numerous statewide contracts available for municipal use and a team focused on municipal purchasing support that can be accessed through https://www.mass.gov/orgs/operational-services-division.
Educational technology directors: The Department encourages districts to make sure that the contact information for “Educational Technology Director” is accurate and up to date, so that relevant DESE communications reach the right person. To see who in each district can update that information, visit the data collection page.
Have a plan for technology glitches: As many schools and districts begin the school year remotely this week, DESE urges districts to ensure that educators, students, and families know a) who to contact if they have technical problems and b) what the backup plan is if technology cannot be fixed in a timely manner.
Free Google Classroom extensions ending on September 30: The free promotional period for access to advanced functionality in Google Meet will end on Wednesday, September 30. In order to continue using these advanced features – as well as receive access to the rollout of additional features – districts and schools will need to upgrade their accounts to the G Suite Enterprise edition. Districts and schools that decide not to upgrade will still be able to use their free G Suite for Education accounts, but its functionality will revert back to the basic features. Districts that do not upgrade are encouraged to notify all users to make sure they are prepared for the changes.
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6. No-Cost, DESE-Approved Screener and Diagnostic Assessments:
In an effort to help educators better understand their students’ academic needs in the 2020-2021 school year, DESE requested proposals from assessment companies for no cost screening and/or diagnostic assessments. The Department has currently approved the following assessments and will update this list on a rolling basis through the end of the calendar year: From Istation: Indicators of Progress: mathematics preK-8, reading PreK-8, and Spanish literacy preK-5 for Spanish language educators to assess in Spanish. Districts interested in using one of these tools at no cost for the 2020-21 school year should email Nechama Goldberg at Nechama.D.Goldberg@mass.gov.
The bid solicitation seeking vendors to provide assessments at no-cost to districts remains open for submissions until noon on Tuesday, December 1.
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7. Civics Literacy Conference:
Registration is now open for the Civics Literacy Conference, which will be held virtually from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23 and Thursday, September 24. This conference is a convening of K-16 educators and leaders from state and community organizations to promote high-quality civics teaching and learning. Events include an opening plenary, panel discussion, and 20+ workshops on civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Agendas for each day are posted at the link above, as are links to register for workshops.
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8. Anti-Hazing Data Collection:
The Anti-Hazing Data Collection can be accessed by logging into the Anti-Hazing application via MassEdu Gateway. Certification from secondary school principals or headmasters that the school complies with the Anti-Hazing law is due on or before Thursday, October 1.
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- “I, Too, Am the Dream” Contest: The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream invites high school seniors to submit an essay, poem, spoken word, or short story of 1,000 words or fewer that describes the student’s vision for a reimagined American Dream and how they themselves can advance it. More information about the contest, which has a $5,000 prize, is available online. Submissions must be in by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21.
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- USA Biolympiad: The USA Biolympiad (USABO) is a competition for high school students who are passionate about biology. The competition has four tiers, and the first, a 50-minute Open Exam, is open to all students nationwide. For more information, go to https://www.usabo-trc.org/.
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