RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - The latest round of web highlights from the Department of Public Instruction includes a message from the agency's leader and biennium budget information.

The highlights can be found at dpi.nc.gov

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1. Dr. Atkinson Discusses Leadership Role with CCSSO in Latest Blog Post

Recently, State Superintendent June Atkinson was named president of the Councils of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). In her latest blog post, Dr. Atkinson talks about her new role with the CCSSO and the work of the organization in addressing major issues that face public education. To view this and earlier blog posts, please visit  http://www.ncpublicschools.org/statesuperintendent/blog/2014/20141211.

 

2. Biennium Budget Information for 2015-17 on the Web

Material related to the 2015-17 Biennium Budget is available on the Budget Information website at  http://www.ncpublicschools.org/budget/financial/. The 2015-17 Biennium Budget represents:

-Funding required to sustain services at current levels.

-A list of additional funding needs that will help improve student services.

 

 3. Invitation to Submit Science Textbooks for Evaluation and Adoption Now Online

The 2015 Invitation to Submit Textbooks for Evaluation and Adoption in North Carolina initiates the evaluation and adoption of textbooks for science (this year’s adoption subject) for North Carolina schools. This document provides an overview of the process for submitting, evaluating and adopting textbooks for science. For more information, please visit  http://www.ncpublicschools.org/textbook/publishers/invitation/.

 

 4. IIS Webinars to Cover Reports, Assessments, Test Data, Resources and More

Information regarding the 2015 winter and spring webinars for the Instructional Improvement System has been posted at   http://www.ncpublicschools.org/homebase/training/schedule/iis. In addition to the schedule dates for each webinar, times, topics and registration details also are available.

 

5. Spring Tuition Awards Available for Special Education Teachers

Limited spring tuition awards are available for special education teachers working toward meeting provisional license requirements. Under this tuition program, employed bachelor-level special education teachers with a provisional license may receive the actual cost of tuition for one approved fall course to cover up to $140 per semester hour as long as they earn a final grade of "B" or higher. These costs are paid by the Exceptional Children Division on a reimbursement basis. If the tuition is above the $140 per semester hour rate, it will be the responsibility of the recipient to pay the difference. These awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis as long as federal grant funds are available. Copies of this application packet are available to download at  http://ec.ncpublicschools.gov/finance-grants/tuition-reimbursement/.

 

 6. Governor’s School Audition Information for Visual/Performing Arts Now Online

Audition information for Performing/Visual Arts nominees for the 2015 session of the North Carolina Governor’s School is now available on the NC Governor’s school website at  http://www.ncgovschool.org/nomination/#audition . Area-specific audition requirements include: choral music, dance, instrumental music, theater and visual arts.

 

 7. Follow Home Base Alert on Twitter to Receive Updates on Home Base

Keep up with all the latest news about Home Base by following Home Base Alert on Twitter at @nchomebasealert. Home Base Alert provides updates on known issues, tips to improve user experience and news related to Home Base.