DLC Newsletter: January 2009

WASL prep was never so easy

The DLC offers a vast array of support for you and your students as you head into the preparation phase of the WASL. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/12/wasl_prep_never.php

DLC schools medal as best in America!

We congratulate all 46 Washington schools chosen as gold, silver or bronze medal winners in this year’s America’s Best High Schools ranking in US News and World Report. But, we send a very special shout out to those DLC member schools who were awarded top-school status, including all four silver medal winners. You’ve made us so proud!

Bainbridge High School – silver; Bridgeport High School – bronze; CAM Junior Senior High School – bronze; Chelan High School – bronze; Garfield at Palouse High School – bronze; Garfield High School – silver; Naselle-Grays River Valley Junior Senior High School – bronze; Odessa High School – bronze; Orcas Island High School – silver; Prescott Junior Senior High School – bronze; Pullman High School – bronze; Quilcene High School – bronze; Redmond High School – silver; Republic Senior High School – bronze; Roosevelt High School – silver; Selkirk Junior-Senior High School – bronze; South Bend High School – bronze; Toppenish High School – silver.

Read more: http://www.usnews.com/sections/education/high-schools/

A new school with a new approach

TAF Academy opened in Federal Way this fall, offering families a new approach to public instruction. Founded by the Technology Access Foundation, TAF Academy partnered with the DLC from the start. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2009/01/taf_academy_and.php

Students are in it together with project-based learning

Freshmen at TAF Academy use DLC’s Digital Tools to succeed in the classroom and to build community around their interests in the arts and current events. Teacher Andrew Miller talks about how technology supports team-building skills and self-directed learning. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2009/01/students_are_in_1.php

January trainings—and clock hours—are just a phone call away

Now you can earn clock hours when you phone in for the DLC’s web-based trainings. These no-cost workshops are part of your DLC membership and are limitless; you can take as many as you wish. In January, we’re offering trainings in ExploreLearning Gizmos, ClassTools, SIRS Researcher, and many more resources. Sign up here: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar/