With the recent passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5410, the DLC and OSPI have partnered to create a new Digital Learning Department within OSPI. As of July 1, many of the resources currently available only to DLC members will be accessible to all schools in the state, including access to online courses and library databases. Current DLC members receive special pricing on resources and other benefits because of your long-term use of our services. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/options

The DLC staff stands ready to answer any questions you may have about this transition. Contact us at dlcinfo@learningcommons.org or call 800.890.8592.

The winner of our 2009 DLC Innovative Digital Educator Award is…

Grand-prize winner Dr. Synthia Parish-Duehn was honored as our 2009 Innovative Digital Educator for turning Prosser Falls High School into a “school where students are begging to enroll, rather than begging to leave.” Read more about her impressive use of the DLC: http://www.learningcommons.org/idea/

We thank all the worthy nominees who applied. Awards will be distributed at the DLC Innovation Celebration on June 24th.

ClassTools is still available for use through August 15

The DLC is delighted to extend your use of 2008-2009 Apex Learning ClassTools accounts to accommodate summer school students. You may now access student records through August 15. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/classtools/

As a result of the recently-passed Senate Bill 5410, the Digital Learning Commons will be changing. We’re still finalizing many of the details, including information about how your school will be able to access DLC resources and services during the 2009-2010 school year. We’re expecting to make a detailed announcement within the next two weeks. In the meantime, we’re working hard to finalize everything so that you can do your planning for next school year.

Thanks for your patience. If you have any questions, our support team is available by phone at 800.890.8592 or email us:dlcinfo@learningcommons.org

Only ten days left to win $2,000

A friendly reminder that the application process for our first annual DLC IDEA contest closes at 12:00 a.m. on May 16, 2009. The winner of the DLC “Innovative Digital Educator Award” receives a cash prize of $2,000. Nominating yourself or a teacher, administrator or librarian at a DLC member school is easy: http://www.learningcommons.org/idea/

Summer school is right around the corner—prepare now!

Your students may now register for online courses they need to take this summer to stay on track with credit recovery, Advanced Placement classes, and graduation requirements. Choose from over 300 options: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/courses/

With just one phone call

You can significantly impact student learning opportunities and everyone’s success. Educator trainings by phone are free, condensed, and have proven to increase usage of DLC resources by member schools; some even see student usage double after participation. Make the most of your membership and register today: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar

We’ve just announced our membership plans for 2009-2010 and we’re pleased to offer you the same great resources at the same low price. We respect the pressures that you all are facing to maintain your high levels of excellence in times of uncertainty and we look forward to another great year of partnership with you. Renew your membership today: http://www.learningcommons.org/membership/

No middle-of-the-road membership for Kingston Middle School

Principal Susan Wistrand jumped in with enthusiasm when Kingston Middle School joined the DLC this year. From online classes to before-school math support groups, she’s paving the way for her students to succeed. Read more:http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2009/04/no_middleofther_1.php

Do you have a great IDEA? You can win $2,000

Just a quick reminder that we’re currently accepting nominations for our first annual DLC IDEA contest. The winner of the DLC “Innovative Digital Educator Award” receives a cash prize of $2,000. Nominate yourself or a teacher, administrator or librarian at a DLC member school: http://www.learningcommons.org/idea/

Animal, vegetable, mineral… and more!

Grolier’s eight online encyclopedias for K-12 are an open book to a vast array of topics. You can access resources for teaching the news, search for articles by Lexile Level, and browse lesson plans that feature Grolier materials and are aligned to Washington State standards. Take a video tour of Grolier: http://www.learningcommons.org/video_tours/library/grolier.php

Or, sign up for a training to learn how to better integrate online resources into your classroom: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/library/grolier.php?tab=training

With just one phone call

You can significantly impact student learning opportunities and everyone’s success. Educator trainings by phone are free, condensed, and have proven to increase usage of DLC resources by member schools; some even see student usage double after participation. Make the most of your membership and register today: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar

We’re proud to announce our first annual DLC IDEA —Innovative Digital Educator Award—for K-12 teachers, administrators and librarians at DLC member schools. Sponsored by Aventa, the DLC IDEA celebrates a Washington educator whose innovative use of DLC tools and resources exemplify our core value to support student achievement through powerful teaching and technology. The winner of the DLC IDEA receives a cash prize of $2,000. Nominate yourself or someone you admire: http://www.learningcommons.org/idea/

Why the DLC? One woman, two high schools, no teachers

Cape Flattery School District found a great solution for providing required courses online with the DLC and Evie Wonderly, a determined district secretary, who was willing to think creatively to help Clallam Bay’s teachers and students. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2009/03/why_the_dlc_one_1.php

It’s all in the alignment

Our school support staff has just added new OSPI Alignments to our in-depth standards alignment offerings. Among many others, you’ll have easy access to Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and Students. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2009/03/its_all_in_the.php

With just one phone call…

You can significantly impact student learning opportunities and everyone’s success. Educator trainings by phone are free, condensed, and have proven to increase usage of DLC resources by member schools; some even see student usage double after participation. Make the most of your membership and register today: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar

You can significantly impact student learning opportunities and everyone’s success. Educator trainings by phone are free, condensed, and have proven to increase usage of DLC resources by member schools; some even see student usage double after participation. Make the most of your membership and register today: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar

Two seniors build a future in engineering with the help of Amgen

The DLC received a grant last spring from the Amgen Foundation to support DLC member schools seeking AP-level math and science courses online. Moshe Calm of Kingston High and Justin Miller of Oroville High were two of 22 students to benefit. Read more about their successes here: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2009/02/two_seniors_bui_1.php

Look no further for comprehensive, reliable K-12 library databases

Search SIRS for all your research needs. With such a wealth of information at their fingertips, your students will trust the DLC for fast, reliable homework help. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2009/01/search_sirs_for_1.php

Breeze through Social Studies CBAs with the DLC

Preparing and assessing your students’ knowledge of OSPI’s Social Studies Classroom-based Assessments (CBAs) can be easier and more fun than you imagine with the help of DLC library databases and Washington State Public Affairs TV Network’s Teach with TVW. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2009/01/breeze_through.php

We said it last month, but it bears repeating: WASL prep was never this 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

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/

Brookside Elementary students work faster and better with the DLC

Janet Paden teaches sixth grade and has reached one of her lifelong teaching goals through a district-wide technology initiative and the DLC. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2008/12/work_that_goes_1.php

DLC tutors think and teach outside the box

Josh Levine talks about his experience as a DLC tutor and the creativity that is possible through live chat tutoring. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2008/12/dlc_tutors_thin.php

Mathcasts for middle school!

More than 70 new Mathcasts have been added to our resource and all of them are geared to help your students succeed in their math studies and on the WASL examination. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/11/mathcasts_simpl.php

Spring courses are just around the corner

Sign up today as a Teacher/Mentor and help your students register for the online courses they need this spring. Act before the rush of the holidays to ensure that your students have a smooth transition in 2009. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/12/register_for_sp_1.php

November 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 December, we’re offering trainings in ExploreLearning Gizmos, ClassTools, SIRS Researcher, and many more resources. Sign up here: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar/

We've listened to feedback from educators using our new online tutor service. Now our free tutor program, which is offered in a live chat format, is available from 2:30 – 8:00 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays through the school year. Help your students succeed: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/10/free_online_tut.php

Train the Trainer workshop in January 2008

Those of you who have worked with our experienced trainers may now be ready to take the plunge yourselves and become a DLC trainer in your school or district. As a super user, you will lead the way in integrating DLC resources with powerful teaching and peer coaching. The free workshop is January 6-7, 2009 at Seattle's Sorrento Hotel, and includes a take-home workbook and a post-event online course. Register now to ensure your seat: http://www.learningcommons.org/ttt/winter2009/

Got Gizmos?

ExploreLearning Gizmos, one of our new resources this fall, are interactive simulations designed to help students understand math and science concepts. These supplemental curriculum materials build a solid understanding for students in grades K-12. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/09/got_gizmos_1.php

History was never this much fun

The DLC now offers access to a new Facts on File News Service database, Issues and Controversies in American History. This library resource of articles and images provides a wealth of research sources about formative moments in our history, many that continue to engender debate today. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/10/american_histor_1.php

Thanks to Verizon Foundation for support of our Innovative Practices Conference

The DLC's Third Annual Innovative Practices in Student Achievement Conference took place in October at the Resort at Port Ludlow. Co-sponsored by Verizon Foundation, the conference was attended by educators who serve in diverse learning settings across the state. Visit our gallery of pictures: http://www.learningcommons.org/conference/photos.php

Searching for images is easy at the DLC

The DLC provides one web page with over a dozen links to sources where you can search and download free images for educational purposes. Students and educators are finding a wealth of imagery, maps, and charts through organizations such as Facts on File, SIRS, and netTrekker. This page of links is located in both the educator and students sections of our website: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/library/images.php

November 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 November, we're offering trainings in Bridges, ExploreLearning Gizmos, Thinkfinity, ClassTools, SIRS Researcher, and the DLC Library resources. Sign up for your sessions here: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar/

Our third annual Innovative Practices in Student Achievement Conference—free to all DLC member schools—is just a couple of weeks away on October 21-22, 2008. Set in the lovely resort community of Port Ludlow, you won’t want to miss this professional development opportunity. Learn more about how to use powerful teaching skills with our digital resources and meet with fellow DLC members from across the state.

A Pre-conference Math and Science Day on Monday, October 20th sets the tone for a dynamic week. Math and science teachers are encouraged to attend both this session and the conference at large.

Register here: http://www.learning commons.org/conference

Got Gizmos?

ExploreLearning Gizmos, one of our new resources this fall, are inventive online tools to unlock complex math and science concepts and build a solid understanding for students in grades K-12. You can earn clock hours as you learn how to use these online simulations. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/highlights/2008/09/got_gizmos_1.php

Mathcasts support seventh graders

Due to an enthusiastic reception from members, we’ve expanded our Matchcasts teaching resource to include 60 new screencasts that correlate to Washington State standards for 7th grade math curriculum and the WASL exam. These videos explain and solve mathematical problems and may be used for review or to introduce new material. Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/mathcasts.php

Trainings—and clock hours—are just a phone call away

Now you can earn clock hours when you phone in for one-hour, 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 October, we’re offering trainings in ExploreLearning Gizmos, ClassTools, SIRS Discoverer and the DLC Library resources. Just visit: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar/

Live online tutors are at your service!

Don’t forget to tell your students about the DLC’s live online tutor program. Monday through Thursday evenings throughout the school year, your students can access free tutor assistance for homework help, test preparation, or college and career planning. Watch this video tour to learn more about DLC Tutors online: http://www.learningcommons.org/video_tours/tutors

Two free AP classes available this fall

This fall semester, the Amgen Foundation is providing free AP Math or Science enrollments and materials to TWO lucky students from DLC member schools. Students must register as soon as possible to take advantage of this generous opportunity to explore math and science through online learning. Teacher/Mentors are encouraged to contact Leslie at 206.616.5771 for more information and for grant guidelines.

NEW: Our resources are better than ever

Check out the new resources and tools available to you this school year:

• Explore Learning Gizmos: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/explorelearning
  Math and science come to life with these award-winning, interactive games and lessons.
• Facts on File’s Issues and Controversies in American History: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/library/facts_on_file.php
  The Facts on File format you love is now available for students of American history.
• Mathcasts:
  http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/mathcasts.php
  Preparing for the WASL and studying mathematics has never been easier! These video tutorials are short and substantive.
• Clock hours:
  Earn clock hours by participating in select online training sessions. Attend at least three hours of clock hours-eligible online sessions on a variety of DLC resources throughout the school year for the low cost of $2/clock hour. Clock hour documentation will be processed by the Digital Learning Commons after June 15, 2009. Questions? Contact us: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/contact/

NEW: QuickStart Guides get you going fast

Five new QuickStart guides assist you as you start your implementation of the DLC’s resources and tools. In addition to the in-person, telephone, or web-based sessions recommended for all new schools, these QuickStarts target resources you can use to get going now and dig deeper later.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/schoolsupport/toolkits/quickstart-guides/

NEW: Free homework help is now live online

Beginning September 9, 2008, students at all Digital Learning Commons member schools may access tutors online every Monday through Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. by visiting http://www.learningcommons.org/tutors.

From foreign languages to science, math to WASL prep, college planning to help finding the right source for a paper, the DLC Tutors are accessible to everyone, one-on-one, leveling the playing field for all students in your school. The platform for the DLC’s tutorial system is a secure form of instant messaging that permits students and tutors to communicate in real time and use a digital white board to work in unison. In addition to our live support, you may still access our tutors for help anytime of day by emailing them with a request or question.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/tutors

Three DLC professional development options start the year off right—register now

The following conferences are free for participants!

Teacher2Teacher, held on September 26-28, 2008 in the Greater Seattle area, is a professional development opportunity for Western Washington educators. Using the concepts of peer coaching, Teacher2Teacher provides educators with the skills and support needed to use DLC resources in meaningful ways and to share their knowledge with others.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/t2t

The Third Annual Innovative Practices for Student Achievement Conference will be held in Port Ludlow, Washington on October 21 – 22, 2008. DLC member-schools focus on integrating online resources into classroom curriculum to support students’ academic success and to create and sustain school-based professional development. Participants are eligible for reimbursement of their lodging costs (with receipt). Attendance is limited to 60 educators with priority given to those schools in Western Washington that have not previously attended.

A pre-conference for math and science teachers is scheduled for October 20, and is limited to 25 educators. You may sign up for this workshop without attending the whole conference, but you must be sure to register for both the pre-conference and conference if you wish to attend both.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/conference/
Explore Port Ludlow: http://www.portludlowresort.com/

Train the Trainer Workshops provide an introduction to the training needs of DLC resources. These two-day tutorials round out our professional development offerings for the first half of the school year. Eastern Washington educators may register now for our Spokane training on November 6 – 7, 2008. Western Washington educators may register now for our Seattle training on January 6 – 7, 2009.

Learn more: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/schoolsupport/ttt/

The best way to learn the inner workings of the DLC

Our ongoing trainings take place in-person, over the telephone or via the web. Choose which vehicle works best for you and your staff, and we’ll accommodate you at no cost to you.

1. Check the calendar: http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar
2. Request a training: http://www.learningcommons.org/request

If you’re a returning school, DLC staff will be contacting you about a fall check-in to see how things are going.

Have a wonderful year!

Thanks to all of you, the DLC is thriving and growing to meet the constantly changing needs of educators and students, one click at a time. This school year, you clicked through to DLC resources 355,000 times. This marks a 29% increase in use from 2006-2007.

We know that those statistics represent countless achievements by teachers, students, administrators, our school support team, and our service providers. We thank all of you for your commitment to our partnership and to integrating digital resources into your teaching and learning.

If you haven’t yet renewed your membership, we invite you to continue this great work in the coming year. Please join today.

Register for Teacher2Teacher today

We encourage you to apply for Teacher2Teacher(T2T): A Collaborative Project, our year-long professional development program that begins with a three-day retreat held August 13 – 15, 2008. As a teacher leader, you’ll receive this training at no cost to you.

Learn to help other teachers:

• Plan and implement instructional activities that integrate DLC resources into their curriculum.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate DLC resources into their lesson activities.
• Use coaching and collaboration skills to promote discussion about instruction.

Course Credit Funds available to more schools

The DLC is pleased to announce that it has secured an additional source of funding that will allow us to allocate Course Credit Funds to MORE eligible DLC member schools in the coming school year. Unsure about your eligibility? Learn more about Course Credit Funds here: http://www.learningcommons.org/join/resources/ccf.php

And the winners are…

Lori Dearmore and Calen Thompson of Naselle-Grays River Valley High School are singing a happy iTune as the winners of our DLC Success Story contest. Each received an iPod Nano for their joint submission about Calen’s experience with learning Mandarin Chinese through a DLC online course. Read about how this choice is opening doors for Calen in and out of the classroom.

DLC support all summer long

There are many ways that we can make your work life easier this summer. Go to Summer Support to find services for summer school students, WASL remediation programs and tools to help teachers integrate resources into their summer school curriculum. Teachers may also earn clock hours this summer. Explore our professional development catalog.

Win an iPod Nano

Take our very brief educator survey and enter to win an iPod Nano. Surveys will be accepted through June 20.

Apex Learning is scheduled to release new and updated content in ClassTools on July 1, 2008. Here are some things that you should know about these updates:

• In order to access the new content, teachers will need to enroll students in newly created classrooms on or after July 1, 2008.
• Actively-used classrooms created prior to July 1, 2008 will remain available after July 1, but will not reflect any updates in content and features.
• In order to encourage the use of the updated material, all ClassTools classrooms and enrollments created prior to July 1, 2008 will be expired on August 1, 2008.
• Student and teacher accounts, and student progress reports, will remain intact and available after the August 1, 2008 expiration date.

New trainings for ClassTools users

The DLC now requires completion of a two-part training in order to create a new ClassTools account. The first 30-45 minute training provides an overview of the content and use of the resource; the second 90-120 minute training guides users through best practices. Existing account holders are encouraged to participate but are not required to do so. Go to: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/tr/classtools/accounts.php

Librarians make a game out of mastering DLC resources

Two high school librarians have found creative ways to inspire their students to become better fact-finders. Ballard High’s Debbie Arthur and Shorewood High’s Brenda Gilman talk about the importance of motivating students now so that they become lifelong seekers of knowledge. Read more: http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/2008/04/making_a_game_o.php

Become a DLC teacher leader in your school

If you’ve attended our Innovative Practices conferences, we invite you to apply for Teacher2Teacher (T2T): A Collaborative Project, our year-long professional development program that begins with a three-day retreat held August 13 – 15, 2008. As a teacher leader, you’ll receive this training at no cost to you.

Learn to help other teachers:

• Plan and implement instructional activities that integrate DLC resources into their curriculum.
• Collaborate with colleagues to integrate DLC resources into their lesson activities.
• Use coaching and collaboration skills to promote discussion about instruction.

Starting this fall, DLC Tutors provide live, online homework help

Wouldn’t it be great if we could hire private tutors for every child in Washington State? The DLC is working hard to make that a reality for our subscribers. Beginning in September, your students can access live, online homework help after school. Not only will our trusted DLC Tutors guide your students to digital resources that solve homework headaches, they also provide college and career guidance.

If you would like to offer this service to your students, be sure to renew your membership for the 2008-09 school year: http://www.learningcommons.org/join/full.php

Join the DLC team as a School Support Trainer

We’re excited to announce a part-time job opportunity for educators or consultants who reside in Eastern Washington. Become a valued member of our school support team as we work with educators and administrators in schools across the state. If you are an excellent communicator with experience in planning and leading workshops for adults, and you’ve worked in the K-12 education system, please visit http://www.learningcommons.org/about/employment/]]> http://www.learningcommons.org/about/newsletter/2008-05.php http://www.learningcommons.org/about/newsletter/2008-05.php Wed, 07 May 2008 14:11:00 -0800 Your students’ success is music to our ears

We love the sound of your success. In celebration of a great school year, full of many triumphs, the DLC is sponsoring a contest for our member schools. Submit a success story of student achievement through use of DLC resources and you will be entered to win two iPod Nanos, one for you and one for your hard-working student. Or, if you win, you might hold a random drawing for the iPod Nanos so that all of your students can participate.

How to win:
The winning success story will be selected by random drawing. Entries must be a minimum length of 300 words. Email your submission, including your full name, school and telephone number to: susanq@learningcommons.org. by April 30, 2008. The winners’ names and their success story will appear in our May newsletter. Entries will not be returned and are eligible for print and electronic publishing by the DLC.

Spring is a great time to plan for summer school for them… and you!

Help them achieve all year long
There are no lazy days of summer at the DLC! We offer many ways for students to recover credits, get a jump start on the coming school year, or bolster their skills in challenging subjects. But, there are things you will want to plan for in advance to ensure a smooth, successful course of study for your summer school students. Learn more…

Treat yourself to a free Teacher2Teacher Retreat
Late in June, The DLC sponsors Teacher2Teacher (T2T): A Collaboration Project, a free, five-day training that is designed for teachers who show strong leadership at their school and are jazzed about DLC resources. Using the concepts of peer coaching, T2T provides teachers with the skills and support needed to share their knowledge of the DLC with other teachers.

The Teacher2Teacher curriculum’s rich, flexible format meets the needs of every participant, regardless of his or her experience with integrating technology in the classroom. Earn clock hours and graduate credits through Seattle Pacific University while enjoying your peers, great food, conversation and a relaxed learning environment.

Learn more about our current Teacher2Teacher program and look for more details about our 2008 retreat in our May newsletter.

The DLC supports Washington schools of every size and structure

From large high schools in Seattle to middle schools in Eastern Washington, from small high schools on the islands to home school resource centers across the state, the DLC offers extensive online classes and teaching resources tailored to your specific needs. Our free trainings, implementation support, and professional development opportunities are available to schools of every size and structure.

• ExploreLearning Gizmos: These award-winning modules for grades 6-12 bring complex math and science concepts to life through interactive lessons.
• Facts on File’s Issues and Controversies in American History: Facts on File’s American History database encourages students to cross reference and research news articles by subject, by era and by issue.
• DLC Tutors offer free, real-time homework help online: As a natural evolution of our current tutoring service, your students will access live assistance from our top-notch tutors, Monday—Thursday evenings, beginning this fall.

Renew your membership or learn more about how we can help…

As you know, the DLC is the smart option for providing online resources and courses for your school or district. Our low $6 membership fee, free training and implementation support, and our comprehensive resources all add up to staff satisfaction and student success.

What’s new for the coming school year?

ExploreLearning Gizmos: A new teaching resource for grades 6–12, is included in membership at no additional cost. These award-winning modules bring complex math and science concepts to life through interactive lessons.

Facts on File’s Issues and Controversies in American History: Along with an improved web design for easier use, Facts on File’s American History database encourages students to cross reference and research news articles by subject, by era and by issue.

DLC Tutors offer free, real-time homework help online: As a natural evolution of our current tutoring service, your students will access live assistance from our top-notch tutors, Monday—Thursday evenings, beginning this fall.

Learn more about membership resources, pricing, joining dates, and more. Visit www.learningcommons.org/membership.

So many ways to train… and succeed!

From consults to workshops, from in-person trainings to online support, the DLC offers an extensive array of free trainings to ensure the success of your students and teachers. Learn more…

Time to Prepare for the WASL

The DLC WASL prep resource, ALP, is designed to be used by math and reading teachers to help students practice and review skills. ALP Math is for middle and high school students and ALP Reading is for middle school students (but may also be used in high school for review and special education). Test-taking tips and strategies for multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions are included.

Two Spring Competitions Foster Creativity

SIRS Podcast Contest: Win iPods!
SIRS Researcher® is all about Leading Issues, and now your students can be too! Your students are invited to submit a podcast on their favorite Leading Issues; winners will receive an iPod. Contest registration closes on April 11, 2008 at midnight ET. Winning entries will be spotlighted on the SIRS website for all to view. Learn more…

Doodle 4 Google Competition
Google invites American students, grades K-12, to Doodle 4 Google! This national art competition challenges young people to redesign Google’s homepage logo by doodling sketches on the theme “What if…?” The first place winner receives, among other prizes, a $10,000 college scholarship and a laptop computer. The winner’s school receives a $25,000 grant toward the establishment of or improvement of a computer lab. School registration deadline is March 28, 2008.

Try to say that three times fast! The redesign includes changes to the overall look and feel, search capabilities, and navigation tools, including:

• New design of all the news databases
• More powerful search tools
• Citation info for each article
• More than 32,000 new entries integrated into World New Digest with the addition of new Almanac and Encyclopedia sections.

See for yourself: http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/library/facts_on_file.php

Come See Us at NCCE!

Stop by our booth at the NCCE Conference to say hello and pick up a free gift. Also, we have a limited number of free exhibits-only passes. If you’d like one, email dlcinfo@learningcommons.org. First come, first served.

Details on the conference:
http://www.ncce.org/2008/

Sign Up for a Free Online Training

Want to learn more about ClassTools online curricula? How about the DLC Library? It’s easy. Simply sign up for an online training this month or a following month:
http://www.learningcommons.org/educators/schoolsupport/calendar/

Training is one of your benefits as a DLC member.

Learn from Your Peers

We’ve made it easier for you to pick up some tips from your peers. Our success stories are organized by topic, so you can jump to a story about online courses or teaching resources, for example.
http://www.learningcommons.org/about/stories/

Spring Semester Course Registration

You can still register students for spring semester courses. And if you haven’t been through the Course Support Orientation, now’s a good time to sign up. Check the training calendar (http://www.learningcommons.org/calendar/) or email Leslie St. Pierre, Assistant Director of Course Support, at lstpierr@learningcommons.org.

Marching Toward Rejoin

In March, we’ll be opening up membership for the 2008-09 school year. Stay tuned for all the details on rejoining.