SEEC

SEEC Newsletter - February

As the South East Education Cooperative, we serve YOU. Part of our mission to enhance education in North Dakota includes communicating our work, so each month we invite you to take a look through some of our updates!
a collage of people covered by a blue foreground with February and the SEEC logo

TOPICS AT A GLANCE

Education Spotlight: The Impact of Reading Corps: Solveig's Story from Tutor to Teacher

Administrative Updates: The Importance of Relationships in Education Organizations

PD, Programs, & Services: Time is Running out - Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention

Teaching Resources & Tools: Behavior Pre-Correction from Behavior Advantage

Upcoming PD: Sign up for 2025 offerings

Education Spotlight

Reading Corps Impact Story: Meet Solvieg, AmeriCorps Reading Corps logo, picture of bennett elementary

The Impact of Reading Corps: Solveig's Story from Tutor to Teacher

When Solveig Overturf’s youngest child started elementary school, so did she - as a Reading Corps tutor. Reading Corps tutors serve in elementary schools providing daily one-on-one, 20-minute intervention sessions with K-3 students who need extra support learning to read. As part of this AmeriCorps program, tutors receive training for this position and receive a monthly living allowance (stipend) and education award that can be used for college tuition or student loans. Overturf spent four years in the program at Bennett Elementary in Fargo, but when her service was complete, her career was just beginning.

After becoming a tutor, Reading Corps quickly became Overturf’s passion. Building connections with students is a key piece of the program, and she excelled. Amber Remark, an Instructional Coach at Bennett Elementary, said “[Overturf] was made to be with kids. Her natural ability to connect with kids and meet them where they’re at and see them for who they are is incredible.” As she reached the end of her four years of service with Reading Corps, Overturf didn’t feel like she was done making an impact. So, she shifted from possibly taking a few classes with her education award to applying for a college degree program. Overturf is now attending MSUM for elementary education and will student teach in the fall of 2027.

To read more about Solveig's story, click here! Check out the video below to see Solveig's early days of tutoring!

Site Applications for Reading and Math Corps (K-3) and (4-8) Are Now Open!

Administrative Updates

picture of John Porter, SEEC Executive Director with the text admin updates

The Importance of Relationships in Education Organizations

“Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much.”– Helen Keller

This quote has been on my mind as I started another round of school visits in January, meeting with Superintendents and district leaders. This past week SEEC staff hosted the SEEC Principal meeting in Valley City. Our school liaisons continue their work making connections in the schools and our TSI/CSI liaison leaders are helping support their assigned schools with collaborative coaching and support. Medicaid billing as well as all the many other project areas at SEEC continue to offer connections to our stakeholder groups. All this work is a committed attempt to build relationships in our schools, working together toward a stronger education system with the flexibility to successfully meet the needs of all students.  

Strong relationships foster collaboration among stakeholders. When stakeholder groups feel a personal connection to their organization, they are more willing to share ideas, take initiative, and support collaborative opportunities. Organizations who cultivate relationships create a culture of cooperation that enhances overall continuity and collaborative growth. At SEEC, we value relationships and encourage all perspectives, innovative ideas and open communication. This environment fosters creativity and helps us all grow. When school leaders feel empowered to share ideas and take advantage of collaborative opportunities to enhance student learning, we create a better education system. As SEEC continues to foster strong connections with their school teams, colleagues, and stakeholder groups, we will create a foundation for collaboration and long-term success for both our organization and our member schools.

Guiding the SEEC can only be done by connecting with our schools and other organizations. By prioritizing these relationships, we will enhance collaboration and inspire a culture of growth and innovation. In the ever-changing world of education, one constant remains: relationships are the heart of all great education organizations. As SEEC moves forward with exploring greater alignment with school district goals, strategic initiatives, and district priorities, the relationships we have with our key stakeholders and school district leaders will make the most impact on how we make forward progress together.

Looking forward to connecting with you as I make my way around to your district.

-John

PD, Programs, & Services

PD, Programs, and Services: Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention

Time is Running Out to Register for Features of Effective Math Instruction: Retention

We're gearing up for our next math-focused training on March 18th in Fargo! Join us as we:

  1. Investigate features of effective math instruction through the latest research and best practices.

  2. Understand the instructional hierarchy of mathematics learning.

  3. Understand the curve of forgetting and develop the capacity to increase learner’s retention in mathematics through sound strategies.

Words from Educators on Previous Math PD

"[This was] was one of the best professional development trainings I have ever had" - Secondary teacher, Hankinson

"Worthwhile!!! This [workshop] brought depth to any math classroom in which I teach. Information was substantial. Very excited!" - Elementary teacher, Langdon

"It was awesome!! I learned so much and feel much more confident. I am a first year teacher, and this opened my eyes so much. Thank you!" - Teacher, Central Cass

Time is running out to elevate your math instruction - sign up today!

Features of Effective  Math Instruction: Retention. This workshop investigates the concept of learner retention and the importance of retrieval strategies to use in the classroom to increase math achievement.   The workshop will cover the following Curve of Forgetting, Retrieval Strategies, Spaced Learning Over Time (SLOT), Interleaved Practice Format (IPF) COST: $25/participant 8:30AM - 3:30PM Registration at 8:00AM Fargo, ND Avalon Event Center 2525 9th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103 march 18th One day workshop: QUESTIONS + INFO: ryan.lyson@k12.nd.us PRESENTED BY:  Dr. Ryan Lyson  AUDIENCE: Elementary and Secondary teachers, school administrators, instructional coaches, and NDREA staff

Coaches Corner

Coaches Corner, February Coach: Jen Glasheen, SEEC Senior Director of Teaching and Learning

NDMTSS: Trainings and Support

The North Dakota Multi-Tier System of Supports (NDMTSS) is a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the educational experience for both students and staff. Through targeted trainings, NDMTSS helps educators and school-based leadership teams to LEARN, EMPOWER, and GROW, ultimately leading to improved outcomes across the board. This article explores how NDMTSS trainings achieve these goals by focusing on the alterable variables of Instruction, Curriculum, and Environment, and the efficient and effective use of data to make informed decisions.

Learn more about how NDMTSS trainings help LEARN, EMPOWER, and GROW here!

NDMTSS trainings focus on helping school-based leadership teams: LEARN EMPOWER GROW essential content, processes, and vocabulary decision-making and action steps by providing tools, coaching, & support capacity, focus on continuous improvement, organize and align multiple systems, practices, and assessment procedures within a school Development of Academic Pathways, MTSS Flowcharts for DBDM, NDMTSS Playbook to assist with communication and processes Effective Instruction, Curriculum, Environment, and Assessment is at the core of all that we do: Explicit Instruction Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports Gradual Release of Responsibility High-Leverage Practices Evidence-based practices & Interventions NCII Tools Charts and Processes Leadership Teams & Teaming, focus on all levels of MTSS Tier three, Tier 2, Grade Level Tier 1, Systems. foundational beliefs: Prevention focus Continuum of Support Alignment of Systems, Practices, Processes to create efficiency and improve effectiveness Leadership/Leadership Teams/Teaming Data-Based Decision Making drives Continuous Improvement Valid & Reliable Assessments are Critical Adult Behavior Change & Alterable Variables are targeted Systems Change is a 3-5+ year process Every school ecosystem is different SoR is MTSS for Reading; SoM is MTSS for Math Academics & Behavior Systems are interconnected

Teaching Resources & Tools

Character Strong logo

The Weekly - Behavioral Pre-Correction

Sign up for The Weekly from CharacterStrong, and receive a 2-3 minute video in your inbox each week with a low-burden, high-impact strategy to transform your daily work! This free series includes timely information on topics like the importance of pre-correction!

Check out the video below for a 2 minute lesson on why pre-correction can lead to better classroom behavior.

The Social Institute + SEEC Webinar Recording

Group chats are a popular way for students to socialize, but they can also bring drama, misunderstandings, and distractions. In this presentation, explore how to address the drama and empower students to navigate group chats confidently, fostering stronger friendships and self-confidence. In this session, explore:

Ways to equip students with strategies to handle group chat drama respectfully.

How to address common issues like cyberbullying, setting boundaries, and fostering self-confidence

Access the recording here!

Upcoming PD

ND SoR Hotline LOOKING FOR A SPACE TO DISCUSS ND SOR? LOOK NO FURTHER! to The new ND SoR Hotline is an open forum series facilitated by the South East Education Cooperative over Zoom. This series offers time and virtual space connect collaborate for 90 minutes, once a month while providing ND SoR updates. and September 23 October 21 November 4 December 9 January 6 February 10 March 3 April 14 May 12 Cost: FREE Questions? Contact Kerri Whipple kerri.whipple@k12.nd.us All sessions run from 2:30-4pT 4pm SEEC SOUTH EAST EDUCATION COOPERATIVE SCIENCE ENCE DE EADING' .
Features of Effective  Math Instruction: Retention. This workshop investigates the concept of learner retention and the importance of retrieval strategies to use in the classroom to increase math achievement.   The workshop will cover the following Curve of Forgetting, Retrieval Strategies, Spaced Learning Over Time (SLOT), Interleaved Practice Format (IPF) COST: $25/participant 8:30AM - 3:30PM Registration at 8:00AM Fargo, ND Avalon Event Center 2525 9th Ave S Fargo, ND 58103 march 18th One day workshop: QUESTIONS + INFO: ryan.lyson@k12.nd.us PRESENTED BY:  Dr. Ryan Lyson  AUDIENCE: Elementary and Secondary teachers, school administrators, instructional coaches, and NDREA staff

Learn More By Clicking Poster

beginning teacher network, 24-25 schedule, come to any or all sessions. Registration is open throughout the year.  "Tues, Feb. 4"	11:30am - 3:30pm	Learning Walks	location TBD "Tues, March 11"	11:30am - 3:30pm	Learning Walks	location TBD "Tues, April 1"	3:30 - 5pm	Rejuvenation and Reflection	Online. BTN is funded through a gran provided by the North Dakota Teacher Support System.
Supporting paraeducators in the school system Supporting Paraeducators in the School System is a new professional learning opportunity where administrators, case managers, and school leadership  teams will develop strategies and tools for building an environment of collaboration and empowerment for all staff.   Opportunities to learn and practice new skills or concepts will be available throughout the course via discussion boards, self-reflections, and more. Asynchronous, free, self-paced, access the course here. SEEC logo, NESC logo, department of public instruction North Dakota logo

About the South East Education Cooperative (SEEC)

Mission: The South East Education Cooperative is a collaborative organization that strives to enhance education in ND through quality services and visionary leadership.

Vision: SEECing solutions to provide value to our stakeholders and their communities through learning, collaboration, and innovation.

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South East Education Cooperative

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