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Implementation and Support Unit (ISU)
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|Instructional Improvement & Data Systems
Teacher & Leader Effectiveness/Standards & Assessments
School Turnaround
SEA Capacity Building
Stakeholder Communications and Engagement
Instructional Improvement & Data Systems Publications:
Instructional Improvement Systems Planning and Implementation Guide [PDF, 2.50MB]
This guidebook provides an introduction to Instructional Improvement Systems (IIS) for State education agency (SEA) managers and program leads. Functional components of a theoretical IIS model are discussed and used as a reference point for the introduction a seven-step planning and implementation cycle designed to guide SEAs in the development of their own models. Experiences and resources from several SEAs are referenced throughout the document to provide real-world examples of best practices in IIS planning and deployment.
Education Architecture Guidebook [PDF, 2.59MB]
Education Enterprise Architecture, or EEA, is a strategic framework that can provide the structure, plan and processes to achieve an education agency's vision and goals by aligning its business and program side with information technology (IT). This guidebook will help the staff members of education agencies gain an understanding of what EEA is and how it can help an agency accomplish its vision and goals. This guidebook describes the components and processes necessary to develop and implement an EEA blueprint, and walks through one example of a segment architecture approach to EEA.
Brief: Education Architecture Guidebook [PDF, 1.9MB]
This two-page document provides a brief introduction to the need and benefits of aligning education reform through an Education Enterprise Architecture. Components and essential elements of Education Enterprise Architecture governance and management are discussed; those interested in additional detail should review the above Education Enterprise Architecture Guidebook.
Using CEDS Align for P-20 Collaboration [PDF, 1MB]
Based on work performed by Reform Support Network (RSN) experts with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), this document describes the use of the Common Education Data Standards (CEDS) Align tool in the P-20 effort to map data to CEDS elements, the collection of data sources, and the formatting and uploading of materials.
The View from the States: A Brief on Instructional Improvement System Strategies and Approaches [PDF, 1.54MB]
In the fall of 2012, Instructional Improvement System (IIS) Leads of six Race to the Top grantee States participated in a scan of their current efforts and initiatives. Based on the information provided, this publication highlights how IIS systems have been developed and deployed, what functions they support, and why certain functions were selected.
Request for Proposals Evaluation Guide [PDF, 1.56MB]
This publication offers SEAs and LEAs steps for evaluating a Request for Proposal (RFP) that allows input from a wide range of participants and specific subject matter experts, permits flexibility and weighted scoring in appropriate areas and provides an objective and defensible process for determining the vendor finalist.
Teacher & Leader Effectiveness/Standards & Assessments Publications:
- Using Observations to Improve Teacher Practice: How States Can Build Meaningful Observation Systems [PDF, 181KB]
Classroom observations give teachers the opportunity to receive meaningful and direct feedback about their practice. But many observers still struggle to accurately assess teacher performance and give teachers high-quality feedback. To help States ensure observations are meaningful for observers and teachers, the Reform Support Network has published Using Observations to Improve Teacher Practice: How States Can Build Meaningful Observation Systems. The publication draws on the RSN's work with four States to identify challenges with their observations and identify goals and strategies to address those challenges.
- Implementing Differentiated Compensation Systems for Educators [PDF, 1.60MB]
On April 10, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee, the Reform Support Network brought together leaders from State education agencies planning to make educator compensation a key component of their equitable access plans. The convening featured presentations by the Tennessee Department of Education and district leaders who explained how the State has supported district-based compensation reform and researchers who supported the State's efforts. Afterward, leaders from participating States discussed how to use compensation to increase educator effectiveness and promote equitable access to effective teachers. This publication summarizes the discussions that took place at the convening and the work that participating States have undertaken since April 2015.
- Supporting School District Use of Evaluation Data: A Convening Presentation and Sample Human Capital District-Focused Report from Tennessee [PDF, 1.43MB]
In April 2015, the Reform Support Network convened a group of representatives from Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey and Tennessee to discuss challenges they face to implement high-quality educator evaluation systems. Several States asked for support and strategies to build the capacity of their school districts to use evaluation data to make decisions related to professional development, human capital decisions and equitable access to effective teachers. Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) explained how they have created human capital reports for each local educational agency with evaluation data and other human capital metrics. District leaders can use these data, along with a set of guiding questions, to assess their efforts to retain effective educators, improve teacher practices and inform other strategic decisions. You can access the TDOE presentation and sample human capital report in this publication.
- Streamlining Assessments Webinar 2.0
On May 27, 2015, the Reform Support Network hosted a second webinar on Streamlining Assessments. This webinar is a follow-up to the RSN's February presentation. During the May webinar, leaders from the Illinois State Board of Education, Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Syracuse City Public Schools shared their strategies for streamlining assessments and ensuring that their assessments are used to measure student learning and adjust instruction. The hour-long webinar can be viewed using the link above. Additionally, here are some of the responses to the questions posed to the presenters Continuing the Conversation: Follow-up Questions and Answers from the Webinar.
- Streamlining Assessments Webinar
State and district leaders across the country are undertaking the important work to evaluate the assessments that are given in their classrooms to make sure they are serving their intended purpose and supporting educators and schools in meeting the needs of their students. In February, the RSN hosted a webinar to highlight efforts in New York, Connecticut, and The Syracuse City Public School District to streamline assessments. Click the link above to access the recording. Additionally, here are some of the resources shared by New York NY Resources [PDF 30KB] and Connecticut [PDF 68 KB]
- Support for Growth: How States Can Improve the Quality of Post-Observation Feedback [PDF 123KB]
The Reform Support Network has published Support for Growth: How States Can Improve the Quality of Post-Observation Feedback, based on recommendations generated during a July 2014 Reform Support Network convening of leaders from nine States. It offers six strategies to accurately assess the performance of teachers and provide them with specific and actionable feedback: (1) teaching principals how to deliver high-quality feedback, (2) monitoring the quality of feedback to teachers, (3) creating networks of districts and providing targeted support, (4) evaluating principals on their ability to deliver high-quality feedback, (5) building capacity at the district level to collect, analyze and respond to data and (6) working with principal preparation programs to produce principal candidates who know how to provide high-quality feedback. The publication summarizes the strategies and offers examples of their implementation in the field.
- Reform Integration Framework Resource Guide Webinar
This webinar introduces the Reform Integration Framework and Resource Guide, a resource co-developed by a number of States in the Reform Support Network. The webinar and its guide offers State and local educational leaders a framework, resources and promising State examples for how to integrate college- and career-ready standards, next generation assessments and updated educator evaluation and support systems from the State or district down to the classroom. The hour-long webinar can be viewed using the link above.
- State Plans to Ensure Equitable Access to Excellent Educators - Guidance and Examples for States [ PDF, 150K]
This publication uses draft equity plans developed by three Reform Support Network pilot States to demonstrate several approaches to the development of State equity plans in response to the Secretary's Excellent Educators for All initiative. It summarizes how the State education agencies addressed each component of the equity plan and their insights into plan development. The paper concludes with lessons learned throughout the early cohort's work and recommendations that States might follow to develop their own equity plans. These recommendations are based on the experiences of the pilot States and are not formal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education.
- Promoting More Equitable Access to Effective Teachers: Strategic Options for States to Improve Placement and Movement [PDF, 686 KB]
This brief outlines strategies States and districts can use to address the issue of inequitable access to effective teachers. The Reform Support Network (RSN) identified these strategies during a December 2013 convening of experts from education organizations, research centers on labor economics, corporate human resource departments, the military and the health industry. Audiences can learn more about the causes of inequitable access in the RSN's companion piece, Promoting More Equitable Access to Effective Teachers: Problem and Root Causes
- Promoting More Equitable Access to Effective Teachers: Problems and Root Causes [PDF, 135K]
This brief explains why inequitable access to effective teachers is a problem in many States and districts and why it can be so hard to bring great teachers to needy students. It is a companion piece to the Reform Support Network brief, Promoting More Equitable Access to Effective Teachers: Strategic Options for States to Improve Placement and Movement, which summarizes the findings from a December 2013 convening of industry experts from education organizations, research centers on labor economics, corporate human resource departments, the military and the health industry.
Reform Integration Framework and Resource Guide [PDF, 1.4M]
The Reform Integration Framework and Resource Guide, co-developed by a number of States in the Reform Support Network, offers State and local education leaders a framework to identify priorities for integrating reforms; more than 50 resources contributed by States, districts and organizations that can be adapted for local use; and spotlights on integration occurring in States with varying contexts including Colorado and Massachusetts.
A Toolkit for Implementing High-Quality Student Learning Objectives 2.0 [PDF, 2.39M]
The RSN designed the Student Learning Objectives (SLO) Toolkit to help States and school districts implement SLOs with the highest degree of quality. This updated version features over 100 State and district resources related to making SLO policy choices, providing SLO tools, selecting or creating assessments and setting targets, communicating with teachers and principals, training district staff and school administers and ensuring continuous improvement. Audiences can access the toolkit in two ways: 1) download a PDF document that contains hyperlinks to State resources and includes an at-a-glance list of resources or 2) browse the SLO Toolkit Online by topic, resource type and State. The RSN has also published a Communications Workbook as a companion to the new SLO Toolkit. The Communications Workbook aims to help States reflect on the quality of their communications content, format and delivery to increase educator understanding of SLO purpose and process.
Promising Practices for States in Supporting Teacher Compensation Reform [PDF, 894K]
This publication shares lessons learned and promising practices based on State and school district experiences with teacher compensation reform. In spring 2013, the Tennessee State Board of Education passed a new policy requiring the Tennessee Department of Education to help school districts design new teacher compensation systems, many of which will take effect in school year 2014-2015. To assist Tennessee in its support of local districts transitioning to differentiated pay plans for teachers, the Reform Support Network organized a virtual peer feedback session in June 2013. This report summarizes the advice from experts to Tennessee on topics such as engaging stakeholders, creating bold pay models, developing training sessions and collecting and acting on feedback. The report broadens the Tennessee-specific feedback to make it relevant to States and districts working to better align compensation systems with performance.
Student Learning Objective (SLO) Library
This online tool is a collection of SLOs from around the country that are annotated to suggest changes that could strengthen their quality. States, school districts, colleges, universities and others can use this resource, compiled by the Reform Support Network to prepare teachers and administrators to develop high-quality SLOs or to improve SLOs that they have already developed.
Aligning College- and Career-Ready Standards with Instructional Frameworks and Rubrics [PDF, 1.21M]
To help States meet the challenges of aligning new standards, including the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), with new evaluation systems, the Reform Support Network (RSN) convened a group of experts to review instructional observation frameworks against CCSS. This paper outlines the group's discussions in the context of four guiding principles that emerged as they considered how to better align instructional observation frameworks and rubrics with CCSS.
Promising Practices in Approving and Renewing Principal Preparation Programs [PDF, 750K]
This publication outlines steps States can take to strengthen the approval and renewal processes of their principal preparation programs.
Systems for Approving Professional Development Providers: An Introduction [PDF, 105K]
This report introduces systems for approving professional development providers as they currently operate in two State education agencies (SEAs) and two professions outside of education. The report introduces the topic and guides readers toward more detailed information.
Measures of Learning: State Approaches for Gauging Student Growth in New Evaluation Systems [PDF, 2.0MB]
This publication describes new ways that States redesigning their educator effectiveness systems are measuring growth in student achievement, including value-added models and student learning objectives. The publication concludes with a brief discussion of communicating the results of student growth measures, such as monitoring correlations between student outcomes and teacher evaluation ratings and using data dashboards to track and share evaluation data.
Educator Evaluation Communications Toolkit [PDF, 2.03MB]
This toolkit, developed by the Quality Evaluation Rollout Work Group, contains a set of tools and resources to support States in communicating about educator evaluation systems with key audiences, with a focus on teachers. It includes recommended strategies to help States develop effective messages, provide educators with the information they really want, and communicate about difficult and complex topics such as value-added data.
Making High-Quality Teacher Evaluation Manageable [PDF, 1.5MB]
This publication explores quickly deployable, high-impact tactics that SEAs and LEAs are using to make their evaluation systems more manageable. It also examines the foundation upon which States and school districts must build high-quality, manageable evaluation systems.
Measuring Teaching Matters: What Different Ways of Looking at Student Results Tell Us About Teacher Effectiveness [PDF, 1.4MB]
This brief describes various approaches to measuring student growth and what research says about the extent to which student growth may be used as a measure of teacher performance.
A Quality Control Toolkit for Student Learning Objectives [PDF, 1.07MB]
The Race to the Top Reform Support Network (RSN) designed this toolkit to help States and school districts implement student learning objectives (SLOs) with the highest degree of quality. The toolkit contains templates, guidance documents, sample SLOs and other tools, which States and school districts can select or adapt for their own purposes as they implement a system of quality control.
Promoting Evaluation Rating Accuracy: Strategic Options for States [PDF, 864KB]
This report summarizes the outcomes of a discussion among a group of State and district officials, teachers and principals, and external experts in educator evaluations and strategic communications who gathered in the District of Columbia to examine early results from evaluation systems in two States.
State Perspectives on Emerging Practices for Effective Communication with Educators around Evaluation [PDF, 1.5MB]
This brief explores emerging practices for improving communication between teachers and State education agencies on teacher evaluation systems.
The View from the States: A Brief on Non-Tested Grades and Subjects [PDF, 1.14MB]
This brief profiles how three Race to the Top granteesDelaware, North Carolina and Tennesseedeveloped growth measures for teachers of non-tested grades and subjects.
College- and Career-Readiness: Aligning Standards and Educator Effectiveness Policies [PDF, 957KB]
This publication highlights a series of video clips in which participants in a recent Reform Support Network convening of the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness/Standards and Assessment Community of Practice reflect on the work of translating college- and career-ready standards from policy adoption by States to reality in the classroom.
Engaging Educators: A Reform Support Network Guide for States and Districts Toward a New Grammar and Framework for Educator Engagement [PDF, 480KB]
This publication highlights a series of video clips featuring an overview and discussion of the Engaging Educators guide among State and local educational agency leaders from Race to the Top grantee States.
Superintendents Speak: Local Perspectives on the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model's First Year [PDF, 901KB]
This publication highlights a series of video clips in which LEA level officials from Tennessee to provide their local perspective and views from the ground on the Tennessee Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM), a comprehensive new teacher evaluation system based on multiple measures of teacher performance.
Baltimore's Career Pathways Initiative for Teachers [PDF, 828KB]
This publication describes Baltimore's Model Pathway, the process for becoming a Model Teacher, and lessons the LEA learned from working with teachers and the Baltimore Teacher's Union to negotiate their new differentiated career pathways and compensation.
Multiple Measures in Sync: Ensuring Timely Access to Indicators of Teacher Effectiveness [PDF, 775KB]
This publication explores several State and LEA policies designed to synchronize different data sources to support a well-informed teacher evaluation process.
Measuring Student Growth for Teachers in Non-Tested Grades and Subjects [PDF, 1.17MB]
This publication describes the options that State education agencies and/or local educational agencies have when taking into account student growth in non-tested grades and subjects as part of their teacher and principal evaluation systems.
State Rules for Linking Student and Teacher Data for Purpose of Teacher Evaluation [PDF, 987KB]
This brief provides a snapshot of the rules for including student achievement data in evaluations of teacher performance in selected Race to the Top grantee States.
Evaluations of Teacher Effectiveness: State Requirements for Classroom Observations [PDF, 1MB]
This brief provides a snapshot of the rules governing classroom observations used in teacher evaluations in selected Race to the Top grantee States.
State Development and Use of Video Libraries to Improve Teacher Effectiveness [PDF, 1.2MB]
This brief summarizes research about the specifications for video libraries in the Requests for Proposals developed by four States: Delaware, Illinois, New York and Rhode Island.
Targeting Growth: Using Student Learning Objectives as a Measure of Educator Effectiveness [PDF, 1.1MB]
This brief describes the key elements and challenges of SLOs, providing examples of SLOs and links to additional resources.
Transition to TEAM: First-Year Reflections on Implementing a New Teacher Evaluation System in Tennessee [PDF, 1.3MB]
This paper describes Tennessee's transition to the Teacher Educator Acceleration Model (TEAM) and illustrates implementation challenges and lessons learned.
Engaging Educators: A Reform Support Network Guide for States and Districts [PDF, 2.5MB]
This guide proposes a framework for engaging teachers in evaluation reforms and proposes new roles that State and local education agencies (SEAs and LEAs) and State and local union affiliates can play to support their engagement.
School Turnaround Publications:
Strategies for Community Engagement in School Turnaround
This paper examines one key strategy for making school turnaround more effective: community engagement. To explore community engagement in action, the Reform Support Network (RSN) conducted studies between April and August of 2013 of 11 States and districts, urban and rural, engaged in the communities surrounding low-performing schools. The research yielded five primary lessons or takeaways: make engagement a priority and establish an infrastructure, communicate proactively in the community, listen to the community and respond to its feedback, offer meaningful opportunities to participate, and turn community supporters into leaders and advocates.
Recruiting and Retaining Highly Effective Turnaround Teachers
This publication provides resources for State and local leaders considering strategies to recruit and retain highly effective teachers for low-performing schools. The publication summarizes research and promising practices on recruitment and retention in turnarounds across all sectors, as well as findings on the recruitment and retention of highly effective teachers, with emphasis on actions State leaders can take to find and keep talented educators in low-performing schools.
Identifying Effective Turnaround Teachers
What strategies can local educational agencies and States use to find, screen and hire the teachers who will most likely contribute to turnaround success? This brief reviews one approach districts and principals can take to identify teachers who can help lift low-performing schools.
Race to the Top Highlights, Third-Party Providers and School Turnaround
This publication describes the varying approaches that some Race to the Top States have taken to engage outside experts and providers of specialized services to bring additional capacity and assist with implementing school turnaround models. It also provides examples of safeguards that States are using to maximize the number of available providers while ensuring that they are supplying high-quality services.
Highlights of State Approaches to School Turnaround Governance
The brief describes multiple States' implementation of school turnaround strategies that have been expedited by the unique opportunity provided by the School Improvement Grant (SIG) and Race to the Top programs.
Delaware's Partnership Zone, School Turnaround Governance Highlights [PDF, 778KB]
This brief describes Delaware's Partnership Zone (PZ) and the process for implementation. The document provides planning tools and other resources.
Turning Around the Lowest-Achieving Schools, Highlights of State Support Systems for School Turnaround [PDF, 831KB]
This paper provides a snapshot of the work of the 12 Race to the Top grantees (Phases 1 and 2) within state support systems. The highlights were specifically selected to draw out topics and examples that may be of use to others interested in learning from early implementation efforts.
Massachusetts' Essential Conditions for School Effectiveness [PDF, 930KB]
This brief discusses the Massachusetts' Essential Conditions for School Effectiveness. The conditions articulate the key elements of school governance, curriculum, instruction, finance, training and student services.
Turnaround Leadership, How to Identify Successful School Leaders
This document assists States in identifying successful school leaders, providing a list of key actions, a check list for Competencies for Turnaround Success, and links to practical resources.
The Principal Pipeline, Highlights of Efforts to Develop Effective Leaders for Turnaround Schools [PDF, 668KB]
The goal of this document is to provide a snapshot of some of the publicly available resources describing efforts across Race to the Top States to ensure that turnaround schools have effective leaders.
SEA Capacity Building Publications
Great State Leaders: A Competency Framework for Growing Talent in a State Education Agency SEA-Competency-Framework [PDF 1MB]
Reforms of the scope and scale of those being undertaken by States today require the development of strong leaders at all levels of organizations to manage the change required by these and other initiatives. State education agencies (SEAs) can use this competency framework and accompanying exercise guide to build the skills, knowledge and behaviors of SEA leaders in order to increase the effectiveness in their current positions as well as prepare them to assume greater leadership responsibility in the future. The competency framework uses research from SEA leaders who participated in the Reform Support Network's Sustainability Work Group—Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New York— to define a set of core competencies that are characteristic of high-performing SEA leaders. The competencies are organized into three broad categories: leads change, leads self, and leads others. The tool can be used to identify gaps in capacity within a specific department, as a self-assessment tool for individuals, or to develop a mentorship program where high-performing SEA leaders are strategically paired with emerging stars to work on developing skills in specific competency areas.
Sustainability Rubric (Full) [PDF, 967KB]
The Sustainability Rubric is a tool for SEAs to use in assessing the sustainability of any reform initiative (for example, implementing an educator effectiveness system). The rubric introduces a succinct description of the three primary categories of sustainability: context for sustaining reform, system capacity and performance management. The full rubric covers 19 sustainability elements and moves along a continuum to characterize inadequate to exemplary for each element, providing a set of guiding "look-fors". The rubric was intentionally designed to be content agnostic, to be utilized within a variety of education reform areas. The design of the Sustainability Rubric allows for later re-testing to determine the SEA's progress along the continuum. This version, finalized in April 2015, was edited based on feedback received from six States that piloted the tool in 2014.
Sustainability Rubric Summary [PDF, 680KB]
The Sustainability Rubric Summary is a condensed version of the full Sustainability Rubric (above). It provides an overview of the rubric's purpose; the categories, elements, and variables of sustainability; and the guiding questions to consider. This brief document is intended to be used for reference throughout your ongoing sustainability work.
Sustainability Self-Assessment Workbook [PDF, 332KB]
The Sustainability Self-Assessment Workbook is designed to be used alongside the Sustainability Rubric (above). It outlines five exercises that will help SEAs to conduct an initial self-assessment of the sustainability of reforms. This version, finalized in June 2015, was edited based on feedback received from six States that piloted the processes in 2014.
Sustainability Rubric for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) [PDF, 940KB]
The Sustainability Rubric for Local Educational Agencies is a tool for LEAs to use in assessing the sustainability of any reform initiative (for example, implementing an educator effectiveness system). The rubric introduces a succinct description of the three primary categories of sustainability: context for sustaining reform, system capacity and performance management. The full rubric covers 19 sustainability elements and moves along a continuum to characterize inadequate to exemplary for each element, providing a set of guiding "look-fors". The rubric was intentionally designed to be content agnostic, to be utilized within a variety of education reform areas. The design of the Sustainability Rubric allows for later re-testing to determine the LEA's progress along the continuum.
Sustainability Rubric Summary for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) [PDF, 105KB]
The Sustainability Rubric Summary for Local Educational Agencies is a condensed version of the full rubric (above). It provides an overview of the rubric's purpose; the categories, elements, and variables of sustainability; and the guiding questions to consider. This brief document is intended to be used for reference throughout your ongoing sustainability work.
Sustainability Self-Assessment Workbook for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) [PDF, 1.07MB]
The Sustainability Self-Assessment Workbook for Local Educational Agencies is designed to be used alongside the rubric (above). It outlines five exercises that will help LEAs to conduct an initial self-assessment of the sustainability of reforms.
Sustainability Webinar Presentation [PDF, 299KB] (recording found here)
The SEA Capacity Building Work Stream hosted a webinar to introduce the Sustainability Description and Rubric for other ED-funded technical assistance centers: Comprehensive Centers, Content Centers, and Regional Resource Centers. As technical assistance providers, we work together to support States in increasing student achievement, closing achievement gaps, implementing programs with fidelity and rigor, and sustaining their educational reforms. This webinar allowed participants to explore the description and the categories of sustainability, the purpose and uses of the rubric, and potential opportunities for use with their States, Districts, and schools.
Integrated Messaging Tools
These resources supplement sustainability planning work and focus on developing clear, consistent messaging to support implementation of priority reforms.
- Integrated Messaging and Communications PowerPoint [PDF, 314K]
- From "Inform" to "Inspire": A Framework for Communications and Engagement [PDF, 322K]
- Integrated Messaging Handout [PDF, 134K]
- Integrated Messaging Template [PDF, 157K]
- Engaging Stakeholders about Progress Template [PDF, 95K]
Capacity Building Tools
These tools are supplemental resources for your sustainability planning work.
- Capacity Building PowerPoint [PDF, 235K]. This presentation provides an overview of what effective capacity building looks like, and steps for shifting system-wide practice at the SEA toward a focus on development.
- Capacity Building Template [PDF, 99K]. This tool provides an overview of the stages of building capacity: desired change, formal learning, practicing and reflecting.
Performance Management Description [PDF, 420KB]
This "Performance Management: Description and Key Elements" document provides a general framework for State education agencies, local educational agencies and partners in the Reform Support Network (RSN) to understand and plan for the important work of performance management.
EdStat in Rhode Island: A Case Study of Race to the Top Performance Management [PDF, 1.6MB]
This publication highlights Rhode Island's EdStat, a system of performance management that has enabled the Rhode Island Department of Education to monitor the progress of its participating LEAs and its own offices on Race to the Top implementation and outcomes.
Collaborative Learning for Outcomes: Connecting LEAs with the Rhode Island Department of Education [PDF, 1.26MB]
This publication highlights Rhode Island's Collaborative Learning for Outcomes (CLO), a new progress monitoring process that leads to two-way communication between the State and its 50 participating and two involved local educational agencies.
Performance Management: Setting Outcomes and Strategies to Improve Student Achievement [PDF, 1.6M]
This first brief in a four-part series, outlines the first element of performance management "Clarity of Outcomes and Theory of Action", to examine how Tennessee and Massachusetts are pursuing performance management of their key education reforms by establishing and widely communicating priorities, and setting ambitious, clear and measurable goals and outcomes with aligned strategies and activities.
Performance Management: Aligning Resources to Reforms [PDF, 836K]
This second brief in a four-part series, outlines the second element of performance management "Alignment of Resources", to examine how Hawaii and Tennessee are pursuing performance management of their key education reforms by directing or redirecting resources (time, money, technology and people) to priority efforts that produce results and establish clear roles and responsibilities.
Performance Management: Collecting and Using Data to Measure Progress, Improve Results [PDF, 893K]
This third brief in a four-part series, outlines the third element of performance management "Collection and Use of Data", to examine how Delaware and Hawaii are pursuing performance management of their key education reforms by establishing and implementing routines and processes for collecting, analyzing and monitoring data, including leading and lagging indicators, to inform continuous improvement, provide feedback and make decisions.
Performance Management: Ensuring Accountability for Results [PDF, 893K]
This forth brief in a four-part series, outlines the forth element of performance management "Accountability for Results", to examine how Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Tennessee are pursuing performance management of their key education reforms by making decisions to continue, improve or end practices based on data; implementing incentives tied to performance; and engaging and communicating results with internal and external stakeholders.
Stakeholder Communications and Engagement Publications:
- Communications and Engagement Assessment Rubric and Facilitator's Guide
The Communications and Engagement Assessment Rubric and accompanying Facilitator's Guide can help SEAs reflect on and assess their current efforts to reach and engage internal and external stakeholders about key reforms.
- Communications and Engagement Assessment Rubric. The goals of this rubric are to help State education leaders confirm areas of strength and identify areas of need and provide suggested steps for sharpening strategies, building capacity and enhancing reach. The rubric is divided into five sections, representing the five core areas of focus SEAs should consider when assessing communications and engagement efforts: overall strategy, audience segmentation, audience-specific messages and diverse tactics, stakeholder engagement and coalition building, and SEA communications capacity. Each section can be used individually or in tandem, depending on the State's unique needs.
- State Facilitator's Guide for the Reform Support Network Communications and Engagement Assessment Rubric. The accompanying facilitator's guide is a critical resource for State teams to use to do an initial self-assessment using the rubric and to improve their strategy or approach. The guide offers States flexibility in designing a workshop, providing instructions for either a comprehensive two-day workshop or individual sessions to address specific topics covered by the rubric.
Social Media Tip Sheets
The Reform Support Network created social media tip sheets to help State and local education agencies expand their efforts to communicate and engage with key audiences on reform topics via social media.
- Tip Sheet #1: Innovative Engagement [PDF, 767KB]. This tip sheet showcases ways in which States are engaging with audiences in new and innovative ways, including using State chiefs to lead department social media efforts and using new and different social media platforms to reach key audiences including teachers.
- Tip Sheet #2: Building Capacity [PDF, 1.18MB]. This tip sheet showcases ways in which States are building more capacity for social media work, including the Georgia Department of Education's strategy of asking non-communications staff throughout the department to help create compelling content and the Colorado Department of Education's use of social media ambassadors to help spread the word.
- Tip Sheet #3: Driving Success Through Smart Policies [PDF, 488KB]. This tip sheet showcases ways in which States are implementing smart policies, including educating internal audiences on the advantages and disadvantages of social media, identifying dos and don'ts of social media and ensuring policies are firm and enforceable.
- Tip Sheet #4: Measuring Success [PDF, 741KB]. This tip sheet showcases ways States are tracking followers, fans and figures, digging in deeper with micrometrics and building measurement reports to showcase their progress.
Using Social Media to More Effectively Communicate Reform Efforts: A Case Study on the Ohio Department of Education's Use of Twitter [PDF, 2MB]
Ohio is one of the leading State education agencies embracing and experimenting with social media. This publication details how the Ohio Department of Education used social media, including Twitter and a Wordpress blog, to drive interest and engagement in its 2012 statewide educator conference, Connecting the Dots, and how this strategy resulted in creating a network of educators statewide
Measurable Success, Growing Adoption, Vast Potential Social Media Use Among State and Local Education Agencies
This report presents data collected through a questionnaire of State education agencies and local educational agencies on the growing use of social media to reach key stakeholder groups and engage with primary audiences.
From "Inform" to "Inspire": A Framework for Communications and Engagement
This publication describes a framework for thinking about and implementing a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy to support successful implementation of State education reform. The framework encourages States to prioritize audiences, create clear and compelling messages using a variety of tactics, work in coalitions and with partners to expand reach, build staff capacity to do this work, measure effectiveness of strategies, and use data to make any necessary adjustments.
Building Enduring Race to the Top Education Reforms: Using Social Media to Engage With and Communicate to Key Stakeholders
This guide describes emerging social media practices among State education agencies and other governmental organizations and suggests key steps and considerations for those interested in using social media to advance education reform.


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Can't live without it. Love it. Decorated my entire bathroom/bedroom by the design of the old label for Eucalyptus. Everytime I travel i bring with me.
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I have used this hand wash and lotion in my guest bath for a number of years. Love it.
Very Clean
After years of using various hand wash soaps from a long list of different brands in a lot of weird bottles, we have decided this one is the best. It cleans and it doesn't dry your hands. The fragrance is bright and energizing. Everyone loves the fresh fragrance. The bottle and the beautiful eucalyptus graphics are at home next to a sink. The lotion is a perfect accompaniment...after a party at our house, we discovered the lotion went missing.
Gift product
Not sure what to say; it wasn't for me and it went long distance so I have no idea. I know I love that scent and hope for the best.
Sodium Coco-Sulfate¹,
Decyl Glucoside²,
Cocamidopropyl Betaine¹,
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate²,
Cocamidopropylamine Oxide¹,
Eucalyptus Leaf Oil,
Lemon Peel Oil,
Lime Oil,
Tangerine Leaf Oil,
Aloe Vera,
Jojoba Seed Oil,
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate,
Citric Acid²,
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil,
Hexyl Cinnamal,
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone,
Butylphenyl Methylpropional,
Sodium Benzoate,
Potassium Sorbate
¹Coconut and/or Palm, ²Mixed Plant, ³Plant Fiber
Featured Ingredients:
Eucalyptus Oil
Jojoba Oil
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Web site figures.com has published their Top Picks for 2005, based on the their "extensive knowledge of toys and true hands-on play." McFarlane's Dragons were singled out as Best Horror/Fantasy Figures.
"It was McFarlane Toys that impressed us the most in 2005 with both variety and style," the site says. "While dragon toys are nothing new, McFarlane's take on the scaled monsters stunned collectors with a blend of creative design, realistic sculpt and intriguing background story. Not one, but two Dragon lines were released last year (with a third slated for release this spring). Each consisted of five unique 'clans,' each ranging radically in traits and appearance: from red, fire-breathing beasts to blue, ocean-dwelling reptiles. The one that delighted us the most was the Eternal Dragon Clan 2 Deluxe Boxed Set, featuring a dragon with an 18-inch wingspan and an in-scale 2-inch tall rider. If only plastic could fly..."
Figures.com also cited Spawn Series 28: Regenerated among their Best Comic/Cartoon Figures of 2005, saying the figures, "blew collectors away with some of the coolest sculpts in years. The slick robotic Cyber Spawn 2, ornate Mandarin Spawn 2 and gun-toting Commando Spawn 2 stood out as must-haves."
Meanwhile, over at aftimes.com, McFarlane's Military were recognized as Best Military Figure in their Best of 2005 Readers Choice Awards.


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Online Action Figure Treatment Live on Sept. 19
Friday, September 12, 2003
The upcoming Spawn Series 24: The Classic Comic Covers promises to be one of the most unique and beautifully crafted Spawn action figure lines ever produced by McFarlane Toys.
Featuring incredible sculpting and accessories that re-create in three dimensions several covers from the rich Spawn comic image gallery, Series 24 will be a line that draws both action figure and comic lovers together.
Spawn.com has planned the next in its series of full online features around Series 24. The feature -- which goes live Friday, Sept. 19 -- has all our normal components: figure specs, additional photography, QuickTime VRs, downloads and much more. The entire range of figures will be covered in the feature, including the Collector's Club exclusive piece and the deluxe boxed set. The complete line is as follows:Spawn i.088Spawn i.109Spawn i.043Spawn hsi.001Spawn i.064Spawn i.039Club-exclusive Spawn i.098Spawn the Dark Ages i.023 deluxe boxed setThe line is scheduled to appear in stores everywhere in October. In the meantime, the online feature goes live Sept. 19 and will hopefully tide you over. For today, enjoy the new downloadable wallpaper.
Choose your resolution to download a zip file of the wallpaper:>> 640x480>> 800x600>> 1024x768>> 1152x870>> 1280x1024>> 1600x1200
>> 640x480>> 800x600>> 1024x768>> 1152x870>> 1280x1024>> 1600x1200


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Temporary Housing
On-campus Housing
Off Campus Housing
Most leases end on May 31 and begin on June 1, and many landlords begin signing leases in January for the following June. Some leases begin on August 1, so try to arrive by July, if possible. Typically, finding off-campus housing in August takes about 1 week. The earlier you arrive in July, the more choices you will have.
The university offers a housing option for graduate students: Saucon Village Apartment Complex (3.5) miles south of campus over South Mountain , served by scheduled bus service). This is a smoke-free environment and especially useful for incoming students who don't have the time to look for off-campus housing when they first arrive. Saucon Village typically has a long waiting list, so apply early and check regularly with the Residential Services office for availability. All graduate student housing is assigned on a first-come, first serve basis. Becoming a roommate is one of the best strategies for getting a unit in the university owned Saucon Village Apartment Complex.
PLEASE NOTE: Animals, candles, and smoking are not allowed in campus housing managed by Residential Services.
Rental units in the South Side Bethlehem area around Lehigh are not especially expensive or difficult to find, depending on your price range and your willingness to have roommates. The Southside area around campus has very few one-bedroom or studio units. Most units are houses that are shared by 4-6 people and 2-3 bedroom apartments. The houses usually include utilities and a washing machine and dryer. Average monthly rent varies depending on whether you live:
NOTE: All rentals on the South Side are limited to two parking permits for street parking. If you do not receive one of the permits when you move in, you will have to pay for daily and over-night parking (campus garages, City of Bethlehem lots, or Mt. Top parking lot). Contact the Parking Services with questions about campus parking privileges (610-758-3893).
Off-Campus Housing Help
City of Bethlehem Bureau of Housing 610-865-7091, 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018
The City of Bethlehem Bureau of Housing provides on-site inspections of rental units. They also work to ensure that rental units are in compliance with city ordinances. For concerns about your unit, call Michael V. Palos, Chief, Bureau of Housing. Before moving in, you might want to call them to see if a rental unit has passed the City of Bethlehem in


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Find hotels in Hightstown using the list and search tools below. Search for cheap and discounted hotel and motel rates in or near Hightstown, NJ for your business or personal leisure travel. Discover the most popular Hightstown New Jersey hotel/motel rooms. Review the Hightstown hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. We also have a map of the Hightstown hotels. Booking 5+ Rooms? Find Hightstown Group Hotel DiscountsThe Hightstown center point is around 4 miles from Princeton Jct Amtrak and 6 miles from Palmer Stadium.
Hightstown Hotels, Motels & Accommodations
Next 20 Hightstown Hotels > [1 - 20 of 50]
Next: See My Hightstown Hotels with Pricing >


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text: The 15th annual "Christmas at Hilbert" celebration will feature a Live Nativity, scheduled for 2p.m. in the campus quad near McGrath Library. A children's Christmas party in the college's Hafner Recreation Center will immediately follow the Live Nativity. Santa will be available for free photos with children. Holiday-time activities will include arts and crafts, games and more. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.


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Full Tilt Poker Gets License Removed and Take Over Rumours 0
Posted on July 11, 2011 by mosesbet
In an even more shocking news story for Full Tilt Poker fans, the 2nd largest poker site in the world had its eGaming license removed in the end of June. The Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC), the body which licenses Full Tilt Poker, forced the online poker site to suspend all of its operations.
No new players can make a deposit or fund an account at Full Tilt Poker. Unlike the Friday Blackouts back in April 15th, the closure of Full Tilt Poker has also affected non-US players who are unable to log in, yet alone withdraw any money that was still in the poker.


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Science Matters
Understanding What You Breathe
EPA scientists are monitoring and analyzing air pollution to develop ways to trace pollutants to their source, and help air quality managers prioritize action.
Breathing is our one common constant. No matter what else you're doing, who you are, or where you happen to be at any given moment, you are always in some stage of breathing.
The average adult breathes in more than 3,000 gallons of air every day. While the quantity of air we all breathe may be roughly the same, the quality is not.
Millions of people live in areas, particularly cities, where air pollution—smog, particulate matter, ozone, and a mixture of pollutants—makes the very act of breathing a health concern.
The air we breathe can be polluted by a variety of sources, from power plants and other industry located hundreds of miles away, to sources closer to home such as motor vehicles on nearby roads, local industrial plants, and even lawnmowers in our own backyard. Knowing the sources of air pollution is important to health officials and air quality managers, who are always looking for effective ways to clean the air. For them, every breath is local.
EPA scientists are working to develop tools and models that can track air pollution to its source.
One such effort is the Cleveland Multiple Air Pollutant Study (CMAPS), a collaborative effort to investigate air pollution and the distribution of pollutants across Cleveland and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Cleveland was chosen as a study location because the city's air quality is affected by numerous local and regional air pollution sources. Additionally, existing air monitoring sites in Cleveland have shown pollution levels exceeding current national ambient air quality standards for particulate matter.
Through a combination of annual and intensive month-long studies, scientists are collecting data on a host of pollutants: particulate matter, mercury, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, black carbon (soot), and ammonia. Continuous measurements will provide researchers with detailed information on pollutant concentrations over time.
The scientists will analyze the air samples in search of chemical components that can be used, like a chemical fingerprint, to trace air pollutants back to their source.
"The combination of measurements taken provides new information on local, urban, and rural differences for a wide range of air pollutants," explains EPA's Dr. Gary Norris, one of the study's principal investigators.
The science can lead to more targeted, cost-effective clean air actions focused on local populations. For example, if analysis shows that motor vehicles are the main source of air pollution in a given area, then actions that reduce driving and call for new fuel mixtures would be effective. On the other hand, if scientists find that a particular industry is a primary source of air pollution for an area, then pollution-control equipment would be the best investment for cleaner air.
Either way, local residents would be breathing easier.


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2013 Mahabhuta Yoga Festival
14/11/13 09:51 Filed in: Events
Get Your Body And Mind Connected At the 2013 Mahabhuta Yoga Festival
By: Kelly Woodard
Find your inner Zen at the 2013 Mahabhuta Yoga Festival this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 15th-17th at the Sanders Beach Community Center, located at 913 South I Street in Pensacola. The 2nd Annual Mahabhuta Yoga Festival will host 24 regional yoga studios in an amazing 17,500 square foot state of the art water view facility.
There will be twenty-four yoga workshops over the weekend with the "Water" room suitable for 300 people and the "Serpent" room suitable for 75 people. In addition, there will be LED Hoop performances, a marionette show, henna artists, organic & vibrant food, numerous artists and yoga-inspired vendors.
The talented Sean Johnson & the Wild Lotus Band will offer Kirtan, a practice that involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments, on Friday evening, and on Saturday evening, Rising Appalachia will perform on location at Sanders Beach Community Center.
Pensacola was chosen to host the event for its' natural beauty and Southern charm, however the area also boast a tremendous amount of talented regional yoga teachers, artists, healers, and musicians. With several specialty yoga classes to choose from, there is sure to be something fun, new, and exciting to try, even for the most experienced yog-ees.
Get some are at the festival's Aerial yoga class. Aerial yoga employs a fabric hammock or "yoga swing" to enhance and deepen traditional yoga postures. Students will receive guidance and support in this beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the water. Enjoy the views of the festival as the swing cradles your body towards a relaxed state. The rhythmic and fluid nature of an Aerial yoga practice connects us to the strength and stability of our core, which allows you to fully release into the depths of surrender.
Sharpen your focus while strengthening your core at the Intro to Slackline yoga class. Come learn this award winning practice which redefines balance as you know it! In this 90 min playshop you'll learn the basics of the Slackasana series. This includes standing (commitment), kneeling (core strength), sitting (focus), arm balancing (breath), as well as exercises for more seasoned slackers to expand their comfort zone on the line. The Slackline Series is a unique practice that teaches complete body awareness, helping you to redefine your sense of balance and mental focus. This class is for all ages and skill levels; no experience of any kind required. Whether you are a slackline star or have never even heard of slackline before come discover why Yogaslackers Slacklining is one of the fastest growing and most popular yoga practices in the country!
Tickets are on sale now by visiting www.mahabhutayogafestival.com. Single workshop tickets are just $35 or you can buy a workshop bulk pass. A 4 workshop pass is $135, a 6 workshop pass is $200, and an 8 workshop pass is $270. Be sure to purchase your specialty passes for acupuncture for $75, an aerial workshop for $30, reflexology for $75, and 60 minute spa sessions for $75.
A portion of all the proceeds will fund the Mahabhuta Yoga Foundation which will fund a scholarship for a Gulf Coast resident to participate in a local yoga teacher training from one of the participating studios.
For more information or for a full schedule of events, visit www.mahabhutayogafestival.com or call 850-279-4102.


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The Buckinghams to play SylvaniaWritten by Vicki L. Kroll | | firstname.lastname@example.com
Bringing back memories, making fans feel like dancing and thinking about romancing — The Buckinghams are still playing their songs.
It's been more than four decades since the band from Chicago launched an assault on the charts. In 1967 and 1968, radios blared "Kind of a Drag," "Don't You Care," "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy," "Hey Baby, They're Playing Our Song" and "Susan."
"We were fortunate that they were good songs, they were arranged, they were right for the times," said guitarist and singer Carl Giammarese. "I think the reason why they're still played today and we still get a really great turnout for concerts is because the baby boomers, our fan base, have been very supportive through the years. They still want to hear our music."
And original members Giammarese and bass player and vocalist Nick Fortuna are happy to oblige.
"We still enjoy what we're doing. I don't think I could do this at this point in my life if it were a drudgery to do. I still enjoy entertaining, and I still enjoy seeing people's faces light up when they hear a certain song," Giammarese said during a call from Philadelphia en route to a show in Ocean City, N.J.
"Traveling gets a little tough when you're our age now, but we get by," he added and laughed "We're still in pretty good shape."
The Buckinghams will roll into Sylvania with the Happy Together Tour Aug. 5 for a 7:30 p.m. concert. The bill also features The Turtles, The Association, The Grass Roots and Mark Lindsay. Tickets are $37.50 and $21.50; day of the show, tickets will be $30. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Later this year, Giammarese's biography, "Reinventing The Buckinghams: My Journey," will be released. He co-wrote the book with Dawn Lee Wakefield.
"The bulk of the book is about The Buckinghams and what we went through — the ups and downs, the successes, the failures, the things we had to deal with. Some of it is kind of tragic, serious, you know, the classic story of getting ripped off by the establishment — the record companies and managers. And there are a lot of funny things that happened along the way," he said.
"[The book] has a lot to do with reinventing The Buckinghams as myself and Nick Fortuna have gone through," continued Giammarese, who took over lead vocals in 1982. "We've had quite a few personnel changes through the years; it talks about the fact that I think we've had 25 or more different members in the band, but there's always been some original member there."
A CD will go along with the book. Giammarese said he recorded the hits and songs that were significant to him in an unplugged format.
"I wanted to capture a more intimate feeling, like singing to family and friends, just playing the songs with my guitar and my voice."
Tags: Happy Together Tour, Mark Lindsay, Sylvania, The Association, The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots, The Turtles


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But an uneven performance proved costly as the Demons took a 61-51 victory to improve to 6-6 overall and 2-1 in 2B-AAAAA to take over second behind Northside, which is 15-4 and 4-0.
The Greyhounds, who beat Monticello 64-48 in a non-region game at home on Saturday, are 9-9 overall and 1-2 in the subregion. They host Houston County, 8-10 and 0-4, on Friday night.
"We didn't play hard enough to win," coach Dennis Woolfolk said after Friday's loss. "We're hosting the region tournament, and we need to be first or second going in to be in good position to make a run. And we lose to Warner Robins. That's a team we should be able to beat. But you don't win if you only play hard in spurts.
"I'm trying to figure it out, how to make them understand. We had a great week of practice, but we didn't bring the effort to the game. We can't keep sleepwalking through half a game. We have to play hard all the time. You've got to have a certain toughness to be a champion. We will get there. I hope this year, with this group. I think once we get it we'll be more consistent. But we aren't there yet."
Doug West led the Greyhounds with 19 points against Warner Robins. Jarquez Smith added 12 but had to sit out a good bit of the third quarter when he got into foul trouble. Brandon Wimberly scored 11.
For the full story, pick up a copy of this week's newspaper or subscribe to our e-Edition at http://ee.jcnews.com.


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"I have upgraded to a CK10S today and the difference is remarkable! Although still a novice this will encourage me to play much more I'm sure! Also special thanks to your (UK) dealer Southern Ukuleles near Bournemouth, who were very informative in helping me choose this one - the perfect uke for me right now!"
– Steve U
"Been playing the TK-50WG ! Nice sound and excellent finish ! Beautifull instrument !"
– Jürgen S
"I ordered Ohana TK20CE and I am very satisfied... now i will buy just Ohana ukes I think... great work Ohana!"
– Matus
"I just love my Ohana!"
– Lucy
"Just purchased an SK 21 sopranino from one of your dealers and it is perfectly set up right out of the box . My last 2 Ukes cost me over 100.00 to correct their problems and set them up. Ohana will be my uke of choice in the future !"
– mark
""You cannot go wrong with any Ohana. Heck... the SK-10BL uke Ken gave has turned into my favorite go to uke lately! I don't have to be so careful with it, and it sounds super--the intonation is great.""
– Mim's Ukes
""You make an affordable line of solid mahogany ukes that sound good and are a great value.""
– Jack L.
""I live just outside of Philadelphia and I just wanted to let you know that I am totally in love with my ck-25. It is such a great instrument that I just felt I had to tell someone! I've had it for just about a year now and could not be happier.""
– Tim
""I have several other ukuleles, but my Ohanas are by far my favorite. They have great volume, action, and intonation. They far outperform even more expensive ukuleles. Your Vita-Uke is my favorite."
– Jason H.
""I just wanted to say thank you for putting a link to my video on your website. You made me feel so special and appreciated. I really adore my ukulele, it is a pleasure to play it." "
– Paulina S
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Customer Reviews Summary
(based on 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
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Great wine assortment
By Alice Morgan
from La Habra, CA
See all my reviews
Comments about Cabernet, Chardonnay and Moet & Chandon Champagne:
We knew the customer we were sending this to was a wine connoisseur so we wanted to be sure to impress - and we did. Probably not a good choice for your average, everyday gift because of the price.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Was this review helpful? Yes / No
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Comment on this review
Excellent Gift
By Linda
from St. Petersburg, Florida
Great Gift to say Thank-You for a special person. She was very overwhelmed with this beautiful gift as it came right on time. She loved ever thing in the basket and was very appreciative of the gift. You can't go wrong with this gift!
Cabernet,Chardonnay and Moet &Chandon
By k
from New Jersey
Awesome gift for a wedding Celebration for loved ones far away! It showed we care and wish were were able to attend the festivities but due to distance were not able to attend. They appreciated and love the gift! It was perfect!
Great basket, great deal.
By Mrs Z
from Miami
Arrived on time, in tact, wine in good shape (no travel shock), fresh food. A hit with the recipient.
Perfect for an Important Birthday
By David
from Grand Rapids, MI
This was perfect for a friend's "significant birthday". Great high quality wine and food, in a great presentation. It made everyone happy!
My recipient loved it
By Mike
from Prosper, TX
Client sent a thank you message and said "I do not know where you purchased this, but I would highly recommend this gift to anyone. We love it!"
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
By EC
from Midwest
This basket was exactly what we expected! Beautiful presentation, great products (some well-known), and loved the basket itself! Given as a Christmas Gift from a Leadership Team to the GM. He loved it! Thanks again for the 2nd year in a row of excellence! Your baskets are the best!
For the friend who has everything...
By mrc
from Rome, GA
We have familiy members who literally have everything they need, and everything they want. But since they appreciate good wines (and Jordan is our favorite cab), this was the perfect gift. We use Wine Country Gift Baskets for lots of occasions and as always, this arrived on time and looked just like the photo.
Excellent Customer Service!
By KWR
from Boca Raton, FL
When my gift could not be delivered on time, a representative contacted me right away and asked for a daytime address to send it to. The gift arrived a little late, but not late enough to be unappreciated! Outstanding job for Customer Service on my order, thank you so much!


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A refreshing departure from the ordinary, this adorable Giraffe Book Case adds a fun look kids will love! Keep books, toys, and more organized on four roomy shelves.
A balance of playfulness and sophisticated design, the P'kolino Safari Collection is ideal for little ones ages 3 to 6 years. Colorful, animal silhouettes make for a playful yet sophisticated design, suitable for playrooms and bedrooms alike. Create a play space where creativity can run wild!
- Age: 3 years and older
- Materials: Fiber Board with Wood Veneer
- Dimensions: 13"L x 26"W x 41"H.
- Weight: 40 lbs.
Gift Wrap not available.


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Carrie. Sad and intresting at the same time.
This message board is only an archive. Click here to go to the current message board.
Carrie. Sad and intresting at the same time.
Tough call between Stand by Me and The Shawshank Redemption
I absolute hated The Shining nothing at all like the book the mini series was much better IMO. I loved The Mist, Misery and really disliked the recent Bag of Bones. I also really loved IT
Misery, loved it!
I didn't see this group thread before I had just posted my last item. I'm a first-timer, so please forgive me.
My favorite Stephen King movie, that's a tough one. I'll post later once I've thought about it. I do want to say, however, that tonight I've been watching: Creepshow, and I've gotta tell ya, I forgot how creepy, yet funny this movie was! It is a compilation of short stories. The short story titled: The Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill, was super funny! It stars Stephen King and he is simply HILARIOUS in it! It had been may years since I had seen it; it came out in 1982. I definitely forgot how scary, funny, and yes, a bit corny it was. If you haven't seen it or it has been awhile since, you may want to have a look-see. I remember reading the book in high school, along with: Skeleton Crew.
Jen (Yankeejen)
For horror, Salem's Lot is my favorite.
All time fave is Shawshank Redemption
Kathy Bates is one of my all time favorites!
in no particular order....
stand by me
the shining (kubrick vers...not the tv one)
the dead zone (cronenberg...not the tv show)
carrie (depalma vers)
and 'salems lot (tobe hooper/david soul vers.) is by far the single best tv adaption, imho
Overall, Shawshank...Scary wise, Silver Bullet


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With Condon and Matthies, UCLA won two AIAW Championships in 1974 and 1975.
Lowe had a team-best 79 points during the five-match tournament finals.
Lowe has helped the U.S. to an undefeated mark, while Love is the top point-getter for Canada.
The Bruins will play 12 times at home (seven at Pauley, five at Wooden) and 16 times on television.
Ker takes over the full-time role previously held by Stein Metzger, who will focus solely on sand.


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Vitor Belfort made his UFC debut at nineteen years old in 1997 and sixteen years later is still fighting a top level and maybe the best he's ever been. Now thirty five years old, Belfort shows no signs of his age and if up to him, we'll see him in the Octagon for as long as possible:
"I believe in joy," said Belfort. "When I step into the octagon and I don't feel the pleasure and I don't feel the adrenaline and the purpose, I think it will be time to stop.
"I made a plan to go into my 40s, so that's kind of the plan. So I like to plan things. I believe the more you plan, the more you succeed."


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|San Diego, CA
|High School:
|Eastlake HS
In her first season at CSUN, Marquez went 1-10 in singles action and 1-6 in doubles play … her singles win came against Middlebury … teamed with Jessica Warren to defeat Cal Poly on April 7.
San Jose State
Played one season of tennis for the Spartans ... played at No. 2 doubles and No. 5 and No. 6 singles.
Eastlake High School
Played four seasons of tennis for the Titans ... graduated in 2011.
Born on Nov. 9, 1993 ... daughter of Susana and Armando Marquez ... has one sister Giselle, and one brother, Armando Jr. ... favorites include the San Francisco Giants, Jennifer Lopez, "The Vampire Diaries" and sushi ... advice to young people is "don't go living life pleasing others; your happiness comes first" ... majoring in Mechanical Engineering.


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(NOTE: If you're looking for our article on Atmosphere, we've run into a slight technical difficulty and will post it tonight or tomorrow, so please check back!)
Country music legend Willie Nelson returns to Bend's Les Schwab Amphitheater tonight. Hippies, cowboys, stoners, punks, grandmas and teens alike love Willie, one of the most accomplished singers and songwriters of the past half-century, regardless of genre. Here he is talking about the songs on his new record "Country Music," an album of country standards.
"You hear all kinds of ideas about country music: This is country, or this is, or that was and this ain't. And it's all a matter of opinion. But in my opinion, this is the original country music. So I'm really excited for people to hear it. There are so many great songs in every category — pop, country, bluegrass, whatever. There are a lot of great standards to choose from. Fortunately I've lived long enough to know them all, I think. I just love singing those songs."
My colleague David Jasper wrote about Willie's long and storied career. Click here to read it.
I spent my Sunday afternoon taking in the final day of the Sisters Folk Festival, where I saw Po' Girl, Chris Kokesh & Brokentop, The Makepeace Brothers and the wonderful Slaid Cleaves. As is always the case at one of Central Oregon's best events, I had a great time.
(Cleaves) wore a purple button-down shirt and dark slacks that I thought looked like church clothes, so I smiled when he knowingly began his Sunday set with a couple of gospel tunes, one by Woody Guthrie ("This Morning I Am Born Again") and one original that covered the world of religions and sounded quite Hank Sr.-ish, a fact Cleaves acknowledged up front.
That one is so new, Cleaves flubbed several lines at the end, a mistake he blew off with characteristic wit. From there, though, it was smooth sailing as he played a set of frequently requested "workplace disaster songs," including the devastatingly gorgeous "Lydia" (about coalminers' deaths) and "Breakfast in Hell," an epic, true story with a brawny audience-participation part.
I hope you'll click here and read the whole thing.
Elsewhere in this week's music section: Guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy plays two shows, one in Redmond and one in La Pine, crossover thrash pioneers D.R.I. visit the Domino Room, rockabilly artist Ruby Dee brings her Snakehandlers to Bend, McMenamins Old St. Francis School plans a busy week of live music, and the Bend Roots Revival kicks off Thursday night with shows at five different venues around town. (Look for lots more on Bend Roots in next week's GO!)
Can't find anything above that interests you? Check out The Bulletin's complete music listings.


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Melissa Magill
|Staten Island, N.Y.
|High School:
|St. Joseph Hill Academy
2009-2010: Did not compete in any meets.
2008-2009: Did not compete in any meets.
High School: Played four seasons of varsity golf at St. Joseph Hill Academy under head coach John Noce ... Two-time team captain as a junior and senior ... 2007 CHSAA Conference All-Star ... Team won the 2008 regional championship ... Three-time Coaches Award winner (2005-2008) ... Team placed second in the district from 2006-2008 ... Also earned high school's Lt. Nick Lia Award for Character ... Graduated within the top 10 percent of her high school class.
Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Catherine Magill ... Majoring in History at Holy Cross.


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RGZ10220 In Stock
With dancing lights and a deep blue glow, this sapphire ice sterling silver and cubic zirconia anniversary band displays itself with a stature for all to see. The two rows of cubic zirconias that line the edge catch the light with gleeful abandon as the center row blushes deeply with its own color. The ring itself weighs a total of 8.1 grams and has a total carat weight of 6.2 carats. The rhodium finished sterling silver adds a soft tender luster as well as prevents any tarnishing. With style and pure grace, this sapphire ice sterling silver and CZ anniversary band is a great piece to wear to any occasion.
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.


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Italian Gas Stations (and prices) + Google Maps - pienorisparmio.it is a new Italian project that maps gas stations and current prices. It lists gas stations in Milano, Roma, Napoli, Torino, Bari, Palermo and Firenze
Italian Travel Blog Viaggioadagio mashes up blog posts with Google Maps (WARNING - loads slowly)
Champagne House Directory Mashup
Blog Post: French Wine Country locations
UneInvitation.com now uses Google Maps
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Germany - They have also created a map of Hot Air Balloon Rides for all of Europe!
Eircom's DSL-enabled exchanges + Google Maps
Google Maps + Lycos Route Planner Tool
Adoos Madrid/Spain Housing Mashup - More info here..
BedAndBreakfasts.co.uk - Google Maps based Bed & Breakfast search
5 buildings of Faculté Polytechnique de Mons mapped


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RG10391 In Stock
"Our father who art in heaven hallowed be thy name..." is just the beginning of the Lord's prayer to awaken the spirit of faith. Sandblasted into the matte finish of this 7mm stainless steel ring, the Lord's prayer appears in its complete form and features a small cross centered within the prayer. A great communion gift or to be treasured as a wedding band, this inspirational comfort fit ring is perfect for man or woman.
Eve's Addiction.com wants you to be a happy customer. We want you to be completely satisfied with the sterling silver jewelry that you receive from us, as we only sell high quality silver and cubic zirconia cz jewelry. We do understand that you may not like your purchase for some reason.
You may return or exchange your jewelry within 60 days of purchase if you are not satisfied with it. The jewelry must be returned in its original condition for a refund or exchange. Engraved, personalized, photo, monogram, name and initial, chocolate and clearance items are not returnable or exchangeable.