<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML><HEAD>
<META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=us-ascii">
<META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16735" name=GENERATOR></HEAD>
<BODY>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>November 7, 2008<?xml:namespace prefix =
o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Dear Parents,
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>We have learned that the State Board of
Education will be voting to require students to pass a “High Stakes Science
Test” in order to graduate from high school.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We have been led to believe in various
memos from the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education
that this would begin with the class of 2013.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>We just received a memo that the Board
will be voting to start the requirement with the class of 2012.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Based on our memos from the state we
have anticipated and begun planning for implementation of this high stakes
testing in Science for the current 8th grade students which is the class of
2013.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>It is important to note that this “high
stakes test” is not required by No Child Left Behind, and <SPAN
class=974101015-07112008>would be</SPAN> delivered as an “integrated test”.
<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The state required standards
based curriculum that is delivered in schools statewide is not integrated.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For example, this integrated test would
include information about all of the Sciences including Life Science, Physical
Science, Earth Science, Biology, etc.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The test would be given in the 10th grade and some of the material
covered on the test is delivered in the seventh grade (Life Science).
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Our programming is comprehensive and
teachers make sure that all students receive a quality and extensive experience
that will help them be successful in Science and all other courses.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The decision to add one more hurdle for
graduation will affect every student at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Moscow</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType
w:st="on">Junior High School<SPAN class=974101015-07112008> and
beyond.</SPAN></st1:PlaceType></st1:place></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>It is vitally important that you contact
the State Board of Education to voice your concerns regarding this matter. <SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><U><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">The deadline for input is November
14</SPAN></U></B><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please take a minute or two and let the
State Board of Education know your feelings before this very important
vote.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Contact
information:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Mike Rush Executive Director of the
SBOE- </FONT><A title=mailto:mike.rush@osbe.idaho.gov
href="mailto:mike.rush@osbe.idaho.gov"><FONT
size=3>mike.rush@osbe.idaho.gov</FONT></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Tracie Bent Planning, Policy and HR
Officer- </FONT><A title=mailto:tracie.bent@osbe.idaho.gov
href="mailto:tracie.bent@osbe.idaho.gov"><FONT
size=3>tracie.bent@osbe.idaho.gov</FONT></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Board Members: </FONT><A
title=mailto:board@osbe.idaho.gov href="mailto:board@osbe.idaho.gov"><FONT
size=3>board@osbe.idaho.gov</FONT></A><o:p></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Milford</SPAN></st1:City></st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> Terrell, President<o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Paul Agidius, Vice
President<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Sue Thilo,
Secretary<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Blake Hall,
Member<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Kenneth Edmunds,
Member<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Richard Westerberg,
Member<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Roderic Lewis,
Member<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Tom Luna, Ex-Officio
Member<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Mailing Address:
<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Post Office Box
83720<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Boise</SPAN></st1:City><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State w:st="on">Idaho</st1:State>
<st1:PostalCode w:st="on">83720-0037</st1:PostalCode></SPAN></st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Physical
Address:<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><st1:Street
w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">650 West State
Street</SPAN></st1:address></st1:Street><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Boise</SPAN></st1:City><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">, <st1:State
w:st="on">Idaho</st1:State></SPAN></st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Fax:
208-334-2632<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Main SBOE office telephone:
208-334-2270<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=3> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><FONT size=3>Dale Kleinert,
Principal<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on"><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Moscow</SPAN></st1:PlaceName><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Junior High
School</st1:PlaceType></SPAN></st1:place><SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3> </FONT></o:p></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>