DANTES Redesigned Website

DIB

DANTES INFORMATION BULLETIN

NOV/DEC

2018

FIND VOLED INFORMATION FASTER AND EASIER DANTES Redesigned Website

In this issue: DANTES Website 2 Redesign Hot News

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Troops to Teachers

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Counselors Corner

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Contact Information

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Taheesha Quarells, Communications Division, DANTES ften times, the easiest place to find military education professional in mind. opportunities for innovation is by Defense education programs help listening to customers and stakeholders. military students meet goals in every DANTES spent considerable time stage of their military career. Military analyzing thousands of questions and education counselors and career advicomments from service members, sors are there to help students find the veterans, and VolEd professionals as most efficient ways to reach professionwell as website analytics to determine al and educational goals. DANTES is one customer information needs. This Defense education resource available needs assessment was a vital step in 24/7 and at no-cost to the military sturedesigning the DANTES website. The dent. Our organization strives to ensure new DANTES website was launched the Services and its’ military members September 1, 2018 to meet the needs know the education benefits available of various audience groups, address to them. In that endeavor, DANTES has restructured its website to help both frequently asked questions. students and counselors easily locate What does Redesigned mean? the information needed to take advanThe redesigned DANTES website oftage of and share the wide variety of fers a straightforward and easy-to-find Defense education programs available. format with the military student and

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Let’s Tour the Website...

Here are some of the changes to look for on the newly, redesigned website:

DANTES Help Desk always available in the lower right

DIB Newsletter and Social Media icons easily accessible on the left side

Service seals on the bottom take you directly to

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Contact and Seach capability centrally located at the top • Top Navigation Panel delivers easy access to the following: οο οο

οο οο

Direct link to the MyVolEdPath Mobile Application page Education counselors can be found by entering a Service, region, or postal code information, all within a selected radius of 50 - 100 miles Contact DANTES and ask a question with one click Search the entire website

• Left Icon Panel is available throughout the website, on every page, for access to the following: οο οο οο οο

DIB Newsletter – Monthly information for Sevice education counselors.

Contact a Counselor – This is so important, we have it located in various places throughout the website.

Find a Test Center – This information is always easy to locate.

Social Media Buttons – Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn

• Bottom Right for Help: The 24/7 Help Desk is always there to answer your questions.

• Bottom Navigation Panel with Service seals:

This offers easy access to the Military One Source VolEd page and all of the Service VolEd pages • Home Tab: DANTES’ defense education programs are separated into each stage of the Voluntary Education (VolEd) journey and each section is clickable to reveal more information.

• About Tab: Offers two selections to choose from - About and Leadership. The About section helps visitors learn about the VolEd mission and provides important links to the Post secondary Education Complaint System (PECS), Service VolEd pages and Military One Source VolEd information. The Leadership section introduces visitors to DANTES leadership.

• Education Programs Tab: This tab looks just like the Home tab. As stated previously, Defense programs are separated here by the stages that military members may take during their career with relation to education and professional development. It starts with Prep for College and ends with the Defense program for transitioning to the classroom in a second career as a teacher.

• Program Bars: As you click on each program bar, you will find the programs that are most beneficial to the military member at this stage of the education journey.

o Services Voluntary Education resources

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Steps to Follow: At the bottom of the program pages, there are steps to follow to help a military student easily access and understand how to proceed.

Videos: On the right of most program pages, a visitor will find videos providing a quick visual summary of the program. These videos can all be found under the Resources tab as well. “Need Help?� Blue Boxes: Help boxes are also located to the right on each program page as well.

These are blue boxes are found throughout the program pages and provide a point of contact (POC), phone number, and email information if the visitor has further questions.

Financial Assistance Tab: The cost of pursuing a college education and/or career credentials can vary significantly from school to school and student to student. This page includes resources available to 4

military members to help cover education costs.

Counselor and School Reps Tab: This page was created specifically to assist military education professionals. As an Education Services Officer (ESO), education counselor, education specialist, and school rep, you have the distinct privilege of assisting military members with their education and career path. On this tab, DANTES has provided a variety of program tools and resources to help you stay informed and up to date on Defense education support programs. It includes everything from support tools and program materials to publications and how to establish a national test center. It also includes an active feed for the DANTES Facebook page.

Resources Tab: Whether setting career goals or pursuing a college degree, military members will

undoubtedly have questions throughout their journey ahead. The resources available on this page will help to answer a variety of questions from finding an education counselor and frequently asked questions (FAQs) to finding a teaching job with Troops to Teachers and the DIB newsletter. You’ll notice that these resources also have links in other places on the website, but they are all accessible in this one location for ease of use.

Blog Tab: The DANTES4military blog or service member blog is now part of the DANTES website.

The blog is a tool that education counselors can use to find answers to questions and to send military students to for additional program information. The blog is also set up in the same VolEd stages that service members may take during their career when it comes to education and professional development goals. Members have the option to search via the individual sections or see all of the articles at once.

Desktop, Pad, or Mobile Device: It is important to note that the website is accessible on all devices. We hope you will access the website on various devices to become familiar with its usability and to determine which works best for you.

DANTES redesigned the website with you, the education professional, and the military student in mind.

It is our goal to provide accessible Defense program information all in one place to help make your jobs easier and increase website traffic. More website traffic means more service members are learning about their no-cost education benefits. We encourage you to review the website and give us your feedback. If we can make it easier to find information, we will certainly try. Please send your comments to dantes_ outreach@navy.mil or use one of the tools available on the website.

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Unofficial CLEP® College Composition Score Reports No Longer Mailed

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s of October 15, 2018, unofficial paper copies of CLEP® College Composition score reports are no longer being mailed to test takers.

Military personnel who took the College Composition exam on or after October 5, 2018, will instead receive an email once their scores are available on the CLEP My Account Registration Portal. To view revised scoring and score availability dates, visit the College Composition Scoring and Score Availability page.

College Composition scores are typically available online one to two weeks after the exam date, so test takers no longer need to wait for scores to arrive through the mail.

To view scores, candidates must log in using the same information they used to register. Once logged in, they click on My CLEP Account and then select My CLEP Exam Scores. If test takers would like paper copies of their scores, they need to click on the Print button above the score table on the My CLEP Exam Scores page.

For official CLEP transcripts, military personnel must download the military transcript order form and mail the completed form to the address on the form, along with a certified check, money order, or credit card payment of $30 for each transcript requested, payable to Prometric.

If you have any questions, email us at clep@collegeboard.org.

Hot News

Tutor.com

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he Department of Defense Voluntary Education Pilot for tutoring services ended on September 30, 2018. Tutoring services for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members will continue with funding provided by the respective service. Contact your Education Center with questions about tutoring sessions or visit https://military.tutor.com for more information.

ACT Reminder

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efore placing an order for ACT test materials, look in your safe. The 2017-2018 ACT test booklets expired on October 31, 2018 and cannot be used after that date; obsolete test booklets must also be postmarked for return to the testing agency prior to October 31, 2018.

Per the DANTES Examination Program Handbook (DEPH) Part II, ACT Chapter 2, TCOs are reminded to ensure obsolete and unused answer folders are destroyed properly per service destruction guidelines. The following also apply: ACT exams are: • not automatically distributed each year • not distributed until all previous years materials are received and cleared at ACT • Reusable only at stocking DANTES test sites.

• Ordered using the ACT DANTES Order Form

DANTES stocking test sites will need to amend their inventory to reflect the return of testing materials. Remember, new test materials will not be sent until ACT reconciles your inventory.

To order 2018-2019 ACT materials, see page II-1-7 of the DEPH, ACT Chapter 2. The current year version of test booklets and orders forms no longer reflect a combined 3-digit number/letter code.

Questions about returning and ordering ACT test booklets may be directed to exams@navy.mil

Updates to Packaging and Distribution for the ACT® Test DANTES Testing

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eginning on September 1, 2018, ACT has modified processes regarding packaging and distribution of materials.

Due to these updates, you may notice some small differences in your shipping materials, such as, changed packing lists, shipping labels, and boxes, as you receive test material orders for DANTES testing. Please continue to follow all material receipt and return processes as normal. Once the new testing year begins, please review instructions regarding returning of materials as provided in The ACT® Test Administration Manual DANTES Testing and the DEPH. If you have concerns upon receipt of materials, please feel free to contact us at ACT_DANTES@ act.org.

Troops to Teach

Military Members Have the STEM Skills Needed in U.S. Classrooms

By Kim Day, Director, Troops to Teachers

STEM he Department of Defense (DoD) has been at the cutting edge of our nation’s most advanced technological breakthroughs for decades. The legacy of defense innovation includes the Internet, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), virtual reality, voice recognition technology, autonomous vehicles, and cloud computing. Today, more than ever before, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is critical to the success of U.S. military missions. In fact, the unparalleled technical skills and hands-on training that service members gain in the military cannot be matched anywhere else. Whether an Officer or enlisted service member, specialized STEM skills are part of every service members job. Commissioned Officers are managers,

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problem solvers, key influencers and planners who lead service members in all situations. Enlisted members perform a wide variety of functions that require the application of analytical thinking and problem-solving to ensure the success of their mission.

MILITARY SERVICE TO COMMUNITY SERVICE But what happens to these acquired skills once a member retires or separates from the military? Many service members find these skills naturally transfer to a career in teaching STEM. For instance, Air Force veteran, Dan Ganoza, recently named the 2018 Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Association of Science Teachers, continues to serve his community and tomorrow’s youth by providing learning experiences that engage students in the real world applications of science.

hers Spotlight classroom, especially in STEM. TTT staff are eager to help identify the best path to teaching a STEM subject by providing counseling and guidance with meeting education requirements, employment facilitation, and financial assistance, if eligibility is met. Visit the TTT website for more information, www.proudtoserveagain.com Once a TTT participant becomes a teacher, the Defense Department has many programs designed to help spark student interest in STEM areas.

These programs connect STEM education in the classroom to the exciting careers and challenging opportunities that come with safeguarding our country. Learn more about the following teacher/ student classroom DoD resources by visiting: http://www.dodstem.us/about http://www.navystemfortheclassroom.com/ about http://www.usace.army.mil/STEM-ED/ http://www.usaeop.com/ https://afstem.afciviliancareers.com/k-12-programs

With the help of the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program, which prepares military veterans for teaching careers, Ganoza became a biology, environmental science, and global science teacher, who is discovering the beauty of science along with his students.

His enthusiasm for science inspires and helps his students make sense of those difficult concepts in science. Read the article‌ https://gazette. com/news/air-force-veteran-awarded-classroom-medal-science-teacher-of-the/article_ 47b630a8-d249-11e8-8bc8-6bcf92c960d8.html TTT AND STEM There is always a need for great teachers like Mr. Ganoza and for STEM teachers. TTT is standing by to assist eligible military members in transitioning to a career in teaching. Members are encouraged to partner with TTT to discover how the skills they have gained in the military can transfer to the

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Counselor Corner DANTES Website Redesign... The Troops to Teachers page.

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Click on pictures below to see Fact Sheets...

Why Teach?

Make a difference in young people’s lives Use your experience to bring subjects to life Help students realize their potential Positively impact your local community

Troops to Teachers What is Troops to Teachers?

Troops to Teachers was established in 1994 to assist transitioning service members in beginning new careers as school teachers. The Department of Defense program provides counseling and referral services for participants to help them meet education and licensing requirements to teach, and subsequently helps them secure a teaching position. Since 1994, more than 19,000 veterans have successfully transitioned to a career in education. Additionally, more than 2,000 veterans are currently enrolled in teacher certification programs and will be seeking employment as teachers in the coming years.*

What do veterans bring to the table?

When you hire a veteran, you bring unmatched skills, experiences and dedication to your schools and students. Traits leading to a successful military career — team leadership, initiative, discipline, integrity and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment — naturally transfer to success in the classroom.

Veterans can provide your schools and students with the following advantages: •

Opportunity to learn from real-world experiences to enhance instruction and provide a valuable perspective as young people develop skills for life

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Exceptional classroom management to meet the overall needs of diverse learning environments and positively impact student achievement

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Effective interaction with parents, community members, and other teachers and staff

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Valuable resource for teachers and administrators in understanding the challenges facing military children

*Troops to Teachers National Office, Fiscal 2014.

s Meet personnel shortage in critical subject areas: • Math • Science • Special education s • Foreign language l education • Career and technica

Careers After Military Service

Hiring Officials Information Sheet

The Troops to Teachers Program Troops to Teachers (TTT) is a military career transition program that helps eligible members of the armed forces begin new careers as K-12 public school teachers.

Skills acquired in the military like leadership, initiative, discipline, integrity, and the ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment are a natural fit for the classroom.

Learn more about Troops to Teachers at http://www.proudtoserveagain.com.

Updated 3/21/2016

The Program Provides: Counseling and Referral Assistance - guidance on state teacher certification and education requirements leading to employment opportunities

Why Hire Veterans?

• Increase employment retention rates • Provide diversity among teaching staff • Adaptable and a natural fit for the classroom • Relieve critical need shortages

Financial Assistance - if eligible, a stipend of up to $5,000 to obtain education, certification or licensing; and a bonus of up to $10,000 to teach in qualifying schools (combination of stipend and bonus may not exceed $10,000)

Teaching is an option for every Service member looking for a rewarding career after the military.

Veterans Who Become Teachers • Make a difference in young people's lives • Use real-world experience to bring subjects to life • Help students realize their potential • Positively impact the local community.

updated: 3/12/2018

WHAT IS TROOPS

Learn more about Troops to Teachers at http://www.proudtoserveagain.com or www.facebook.com/TTT.DANTES/

TO TEACHERS

Created to help military members and veterans become K-12th grade school teachers

CERTIFICATION COUNSELING

Vision

EMPLOYMENT REFERRAL

Every service member interested in a career in teaching will receive assistance to transition his or her leadership, training, and core values to teaching in kindergarten through grade twelve schools.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Troops to Teachers (TTT) program provides eligible military members and veterans with counseling, employment facilitation, and financial support services to help the transition from military service to employment as K-12 teachers.

Mission •

Established by Congress to provide transition assistance for military members

Since 1993, more than 22,000 veterans have successfully transitioned to a career in education

1993

WHO DO WE

SERVE Helps military members and veterans teach in public, charter, and Bureau of Indian Affairs schools

www.proudtoserveagain.com

Department of Defense and DANTES assume management of program operations

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY

Reduces veteran unemployment

TTT.DANTES

TTT_DANTES

TODAY

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2013 NATIONAL GUARD

Increases the number of male and minority teachers

www.dantes.doded.mil

RESERVE

Assist transitioning service members with meeting the requirements necessary to become teachers Assist program participants with finding employment as a teacher when eligible

VETERANS

Helps alleviate teacher shortages in areas that serve low income families

DANTES.DoD

@DANTES_DoD

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DANTES Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support

DANTES OCONUS European Advisor (Contingency Operation Support)

6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL 32509 (850) 452-1901

DANTES_Outreach@navy.mil

mil

011-49-611-143-544-1230/1210

usarmy.badenwur.usareur.mbx.dantes-euro@mail.

www.DANTES.DoDed.mil DANTES4Military.Education

DANTES INFORMATION BULLETIN

DANTESpulse.DoDlive.mil

DANTES Information Bulletin The DANTES Information Bulletin is published to inform education personnel about DANTES programs and to help promote more efficient customer service to service members.

Email all inquiries to DANTES_Outreach@navy.mil.

Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the United States Government, except that copyrighted materials cannot be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by DANTES of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

Jeff Allen, Director Michelle Alexander, Editor