Obama tells students: Discover new passions

Bill Turque
The Washington Post
September 28, 2011

For an incumbent president facing a tough reelection campaign, no public appearance is completely free of political content. But President Obama’s annual back-to-school speech to the nation’s students, delivered Wednesday at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School in Northwest Washington, was about as close as it gets.

In a 20-minute address to Banneker’s 415 students, streamed live to schools across the country by the White House, Obama urged students to take their work seriously but also to experiment.

“That’s what school’s for. Discovering new passions,” Obama said, speaking under the basketball backboard in a packed gym turned steamy from the extra lighting.

“That’s why one hour you can be an artist; the next, an author; the next, a scientist,” he said. “Or a historian. Or a carpenter. This is the time when you can try out new interests and test new ideas.”

Obama told students he didn’t want to be “another adult who stands up to lecture you like you’re just kids,” prefacing a series of fairly lecture-like remarks.

Read more HERE.

Banana Man Principal Resigns

PotomacLocal.com
September 27, 2011

Stafford, Va. – The principal at the center of the now infamous Banana Man controversy no longer has a job with Stafford County schools.

Dr. Karen Spillman, former Principal of Colonial Forge High School in Stafford, handed in her resignation to the Stafford County School Board on Tuesday night.

Spilllman came into the spotlight last week after she ordered a suspension for 14-year-old Bryan Thompson – a student at Colonial Forge who donned a banana costume and ran down the football field during halftime Sept. 16. After threatening to suspend Thompson for an entire year, the student was reinstated in his school after serving half of his 10 day suspension, and an apology was issued by the county school superintended [sic] after Spillman disciplined students who wore t-shirts that stated “free Banana Man” following Thompson’s suspension.

Read more HERE.

Victory: Indiana School Agrees to Cease Subjecting Students to Intrusive Mental Health Surveys Without Written Parental Consent

The Rutherford Institute News
Press Release
September 26, 2011

PORTAGE, Ind.— Officials with the Portage Township School Corporation have agreed to cease their practice of having students complete mental health and suicide surveys without their parents' written consent after being warned by attorneys for The Rutherford Institute that doing so places them in violation of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law which governs student surveys by educational agencies receiving federal funding.

"This is a huge victory for parental rights," said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute. "Parents are the ones who should decide whether they want their children to be mined for information about their personal thoughts, beliefs or practices. We take it seriously when government officials try to short-circuit that essential parent-child relationship."

According to a parent who contacted The Rutherford Institute for help, on at least two occasions Portage Township School District sent home information addressed to parents concerning surveys to be administered to students in a quest for information about student drug use and depression or suicide risks. The surveys asked students to provide sensitive, personal information, including information about illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior and/or mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student. However, rather than requesting the parent's prior written consent, as required by federal and state law and its own district policy, the school had included an "opt-out" form, allowing the parent to opt his or her student out of participation. In the case of the survey concerning suicide risk, only one day was allotted for the parent to review the provided information, make a decision, sign the enclosed "opt-out" form, and return it to school officials.

Institute attorneys pointed out that the school district's practice of relying on passive consent for the surveys, by which parents are presumed to have consented if they do not return a particular form, constituted a violation of the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law intended to protect the privacy of students and the rights of parents to control the circumstances under which their children are exploited for information-gathering. PPRA, which covers educational entities that receive federal funds, applies whenever students are asked to submit to any survey, analysis or evaluation that seeks private information about the student, such as political affiliations, sexual activity, illegal activities or religious beliefs.

Read more HERE.

Race to Top Winners Feel Heat on Teacher Evaluations

Federal-grant recipients must live up to promises made in winning awards

By Sean Cavanagh
Education Week

Winners of the federal Race to the Top competition are facing difficult questions about how to make good on their ambitious promises to link teacher evaluation with student performance, a task complicated in some cases by resistance from educators and practical questions about how to judge job performance fairly.


For some states, that means wrestling with how to evaluate teachers in subjects for which no statewide test now exists. Others face a tough task of setting specific evaluation requirements based on relatively broad laws that established those systems, which in some cases were designed to boost the states’ chances in the competition.

Eleven states and the District of Columbia split $4 billion in awards through the Race to the Top grant initiative, which was championed by the Obama administration and financed by the 2009 federal economic-stimulus package.

Read more HERE.

AP, SAT participation increases

Personally I don't mind the scores dropping as long as more students are taking the tests.

Charles County students increased participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and SAT assessment participation, according to data released this week by the College Board, which administers AP, SAT and other national programs.


Charles County Public Schools average score on AP exams rose slightly to 2.14 from 2.13 in 2010. Nearly 89 percent of all students taking the rigorous AP classes took at least one test in 2011. "Taking Advanced Placement classes in high school better prepares our students for future study and success," Superintendent James E. Richmond said.

While the number of students taking the SAT increased, average scores decreased. Scores for the class of 2011 were 1455, down from 1486 in 2010. National and state averages also declined. Average participation countywide is 39 percent, up from 35.7 percent in 2010.

Students average score on the critical reading section is 494; math scores are 488 and writing scores are 473. SAT tests are designed to demonstrate a student's mastery of certain subjects to colleges. Many colleges use the test as a part of the admissions process. Only scores for graduating seniors are included in the 2011 report. Students in the Class of 2011 were offered nearly $40 million in scholarships.

La Plata High School students averaged 1672, with 26.4 percent of graduates taking the SAT in 2011. Westlake High School students posted a 1492 average, with 18.5 percent participation. Both North Point High School and Henry E. Lackey High School students averaged 1445. North Point had 62.9 percent of its graduates taking the SAT and Lackey had 30 percent. Maurice J. McDonough High School%u219s average is 1415 with 34.8 percent participation and Thomas Stone High School students averaged 1377 with 47 percent participation.

Charles County Public Schools offers Kaplan Live Online, an interactive SAT preparation class in Saturday session in the spring and fall.

"Last year we saw an increase in our scores and felt the success of students taking online programs and preparation classes was moving us in the right direction. To see a decrease this year disturbs us, and we are looking to see how to encourage more students who want and need to take the SAT to take advantage of these classes and become better prepared to take this test," Richmond said.

A detailed chart of SAT results for 2010-11 college bound seniors is posted on the Charles County Public Schools Web site at http://www2.ccboe.com/PDF/testscores/SAT-2011.pdf.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,858 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

Notes from Board of Education Meeting, 9/13/11

The Board Meeting on Tuesday, September 13 will be re-broadcast on Comcast Channel 96, Verizon FIOS Channel 12 and is available via webstream at http://www.ccboe.com/ . To view the full agenda and the various reports, please visit BoardDocs.

The below notes are my personal notes and are not intended to be all-inclusive or official minutes for the Board of Education meetings and are provided as a request from my supporters and the general public in a personal effort to be more transparent. Although I have diligently tried to make these notes as unbiased and accurate as possible, I am only human and do make mistakes.

Executive session – 11 a.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – Thomas Stone High School's JROTC unit
Recognition of Project Graduation contributors

Superintendent's update to the board - Read Report

Correspondence/board member updates

• Wise - Dr. Smith from MABE will be here on November 8 at 10:00 a.m. for a one hour presentation on Superintendent Selection
• Wise - October 4 BOE meeting with commissioners
• Wise - spoke with Delegate Murphy & possibly have a lunch meeting

Education Association of Charles County update - Read report

Student board member's update - Read report

Opening of schools - everything ran smoothly; uneventful

Update on athletic program - See report

• Abell - Clarification on the transfers: Is it one full calendar year from date of transfer?
• Cornette - yes
• Lukas - Does this include those that moved into another zone and are attending another school?
• Cornette - No, they are eligible
• Cook - Looking at the reports, a greater number of minority students are ineligible for participation. Is this because we have a greater majority of minority participating and what are we doing to assist?
• Cornette - We do have a monitoring and mentoring program that assists these students
• Student - Are the numbers for freshmen first quarter taken at the beginning or end of the quarter because all freshmen are eligible?
• Cornette - Taken at the end of first quarter
• Pedersen - How many students are participating in our athletic programs?
• Cornette - Will get.
• Wise - Still need to know what we are doing to help those athletes that don't meet GPA
• Cornette - Considering making a GPA eligibility regulation for freshmen. Have meetings with parents and discuss options, and resources.
• Lukas - When are grades looked at during a quarter?
• Bursick - We send grade sheets out via students for teachers to sign off on a weekly basis.
• Brooks - Can you become ineligible at anytime during the quarter?
• Cornette - They are assisted but don't become ineligible until the official grades.
• Student - Has the use of Edline helped parents keep a closer eye on things and help with eligibility?
• Cornette - Yes

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update - See report

• no time was lost due to facilities
• transportation update

Report item: FY 2012 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan - See Report

Update on annual Bridge to Excellence; summer programs; Race to the Top - See report

• Wise - How many students didn't graduate because of HSAs?
• Jepsky - 0 for three years
• Really in depth presentation; highly recommend watching online.

Update on staffing

• Hired 151 new high quality teachers
• Tough time finding the Tech Ed teachers
• Comprehensive report next meeting

Report item: Ethics policy - See draft online; vote on next month

Unfinished business

• Bowie - Bullying issues and concerns from parents; forums for schools to address and parents can discuss
• Cunningham - Will have a report
• Pedersen - Transfers and possibly form a committee to look at how we are handling our transfers.
• Wise - Thinks a committee should be formed to look at how transfers are granted. Pedersen, Abell, Cook volunteered.

New business

• Inter-category budget change FY 2011
Motion to accept Inter-category budget change by Abell; Second by Cook
Yes = Unanimous
• Emergency closing days - October 21st & Nov. 2; see report - Abell - Affect on teacher contract?; Hettel- They will still owe us 2 days
Motion to delay vote on Emergency Closing Days until after Public Forum by Abell; Second by Pedersen
Yes = Unanimous

Future agenda items

• Cook - Report on substitutes
• Bowie - At first day of school noticed a higher number of Hispanic population and teachers concerned about lack of translators.
• Lukas - Relayed public confusion of how the redistricting committee is going to be formed

Public Forum – 6 p.m.

• L. Ramsey - Minister. Westlake graduate. For the use of standard gym uniforms but there needs to be a policy or rules in writing of the process for the students who cannot afford to pay for these uniforms.

Action items

• Minutes
Motion to accept Minutes from August 9 by Abell; Second by Pedersen
Yes = Abell, Bowie, Lukas, Pedersen, Wade, Wise; Abstain = Cook
Motion to accept Minutes from August 22 by Abell; Second by Cook
Yes = Unanimous
Motion to accept Minutes from September 11 Conference Call by Cook; Second by Pedersen
Yes = Unanimous
• Personnel
Motion to accept Personnel by Abell; Second by Lukas
Yes = Unanimous
• New Office 2010 textbooks
Motion to accept New Office 2010 Textbooks by Abell; Second by Cook
Yes = Unanimous
• FY 2013 CIP state and local CIP program
Motion to accept FY 2013 CIP by Cook; Second by Pedersen
Yes = Unanimous
• Recurring resolutions: American Education Week; American Freedom Week; African-American History Month; Career and Technical Education Month; National School Counseling Week; Read Across America; Women's History Month; Fine and Performing Arts Month; Month of the Young Child; National Student Leadership Week; Teacher Appreciation Week; Administrative Professionals' Week; Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week; National Physical Education and Sport Week; Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader; Charles County Teacher of the Year; Employees' Retirement; and Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award
Motion to accept Resolutions by Pedersen; Second by Cook
Yes = Bowie, Cook, Lukas, Pedersen, Wade, Wise; Abstain = Abell
• Emergency Closing Days
Motion to accept recommendation by Cook; Second by Pedersen
Yes = Unanimous

Adjournment

REMINDER: Board of Education Meeting, 9/13/11

The Board of Education's next monthly meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building on Radio Station Road in La Plata. The public portion of the meeting begins at 1 p.m. The meeting is televised live on Comcast Channel 96 and Verizon FiOS Channel 12, and is rebroadcast throughout the week. Board meetings are also streamed live on the school system Web site at http://www2.ccboe.com/boe/live/.

Executive session – 11 a.m.


Call to order – 1 p.m.


Pledge of Allegiance – Thomas Stone High School's JROTC unit


Recognition of Project Graduation contributors


Superintendent's update to the board  


Correspondence/board member updates

Education Association of Charles County update

Student board member's update

Opening of schools

Update on athletic program

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update

Report item: FY 2012 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

Update on annual Bridge to Excellence; summer programs; Race to the Top

Update on staffing

Report item: Ethics policy

Unfinished business

New business

• Intercategory budget change FY 2011
• Emergency closing days

Future agenda items

Public Forum – 6 p.m.


Action items

• Minutes
• Personnel
• New Office 2010 textbooks
• FY 2013 CIP state and local CIP program
• Recurring resolutions: American Education Week; American Freedom Week; African-American History Month; Career and Technical Education Month; National School Counseling Week; Read Across America; Women's History Month; Fine and Performing Arts Month; Month of the Young Child; National Student Leadership Week; Teacher Appreciation Week; Administrative Professionals' Week; Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week; National Physical Education and Sport Week; Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader; Charles County Teacher of the Year; Employees' Retirement; and Washington Post Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award

Adjournment

Officials Look Overseas for Models to Pay for School Construction

NOTE:  You have got to be kidding me? And this is like a new revelation? I said this back in 2004 when I first was appointed to the board...and in 2005, and in 2006, and in 2007. Way to keep up 'officials'. (shaking head)



Lease payments to contractors among options
by ANDREW UJIFUSA, Staff writer
 
When the Canadian province of Nova Scotia wanted to build dozens of schools in the late 1990s, education officials turned to an unusual source of cash — private developers.

The developers contracted with local school systems to design and build 31 schools, and to provide maintenance and operations for the schools, in exchange for lease payments by the province. The contracts obligated Nova Scotia to pay $830 million during the 20-year life of the contracts.

Now, Maryland is beginning to explore whether similar arrangements, also used in Great Britain, could work for state school construction at a time when dollars for new schools and building upgrades are scarce.

Public officials from state and local governments and school systems are scheduled to gather at a Sept. 19 seminar in Annapolis to hear presentations on alternative school financing, as well as alternative funding and energy performance contracting.

David Lever, executive director of the Interagency Committee on School Construction, said the key to such a public-private partnership is the creation of a strong contract that covers a variety of issues, from relationships with unionized maintenance workers to community use of the privately financed facilities.

“I haven’t made up my mind one way or the other, quite frankly. But I think it’s very interesting,” Lever said of whether the arrangement could work broadly in Maryland.

READ MORE HERE