Wednesday, October 31, 2007

APPROVED: A Bible Textbook??

No I didn't suggest it and it's not in Charles County...a little further south in Alabama :)

Alabama has became the first state in the Union to approve a textbook for a course about the Bible in its public schools, and its surprisingly uncontroversial decision may prove to be a model for others.

Read more HERE.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Maryland Public Information Act Request

During my campaign, I vowed to be open and transparent as a Board member. With that in mind and in attempt to squelch some of the rumors, yes I did file a Maryland Public Information Request for the AP scores broken down by school and subject. To view a copy of what I filed, click HERE.

I filed this request because I truely believe that as a Board member, I am suppose to be making data-driven decisions about our system and I don't see how it is possible without the data. How can we as a Board correct any deficiencies or redirect staff and resources if we don't have ample data to analyze?

In addition, I believe this information should be available to the public because it is a PUBLIC school system. You are the citizens of this county and as citizens you pay for the schools and staff and we ALL (Board members & staff) are accountable to YOU!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Building the Perfect School

As school design moves into the 21st century, architects and planners look at trends that are taking hold in this months American School Board Journal.

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Looking for Something to Do?

How about catch a play?

  1. Maurice J. McDonough High School starts the action with their rendition of "Zombie Prom," which begins on Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. The show will continue through the weekend, at the same times, and will end Oct. 28 with a matinee showing at 2 p.m. To order tickets, call 301-609-8198 and reserve a spot for the play. Adults enter for $10, students and seniors for $8, and thespians for $7.
  2. La Plata High School takes a trip down the rabbit hole to show their magical journey to "Alice in Wonderland." La Plata students start acting on Nov 1. at 7:30 p.m., and will continue through Saturday evening Nov 3., also at 7:30 p.m. Allow the actors and actresses to take you through their story for $8 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for children under five.
  3. North Point High School tries their luck against the headless horseman in "Sleepy Hollow." Their festive performance starts on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. and will run Nov. 9 -10, also at 7 p.m. Adults can experience the tale of Ichabod Crane for $8, and students and seniors for $5.
  4. Thomas Stone High School starts its play Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m., with follow up performances on Nov 9-10, also at 7:30 p.m. "The Crucible," fits right in with this time of year featuring the plot surrounding 17th century Salem witchery. Thomas Stone is selling tickets to the performance for $7 per adult, and $5 per student or senior.
  5. Westlake High School hosts performances of "The Miracle Worker." The public is invited to share an evening with the Westlake performers from Nov. 15  Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Adult tickets are $7, student and senior tickets are $5, and thespian tickets are $4.
  6. Henry E. Lackey High School wraps up the season with a version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The classic story, written by William Shakespeare, will be acted out Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m., and with an afternoon showing Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for students and seniors, and $6 for thespians.

    To catch a sneak peak of any of the six high school plays tune in to Comcast channel 96 or log on to www.ccboe.com/publicinfo/channel96.cfm for the on-air schedule.

Monday, October 22, 2007

Teacher Salaries

MSDE Released their Annual Report on Professional Salary Schedules in Maryland Public Schools last week.

Another disappointment...Charles County starting teacher salary has slipped from 3rd in the state to 5th in the state.

  1. Montgomery = $44,200
  2. Prince George's = $43,481
  3. Calvert = $42,650
  4. Howard = $42,407
  5. Charles = $42,245

Charles County ranks 3rd for Superintendent salaries

  1. Baltimore County = $278,520
  2. Prince George's= $273,000
  3. Charles = $249,900

Charles County ranks 3rd for Deputy Superintendent

  1. Howard = $193,856
  2. Montgomery = $192,895
  3. Charles = $188,320

Charles County ranks 1st in the state Assistant Area Superintendent Salaries

  1. Charles = $173,340
  2. Prince George's = $167,222
  3. Montgomery = $154,879

Charles County ranks 9th for Principal salaries and 11th for Vice Principals.

To view the entire report, click http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/B741E410-1505-4351-9224-2027102CF77A/14037/salsch08.pdf

Living Water

This does not involve education directly but it does involve a number of our children and students in Charles County. Please consider volunteering for this most worth while cause.


Did you know there are families in Charles County without running water?

Did you know there are families in Charles County without a septic system or a toilet?

Living Water is a new program started by New Life Church to help provide the basic necessities to families in our community. The first informational meeting will take place at New Life Church (White Plains) on Tuesday, October 30th at 6:30 pm. Everyone welcome!

In particular we are looking for trades people to assist in providing the less fortunate with running water into their home. This may include digging a well, building a kitchen/bathroom onto a home, and/or installing a septic system. Carpenters, Drywall installers, Painters, Roofers, Septic Tank Installer, Well Drillers, Plumbers, Electricians, Tile Layers, Laborers

Please join us for the informational meeting no matter your skill level. Monetary donations also accepted.

For more information contact Jennifer Abell at abell4edu@verizon.net

AP Scholars

Below you will see a recent Charles County Public Schools Press Release. I guess it's "okay and NOT emabrassing" to release some students names. Very interesting though. Let me know if you notice anything about this list.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
County students named AP Scholars

More than 170 Charles County Public Schools students have been named AP Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college level Advanced Placement Program exams.

The College Board's Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college level courses while still in high school, to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 17 percent of more than one million high school students in more than 15,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.

Students took AP exams in May 2007 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student's performance on AP exams.

One student, Ashin Shah of Thomas Stone High School, qualified for the National AP Scholar Award. Shah qualified for the highest AP honor awarded for earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP exams taken and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Twenty students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. They are:

Abe Massad, La Plata High School;
Jena Brinjak, La Plata;
William Flerlage, La Plata;
Kristin Preuss, La Plata;
Andrew Szoch, La Plata;
Shijie Shen, La Plata;
Erin Toczek, La Plata;
Eric Leadbetter, Maurice J. McDonough High School;
Daniel Lubey, McDonough;
Patrick Tillman, McDonough;
Timothy Van Blarcom, McDonough;
Kathleen Ford, Stone;
Sarah Hutton, Stone;
William Le, Stone;
Marla Rhem, Stone;
Ashin Shah, Stone;
Barrett Johnson, Westlake High School;
Hyun Koh, Westlake;
Allison Ripley, Westlake; and
Elisabeth Stevens, Westlake

Nineteen students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. They are:

Jennifer Cusick, La Plata;
Andrew Gill, La Plata;
Matthew Grimes, McDonough;
Andrew Merki, McDonough;
Caitlin Floyd, Stone;
Christina Langley, Stone;
Joseph Langley, Stone;
Carol Partonen, Stone;
Angela Rueda, Stone;
Eric Schnitzler, Stone;
Mary Stillwaggon, Stone;
Michael Wallio, Stone;
Kaitlyn Gallant, Westlake;
Asya Jones, Westlake;
Amy Mapes, Westlake;
Samantha Monk, Westlake;
Jacob Overfield, Westlake;
Catherine Rappole, Westlake; and
Paul Skym, Westlake

One Hundred and Twenty-two students qualified for the AP Scholar award by completing three or more AP exams with grades of 3 or higher.

They are, from Henry E. Lackey High School: Rebecca Abell, Eric Ashby, Danielle Bailey, Christopher Markomanolakis, Mitchell Mismash, Kira Mohler, Irene Posey, Kelly Richards, Samantha Skinger, Laura Snow, Lacy Thomas, Lorin Willett and Alysa Younger.

From La Plata they are: Zachary Andrews, Lauren Armstrong, Brynn Bales, Patrick Barock, William Bingham, John Bowling, Leslie Clower, William Crozier, Rachel Eaby, Kyara Fisher, Jessica Garner, Emily Gore, James Gregor, Annalyse Hamill, Theresa Kummerer, Monica Laidley, James Lassahn, Melissa Loeper, Jordan McGraner, Scott Moore, Alexandra Peters, Nicholas Potter, Kevin Qualters, Jamie Quinn, Xyan Rose, Heather Runyon, Paul Shaffer, Amanda Slack, Svetlozara Stoytcheva, Brandon Thomas, Whitney Underwood, Heather Valvert, Jennifer Van Deven, Samantha Welniak, Mary Wilson and Adam Young.

From McDonough they are: Angela Brockunier, Kristen Chen, Benjamin Coghan, Amy Coker, Matthew Donohue, Lauren Friedrich, Peter Garvey, Carey Hill, Amanda Langston, Kevin McCormick, Katherine Rice, Renita Riddick, Helen Shin, Ellen Slobodnik, Jasmin Watson, and Aleida Young.

From Stone they are: Taryn Alverson, Kristen Brown, Natalia Ceaicovscaia, Mariama Cox, Tiara Cunningham, Sean Daley, Kristine Deprey, Michael Gioia, Lisa Grimes, Ashlie Grimsley, Matthew Hanson, Michelle Hardesty, Lauren Hume, Bryant Jackson-Green, Lauren Kellough, Maris Mosley, Rebecca Parker, Nicholas Pennington, Caitlin Quinn, George Rawlings, Caitlin Rizzo, Joshua Sanders, Renee Saulsbury, Amanda Sparrow, Justin Tavares, Kelliann Wachrathit, Miles Wallio, Justin Walters and Michael Ward.

From Westlake they are: Maryam Aftab, Charmagne Arengo, Jessica Bader, Lindsey Bannister, James Butters, Chanel Celestine, Najee Clancy, Jeffrey Crouse, Karen Fletcher, Kevin Gerrity, Weston Harlan, Mathew Hoffman, Joyce Hones, Colleen Jarrett, Brandon Kaufmann, Katelynn Levanduski, Simon Liu, Ashley-Mae Mangalindan, Angela Maki, Katera Marshall, Nicholas Montes, Djuan Nash, Ayanna Osborne, Stephen Palma, Zachary Rahm, Ian Ray, Abigail Remo, Julia Steinsberger, Matthew Thompson, Erin Watson, Victoria Weavill, Brooke Wehausen, Nicole Willis, and David Wilson.

Most of the nations' colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP exams. Thirty-seven AP courses and exams are offered in a wide variety of subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving) questions except for the Studio Art Exam, which evaluates students' original artwork.

The College Board is a nonprofit membership association dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college and opportunity. The association is composed of more than 5,200 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves 7 million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,500 colleges through major programs and services in college admissions, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment and teaching and learning.

Resolving School Concerns and Complaints

A few months back the Board of Education and CCPS staff devised a brochure to help aid parents when they have a concern or a complaint. These brochures can be found in the office of every school or by clicking on the link below.

Resolving School Concerns and Complaints Brochure

In short...
Informal Complaints

  1. Address the issue with school based staff, i.e. teacher
  2. If not resolved, contact the school administrator
  3. If not resolved, contact the Office of School Administration and Operations to file a formal complaint.

Formal Complaints

  1. Contact the Office of School Admnistration and Operations to file a complaint
  2. Contact with all parties will be made and a decision or resolution will usually be made in five school days.
  3. If not resolved, a review by the Deputy Superintendent of Schools must be filed within 10 days

For more details, please view the actual brochure at the above link

Special Ed and HSA's

In an article in the Baltimore Sun today...

Special ed is drawn into exam debate
Parents, advocates split over requiring students to pass tests to graduate

With thousands of special-education students in Maryland high schools failing the state's graduation exams, parents and advocates are deeply divided about whether these students should have to pass the tests.

Read more HERE.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Student Suspensions, Expulsions Soar

According to an article in the Baltimore Sun yesterday, school suspensions and expulsions have risen significantly in Maryland, with African-Americans, boys and special education students more likely to be disciplined...



Read More HERE.

Staphylococcus Paralyzes School System

As national estimates focus on an increase in serious infections caused by an antibiotic-resistant germ, officials in the Washington region have identified more than a dozen cases among students and are organizing extensive cleanups of numerous schools.

Read more HERE.

What you need to know to Avoid, Identify And Treat Staph Germ

Middle School to Pass Out Birth Control Pills & Patches

No, not here. Shew!
Late last night, the Portland School Committee (board) voted 5-2 to allow pupils at a city middle school to get birth control pills and patches at their student health center.

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Stabbed at School by a Classmate!

An article on the Baynet regarding an incident at LaPlata High School. Read more HERE.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Building the Perfect School

An article in the American School Board Journal takes a look at school design as it moves into the 21st century; architects and planners look at trends that are taking hold.

Read more HERE

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Blame Game

Business leaders and educators often take opposite approaches to school reform. How can they work together? Find out more in an article in the American School Board Journal.

Read more HERE.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Disappointment

For those of you requesting the AP scores by subject and by school, I'm sorry to report the Board decided against obtaining this information. I have requested the data be presented in this fashion on three separate occasions...(1) during the September Board meeting, (2) via email on 9/27/07 and (3) by email on 10/09/07. I even received a return email from Mr. Richmond on 9/28/07 stating the information requested was being compiled and would be presented at the October Board meeting.

Upon leaving the Board meeting last night, I had a heavy heart and am greatly disappointed in my fellow Board members. Some of the same Board members who just months ago stated they were running for election based on openness and transparency have voted against not only releasing these scores to the public, but also for the Board even obtaining these scores. I ask, how are we as a governing body suppose to make decisions on our ability to educate ALL students if we don't have ALL the data? How are we to ensure equality in courses for ALL students in ALL schools?

The argument was made, the release of this information could embarrass individual teachers. If a teacher feels embarrassed than I am sorry. However, it is my belief, they are teaching in a public school system and therefore their performance is a public matter.

I would like to thank Ms. Cook and Ms. Pedersen for adhering to their campaign promise of being open and transparent as well as our student Board Member, Mr. Shah for speaking up and requesting the scores in this fashion. To my constituents, I'm truly sorry.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Notes from Board Meeting, 10/09/07

The televised Board Meeting will be replayed on Channel 96 on Wednesdays at 9:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm for your viewing enjoyment :)

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. Please follow-up for official minutes upon approval. For copies of printed reports presented visit Board Docs.

Public Forum
  • Male - one child at Stone. Don't restrict schools too much. Rule books and policies set forth by BOE are not being followed when it comes to discipline and student conduct. Student behavior towards each other and teachers appalling. Incidents NOT being reported, not following rules of respect for one another. Not being enforced.

Action - Approval of Minutes from 8/14/07

*Vote to approve 9/11/07 and 9/24/07 minutes
Unanimous
PASSED
Correspondence/Board Member Updates
  • Carrington - Visiting schools was an absolute joy
  • Wise - Dr. Brown planting of wetlands was phenomenal
  • Pedersen - Thank you to schools for welcoming us
  • Cook - received a 6ft banner from a school saying "Welcome Ms. Cook"
  • Wade - BOE Calendar - one day retreat with Commisssioners has been requested. Date TBD. 10/25 Meeting with CSM needs to be rescheduled due to staff availability. Date TBD. 11/29 Legislative Breakfast 7:30 am - 9:00 am - Middleton, Levy, Graves, Hodge all confirmed.
  • Wade - MABE Conference in OC - Wade, Pedersen, Cook, Wise attended. Wise asked to Chair MADE Legislative Committee. She accepted.
  • Cook - Discussion during seminar regarding technology. Charles way ahead of the rest of the state.
  • Pedersen - Seminar on listening to your public. Gave example of how our focus changed on planetarium to include the Arts.
  • Wise - Educating students for an unknown future

Report – Superintendent – Jim Richmond

  • Enrollment not as high as anticipated
  • Met with Mikulski, interested in assisting with alternative funding for new high school
  • Minority Achievement Meeting
  • College Fair well attended. 134 colleges/universities. 1500 students transported during the day. 1750 attended in evening.
  • Various student congratulations
  • Rebroadcast of meetings will occur on Wednesdays at 9:00 am and Sundays at 2:00 pm; future webstreaming
  • Parents@ School website launch
  • Activity buses are a success
  • 10/18 Adult Education Graduation
  • 10/23 Communication Advisory Meeting/Parents Advisory Meeting
Report – EACC – Bill Fisher

  • Thanks to Pederesen, Wise, Cook for attendance at community forum
  • http://www.greatschoolsmaryland.org/
  • 10/19 bus to MSTA Convention
  • 10/10 FEA Deadline for essay contest extended until 10/15
  • EACC & MSTA visited Hoyer to discuss changes to NCLB
  • Also in discussion with Gov. O'Malley's plan on freezing Thorton funding

Report - Student Board Member - Ashin Shah

  • CCASC Meeting discussed staffing concerns and HSA's
  • Activity buses
  • HS 2011
  • Cunningham & Richmond attended and addressed students
  • Task Force to target School lunches
  • St. Mary's & Calvert - joining forces to advocate for So. MD
  • MS Meeting - discussion on ideal MS
  • Wise - intersted in outcome of staffing and HSA's discussion
  • Shah - Doesn't have official responses yet
  • Cook - Interested in school lunch results

Report - Deputy Superintendent - Ron Cunningham - Sheriff's Office Update

  • See Report on Board Docs
  • Statistical Review
  • Truth & Consequences - High school 5-day program
  • Crime Solvers Program - successful $500 handed out thus far
  • Abell - New fashion accessory in school...ankle bracelets...
  • Grier - generally for non-violent offenders; monitored daily
  • Abell - Public perception that CCSO & CCPS are concealing incidents in schools. Sited new Montgomery County Report - comprehensive School Safety Report provides a running talley of student offenses involving weapons, drugs, sexual misconduct and violence at each school.
  • Rye - CCSO & CCPS is NOT concealing incidents. Publicizing all. Report is a possibility if that is what the two parties want.
  • Abell - Juvenile Drug Court - # of graduates? Program successful?
  • Rye - One graduate so far. Another in Nov. Program is successful.
  • Wise - Attended graduation and was impressed
  • Carrington - also attended. 14 arrests include arrests at sporting events
  • Rye - No. Only Juvenile Intervention Officer arrests during school
  • Cook - Are the schools safe?
  • Rye - yes
  • Bailey - Teen Court - 199... are they all CCPS?
  • Rye - No some are from private schools , etc.
  • Pedersen - After school events - statistics included?
  • Rye - No. Only Juvenile Intervention Officer during school
  • Pedersen - Football games, confrontations prevelant...what can we do?
  • Rye - not sure. Thinks we are doing all we can
  • Carrington - Officers have made a big difference in our schools
  • Richmond - Thank you. Meets quarterly with Sheriff's Office and plans for the future

Report – Testing - Judy Estep

  • See Report on BoardDocs
  • HSA/MSA - Ayp explanation and statistics
  • SAT - Statistics...scores dipped a little
  • See pie chart on # of students taking various tests
  • AP statistics
  • AP Action Plan - CCPS worked with CSM and MSDE and College Board on an action plan to improve AP scores. Plan outlines with a timeline on BoardDocs. Essentially review data and provide support for AP teachers as well as enhance feeder courses for AP classes
  • Cook - Thank you for AP Action Plan
  • Wise - Switch from BCR testing to multiple choice and effects
  • Eichel - Should not affect our teaching. All students still need to know how to write.
  • Wise - Perception of dumbing down test
  • Eichel - Enrichment part (writing) state never really needed them for accurate assessment. Analogy of cool whip on a sundae.
  • Pedersen - 8th grade HSA Test for Algebra ho is this reported
  • Eichel - Scores are held until they get to 9th grade
  • Abell - SAT's are for seniors only? Dropping scores for county as opposed to rising scores for state and nation
  • Eichel - Yes graduating seniors scores and analyzing the drop in scores and another report will be forthcoming date TBD
  • Bailey - HSA; MSA; BCR; ECR; AYP;NCLB Explain to general public
  • Jepsky - Explanation of acronyms. For example, one 3pt BCR will be replaced with three multiple choice
  • Abell - AP Action Plan - Great. Wish we had this a few years ago. Scores droppinf...hope this action plan succeeds. Asked again for scores by subject and by school.
  • Wade - We will discuss this ...whether we want to task staff
  • Abell - Don't we already have this information?
  • Eichel - College Board reports by system and school average...
  • Wise - Has a hang-up with producing statistics by schools. May single out and emabrass specific teachers; what we have is sufficient
  • Eichel - scores with 5 or less stuidents would have to be omitted from singling out specific students.
  • Abell - Reminded everyone that we have received this documentation in previous years as a Board and staff document only, not publicized.
  • Shah - Funding for Kregar's specialized participation with SAT doesn't appear to be raising scores.
  • Estep - Kregar's involvement is not portrayed in these results
  • Bailey - Asked Estep to speak about students requiring emedial courses in college
  • Jepsky - long explanation; question not answered
  • Bailey - Asked again
  • Jepsky - Some students take time off between high school and college and therefore require remedial courses.
  • Abell - Ap Audit performed by College Board in Spring/Summer...results
  • Estep - All classes passed. Some in process of audit due to new teachers
  • Wise - Reiterate about remedial college courses
  • Jepsky - Some students wait to take placement exams
  • Pedersen - Doesn't matter where they are going to school as long as their acquiring knowledge. Encourage SAT testing.

Report – Supporting Services (CIP)- Chuck Wineland; Steve Hagis, Jerry Barrett

  • Neal - 50% complete on schedule
  • Somers - still ongoing - on schedule
  • Martin - sign for Gov. contibution mandatory. New boilers complete
  • Craik - sign for Gov. Re-roof accomplished. AC & heating still ongoing
  • Mt. Hope - pre-construction meeting
  • Pedersen - Update on Mattawoman gym floor
  • Wineland - water damage and humidity problem. Prices from two companies, hopefully start during winter break, four weeks long
  • Abell - Auxillary gym?
  • Wineland - No. Hopefully weather will participate
  • Wineland - Award for North Point Common Areas

Report – Budget – Paul Balides

  • Presented September financials
  • Annual audit completed; present in November - no findings or issues in the managment letter.
  • Trans fats discussion by commissioners. Analysis very small amount in system. mainly in snack items and commodity items.
  • Presentation on Bridge to Excellence funds in November
  • Wise - Health Care Costs - system encourage healthy lifestyles
  • Balides - Health Plan encourages annual physicals and exams
  • Wise - Encourage Cunningham to get principals to share programs
  • Carrington - How often do we bid out health care
  • Balides - Look at it and weigh costs and benefits every year
  • Pederson - Husband receives gift certificates from employer for exercising. Suggests similar program for CCPS
  • Pederson - Trans fats - snack machines?
  • Balides - Restrictions and guidelines must be followed by federal and state guidelines. Timers are used to prohibit sales during the day. 4 out of 35 items had trans fats

Report - Housing/Staffing Update - Keith Hettel

  • Smart Keys 4 employees offered to CCPS and funded by county
  • Wise - Any fine print that the teachers need to adhere to for example teach here for X # of years?
  • Hettel - None seen thus far
  • Abell - County funds all? Not taken from our budget at a later date?
  • Hettel - County fully funding
  • Pedersen - concerned with 10 mile stipulation
  • Hettel - first time home buyers, 10 mile stipulation not restrictive; in county
  • Hettel - consensus of Board requested
  • Abell - In agreement
  • Unanimous among Board members
  • Hettel - Update on remaining staff openings
  • Bailey - Quality of long term subs/certification
  • Hettel - List kept by level and subject. Principals familiar with subs, lined up in advance

Action - Personnel

*Vote to approve Personnel
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - FY08 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan

*Vote to approve FY08 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
Unanimous

PASSED

Action – Board Travel Guidelines

*Vote to approve Board Travel Guidelines
Unanimous
PASSED

Unfinished Business

  • Abell - Motion for to obtain AP scores by subject and by school.
  • Bailey - Seconded for discussion
  • Bailey - found prior year reports inspirational to show growth and beneficial. interested in staff time involved?
  • Wise - Why by school?
  • Cook - was intersted in the same informaiton; but swayed otherwise
  • Abell - Ensure progress and equality across the county amongst all schools
  • Shah - Individual school data is essential; students want assurance that course quality is equal amongst schools.
  • Pedersen - Is also interested in information. However, is well aware statistics and figures can be used against you but we swore to our public that we would be open and honest during our campaign. Without this information, are we?
  • Wise - Against publicizing information, embarassing to individual teachers
  • Carrington - all schools have the same subjects and good teachers. Publicizing won't make a difference.

*Vote to obtain AP Scores by subject and school
Yes - Abell, Cook, Pedersen, Shah (opinion only)
No - Bailey, Carrington, Wade, Wise

FAILED

New Business

  • Bailey - Legislative Breakfast - invite St. Mary's and Calvert legislators?
  • Abell - Parent concerns over inconsistency of use amongst the schools in regards to the automated phone and email messaging system. Some schools are implementing and use daily while others don't use at all.
  • Cunningham - will follow-up with the schools

Future Agenda Items

  • Pedersen - Procedures for disciplinary actions for students taken by Principals and Vice Principals

ADJOURNED

NEA Lists Its Goals and Democrats Agree

Found this interesting little article which includes...

  • Marc Tucker's Warmed-Over Plan
  • Another Big Spending Boondoggle
  • Opportunity to Restore Parental Rights

Read more HERE.

Mandatory Course on Islam

While this is playing out all the way across the country in California...I'm interested in hearing what you think...

In California, a federal court approved the public schools' requirement that a course in Islam be taught to 7th-graders. The course included giving the students Muslim names, having them recite Muslim prayers and passages from the Koran, wear Arab clothing, and write a "positive" essay about Islamic culture. Parents lost their case and the Supreme Court refused to hear their appeal.

Read more HERE.

Monday, October 08, 2007

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 10/09/07

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, October 9th.
(Format and times change again. Pay close attention! ) PS - If you happen to miss it, it will be TELEVISED!!

3:30 - Executive Session
5:30 - Board Meeting begins
6:30 - Public Forum (Must sign-up prior to 6:30)
The remainder of the meeting immediately follows Public Forum

To view the full agenda and the various reports, please visit Board Docs.

Reports include:

  • Superintendent -
  • Board Members -
  • EACC -
  • Student Board Member -
  • Deputy Superintendent - Sheriff's Office Update
  • Instruction Report - Testing Update
  • Supporting Services Report - CIP Update
  • Finance Report - Budget Update
  • Human Resources Report - Update on Housing/Staffing Update

Action Items:

  • Personnel
  • FY2008 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
  • Board Travel Guidelines

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Respect.
Aretha Franklin said it best in her 1967 song "RESPECT" that would later go on to become her signature song.

After serving on the Board of Education for the last three years, visiting the schools, talking to educators and legislators, and raising four children of my own, I have a observed an overall lack of respect for one another.

  • Students don't respect teachers (we hear this one all the time) but...
  • Teachers don't respect students
  • Children don't repect parents
  • Parents don't respect children
  • Teachers don't respect parents
  • Parents don't respect teachers
  • and it goes on and on through administrators, board members, legislators and overall society in general doesn't respect one another as human beings.

Just my opinion, this is one of the core foundation principles that our educational system, (county, nation, and world) is lacking. If everyone could take the time to respect, listen, recognize, one another as a human being with feelings, ideas, and blood pumping through their veins maybe we could build a greater love, understanding, and compassion for another that will evolve into a great collaboration of effort to better not only our educational system but society in general.

I'll step down from my soap box now....

Maryland Governor Sets Up Education Leadership Council

On NBC4.com yesterday...

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday moved to set up a leadership council that will focus on doing more to prepare Maryland students for highly skilled jobs.

O'Malley issued an executive order to create the P-20 Leadership Council of Maryland. The governor said the council is needed to improve Maryland's ability to compete in a job market that needs more skilled workers.

"This council builds an integrated partnership between the state, educators and the business community to meet this demand and will create a stronger work force," O'Malley said in a statement.




Read more HERE.

CCPS to Launch Parent@School Website

CCPS Press Release

Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is launching an interactive website, titled Parent@School, to make it easier for parents to be informed of their child's activities and achievement at school.

The system will be available for use Nov. 1. The site will be available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parents will be able to access the site from the CCPS website, www.ccboe.com.

Information available for elementary students includes student information, attendance records, class schedules, immunization records and links to other websites.

Information available for middle and high school students includes student information, attendance records, class schedules and immunization, as well as interim and end-of-quarter grades, graduation requirements, student transcript records and classroom assignment grades.

Information on lunch account balances and homework assignments for elementary, middle and high school students will be available in mid-January.

Informational open house registration sessions will be held this month at county schools. Schools are notifying parents of dates and times of open houses by sending emails to the addresses listed on student emergency cards and through phone messages.

Parents can also register for the service online. Once the registration process has been completed online, the parent will be notified by their child's school to obtain their user name and password. Parents must obtain their password in person from their child's school and will be asked to show photo identification.

Parents with more than one child attending CCPS only need to register once and will be notified by the school their oldest child attends to obtain their system password.

Starting Nov. 1, the system can be accessed by parents who have registered by following the steps listed below:

  • Go to www.ccboe.com;
  • Go to the Parents & Community section;
  • Click on Parent@School under the Parent Links section;
  • Click Login to Parent@School; and
  • Sign on with the user name and password assigned to you.

Call your child's school for more information or for registration dates and times.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Lights! Camera! Action!!

Another view of televising Board meetings in the American School Board Journal

EXCERPT

Broadcasting board meetings can help you build positive relationships with
the community, but a lot of time reception is just as important as perception.


Read more HERE

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Charles County Schools Set To Become Majority Black

In a Washington Post article today...

EXCERPT

African American students are poised to become the majority in Charles County public schools this year, a significant turning point for a system that just five years ago was predominantly white and the clearest sign yet of Southern Maryland's shifting demographics.

When enrollment figures are tabulated this week, Charles school officials predict their school district will become majority black -- the third such system in the region, joining the District and Prince George's County. Last year, the number of black students in Charles surpassed the number of white students for the first time, and the portion of African Americans probably will rise above 50 percent this year.



Read more HERE.

Notes from Board Work Session, 9/24/07

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. Please follow-up for official minutes upon approval. For copies of printed reports presented visit Board Docs.


Public Forum

  • Gentleman spoke - 2 sons. 3 year old program at Mt Hope Nanjemoy. Application and acceptance process needs overhaul. Some students (with parents) showed up on first day of school (after being accepted) only to be told that there was a mistake and that they were not eligble for the program because they made too much money. Childrn turned away. Most have since been accepted after a lengthy process. In addition, believes ALL 3 year olds need to be in car seats on the buses.

Action - Intercategory Budget Transfers

*Vote to approve Intercategory Budget Transfers
Unanimous
PASSED

MABE Committees

  • Reviewed assignments

APFO Committee

  • Wise, Bailey, Cook - No report at this time

Board Travel Procedures

  • Wise, Abell, Pedersen - (See Report on Board Docs)
  • Abell - Requested report to be placed on Board Docs for the public
  • Carrington - Questioned if necessary prior to us taking action (next Board meeting)
  • Abell - Yes because we are discussin in public
  • Richmond - confirmed. document to be placed

Board Work Request Form Committee

  • Wise, Carrington, Cook
  • Chairman would like a form to be completed by Board members when requesting information from staff. Forms will come before the Board to vote on need and approval. Committee to develop form and process details.
  • Wade - His idea, not meant to impede or hinder information.

MABE Program "What Counts" Committee

  • Wise, Pedersen, Cook

ADJOURNED

Friday, September 21, 2007

Sustainable School Design

An article in the American School Board Journal proves how low-tech design solutions can help the district and staff improve student achievement AND save money!

Would it work in Charles County?

Read more HERE.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Stupid in America

This 20/20 documentary was refered to by an anonymous poster in another thread. I thought I would post in a thread by itself and include the link.

Stupid in America

Autism, the Law, and Schools

School districts are facing more IDEA cases as a growing number of students are diagnosed with autism. What policies and procedures should be in place?

In an article in the American School Board Journal...

Autism. The very word sends chills down the spine of school attorneys and tempts board members and superintendents to think about their waning bank accounts.

That description is not meant to be rude or disrespectful. Sadly, throughout the United States, the special education needs of autistic children are a frequent source of conflict. In nearly all cases, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) applies and imposes certain obligations on school districts.

IDEA requires a special team -- including in-school experts -- to collaborate with parents to devise a learning plan tailored to the unique needs of a particular autistic child. Drafting an individualized education program (IEP) can be as traumatic as a no-holds-barred wrestling match -- and with no rounds and no time limit, school districts cannot be saved by the bell.So, both sides battle on, using every law, policy, and procedure at their disposal.


Read more HERE.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

REMINDER: Board Work Session, 9/24/07

Reminder....there is a Board Work Session Monday, September 24 starting at 6:00pm at the Starkey Building

To view the full agenda and the various reports, please visit Board Docs.

Public Forum

Action Items
Intercategory Budget Transfers for FY 2007

Work Session
Board Travel Regulations
Operating Costs for New Schools

Changes to Writing Curriculum

According to an article on Southern Maryland Online there are "Sweeping Changes Planned for Maryland Schools Writing Curriculum."

EXCERPT

A set of sweeping changes to the way Maryland schools teach writing took another step forward Wednesday after approval by a Board of Regents panel.

The panel unanimously approved all recommendations in the PreK-16 English Composition Task Force's report, which aims to boost Maryland students' writing skills.

The proposed changes include better continuity in writing standards from high school to college and reduced teacher workload.


Read more HERE.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace!!!

PUBLIC FORUM ON HSA'S...TONIGHT, 7 pm, NORTH POINT...SIGN-UP AT 6:15

The Maryland State Board of Education will host a regional hearing Sept. 18 at North Point High School to hear public comments on the Maryland High School Assessment (HSA).

The hearing is at 7 p.m. and the Board will only hear comments on the HSAs. The maximum speaking time is three minutes and time has been scheduled for approximately 40 speakers. Anyone wishing to speak during the hearing must sign up on site beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Although State Board members and education officials will not respond to any comments during the hearing, they will listen and take all comments into consideration as they deliberate education policy.

Written testimony may also be directed to the Maryland State Board of Education, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; by email at stateboard-has@msde.state.md.us; or by fax to 310-333-2275. Testimony must be submitted by Sept. 20.

What is Ready?

An article in the American School Board Journal delves into the question, "What are we getting students ready for?"

Excerpt

Every few months, it seems, a new group, committee, organization, or industry weighs in on the status of public education, saying that today’s graduates are not prepared to succeed in college or the real world of business and commerce. And, more often than not, they point to public schools as the source, the reason students are not ready for life in the 21st century.


Read more HERE.

Monday, September 17, 2007

"Wasted Dollars, Wasted Young Lives"

The below is an excerpt from i an editorial in the Baltimore Examiner.

After five years and almost $2.2 billion spent on trying to boost student performance, only one conclusion emerges. Maryland’s Thornton has
failed.
Educators supposedly spent the money on programs to help special needs, low-income and other lagging students. It gets worse. The total wasted by fiscal year end will reach $3.5 billion.
It’s all about The Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act of 2002, known as Thornton, the supposed magic spell to conjure up at least adequate education for the neediest students.

Read article HERE.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Grasmick to Change HSA's Again!

According to an article in te Washington Post...

Beginning in May 2009, the Maryland school system will phase out "brief constructed responses" and "extended constructed responses" -- questions requiring a short or long written answer -- from its four tests covering algebra, English, biology and government, said Ronald A. Peiffer, the state's deputy superintendent for academic policy.



Read more HERE

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Students to Take Fewer Tests...in Texas :(

According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, parents were able to make a difference.

Excerpt:

In a dramatic shift from recent trends, a quarter million students in Texas schools will actually see less testing this year as the state responds to widespread complaints about too much "field" testing in public schools.

Texas Education Agency officials have informed school superintendents in North Texas and across the state that they are substantially scaling back field testing - giving students tryout exams or questions to help develop new tests or future versions of current tests.



Want to find out how, read HERE.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Notes from Board Meeting, 9/11/07

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. Please follow-up for official minutes upon approval. For copies of printed reports presented visit Board Docs.

Recognition

  • Health Careers Month
Public Forum


  • Male -Doesn't agree with smooth opening of schools. Daughters math and science MS classes do not have teachers only subs. Text books not issued, just given busy work. Central advised him they do not know when teachers will be available. Tried to move daughter to another school; not enough teachers there either. Schools should have sent a letter home to parents advising of situation and working in cooperation with parents to rectify. Gym floor was deemed unsafe by Parks and Rec but CCPS continues to have gym classes.

Action - Approval of Minutes from 8/14/07

*Vote to approve 8/14/07 minutes
Unanimous
PASSED
Correspondence/Board Member Updates
  • Pedersen - Blue Ribbon Commission - represents education sub-committee. Working with Mr. Cunningham and Judy Estep on presentation to sub-committee. Seeking input on how diversity is or should be addressed in schools
  • Abell - Distributed an information DVD on Autism provided by Richard White
  • Wise - need to make MABE committee assignments. Abell - Budget, Nominating; Cook - Budget; Wade - Board, Conference Planning; Wise - Legislative; Pedersen - Legislative; Bailey - Resolutions.
  • Wade - White House Internship opportunities provided
  • Wade - Charles Conty Economic Summit RSVP's are due

Report – Superintendent – Jim Richmond

  • Work on studio for broadcasting is continuing. Still working ont he panning of cameras and audible clarity. Studio actrually located in the Annex Building. Future broadcasts of student events to complete schedule.
  • College Fair 9/17 at Jaycees. 130 colleges
  • MSDE HSA Forum 9/18 at North Point
  • New staff Reception at Middleton Hall 9/26
  • Research and Assessment Department continues to analyze testing data. No school on state improvement
  • Hired over 260 new teachers
  • Davis MS opened
  • Neal work is still on track
Report – EACC – Bill Fisher
  • Thank you for support of crab feast
  • "I Can Do It" training for new teachers
  • Bus to MSTA convention on 10/19
  • Essay Contest for FEA, "Engineer Your Future, Become A Teacher"
  • Tri-County Forum at SMECO on 9/27. Commissioners Cooper, Patterson and Hodge will be attending.
  • Cook - Format of forum
  • The forum will have a moderator presenting information; power point; lack of funding and budget cuts.

Report - Student Board Member - Ashin Shah

  • New Schedule for CCASC Meetings
  • 10/4 all board members and staff invited 9:00 LPHS
  • Formulating student opinion on HSA data

Report - Deputy Superintendent - Ron Cunningham

  • Smooth school opening; Staff rode buses
  • Staff and students seen happy and eager for the new year
  • Davis opening. Thanks to P. Dorsey for her support and diligence. More students than expected
  • 5 employees promoted to principals all participated in leadership training
  • 22 new vice principals
  • Current enrollment 26,570 (Estimates...Elem = 11,000; MS = 6,200; HS = 9,200) Official count takes place on 9/30/07
  • Wise - Are we above our enrollment projection
  • Cunningham - No; in fact we are under

Report – Registration/Residency Requirements– Keith Greer

  • See Report on Board Docs for all the information presented
  • In order to Register a student you will need ... a physical exam, proof of immunizations, a birth certificate, and proof of residency (detailed in report).
  • Currently 315 students in CCPS are homeless
  • Out of county tuition usually paid on a monthly basis
  • Wise - What happens if parents fall behind or don;t pay tuition bills?
  • Grier - Try to work with the families
  • Carrington - Shocked by #7 on the list (Residency verification of living arrangements, 514 students)
  • Wise - Same sentiments
  • Pedersen - Agrees. # of PPW's required
  • Grier - When students/families are caught attending school illegally we do not bill them, just ask to leave.
  • Abell - Why can't we bill them?
  • Grier - We bill but they don't pay and we would have to file suit civilly.

Report – Update on Russian Partnership - Rosellen Houser

  • Fourth year of an ongoing teaching partnership with Pensa Russia
  • No cost. Grant for fuve years
  • See Report
  • Wise - What happens after 5 years, grant extended?
  • Houser - Yes. Next phase is for the Russian and American teachers involved to visit another country together
  • Shah- How many teachers have actually participated?
  • Houser - 12. Application/selection process

Report – 3 Year old Program - Judy Estep

  • Previously at Mt Hope Nanjemoy and Barnhart; adding Indian Head and J P Ryon.
  • See Report
  • Cook - How many applications received and determination process?
  • Estep - Based on need - free and reduced lunch
  • Pedersen - Would English language learners be accepted
  • Estep - Yes
  • Wise - Safety issues with sharing with the Lifelong Learning Center
  • Estep - No all safety concerns have been addressed
  • Carrington - Transportation?
  • Estep - 3 year olds ride the bus by themselves and we have car seats for those in need

Report – Master Plan Update - Judy Estep

  • See Report
  • Used to address success
  • Above state average on highly qualified teachers in the system
  • One of the state's goals involved the number of suspensions for elementary schools with the requirement being 16% or less. We are under 5%.
  • Shah - Reducing suspension rate; does that interfere with administrative discipline? Are we keeping normally suspended students in schools so as to meet the state requirements and make our statistics look good?
  • Estep - absolutley not; infractions are not occurring
  • Cook - Advanced students
  • Estep - Gifted resource identification and enhancement for those teachers
  • Carrington - Retention rate of those teachers
  • Estep - Most are still with us. Redaing retreat planned for MS and HS principals

Report – Supporting Services (CIP)- Chuck Wineland; Steve Hagis, Jerry Barrett

  • Neal - 35% complete; on target for completion 6/1/08
  • Somers - Roof; work continuing. Completion 8/08; Students in relocateables currently will move to the second floor for the next semester and students currently on the first floor will move to the relocateables.
  • Craik - Roof replacement; ongoing
  • Martin - Boiler replacement complete before winter
  • Henson - carpet/tile replacement
  • Indian Head - Bathroom renovation
  • Piccowaxen - basketball and tennis courts renovated. All middle schools will receive
  • LPHS parking lot renovations
  • McDonough - Irigation system installed; on well water; knocks out AC unit during drought. Limited use.
  • Bailey - Per parking space cost
  • Wineland - $3,500 per spot for 100+ spaces
  • Bailey - cost adding spaces vs adding buses
  • Carrington - Toured Somers today; fabulous work. Annex 1 tour and ability to monitor equipment in all schools; outstanding

Report – Comprehensive Maintenance Plan FY08- Chuck Wineland & staff

  • Scheduled maintenance and replacement of equipment and building facilities.

Report – Budget – Paul Balides

  • Presented August Financials

Report - Intercategory Budget Change

  • No additional funding. $1,975M increase in revenues. (legal settlement; rental facilities, interest income.) Expenses adjusted to compensate.

Report - Staffing Update - Keith Hettel

  • 16 Secondary openings (6 math; 4 science; 2 computer; 4 various)
  • 5 Elementary openings
  • 5 Special Education Openings
  • 12 Support Staff
  • Going to Cleveland area for recruiting
  • Wade - state legislators are well aware of our shortage of teachers
  • Pederson - Utilize our long term subs
  • Hettel - long term subs are treated like new teachers and are generally paired up with a department chair
  • Cook - Long term subs paired with their expertise
  • Hettel- Yes
  • Bailey - compared to last year, how are we doing
  • Hettel - less of a gap last year. Consider opening of Davis
  • Bailey - Program with CSM "homegrown teachers"
  • Hettel - program still in existence and working. pre-hire. program does not include secondary teachers
  • Bailey - Certification Waivers
  • Hettel - Conditional certificate. Currently only about 5%. Hold for 2 years. Have to show progress and reapply.
  • Bailey - Correlation between required certification and lack of enough teachers
  • Hettel - No
  • Bailey - Retired teachers leaving the area? Reaching out?
  • Hettel - 30 retired teachers currently woking in system
  • Bailey - Utilize high % of retired military
  • Hettel - yes
  • Cook - Job share; professionals changing careers
  • Hettel - yes & yes
  • Pedersen - Job share works very well, etc.

Action - Personnel

*Vote to approve Personnel
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - State 2009 CIP

  • Bailey - New schools - start-up costs- talk with commissioners
  • Wineland - commissioners are required to send a letter of a commitment to the state for their portion
  • Bailey - Heartburn on non-commitment from commissioners for start-up costs.

*Vote to approve State 2009 CIP
Yes - Carrington, Cook, Pedersen, Wade, Wise
l
Abstain - Abell, Bailey
PASSED

Action – Schematics for Full-Day Kindergarten

*Vote to approve Schematics for Full-Day Kindergarten
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - Recurring Resolutions

*Vote to approve Recurring Resolutions
Yes - Bailey, Carrington, Cook Pedersen, Wade, Wise
Abstain - Abell
PASSED

Unfinished Business

  • None

New Business

  • Wise - 3:30 Executive Session, 4:30 Recognition, 5:30 Meeting, 6:30 Public Forum
  • Abell- 4:30 Executive Session, 5:30 Recognition, 6:30 Public Forum followed by Meeting
  • Pedersen - Communication Survey results
  • O'Malley Simpson - public forum late; recognition 4:30 - 5:30; staff prefers 5:30
  • Wade - Work sessions without recognition start at 6:00
  • Abell - Still reviewing meeting times in January
  • Wise - Yes.
  • Wade - appointing Wise as chair of a committee on how we task staff
  • Wade - Work session we will discuss board travel
  • Bailey - CSM and BOE Meeting
  • Bailey - Requests retreat with county commissioners
  • Bailey - Chairman draft letter to governor about recruitomg/producing more teachers in the state
  • Wise - college for educators

Future Agenda Items

  • Abell - AP scores
  • Estep - October Meeting
  • Abell - Freshman Seminar Update
  • Estep - January Meeting

ADJOURNED

Monday, September 10, 2007

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 9/11/07

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, September 11th.
(Slightly different format) PS - If you happen to miss it, it will be TELEVISED!!

4:30 - Executive Session
5:30 - Board Meeting begins
6:30 - Public Forum (Must sign-up prior to 6:30)
The remainder of the meeting immediately follows Public Forum

To view the full agenda and the various reports, please visit Board Docs.

Reports include:

  • Superintendent -
  • Board Members - MABE Committee Assignments
  • EACC -
  • Student Board Member -
  • Deputy Superintendent - Opening of School
  • Student Services - Registration/Residency Requirements
  • Instruction Report - Russian Partnership; 3 year old program; Master Plan update
  • Supporting Services Report - CIP Update; FY2008 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan
  • Finance Report - Budget Update; Intercategory Transfers for FY 2007
  • Human Resources Report - Staffing Update

Action Items:

  • Personnel
  • State 2009 CIP
  • Full Day Kindergarten Schematics for 4 schools
  • Recurring Resolutions

Blue Ribbon Committee on High Stakes Testing

Even though this committee was formed in Prince George's County, their report is very interesting. I encourage all citzens to take a gander.

Blue Ribbon Committee on High Stakes Testing Report

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Class of 2009 meeting demands of High School Assessments

CCPS PRESS RELEASE

Charles County Public Schools High School Assessment (HSA) results show that more than 80 percent of the class of 2009 passed the algebra and government tests required for graduation and more than 70 percent completed biology and English II requirements.

Students who have not passed the tests, which are a graduation requirement for students in this year's junior class and beyond, are being offered additional classes, support and program adjustments to help move them toward graduation.

Results for last year's sophomore class show that 77 percent, or 1,413 students have met HSA requirements for graduation. There are 73 students, or 3.9 percent, who need to pass one additional exam to meet the requirement and 322 students, or 17.6 percent, who have more than one exam to pass. The end of grade 10 pass rate for algebra is 81.35 percent; 76.02 percent for biology; 73.21 percent for English II; and 86.59 percent for government.

End of grade 9 pass rates are 78.67 percent for algebra and 72.57 percent for government. Not all students take the exams in ninth grade and biology and English II are classes typically taken in the sophomore year.

"We know from these results that the vast majority of Maryland students are finding that they can pass these assessments and will be well on their way to graduation in 2009," said State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick in a release announcing state test results.

Superintendent James E. Richmond was equally optimistic. "As we begin to focus on students who must take these exams to earn their high school diploma, we are seeing higher success rates. The majority of our students have already met the graduation requirements and we are offering remediation and additional help for those students struggling with the exams. The accountability measures are raising achievement levels for all students," he said.

High School Assessments are a requirement for the Maryland High School Diploma for the class of 2009. The HSA replaced the Maryland Functional Tests, a group of basic skills exams, as the exit exams required for graduation. High School Assessments include algebra, English II, government and biology. The algebra and English II scores are also used as part of the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) and to determine Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) at the high school level. The state plans to release AYP results on the state report card site, mdreportcard.org, later this fall.

Link to article in the Indy to be added later today.

SAT Scores Above State Average but Fall in Math

CCPS PRESS RELEASE

Charles County Public Schools average score on the SAT, a nationally known college entrance test, is 1523, which is above state and national averages.

Students' average score in the mathematics section of the test is 507, the average score in the writing section is 504 and the average score on the critical reading portion is 512. 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.

Charles County's score is 25 points above the state average of 1498 and 12 points above the national average of 1511. Only scores for graduating seniors are included in the 2007 report. Students in the class of 2007 were offered more than $25 million in scholarships.

Maurice J. McDonough High School was the highest performing school with a score of 1602. La Plata High School students posted an average score of 1588 and Westlake High School students' average score is 1532. Thomas Stone students posted a 1530 average and Lackey students averaged 1393.

SAT scores decreased 14 points from 1537 the previous year, with critical reading scores remaining the same, math scores decreasing 8 points and writing scores dropping 6 points. State scores decreased 13 points, from 1511 to 1498, and national scores dropped 7 points, from 1518 to 1511.

"This year's scores continue our trend of remaining above the state and national averages, which is our ultimate goal and exceeds the benchmark set by the county. Remaining above the state and national averages enables our college-bound students to compete for acceptance into the college or university of their choice. This is the eighth consecutive year that our students have outpaced these averages, and I commend the students and staff at the high schools for their continued efforts in this area. We know that scores are going to fluctuate from year to year, but it is imperative that we continue to offer a strong academic program and consistent SAT preparation courses," said Superintendent James Richmond.

This year, Charles County Public Schools is providing all high school students access to the Official SAT Online Course, which can be used as a classroom teaching aid, a component of English and math courses, a test-preparation resource or an independent study tool. School staff will help students set up an account and profile this school year. Students may access the program from home after they have created their profile.

The online course is an addition to other in-school preparation programs, including workshops with nationally known experts, summer and after-school review programs and in-class preparation by teachers.

Click HERE for an article in the Baltimore Sun regarding the fall in Math scores.

Grasmick Proposes Alternative to Standardized Tests

According to Capitol Online, State School Superintendent Nancy Grasmick has proposed a plan that would allow students to get their diplomas without passing state-mandated standardized tests.

The State Board of Education will vote in October on the plan. Grasmick says it would apply to children who meet all other requirements for graduation but can't pass the High School Assessment exams in one or more subjects because of test-taking anxiety or other factors.

Passing scores on the HSAs will be required starting with the class of 2009.

Education officials believe the alternative to the test will essentially prevent the state from denying diplomas to students who would have graduated otherwise.

Read more about Grasmick's proposed plan in this Washington Post article.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The New Digital Classroom High School

Want to learn more about the new Charles County High School?

Click HERE and then click on "promotional video".

Let me know what you think.

Monday, August 27, 2007

HSA Results Put Some Students in A Bind

What a great way to start off a new high school year. You've got your schedule all worked out- your supplies purchased - and you are looking forward to some new electives. Then, only AFTER school starts - do you receive your scores on the HSA tests you took last May! If you fall even a point shy of the cut score - now you must rearrange your entire high school schedule to accommodate a remedial course for an HSA test related to a course you already passed! In addition - you don't get the graded test back, so you have no idea what you missed or whether you are the victim of a scoring error (a common occurrence in the private testing industry).

Unfortunately this major disruption in life is occurring to numerous students across the state. Where can they turn? Who is responsible? Maryland State Department of Education

A recent article in the Calvert Recorder by Jaqueline Rabe points out the excruciating scoring delays associated with the HSA program. Read it HERE.

Have you marked your calendar to voice your concerns about the HSA? Check this link for dates and locations http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/testing/hsa/hsa_reg_meet.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

College Fair, September 17th

CCPS Press Release

More than 130 colleges will participate in the tenth annual Charles County College Fair on Sept. 17, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center on Crain Highway in Waldorf.

The fair is hosted by Charles County Public Schools. High school juniors and seniors attend the event during the school day as part of the system's career readiness goal in the five-year plan. Students are transported from school by bus and are able to speak with representatives and gather information from colleges from all over the east coast.

The public is invited to attend the evening session of the fair from 6-8 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the fair. Additionally, a financial aid workshop will be held in the Militia Room at 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Monday, August 20, 2007

Hearing Set on Maryland High School Assessments

CCPS PRESS RELEASE

The Maryland State Board of Education will host a regional hearing Sept. 18 at North Point High School to hear public comments on the Maryland High School Assessment (HSA).
The hearing is at 7 p.m. and the Board will only hear comments on the HSAs. The maximum speaking time is three minutes and time has been scheduled for approximately 40 speakers. Anyone wishing to speak during the hearing must sign up on site beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Although State Board members and education officials will not respond to any comments during the hearing, they will listen and take all comments into consideration as they deliberate education policy.
In addition to the hearing at North Point, the State Board will also hold four other regional hearings in Maryland in September. North Point High School is located at 2500 Davis Road in Waldorf, MD.
Written testimony may also be directed to the Maryland State Board of Education, 200 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; by email at stateboard-has@msde.state.md.us; or by fax to 310-333-2275. Testimony must be submitted by Sept. 20.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Special Education...or not?

According to an article in today's Indy some parents are questioning the accuracy of the Charles County Public School Systems tests to determine whether a student should be placed in Special Education.

Read more here.

Schools Achieve AYP on State Tests

CCPS Press Release

Improvements in reading and math scores on the Maryland School Assessments (MSA) resulted in the majority of Charles County’s schools meeting state progress targets for 2007.

Twenty Charles County elementary and middle schools met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), according to Maryland State Department of Education data released today. No county schools are on the state school improvement list. Charles County Public Schools has never had a school on the state’s watch list.

AYP is determined by student results on the Maryland School Assessments (MSA) taken by students in grades 3-8 in March. AYP is the gain that schools must make each year in proportion to students achieving proficiency in reading and math. Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), schools must show progress across all grade levels and in all race/ethnicity and special services categories—special education, limited English proficient, and economically disadvantaged students. Elementary and middle schools met the standards in 497 of 513 categories.

If a school is unable to make progress in all areas, including attendance, for two consecutive years, it is identified for School Improvement status and faces a variety of requirements designed to bring about improvements. School systems are notified of any school not making progress in all areas for one year, but these schools do not face any state mandates, requirements or intervention.

Seven schools missed achieving a target in one or more subgroups for the first time this year. These schools achieved their Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO) last year, but fell short this year. Schools not meeting AYP in one or more subgroups in 2007 are Dr. Gustavus Brown Elementary School, Gale-Bailey Elementary School, T.C. Martin Elementary School, John Hanson Middle School, Matthew Henson Middle School, Piccowaxen Middle School and General Smallwood Middle School.

“The majority of our schools made the progress required by the state in all subgroups, but we will continue to focus our efforts to ensure that all children are succeeding. Special education continues to be an area needing additional support and we need to explore ways to advance our middle school performance. The department of instruction is already working with schools that did not make AYP to develop improvement plans,” said James E. Richmond, superintendent of schools.

Statewide, system and local school scores are available on the Maryland State Department of Education’s report card, www.mdreportcard.org.

The Maryland State Department of Education has not yet released High School Assessment scores and graduation numbers. High school students take High School Assessments, and starting with the class of 2009, students must pass four tests – English II, biology, local, state and national government (LSN) and algebra – in order to graduate. High school scores will be released at the end of August. AYP information for high schools will be released in the fall.
Charles County Public Schools
Maryland State Assessment Facts (AYP and MSA)
  • Charles County Public Schools met the standards for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for all students in reading, mathematics and attendance at the elementary and middle school levels in 497 of 513 categories. The state defines AYP as the cornerstone of Maryland’s new accountability system and replaces the School Performance Index as the method by which Maryland tracks academic progress. Schools and school systems must show that students are making AYP in reading, mathematics, attendance (elementary and middle schools) and graduation rate (high schools).
  • No Charles County middle or elementary public school is on the state’s school improvement list, which includes schools that have not met standards for more than one year and are not improving. Information on high school scores will be released in late August and the state will release high school AYP later in the fall.
  • AYP requirements include scores for reading and mathematics for all students as well as subgroups of students. Student achievement is reported in the aggregate (all students) as well as eight subgroups of students. Subgroups are: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, African American, White (not of Hispanic origin), Hispanic, students receiving free and reduced meals, special education and Limited English Proficient.

Notes from Board Meeting 8/14/07

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. Please follow-up for official minutes upon approval. For copies of printed reports presented visit Board Docs.

Public Forum

  • Male - Substitute teacher for two years. 749 subs in system. Use about 400 daily. 9-10% absentee rate. Teachers paid leave and sick time equals approx. one month out of classroom. Suggests permanent qualified substitutes and a higher pay scale.

Action - Approval of Minutes from 6/12/07 and 6/25/07; motion divided

*Vote to approve 6/12/07 minutes
Unanimous (Cook abstained)
PASSED
*Vote to approve 6/25/07 minutes
Unanimous (Pedersen abstained)
PASSED
Correspondence/Board Member Updates
  • None

Report – Superintendent – Jim Richmond

  • 260 new teachers in orientation this week; 50 openings remaining
  • 3 day Leadership Institute successful
  • 60 staff from tri-county attended Space Institute
  • Summer Reading and Math Academies successful
  • Televised Board meetings and broadcast studio ready 9/11
  • Parent-to-School Program available in Nov.
  • Activity Bus Transportation
  • Opening of 8th middle school, Davis, 98% complete
Report – EACC – Bill Fisher
  • New location and number
  • Attend NEA assembly in Philadelphia; main topic was NCLB and impact on educators
  • Members also attended leadership Training
  • Sept. 19th open forum tri-county meeting with legislators, commissioners, BOE members, teachers, and public regarding education budget deficit.
  • New teacher orientation
  • Annual Back to School Crab Feast August 24th.

Report – School Nurses – Keith Greer; Dr. Davidson

  • Significant increase in asthma students; county higher than state
  • Increase in youth obesity
  • Slight increase in youth with ADHD; equal to increase at state
  • Significant increase of students with seizures
  • 184,877 health room visits (88% returned to class)
  • Pedersen - Best method of notifying ALL school personnel of chronic cases
  • Greer - Notify school nurse so personnel in a need to know position can be aware
  • Abell - Update on Gardisil vaccine
  • Davidson - State is currently observing other states for a few years. Academy of Pediatrics does still recommend vaccine. No mandate by the state is being discussed at this time.

Report – Alternative Summer School Programs - T. Weirich

  • Novel
  • Home Instruction
  • Connections
  • Alternative School
  • Summer School
  • Evening School
  • Teenage Parenting
  • Home & Hospital Services
  • Explorers
  • Wise-average length of stay in the alternative program
  • Wierich - 45 days

Report – Athletic Program Preparation - J. Johnson

  • School based parent meeting
  • inclement weather policies
  • ALL coaches are CPR certified
  • Partnership with rescue squad
  • Hydration/Sports nutrition seminar
  • Sports Physicals
  • Field and Bleacher Maintenance
  • Transportation
  • Sportsmanship
  • SMAC
  • Wise - Athletic Trainers on the fields
  • Johnson - yes we would still like to accomplish this and we are working towards that goal.
  • Carrington - Paid staff position for Athletic Trainers
  • Johnson - Yes, would like full time staff
  • Pedersen - Dietitian available for a one-on-one basis
  • Johnson - Yes

Report – Curriculum (Summer Programs) - D. Jepsky

  • 4,826 students participated
  • M - TH
  • included Life Skills

Report – Supporting Services (CIP)- Chuck Wineland; Steve Hagis, Jerry Barrett

  • Davis on time; on budget; grass next week
  • Neal on target
  • Somers - Roof; ceiling on ground floor will be in place for start of school. Completion 8/08; 7 additional relocateables provided by contractor
  • Craik - Roof replacement; 70 % complete
  • Martin - Boiler replacement complete before winter
  • Abell - clarification on students location during phases at Somers
  • Wineland - Second floor lockers can be used with staff presence; 8th graders in trailers for 1st semester and 6th grade in trailers for second semester

Report – State CIP - Chuck Wineland & staff

  • #1 Balance owed on Davis
  • #2 Balance owed on Neal
  • #3 Construction funding for full day Kindergarten
  • Heritage Green will probably be the next elementary school (2010) according to a review of statistics
  • Richmond-Asked for Board and commissioners to consider operational costs of opening a new school. Not just the construction cost.
  • Bailey - Consideration of time line to approach commissioners

Report – Schematics for Full-Day Kindergarten - Chuck Wineland & staff

  • Barnhart, Gale-Bailey, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy, T. C. Martin
  • Richmond - Possibility of adding gyms
  • Wineland - Not. State will fund full-day Kindergarten but not a gym
  • Bailey - Fire escapes and evacuation
  • Wineland - Meets all codes for distance and width
  • Pedersen - lunch shifts; kids eating in classrooms
  • Principals - Eat in cafeteria; lunch shifts are adjusted accordingly

Report – Budget – Paul Balides

  • See report
  • Audit process has begun
  • Surplus $300,000
  • Submitted financial statements
  • Intercategory budget transfers will be submitted in an update
  • Pedersen - cost of milk increase
  • Balides - Not anticipating any additional increases at this time
  • Wise - Vegetarian lunches
  • Balides - yes. more fruits and vegetables per state push, but they cost more. Lunches must have 800 calories per federal requirement

Report - Staffing Update - Keith Hettel

  • 260 teachers hired
  • shortage in math, science and special education; similar across the state. extra recruiting trips have occurred and will continue
  • Wise - Substitute salaries
  • Hettel - We are third in the state for daily rate. Long term sub rates - we are second.

Report - Recurring Resolutions

Action - Personnel

*Vote to approve Personnel
Unanimous

PASSED

Unfinished Business

  • Pedersen - Diversity Blue Ribbon Committee has asked her to represent the state and county curriculum on diversity
  • Pedersen - MABE's offer to have a public forum in the fall
  • Carrington - Complaint brochure at the printers
  • Cunningham - Parents complaining should be respectful of staff

New Business

Future Agenda Items

  • Bailey - AP scores

ADJOURNED

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Activity Bus Transportation

Also new this year, per Superintendent Richmond...

"We are adding activity bus transportation to eligible high school students for the 2007-08 school year. The buses are for students participating in high school-sponsored activities that take place after dismissal time. The buses will be routed to serve as many students as possible and will drop students off at central locations along established routes. Students will either walk home or have someone pick them up from the central drop-off locations. Students may only use the service on days when there is an activity in which they are scheduled to participate. Students will be provided bus passes. Locations have not been finalized as of yet.

Parent-to-School

Also in the Superintendent's Report for today's meeting, a new communication technology tool to brag about.

"We are working to provide a way for parents to check their child’s academic progress and attendance on line through a secure program. The program, Parent-to-School will provide parents access to their child’s demographic information, attendance, grades, transcript and school lunch fund balance. We hope to have the program available in early November."

Eventually we hope to add homework assignments to the information provided.

As a parent, I'm thoroughly ecstatic :)

Televised Board Meetings

Looks like it's going to happen!!! Yahoo!!!

In the Superintendent's Report for today's meeting...

"Work continues on the installation of equipment to film Board meetings and to provide live coverage on Channel 96. Installation of wiring, lights and upgraded transmission equipment is beginning this week. The contractor says we are still on track to air our first live meeting on September 11."

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 8/14/07

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, August 14th.
(Slightly different format since there isn't a recognition portion)
4:30 - Executive Session
5:30 - Board Meeting begins
6:30 - Public Forum (Must sign-up prior to 6:30)
The remainder of the meeting immediately follows Public Forum

To view the full agenda and the various reports, please visit Board Docs.

Reports include:

  • Board Members
  • EACC
  • Superintendent
  • Deputy Superintendent - School Nurses; Overview of the Alternative Program; Summer School; Preparation for fall sports
  • Instruction Report - Summer Programs
  • Supporting Services Report - CIP Update; CIP 2009; Full day kindergarten schematics
  • Finance Report - Budget Update
  • Human Resources Report - Staffing Update
  • Recurring Resolutions

Action Items:

  • Personnel

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Summer Break & Open Thread

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer break. I know I am which is the reason I haven't posted as regularly as in the past. The Board of Education doesn't have generally hold meetings during the month of July and everything slows down (for us, not staff). I personally have been enjoying the time with my children, vacationing, and catching up on some long overdue projects. Rest assured I am reading emails/comments and working on providing answers. As August begins and everyone is preparing for another school year, my regular postings will resume. Until then, please use this post to comment or ask questions. Thank you.