HELPING STRUGGLING STUDENTS: 'RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION'

This Weeks Live Web Chat

HELPING STRUGGLING STUDENTS: 'RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION'
When: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2 p.m. Eastern time

Submit questions in advance.

Please join edweek.org for this live Web chat to talk about the growing use of and interest in "response to intervention," an educational approach for identifying students' academic problems and putting measures in place to help them succeed in school.

Response to intervention, also known as RTI in education circles, offers the promise of helping struggling learners early in their school careers by providing targeted, scientifically-based instruction. Congress, in the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, said that RTI can also be part of the process for diagnosing children with specific learning disabilities. Although interest in this approach is growing across the country, educators still have many questions about how to effectively implement the practice.

For background, please read:
"'Response to Intervention' Sparks Interest, Questions"
"Embracing 'Response to Intervention.'"

About the guests:
Maurice McInerney, the managing director of the American Institutes for Research and the co-project director of the National Center on Response to Intervention, a federally-funded center that seeks to support widespread use of evidence-based practices in RTI; and

Evelyn Johnson, an assistant professor at Boise State University and the co-author of RTI: A Practitioner's Guide to Implementing Response to Intervention. Submit questions in advance.

No special equipment other than Internet access is needed to participate in this text-based chat. A transcript will be posted shortly after the completion of the chat.

Md., Va. Among Top 3 In Passing '07 AP Tests

In the Washington Post...

Maryland public schools had the second-highest percentage of graduating seniors who passed Advanced Placement tests last year, and Virginia's had the third-highest, College Board officials disclosed yesterday. Maryland also ranked second in the nation for gains on that measure of college readiness.

High marks for the two states were driven largely by dramatic increases in AP test-taking in the Washington suburbs, particularly Northern Virginia and Montgomery County. Some educators are worried, however, that budget cuts will limit that growth. Fairfax County, for example, is weighing a proposal to force many students to pay for their AP exams.

Read more HERE

Some States Shift IEP Burden of Proof to School Districts

At Education Week...

New Jersey lawmakers recently changed state law to require schools to bear the burden of proving, if there is a dispute with parents, that the educational plans they create for students with disabilities are appropriate.

The state’s action, which follows a similar move by New York state in August, is considered a success by parents and advocacy groups interested in chipping away at the public-policy change made by a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision on the issue.

Read more HERE

Notes from BOE & Commissioner Retreat

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. Although official minutes were not taken, to my knowledge, Denise Ferguson from the Commissioners office did record notes for them.

In addition, I did not take detailed notes, most of the presentations were on handouts. Please contact the appropriate entitys to request copies.

Government Budget

• Housing market; county is 2nd highest in state for forclosure
• 52% from property tax; 28% income tax; 7% Recordation; 3% HIghway user; 10% other
• HB #1 - BOE takes the largest decrease in revenue growth
• Commissioners action - hiring freeze; reduce discretionary spending by 10%
• 13th in state on per capita net taxable income; 23rd in net taxable income

CCPS Budget

• 52.4% of UNDESIGNATED county funds. Funds that use to be undesignated is now designated. The undesignated piece of the pie has gradually decreased therefore making the BOE portion slightly smaller.

New High School

• Presentation on schematics
• Green Building - Gold level
• $23M per year to operate; average for all high schoools
• 1600 students - 1900 core capacity

New School Construction

• Enrollment Trends
• School construction predictions
• Prototype schools

So. MD Assoc. of Realtors

• Presentation on letter of positions involving APFO

Commissioners Task Force on APFO

• Report to commissioners on findings
• Recommendations

Commissioners & BOE APFO Subcommittee Report

• Recommendations

Workforce Housing

• Keys for Employees Program
• County is working on affordable housing
• considering changing house size restrictions from 1650 square feet to 1200 square feet
• Looking into building apartments on a parcel of land near an elementary school in Waldorf
• Mobile homes are acceptable and allowed in Charles County contrary to popular belief

Goals and Future Needs

• Wade - Committee and board meet three times a year; June, Sept., Feb
• HSA graduation requirements
• Discussion
• Relayed via commissioners, possible sale of something to do with Mirant...in negotiations with companies from overseas...could provide substantial UNDESIGNATED income.
• County to go to New York in a couple of weeks to present and receive bond rating.

ACTION - APFO

• Item #1 - CIP Schools - Discussion
• Comm. Patterson unprepared to take action at this time.

*Motion by Patterson, seconded by Graves to postpone action until July
Yes = Patterson, Graves, Cooper; No=Hodge; Collins
PASSED

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 2/19/08

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, February 19th.
Can't attend...you can watch it live on Channel 96. It will also be re-broadcast on Wednesday at 9:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

3:30 - Executive Session
4:30 - Recognition
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 BoardDocs.

Superintendent - Report
Board Members - (report not available yet)
EACC - Update
Student Board Member - (report not available yet)
Deputy Superintendent - Student Service Guidance
Instruction Report - Middle School Programs
Supporting Services Report - CIP Update
Finance Report - Workers Compensation Policy #3541; Rule
Legislative Update - (report not available yet)

Action Items:

Minutes from 1/8/08 & 1/28/08

REVISED/UPDATED Agenda for BOE & Commissioner Retreat

Just received a revised an updated agenda...

February 13th
9:00 - Opening Remarks (Cooper & Wade)
9:15 - 2008 Budget Challenge (Deborah Hudson CC Gov)
10:00 - 2008 Budget Challenge (Paul Balides (CCPS)
10:45 - Break
11:00 - New School Construction/New High School Update
12:00 - Lunch
1:00 - Work Session: APFO (Comm. Task Force & SMAR & Committee Report)
4:00 - Break
4:15 - APFO Wrap-Up
5:30 - Dinner

February 14th
7:30 - Breakfast
9:00 - Workforce Housing (Keith Hettel CCPS & Paul Comfort CC Gov.)
10:00 - Break
10:15 - Goals and Future Needs
11:15 - APFO Action
12:00 - Unfinished Business/Wrap up (Wade/Cooper)
12:30 - Lunch/Adjourn

Governor O'Malley Hosts P-20 Leadership Council

Council Charged with Aligning State’s Education and Workforce Programs

ANNAPOLIS, MD (February 11, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley hosted the O’Malley-Brown Administration’s P-20 Leadership Council today and charged the Council with better aligning Maryland’s education systems with workforce demands. The P-20 Leadership Council, created in 2007 by Executive Order 01.01.2007.20, was established to create an integrated statewide system to better prepare Maryland students for the jobs of the 21st century while enhancing the State’s economic competitiveness by creating a workforce with 21st century skills.

“The people of Maryland are our greatest asset and our continued economic strength depends upon our ability to invest in them, and prepare our children today for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Governor O’Malley. “This Council fosters partnerships between the State of Maryland educators and the business community to generate new ideas to align our education systems with the needs of employers that are innovative and ambitious to prepare our students to compete in the 21st Century.”

The P20 Council is made up of 35 stakeholders from all levels of education, labor and business sectors with the charge of seeking the best way to better prepare Maryland students for the jobs of the 21st Century while enhancing the State’s economic competitiveness by creating a workforce with 21st Century skills. Governor O’Malley charged the Council to action by establishing the current Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) baselines, identifying the gaps between baseline and current needs and developing a strategic plan to fill those gaps.

Read more HERE

Dropout Rate Targeted

From the Baltimore Sun...

Requiring Maryland students to remain in school until they turn age 18 could drastically reduce dropout rates but would cost the state $200 million a year and worsen the existing shortage of teachers, classroom space and other resources, according to a new report.

A yearlong study by a statewide task force of 50 educators, community leaders and legislators recommended raising the public school compulsory attendance age from 16. Maryland law allows students to drop out at age 16 with parental permission.

Read more HERE.

Commissioners and BOE Retreat

Good morning! The commissioners and the BOE will be meeting for a retreat at the Harry Lundeberg Seamanship School, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training (45353 St. George's Avenue, Piney Point, Maryland 20674) on February 13th and 14th. I'm not certain if the agenda has been publicized anywhere but you will find the outline I have received below.

*check-in time is 8:00 a.m. or anytime thereafter

Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (½ day discussion)

• Where we were
• Where we are
• Where do we go from here
  APFO Committee Report
  Goal/direction
  Discussion

2008 Budget Challenge

• Comments by Commissioner President and BOE Chairperson

New School Construction

• Revised Plan/update
  
  

Teen Driving Bills Introduced

Two bills (one Senate and one House) will be presented in Annapolis in two weeks. If anyone feels strongly about either of these and would like to testify at these hearings, please contact me as soon as possible abell4edu@verizon.net . The Senate bill is on February 19th and the House Bill is on February 20th

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Bill 460

Senators Middleton and Dyson
Vehicle Laws - Moving Violations by Minors - Notification of Parent or Guardian

Synopsis:
Requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to notify the parent, guardian, or other cosigner of a minor's driver's license application if a citation is issued to the minor charging the minor with a specified moving violation; requiring the notice provided by the Administration to contain specified information; etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

House Bill 511

Delegates Levy, Jameson, Murphy, Bohanan, and Wood
Vehicle Laws - Moving Violations by Minors - Notification of Parent or Guardian

Synopsis:
Requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to notify the parent, guardian, or other cosigner of a minor's driver's license application if a citation is issued to the minor charging the minor with a moving violation; requiring the notice provided by the Administration to contain specified information; etc.

Teacher Retention/Highly Qualified

Cowboy had requested information on teacher retention in another thread. Here's the answers I received from Human Resources.

We hired about 350 teachers in the last year.
We had the following number of teachers leave:
Step 1= 53
Step 2= 73
Step 3= 36
Step 4= 13
Step 5= 6

You can see that the number tends to decrease after the first two years. There is always movement in these two years.

Maryland Dept of Education reports the following statistics in regard to the percent of classes being taught by Highly Qualified teachers. This means that the teacher is deemed Highly Qualified by state standards and is teaching that particular class.
2,445 classes reported
447 classes not taught by HQ teacher
82% taught by HQ teachers

However, the total number of HQ teachers employed by Charles County Public Schools is closer to 92%. This means that 92% of our teachers are certificated/highly qualified in a grade(s) or subject area. The difference of the 10% happens when a teacher is assigned to teach a class out of their area of HQ status. Ex:- HQ Physics teacher teaching a general science class.

Students With Disabilities Said to Benefit From NCLB

At Education Week...

The accountability systems created by the federal No Child Left Behind Act have led to some benefits for students with disabilities, but it’s too soon to link the law with improved academic outcomes for such students, according to a presidential advisory group.

The 15-member National Council on Disability—which makes recommendations to the president and Congress on issues relating to Americans with disabilities and their families—released the report today at its quarterly board meeting in New Orleans. Much of the information gathered in the report came from interviews with dozens of researchers and state officials. In addition, the council looked closely at the performance of students with disabilities in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Read more HERE

School system publishes its Annual Report

Charles County Public Schools recently published its 2008 Annual Report. The report contains student and faculty accomplishments, school system budget information and a partial calendar for the 2008-09 school year.
The report is created and by the CCPS communications department and is required by law to be published.

O'Malley Backs Off Plan To Oust Education Chief

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley asked legislative leaders yesterday to shelve a bill that would have effectively rescinded the new term of State Schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick. He pledged instead to work with the long-serving educator on policy priorities that include signing bonuses to lure principals to troubled schools.

O'Malley (D), who has feuded openly with Grasmick, made the announcement at a news conference at which the two sat side by side and said they will also work to expand vocational course offerings and regularly survey teachers in an effort to improve the environment in classrooms.

As recently as last week, aides said O'Malley supported legislation that would have allowed his new appointees to the state school board to decide whether Grasmick would retain her job beyond this year. In December, Grasmick was awarded a four-year contract extension, at an annual salary of $195,000, by a board controlled by appointees of O'Malley's predecessor, Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R).

Read more HERE.

School Chiefs Get Average of $351,730 After Perks

Total Compensation Far Exceeds Superintendents' Salaries

By Daniel de Vise
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 31, 2008; Page PG04

School superintendents in the Washington area will collect salaries ranging from $157,200 to $279,340 in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Factor in benefits and perks, however, and the average annual compensation package swells to $351,730.

Compensation for the school chiefs goes well beyond the salaries reported to the public, according to a review of contracts for 12 superintendents in the District and its suburbs. Contracts routinely allow superintendents to collect tens of thousands in deferred compensation and to cash in weeks of unused leave annually. Superintendents enjoy supplemental insurance policies and retirement plans on top of the benefits available to all public school administrators.

In Montgomery County, the $242,686 salary paid this year to School Superintendent Jerry D. Weast represents not quite half of a total compensation package valued at $489,763. John E. Deasy in Prince George's County will receive $424,080 in total compensation, with less than two-thirds coming from salary, according to figures provided by the school system.

Read more HERE.

Md. Bill To Target Tenure of Grasmick

In the Washington Post...

O'Malley, Schools Superintendent In Power Struggle
By John Wagner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, January 31, 2008; Page B01

Democratic leaders of the Maryland General Assembly are preparing to push a bill that would effectively rescind the recent four-year reappointment of embattled State Schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick and allow new school board appointees of Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) to decide whether to extend her tenure beyond this year.

The bill, which lawmakers said will be introduced in the Senate by early next week, is the latest move in a bitter power struggle between O'Malley, who has feuded with Grasmick and wants her replaced, and a long-serving superintendent who is close to former governors Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) and William Donald Schaefer (D).

Read more HERE.

Meat From 'Sick' Cows Could Have Been Sent to Schools

A nationwide animal abuse investigation and it all ends up in your child's school cafeteria.

The investigation showed a fork-lift being used to shove a “sick” cow into a slaughterhouse.

That video is now the focus of a USDA investigation into a meat company accused of supplying 'bad' meat to schools in 35 states— including Maryland.

Fox 5's Sherri Ly is following the school lunch scare.

Just a short time ago, the agriculture department released a letter saying it has indefinitely suspended the meat company involved from providing beef to its school lunch and federal food programs.

All this came after the Humane Society of the U.S. released disturbing video from a six week investigation.

Read more HERE.

Light Shed on Schools' Dirty Secret

In a story by the assoicated press...

Heeding a steady drumbeat of sexual misconduct cases involving teachers, at least 15 states are now considering stronger oversight and tougher punishment for educators who take advantage of their students.

Lawmakers say they are concerned about an increasingly well-documented phenomenon: While the vast majority of America's teachers are committed professionals, there also is a persistent problem with sexual misconduct in U.S. schools. When abuse happens, administrators too often fail to let others know about it, and too many legal loopholes let offenders stay in the classroom.

Read more HERE.

In eight states, legislators are pursuing changes to close those gaps, including California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, Missouri, Virginia, Washington state and West Virginia.

Bush Calls for NCLB Renewal, ‘Pell Grants for Kids’

At Education Week...

President Bush used his final State of the Union address to once again call on Congress to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act. But the one concrete idea he proposed in the speech—$300 million for public and private school choice—won't generate much enthusiasm in Congress, particularly from Democrats.

The president proposed a program dubbed “Pell Grants for Kids” that would provide grants on a competitive basis to states, school districts, cities, and non-profit organizations to create scholarship programs for low-income students in schools that have missed their achievement targets under the NCLB law, and in high schools in which graduation rates are lower than 60 percent.

Read more HERE

More students passing tests after Thornton funding kicked in

In the Baltimore Sun...

A record $3.3 billion in new local and state school spending during the past five years largely has gone toward the hiring of new teachers, raising salaries and lowering the ratio of students to teachers, according to a new report to the Maryland General Assembly.

At the same time, the number of students passing state reading and math tests has increased in every county.

Read more HERE.

Notes from Board Work Session, 1/28/08

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:

• None

Adequate Public Facilities Sub Committee Update (report not online)

• originally adopted 1999


• APF districts match high school zones


• in order to receive an allocation you can wait your turn on a long list or DRRA allows you to come before the commissioners and pay for your allocations


• 600 per year for the waiting list; 900 for DRRA = 1,500 total allocations yearly


• All board members in support

Action Item - Change of Board Meeting Time

• Abell - recommends an alternate proposal based on the CAC and PAC recommendations. 12 - Executive session/lunch; 1:00 Public session; 4:30 Recognition; 6:30 Public Forums; Action items following public forum; Begin in March

*Motion by Abell, seconded by Wise to approve Abell's proposal
Unanimous
PASSED

Executive Session

Educating Our Children

Two great articles at Forbes.com...

A Matter Of Scale: Expanding Educational Opportunities
Bill Gates

Today, more children attend school than at any other point in human history.
Around the world, literacy rates continue to climb. ... But while we have made
progress, we are far from reaching the goal of universal education. For
individuals, education is the prerequisite for opportunity and success. For
communities and nations, educated citizens provide the foundation for
sustainable social and economic progress.

Technology's Greater Role In Education
John Chambers

Educators, governments and businesses understand technology's role in preparing
our next-generation workforce and the importance of competing in a borderless
digital world. We cannot underestimate the impact that a level playing field has
in education, the local economy, job creation and a country’s competitiveness. I
believe that many don't fully understand the impact or the extent of the role
technology will play in the future. I also believe that the real question is
whether we will be prepared when it becomes clear.

Read more HERE...

REMINDER: Board Work Session, 1/28/08

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Work Session Monday, January 28th.
Can't attend...you can watch it live on Channel 96. It will also be re-broadcast on Wednesday at 9:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

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

6:00 - Public Forum (Must sign-up prior to 6:00)

Work Session:

• Adequate Public Facilities Sub Committee Update (report not available)
• Minutes from 1/8/08

Action Items:

• Change of Board Meeting Time

Executive Session

The Beginning of the End

Md.'s 'No Child Left Behind' in trouble
Jan 26, 2008 3:00 AM (13 hrs ago) by Leah Fabel, The Examiner

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Maryland students will soon be able to dodge failing marks on state proficiency tests required for graduation. The schools they leave behind, though, will still suffer the consequences.

Administrators fear a Maryland State Board of Education effort to help low-performing high schoolers graduate ends up putting schools at risk of failing to meet the demands of No Child Left Behind.

Read more HERE

It's silly to leave Grasmick behind

And the battle rages on as O'Malley takes another swing a Grasmick...

Nancy S. Grasmick, Maryland's state superintendent of schools, said she's proud of the fact that four different Democrats who've run for governor asked her to be their lieutenant governor.

A fifth Democrat might ask her one day; you'd make some easy money by betting that it won't be Gov. Martin O'Malley. The guv's made it clear: He wants Grasmick out.

Grasmick's a "poster child for No Child Left Behind," O'Malley has groused on public airwaves. What's more, she's "a pawn of the Republican Party."

The guv made those comments on Marc Steiner's radio show. He said them like supporting NCLB and being a pawn of the Republican Party are bad things.

Read more HERE

Snow Day Fiasco

By now I'm sure you have heard about this, but if not...read directly below. If you already know the story, skip to the bottom for the update. Let me know what you think...

Va. Student's Snow-Day Plea Triggers an Online Storm

By Michael Alison Chandler

Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 23, 2008; Page A01

Snow days, kids and school officials have always been a delicate mix.

Audio on YouTube

But a phone call to a Fairfax County public school administrator's home last week about a snow day — or lack of one — has taken on a life of its own. Through the ubiquity of Facebook and YouTube, the call has become a rallying cry for students' First Amendment rights, and it shows that the generation gap has become a technological chasm.

More here.
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Now for the update...

Remorse, Detention for Snow-Day Caller
By Michael Alison Chandler

Washington Post Staff Writer

Saturday, January 26, 2008; Page B01

High school senior Devraj "Dave" S. Kori, who may be remembered someday as the Fairfax County champion of the snow day, will spend a Saturday in detention at Lake Braddock Secondary School for the phone call that started it all.

More HERE

Superintendent & Board Chairman Resign

GOTCHA!!

In Oklahoma...

The Oklahoma County District Attorney and police are looking into the 21 allegations against Oklahoma City Superintendent John Q.Porter. School board members called a special meeting on Wednesday and voted 6-1 to accept Porter's resignation.

The criminal investigation centers on allegations that Porter misused school district funds.

The board agreed to pay Porter more than $325,000. Officials said Porter will be paid more than $71,000 for his time through June 2008 as well as more than $255,000 from an Oklahoma City Public Schools foundation account.

School board Chairman Cliff Hudson also resigned on Wednesday. Hudson had offered a couple of weeks ago to step down if Porter would do the same. Officials confirmed that Hudson resigned as part of the district's settlement with Porter.

Read more HERE.

Assessment to Rate Principal Leadership to Be Field-Tested

This sounded intriguing...



EXCERPT

Starting next month, 300 schools nationwide will take part in a field test of a new way to gauge principals’ effectiveness.
Known as VAL-ED, for the Vanderbilt Assessment of Leadership in Education, the tool has been developed by a team of leadership and testing experts at Vanderbilt University and the University of Pennsylvania to measure leadership behaviors that research has found are associated with student achievement.
“Once principals are on the job, evaluation probably is the key leverage point that you need to get your hands on if you really want to move instructional leadership,” said Joseph F. Murphy, one of the developers of the new measure and a professor of education at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.



Read more HERE

Study casts doubt on No Child’s effectiveness

In the Examiner...

EXCERPT

In an era of high-stakes testing brought on by the No Child Left Behind Act, new
research finds the overall quality of reading and math instruction to be in
decline, and the students most in need of high-quality teaching as the least
likely to receive it.

Linda Valli, the University of Maryland education
professor who collected the data, said her findings cast doubt on the
effectiveness of NCLB, the federal legislation signed in 2001 aimed at raising
standards and closing the “achievement gap” between high-performing and
low-performing students.

Read more HERE.

New York Measuring Teachers by Test Scores

Today in the New York Times...what do you think?

EXCERPT

New York City has embarked on an ambitious experiment, yet to be announced, in which some 2,500 teachers are being measured on how much their students improve on annual standardized tests.

The move is so contentious that principals in some of the 140 schools participating have not told their teachers that they are being scrutinized based on student performance and improvement.

While officials say it is too early to determine how they will use the data, which is already being collected, they say it could eventually be used to help make decisions on teacher tenure or as a significant element in performance evaluations and bonuses. And they hold out the possibility that the ratings for individual teachers could be made public.

Read more HERE

School Allocation Meeting & More

If you have been following the APFO discussion...CCPS staff and the Board of Education will be meeting with the commissioners on Tuesday, January 22 at 2:30 for their agenda item "School Allocations Cycle."

In addition, the Board of Education members have been asked to join Mr. Richmond at the Starkey building at noon, the same day, to discuss administrative matters.

I have no further detail at this time but I have requested an agenda from the Chairman as well as, minutes for the meeting because I have prior March of Dimes obligations out of town. In the past, when the Board has meet for administrative matters, minutes have not been taken, however I have made the request due to my absence.

Tying Cash Awards to AP-Exam Scores Seen as Paying Off

I must say when I noticed the title of this article, I was shocked. The idea seems a little "out-there", but I try to pride myself in being open-minded. Please provide your feedback and thoughts.

EXCERPT

Is there anything wrong with receiving $500 for a test score? What if that inducement seems to help pull up SAT scores and college-enrollment rates among disadvantaged students?

A recent study by C. Kirabo Jackson, a professor of labor economics at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., answers neither of those questions. But as money-for-achievement programs grow in New York City and elsewhere, the research pours new fuel on the debate over whether remuneration works in education and what the trade-offs are.

Published last month on the Cornell Higher Education Research Institute’s Web site, the study found that when students and teachers in disadvantaged Texas public schools were offered up to $500 for each passing Advanced Placement score, AP participation and scores rose.

Read more HERE.

Court Ruling in NCLB Suit Fuels Fight Over Costs

At Education Week...

EXCERPT
The National Education Association suggested this week that school districts need not use their own money to pay for obligations under the No Child Left Behind Act, in the wake of a federal appeals court ruling that revived the union’s lawsuit challenging the law as an unfunded federal mandate.
The Jan. 7 ruling means that “as a condition of participation in the No Child Left Behind Act, a school district or state cannot be compelled to use its own resources to carry out that mandate,” Robert H. Chanin, the general counsel of the NEA and the architect of the lawsuit, argued in an interview.
But other supporters of the lawsuit were more cautious, and the defendant in the case—U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings—suggested that the decision was far from the last word on the subject.

Read more HERE

O'Malley's crusade against Grasmick, Inc.

Found this post on the Baltimore Sun's blog site.

EXCERPT
O'Governor's timing isn't exactly impeccable, is it? He decided to publicly slam Nancy Grasmick again and call for her ouster just as Education Week was ranking Maryland's schools No. 3 nationwide. A longtime state schools superintendent gets to take credit for that - not a first-term governor with only a limited track record of interest in public education.

But, look, children, it's not just bitter, personal partisan politics that motivates O'Governor to go after Nancy Grasmick, one of the most successful public school superintendents in the United States, but a crusade against "unfettered corporatism." Here's Sue Allison, Director of something called Marylanders Against High Stakes Testing, to explain:

"Dr. Grasmick is not only isolated from politics - she has completely isolated herself from the views and concerns of parents. The legislature recently compelled her to do regional public hearings on the High School Assessment program, which she did. But when one of the new O'Malley BOE appointees made the suggestion that they should not vote on the confirming the HSA requirement until all parent concerns raised at those hearings were addressed -this BOE member was quickly shut down by the old Ehrlich appointees. So basically - parents WASTED their time when they traveled far distances to tell the BOE what was actually happening with their silver bullet HSA program.

"BOE members don't even share their email addresses with the public. This set-up makes parents feel completely helpless in this policy making process. We can't vote for anyone who has anything to do with education policy. On the other hand - the Maryland Business Roundtable has complete and unfettered access to Dr. Grasmick and the Board. In fact - the BOE often meets at the offices of the Maryland Business Roundtable. It is the MBRT's views on high stakes testing that always carry the day - despite overwhelming opposition by other education advocacy organizations.

Read more and the comments HERE.

Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Subcommittee

As you may recall, a joint subcommittee with Board of Education members and County Commissioners as well as respective staff was formed in early 2007. The Board of Education is due to hear the committee's recommendations at it's work session on January 28th. Upon invitation from the Southern Maryland Realtors group, I along with two other board members attended their meeting yesterday morning. It was at this meeting I learned that the committee's recommendations had already been presented to the commissioners and placed on the county web-site. In addition, Jason Groth had developed a number of possible scenarios. The meeting was quite enlightening. The links to the documents are below. Let me know your thoughts.

APFO Subcommittee Recommendations
APFO Scenarios

The Invisible Class

During a recent board meeting, Mr. Bailey raised the question about CCPS' role and guidelines in teaching "undocumented" students. The response from staff was "we teach all children." Then I came across the below article in the American School Board Journal.

EXCERPT
Twenty-five years after a landmark Supreme Court case, questions still abound about the role of schools in educating undocumented students.

Read more HERE

UPDATE - I have just learned that ASBJ site is no longer free access. I'm sorry, I am working on a resolution.

'Dashboards' Provide Data On Schools

According to the Washington Post...

U.S. Education Secretary Margaret Spellings has unveiled a new tool to show the public a snapshot of how schools fare in reading and math achievement, graduation rates and participation in challenging Advanced Placement exams.

The so-called dashboards, one for each state and the District, aim to distill the overwhelming amount of data on student achievement into a simple format that illustrates troubles and bright spots for schools. The two-page reports, filled with graphics, include pass rates on national and state reading and math exams for fourth- and eighth-graders, national and state graduation rates and the number of schools meeting or falling short of No Child Left Behind goals.

Read more HERE

Loudon County Passes Rule Requiring Seat Belts on Buses

Just heard a blurb on the news, I know they were considering it in December and it was an action item for January. Must of passed :) Can't find anything in print yet but when I do it will be added here.

UPDATE ADDED

Read more from the Washington Post HERE

School Bus Safety

Found this great article in the American School Board Journal. As always, give me your feedback.

Excerpt
As any school board member can attest, it is difficult to overestimate the importance of transporting students safely. Every single school day, tens of thousands of buses drive millions of miles -- down interstate highways, city streets, and back country roads. Every year, more than 25 million American students ride at least once on a school bus.
Given these demands, bus manufacturers constantly strive to produce safer and more comfortable student transportation. But school boards and district administrators also play key roles in providing safe school buses. Districts across the country are finding ways -- some cutting edge, others tried-and-true—to improve bus safety.
School leaders also must provide the most important element for safety -- a conscientious bus driver. But as is the case with many school-level positions, finding and retaining quality drivers has been a struggle for many districts, leading some to take innovative steps to keep the seats filled.

Read more HERE.

Notes from Board Meeting, 1/8/08

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.

Recognition - Summary

Election of Chair

• Nominations - Wade 6; Wise 1

*Motion by Wise, seconded by Bailey to approve Wade as Chair
Unanimous
PASSED

Election of Vice-Chair

• Nominations - Wise 7

*Motion by Bailey, seconded by Cook to approve Wise as Vice-Chair
Unanimous
PASSED

Public Forum

• Female - Parent Visitation Policy; concerned with only being able to observe classroom twice in a 9-week period. Progress reports...it's too late to help. Trying to help son succeed in school.
• Female - Parent Visitation Policy. Not parent friendly. Wants a chance to observe more often. Success of North Point...will there be another similar school

Action - Approval of Minutes

• View Minutes from 12/11/07

*Motion by Wise, seconded by Carrington to accept the Minutes from 12/11/07
Unanimous
PASSED

Report – Superintendent – Jim Richmond (Given by Ron Cunningham)

• View Report
• First semester almost over
• Started annual school visits
• Richmond keynote speaker at Public Services Summit held in Stockholm Sweden
• It's Academic competition - Stone winner
• First JROTC Military Ball a success
• 1/30 appeal for school construction funding
• HS portfolio interviews

Correspondence/Board Member Updates

• Carrington - MABE Federal Relations Network Committee Meeting
• Wade - New MABE committee with Governor
• Wise - Legislation committee meeting with delegate and legislation
• Abell - Updates from board subcommittees
• Wade - Will get date for "What Counts" MABE availability
• Wise - Task Staff Committee will meet this month

Report – EACC – Meg McDonald; McMahon

• View Update
• Testing and time consumption. Asks board take a long hard look at testing especially the non-mandated ones. Need more time teaching.
• Contact legislatures and speaking points
• Drug/alcohol Policy - confidentiality of medical data is a concern
• Abell - possible rewording of policy to address issue
• McDonald - have results delivered to employee not employer; employee responsible for producing a negative result
• Pedersen - employee can present RX drugs.
• Pedersen - Testing reduction was part of her campaign and is interested in reaching a compromise
• Cook - RX abuse. Have an opportunity to list RX before being tested.
• Cook - Committed to reducing testing

Report - Student Board Member - Ashin Shah

• Met with Cunningham, Middleton, Coffey, State Farm re: teen driving
• Other passengers; cell phones; music
• Bring back Drivers Ed to school day; tougher driving laws
• Feb 4 students meet w/ Middleton to draft legislation on teen driving
• Legislative Session at Chopticon
• Wise 2/2 Shah will be filming It's Academic in DC
• Wise - impressed with CCASC meeting
• Richmond - CSM partnership to set up a drivers ed program at every high school on school grounds after school
• Pedersen - Thank you for invite. Impressed also. CSM program good. Requires parents participation a plus.
• Abell - private sector concerns about being cut-out of drivers ed partnership
• Richmond - College program not ours. Private sector will be considered. Nothing finalized
• Carrington - Same concerns
• Cunningham - Meeting with CSM and principals & staff. CSM offered their program at our facilities. Students to ride activity buses home. Process of drafting an agreement. Drivers Ed private sector is a for profit and our policy would not permit their participation. CSM is non-profit.

Report - Deputy Superintendent - Ron Cunningham, Keith Grier - Student Services - PBIS

• View Student Service PBIS; Bill in Congress
• For all students; attendance on the rise; teacher retention rising; reduction in office referrals
• State no longer provides training; CCPS trains Calvert & St. Mary's as well.
• Wise - State stop training and we are doing? Are we getting any funds?
• Grier - $1,500 and national speakers
• Cook - local sponsors - prizes? High School - awards? Concerned about quality of training if not nationally done? price per school to implement.
• Grier - Never broke down by school. Quite expensive to go to training. Better if we do it here and get the speakers to come to us.
• Dr. Valez - Partnerships like John Hopkins. Make HS part of the team. Reduced process to events or concessions.
• Carrington - Time involved per school or teacher for training
• Grier - Several days over the summer and then on location occasionally throughout the year
• Wise - How do you get other schools on board
• Grier - They come to us; need another person to help Dr. Valez
• Pedersen - Other programs working at other schools
• Dr. Valez - Other programs are incorporated with PBIS

Report – Instruction - Judy Estep - Freshman Seminar

• View Freshman Seminar Report
• 9th grade help socially and academically
• includes financial literacy; visual and media literacy; research and communication skills; abstinence workshop; stress management; Cornell note taking; work expectations; school culture
• "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens"
• Cook - Financial literacy - tie in with college funding? and writing skills
• Estep - Yes. Journal is incorporated
• Abell - concern with "mandatory". Do parents know they can opt-out
• Estep - We do not advertise that you can opt-out because we want all to take it
• Abell - Other semester courses if opt out
• Estep - Health
• AS - Quality of course across all HS; way to measure
• Estep - Same curriculum; teachers are required to follow; students asked for input; no way to measure
• Carrington - Some things shouldn't be optional; is that the only financial literacy
• Estep - No
• Cook - How is the information presented
• Estep - Every day is different and every lesson is different
• Wise - Grade course
• Estep - Yes

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

• See report CIP Update
• Neal is 65% complete
• Somers pPhase I complete; Phase II begins on 1st floor
• Craik still needs work on controls and balancing. Complete by 1/31
• Mt Hope Health Dept requested percolation test for waste water system replacement
• Diggs portable classroom modular facility almost complete
• Will have appt time for annual "beg-a-thon" by end of week
• Cook - portables with restrooms and water?
• Hagis - need sanitary lines and they are not where we need the relocateables. Very cost prohibitive
• Wise - Bulging brick at Craik? Carpet?
• Wineland - Due to leaky roof. New carpet to come.
• Pedersen - North Point usage fees email
• Wineland - Numerous out-of-county requests; Parks & Rec and government teams are still exempt

Report - Budget - Paul Balides

• View Report Budget Update
• On target
• Pedersen - What would budget cut from state do to our budget with the addition of another school. Where would we take it?
• Balides - State has not finalized cut

Action - Personnel

*Motion by Wise, seconded by Pedersen to approve Personnel
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - Drug Alcohol Testing Program Policy

• See Report Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Policy #1, #2
• Specifically a drug/alcohol test
• Cook - Training specifics
• Hettel - DOT training. Already implemented with bus drivers
• Carrington - enough personnel available to implement
• Hettel - Definitely. Only foresee possibily 2-3 per year
• Carrington - Almost every industry has a testing program in effect
• Wise - Why do we even accpet .04
• Hettel - State standard
• Pedersen - Concerned we haven't received public input, whats the rush
• Abell - Clarification...two meetings are standard if no major changes have been made. It was a report item last month and an action item this month. Same test already performed for bus drivers
• Bailey - Rules...Alford Plea and no lo contender (sp) are they the same
• Schwartz - Alford Plea means enough evidence to convict. Treated as a guilty.

*Motion by Abell, seconded by Wise to approve Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Policy
Yes = Abell, Bailey, Carrington, Pedersen, Wade, Wise; No = Cook
PASSED

Unfinished Business

• Abell - Policy 8000 - advised Board we need to revise at the November meeting
• Wade - March work session

New Business - Board Meeting Time

• Wise - Recommends Executive session at 11; lunch at 12; meeting begins at 1; recognition at 4:30; Public forum at 5:30
• Cook - 6:30 time great for commuters
• Abell - Need public forum before action items
• Cook - Accept emails and letter correspondance
• Abell - recommend postponing and receive feed back from communication advisory committee
• Pedersen - concerned with staff staying late and with changing times too quickly
• Wise - agress with Abell to get recommendations
• Carrington - Doesn't think we need to ask the community for every decision we make
• Cook - postpone
• Postponed for input from committee

New Business - Usage Fees at North Point Fields

• out of county organizations; numerous requests
• change does nothing to community service or government teams/organizations
• county budget discussion
• Carrington - Are they asking to use NP specifically; YES
• Wineland - Nothing changes for in county
• Carrington - What happens to funds collected? Life expectancy of field?
• Richmond - funds stay at NP for maintenance of field
• Wineland - Frequency of use and type of use
• Richmond - Told it would be maintenance free for 10 years and then major renovations
• Cook - How did staff come up with the fee schedule
• Wineland - Same as convocation center at NP
• Abell - Specifically...LPBK & Westlake Bulldogs are exempt from fee?
• Wineland - When they are playing in county teams under the umbrella of community services. If they hold fundraisers, they are no longer under the umbrella of community services. If they invite out-of-county teams they are no longer under the umbrella.
• Abell - Urgency of tonight over next month
• Wineland - Numerous requests from agencies
• Pedersen - Staff time charged
• Wineland - $40 per hour event supervisor
• Bailey - Cost to renovate field in 10 years
• Wineland - approx. $700,000
• Bailey - approx anticipated revenue
• Wineland - too many unknowns
• Bailey - Private schools??
• Abell - Still concerned with our in-county youth teams and their vitality. No problem charging out-of-county organizations youth and adults but concerned how this will adversely affect our youth organizations.
• Abell - If pay $1,000 fee can the agency sell concessions. Currently Boosters are required
• Wineland - No. Health department rules
• Pedersen - Other facilities they can use such as local parks.

*Motion by Bailey, seconded by Wise to accept the Superintendent's Recommendation
Yes = Bailey, Carrington, Cook, Pedersen, Wade, Wise; No = Abell
PASSED

Future Agenda Items

• Cook - Testing and teacher work load
• Abell - Clarification...lists of test, when given, work load on teachers not how or what. Possibly slim down
• Pedersen - agrees

ADJOURNED

Drivers Edge

This is a great driving experience for all teenagers and young adults. I highy recommend it and best of all it is absolutely FREE!

Driver's Edge is a non-profit organization and public charity solely funded by donations, public grants and corporate sponsorships.

Taught behind the wheel and in the classroom with an "MTV" flavor, Driver's Edge was originally developed to help combat the staggering number of automobile collisions and fatalities that involve our young drivers.

The course is taught by professional race car drivers and performance driving instructors and empowers young drivers through a unique combination of classroom discussions and behind the wheel defensive driving exercises designed to help erase the "Fast and the Furious" and video game mentalities that many youth possess.

Participants receive expert instruction on skid control, evasive lane change manuevers, anti-lock braking skills, panic braking techniques and much more. What does the car feel like when it is skidding seemingly out of control, they will get to feel it and you (the parents) will too!

Check it out HERE.

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 1/8/08

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, January 8th.
Can't attend...you can watch it live on Channel 96. It will also be re-broadcast on Wednesday at 9:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

3:30 - Executive Session
4:30 - Recognition
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.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair

• Information
• Procedures
• Bylaws

Reports include:

• Superintendent - Report
• Board Members - (report not available yet)
• EACC - Update
• Student Board Member - (report not available yet)
• Deputy Superintendent - Student Service PBIS; Bill in Congress
• Instruction Report - Freshman Seminar (report not available yet)
• Supporting Services Report - CIP Update
• Finance Report - Budget Update (report not available yet)
• Human Resources Report - (report not available yet)

Action Items:

• Minutes from 12/11/07
• Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Policy #1, #2
• Personnel

New Business:

• Board Meeting times
• North Point stadium usage fees

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

From my home to yours,

a very blessed Christmas,

happy holidays,

and a wish for a wonderful new year!


Get Myspace Christmas Countdown

Inclement Weather Procedures

I get asked all the time, "how and when is delayed arrival or closing of schools occur?" Well, click HERE for some of your answers.

Notes from Board Meeting, 12/11/07

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 - Use to be excited about Charles County . MSA scores proved a good system prior to moving here. System has been a disappointment. One child in elementary and one in middle school. Children not receiving a rigorous and challenging education. Expect order and discipline in classrooms. Expect more from school board and results not lip service


• Male - More taxes but no new funds for school construction. Look at alternatives. Mentioned last months comments re two sessions at one high school. Address issues of overcrowding without building. Be a leader that you promised to be during your campaign and stop being led by administration

Action - Approval of Minutes

• View Minutes from 11/13/07

*Motion by Carrington, seconded by Pedersen to approve 11/13/07 minutes

Unanimous

PASSED

Report – Superintendent – Jim Richmond (Given by Ron Cunningham)

• View Report
• Richmond keynote speaker at Public Services Summit held in Stockholm Sweden
• Committed to doing whatever possible to promote safe driving on the part of our students
• Middleton will meet with SGA's on Thursday to solicit input
• Richmond meeting with CSM to discuss offering drivers education at schools after hours.
• It's Academic competition
• First JROTC Military Ball
• Archery tournament, all-county concerts, regional art show
• Parent @ School - will be adding a link to determine your school zones based on address

Correspondence/Board Member Updates

• Pedersen - Legislative committee - CCPS $5.7M less than last year

Report – EACC – Bill Fisher

• View Update
• General Assembly (read report)
• Extra pay for extracurricular activities committee
• Myths & Facts about teachers pay

Report - Student Board Member - Ashin Shah

• Meeting this Thursday. Coffey & Middleton attending to discuss teen driving issues
• Upcoming conference @ Chopticon
• Senior Prom Feb 29th @ Jaycees
• ARC of Southern Maryland volunteer opportunities

Report - Deputy Superintendent - Ron Cunningham, Keith Grier - Student Services - Homeless Students

• View Student Service Report
• McKinney Vento Act is the federal law that governs the right of homeless students (enrollment without barriers, school of origin, transportation, free meals, supplies/materials)
• Federal grant $23,000 in final year will be reapplied
• 05/06 = 325 students; 06/07 = 341 students; 07/08 already at 221 and expect to exceed last years number
• Attendance problems - Chronic problems identified by school. If results aren't positive, referral to Central Office. Goal is to identify causes for absences and prepare and implement a plan
• Court Liaison - Mr. Sams (Juvenile court, Adolescent Drug Court, Children in Need of Assistance)
• Reportable offenses - system notified by sheriff's and a meeting is held to determine if student is dangerous to themselves or others
• Pedersen - homeless vs living with grandparents
• Staff - certain questions you are allowed to asks and certain ones you cannot according to mandates
• Pedersen - Safe Nights - do we work with them
• Staff - yes rather closely
• Bailey - documentation questions on immigrants
• Staff - birth certificates, etc. One case at a time. We accept all students and then attempt to get birth certificates
• Bailey - What if not a U.S. citizen
• Staff - We still accept them and teach them
• Shah - How are new to the system homeless students zoned
• Staff - wherever they are currently located

Report – Special Education - Judy Estep

• View Special Education Report (tons of information)
• Requests a CCPS facility as opposed to High Roads; possibly transitional from residential non-public facility to regular school
• Early Childhood Inclusion - again tons of information...see report
• Abell - High Roads is "for profit"...why are we supporting them and providing so much assistance?
• Dr. Holland - good question
• Staff - They are our students and we want to support them and make sure they receive what they need. High Roads knows where and what they need to do.
• Pedersen - Look forward to having these kids under our roof
• Carrington - Look at budget and grants to get this started
• Wise - send students all the way to Texas?
• Staff - one student who wasn't accepted at facilities in Maryland or surrounding states

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

• See report CIP Update
• Neal - 60% complete; open in August, turns over to principal in June
• Somers 60% complete; finish in August
• Craik - 95% complete; finish in January
• IAC & Grasmick meeting 12/3
• Pedersen - possibility of having two sessions at one high school...which high school would be the best location to implement
• Wineland - Doesn't want to answer this question; defer to Cunningham
• Cunningham - Doesn't want to identify any one high school and cause concerns
• Bailey - economic ramifications
• Abell - supports Pedersen; seeking alternatives needs to be addresses including dual sessions and year round schooling
• See report Inclement Weather Procedures for details and procedures

Report - Budget - Paul Balides

• View Report Budget Update
• November financials. Right where we need to be

Report - Human Resources - Keith Hettel

• See Report Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Policy #1, #2
• Add/change policy 4821 to state the superintendent can implement drug and alcohol testing policy
• Pedersen - # of employees needing drug testing annually
• Hettel 2- 5 employees
• Pedersen - Why adjustment to policy for low #'s
• Hettel - Alcohol suspicion on the job but we cannot require testing
• Wise - Independent lab used, same as bus drivers
• Carrington - If work injury or accident, do we test?
• Hettel - No
• Abell - Hopefully we drive them to the lab and are the unions in agreement with this policy
• Hettel - yes we drive them and EACC has concerns with outcome of tests and actions taken
• Shah - Who orders testing
• Hettel - Priniipal, follows a check list
• Bailey - wording change in #1 to say and/or
• Wise - # of counties implement
• Hettel - quite a few: knows Carroll County does

Action - Personnel

*Motion by Wise, seconded by Carrington to approve Personnel
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - Schematics on high school 2011

• See report Schematics on High School 2011
• Bailey - Calvert County project only $57M. Staff comparison on square footage shows ours is actually cheaper per square foot.

*Motion by Pedersen, seconded by Wise to approve schematics on high school 2011
Unanimous
PASSED

Action - Addition of Courses to Program of Studies

• See report Addition of courses to Program of Studies for the 08-09 school year

*Motion by Wise, seconded by Pedersen to approve addition of courses to program of studies
Unanimous
PASSED

Unfinished Business

• Cook - Community outreach initiative from MABE needs to be worked on
• Abell - "What Counts"? Committee was formed in September
• Pedersen - Blue Ribbon Commission - Diversity forum 2/16...8-2 @ CSM

New Business

• Full Day Kindergarten Design Consultants (no electronic report provided)

*Motion by Carrington, seconded by Wise to approve full day kindergarten design consultants
Unanimous
PASSED

Future Agenda Items

• Wise - revisit board meeting time in January
• Pedersen - firm understanding of rebroadcast times
• Abell - Wednesdays at 9 am and Sundays at 2 pm
• Abell - Update on Dual Enrollment discussions with CSM
• Abell - review Board Benchmarks and Communication Goal set in 2005 due for annual review. suggested the possibility of having a board committee to review. Left to discretion of chairman.
• Wade - wants a motion

*Motion by Abell to review board benchmarks and communication goal
No Second - No Vote

• Wade - wants a more specific motion

*Motion by Abell, seconded by Bailey to review board benchmarks and communication goal as a committee
No Vote

• Pedersen - What is Ms. Abell looking to change?
• Abell - Not looking to change anything in particular. Part of the original motion that was passed in 2005 stated that we would review these annually and we have not done so. New board needs to review, change, or delete but it needs to come forward for that.
• Wise - would prefer the whole board
• Pedersen - review at the work session in January
• Bailey - changing it to work session instead of committee he won't second it.

*Motion by Abell, seconded by Pedersen to review board benchmarks and communication goal during a work session
Unanimous
PASSED

• Carrington - financial literacy- stock market game...we are one of only 4 counties in the state not participating
• Estep - we do participate in a stock market game, uncertain if its the same exact one
• Bailey - Schedule a meeting for the board to discuss APFO subcommittee report

ADJOURNED

What School Am I Zoned For?

According to a report given by Deputy Superintendent Ron Cunningham on Tuesday, parents will soon be able to go to the Charles County Public Schools web-site, enter an address and find out what schools your address is zoned for. I know this has been suggested by some of my readers before and it is finally going to happen. I'll keep you posted.

Don't Appoint Grasmick AGAIN!!!

Those words were heard loud and clear yesterday. The State Board of Education will be deciding whether to renew the four year term of Nancy Grasmick, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools. Many are opposed.

The two Democratic leaders of the Maryland General Assembly urged the State Board of Education yesterday to delay a decision about extending the tenure of Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick, who is locked in an ugly power struggle with Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) over her future.

The board, a majority of whose members were appointed by then-Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), could appoint Grasmick to another four-year term as early as today. Grasmick's new term would start July 1, the day O'Malley will gain a majority of appointees on the board, whose 12 members serve staggered terms.

Read more HERE.

REMINDER: Board Meeting, 12/11/07

Just wanted to remind everyone there is a Board Meeting Tuesday, December 11th.
Can't attend...you can watch it live on Channel 96. It will also be re-broadcast on Wednesday at 9:00 am and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

3:30 - Executive Session
4:30 - Recognition
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 - Report
• Board Members - (report not available yet)
• EACC - Update
• Student Board Member - (report not available yet)
• Deputy Superintendent - Student Service;
• Instruction Report - Special Education
• Supporting Services Report - CIP Update; Inclement Weather Procedures
• Finance Report - Budget Update
• Human Resources Report - Drug/Alcohol Testing Program Policy #1, #2

Action Items:

• Minutes from 11/13/07
• Personnel
• Schematics on High School 2011
• Addition of courses to Program of Studies for the 08-09 school year

Weeding out the Bad Teachers

In Education Week, New York City Taps Lawyers to Weed Out Bad Teachers.

"An aggressive drive meant to weed out incompetent tenured teachers in New York City is under attack from the local teachers’ union and some teacher-quality advocates, who describe it as a “witch hunt.”

Read more HERE

AP Score Analysis

Okay...sorry it took so long but this was a difficult task. Below my ramblings here, you will see my overall analysis and observations by school and course, based on the information I could ascertain by begging, borrowing, and bribing for scores. If I don't mention a course, either it wasn't offered at that school or I was unable to conclude an analysis. Now to get other items out of the way.

• I really don't understand, but I do accept, the "blanking" out of the scores for the public where students individual scores may be realized. However, to "blank" out the scores for the board members is absolutely ludicrous, especially when we have received the scores as confidential documents, unmodified, in previous years. This is definitely a hard pill to swallow. How am I as a board member suppose to make informed decisions or evaluate the superintendent on his performance if I don't know his performance? This brings to mind a case I've reviewed recently...King vs. Ambellan (just one of many on this same topic). Although this case was decided in New York, it does set a precedence, not to mention it is quoted in many, many other cases since. In this case, the majority of the board instructed the superintendent that the requesting board member be denied access to the records he requested involving a project funded by the school district. The requesting member sued for access, and the court granted him access.

"A member of a Board of Education has broad supervisory responsibility over the expenditure of district funds and the efficiency of the school system. He is elected to act upon behalf of the people and to do this he must have full information concerning the whole operation ....
The Court is of the opinion that the majority members of the Board of Education may not, by resolution or otherwise, restrict this right of every board member to be fully acquainted with the records and business of the district."

I'm still pondering this one.

• Isn't it ironic that when it comes to AP scores it is stated "test scores aren't everything, it's the experience of taking the course" yet when it comes to HSA's and meeting AYP, test scores are EVERYTHING.

OVERALL OBSERVATIONS

What can we conclude from this? Very little due to the lack of TOTAL information and we would need a couple of years to really show a trend. But here are my opinions.

1. The disparity of courses offered amongst the high schools is vast. I would like to encourage and hope that we can utilize some of our new technology to offer courses, in danger of being cancelled due to low enrollment at one high school, via the television or web in order for all students to have the same opportunity.
2. The percentage of AP enrollment actually tested has continued to creep up through the years. Yeah!!! We went from 87.4% last year to 88.8% this year.
3. When enrollment went down, scores generally went up. I would think that if enrollment decreased and scores decreased...there might be a problem that needs further consideration.
4. Some courses, across all high schools, went down in enrollment and scores. Big potential problem, possibly with the curriculum.
5. Classes where enrollment increased and scores increased...kudos! Congratulations! Thank you! That's what we want. Students interested in the course and involved in active learning and retention of information.

LACKEY

1. Calculus AB - tested down; scores down
2. English Lang & Comp - tested up; scores down
3. English Lit & Comp - tested avg.; scores up
4. European History - tested down; scores avg.
5. Music Theory - tested down; scores up
6. Psychology - tested avg.;scores up
7. US History - tested down; scores up

LAPLATA

1. Biology - tested up; scores up
2. Calculus AB - tested up; scores down
3. Chemistry - tested up; scores down
4. English Lang & Comp - tested up; scores down
5. English Lit & Comp - tested down.; scores down
6. Environmental Science - tested down; scores down
7. European History - tested avg; scores way down
8. Govt. & Politics Comp - tested up; score down
9. Govt. & Politics US - tested up; score down
10. History of Art - tested up; score avg
11. Music Theory - tested down; scores down
12. Physics B - tested up; scores up

MCDONOUGH

1. Biology - tested up; scores up
2. Calculus AB - tested down; scores up
3. Chemistry - tested down; scores up
4. English Lang & Comp - tested down; scores down
5. English Lit & Comp - tested up.; scores down
6. Environmental Science - tested down; scores down
7. European History - tested down; scores avg
8. Govt. & Politics Comp - tested up; score avg
9. Govt. & Politics US - tested up; score up
10. Music Theory - tested down; scores up
11. Physics B - tested up; scores up
12. Physics C Elec. & Magnet - tested way down; scores up
13. Physics C Mechanics - tested way down; scores up
14. Psychology - tested up; scores way down
15. Spanish Language - tested way up; scores way down

STONE

1. Biology - tested up; scores up
2. Calculus AB - tested way up; scores avg
3. Chemistry - tested up; scores way down
4. English Lang & Comp - tested down; scores up
5. English Lit & Comp - tested up.; scores down
6. Environmental Science - tested up; scores down
7. European History - tested up; scores down
8. Human Geography - tested up; scores way down
9. Music Theory - tested avg; scores down
10. Physics B - tested up; scores down
11. Psychology - tested avg; scores way down

WESTLAKE

1. Biology - tested down; scores down
2. Calculus AB - tested avg; scores down
3. Chemistry - tested down; scores up
4. Computer Science A - tested up; scores down
5. English Lang & Comp - tested up; scores up
6. English Lit & Comp - tested up.; scores down
7. Environmental Science - tested down; scores down
8. European History - tested down; scores down
9. Govt. & Politics Comp - tested up; score up
10. Govt. & Politics US - tested avg; score up
11. History of Art - tested down; scores up
12. Music Theory - tested down; scores up
13. Psychology - tested up; scores up

NORTH POINT

1. First year

Open Thread!

"Open Thread" is a place for you to tell me what you would like to see on this site. What can I do to make it more user-friendly, topics you would like to see discussed in the future, questions or concerns. So here you go, give me your feedback.

Effort to Limit Junk Food in Schools Faces Hurdles

According to the New York Times...

Federal lawmakers are considering the broadest effort ever to limit what children eat: a national ban on selling candy, sugary soda and salty, fatty food in school snack bars, vending machines and cafeteria lines.

Whether the measure, an amendment to the farm bill, can survive the convoluted politics that have bogged down that legislation in the Senate is one issue. Whether it can survive the battle among factions in the fight to improve school food is another.

Read more HERE

IMHO, we have come along way on the foods offered at school. Could more be done? Definitely. I also believe the current CCPS Policy is too strict and possibly misinterpreted the intent of the state (MSDE MOM #12 Guidelines) and federal (law 108-265, section June 30, 2004 Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004) rules and regulations. For example, some schools require adherence for ALL incoming foods, even those donated for special occasions. In other words, no cupcakes or ice cream sundaes for parties. Instead maybe we could do away with that greasy cafeteria pizza or those nasty frozen-fried chicken nuggets.

Proposed U.S. Rules on Bus Safety Draw Mixed Reactions

I know safety restraints on buses has been a hot topic for some of my readers and I came across this article on Education Week today. Evidently there has been a federal proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would require small school buses—those that weigh 10,000 pounds or less—to be equipped with lap-and-shoulder belts instead of just lap belts, as current rules require. Also, seat backs on all school buses would have to be raised to 24 inches, from 20 inches.

Read more HERE.