The Echo

Halloween's a special event in our home, so we've started celebrating early!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/28/10chicago.h29.html?tkn=SXWFQX%2FwsDDVW%2Fqu%2ByYwiefTbPsBARgn3RhA

Chicago School Closings Found to Yield Few Gains

By Dakarai I. Aarons


Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.

A majority of Chicago students affected by school closings were sent to schools that were low-performing, just like those they left behind—moves that had no significant impact on performance for most students, a study released today finds.

The study, by the University of Chicago’s Consortium on Chicago School Research, examines the academic effects of the closings on students at 18 elementary schools shut down between 2001 and 2006. To measure the impact, the researchers compared students age 8 and older with their counterparts in schools that had similar characteristics but continued to operate. The schools had a combined enrollment of 5,445 students at the time of their closing.
“Certainly, when schools were closed for academic reasons, the idea was to try to change their educational prospects and what they might obtain. Unfortunately, we didn’t find that,” said Julia Gwynne, a senior research analyst with the consortium and the report’s co-author. “The main reason why that seems not to have occurred was because most students did not attend schools that were substantially better than the ones that were closed.”  ... Read it all, right here

Part I.  What the Most Recent Legislation Requires:

One of the trickier areas of Boardsmanship for me is Finance and understanding how Christina's schools are funded.  Fortunately, I was able to attend last night's Finance Management for School Board Members class, a mandated course taught in conjunction with Delaware's Department of Education and the Delaware School Board Association.

The most common way educators look at school finance in terms of "units," the number of teachers generated by the number of students present in a building on September 30th.  We groan about that date because it presents one of Delaware's hardest obstacles: Overcrowded classrooms throughout the month of September in many of our state's public schools.  Last year Delaware's legislators attempted to change that date in their education reform bills, but the stipulation never made it to fruition.  Hopefully, we'll see a renewed effort in Dover come January when legislative sessions reconvene.

The Legislation of 2007 and 2010:

In 2005 and 2006, Delaware witnessed Christina's financial meltdown.  I was a new parent at the time, my eldest had been in school only a year or so.  Like so many other parents and tax payers I was furious with how poorly my district's money had been handled.  But, from mistakes and meltdowns, we all shall learn:  Delaware's Legislators responded with a plan to create an early warning system for all Delaware districts.

In 2007, legislators passed their first finance reform act.  It required:
1) School Board members to attend financial responsibility training
2) The addition of a third Local Finance Position Report due on Feb 1st of each year.  (Prior to this mandate, districts were only required to submit these reports in May and August.)
3)Authorization for DOE to intervene when a school district meets the criteria for financial distress
4)Authorized the wit holding of 25% of state funds until the August 31 report is received.

In 2010, legislators took action again with a heightened emphasis on Financial Transparency and Board Member Accountability.
1) District Financial Advisory Groups (Christina already has one in place)
2) Finance reporting on District Websites
3) The publication of a District checkbook on its website (which is actually a link to the State of Delaware's On line checkbook.)

From the News Journal:
http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910270334

Task force works on zero-tolerance rules

Members consider district discretion, statewide code of conduct
By JENNIFER PRICE • The News Journal • October 27, 2009

A Legislative task force is hoping to change state laws and school discipline policies to give greater flexibility to districts and school administrators doling out punishments.

The move comes in the wake of several high-profile cases in which students were suspended or expelled from school for what were seen as innocent mistakes... click here for more

The News Journal has one perspective:  http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009910260312

Mine's a little different -- When UD consumes the Chrysler property, the Christina School District will lose a substantial amount of revenue b/c UD does not pay school taxes... Will we find a way to function without it?  Absolutely.  But, it still hurts.

Alternative Schools
Despite public perception, these programs offer students the individualized -- and positive -- attention they need


By JENNIFER PRICE • The News Journal • October 25, 2009

There are no metal detectors at Christina School District's alternative school. Police officers don't patrol the hallways. Students aren't on lockdown.

Principal Butch Ingram said the Douglass School is not the dumping ground for troubled kids that some perceive it to be... read more here

Trying out some new layouts ... should be back up soon! (Should have known better...)

Elizabeth

Okay, time to update the schedule for all the dedicated readers:

Where I've been:
Oct 12 - Agenda Prep, Drew
Oct 13 - Board Meeting, Porter Rd.
Oct 14 - Tour of Christiana High School
Oct 14 - CNN Live with Campbell Brown
Oct 21 - Tour of Brader Elementary

Where I'm going:
Oct 26 - Delaware State School Board Association School Finance Training in Dover
Oct 27 - Dover again, for the Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony
Oct 28 - Tour of Brookside Elementary
Nov 2 - State Board of Education Meeting at Hodgson
Nov 3 - CSD Board Exec. Session
Nov 7 - CSD Board Code of Conduct Workshop
Nov 9 - Agenda Prep at Drew, Public Meeting
Nov 10 - CSD Board Exec. Session and Public Board Meeting at Bayard

From: http://specialchildren.about.com/od/504s/f/504faq2.htm

Question: What is a 504 plan?

Answer: The "504" in "504 plan" refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary or postsecondary schooling. "Disability" in this context refers to a "physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities." This can include physical impairments; illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and diabetes; and learning problems. A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their peers, and might include such things as wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, an extra set of textbooks, a peanut-free lunch environment, home instruction, or a tape recorder or keyboard for taking notes.

Question: How does a 504 plan differ from an IEP?

Answer: A 504 plan, which falls under civil-rights law, is an attempt to remove barriers and allow students with disabilities to participate freely; like the Americans With Disabilities Act, it seeks to level the playing field so that those students can safely pursue the same opportunities as everyone else. An IEP, which falls under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is much more concerned with actually providing educational services. Students eligible for an IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, represent a small subset of all students with disabilities. They generally require more than a level playing field -- they require significant remediation and assistance, and are more likely to work on their own level at their own pace even in an inclusive classroom. Only certain classifications of disability are eligible for an IEP, and students who do not meet those classifications but still require some assistance to be able to participate fully in school would be candidates for a 504 plan.

Published Online: October 21, 2009
Teacher Contract Called Potential Model for Nation
By Stephen Sawchuk
Premium article access courtesy of Edweek.org.

A teacher contract approved in New Haven that lays the groundwork for changes to the way teachers in the Connecticut city are paid, supported, and evaluated, has been hailed by union and district leaders alike—as well as federal education officials—as a potential model for the country.

“This is an incredibly progressive contract,” said Joan Devlin, a senior associate director in the American Federation of Teachers’ educational-issues department. “It addresses teacher voice, and it gives the district the flexibility to make the changes they need to make [these reforms] work.”

Ratified by teachers earlier this month, the contract awaits only the approval of the city’s Board of Aldermen. It is set to go into effect in July...

Read the rest here:
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/21/09union.h29.html?tkn=XXRF9ALBaXczAsoj0CI1%2BVLujz1nukPEwoVq

From the Christina School District E-News (with my thoughts following):

District Clarifies That "Alternative School" Does Not Mean "Reform School"

One of the most negative aspects of the national media attention the Christina School District received this week was the characterization of its alternative placement program for young students as a “reform school.” The District does not run a “reform school” and would never use such an outdated and inaccurate term to describe any of its programs. Unfortunately, the term “reform school” was an expression used by the media and others in conjunction with Christina in recent news reports and websites.

Students in grades K-8 in Christina who are assigned to an alternative placement usually attend the Douglass Alternative School, which provides a more structured version of the regular school environment and offers additional services for students that may include counseling, academic support, and behavior support. Douglass provides a learning environment that contributes to the holistic development of all students by use of literacy programming, academics, behavior modification and character/social skills development. This collaborative effort between parents, students and staff helps students transition to a successful future.

Douglass School principal Harold "Butch" Ingram includes the following statement on the school’s website: “We teach students who are having difficulty in school how to succeed and that failure is not an option. Students are taught to be productive contributors to family, community and school. All understand that ‘Attitude determines Altitude!’ Student learning with high expectations in conjunction with social competence is paramount in the student's development and success.”

In January, 2009, the Christina Board of Education recognized the Douglass Alternative School administration and staff for the school’s outstanding service to students. The Wilmington News Journal will feature Douglass Alternative School in an article this weekend, and members of the community are also encouraged to learn more about Douglass Alternative School by visiting the school’s website (www.christina.k12.de.us/Douglass ) and reading about recent activities at Douglass School at the following link: www.christina.k12.de.us/Douglass/News.htm

-----

Having toured Douglass recently, I whole-heartedly concur! The children and staff at Douglass deserve much more respect than was afforded them by the media trying to spin a story and drive in "clicks" to their websites!

Though I carry a degree in Journalism, I have never been more embarrassed by the field and those who clearly were seeking sensationalism over the TRUTH!

I offer my heartfelt thanks to the staff and leaders at Douglass who work day-in and day-out to help children who are valued by their families and our CSD community. I have offered to assist at Douglass in any way the administration may deem appropriate, be it reading to the children or another more creative avenue. I sincerely hope that more community members will step up and partner to help those among us who need the most support! Show the children at Douglass that Delaware cares!

Christina School District - NEWS

Christina Board Amends Student Code of Conduct for Youngest Students
The Christina Board of Education voted unanimously on October 13 to amend the 2009-2010 Student Code of Conduct as it applies to Kindergarten and First Grade students charged with Level III offenses.

Under the approved amendment to the Code of Conduct, a separate category addressing Kindergarten and first grade students has been added, with revised consequences for a first or second offense. For example, a Kindergarten or first grade student charged with a Level III offense for the first time will now face 3-5 days out-of-school suspension and referral to school based counseling, but will not be required to be alternatively placed. The recommendation changed the language to read “Possible recommendation for alternative placement.”

As part of the motion to adopt the amendment, the Christina Board made the decision retroactive to the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.

The Christina School District Student Code of Conduct outlines student rights and responsibilities for grades Kindergarten through 12. A copy of the Student Code of Conduct is given to each student upon school entry. Orientation to the Code of Conduct is held in each school at the beginning of the school year. Many offences and their consequences outlined in the Christina Student Code of Conduct have been determined by Delaware State Code.

The Christina School District Student Code of Conduct is intended to promote safe and positive school environments, where student safety is not compromised by others, and learning is not disrupted by inappropriate behavior.



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Shortage of pathologists takes toll
Specialists can make a world of difference for children, but schools don't have enough professionals to go around
By EDWARD L. KENNEY • The News Journal • October 17, 2009


Three-year-old Jack Stomieroski was not talking much.

His mother Kate knew something was wrong. She'd watched other children his age talking to their parents, yet nothing she did could get her son to speak... Go here for the rest of the the story

While Christina took a national beating for its zero tolerance policies (and I have the death threats to prove it,) it's been a busy week for the rest of the state:

(From the News Journal at delawareonline.com)
-- Tuesday, a 16-year-old Cape Henlopen High School boy was arrested for allegedly throwing a metal martial arts star past two female students, narrowly missing them.
-- Monday, a 13-year-old boy who attends Central Middle School in Dover was charged with bringing a .32 caliber handgun to school along with six bullets.
-- Last Thursday, a 15-year-old Dover High School girl was arrested. Police said she stashed a kitchen knife in her backpack and brought it to school.
--In the fourth incident in a week of a Delaware student violating schools’ weapons policies, a 16-year-old Caesar Rodney High School girl was arrested today for allegedly bringing a knife to school.

1) I do not and cannot speak for the Board. This blog reflects my personal views on the issues that continue to prevent all CSD children from attaining a world-class education.

2) I was elected to this unpaid position by constituents who wanted Accountability, Transparency, a return to Best Practices, and Bold Leadership in a time when many feel that public education is failing our children. I pledged my support to all of the students of the Christina School District and I will fulfill that promise.

3) Our district has been thrust into the national spotlight by a disciplinary action taken in accordance to the district Code of Conduct, a document owned fully by the Board of Education.

I support my district administration in their diligence to adhere to the prescribed policy; however, I share the belief that Zero Tolerance policies do not consistently work. In fact, our district's utilization of Zero Tolerance policies was among the catalysts for my campaign in the first place. I am passionate in my efforts to resolve those policies that are simply flawed.

Zero Tolerance became the cry of the day following the Columbine Massacre. Though I was not a part of the board at that time (and am only three months into my term,) I am guided in my knowledge that many such policies were implemented across the nation to ensure the safety of ALL students. It is without doubt that the goal of the our district has always been to maintain the safety for our students and staff.

It is and always has been my promise that I will endeavour to change those policies that are not rooted in reason and to create a mechanism for common sense when needed.

Tonight, I re-affirm that promise to you.

The locations list below represent just a handful of the hundreds of emails and phone calls I have received today:

Atlanta, GA
Wilton, CT
Lilburn, GA
Santa Clara, CA
Bayonet Pt., Fl
Duvall, WA
Glen Ellyn, IL
Fort Worth, TX
Stockton, CA
Columbia, MO
Bayville, NJ
Jackson, MI
Port Richey, FL
Conway, AK
Spokane, WA
Newark, DE
Woodbridge, NJ
Los Angeles, CA
Eolia, MO
Spencer, IA
Van Hornsville, NY
Fairfield, CT
Fort Collins, CO
Presque Isle, WI
Withee, WI
Westfield, MA
Pittsburgh, PA
Winfield, KS
Springfield, MO
Cranston, RI
Aurora, CO
Lakewood, CO
Mooresboro, NC
Watertown, WI

Do you remember where you were when you first heard about the Columbine Massacre?

I was walking through the offices of The Review, UD's student newspaper. What struck me at the moment was not unequivocal loss of life, but the relationship I had to Columbine High School. My grandfather had lived in walking distance of the Littleton, Colorado school. And had fate played out a little differently, had my parents chosen to live near my mother's family, Columbine would have been my public high school.

In those first news broadcasts, we collectively failed to see that what we were witnessing in Columbine was first mass public exposure of school violence and what would become a nationwide epidemic -- deadly actions by students and the anxiety and fear that accompany it.

Ten years later we have yet to mitigate the fear that has crept into our classrooms, and in some cases address it's causes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/10/susan-klebold-columbine-k_n_316447.html

What will be the impact for Delaware, Christina, and the Statewide Delaware Autism Program, of which Christina was designated to be the steward when the program was established by Delaware Code 30 years ago?


From: The News Journal
Our View
New surveys indicate autism more common than suspected
October 6, 2009

Public school teachers and early childhood caregivers have long whispered about an increase in autism cases.

Over the weekend, reports of two federal government studies confirmed those anecdotal suspicions with stunning new evidence that 1 percent of American schoolchildren are predisposed to autism spectrum disorder. Characteristic behavior includes impaired social interaction, difficulty with communication and repetitive behaviors.

Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health estimate that 1 in every 91 children has a prevalence for some form of autism, which translates into about 673,000 American children.

That study was based on phone interviews with parents who said a doctor gave their child a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.

But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's estimate of 1 in every 100 children is the result of a more substantive study based on medical and special-education records of 8-year-olds in the national Autism and Developmental Disability Monitoring network. Researchers and clinicians actually went through the records to confirm diagnoses and identify children who may have been missed.

The new data place the U.S. on par with rates reported in England, Japan, Sweden and Canada. And it supports the case to step up federal support for autism-related services here at home.
Over a lifetime, health care costs for someone with autism are estimated to be more than $1.6 million.


There is a shared public responsibility in terms of education and social services support as these children mature into adulthood. As such, it makes sense that autism is the only disorder specifically targeted for federal stimulus funds, to the tune of $85 million over the next two years.

From time to time I like to give an update -- where I have been, what I have been doing, and where I am going. A little Stalker-friendly, yes. But, I think I owe voters, parents, and educators transparency and accountibility.

Since the last Board Meeting, I've attended the Superintendent's Listening Session at Porter Rd. (Sept. 30th); the Region III PTA Meeting at Gauger-Cobbs (Oct. 1st); Superintendent's Breakfast with Christina's Legislators (Oct 6); Groundbreaking for the new DSD (Oct. 6); and toured both Sarah Pyle Academy and The Douglass School (Oct. 7.)

In the coming weeks, I will attend the Oct. 12th Agenda Prep meeting at Drew and the Board Meetings on Oct 13th at Porter Rd. I will tour Christiana High School, Brader, and Brookside Elementary Schools, and attend the DOE Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony in Dover.

If you haven't seen me yet, you'll see me soon!

The Christina Board of Education will conduct an Agenda Preparation Meeting on Monday, October 12, 2009, 12:00 Noon, at the Drew Educational Support Center. The purpose of the meeting is to review and receive materials for the October 13, 2009 Board of Education Meeting.
This meeting is being posted because a quorum may be present.

The Board may go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Legal Matters.



The Christina Board of Education will meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, October 13, 2009, at 6:00 at Porter Road Elementary School, 500 Caledonia Way, Bear, DE to discuss Personnel Matters.



The Board will meet in Regular Session at 7:30 PM. Area residents are encouraged to attend. You may access the Agenda at: http://www.christina.k12.de.us/SchoolBoard/Meetings/2009/Postings-Agendas/10-12.pdf

Time to teach the Board Member:

Would you please share with me your experiences of a "48 Hour Meeting?" You can do so anonymously using the comment link at the bottom of this post.

Your time and effort is always appreciated,
Elizabeth Scheinberg

An absolutely joyous event! And a moving ceremony, especially the Blue Hawk fight cheer! A proud moment for some amazing children! Thank You DE Legislators for seeing the funding through!

http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091007/NEWS03/910070354&s=d&page=3#pluckcomments